Patio Design - Expanding Your Home Outdoors

By Nicholas Webb

A patio can be just like another room in your house. Effective patio design can mean that your increase the floor space of your home, by adding an outside room that allows you to entertain like never before. A patio can just be a rectangular slab of concrete with some plastic chairs and griller, but it can also be so much more.

What comes to mind when you think of a patio?

Patio design gives you the opportunity to create an outside living area – an extension of your home – for entertaining and relaxing all year round. For instance, people who like to entertain may want to consider a patio with an undercover kitchen and dining area. By adding a barbecue grill, a built in fridge and some quality outdoor furniture, the patio can, in itself, become a feature of your home.

When commencing a new patio design, it is important to remember that your new outdoor entertaining area does not need to be expensive. There are a variety of different patio surfaces to fit a particular style or budget, including concrete pavers, natural clay stones and bricks. There is no need to stick to one type of paving or surface - experiment. Pebbles, gravels, bricks and tiles, can all be incorporated. A contrasting brick edge can also be effective. Similarly, patio shades need not be extensive, just enough to cover the main cooking and eating areas; after all, why block out the view of your gorgeous garden in the midday sun or the stars in the sky on a clear night.

Consider textures, colors, and materials before starting

One of the most important considerations of patio design is landscaping. Plants help to soften the hard surface of a patio floor by providing color, texture and fragrance and they set the mood for an outdoor living space. Further, you might also like to consider the use of a water feature and some soft low voltage lighting or candles, to create a stunning patio setting for night time entertaining.

Finally,

Selecting the Right Furniture is the key to the perfect patio design. There is no need to spend thousands of dollars on the right setting; more importantly you want to select items that are durable, basic in color and rich in style and sophistication. Consider resin coated wicker or rattan pieces that can be dressed up with different cushions and throw rugs. These items can be changed regularly to cater for a themed party or more simply, to match the changes in your flourishing flower beds.

A patio design can be as elaborate or as straightforward as you want it to be. Patios can be arranged in any shape and size and can be refreshed regularly just like the interior of your home. Outdoor entertaining is an increasing pastime – enjoy it with family and friends!

Nicholas webb is the owner of http://www.allabout-patio.com A site that provides user-friendly patio furniture, patio accessories, consumer tips and buying advice for the outdoor lover. Check it out before parting with your money.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicholas_Webb

Incorporate A Water Feature In Your Landscaping

By Bill Prudehome

A water feature placed strategically in a landscape or garden provides a dynamic element to what is usually a static design. Water elements provide tranquility and a sense of calm. The sound and visual effects provided by flowing water are known for their soothing and stress relieving qualities. As a side benefit water features have been known to increase property values by as much as 10%.

Water features can be as simplistic as a statue acting as a fountain to highly complex designs that mimic natural features with multiple terraces and water cascading over a rock bed. Water flow can be slow or swift, with the feature used as a background or as the predominant design element. Only your imagination and budget control the final appearance.

Attract wildlife, from an abundance of birds to squirrels and chipmunks and depending on the location of your property larger animals such as deer. Depending on your climate adding fish to ponds and streams enhances the overall water feature.
The addition of a water feature allows you to dramatically expand the types of plants and flora that can be incorporated into your landscaping.

Many individuals hesitate when considering adding a water feature because of they feel that they are complex to install and require a great deal of maintenance. The complexity of the installation is relative to how dramatic the water feature is and the level of maintenance is relative to the initial investment in the quality of the pumping, aeration and filtration equipment installed.

In the past it was necessary to buy numerous components for your water feature and hope that all the different pieces of equipment were compatible with one another. Now many manufactures are supplying complete kits that contain all of the necessary pumps, filters, aerators, piping and connectors to ensure that all of the pieces of hardware work in conjunction with one another.

Once you have determined that you are going to install a water feature within your landscaping check with your municipal building department for any special requirements and if a permit is required. Remember that water features are difficult to relocate and usually expensive to modify. Planning is the key to success.

For additional information on landscaping your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Prudehome

Deck Patios in Your Dwellings Can Be Made to Look Unique

By Allan Wilson

Deck and patio awnings:

The roof like structure often made of canvas or plastic that serves as a shelter, as over a storefront, window, door, or deck. Take satisfaction in the instant dimness and add style and extra living space to your home, with a simple turn of the crank, you get safe pleasure of your deck, patio or terrace. You will get retractable patios for your houses and swimming pools. Mostly people get retractable awnings because they can use it in summers evening they can sit out and relax. Nowadays we get cheap awnings also in the market. The awnings are for people who like to sit in the backyard and keep jazzing. They can put up awnings in the backyard for the shelter from the sun’s rays. The ideal for patios awnings, deck awnings, terrace awnings, balcony awnings, and poolside awnings or over the grande retractable awning series features our largest awnings, which are often used in commercial awnings applications or for homes where a large expanse or projection is required. And our Mirage series retractable awning is great for smaller windows and doors.

