An Overview of the Art of Bonsai

Bonsai, the artistic representation of a natural tree,
first appeared in China over a thousand years ago on a very
basic scale known as "pun-sai". The Japanese have been
recorded to adopt and refine the art to an extent not yet
approached in China. The Japanese today regard bonsai as a
symbol of their culture and ideals.

On its arrival in the western world, the art of bonsai has
been warmly welcomed and embraced as a rewarding past time
or hobby. It is said to allow a greater understanding and
being with nature in addition to enhancing our gardens.

The five basic bonsai styles are formal upright, informal
upright, slanting (or windswept), semi-cascade and cascade.
All have their own individual beauty and serenity.

A tree with a style such as formal upright occurs when it
has grown in the open under perfect conditions. The most
important requirement for this style is that the trunk
should be perfectly straight, tapering naturally and evenly
from base to apex. The branches should be symmetrically
spaced so that they are balanced when viewed from any
direction. It is quite a demanding style to achieve.
Junipers, pines, and spruces are great to try and grow in
the formal upright style.

In an informal upright bonsai the trunk should slightly
bend to the right or left - but never towards the viewer.
This applies to all types of bonsai. Neither the trunk nor
branches should be pointing towards the viewer when the
bonsai is viewed from the front. For this style, try a
Japanese maple, Trident maple, or almost any conifer and
ornamental tree.

Trees that slant naturally occur as a result of buff
setting winds or deep shade during early development.
Whether curved or straight, the whole trunk leans at a
definite angle. The stronger roots grow out on the side,
away from the angle of the trunk lean, to support the
weight. Almost any type of tree will work well with this
style.

The growing tip of a cascade bonsai reaches below the base
of a container. The trunk has a natural taper and gives the
impression of the forces of nature pulling against the
forces of gravity. Branches appear to be seeking the light.
The winding main trunk is reminiscent of a stream
meandering down the side of a mountain. There are many
types of trees that can be used to achieve a cascading
bonsai. The key here is to make sure the tree isn't
naturally straight and upright.

The tip of a semi-cascade, like the cascade, projects over
the rim of the container, but does not drop below its base.
The style occurs in nature when trees grow on cliffs or
overhang water. The angle of the trunk in this bonsai is
not precise, as long as the effect is strongly horizontal,
even if the plant grows well below the level of the pot
rim. Any exposed roots should balance the trunk. Flowering
cherry trees, cedars, and junipers work very well in this
style of bonsai. Many people feel this style of bonsai is
the epitome of beauty in the art.

It is important for you to remember, as a beginner, that no
single bonsai style is the "right" style. More than
anything else you should not try to train a bonsai to grow
in a style it is not accustomed to. Study the natural
growth patterns of the tree you are going to grow and
enhance on the pattern nature gave it.

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Patrick Carpen is the designer, writer and owner of the
website http://bonsaitree.infobay.ws/
He is an internet entrepreneur who helps the average user
better understand the workings of internet in addition to
providing high quality content on selected topics

How to Build a Window Box

Building a window box is an easy DIY project that is great
for any beginner. The best choice of wood for a window box
is cedar or cypress, because both woods will naturally
resist rotting the best. This will give your window box
the best chance of lasting more than five years. The
process of building a window box begins with measuring the
window for window box length, followed by assembly,
followed lastly by hanging it. Let's skip straight to the
middle and focus in on the actual building of a window box
and the steps that are required. You'll need a drill, a
few special bits, a brad gun, and a miter saw for this
project.

For simplicity purposes let's build a 36" window box from
3/4" thick cypress. Cypress wood stock can be attained
from most local lumberyards in a variety of dimensions.
For window box purposes, a 1" x 8" board is recommended.
For this box we will need roughly 12 feet of length. Now,
miter the board at 34.5" three consecutive times such that
you have three boards, one for the bottom, front, and back.
We want to join these three boards with screws so that the
boards are held tightly together. Butt two boards up at a
ninety degree angle and join them with some gorilla wood
glue. You want to make sure you use a wood glue designed
for exterior purposes. Once glued, shoot a few brad nails
along the joint to hold the two boards together
temporarily. Next, countersink three small holes through
the boards in preparation to pass screws in to more
securely join the boards in a ninety degree fashion. A
countersink drill bit is one that drills a pilot hole deep
and a big hole shallow so that the screw head can sink pass
the face of the board. Countersink a hole on the left, in
the middle, and on the right. Next, sink a screw into the
boards so that they grab tightly. The butt joint should
show on the bottom of the box. Repeat the same steps to
fasten the back board to the bottom boards. Once finished,
you will have everything but the side pieces.

