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Dating back to 7000 B. C., zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) is native to Central and South America. Sometimes called by the nickname “Italian Squash,” zucchini was brought to North America by its southern neighbours. Early European explorers introduced zucchini to Italy and other countries in Europe. Italians initially grew zucchini for their sweet, edible blossoms, later the hearty fruits were experimented with producing the delectable dishes that resulted in zucchini being dubbed Italian squash. Up until the 20th Century, most Americans considered zucchini a treat reserved for eating on special occasions and were store-bought instead of grown in gardens.

Part of the summer squash family, zucchini is an excellent source of manganese and vitamin C, a very good source of magnesium, vitamin A, potassium, calcium, iron, folate, copper, riboflavin, niacin, and phosphorous. Many of the nutrients have been shown to be helpful for the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. Summer squash’s magnesium has been shown to be helpful for reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Together with the potassium in summer squash, magnesium is also helpful for reducing high blood pressure. All summer squash are perfect diet foods - low in calories, sodium, fat-free, and provide a source of fiber. All parts of the zucchini are edible.

How To Grow

Zucchini is probably the best known of the summer squashes. It is a type of narrow squash that resembles a cucumber in size and shape. It has smooth, thin skin that is either yellow or green in colour and can be striped or speckled. Its tender flesh is creamy white in colour and features numerous seeds. Its edible flowers are often used in French and Italian cooking.

Zucchini can be planted by direct seeding or by transplanting young plants that have been started indoors. Seed directly into the ground as soon as the soil reaches temperatures of 60

While the vast majority of individuals, think about home construction projects in the contest of bricks and lumber. Most projects involve the use of many products that contain chemicals.

There are two very important considerations when it comes to chemicals in products used for construction. The first concern is the general safety issues that are associated with the use and storage of the products and the second is the concern about chemicals that could have longer negative affects on individuals who suffer from allergies and asthma or have other respiratory problems.

Although common sense may tell us to never mix products that have chemical bases, it happens every day. The most common occurrence of product mixing is with cleaning products. Many cleaning products are chlorine based while just as many are ammonia based. Both are excellent cleaning agents and while it is of the utmost importance that care be taken when using products with either of these base chemicals - safety goggles and rubber gloves as they are toxic unto themselves. Mixing them produces chlorine gas, which is deadly. Mixing chemicals does not always occur by pouring one liquid into another, it can occur by accident or without thought - spilling chemicals on a floor or using one chemical after another are common events. Another common error is to use the same sponge or rag with two different cleaning products. Pouring chemicals down a drain, one after the other will allow the chemicals to mix in the drain trap.

It is almost impossible to undertake a home renovation or home improvement project without the use of a chemically based product. All glues, adhesives, mortar, cement, thin set, caulking, paints, polyurethanes, lacquer, and strippers are based on some chemical composition.

All chemically based products should be treated with a great deal of respect and caution.

Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions - believe it or not, the manufacturer does know the safest and best way to use and store their product. It is also wise to read and make a note of the health notification on the product. In many cases, once the product is being used the instructions and health information that is on the label is obliterated to a point where it can no longer be read.

Families that have allergies or respiratory problems should be careful about what chemicals may have been used in the manufacture of finished products. Items such as carpets and rugs use adhesives to bond the backing to the fibers. Laminate flooring is the bonding of paper and wood chips under compression using adhesive. The same manufacturing techniques are used to create sheets of plywood, chip, and particleboard, including engineered hardwood. Foam insulation and underlayments, nylon and rayon are all products derived from petroleum. All of the aforementioned products may release small quantities of chemicals into the air throughout their life.

If you are concerned about any product, contact the manufacturer and ask for information on the chemicals used in manufacturer.

For additional information on home improvement and renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters

[tags]chemical, safety, flooring, underlay, underlayment, chlorine, ammonia, cleaner,[/tags]

If you are looking to install a new kitchen into your home then you will find that there is a bewildering choice of free kitchen design ideas you could choose from to feed your own design plans.

