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Pruning that is done by the amateur gardener is carried out to maintain a plant that has been already trained in a nursery. However, many keen gardeners grow shrubs and even trees from cuttings and seed, even though it is better to leave a large tree to the experts, because of the special equipment required and the risks involved. The principles that must guide the gardener when he picks up a pair of secateurs should always be ‘a well pruned plant is a beautiful and healthy plant’ and ‘pruning well carried out should almost be undetectable’.

Trees do not necessarily have to be pruned. The reason for pruning them is to shape or keep a specimen that displays the finest features of a particular species. Any work carried out should be limited to encouraging or assisting the natural development of each plant as it grows from a young tree into a fully grown one and to avoid defects that might turn out to be harmful to the tree.

Shrubs can be pruned to emphasize their ornamental features but it is important to strike a balance between encouraging the production of flowers and allowing the plant to continue to grow and develop. Another objective in pruning is to maintain the characteristic form of each species, encouraging the branches and stems to develop and grow in a way that allows the plant to achieve its natural potential.

Sometimes pruning is needed to encourage the growth of a properly balanced plant. The weakest shoots may need to be cut back hard to one, two or three shoots to stimulate vigorous growth or it may be necessary to reduce by two or three shoots only the most vigorous and strongly growing branches so as not to put too much stress on the plant’s other stems.

Pruning is also carried out to maintain the youngest shoots which are the most productive. The last but by no means the least important aim in pruning is to protect the plant’s health.

All branches that are dry, diseased, broken or damaged in any way should be removed by cutting into the nearest healthy wood immediately above a well-developed shoot. Smaller branches that are too slender, too thick or that cross in the center of the plant or any that are badly positioned should also be removed by cutting at the base of the young wood but not the main branch from which it is growing.

These actions, which are intended to eliminate possible sources of disease and to maintain an open, regular shape into which sun and air can penetrate freely, should be carried out annually on all plants regardless of when they flower. In areas with a very hot climate this can be the end of summer. In cold areas it is better to wait until the end of winter. Where there is snow it is prudent to anticipate possible damage and in autumn cut the longest braches back or tie them into bundles.

Observation and an understanding of the ways in which a plant grows are useful when deciding if and when to prune. First it is important to check whether the plant flowers on wood grown during the same year as the flowering taking place or on wood that grew in a previous year. This knowledge will dictate the best time to prune.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Gardening

[tags]gardening[/tags]

Console tables are often magnificent pieces of furniture. The problem is, many people don’t know where console tables look best and they’re not exactly sure where to put them. Even the most beautiful console table in the world is going to look funny if you have it set smack dab in the middle of a room like a coffee table. Because of this, figuring out where console tables look best is critical when it comes to decorating your home.

For each individual person, knowing where console tables look best is a matter of understanding the layout of their home. Is there a lot of unused wall space in the living room? Place a console table up against it and hang a picture over the table. Do you want a console table in your living room but you don’t have the wall space for it? Another living room area where console tables look best is right behind the sofa.

Another area where console tables look best is in large foyers. Oftentimes large foyers can look sterile and empty. By dressing these areas up with well-designed console tables and other d

Dear friends, successful design is a relative term. What is good
or successful for me may not be so from your point of view.

But when it comes to interior design, there are certain factors
which are always present no matter what the use of the space is.
Let’s have a look at the bare minimum design factors a space
must have so that it can be called a comfortable and habitable
space.

1) Proportions of the room.

The word “proportions” is always used in the design field. Every
interior space which is being used by humans must be proportionate.
Proportions are extremely important in any design.

Every 3 dimensional object has properties such as length, width and
height. When these 3 are in accordance with the proportions of
various parts of human body we call it a “proportionate” design.

For example a handle of a wardrobe must have dimensions such that
our fingers can hold it properly for effortless and smooth action.
or a chair seat must have enough are so that we can sit comfortably.
Again the type of seating will change the dimensions of the chair.
A chair in waiting lobby of a bank will be different than a sofa.

