8 Chinese New Year Food Symbols for Happiness, Prosperity and

by Liow Kah Joon

"Lucky" Chinese New Year symbols are an important part of celebrating the Spring Festival. Afterall, it is the start of spring -- a perfect time to have your New Year wishes come true! And what better way to usher in happiness, prosperity and health than to enjoy "auspicious food" with family and friends?

Here are the Top 8 auspicious food symbols for Chinese New Year.

These delicious dishes are served during the reunion dinner on Chinese New Year's eve with family members.

For a comphrensive list and description of more Chinese New Year dishes and delicacies, visit:

http://www.living-chinese-symbols.com/chinese-new-year-symbols.html.

And if you'll like to do some cooking yourself, here are some Chinese New Year recipes:

http://www.living-chinese-symbols.com/chinese-new-year-recipes.html

Top 8 Auspicious Food Symbols for Chinese New Year

1. Hot Pot

A steaming hot pot (or chinese fondue) with meat, seafood and vegetables) is a must. Huo3 in hot pot huo3 guo3 火锅 is the same word as Huo3 in hong2 huo3 红火 "prosperous and booming".

2. Fish

Another must-have dish if you want to experience abundance in the new year. Fish yu2 鱼 is the most popular dish served during Chinese New Year. In Chinese fish has the same sound as "surplus" and "abundance" 余. A whole fish is served on Chinese New Year's eve for the reunion dinner. Usually the fish is steamed. It is a good omen to leave the bones and head and tail intact. This symbolizes surplus/abundance and a good beginning and end in the new year. Best served whole.

3. Shrimp

Shrimp xia1 虾 in Mandarin and ha in Cantonese sounds like someone laughing. Eat shrimp for happiness and well-being.

4. Boiled dumplings

A Chinese New Year tradition is eating boiled dumplings. These are shaped like gold ingots. Dumplings jiao3 zi 饺子 sounds like jiao1 zi3 交子which means the hour of transition into the New Year. Hence, in northern China, dumplings filled with meat are eaten on Chinese New Year's eve to usher in good luck and wealth in the New Year. Sometimes a coin is placed in one of the dumplings. Whoever bites on it will have plenty of wealth in the new year. When dumplings and yellow noodles are cooked together they mean "golden threads through gold ingots". In the eastern cities of China, like Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou, egg dumplings are eaten as they look like gold ingots.

5. Oyster

Hao2 sounds like hao3 shi4 好事 which means "good things". In southern China, it is served with thin rice noodles.

6. Green vegetables

For close family ties, serve some greens. Qing1 cai4 青菜 sounds like qing1 亲 as in qin1 re 亲热 mea ning "close/intimate"

7. Sticky rice cake

Nian2 gao1 年糕. Nian2 means year and cake gao1 sounds the same as high gao1 高. So eating this steamed cake made of rice flour and topped with red dates has the meaning of attaining greater prosperity and rank in the new year.

8. Noodles

Known as chang2 shou4 mian4 长寿面 meaning "longevity noodles".

A wish for good fortune -- Good Luck, Prosperity, Longevity, Happiness and Abundance -- is central to the Chinese way of life.

Even more so during Chinese New Year!

For a guide to auspicious Chinese symbols and the culture of

http://www.living-chinese-symbols.com. It's guaranteed to expand your world, enhance your lifestyle and enable you to speak better Chinese!

Soyabean Curd Recipe - TooFu Fa

by Edwin Lim

Every morning, I would get out of my bed and gear myself up with jogging equipment to a nearby preserved hill for a morning jog with my girlfriend. After jogging around the hill and coming down from it (which take me aout 45 minutes) at this time there'll be a truck (mobile hawker) selling soyabean curd - TooFu Fa - along the driveway up the hill. I love the texture of smoothness of TooFu Fa with the sweetness of palm sugar syrup. It's delicious and light, great for breakfast or supper. This got me thinking, how about making my own TooFu Fa? That'll be nice. So I beg my heart out to get the below recipe from a friend who owns a Chinese restaurant.

Ingredients to prepare:

3 cups soyabeans, soak for at least 6 hours
a bunch pandan leaves
3 tbsp tapioca/corn flour
1 tbsp gymsum powder (calcium sulphate)

Syrup:
300 g palm sugar
a bunch pandan leaves

instruction to make TooFu Fa:

Separate soaked soyabean into 3 batches, add equal amount of water and grind till fine. Squeeze out all liquid with a piece of muslin cloth into a measuring jar, mix in more water to the paste if necessary to make total 2 liters milk. To make soyabean milk the exact amount of water added is not so important. Put the milk in a large pot filling just about 1/3, add some pandan leaves. Remove foam when necessary and bring to boil for just a few minutes. It tends to foam and overflow, so make sure the fire is low and you're there watching the cooking process! The milk is not ready. (proceed to making syrup, serve hot with syrup or leave in fridge to cool).

To make soyabean curd. Put starch and gypsum powder into a measuring jar and mix with a cup of water, pour in 1-1/2 liters of hot soyabean milk and let stand for 10 minutes to set. Set the remaining milk aside.

To make syrup, simply melt palm sugar with a little water. a bunch of pandan leaves, and filter into a bowl. To serve, simply scoop bean curd into a bowl, add a little syrup (you could add a little soyabean milk in it too). Best eaten hot.

About the author: Edwin Lim is a freelance copywriter and writer who lives in Malaysia. He writes on tips and articles at http://webblogerz.com. Go read.

Sauted Eggs with Pork (Mu Xu Rou)

by Jacklyn Chen

Mu Xu Pork is a kind of dish served by rolling it into very thin pancakes (Mu Xu pancakes) after frying eggs, pork and other Chinese vegetables. This is a very tasty Northern dish in China and favored by most families. It tastes the best when served with pancakes along with the special sweet seafood sauce (known as Hoysing (Cantonese) sauce in America, though it really should be called Hai Xian sauce you meant to say it in Chinese); it is also favored by many people as a side dish when eating with rice or congee. It is full of unique fragrance. Adding enough chopped raw scallions when you eat can bring out the best flavor. Of course, depending on your preference, you may replace the pork with other meats like shrimps, chicken, beef, etc., or cook it without any meat to make it a vegetable Mu Xu. But traditionally when we talk about Mu Xu Rou in China, pork is always the king.

Ingredients:

a). For step 1:
120g (4 oz.) pork
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cooking wine
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 stalk green onion
2 dried mushrooms (soaked)
6 cloud ears
1 slice ginger
1 bamboo shoot
1/3 bunch spinach

b). For step 2:
3 eggs
dash of salt
3 tablespoons oil

c). For step 3:
3 tablespoons oil
1 tablespoon cooking wine
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
dash of monosodium glutamate

Method:

1. Shred meat, marinate and mix with cornstarch. Shred mushrooms and bamboo shoot. Cut spinach in 4 cm (2") pieces. Slice green onion. Soak cloud ears in water.

2. Fry eggs - Beat eggs slightly, add salt. Heat oil until hot and quickly scramble eggs. Set aside.

3. Heat oil. Add and fry in order: green onion, ginger, meat, bamboo shoot, mushroom, cloud ears, and spinach. Blend in seasoning. Pour in scrambled eggs, mix quickly and serve hot.