Retractable awning:

The four level of retractable awning with various options giving you a wide selection which will provide shade on your deck or patio. The retractable awnings are given much extra importance and even used as a furnishing to enhance the look of a place. So they are not limited to roof covering and shelters. Instead of a customary shape and a dark hue they are given special cuts so that they look better. Mostly scallops are used for the edge designing. But in fashionable times more and more different cuts are made available. So that you have an exceptional look. Retractable awnings have automation in them so they rise and close at the push of a button. At the same time they can be manually installed. Sometimes awnings are even vertically hanged from a door. All you have to do is roll it up when you are through with the day or roll it down.

Deck Patio Ideas-Is your Home “Decked”-Up?

To make homes look interesting, different and unique there are several things which can be done. Architects, interior-decorators and common people are now trying to devise innovative ideas to spice-up homes. People are making even the most obscure corners of their homes look attractive with the help of various means. Thus one such area of homes which can be made to look strikingly wonderful is the deck patio.

How can the Deck Patio in your home look Beautiful?

The deck patios in your dwellings can be made to look unique by implementing the following ideas and means:

1) Deck patios can be made to look interesting by making decks out of different types of woods. The different types of woods which can be used for making attractive decks are redwood, Alaskan yellow cedar, white cedar, treated wood, iron wood, foreign wood, water-repellent wood, wood tiles and other exterior wood.

2) Deck patios can be made to look great by using vintage woodwork and rhino decks.

3) Decks can also be made of wooden composite decks and products like EZDeck, Trimax plastic lumber and timber deck can be used.

4) Beautiful patio decks can also be made of vinyl. Thus individuals can have vinyl decks, plastic lumber yard, rhino deck and new life decks.

5) Deck patios can look beautiful with brick work and brick tiles.

6) It is necessary that deck patios are made by taking the help of professional contractors who specialize in decks. They can offer many options, including integrating your deck with stone patios. They can also install electrical wiring for lights and heaters and can even run a gas line through the deck to an outdoor grill and/or piping to a portable kitchen.

7) It is also possible to outfit the patio with a barbecue grill.

Conclusion:

Deck patios must be built with strong and long-lasting materials even if they are expensive. A patio is the perfect place to unwind after a hard day’s work. It is also a great place to entertain guests. Deck patios are often overlooked part of the home. Thus they can be customized with furniture, plants, and decorative accents to become a restful haven. Irrespective of the style of homes, a patio will increase its value and would definitely be rewarding in many ways!

You now have your beautiful new deck but have you thought about deck furniture? If not pay a visit to:http://www.deckingfurniture.com/

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

Chinese Food - Anhui Cuisine

By Ada Cao

Auhui province is located in east China. Anhui cuisine, one of the eight major cuisines in China, features the local culinary arts of Huizhou, a city close to Huangshan Mountain, which is not only the most beautiful mountain in china, but also provides abundant products for dish cooking. The major ingredients in Anhui cuisine, such as stone frog, mushroom, bayberry, tea leaves, bamboo shoot, dates, pangolin, etc., are from mountain area.

One distinctive characteristic of Anhui cuisine is the elaborate choices of cooking materials. The chef uses fresh and high quality material to prepare dishes. Anhui dishes preserve most of the original taste and nutrition of the materials. Some of the Anhui dishes actually are also medicine cuisine, which it good to health. For example, Chukka has tender flesh and a sweet taste. It can be boiled in clear soup or braised in soy sauce. The dishes help relieve internal fever and build up vital energy. Huangshan bamboo shoots are tender and delicious; it can be made into very delicious food. Shitake is also very tasty, and it helps prevent cancer.

Anhui Cuisine chef were trained to master the art of the strict control of the temperature and the cooking process, which is the key to good taste and color of dishes.

Anhui Cuisine chefs are good at braising and stewing. They are experts especially in cooking delicacies from mountains and sea. Generally the food here is slightly spicy and salty. Some master dishes are usually stewed in brown sauce with stress on heavy oil and sauce. Chinese Ham is often added to improve the taste and sugar candy added to gain freshness.

My favorite Anhui dish is the Taros with Honey Juice, and it is really easy to make. Here is the recipe:

Materials:
1,000g red taros
200g honey
125g crystal sugar

1. Choose some orange-colored taros which have "sweated", wash, peel, chop into pieces which have two pointed ends.

2. Put a bamboo steamer in a casserole, add water and crystal sugar, when the sugar melts, put in the taros and honey and simmer for one hour.