So proportions play a major role in interior design and furniture
in your bedroom must also follow these rules. The dimensions of
the double bed, it’s height from floor level, height of wardrobe,
dimensions of dressing table, etc…all these matter as far as
function is concerned.

2) Natural light entering the room.

There is no alternative for naturally lit spaces. Sun being the
strongest source of light and also helps to keep the biological
balance of the planet Earth, it is very much necessary in the
interior spaces.

Study shows that natural light can penetrate in an interior space
up to 20 feet (Approx. 7 meters). Using appropriate position for
window opening can easily achieve this.

3) Natural Ventilation

A free and unobstructed flow of air can be a great way to keep
the atmosphere cool and clean in an interior space. This is possible
where bedrooms are located at the corner of the building where 2
sides of the bedrooms have external faces.

Where it is not possible to provide windows on adjacent faces or
opposite faces, a ventilator above the window is used. The concept
behind the ventilator is simple. The lower half the bedroom height is
always used by the habitants. Because of the constant use of this
are the air temperature rises and air becomes light weight.

This hot air rises above and must need an escape. At such times
ventilators above the window openings play a major role of
circulating the flow through the room in an upward direction.
When the lower portion of the room becomes empty fresh air from window
takes its position, thus maintaining a balance.

4) Clear Movement Patterns.

Every bedroom has certain exit points attached to it. Such as

a) Exit to balcony/ terrace.

b) Exit to toilet block/ walk in closet

c) Exit to backyard (if on ground floor)

If we draw an imaginary line from the entry point to all these
exit points, ideally the should not intersect. Since all other
areas are already occupied with furniture, keeping the inside
circulation space clear, helps to achieve a comfortable
space.

5) Good Provision For Inclusion Of Accessories.

Accessories in a bedroom have equal importance. When all other
factors mentioned above are fairly met what remains is the
use of accessories which can make quite a lot of difference in the
comfort level of the habitants.

a) The first and the most important is a good provision of
artificial lighting. This includes basic lighting as well as
special decorative lighting for decorative purposes.

b) Special provision for upholstery and linen. Small details such
as curtain rods, provision for bed canopies can make the room
extra decorative.

c) Use materials that are easy to clean and maintain. For example
if you are using PVC flooring sheets on top of standard tiled flooring,
is it washable? Think of what will happen if your child uses it
as a painting canvas.

The discussion above was an attempt to look for some universal
factor that can affect the comfort level of the users in a bedroom.
Finally the feeling which you get when you use your bedroom is most
important and is a good measure to decide the success factor of
the design project.

However it is important to note that these are not the only factors
that need to be looked upon, but I’m sure these can help as a starting
point for further creative thinking.

I hope this article was informative to everyone.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya

Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of Bedroom-Design-And-Decorating-Ideas.com Visit today to find some great concept level design tips for bedroom sets.

[tags]interior design, bedroom design, home improvement[/tags]

Price : $339.00

Features

• Classic Tongue and Groove, Solid Panel Arms
• Two Lounge Positions for Added Comfort
• Converts Easily from Full Size Couch to Bed
• Complete w/ a Quality 9" Cotton & Foam Futon
• Premium Southern Yellow Pine - Made in the USA - 7 Year Warranty

Product Description

Unfinished full size futon sofa-bed. It’s a sofa and a full-size bed PLUS our patented design allows for TWO lounge positions for added comfort in addition to the upright, seated position. Made of premium, southern yellow pine and comes unfinished so you can stain as you like to fit any decor or leave unfinished for the rustic look. Frame is rock solid, easy to assemble, easy to move and easy to convert from couch to bed and back again.With a Cape Cod appeal, the Everest is designed with a 3/4 thick tongue and groove panel style arm. Complete with a premium 9 cotton/fibre-foam futon mattress in natural. Our futons use premium Fibre-Foam which has a higher resilency and a much longer life than most futons sold today. The 9 has two thick layers of Fibre-Foam with blended cotton above, below and in between each layer. This futon will provide exceptional comfort for many years and is highly recommended. (Futon cover not included)

Customer Reviews

Review date : 2008-01-28
This is a nice piece of funiture. It doesn’t say in the description but the cover doesn’t come with it. That wasn’t a problem with me though. One of the holes was drilled in the wrong place on a back slat, also not a problem for me might be for someone though. Very easy to put together and takes stain nice. Very comfey too.