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Nutritional information:
Each serving provides:
Calories: 301
Protein: 13.2 g

About the author:Jacklyn Chen - Webmaster of news-blogs.com'>http://www.news-blogs.com">news-blogs.com. She is a full-time mom who works very hard to make living with multiple web sites. For gifts and shopping, visit holidays.news-blogs.com'>http://holidays.news-blogs.comholidays.news-blogs.com

An Autumn Garden for Halloween

by Nikki Phipps

There's no better time to enjoy the spectacular beauty that nature has to offer than during the autumn season. This is an ideal occasion for entertaining friends and family, especially around Halloween. Why not take advantage of all the vibrant colors and stimulating textures that autumn provides by creating a garden themed around this exciting holiday.

Halloween parties provide a great opportunity to bring the bountiful harvest from the garden indoors; or better yet, invite guests out into the garden instead. Bathe the garden or patio with soft lights. Set autumn or Halloween-colored votive candles inside small jars or glasses and place them on terra cotta saucers adorned with colorful leaves. These charming, little lanterns can be used as attractive centerpieces for tables or scattered throughout the garden.

Pumpkins are an absolute must for decorating a Halloween garden. Create a variety of Jack-O'-Lanterns and spread them throughout the surrounding landscape. Light them up with candles. You could also choose to hollow out varieties of pumpkin, gourd, and even squash to use as festive containers for cut-flower arrangements. Fill them with various mums, Chinese lanterns, stems having berries attached, sunflowers, dried peppers, twigs, etc. Wicker harvest baskets also make lovely containers. Gather a few bales of hay or straw, add some corn stalks and pumpkins, and accent with Indian corn and small decorative gourds. For additional interest, you could cover tables with old burlap sacks. Create cozy seating around these tables; or perhaps, self-contained, rock fire pits.

Autumn-themed gardens are generally rich with colors such as crimson, gold, dark green, and burnt orange. These beautiful colors result from a variety of flowers, foliage, berries and seed heads. In keeping with a traditional Halloween theme, there are several ways to accomplish a spook-tacular garden. If you desire, your focus can be centered on orange and black. However, too much dark color can result in making the garden dull and unappealing. Your goal is to achieve an inviting atmosphere. Good choices for adding orange color might include zinnias, marigolds, tiger lilies, Gerber daisies, poppies, and butterfly weed. Near-black beauties could include a variety of tulips and irises. Don't forget to throw in some orange and black-colored pansies as well.

Keep in mind, however, that a Halloween theme does not need to be limited to just these colors. Flowers that are deep maroon can also help set off your Halloween effect. Look for these shades in favorite varieties of cosmos, bachelor buttons, or snapdragons. Complimentary colors such as orange mums and purple asters can add additional interest. Mix in some gray or blue grasses.

Likewise, try implementing some dark maroon roses in the garden; allow them to climb along an old iron trellis. Place stone benches in various areas for seating, allowing different views, and maybe a nearby water basin to wash away troubles. Additionally, you might want to include plants that have creepy names such as devil's tongue, blood lily, spider orchid, bat plant, bleeding heart, bloodroot, etc.

Did you know that at one time having certain plants within your garden made you guilty of being a witch? Many types of herbs, weeds, and flowers were once considered to be used solely by witches for making up magical potions and spells. Some of these included Hellebores, lavender, poppies, dandelions, and even ferns. Foxglove, known also as witches thimbles, and yarrow, referred to as devil's nettle, are also commonly grown plants in many gardens today that have a ghoulish connection with witchcraft.

Just for fun you might consider designing a witch's garden filled with various herbs. These gardens are generally circular in shape as it was once believed a sacred symbol by witches. Plant rows of red beauties around the perimeter of the garden. Red blooms were said to keep out evil doers. Try geraniums, zinnias, nasturtiums, red spider lilies, or firecracker flowers.

On the other hand, if you're wishing to ward off a witch, try a order filled with vibrant yellows and rich greens. There are many varieties of flowers such as marigolds, sunflowers, green zinnias, etc. and foliage plants such as hostas, ornamental grasses, or evergreens that will achieve this effect easily. Within the witch's garden you may find an array of native plants.

Add further interest and drama by incorporating ornamental plants as well. Enhance your theme with various features such as gargoyles, toadstool ornaments, roomsticks, and small cauldrons. Allow these objects to crawl out from beneath or behind plants to create an air of mystery.

An autumn garden can easily be designed to fit a Halloween theme. With only a dash of imagination and a few Halloween-related props, you can create an autumn garden that will amaze your family, friends, and neighbors. Happy Halloween.


About the author:
This article was written by Nikki Phipps and was sponsored by DareToScare.com .

Where Orchids Originally Came From

by Orchid Geeks

Where did orchids originate? One may as well ask where man originated, for like man, the ubiquitous orchid is found on nearly every continent in nearly every climate. Also like man, the orchid has a myriad varieties and forms - so many that one botanist has stated, "There is no such thing as a typical orchid."

There are over 30,000 varieties of orchid not including man-made hybrids. Most people think of orchids as tropical plants, but there are mentions of orchids in Chinese writings as early as 500 B.C. In the Western world, the Greek botanist Theophrastus mentioned Orchis in manuscripts around 300 B.C. An Aztec herbal dating from the 1600's mentions vanilla, a type of orchid. From
Egypt to the Americas, from the South Seas to the mountains of Switzerland, there are native varieties of orchids that grow in the woods, the rain forests, the mountains and even the seashore.

The modern day history of orchid cultivation, however, begins in the 1880's when William Cattley of England received a shipment of ornamental plants from the Brazilian jungles. The plants were packed in bulbs of another plant for protection, and out of curiosity, Cattley placed one of those plants into his glass house (what we now call a green house). That plant was the Cattleya labiata orchid - the plant that most people think of as the 'orchid'.

Some of the most enchanting members of the orchid family are far less showy. The delicate lady slipper and brightly colored Calypso fairy slipper are found in the Northern woods from New England through Canada, and the Thai spider (bulbophyllum medusae) with its mane of 'hair' grows in the lowlands of Thailand. To learn more about orchids and other plants please visit www.orchidgeeks.com

About the author:
OrchidGeeks.com is a leading authority in orchid information, http://www.orchidgeeks.com Join a community of fellow orchid enthusiasts today!

The Enduring, Alluring Gazebo

by Kathy Moran

From their origins as rooftop structures, used mainly for observation, to their present status, gazebos have taken many forms. Throughout their colorful history, they have been known as summerhouses, screen houses, kiosks, pavilions, pergolas, arbors, grottos, and pagodas.

The word 'gazebo' first appeared in the 1752 book "New Designs for Chinese Temples" by architect William Halfpenny. Though no one is certain, etymologists speculate that Halfpenny invented the word by playfully adding the Latin ending -ebo, as in videbo ('I shall see') to the word 'gaze' to get the meaning 'I will look.' Prized by members of Egyptian royalty, gazebos were essential parts of their gardens, and have been found, depicted in murals, in tombs dating to 1400 b.c. They were also popular with the aristocracy of ancient Rome and Pompeii, and were built as summer houses along the Mediterranean.