3. When the juice has boiled down, transfer the taros to a plate and pour on the juice.

Ada Cao is the editor of http://www.orientalshoppingmall.com/, the portal for the best Asian and oriental goods such as Asian Food grocery, oriental rugs, oriental furnishing, and many other Asian style home decor items. She also writes articles for http://www.jewelrywise.com/, a website that helps consumers to save money on jewelry.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ada_Cao

Chinese New Year - A Great Idea For A Dinner Party

By Indra Books

What a great theme for a party with not a lot of expense. DonÂ’t be deterred by the fact that Chinese New Year is not always on a weekend. I know it is hard to believe but people actually socialize Sunday through Thursday nights too. A party doesnÂ’t have to be on a weekend. Just keep it light and inviting.

What do you need? Friends, Food & Drink, Chinese Dishes, Chopsticks, Lanterns or Luminaries and Party Favors.

How to execute? (Remember our basic entertaining rule – always plan and have a list):

Guests: Make your guest list. We recommend that you keep the gathering small. 10 close friends who arenÂ’t intimidated by a Wenesdayd night social event work well. However, when you have a small gathering, it is important that every person attend so it doesnÂ’t look like you have no-shows. Make sure you get RSVP's. If your friends are reliable email users, use http://www.evite.com/ and select the Chinese New Year themed invitation. If not, send out paper invitations 3 weeks in advance and follow up with a phone call.

Food: Find a local dim sum restaurant. Do not attempt this cooking yourself. If there isnÂ’t one, use your local Chinese restaurant and order appetizers. Call ahead and ask them to fax you a menu or drop by and get one. While you are chatting, find out how far in advance they need the order and inquire about pickup vs delivery. Allow extra time if you are having it delivered.

Small Group (10-12 people): Choose 4-5 items and make sure you order enough pieces for each guest. Large Group: Choose 6-8 items and order ½ the number of pieces as you have guests.

Order one or two sweet pastries using the same rule for number of pieces.

Beverage: If you are concerned about it being a “school night” even though we told you to get over that, serve Chinese tea. If not, serve Chinese beer or select one Asian-influenced mixed drink. This is not the occasion to stock the full bar.

Supplies and Decorations: Take a trip to Chinatown and pick up chopsticks, dishes, cups, lanterns or luminaries and little party gifts for your guests. DonÂ’t want to go to Chinatown? Shop from the comfort of your computer (or call us of course). Pearl River Mart in NYC has everything you will need and you can shop via internet if you aren't in NYC. HOWEVER, make a list first. It is easy to get carried away and buy things you donÂ’t need.

Lanterns range in price from $3 each up to $20. Make sure you have a place to hang them without starting a construction project. An alternative is a string of lights that have paper lantern globes on them. Luminaries are also great. Whatever you decide, you want candle or mood lighting for your party. Be creative but use Asian influences.

Chopsticks: Again, donÂ’t get carried away. If you are not a regular chopstick user then donÂ’t buy $5/pair sticks. You can get them in packs of 10 for $2.50 and they come in all different colors and shapes.>br?
Tableware: If you are picking up the dim sum or appetizers right before the party, then you can serve them on platters/dishes or if the restaurant provided nice containers serve from the containers with chopsticks although we donÂ’t recommend this method. If you are purchasing earlier in the day, you might want to invest in one or two tiered bamboo steamers. They run about $7 each. Otherwise, get some nice Chinese/Asian serving plates (square or oval).

Then you need dishes for your guests. This is very basic. Plates, tea cups if serving tea and dishes for sauces. Pearl River Mart has several different designs that come in melamine (approx $4/person for a whole set), which looks nice, doesnÂ’t break and is dishwasher safe. It is less expensive than buying china or ceramic. However, if you eat a lot of Chinese food in a structured setting (take out on Sat night does not count) then you might want to invest in the real thing.

Favors for your Guests: This is Chinese New Year and not a regular dinner party, so party favors are appropriate. Again, check out your local Asian stores for inexpensive trinkets. Again, it is CNY so ticky tacky gifts are OK. This is fun, not a gift to the visiting Ambassador from China. Put them in Asian style mini-gift bags or take away containers. Pearl River Mart has a whole section of CNY paraphernalia. I found a ton of Asian-themed items for $1 each at Target a few months ago. You just never know where your party favors will be. Keep your eyes open.