Review date : 2007-09-05

Relatively easy to assemble. Very strong and sturdy yet attractive and very comfortable.
The folks selling this item were fantastic to deal with, very helpful, knowledgeable, not pushy and definetly FAST in delivery.
I highly recommend these folks.

If you are living in a colder climate, it makes you recognize how important thermal
curtains can be used for insulating a house. A cost efficient option, to most additional
heating solutions, curtains are a fairly nominal one-time deal. They can keep your
house comfortable and warm all through the cruel winter months without sending your
heating bill through the top.

Thermal curtains are in the middle of the more useful tools for keeping a home warm.
Additional five times as efficient at insulating compared to a traditional curtain, they
use thermodynamics to keep heat in. Windows are a main source of heat loss, since the
panes conduct high-energy heat away from the home and in the direction of the low
energy area of the outside.

This difficulty is enhanced, by weakening frames and window casings that allow
pockets of cold air to leak in. Thermal curtain uses insulating fabric to create a fence
intended to block this procedure. They can be made from scratch, but these days, it is
just as simple to buy them online. The simplicity of the Internet makes it useful to look
for professional-grade goods that will actually do the trick throughout the most
horrible months of winter.

About The Author:

Roger King is a successful author and publisher of http://www.all-shower-
curtains.com. Thermal curtains and ideas to showcase your bed and bathroom.

[tags]Thermal curtains, Thermal curtains[/tags]

Do you like what you have but dont like your room? Heres the solution: pull your rooms together so they look finished and professionally decorated by following these techniques to add the wow to your rooms! (Ive used them in hundreds of homes!).

1. Paint the walls and ceiling a rich, warm neutral color or one of the colors in your rooms fabrics. Your furnishings will immediately look more at home. I call it marrying your architecture to your furnishings.

2. Next, move your seating away from the walls and group it around a fireplace, a view window or any logical focal point.

3. Now, add a generous area rug to accent and unify your entire seating area.

4. Fill any empty looking corners with large plants and soft up-lights. Add a decorative, folding screen for a fuller look.

5. Place your lamps to evenly and softly light your seating area. Use additional lighting to accent your artwork, collections and accessories.

6. Create a focal point on the coffee table by elevating one of your favorite accessories on a stack of several books (sans covers). This will give your treasure more presence. Then add a low, full green plant or a blooming orchid and a couple of large, glowing candles. If you like a fuller look, use a decorative tray or runner underneath.

7. Lastly, be sure to decorate the top half of your room (from the furniture up), with tall plants, window treatments, artwork and that wall color. The room will feel considerably larger, more interesting and most importantly finished!

These few changes will make all the difference so you can start enjoying living in a beautiful home!

Mary L. Brown of One Day Design is an interior re-designer who specializes in quickly transforming rooms using the furniture, accessories, and artwork people already have to give them a professionally decorated look! She’s been featured on FOXTV, NBC and HGTV. Download Marys FREE Top 10 Decorating Mistakes (and How to Avoid or Fix Them!) and sign up for her FREE decorating eNewsletter at http://www/OneDayDesign.com

More articles at articles host

A round mattress, like any other mattress, is just another way to get a good night sleep, isn’t it? Or is a round mattress more? Is a round mattress in some way even better? The ancient Greek Philosopher Plato, might have said, “Sleeping on a round mattress would be the ideal mattress.” Certainly Buckminster Fuller, the inventor of the Geodesic Sphere would have preferred a round mattress to the conventional square. In fact, what better addition to a round house, than a round mattress?