Today, gazebos have grown so popular in this country that they are almost as common as garages. Although some are still used as quiet places to enjoy the beauty of a garden, others have been elevated to loftier positions as summer houses or lavish entertainment centers with doors, windows, screens, decks, electricity and plumbing. Many have special lighting, hot tubs, fire pits and brick barbecues. Arbors, ornamental fountains, bird feeders, birdbaths, wishing wells, koi ponds and bridges are also popular landscaping accessories for gazebos.

From wood to synthetics there are several types of material from which gazebos may be constructed. Radiant, durable WesternRed Cedar, for example, has natural oils that protect it from decay, while its dimensional stability helps to keep it from warping. Cedar may be sealed and stained to maintain its reddish hue or allowed to weather to a rich gray. Pressure-treated pine also makes a sturdy, long-lasting gazebo because it is highly resistant to decay and insect damage. A kiln-drying process, before and after pressure treatment, minimizes warping, checking, and twisting. As with all wood gazebos, a stain/sealer should be applied to the entire structure, including the floor and the roof once a year to protect it from the elements. Vinyl gazebos are made with treated pine that has been covered with an attractive vinyl coating which results in an exceptionally durable, maintenance-free finish. When choosing a material, don't forget to factor in your region's weather.

If your area is subject to heavy rain or snow, high winds, or severe storms, you may want to consider one of the new Category 4 Hurricane Gazebos from GazeboCreations.com. With heavy-duty metal, high wind load brackets and hangers, and reinforced posts, braces, floor joists, rafters, and other components, these gazebos can withstand 150 mph sustained winds. GazeboCreations.com boasts a wide selection of pre-designed gazebos in all of the popular shapes, sizes and materials, or you can follow a few simple steps to design your own custom gazebo. All gazebos are delivered in easy-to-build, partially assembled kits.

For more information, visit Gazebo Creations,
Call 888-293-2339, or e-mail cs@gazebocreations.com
Gazebo Creations is a division of Cedar Store, specialists in Outdoor Furniture

Chinese Cooking: More Special Ingredients

By Jacklyn Chen

I have briefly introduced two most classic and expensive Chinese cooking ingredients (shark fins and bird's nest) in my previous article. Here I'll continue to introduce some other special ingredients that are more regularly used in our daily cooking. They are far more affordable. Not like shark fins and bird's nest, people can only dream about in China unless you have plenty of money and don't know where to spend.

Jellyfish
Jellyfish is preserved in salt and alum. Large, thin and translucent ones are especially good served as appetizer. It is produced in the South Seas and along seaboards of China, Korea and Japan. The South Seas product is considered to be of the best quality.
Method of Preparation: Soak jellyfish over night, change water and soak for one more day. Roll the jellyfish up and shred. Dip in boiling water for a few seconds and quickly rinse in cold water and drain. Season with vinegar, salt and sugar.

Serve Note: There are many other ways to cook jellyfish.

Preserved Eggs
Duck eggs thickly coated with a mixture of salt, lime and rice husks are preserved in a cool, dark place for about three months. The interior becomes brownish black in color due to fermentation. Remove lime crust and shell, rinse clean, cut lengthwise into six pieces and serve with shredded ginger, vinegar and soy sauce as an appetizer.

Dried Bêche-De-Mer
The best bêche-de-mer or sea cucumber when dried is black in color, as that produced in Hokkaido, Japan. It may be sautéed, stewed or braised.
To soften: Wash, cover with water and bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Slit the middle lengthwise and clean inside. Rinse, cover with water and bring to boil again. remove from heat, place on lid, and let stand for three days.

Dried Shrimp
Dried shrimps after soaking in warm water for about 10 minutes may be used in soups and sautéed dishes, or served cold as an appetizer.

Dried Scallops
Dried scallops have a delicate flavor and after softening in hot water, may be used in soups or other dishes as with dried shrimps.

Preserved Szechwan (SiChuan, in mandarin) Vegetable
This vegetable is the bulb of mustard green preserved in chili, salt and spices, produced in Szechwan, China, and has a unique flavor. It may be used in soups, sautéed dishes or simply sliced and served as an appetizer. People from north of China normally eat it along with rice congee as breakfast.

Cloud Ears
There are black and white varieties of cloud ears and the white variety being much more expensive, is used only in special dishes. Most of the Japanese product is either black or dark brown in color. Softened in warm water, it may be used in soups and sautéed or braised dishes.

Bean Thread - Chinese Vermicelli
Chinese vermicelli made from bean starch is translucent in appearance and does not melt under long cooking. It may be used in soups or braised dishes after softening in warm water.

Variegated Mushrooms
The top of this mushroom is variegated with cracks resembling that of a turtle shell. This flavorful mushroom is used in many of the delicate dishes, and may also be served deep fried.

Jacklyn Chen - Webmaster of news-blogs.com, satellite info, and emobile-news.com. She is a full time mom who works very hard to make living with multiple web sites. She will be pursuing singing career in China and hoping for success.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacklyn_Chen

Chinese Cooking: Sauces & Spices

By Jacklyn Chen

Sauces and spices are the key in any cooking. No dishes would taste good without them. The only exception is that some sea animals can be simply steamed or boiled before serve. Well, that is because they are salty already in their body. Imagine eating steamed river shrimp? I wouldn't bother!

I'd like to introduce some of the most popular sauces and spices that we use everyday. You may already know some of them, but I bet you haven't heard of others.

Sauces

Bean Curd Sauce (Dou Fu Ru):
Fermented bean curd, rich in proteins. May be kept for fairly long time. Comes in two types - red and white. Red is typically used to cook Braised Pork. White tastes spicy and is normally used as a side dish along with noodles, buns, or congee. Some like to serve with soy sauce and vinegar for meat dumplings, hot pot dishes, and others. Favored by north and west of China.

Oyster Sauce:
Oil from oyster. Heavily salted. Use sparingly for sautéed dishes. Popular in Hong Kong, Cantoon (Guang Dong, to be exact), and some areas in south of China while not used at all in north and west of China except for hotels and some restaurants.

Shrimp Sauce:
Oil from salted baby shrimp dried and fermented. Use sparingly for sautéed dishes. Used heavily for dishes from south of China.

Sesame Sauce (Zhi Ma Jiang):
Ground sesame seed with strong flavor. Used for cold dishes.

Hot Pepper & Bean Sauce:
Hot sauce made from combination of hot spices and beans. Red or brown in color. Use sparingly in sauteed dishes or cold dishes. In north, people often mix this sauce to stir fried minced meat and serve with noodles (make it Noodles with Meat Sauce).

Hot Pepper Oil:
Made from sesame oil and red pepper. Serve with meat dumplings, buns, etc.

Sesame Oil:
Flavor is too strong for use in frying and sautéing. Use only for enhancing flavor of cooked and cold dishes, noodles, hot pot sauce, soups, etc.

JiangXi Vinegar:
A special vinegar produced in JiangXi province. Light amber in color with a distinctive fragrance. Use for meat dumplings and cold dishes.

Spices

Star Fennel:
Shaped like eight cornered star, brown in color. Use for cooking with chicken, meat, offal and fish.

Anise Pepper:
Dried brown round spice. Added sparingly in chicken and meat can remove the unpleasant smell (fishy smell). Can also be used for making pickles or even some deserts.

