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Every autumn, I receive lots of email from growers telling me how they brought their
Venus Flytraps indoors because of a weather forecast predicting frost.

It is a myth, plain and simple, that these North American carnivorous plants must be
protected from frost. Ironically, frost is what helps them survive the winter!

Frost is the signal that plants need to know when it is time to go dormant. As
Flytraps prepare for dormancy (and yes, they need to go dormant), they produce
anti-freeze chemicals that help them survive freezing temperatures.

So, if you prevent your Venus Flytraps from experiencing frost, you prevent them
from producing those anti-freeze chemicals. More importantly, you put your plants
at risk and make it much harder on yourself.

You see, without any anti-freeze chemicals, Flytraps must always be protected from
freezing temperatures. But, at the same time, they still need cool temperatures to
slow down in growth and go dormant.

But, without frost, plants rarely enter deep dormancy. At the most, they enter what
is called a winter rest. This is when plants are still growing, but they grow very
slowly and their leaves look weak and listless. Flytraps in this state of growth
actually require more care than those that go completely dormant.

Caring for Venus Flytraps during dormancy is very easy. Once dormant, simply keep
the soil moist and protect the plant whenever the temperature goes below 20

The installation of a new bathroom vanity and countertop can transform an outdated bathroom into a contemporary one. Installing a vanity and countertop is simple to do and can be purchased from any home improvement store for less than $500.

Remove the old Vanity and Countertop

First turn off the water supplies under the vanity. Next disconnect the supply lines at the valves. Then disconnect the drain pipe at the trap (the j-shaped section underneath the vanity).
Next remove the corner screws that are securing the top of the old vanity to the countertop. The countertop should then be able to be lifted off of the old vanity.

After the countertop has been separated from the vanity, remove the faucet hardware if you plan on reusing the existing faucet. Make sure, however, when purchasing your new vanity countertop that it will support the faucet configuration (one hole or three holes - and the number of inches between the holes - center to center).

After the countertop and faucet have been removed from the work area, unscrew the back and/or side screws that hold the vanity to the wall(s). Then remove the vanity from the bathroom.

Installing the new Vanity and Countertop

Slide the new vanity into the location where the previous vanity resided. Note: you will probably need to remove/cut away a portion of the back of the new vanity to allow the supply lines and drainage pipe to slide through. A jig saw works fine for this effort. Just make a couple of pilot holes with a drill and then use the jig saw to cut out the appropriate area.

Once the vanity is in position, you will need to square it up with the back or side walls and make sure it sits level. If there are imperfections in the walls when attempting to square it up (e.g. the walls are not straight), you can either scribe the vanity or use a small piece of trim to hide any imperfections. Scribing involves using a compass and cutting/shaving away a strip of the vanity edge such that the entire length of the cabinet edge sits evenly against the wall.

In order to level the vanity, shims may be necessary to temporarily hold the vanity in place. Make sure the vanity is level back to front and side to side. Then, using screws fasten the vanity to the walls. Make sure the screws are securely fastened to studs behind the sheetrock.

Once the vanity has been secured, it is now time to tackle the new countertop.

It is best to mount the faucet assembly to the countertop before placing the countertop onto the vanity. Once the faucet/supply lines and drain pipe have been installed to the countertop you are ready to place the countertop onto the vanity. However, it is best to lay a bead of Liquid Nails (caulk adhesive) along the top of the vanity first. This will help to ensure that the countertop remains securely fastened to the vanity. In some cases, this may be all that is necessary or desired for securing the countertop to the vanity.

Place the countertop on top of the vanity making sure it sits square. Use screws to secure the vanity to the countertop. Usually there are corner blocks on the vanity to secure the screws to the countertop. Make sure, however, that you use screws that will not penetrate through the top of the vanity.

Finally connect the supply line feeds (dangling down from the faucet) to the copper supply lines. Then connect the drain pipe of the bowl/sink to the J-Trap drainage pipe.