A square mattress just wouldn’t fit in a round house. But why round? What makes the circle so much more important to a philosopher, or a scientist? In one word; space According to Plato, who was well versed in geometry, the sphere is the ideal structure of the universe. While Buckminster Fuller enjoyed the sphere’s philosophical nature, he preferred to see it practically. Between the sphere and the tetrahedron, it is the sphere that occupies the smallest surface area in total, while containing the largest internal area, than any other solid. While the opposite is true for the tetrahedron, the same concept is used in analyzing the area of the circle and triangle. Geometrically, ROUND is bigger on the inside, and smaller on the outside. Paradoxal, but true; even if two triangles are fit together to make a square; the circle still has more space inside it.

To the sleeper, space is one of the most important characteristics of comfort, because it means having the freedom to move the body to its most preferred position, and still staying within the relaxing support zone of the bed. Space, is more than comfort, space is freedom. Not just freedom of movement for one single person, round mattresses, can be made to accommodate, couples as well.

The comfort zone however, for some, can be different, than for others. One of the nicest features of the round mattress is it’s adaptability to individual needs. As there is a larger inner special area than in the conventional square or rectangular mattresses, the circle allows customized split mattresses to be far roomier than traditional split mattresses. So that if of the two people sleeping in the bed, one needs a totally different kind of mattress than the other, a split round mattress can provide the ideal mattress sleep requirements for both.

If a sleeper is to feel relaxed on a mattress, it is important that the mattress is one which abides to their sense of aesthetics. Many people prefer round mattresses, merely because of their aesthetic nature. Round mattresses just seem to be more pleasing to the human eye. To this, Plato would most agree. As the circle invoked in him such a spiritual side, that just isn’t the case with most people. Most people just think it is a nice looking mattress, something different, something unique, to give life a little bit of taste. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so no really logical conclusion can be made as to why people seem to think a round mattress is aesthetic, the important thing is that the person feels better sleeping on it rather than a traditional one, the point is relaxation.

A round mattress is more spacious and offers more freedom of movement. Due to its unique design, its round nature, it becomes far more adaptable to individual needs as soft as a cloud to as firm as a mountain. You will feel like you are floating on the surface of a timid blue lake. You will relax.

About the author: Thomas Jay Wacker is the General Manager and V.P. of http://www.simplepedic.com. Wacker has over 20 years experience in the home furnishing industry and leads the Wacker Management Team in Denver Colorado.

[tags]mattress,mattresses[/tags]

Do you like what you have but dont like your room? Heres the solution: pull your rooms together so they look finished and professionally decorated by following these techniques to add the wow to your rooms! (Ive used them in hundreds of homes!).

1. Paint the walls and ceiling a rich, warm neutral color or one of the colors in your rooms fabrics. Your furnishings will immediately look more at home. I call it marrying your architecture to your furnishings.

2. Next, move your seating away from the walls and group it around a fireplace, a view window or any logical focal point.

3. Now, add a generous area rug to accent and unify your entire seating area.

4. Fill any empty looking corners with large plants and soft up-lights. Add a decorative, folding screen for a fuller look.

5. Place your lamps to evenly and softly light your seating area. Use additional lighting to accent your artwork, collections and accessories.

6. Create a focal point on the coffee table by elevating one of your favorite accessories on a stack of several books (sans covers). This will give your treasure more presence. Then add a low, full green plant or a blooming orchid and a couple of large, glowing candles. If you like a fuller look, use a decorative tray or runner underneath.

7. Lastly, be sure to decorate the top half of your room (from the furniture up), with tall plants, window treatments, artwork and that wall color. The room will feel considerably larger, more interesting and most importantly finished!

These few changes will make all the difference so you can start enjoying living in a beautiful home!