Five Flavored Powder:
A mixture of anise pepper, star fennel, clove, cinnamon, and dried tangerine peel. Sparingly used in cooking fish and meat.

Pepper Salt:
Mixture of anise pepper powder with salt. Serve with fried chicken, meat, and fish.

(c)Copyrighted: Jacklyn Chen - Webmaster of news-blogs.com, satellite info, and emobile-news.com. She is a full time mom who works very hard to make living with multiple web sites.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacklyn_Chen

The History of Thai Food

By Andrew Hall

Thai food is famous all over the world. Whether chili-hot or comparatively bland, harmony and contrast are the guiding principles behind each dish. Thai cuisine is essentially a marriage of centuries-old Eastern and Western influences harmoniously combined into something uniquely Thai. Characteristics of Thai food depend on who cooks it, for whom it is cooked, for what occasion, and where it is cooked. Dishes can be refined and adjusted to suit all tastes.

The 'Tai' people migrated from valley settlements in the mountainous region of Southwest China (now Yunnan province) between the sixth and thirteenth centuries, into what is now known as Thailand, Laos, the Shan States of upper Burma, and northwest Vietnam. Influenced by Chinese cooking techniques, Thai cuisine flourished with the rich biodiversity of the Thai peninsula. As a result, Thai dishes today have some similarities to Szechwan Chinese dishes.

Originally, Thai cooking reflected the characteristics of a waterborne lifestyle. Aquatic animals, plant and herbs were major ingredients. Subsequent influences introduced the use of sizeable chunks to Thai cooking. With their Buddhist background, Thais shunned the use of large animals in big chunks. Big cuts of meat were shredded and blended with herbs and spices. Traditional Thai cooking methods were stewing and baking, or grilling. Chinese influences saw the introduction of frying, stir-frying and deep-frying. Culinary influences from the 17th century onwards included Portuguese, Dutch, French and Japanese techniques. Chilies were introduced to Thai cooking during the late 1600's by Portuguese missionaries who had acquired a taste for them while serving in South America. Thais were very adapt at adapting foreign cooking methods, and substituting ingredients. The ghee used in Indian cooking was replaced by coconut oil, and coconut milk substituted for other dairy products.

Overpowering pure spices were toned down and enhanced by fresh herbs such as lemon grass and galanga. Eventually, fewer and less spices were used in Thai curries, while the use of fresh herbs increased. It is generally acknowledged that Thai curries burn intensely, but briefly, whereas other curries, with strong spices, burn for longer periods. Instead of serving dishes in courses, a Thai meal is served all at once, permitting diners to enjoy complementary combinations of different tastes.

A proper Thai meal should consist of a soup, a curry dish with condiments, a dip with accompanying fish and vegetables. A spiced salad may replace the curry dish. The soup can also be spicy, but the curry should be replaced by a non-spiced item. There must be harmony of tastes and textures within individual dishes and the entire meal.

http://www.all-free-recipes.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Hall

Ideas On How To Use Container Gardening To Decorate Your House And Garden

By Mary Hanna

Nearly every house and garden presents numerous attractive settings for container plants. Suburban gardens, estates, small city backyards, and summer cottages—all can be enhanced by this type of gardening. A few of the seemingly endless possibilities include entranceways, steps, courtyards, walls, rooftops, balconies, patios, breezeways, lawns, driveways, walks, sundecks, windowsills, porches, summer houses, even tree stumps can be utilized.

Let us start with the entrance, a focal point for every house. A simple arrangement consists of similar container plants at each side of the doorway. If the house is informal, painted tubs will make a cheerful note, while urns or ornamental pots are more appropriate if the architecture is formal. The arrangement, however, need not be symmetrical, since a single container at either side, particularly if the doorway is off-center, is pleasing. A large specimen can be balanced by a grouping of small pots, and various other interesting combinations can be worked out. Sometimes, the front entranceway can qualify as an outdoor place for house plants, but be sure they are not exposed to strong sun and wind.

Unexpected areas like side and rear entrances can also serve as backgrounds for pot plants in casual groupings. For sunny steps, consider tubs of petunias, or dwarf dahlias, or boxes of herbs to be used in cooking. Tuberous begonias, fuchsias, patient Lucy, and fragrant nicotiana solve the problem of what to grow in shade.

Porches or verandas, traditional or contemporary in style, offer numerous settings for pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets. Indeed, the entire container garden can be concentrated there so that plants can be easily cared for. If the porch is open on three sides, it will afford exposures to suit a variety of specimens.

The patio or terrace, beside or beyond the house, where family and friends gather to eat or relax, is an ideal location. If it is formal, select clipped evergreens and arrange pots in symmetrical rows, perhaps lined up against the house or along the edge of the terrace. If the site is informal, make casual groupings of one or two tall plants with smaller ones in front. Either way, allow for a few large plants in tubs or boxes for accent and height.
Container plants may line walks and paths that lead to the house, garage, or garden. They can rest on paved areas along fences and walls and on driveways where they are not in the way. If the driveway adjoins the foundation of the house, plant containers may be placed there.

Tops of garden or terrace walls are ideal places, too. Put small pots and boxes on tall, narrow walls and large containers on low, broad surfaces. Hanging plants of ivy geraniums in the sun and fuchsias in the shade will cascade from walls, as they do in the patios of Spain, Portugal, and Italy. On Rhodes, I recall a fifteen-foot wall topped with a row of thirty gleaming green tin cans full of roses and other flowers.

Think of what you can do with rooftops and sundecks where considerable space is usually available. Here sun-loving plants, like geraniums, most annuals, cacti, and succulents can be grown, but, again, include large specimens for height to give a garden feeling. A few large boxes and planters for trees and shrubs are sufficient but be sure to include some evergreens for year-round green.

Many gardeners like to insert container plants in flower borders to introduce unusual specimens, such as tropicals in the North. Large tubs can be set at the corners and small pots may be scattered among the permanent flowering plants. One gardener keeps a supply of potted pink Fiat Enchantress geraniums on hand to fill bare spots in her wide borders, moving them about as needed. Most of the geraniums are in four-inch clay pots, but there are larger specimens for the center of each grouping. Make sure their secure, sink pots a few inches into the ground.

You can always dress up the lamp post in your yard with container plants at the base or you can suspend a hanging basket of lantana, perhaps from the top. Ivy geraniums in an old-fashioned black kettle are nice for the base. Bare posts that support sectional roofs over patios or paved surfaces of contemporary houses look more attractive if potted plants are clustered around the bases or permanent boxes for plants are built there. Try planting climbing ivy in a pot and train it to climb the posts.

Novelty containers—donkey carts, wheelbarrows, and spinning wheels—can be fun in some places, but, of course, such planters must not be overdone. Usually they are set on lawns, on a terrace or beside a gate or doorway. (If you life in a neighborhood that has a house owners association check with them first to see if this is allowed). Steps leading to a driveway or street or to different levels in a garden can be emphasized with pot plants. A few can be arranged at the top or at the base of the stairs. And, there are other possibilities. Tree trunks cut to the ground or left a few feet high make good pedestals for large containers. In fact, this can be a solution to the problem of what to do with a trunk too expensive to remove. If you have a tree with heavy shade, why not construct a pretty sitting area around it and decorate the space with containers of coleus, wax and other begonias, caladiums, ferns and other shade-tolerant plants.

