Home And Garden

Pest Control 1. Tomato Leaf Spray is effective in killing aphids and mites. It works because the alkaloids in the tomato leaves (and the leaves of all nightshades, actually) are fatal to many insects. 2. Garlic Oil Spray is a great, safe insect repellent. Simply put three to four cloves of minced garlic into two teaspoons of mineral oil. Let the mixture sit overnight, and then strain the garlic out of the oil. Add the oil to one pint of water, and add a teaspoon of biodegradable dish soap. Store in a bottle or jar, and dilute the mixture when you use it by adding two tablespoons of your garlic oil mixture to one pint of water. This mixture works because the compounds in garlic (namely, diallyl disulfide and diallyl trisulfide) are irritating or deadly to many insects. The oil and soap help the mixture stick to plant leaves. What insects does garlic oil repel? Whiteflies, aphids, and most beetles will avoid plants sprayed with garlic oil. A word of caution: don't apply this spr...

Common Names: poinsettia Family: Euphorbiaceae (spurge Family) Description The poinsettia's species name pulcherrima means "most beautiful" and that it is! Poinsettia's brilliant red floral display held against rich green foliage has made this unlikely species a holiday favorite. Its appealing presentation of the traditional Christmas colors has so endeared poinsettia that it is now second only to the Christmas tree as the most popular holiday plant. Euphorbia pulcherrima is named after Dr. J.R. Poinsett, and was introduced to gardeners in the early 19th century. Always popular, the holiday poinsettia trade is today a multi-million dollar business with plants sold everywhere from florists and nurseries to supermarkets and convenience stores. The species is a tall, rangy shrub that grows to a height of 10 ft (3.1 m). It has large, dark green, oval leaves that are "toothed" on the sides and pointed at the tips. They emerge from smooth green erect stems....

One of the famous and popular garden decorations is Zen garden. It is the representation of the passion and bountifulness of oriental look. It is also offer you a peace and calm impressions. Moreover, Zen garden decoration also gives you a harmonization between human being and nature. -  The aim of Zen garden is that to show the harmonization and balance of all of the garden texture and natural garden element of water, stone, tree and sand. Those natural elements are the main things that must be presented in Zen garden. Those are the elements that show the closeness of human and nature that cannot be separated. That is a kin d of oriental Zen garden’s philosophy. Zen garden designs can be created in some ways by placing and displaying those main elements keys. The first decoration style, you can put or display sand and stone as the main decoration stuff. You can spread the sand over the ground and place the stone in specific area. It can be the therapeutic relaxation by walking ...

Bonsai, translated from Japanese as “tray planting,” is a millennia-old tradition that still thrives with plant enthusiasts today. Bonsai is an art, where tree and pot form a harmonious unit with synchronized shape, texture, and color. Many different types of bonsai trees exist today. Bonsai tree care includes pruning and trimming, while others can grow more freely. With the basics of bonsai tree care that follow, you can enjoy the grace and elegance of bonsai in your home or office. These tips will help you ensure that your bonsai plant lasts, making your bonsai gift a new hobby, too! Water and Humidity Bonsai tree care includes proper watering. Once a week, immerse your bonsai in water until the bubbles stop reaching the surface. Doing so, assures top to bottom watering and lets the pot and soil soak up their maximum holding capacity. Do not use too much water pressure (like a hose) as this can blast soil out of pots; be sure to get an adjustable spray nozzle to allow for dif...

When added to the backyard, an inground pool offers entertainment, leisure, exercise opportunities -- and an increase in value to your home. A  study  found that an in-ground swimming pool adds about 8 percent to your home's value. The typical pool maintenance schedule involves a few weekly and monthly tasks, along with several daily tips to keep in mind. If there isn't a pool supply store convenient to your home, most super stores and home improvement stores also offer pool care equipment and supplies. In-Season 1-Check your pool’s pH and chlorine levels at least twice per week. Your pool water should maintain a pH range of 7.4 to 7.6 and a chlorine level of 1.0 to 3.0 parts per million (ppm), according to the My Pool Supply website. Test the pool water levels at dusk at least four hours after all swimmers have left the water and at least eight hours after a rain or wind storm. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for the testing strips you choose. If necessary, add prod...