Mary L. Brown of One Day Design is an interior re-designer who specializes in quickly transforming rooms using the furniture, accessories, and artwork people already have to give them a professionally decorated look! She’s been featured on FOXTV, NBC and HGTV. Download Marys FREE Top 10 Decorating Mistakes (and How to Avoid or Fix Them!) and sign up for her FREE decorating eNewsletter at http://www/OneDayDesign.com

More articles at articles database

Molded from porcelain, toilets are the basic essential for a bathroom. With the ever dwindling supply of water, manufacturers have been pushed to create toilets that require as little water as possible in order to properly dispose of waste material.

Toilets are not all the same and their ability to flush with lower quantities of water has required extensive engineering. Toilets are basically made up of two pieces, the bowl and the tank. Water is held in the tank and then released into the bowl. Even one piece units operate in this manner, the only difference being, the tank and bowl have been manufactured using a common one piece mold.

Toilets also come in a range of seat heights and there are two basic bowl configurations, standard and elongated.

Besides the aesthetics of the toilet, if you are concerned about flushing capability you must consider:
the diameter of the valve hole from the bowl to the tank - the larger the hole the more water that is released instantly into the bowl, providing a superior flushing action.
the number of holes in the rim that release the water, the more holes the better the swirling action, the better the swirling action the better the bowl cleaning.

Toilets do not need to have traps installed within the drain plumbing system, because toilets have the trap molded into the bowl.

Many manufacturers have designed matching sinks or basins, including pedestal mount units and matching bathtubs.

As with most items, colors between manufacturers vary and it is important, especially if sinks or basins, toilets and tubs are in close proximity that the colors match. A white made by one manufacturer can look grey against the white of another manufacturer. If you are purchasing units from different manufacturers take a toilet tank top and place it on the sink or bathtub and look at the color variations, before you buy.

Toilet tanks will come with their own flush handles, however many bathroom design accessories companies have made handles that match towel bars, soap dishes and other items. Flush handles are generally easily replaceable with most toilet models.

Toilet seats now come in a variety of colors and materials, many toilets do not come with their own seats. Again, color matching is important and not all seats work properly with all toilets.

For additional information on bathroom fixtures for your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

[tags]toilet, renovation, replacing a toilet, renovate, bathroom, powder room, diy, do-it-yourself, reno[/tags]

Do you like what you have but dont like your room? Heres the solution: pull your rooms together so they look finished and professionally decorated by following these techniques to add the wow to your rooms! (Ive used them in hundreds of homes!).

1. Paint the walls and ceiling a rich, warm neutral color or one of the colors in your rooms fabrics. Your furnishings will immediately look more at home. I call it marrying your architecture to your furnishings.

2. Next, move your seating away from the walls and group it around a fireplace, a view window or any logical focal point.

3. Now, add a generous area rug to accent and unify your entire seating area.

4. Fill any empty looking corners with large plants and soft up-lights. Add a decorative, folding screen for a fuller look.

5. Place your lamps to evenly and softly light your seating area. Use additional lighting to accent your artwork, collections and accessories.

6. Create a focal point on the coffee table by elevating one of your favorite accessories on a stack of several books (sans covers). This will give your treasure more presence. Then add a low, full green plant or a blooming orchid and a couple of large, glowing candles. If you like a fuller look, use a decorative tray or runner underneath.

7. Lastly, be sure to decorate the top half of your room (from the furniture up), with tall plants, window treatments, artwork and that wall color. The room will feel considerably larger, more interesting and most importantly finished!

These few changes will make all the difference so you can start enjoying living in a beautiful home!

Mary L. Brown of One Day Design is an interior re-designer who specializes in quickly transforming rooms using the furniture, accessories, and artwork people already have to give them a professionally decorated look! She’s been featured on FOXTV, NBC and HGTV. Download Marys FREE Top 10 Decorating Mistakes (and How to Avoid or Fix Them!) and sign up for her FREE decorating eNewsletter at http://www/OneDayDesign.com

More articles at articles database