These are just a few ideas for using container plants around your house and garden. Use your imagination and have fun. Happy Gardening!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

About the Author:
Mary Hanna is an Aspiring Herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Gardening, Cooking and Cruising. Visit her websites at http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com http://www.GardeningLandscapingTips.com and http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com or contact her at mary@containergardeningsecrets.com

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Composting - aka: The Circle of Life!

Sponsored by Compost Digester

By Judy Williams

Composting is where the gardening thing comes full circle. You've created your garden bed, you've nurtured your plants.

The results have been eaten by the family...and now the plants and refuse from the garden can be recycled into next year'scompost. It is the closed loop of nature.
This is so simple and so obvious a thing to do, I'm still staggered that people will send this sort of rubbish to the tip.

When I was totally intimidated about cooking and convinced I couldn't do it, a friend of mine said 'It's just chemistry. If you add X to Y under these conditions, this MUST happen'. I think this applies big time to composting.

So what does your compost need to work?

It needs moisture (but not too much).
It needs heat (and will generate a good deal on it's own)
It needs air.
It needs bugs, bacteria, fungi and other micro-organisms (pretty much under the 'Build it and they will come' principle).

There are a few ways to work the compost. If you have a bit of room, build a couple of 3 sided enclosures (about 1M square) out of wood, wire, tin, whatever is laying about the place. If you're in a place that gets a lot of rain, think about keeping a tarp handy so the compost heap doesn't get too soggy. It should be in a shady corner of your garden.

Composting doesn't work if you continually feed just one pile. The composting is never finished in those circumstances.So start with one pile by adding waste plant and kitchen refuse. This can include grass clippings, spent plants, fruit peelings, egg shells and non fatty kitchen scraps.

NEVER use fat, oil or meat in your compost. They will attract vermin. Other things that will slow down your compost include paper, rice hulls, wood shavings, woody cuttings and tough or oily leaves (like those from evergreens). Diseased plants and weeds should also be kept out of your compost.

Fill the compost enclosure to 6-8 inches (15-20cm) with your refuse. Then spread a couple of scoops of agricultural lime and a handful of complete fertilizer. Continue layering to a height of about 3 feet over time. Every few weeks, turn the compost to encourage decomposition. If the compost material is dry, give it a light watering after turning.

Start your second pile while this one is 'cooking'.
Your compost should be ready for the garden in 6-8 weeks. By continuing to alternate between the two piles, you will have a continuous supply of fresh garden compost for your garden beds while recycling your kitchen refuse.

Judy Williams (http://www.no-dig-vegetablegarden.com/) splits her time between being a media executive and an earth mother goddess. No Dig Vegetable Gardens represents a clean, green way to grow your own food. The site covers all aspects of growing, cooking and preserving your harvest.
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Review: "Real and Healthy Chinese Cooking" by Nicholas Zhou

This guy REALLY CAN show you how to improve your health and lose weight effortless in less than 20 minutes -- and see results in 2 weeks!

If you've been searching for information about how to improve your health and eat healthy and balanced food on a daily basis, then you've probably come across Nicholas Zhou's name at least a few times. And, if you're like me, you've probably wondered what the story is behind his best-selling cookbook on healthy eating on the Internet.

Well, here's the truth: This cookbook is the real deal.
Listen, I'll be the first to admit that I was hesitant when I first decided to buy "Real and Healthy Chinese Cooking." But when I got in on my computer (only 3 minutes later!), I was literally blown away by what I had received.

The first thing I noticed about the cookbook was all the beautiful pictures taken by Nicholas. He spent 2 whole years to prepare and cook all the dishes in his book and take pictures for those dishes that deserve one for clarity or beauty. This really helps a lot since the pictures give you a clear idea how the dishes will look like, what ingredients you need, and even how long they should be cooked.

For example, I have been looking for the right recipe for "Stewed Beef Strips" for years but I could never get it right. In Nicholas Zhou's book, I saw the picture and figured out (he also pointed out in the cooking directions) that the sauce should be poured over the beef on the plate instead of being stirred with the beef in the hot wok. So that's the secret why the Stewed Beef Strips always tastes so good at China Tom's (my favorite Chinese restaurant in Kansas City).
You will also be delighted to see that Nicholas Zhou's cookbook is not packed with thousands of free recipes that you can find anywhere on the Internet, which is the case for most cookbooks you can find out there. Instead, his book only contains low carb, low fat recipes that have been personally cooked and tested by him. He only included recipes that he considered authentic and healthy according to his 4 years of continuous reading, writing, cooking and research. But don't worry! The cookbook still contains over 500+ recipes, which will be far more than enough for you and your family for a lifetime.

And the best part is that you'll get lifetime update for the cookbook. Nicholas promised that he will keep adding new recipes and cooking tips to his book on a daily basis and he will offer free downloads for the updated version whenever it's available.

The cookbook contains the most famous Chinese recipes as well as all the secret recipes that couldn't be found anywhere else. Most recipes are quick-and-easy style and perfect for people who have a fast-pace lifestyle -- which have saved me TONS of time and money already.
But what impresses me most about the cookbook is just how authentic it is. I've a huge collection of over 30 Chinese cookbooks, and they all seem to focus on just ONE thing - Americanized Chinese recipes. For example, they usually ask you to add sugar to a spicy dish, or cheese to an appetizer dish, which is rarely the case for real Chinese cooking.

The "Real and Healthy Chinese Cooking" cookbook is almost like a bible of authentic and healthy Chinese cooking like its name indicates. I give this product my absolute highest recommendation. Click here to find out more.

Chinese Cooking Utensils

By Jacklyn Chen

There are quite a few traditional utensils that have been used in cooking for thousands of years in China. Some of them are still seen in most of families, some can only be seen in rural areas, or may be disappearing in the modern world. But to cook authentic Chinese food that always tastes like grandma's, some of the utensils simply cannot be replaced by what you see in American stores.

Chinese Wok
Deep pan with round bottom used in several ways. Comes in iron, stainless and stainless with layer of copper on the bottom. Iron heats most evenly, but should be seasoned before using or food will stick.
To season: Fill pan with water. Add soap and soda and bring to boil. Pour off water, wipe dry. Place pan over strong heat. Add oil and rotate till pan is coated. Pour off excess oil. Place pan over weak fire and wipe with dry cloth.
To clean: After using pan, wash while still hot. Wipe and place over heat to dry completely.

Knife
Heavy and wide. All purpose - for paring, cutting, slicing, chopping and carving.

Iron Palette Comes in square or round front. Rounded ones are easier to use with Chinese wok. Use for frying, sautéing and basting.

Iron Spoon
Use back side for mixing food with minimum breakage.

Steamer
Used for steaming buns, chicken, meat, fish. Place over Chinese wok filled with boiling water. Buy one size smaller than wok. There are new styles of steamers on the market made of different materials. But Chinese believe that the traditional steamer works the best.

Slotted Spoon
Used for deep frying and boiling to get rid of excess oil or water.

Wire Sieve
With handle. Used for boiling noodles, dumplings, etc.

Steamers for Pastries
Small in size - about 15cm (6") in diameter. Used in same method as large steamer. Serve hot pastries in steamers. Typical foods served are small meat buns (small steamer meat buns, or Xiao Long Bao Zi), steamed meat dumplings (Shao Mai), etc.