Together with the bathroom the kitchen is the most important room in the house to get right in design terms.

Aside from the hall the kitchen receives the highest amount of foot traffic in the home. Most people spend a lot of time in the kitchen, especially families and if something is not right it will bug you every time you look at it.

I recommend you spend considerable time looking for free kitchen design ideas before you approach a kitchen design store. That way you will have a much more focused idea of what you are looking for and are more likely to encourage the salesperson to offer you a special deal. They will see you as a serious prospect who has spent time creating a strong vision and knows what they require.

Design ideas can be found in many places such as house and home magazines, kitchen showrooms, diy stores, kitchen web sites and friends’ houses. You should be able to formulate at least two or three design ideas using these methods.

In the meantime here is a list of 5 popular kitchen styles that you can investigate to get you started:

Country Style

This style is also called early american or colonial and creates a lovely quaint farm kitchen look.

Typically the kitchen will feature open shelves, pot racks and a general feeling of being well lived in, accented by the various color schemes of the cabinetry.

Contemporary

This style has clean and simple lines. Cabinets are usually futuristic in look with no carvings or particularly ornate features.

The emphasis is on style and practical sophistication.

Shaker

This is a simple and utilitarian style that features flat panel doors, wooden countertops and brass hardware.

French Country

These are warm inviting kitchens full of wood and soft colors.

Natural materials feature strongly as do large furniture pieces with ornate carvings.

Arts and Crafts

This is becoming a popular style and features glass doors and natural wood tones that are finished in a matte sheen.

This style can be very artistic.

Finally, take into account the themes you have used in other rooms to ensure that the kitchen design you finally choose fits well into your overall scheme.

I hope that our free kitchen design ideas help you to get a good start in your project.

Lorraine Smith runs an information web site that provides advice and examples of completed kitchens.

Visit her site at http://www.freekitchenideas.com and discover more free kitchen design ideas

[tags]kitchens,kitchen design,kitchen cabinets,fitted kitchens,kitchen furniture[/tags]

A dream home is the perfect place to get away from it all with family and friends according to Joann Wills, Sea Gull Lighting Products. Lighting fixtures done right can make your home more comfortable and livable. Fixtures can provide the right amount of light for the task at hand. Now, how to do that:

Understanding the lingo of fixed wire is critical in selecting your lighting. As important as understanding the lingo, creativity is a must. Don’t be afraid to step out on a limb when selecting fixtures. Fixtures create the mood of your home.

Fixed Wire - a light fixture that is permanently installed

Portable - light source that is movable such as a lamp

Chandeliers - fixtures that hang from the ceiling. Great for entry ways, dining rooms

Flushmount - a fixture whose body lies flush against the ceiling

Semi-flushmount - uses a stem to keep the body of the fixture slightly away from the ceiling

Vanity Strip - a multi light fixture about a sink mostly in bathrooms

Island Light - an elongated fixture designed to be hung over an island or billards table

Pendant - a hanging fixture with a bowl and no arms. Light can flow up or down

Mini-pendant - a smaller version of the pendant usually no more than 10″ in diameter

Ambient lighting should illuminate the entire room. The illumination should be done with layers and a mixture of lighting options. Too much light can cause a lifeless effect. A combination of fixed wire, table and floor lamps should be used to created the desired ambient effect.

A creative friend of mine just hung a smaller chandelier in the bathroom. It is absolutely outstanding. Try putting a pendant over a end table - a charming effect.

Connie Garrett is the owner of Sweet Peas Home Decor. Visit their website to sign up for the monthly newsletter at http://www.sweetpeashomedecor.com to learn other creative ideas for your home or office.

[tags]Lighting,interior,design,decor,furniture,sweet,peas,home,connie,garrett[/tags]

Are you ready to redecorate but have a limited budget? Do you have some great furniture but nothing matches? Do you love antiques but not stiff formal decor? Then think Shabby Chic, a fun decorating style that solves all these dilemmas and more.