Turn on the hot/cold water supply line valves and you are done.

Me_Donovan@comcast.net
http://www.homeadditionplus.com
http://www.homeaddition.blogspot.com

Over the past 20+ years Mr. Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. Mr. Donovan’s formal education and profession have been as an Electrical Engineer and Marketing Manager.

[tags]Bathroom, Faucet, Vanity, Countertop, water, supply lines, home improvement, sink, jigsaw, jig saw,[/tags]

Today there are many ways to decorate a home with exotic furniture for a unique design. Whether you prefer Asian or Western d

Oh yes the fall is coming and its happening very fast. So what do you do to make your home a castle once again? Believe it or not it is the little things that make all the difference to your home.

Such little things as cleaning up around your house and pulling out the weeds is what can make your house look new again. There are also little tricks you can do with the grass to make it look perfect next year.

Now there is one thing to keep in mind here. If you are planning on a major home improvement project coming up soon you just may want to wait. Why spend all that time when it all may just be ripped up again. No body wants to do that.

However, if you are not planning on a big home improvement project anytime soon then you may want to go ahead and try sprucing up your home.

All it takes is a little know how and some good old fashioned work. After that you will be home free, well sorta.

Follow these simple tips and you too can transform you old looking house into a new looking radiating masterpiece.

1. Clean up around the flower beds a little. Flower beds always seem to attract stuff. And that’s putting it simple. Clean all you can out of them and you will be pleasantly surprised.

2. Cut down some high bushes. Bushes and small trees that are close to the home can give a crowded look to your home. Stand back and try to visualize what thing would look like without them.

3. Cut low hanging branches from trees. Branches from trees that hang over driveways and walkways can again give a crowded look. Make sure you use safety first when trying to cut down anything.

4. Prepare the grass for the next year. Scotts has a great lawn product that you put on 4 times a year. Go to Wal-Mart and you can pick this up. Remember, if you have crab grass and other things in your lawn. Getting rid of them the year before will do the trick.

As you can see, this is a little spring cleaning in the fall. This and a few other things you can think of will make your house a new home again. It may take some time but you will be a happy camper.

Always remember it’s the little things that make the most difference. If you pay attention to them, you will have the home of your dreams in no time at all.

Looking for a good contractor in Cleveland, ohio? We have just the solution you are looking for.
King Home Improvement offers great quality service.
http://www.kinghomerepair.com

[tags]home improvement, home repair, cleveland, ohio, new home repair tips[/tags]

Gardening is perhaps one of the best hobbies that a more laborious nature lover can take up. The reason why I choose to call this hobby laborious is because it surely does involve a good deal of physical activity. This hobby is not meant for those nature lovers who simply want to bask in the natural beauty that already exists. Rather it is an ideal pass time for those who want to make their own contribution to the nature.

In order to be successful in gardening one must have the following qualities: -

1.) Besides having a love for gardening you should also have the will and determination to pursue your hobby.

2.) You must be physically fit and agile. Laziness and gardening are anonymous to each other.

3.) Learn to exchange your ideas and information with like-minded people who can show an equal passion for gardening.

4.) Try laying your hands on almost any books, magazines or articles that can enhance your knowledge on gardening.

5.) Be prepared to invest a small amount of your earnings in purchasing the “Can’t do without”, gardening tools.

The world of gardening is wide and it has immense possibilities for those who want to explore it with the right zeal and enthusiasm. You can choose from indoor gardening, outdoor gardening, landscaping, cultivating exotic herbs, growing bonsais and thus the list is endless. However it is important to do a fair amount of research work before delving into any of the above fields. You should master up the art of choosing the right plants and also learn the techniques favorable for their productivity and growth.

Growing plants is not enough. Deciding where the plants should grow is also an important aspect of gardening. Nothing can be more distasteful than a garden which has color clashing flowers growing all around in a haphazardly manner. So be careful about allocating the plants their respective locations. Arrange the assortments of flowers in accordance with their heights, textures and colors so that they complement each other without diminishing the beauty of your garden.