Molds for cookies
Made from wood with various carved designs. No longer popular in the modern society since people tend to buy cookies off the shelf. Some may still use the molds for major holidays, or just Chinese New Year.

Bamboo Brush
Used for washing hot wok. Guess only people in some rural areas still use this type of brush. More people use regular washing cloth found in market.

Rolling Pin
Used for preparing noodles, dumpling skins, Chinese pancakes, and more. With the busy daily life nowadays, most of time people choose to buy ready to cook fresh noodles and dumpling skins from the small vendors seen on the street to save us time. Choose ones made from sturdy wood.


Jacklyn Chen - Webmaster of news-blogs.com, satellite info, and emobile-news.com. She is a full time mom who works very hard to make living with multiple web sites. She is seeking for success in singing career in China.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacklyn_Chen

Chinese Cooking Techniques

By Shauna Hanus

The variety of Chinese food dishes and Chinese food recipes available today is wider than in any previous decade. One can easily find Chinese food recipes for Chop Suey, which is not an authentic Chinese dish, along side of Hunan Beef. It is interesting to note that what many refer to as Chow Mein noodles is really a simpler crunchy version of the real thing.

In centuries past when the Chinese still used forks and knives is when the foundation for modern day Chinese cooking was formed. This is back when the cutting techniques and delicate flavors came together to form healthy hearty meals.
This is also when the three primary Chinese cooking techniques were formed.

The first Chinese cooking technique is stewing. Stewing can be either red or clear and is the simplest of the three methods. In clear stewing the clear liquid is brought to a boil and then allowed to simmer until the food is just tender. In red stewing a small amount of sugar and soy sauce is added which gives the stewed food a reddish tinge.

The second Chinese cooking technique is steaming. Steaming can be either wet or dry. The Chinese have used steaming as a primary cooking method for over 3000 years. Before ovens were common place steaming was a preferred method which allowed for moist flavorful food that retained most of its nutrients.

Frying is the third of the traditional Chinese cooking techniques. Frying can be either deep frying in oil or sautéing. When deep frying the food is submersed in hot oil and allowed to cook until it floats. In sautéing the meat, vegetables and garnishes are cooked quickly over high heat in a small amount of fat.

Shauna Hanus is a gourmet cook who specializes in creating gourmet recipes. She has extensive experience cooking with easy to find grocery items to create delightful gourmet meals. She is also the publisher of a no cost bi-monthly gourmet newsletter. Her newsletter is always fun and informational packed with tips and trivia you can use everyday. Sign up for her newsletter and learn more about Gourmayeats Weekly Recipe Club at http://www.gourmayeats.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shauna_Hanus

Chicken with Broccoli

Source: "Real & Healthy Chinese Cooking" Nicholas Zhou's cookbook with 500+ low carb and low fat recipes with 170+ colorful pictures. Based on a master chef's 40 years of cooking practice and 4 years of writing and research, it has helped 12,800 people worldwide improve their health.

Chicken with Broccoli
Serves 4

Ingredients:

2 whole chicken breasts
1 large head or 2 small heads broccoli
1 tsp salt
2 tsp sherry
2 tsp corn flour
1 cup good chicken stock
1 tbsp olive oil
grated fresh ginger to taste. (I use about 2 tbsp (keep fresh ginger in the freezer, and when required grate it straight from freezer)
1/2 cup cashew nuts or blanched almonds
Crisp Fried Rice noodles or Orgran Rice Pasta

Directions:
1. Cook noodles or pasta.
2. Skin the chicken, cut into pieces.
3. Wash broccoli and break into small stalks.
4. Combine salt, browning, and sherry in a bowl, mix well.
5. Heat oil in wok, add ginger, stir fry 1 minute.
6. Add chicken, stir fry 1 minute.
7. Add sauce mixture and broccoli, bring to boil, stirring, reduce heat, cover and simmer 3-4 minutes, adding more stock if necessary.
8. Add nuts, serve on noodles or pasta.

Per Serving (excluding unknown items):
277 Calories; 14g Fat (44.1% calories from fat); 28g Protein; 10g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 72mg Cholesterol; 587mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 3 1/2 Lean Meat; 1 1/2 Vegetable; 2 Fat.



Source: "Real & Healthy Chinese Cooking" - Nicholas Zhou's cookbook with 500+ low carb and low fat recipes with 170+ colorful pictures. Based on a master chef's 40 years of cooking practice and 4 years of writing and research, it has helped 12,800 people worldwide improve their health.

Create a Great Water Garden

By Jeanette Joy Fisher

Among the latest new trends in gardening is the water garden, which can combine elements such as waterfalls, ponds, and fountains, often enhanced by intricate rockwork, elaborate lighting, specialized plants, and exotic fish. There are water gardens to fit every budget, as well. All you need is something that will hold water to use as your garden's centerpiece. The placement of your water garden is your most important decision. You'll want to choose a spot that gets as much sunlight as possible, generally away from trees or bushes that shed their leaves, because most plants and fish require a fair amount of sunlight to thrive, and deciduous trees and shrubs can make keeping your water element a chore in the fall. You're only limited by your budget, the size of your space, and your imagination, but always bear in mind that your water garden will require a certain amount of maintenance, which you'll have to do if you want your garden to continue to look great. If you incorporate fish into your garden scheme, they'll also need to be fed as part of your routine maintenance program. If you use aquatic plants in your water garden, only cover about half the surface of the water. It will allow you to see your ornamental fish underneath. You may also want to plant flowers around the edge of your pond, and there are some plants that will actually add oxygen to the water, which is important, especially if you have fish in your pond. Fish can help keep the pond clean by eating insects. Algae is one of the primary problems encountered by water gardeners, and it's often brought about by overfertilizing water plants or feeding fish too much or too often. For many years, people in England have used barley straw to help reduce the amount of string and filament type algae, but it may not work in every situation. If you experience algae problems--and you probably will--pay close attention to the feeding regime of both your fish and your water plants. To keep your water oxygenated and fresh, you'll need a pond pump and filter, which can also help reduce insect and algae problems. Water plants also remove nutrients from the water that could create pollution problems. Some good plants include water hyacinths, water violets, and water crowfoot, if you bear in mind that they tend to reproduce vigorously and can quickly take over a pond. Like all gardens, water gardens require a certain amount of care, but the results can give you years of pleasure.

Copyright © 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher

Jeanette Fisher teaches environmental interior design college courses. Learn how to get that designer look for less. Join our free home makeover teleseminars. Find out about the five key ingredients to great residential design. http://www.joytothehome.com/
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Finding the Best Pond Pumps

By John Francis

Having a backyard pond is a great way to showcase a home’s landscaping. It adds character and fun to a normally wide open space. The pond pump is an essential device when one wants to add moving water to their pond. There are many different styles and types of pond pumps, so it is easy to get confused on how to find the pump that works best for an individuals situation.