For fastening of the side pieces I recommend again using
gorilla glue and brad nails to quickly secure the piece to
the box. Follow that up with countersunk holes and screws
to secure the side pieces to the box firmly. The side
piece should be cut to size first. Once the side pieces
are attached, the structural assembly of the box is
complete. Next, use a drill with a 1/4" drill bit to drill
drain holes in the bottom. I recommend placing a hole in
each corner of the box and one in the very center where
water will likely migrate to the most. Next, caulk inside
the box to seal all the inner joints. This will reinforce
the box and also keep water from seeping through. Lastly,
staple an erosion tarp to the inside of the box. This will
act as a filter between dirt and water so that water can
drain through the box easily while keeping the dirt in.
Viola, now you're ready to hang it and put flowers in it.
It's just that easy. If you're not up for the challenge of
building a wooden window box every five years, a good idea
may be to consider investing in a PVC window box. They're
moisture resistant, reasonably priced, and because they
don't rot they're designed to last 30 years and more
without any maintenance.

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Matthew Buquoi is the owner of Flower Window Boxes, Inc.
His expertise is manufacturing PVC window boxes and custom
window boxes. He has many years of experience in building,
painting, and installing window boxes. Flower Window Boxes
specializes in affordable PVC window boxes and are known as
the largest manufacturer online and they sell direct to the
public.
http://www.flowerwindowboxes.com

When should you prune your roses

As with many other aspects of pruning, deciding when the
best time to prune is can be confusing for many people.

Though the general rule of thumb is to prune in spring, the
best time can vary a bit from climate zone to climate zone.
There are a couple of tips that can help you decide the
very best time to prune your roses. In warmer zones in the
south pruning can be done as early as February. In colder
zones in the north it may be wise to wait until late March
or even April. How to decide when is right for your area
can be done easily by taking a couple of factors into
consideration The first thing to take into account in
choosing the best time to prune is the weather. You'll want
to be sure there is no risk of severe weather such as a
freeze. Pruning prior to a freeze can leave your roses
prone to damage that can prevent new growth or even kill
your plant. The next thing to look for is the signs of new
growth. Watch for the swelling of leaf buds which shows by
the bumps getting larger and turning a reddish color. When
you see these buds appear, and the weather is favorable,
then its the right time to prune your rose bushes. The
second exception is pruning done for winter preparation
purposes and is done generally in late fall or early
winter, depending on the climate zone you live in. The
third exception is pruning hybrid tea roses. Hybrid tea
roses should be pruned when dormant, generally in December
or January, depending on your climate zone. As you can now
tell, the best time to prune roses is not as big a mystery
as you may have thought. Making a few, simple observations
can give you the information you need to make the right
decision on when the best time is to prune your roses.
Water Gardening There are many new trends
surfacing in gardening, and water gardening is one of the
main new interests. Water gardening can be in the form of
waterfalls, ponds, fountains, all of which can be enhanced
by rock work combinations and lighting, plants, and fish.
Water gardening doesnot have to be a pond or natural water
source either, it can consist of just a plastic tub,
basically anything that can hold water.

The most important thing to consider in water gardening is
probably the spot chosen. Since plants and fish both need
plenty of sunlight, places in direct light away from trees
and bushes is the best place. This will also help prevent
leaves and debris from collecting in the water. When
planning for a water garden first decide the size you want.
This will depend on how much money you are willing to spend
because water gardening can get expensive if you opt for a
large garden full of plants, rocks, fish, and lights. Also
consider the size of our property, and the amount of time
you want to spend with maintaining your water garden. When
you choose what type of aquatic plants you wish to have,
remember that the plants should only cover about half of
the water. Plants can be free floating, submerged, or
marginal. Which you choose is all a matter of personal
preference. Some plants are good for their scent, some
provide more oxygen than others and will keep the pool
health, and some are just beautiful. Fish are not only nice
to look at but they are also very beneficial. Fish help
keep debris at a minimum and help in controlling larva and
other insects. One of the main difficulties in water
gardening is keeping water clear of algae. Algae problems
are usually caused from too many nutrients in the water
from feeding fish too often or from over fertilizing
plants. If ponds are made correctly and are maintained
properly algae problems and control will be kept at a
minimum. All garden pools regardless of size will need
maintenance throughout the year. With proper planning you
can ensure a healthy balance between living and decorative
features of a water garden that can almost care for itself
with simple maintenance inputs from you. You can get rid of
algae by reducing on the nutrients that cause the algae by
cutting back on feeding and fertilizing, planting more
plants, installing a filter system, or replacing existing
water with fresh water. There are some chemicals that can
be used, like copper compounds, but overuse can kill plant
life and fish. Water gardening does not take anymore time
than regular gardening, but obviously isnot near the same
thing. You may be the type person who couldnot grow a
flower if you tried but would be excellent at water
gardening. If you are looking for a way to occupy some time
or to beautify your yard, water gardening is an excellent
way. .