Shabby Chic is one of the hottest trends in decorating, and for good reason. It is versatile, easy, and inexpensive. Shabby Chic is based on simplicity — simple color themes combined with your favorite furniture and art.

Shabby Chic can be anything you want it to be, and is a great way to bring your personal style to any room. Most Shabby Chic decor is based on a white-on-white or beige-on-beige theme. Soft pastels are often used as accent colors, but with a little creativity, you can add just about any color you want. A classic example of Shabby Chic would be to cover couches and overstuffed chairs with white slipcovers, whitewash your wood furniture and hang white airy curtains. Then hang your favorite painting or artwork in the most prominent place in the room.

Choose one or two colors in the painting as accent colors, and repeat the colors in throw pillows, flowers, soft throw blankets, and candles. Another great feature of Shabby Chic is the worn and well-loved look. That side table that has an interesting shape but has seen better days is perfect for Shabby Chic. Simply whitewash it and put a vase with flowers on top. Better yet, use an old china teapot or your grandmother’s favorite vase for the flowers. It’s the little details like this that make Shabby Chic work so well.

If you’re on a tight budget, Shabby Chic is a great choice. Make your own slipcovers with any durable white or beige fabric, and cover couches and chairs to match. Pick up interesting accessories at yard sales and flea markets, and paint them all the same shade of white. Pull out your favorite pictures and put them in frames painted white or coordinated accent colors. Throw in a few candles, flowers, and pillows, and you’ve got a beautiful Shabby Chic room.

Shabby Chic is also perfect for highlighting single pieces of furniture. Do you have a gorgeous, beloved antique but nothing else that goes with it? Decorate the room in Shabby Chic and let your antique be the center of attention.

Whatever your style, whatever your budget, whatever mismatched furniture you own, there’s a Shabby Chic look for you.

About The Author

Johann Erickson is the owner of Online Discount Mart (http://www.onlinediscountmart.com). Please email the author and include an active link to this website if you’d like to use this article.

marketing@4intrepid.com

[tags]shabby chic,decor,home decor,interior design,home interior,decorating,artwork,art,nick nacks,budgeti[/tags]

Adding a watercourse to your pond just became a whole lot easier, with Algreen’s newest innovation. In the past, adding a watercourse to your preformed pond typically involved purchasing a secondary preformed pond and manually connecting it to your main pond. This usually involved the drilling of holes into your secondary tier, and the use of tubing to divert the water flow from one pond into the other. Not only did this method involve quite a bit of labour, but it also left a length of exposed black PVC tubing, which was not easy to conceal through the use of plants and landscaping.

As you can clearly see, it used to be quite a headache to add a watercourse to your pond. Until now. Algreen has recently developed a new two-in-one preformed pond shell, the Derrilstone, which combines both a preformed pond and a spillway into one unit. The Derrilstone allows the beginner water gardener to quickly add a secondary tier to his/her pond by connecting the pond pump directly to its water intake nozzle (situated on the front side wall of the spillway). As the Derrilstone fills up with water, the water overflows and trickles over the built-in spillway. If placed directly over the main pond, the spillway can create an enchanting cascading water effect.

The Derrilstone pond is constructed from a durable and weather-resistance 1/4″ thick plastic, and is 39″ wide, 26″ long, and 14″ tall. It comes in two colors: granite rock, and volcanic rock (black), and includes a 1″ water-intake fitting that is strategically placed at the lip of the pond. The placement of the water-intake is attentively placed near the top of the pond so that the water will not drain, if your pump ever stops running.

If you’re looking for an easy and quick way to add a watercourse to your pond, the Derrilstone is the pond for you. Just purchase the pond, hook it up to your pump, and enjoy the serene sounds of trickling water from your backyard waterscape.

For more information about the Derrilstone preformed pond, or water gardening, go to =>GardenSM.com for water gardening advice.

[tags]preformed pond, watercourse, spillway, waterfall, pond shell, water gardening, pond with spillway[/tags]

Why would anyone buy antique furniture reproductions? If the styles and construction of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries are so appealing, why not just buy the genuine antique?