The budget (112-195 if starting from scratch):
Decorations: $10-30
Tableware: $30-50
Beverage: $2-20
Food: $50-75
Gifts: $20

If you donÂ’t want to spend that much on a party, here are some ways to cut the budget:

Find a paper store that sells square small plates in paper. Select a pattern that is plain red or black or select some other style. Use Asian style. Use Christmas lights instead of buying luminaries. Maked luminaries. Make gifts. Noni paper gifts. Non-alcoholic beverages are always cheaper than alcohol.

And now it is time to celebrate!(This article is not intended to be a how to for an actual Chinese New Year celebration. It is just a fun party idea for those who are bored with the traditional sit down dinner or cocktail party.)

Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles, is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The companyÂ’s creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience. In addition to its shopping and concierge services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating. For more information about the author and ON THE Go 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net/
© 2004 Indra A Books, ON THE GO 4 U.

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

How to Build a Waterfall For Your Garden Pond

by Hugh Harris-Evans

Building a waterfall is easier than you think and will add a new dimension to your pool.

When building a waterfall, as with any garden project, you must first consider the design and make a plan. The biggest mistake that people make when planning a pond waterfall is to err on the large side. For a pond measuring 12 ft x 14 ft you should think in terms of a fall of 18-24 inches. The width of the waterfall should be in proportion to the size of your pond. The important point is to make sure that the scale of your construction fits in with the surrounding features and does not spoil the balance of your overall garden design.

The next question that has to be answered is the type of construction you wish to use. There are two basic choices. You can either use a liner and place rocks to form the fall or you can save yourself the trouble and buy a Fiberglas unit. Either way you will still have to use your shovel to form the site of the waterfall.

The other requirement is a pump which will be sited in the pool to transport the water to the top of your waterfall. The size of pump that you will need depends on the height and width of the waterfall and also the length of pipe from the pump to the top of the fall. Once you have finalized your plans, consult your dealer and he will be able to supply you with the correct pump.

To maintain a healthy pond environment with crystal clear water usually involves installing a biological filter. Again your dealer will be able to advise you as to the correct type and size. The filter should be placed at the top of the waterfall so that the water is cleaned before issuing out on to the fall.

Once you have assembled all the equipment it is time to get out your shovel. If your site is level and the soil from excavation of your pond is nearby this can be used as the mound on which to place the waterfall. If you are using a liner you first dig out the channel and then fit the liner. Next place the rocks so that the water can flow over them. It is helpful if you observe a natural waterfall to give you some ideas as to how the rocks can be placed for the greatest effect. Once you are satisfied with the arrangement, use black waterfall foam to seal the rocks to ensure that the water flows over and around them and not underneath. If you have chosen to use a Fiberglas pre-formed model, you will avoid the problem of placing the rocks and will just have to dig out sufficient soil to allow you to fit the unit.

To complete the installation fit the pump, filter and hose and connect to the electricity supply. Providing all is working to your satisfaction, now is the time to relax and enjoy your handiwork.

If you have read this far and are wondering whether it would be just too much like hard work, then consider this. Water soothes and relaxes, inspires reflection, and is a source of beauty. A cascading, bubbling stream adds interest and serenity to the garden, while a waterfall can create a dramatic centerpiece. Building a pond waterfall really is worth the effort.

Hugh Harris-Evans is the owner of The Garden Supplies Advisor where you will find further articles, gardening tips and product reviews.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hugh_Harris-Evans

Flower Garden in Urban Environment

By Kenneth Elliott

Small Flower Garden planning in a urban environment involves planning in a scarce environment. That is why it's important to know what to look for in that nook, niche, or corner. When creating that secret flower garden there are a few things to keep in mind.

First thing to consider in creating a flower garden is the choice of earth on which to begin your task. The Flower garden will have to be simply a suitable plot with suitable conditional. When you don't have much room at all the basic choice becomes no presence of earths bounty or a neatly organized small plot on which to produce the flowers and food you desire.

What kind of spot are you looking for for your flower garden? In the higher order of wants and needs, sun needs to be your deciding factor of spots. You don't want to maintain a north plot, unless it were absolutely forced to you. Why? Because of too much sun light. Now a northern exposure might be okay for certain strong strains of flowers in your flower garden or perhaps ferns, they are really not much use as spots for a domestic flower garden.

Now, the right conditions would be a plot with southern exposure, if you can get it. Here the sun lies cozy all day. Once you've identified the plot and begin to plan out how it will be planted, your rows of vegetables and flowers should run north and south. Planting your flower garden this way will allow your plants to bask in the loving warmth of the sun all morning on the eastern part and all the afternoon on the western side. Enjoy your new flower garden!

Kenneth Elliott is the owner of Flower Garden, Japanese Garden and Designer Handbags websites. Discover your gardening skills today.
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