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Creative Window Box Ideas

When it comes to window box ideas, personality will tell
the whole story. Plants are a good way to keep a window
box neutral and flowers are a good way to add highlights.
A window box should contain a mix of plants and/or flowers
that considers size, color, layout, and most importantly
pesonal style.

Here are some ideas to help stir up your imagination:

1. Hanging plants are a great window box idea if you want
to give the look of fullness or if you want to blend the
box into a garden are below. You can also use them to flow
into a landscaping area beneath a window or to draw
attention away from a plain wall. Potatoes vines, aubretia,
or geraniums are all great ideas that can create this
artistic flow.

2. Climbing plants and vines can be used to integrate the
window box upward and outward into the home. If you've
already got climbing vines on your house try adding a
window box and having them flow down into the window box
where a tall plant or some bright colors can pop out: great
choices are virginia creepers, wisteria, and ivy.

3. Tall plants are great window box ideas when surrounded
by smaller complimenting plants. They can act as center
highlights that draw attention to your window box and make
it a focal point on the house: lillies, amaryillis, and
gladiolus are all popular choices.

4. Perrenials are flowers that will last 2-4 years and are
great choices for lesser maintenance: foxgloves are popular
and one of my favorites. If you like the idea of switching
it up more often make sure you get flowers that are annuals.

5. Color is a good way to draw attention to a window box
and make it stand out: Impatients, violets, tulips,
jasmines, and daisies are colorful options that are great
for
accenting a box on the sides or even for filling it up
completely. Stick with simple green plants if you want to
remain neutral and accent rather than highlight your window
box.

No matter which window box ideas you use, remember to take
into consideration how you want it to look and feel.
Should it stand out or blend in? Should it stand alone or
flow with your landscaping? Should your window box have a
mixed variety or a consistent look? There's no wrong
answer, just the answer that make you the most happy so let
your imagination soar.

----------------------------------------------------
Matthew Buquoi is the owner of Flower Window Boxes, an
online manufacturer of PVC window boxes and custom window
boxes. He has built and installed window boxes for many
years and loves to write about the many ideas he has come
across over the years when it comes to window box planting
and gardening.
http://www.flowerwindowboxes.com

Add A Koi Pond To Your Landscaping Project

Landscaping your lawn could entail a number of things. It
could be as simplistic as having several plants and shrubs
surrounded by various rocks and woodchips or even a water
garden complete with fountains and flowers. The largest,
most elaborate form of landscaping is a Koi pond.

A Koi pond is a project that will require a large surface
area, and even more research. This illustrious landscape
is very stimulating, but also may require some work when
the changing of the seasons occurs.

Once the weather breaks and the leaves appear to be
changing colors, it is generally a good idea to install
netting over the Koi pond to eliminate the amount of leaves
and sticks that will land in the Koi habitat. This will
drastically lower the amount of debris to be removed at
seasons end. Another precaution that should be taken
during the break of the weather is winterizing the Koi pond.

In winterizing the fish habitat requires several pieces of
advice. One of the most important steps to take into
account is the cleaning process. It is wise to physically
take the fish out of the pond, place them into a bucket
full of the water in the pond, and clean the excess
bacteria from the pond. However, completely removing all
the bacteria will destroy the harmony of the pond through
the summer months; the plants feed off the bacteria while
the fish feed off the plants. Other things that need to be
removed are the remaining leaves and sticks that were not
caught by the netting. Failure of removing these materials
will result in creation of methane gas, a byproduct of the
decomposing that will occur. Lowering the amount of water
will allow the pump to circulate water, allowing the fish
to survive below the level of ice that accumulates in the
cold weather. Another tip worth perusing is to create a
hole in the ice when the winter season approaches. Do not
use force when attempting to create a hole. The best
method for this is to place a pot filled with boiling water
over the ice to allow a hole to be melted into the ice.
This will allow the gases that accumulate in the pond to
escape.

The largest problem that occurs with the overall presence
of the Koi pond is mobility throughout the surrounding area
of the piece. Installing a bride over the center or an
area of interest will serve a dual purpose. The practical
purpose for this landmark is to be able to cross over the
pond to access other portions of the yard or landscape. On
the other hand, the second purpose of building a bridge is
to create the effect of vastness and attractiveness.
Bridges can come in a variety of styles with according
costs.

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