Keep aside one day from the entire week to be your gardening day. Generally week -ends would be a good choice. On this day, equip your self with all the essential gardening tools and accessories and get down to your work. If you have children or friends who are equally interested in gardening call for their assistance. The more the merrier!

Once you are done for the day clean your tools well and store them in their right place. Be sure to maintain your gardening tools because well maintained tools can give you years of good performance. After all tools aren’t something that you can afford to buy every week.

Whether you are an efficient gardener or not can be best proved by your garden itself. So stop twiddling your thumbs and put your green fingers to use. As far as gardening is concerned, if you have really put in hard work your efforts will never go futile.

Lisa Marx for http://www.gardening-information-online.com.

[tags]gardening, garden[/tags]

Imagine starting your morning with a saunter out the back door to enjoy a cup of coffee in your garden hot tub, or relaxing just before bed with a lazy soak in your backyard hot tub under the stars. More and more homeowners are taking the plunge (pardon the pun!) and installing a hot tub in their backyard or garden. If it all sounds tempting to you, here are a few things to consider when deciding where and whether to put a hot tub in YOUR backyard.

- Do you have the space?

A hot tub may look small, but even the smallest hot tubs weigh hundreds of pounds - thousands when filled with water. You’ll need to figure in space for the plumbing and controls as well - and if your county requires security fencing around your tub, you’ll need to take that into consideration as well when you’re planning for your garden hot tub.

- Where will you put it?

No, really, it’s not the same question as above. Because of their weight and the need for plumbing and electricity, you’ll need to plan the location of your hot tub carefully. A hot tub on the patio or deck may sound wonderful - but it will need reinforcement to carry that much weight safely. Besides structural considerations, there are practical ones that are a lot more fun to consider. Do you want it close to the house - perhaps just outside your bedroom sliders so that you can slip in and out of it easily? Choose a spot for your backyard hot tub that gives you privacy, beauty and convenience.

- Do you want a seasonal or year-round hot tub?

You might think that soaking in a hot tub in your garden in winter is a chilling experience, but there’s something especially cozy about watching the snowflakes fall from the relaxing warmth of a garden hot tub. If you’d like to use your hot tub year round, discuss weather proofing with the construction company, and while you’re at it, consider a gazebo roof or similar protection for rainy days as well.

- What are the zoning regulations in your area?

In many townships and cities, outdoor backyard hot tubs require the same protections as swimming pools. The regulations may require a locked privacy fence around your garden, or at least around the hot tub itself to prevent accidental drowning.

- How large a hot tub do you want?

A two-person hot tub is cozy and romantic, but garden hot tubs can spark some wonderful entertaining and parties. Will you want to invite the neighbors or workmates to party with you in your garden hot tub once in a while? A 4-8 person tub isn’t that much more expensive, and gives you the option of coziness and entertainment.

- Should you choose an in-ground or above ground garden hot tub?

The choice is strictly a matter of preference. In-ground garden hot tubs can blend into the landscaping in your back yard - but with the proper surrounds (a garden gazebo? A glass conservatory?) so can an above ground hot spa tub. Price is another consideration here - an in-ground hot tub will require excavation that will make both construction and maintenance more costly.

- What can I do in a garden or back yard hot tub?

Ah, now - do you really need ME to tell you that? Simply enjoy!

Garry John contributes to home and garden sites such as hot tubs.

[tags]hot tubs[/tags]

When you invite guests to come to your home to share a meal with you, setting an attractive table is as important as serving good food. Your table setting is the first thing that your guests will see and can actually influence their appetites. This is why you should chose your setting carefully, based on whether the dinner is to be casual or elegant.