Understanding the essential keys about pond pumps is important in finding the best pond pump. Pumps are categorized by the amount of water they pump. This is based on the gallons of water a pump can move in an hour. It also must pump this amount at least one foot or higher for the same amount of time. Pump manufacturers provide easy to use charts that explain each pump and how much water they move. The best pond pump for a certain pond is chosen based upon how much water is in the pond. The water should be turned at least one turn every hour. So essentially a pond with 200 gallons of water needs a 200 gallon per hour pump. That seems too simple, and it is because there are other factors to consider. Anything that could reduce the flow of water such as waterfalls or filters have to be considered. To avoid this issue a person should buy a larger pump than they figured based solely upon the water amount.

The next step in choosing a pump is deciding between submersible and external pumps. Submersible pumps are located in the pond, while external ponds are outside the pond. Submersible pumps are usually favored because they have many great features. They do not produce noise, can be used to drain the pond and are less expensive to use than external pumps. They do, however, pose problems that are not common in external pumps. Submersible pumps often need seals replaced as they wear out easy with the constant water exposure, broken seals can cause a release of gas that can harm pond fish and they cost more to buy.

Pond pumps are a must for a clean and beautiful pond. Finding the best pond pumps can be tricky. With a little knowledge and use of manufactures recommendations the best pump can be found. Pond pumps provide for a well kept and striking pond.

http://pumpshub.com/ Everything you need to know about Pumps.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Francis

Landscaping - Put A Pond in Your Back Yard

By Bill McRea

A pond is attractive way to enhance the landscape if your home and have l large area you wish to landscape. So what do you do?

Consider an area where the pond would be attractive and practical. Why create a pond, you ask? Ponds increase the value or your property, and would be a way to attract a prospective buyer.

A well designed and functional pond also adds a peaceful effect to your yard. Ponds create an ideal ecosystem beneficial not only plants but wildlife as well.

If you are fond of fish and water plants, a pond would be ideal. This article will not go into details on creating your pond, but will furnish information about the landscaping aspect... Landscaping your pond starts at the pond itself.

Create a border by adding stones, plants and statuary that will create a great view. You should also create a walkway from your pond to your house. Access is important and easily accomplished by using stepping stones, etc.

Trees are both beneficial and harmful to your pond. Trees provide shade that will be good for your pond but they will also add to debris such as branches and leaves or fallen fruit The key is to strike a balance between the two.

Shrubs will also play a role in maintaining unity between the tall trees and the low pond. They will create continuity from your pond to the trees. You may also add some flowers to provide some color. Be sure to cut the off the old blossoms to prevent debris that can make your area unsightly.

Water plants are a must for ponds and should be added immediately after your pond has been finished. Use similar colored plants as their surroundings to create some balance and harmony between the two. Be creative and do some research on different kinds of water plants to use.

A finishing touch for a pond is adding some fish. Add them after everything else has been finished. Always select appropriate species of fish that will not out-grow the size of your pond.

Creating a pond for your yard will both be tiring, but the fun of creating it will be rewarding. Be sure that do regular maintenance to so it will always be free from debris. After all of your work is finished, enjoy your pond and marvel the harmony you have created in your yard.

Bill McRea is the publisher of Garden Facts also Garden Decor and Landscape Trees Landscaping and Gardening with information and products.
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Garden Tables Aren't Just Decoration

By John Gibb

In order to enjoy your time outdoor, you may have considered garden tables or other patio furniture. In today’s marketplace there are many different options available to suit varying tastes and needs.

Almost every major furniture designer these days has come up with a series of outdoor furniture and you can find garden tables that range in price from moderate to outrageous. The thing that isn’t always as easy to find is the set, that actually appeals to your families needs and tastes. The sad truth is that in today’s market place, most furniture sets are designed for families of four. This leaves little room for larger families or for guests.

If you have more than two children or a large group of friends and family that you spend time with and share meals with quite often, then perhaps you would be wise in limiting your search to larger sets, or purchasing several inexpensive smaller sets of garden tables and scattering them across your yard or patio. This will allow several ‘zones’ where people can talk more intimately than at larger tables, kids can congregate and play games, and or various groups can have their own sense of privacy even among a large group of people.

Garden tables are more than a fashion accessory for our yards these days. We’ve learned that our yard is an extension of our home and we want to be able to enjoy that space as well as we enjoy the interiors of our homes, especially with the premium price that land commands in this day and age. Choose furniture for your lawn and garden that you not only enjoy the look of but that you also find comfortable. You will probably have this furniture for quite a while so it makes sense to make a substantial investment in the furniture that you choose.

John Gibb is the owner of Garden Tables sources For more information on Garden Tables please check out http://garden-tables-intelligence.info/
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Flowers – One of Life's Small Pleasures

By John Gibb

Everyone loves to get flowers – they’re a great gift that you can put on display in your house, reminding you for a week or so of the person who gave them to you. More than that, they can be beautiful things in themselves, even if you buy them for yourself.

Today you can order flowers in person, by phone or over the Internet. Even when you think it’s too late to order some flowers for them to get to someone in time, the chances are that you can still find somewhere that will do it for you, if you’re willing to pay a premium – there are shops out there that can deliver flowers faster than pizzas.

Perhaps the nicest way to get flowers, however, is not to buy them at all – instead, head down to your local garden centre, get a selection of seeds, plant them and water them. If you choose the right kind of flowers, you can grow your own flowers within literally a week of first planting them, and it’s a very satisfying feeling to know that you’ve grown your own flowers for yourself. If you then give them to someone else as a gift, it will make it far more special.

Whatever kind of flowers you get, make sure to put some thought into it. It is all too common, especially for men, to just walk into a shop and grab the first thing that catches your eye. It is much better if you do your research, know which flowers are in season and which kinds of flowers go together well in an arrangement, and especially find out what people’s favourite flowers are before you get them flowers as a present – otherwise you might end up getting them a bunch of flowers that they don’t even like!

Overall, flowers are simple things that nevertheless are capable of bringing so much joy to people. They are one of life’s simple pleasures, not even that expensive. Why not buy some flowers for the special person in your life today? I guarantee they’ll be pleasantly surprised.

John Gibb is the owner of flower resources, For more information on flowers please check out http://www.flowers-resources2k.info/
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Tips for Garden Decoration

by Khieng Chho

Garden decoration is passion...

Simple decoration can make a dramatic change on the entire look of your garden. Garden decoration serves many purposes. It is pleasurable to design fanciful gardens that will attract the eyes of every visitor that will come to your house.

Most of the women who are fond of gardening activities usually spend their time in the garden. After a long week of dealing into business matters, weekend is the perfect time for them to bond with the blossoming and aromatic flowers.

This is great if you already have your garden decoration including the landscape for a longer time because all you need to do is purely maintenance. However, when you are just planning to start garden decoration, you need to consider a lot of things.

Garden decoration is a desirable activity. This is true especially if gardening is your passion. Many of the people who have an experience in gardening could testify how it is hard to maintain its beauty. Aside from considering the decoration of your garden you also need to take note of the health of your plants.

Here are some few tips for garden decoration:

• Plan on your motif or concept.
This is an important factor because the motif or the concept of your garden decoration will serve as a basis for choosing the kinds of flowers, the landscapes and the entire design of your garden.

• Choose the plants that will suit your garden decoration.
In choosing plants especially the flowering ones, you can consult some expert decorators regarding the types that will fit your garden. It can be an assortment of colors and sizes depending on how you will perceive the outcome of your garden will be.

• Start on the job.
After you made up your mind regarding the concept, you can now start buying the flowers and other necessary things that are needed for your decoration. You can seek aid from an interior decorator to guide you with the right things to do.

• Maintenance.
Your task doesn’t end there. After you are able to finish your garden decoration it does not mean that you will just leave it there. Plants need nourishment so be sure to check its growth most of the times. Never fail to keep your garden clean as well.
Garden decoration is not merely dealing with things on how you can make your garden beautiful. It also requires your commitment and dedication.

Khieng 'Ken' Chho is author and owner of Lawn & Patio Decor. For related articles, visit Ken's website: http://gardendecoration.wicwoc.com
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Trends and Styles of Patio Furniture

By Khieng Chho

The sales of patio furniture draw a significant change in the market today. Current designer trends move from inside and out. Creative designs of patio furniture give you an opportunity to get a breath of fresh air, unwind and take pleasure on a lifestyle beyond the walls of your home.
Having an ideal house is a dream for everyone. Simple as they may seem, but when accentuated with furniture, they can turn out to be fabulous and modern creations. A garden with beautiful landscape and patio corners graced with comfy fireplaces make your home a true haven to live in.

Creating a concept for your house design is not an easy task. It requires a thorough thinking before you are able to arrive at a perfect theme. Rather than seeking for the service of an interior designer, you can always make a choice of your own. In the long run, you will realize that you also have your own version of ingenuity and uniqueness.
Placing patio furnishings in your home is a perfect idea. Patio pieces come in various styles and grades. Your choice will always depend on your own taste of beauty. These vary from parson’s chair to solid cement. The prices will also depend on the size and kind of the furniture.
There was a sudden burst of demand for patio furniture. This motivates the manufacturer to offer discounts in several patio pieces as a manifestation of their gratitude towards the people patronizing the product.

Some of the specialties of patio furniture range from heavy-duty plastics, rod iron and earth wood that are great during winter and fall seasons. All of these types are bringing warmth to the patio area.

The traditional cement pieces of patio furniture reminisced the formality in English homes. This promotes a soothing spot for the people. This is the pleasure of being outside your heaven. Through the patio furniture you tend to appreciate more the beauty of outside world. The tranquil ambiance and the fresh air help you deal with all the stress and complexities of living.
Patio furniture is well loved by people because it fits any concept that you want for your outdoor living area. This area is still considered to be the extension of your home so you must create a perfect decoration with the use of patio furniture. Aside from the cemented and rod iron types you can also make use of the deck furniture such as coffee tables and storage pieces.

If you really want to make your outside living area a remarkable one choose the best patio furniture pieces.

Khieng 'Ken' Chho is author and owner of Patio Furniture. For related articles, visit Ken's website: http://patiofurniture.wicwoc.com/
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Creating a Balcony Garden Oasis

by Lee Dobbins

Having a garden is one of the highlights of summer for many people but not everyone has a yard in which to plant flowers. Luckily, there are a few ways that even apartment dwellers can enjoy gardening.

If you are fortunate enough to have a balcony or deck off your main living area, you can use containers to turn it into a mini garden. Today, you can purchase containers that hang right on the railing without any invasive installation and large pots can be used on the decking. If you have a roof above your balcony, you may even be able to install hanging plants. Just be sure that you review the rules of your apartment complex before you add anything to your outdoor area.
When choosing flowers or plants for your outdoor area, you want to be sure to buy plants that will thrive in that environment. If your apartment balcony is shady then you want to get plants that like the shade. If it has blazing sun all day, buy ones that can take the hot sun, or be sure to move them into the shade during the noon heat if they specify that they are for partial shade. Buying annuals is probably a best bet as they will flower all season and you won’t have to deal with them in the winter.

When selecting your containers, be sure to get ones that have good drainage. You may even want to add some small rocks on the bottom to provide additional places for water to go. If you will be putting the containers on your decking, be sure to buy saucers for them so the water doesn’t seep onto the deck and stain it - if you don’t you might find yourself forfeiting your security deposit or re-staining the deck when you move out. Before drilling holes for hanging plants, be sure to check with your landlord or apartment caretaker.

Be sure to use a good potting soil for your plants and water thoroughly. Plants in containers can dry out rapidly and you may have to water them every day. Be sure that you don’t over water, you want the soil to be moist with no standing water. Container plants do well when fertilized about once a month with a general fertilizer or one made specifically for your type of plant.

In addition to planting flowers outdoors, you can also enhance your balcony area with interesting potted palms and other tree like plants that can be moved into the apartment when cold weather comes and enjoyed all winter long. When arranging the plants, be sure to use pots and plants of varying heights - all plants of the same height will look boring, but if you put together containers of different sizes and heights in groups this will add a lot of interest.

Be sure to check your plants every day and pinch off any dead flowers and leaves to keep your balcony garden oasis vibrant and fresh.

Lee Dobbins writes for Apartment Rental Guides where you can learn more about apartment rentals and apartment living.
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Gardening - Keeping Containers Looking Good

by Michael Russell

The most inspiring container displays are grown by gardeners who have developed a real feel for their plants and can tell at a glance when they are in need of water, food, a bigger pot or just a good tidy up. If you play doctor with them, your plant will reward you with luxuriant growth. Professional growers achieve this by keeping their plants growing steadily throughout the seasons, so they never suffer from a check in growth by being starved or dried out. It's not rocket science but having a few pieces of essential maintenance equipment to hand is one of the keys to success.

A well balanced, long necked watering can turns watering from a chore to a pleasure. A fine rose on the end of the spout is ideal for soaking seedlings and plug plants without washing them away.

Give container grown plants a liquid feed every seven to ten days. If this seems too much of a commitment use push in feed pellets that deliver nutrients every time you water during the growing season. Water retaining granules can also be mixed into the potting compost before planting up. They are especially useful for hanging baskets or window boxes on south facing sills where they can make the difference between watering once rather than twice a day during hot, windy weather.

Just as having a dog to walk gets you up in the morning, so will having a mobile garden to tend to. Get into a watering routine and you will make light work of it. Water in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation and try to avoid splashing the leaves as this will cause them to scorch when exposed to strong sunlight. At holiday time, move your containers to a shady wall and stand them on special moisture retentive capillary matting fed from a tin bath of water.
In the Autumn, winter and spring months, plants need much less water, although it is surprising how a series of hard frosts can strip the moisture from the compost and this can only be replenished when the compost has thawed out. When the weather's particularly severe, it pays to gather your containers under a warm house wall where they will escape the worst of the weather.

Deadhead your plants regularly as soon as flowers fade. This will encourage a fresh flush of flower buds. Spent flowers left on the plant will usually inhibit further flower production, however, not all spent flowers need to be removed. Busy Lizzies and those super vigorous petunias carry on regardless. Some like marigolds can be snapped off. Others like pansies and nasturtiums can be nipped off by pinching them with your fingernails.
For bushy fuschias and chrysanthemums with lots of blooms, pinch back shoots regularly. Do this by simply nipping off the tips of the shoots. At the end of summer be ruthless and throw annuals past their best onto the compost heap. However, some plants sold for bedding can be propagated from cuttings in late summer or dug up and over-wintered in a frost free greenhouse or porch. They have the potential to get bigger and better every year.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Gardening
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