If you are having a formal dinner, then using a cream colored, linen tablecloth with matching cloth napkins is great for this type of dinner. You an accent it with a crystal or gold vase filled with flowers. Be sure to use a low vase, so that your guests’ views of each other will not be blocked and you can use a large one for the center of the table and two small matching ones at the end. Candles also add a touch of elegance. Instead of using typical candle holders, considering using votives that you can set in bowls of water. Floating scented candles are another way to add grace and elegance to your table. If you prefer a modern type of elegance, then forget about using your grandmother’s china and purchase some of the newer dinnerware that uses colorful geometric shapes.

If you are having a casual dinner, then consider using brightly colored tablecloths and napkins. They add festiveness to the table and can be complimented with floral arrangements that match the colors that you use. You can buy utensils that have colored stems and glasses in colors to match. There are many casual place mats that are attractive and affordable. They will not only add a since of style to your place setting but will protect your table cloth as well.

Themed dinners such as those served at holiday time, can be especially fun to decorate for. There is lots of dinnerware and utensils that have holiday themes and you can even band miniature Christmas tree ornaments together to make attractive compliments to your table. Red and gold are great colors to use for these dinners and don’t forget to break out the punch bowl for eggnog. If wine is going to be served, use crystal stemware.

How you serve the food is also important. You should have pitchers of water at each end of the table and serve the appetizers first. Once they have been eaten, clear the table to make room for the main dishes. Replace soiled napkins and refill the water pitchers.

Your desert should be as inviting as the main course. Consider peach cobbler or a chocolate layer cake. Always have a sugar free alternative in case one of your guests can not eat food that contains sugar.
Be attentive to your guests and engage them in conversation. Make them laugh and they will appreciate you even more.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as indoor decor at http://www.indoorandoutdoordecor.com

[tags]home accessories,home decorating, interior design, home accents[/tags]

I grew up on a farm in the 40’s, and one of the most pleasant things in our lives was sitting around the kitchen, which was the center of the household. Mom was an excellent cook, and I remember well the old farm kitchen sink, which was always a focal point.

Currently there are three primary types of kitchen sinks: self-rimming, under mount, and farm. Self-rimming, or drop-in sinks, sit on top of the counter top. This is the least attractive sink option, and the least practical, as the countertops cannot be wiped off directly into the sink. The rim prevents this from happening smoothly. Food particles get stuck between the sink and the counter top and breed bacteria and mold, which can, in turn attract pests.

Farm sinks are the most pleasing of all kitchen sinks. My mother had a one piece sink with high back that was a central part of the kitchen. She could do her canning, have room for supplies, and yet not need a great deal of counter space in the kitchen to hold other items. We had the sink, stove, and the kitchen table in our farm home. It was all we needed. Farm sinks are an entire sink unit which intentionally breaks the flow of the counter top as an appliance would. They have a finished front wall which leads directly up and over into the basin of the sink. Farm sinks are made of many materials. but the most attractive ones are made of granite, marble, or travertine. The rock travertine is a natural chemical precipitate of carbonate minerals; typically aragonite, but often recrystallized to or primary calcite; which is deposited from the water of mineral springs (especially hot springs) or streams saturated with calcium carbonate. When pure, travertine is white, but often is brown to yellow due to impurities. For the heavily-used kitchen, granite farm sinks are the most practical.

Sinks are getting more attention today, not only as design elements, but as practical features. My wife loves anything shabby chic, and we have been looking for a farm kitchen sink for our loft. We live in a 110 year old livery stable, and it is my heart’s desire. We are fortunate enough to have the original hardwood floors, with all the “medals of honor” of bygone years, and a great kitchen that suits my need as an experienced chef.
There is the possibility that you don’t have enough room for the sink that you want. In this case, a bump-out can be built. A bump-out is where the counter top and cabinet at the sink extend several inches away from the wall, out into the kitchen, to provide a bit more space for the sink. Bump-outs can be extremely attractive, especially to highlight a particularly beautiful sink.

All things considered, a farm kitchen sink is a lovely addition to any kitchen. I am a firm believer that cooking must be an experience, and one to relish. things need to be right in the home kitchen, and what better way than with a farm kitchen sink?

Alden Smith is an award winning author who has been
marketing on the internet for over 7 years. His site, http://farmhouse.charlieallnut.com, is loaded with articles and information for anyone considering buying, renovating, or needing information on farm houses. http://charlieallnut.com is the resource place for people seeking information on a variety of subjects, from health related issues to farm houses, buying gold, and other subjects.

[tags]farm kitchen sink, farm house kitchen, farm house plans, farm house renovation[/tags]

Pruning can improve the health, productivity and appearance of your trees and shrubs. But improper pruning can destroy the shape of your plants and also cause more harm than good. Following a few simple guidelines can help make the right decisions when deciding what to prune out of your trees and shrubs.

First, remove the three D’s, dead, diseased or damaged branches. Also prune out branches that cross each other. Trees do best with only one leader, which is the main upright trunk of the tree. If there is a branch competing to be the leader it should be pruned.

Understand your plant’s shape. Is it natural creeping, mounding or upright? Visualize what shape the mature plant will be and prune out branches that interfere with the natural shape.

Remove suckers. Some plants, such as glossy black chokeberries tend to send up suckers which are new shoots from where the stem meets the root. Carefully cut out the suckers which interfere with the shape of the plant.

Timing. Generally it is best to prune plants in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. However, for spring and early summer blooming shrubs and trees, such as lilacs, wait until after the bloom and then trim. This will help you to avoid cutting off the current buds.

In pruning it is best to recognize your limitations. For tall trees or high branches you may need to call a professional arborist. Also, if you have any questions on what or when to prune make sure you do more research before getting out those clippers.

Donna Evans is co-owner of Gizmo Creations LLC, a landscape and website design firm, located just north of Brainerd, Minesota. Gizmo Creations has over 20 years of landscape design experience. For more information on landscaping or website design go to http://www.gizmocreations.com.

[tags]landscape, gardening, pruning[/tags]

Decorating your child’s room should be fun and exciting for all involved. The most important thing to remember when planning or decorating your child’s room is to keep the decor age appropriate. You wouldn’t want to decorate your 3 year old daughter’s room in the same style as your 13 year old daughter’s room. That doesn’t mean you have to start decorating all over every few years. What it means is that you should strive to create a room that will grow with your little girl /little boy but is age appropriate. Some helpful tips follow.

Get a feel for what colors your child likes. If they are fairly young show them a box of crayons and let them pick out their favorite colors. Use those colors as inspiration for the child’s room decor. The older child or children can easily tell you what colors they prefer.

Don’t force your style or color likes and dislikes on your children. Despite their young age they are developing their personality’s and their rooms are an extension of it. (Of course if they insist on all black walls and Marilyn Manson posters, it’s reasonable to say No). The lesson here is to set limits but also to give your child room to create their special place in the home.

Use your imagination (ask your child for input) when painting your child’s room. The wall treatments can range from applying a calming and soothing neutral wall color to creating fantastic murals that bring your child’s dreams to life. I highly recommend Debbie Travis’ Painting book for children’s rooms if you want unique and interesting paint ideas. Decoupage is another form of decorative finishes that you can use to create a truly unique and magical child’s room.

Furniture themes for your child’s room can be: whimsical with butterflies and bees, elegant a la French country style, romantic like a princess inspired theme complete with a half crown above the bed, heroic like a firefighter inspired theme for a boy’s room with a fire engine truck for a bunkbed, a charming rustic lodge style complete with log cabin headboard and so many others! You can buy many of these themed furniture pieces or you can create some of them yourself.

About The Author

Carmen Natschke is a designer, speaker and co-founder of Room In A Kit LLC. She is passionate about decorating and has shared that passion with hundreds of women through her Decorating Divas workshops and seminars. To read more decorating articles by Carmen visit (http://www.roominakit.com).

[tags]children,kids,bedroom,decorating,decorating tips,home decor,interior design,parents[/tags]