After all, what can compare with the wonderful sense of history and romance conjured by a genuine antique? What ardent seventeenth century lovers may have stolen a kiss on that Louis XIV loveseat, what secret missive may have been composed atop that delicate marquetry writing desk? Undoubtedly, antiques have an undeniable cachet.

All of which again begs the question: why not buy the original? And frankly, as a dealer who has collected, sold and loved antiques for virtually all of my life, I would be hard-pressed to find a reason not to. Except.

Since the turn of the last century, truly fine antiques have become increasingly difficult to find, and, consequently, increasingly expensive. Antiques having become something of a craze during the 1980s, old barns and attics, once the source of many a delightful find, have long since been mined of their treasures. Oh, of course, antiques were constructed to last, so that is not to say they no longer exist. Only now, that sturdily comforting Country French table, that elegant Louis XV banquette, that incredible Malouine parquetry armoire that you so covet is already living happily ever after in someone else’s home. Or being offered at a price so exorbitant it takes your breath away.

And that, in a nutshell, is the answer to “Why buy reproduction furniture?” But, since genuine antiques will always hold a special place in my heart (in fact, when the opportunity arises, I still collect the occasional piece), I am something of a snob when it comes to reproductions. In fact, in my opinion, as surely as there is such a thing as a “genuine antique,” there is also a “genuine reproduction.” That is, I do not consider a piece of mass-manufactured furniture that is simply made in the style of an antique to qualify as a genuine reproduction, any more than I would consider a paint-by-numbers copy of the Mona Lisa to be a work of art.

And, again in my opinion, both genuine antiques and genuine reproductions are works of art. Both are hand-crafted by skilled artisans using centuries-old techniques and styles as timeless as - well, as the Mona Lisa herself.

On the purely practical side, reproductions are made to last and, because of the quality of design, materials and construction, they will more than likely become the antiques of tomorrow. Also, they allow you to have, in your own home, that very special desk or chair or buffet that you have seen in your mind’s eye (or in your friend’s living room), but that you could not otherwise buy at any price.

And if you find the term “reproduction” as limiting as I do, simply call these fine hand-crafted pieces what they truly are: new antiques.

Gregory Kerwin, raised in his Grandmother’s houses in Paris and Southern France, has spent the decades since gathering still more beautiful and unusual things for his TK Collections . . . including a wide selection of genuine antique reproduction furniture hand-made by French artisans using the techniques of their forefathers. These pieces can be custom stained or painted just for you, as they were for the 17th century French housewife or Lord of the Castle. You can see a sampling - along with TK Collection’s authentic French cafe chairs, wrought iron furniture, chandeliers and more - at http://www.tkcollections.com

[tags]antique furniture reproductions,French reproduction furniture,French Country, reproduction furniture[/tags]

The bed represents the beginning and ending of life. In the past, people were conceived, born, and died in the same bed. You spend more time in your bed than on any other piece of furniture. Design Psychology offers new bedroom makeover ideas concerning your bed for supporting your emotional well-being.

Bed Placement for Secure Feelings

Position the headboard directly opposite the doorway up against a wall. This creates the visual expansion of the room and underscores the bed’s importance. As the main attraction, the bed represents the focal point of the room.

A greater reason to place the bed so that it faces the doorway is for a feeling of security. People feel safe with a clear view of the door. With the door behind your vision, you feel like someone can sneak up behind you. However, some bedrooms with a separate entry space coming into the main area present a dilemma; positioning a mirror in a way that reflects the blind spot corrects this problem. Convex mirrors, those that curves or bulge outward, help you to see down the hallway.

Beds and Enclosure

Totally enclosed beds, those with full canopies of voluptuous fabrics, sustain the comforting feeling of a personal sanctuary. Canopies and testers, originally hung to protect sleepers from drafts, give a secure sense of enclosure. Partial canopies or beds with both headboards and footboards provide a suggestion of enclosure. Partially enclosed beds allow views of the room. A footboard adds a semi enclosed womb-like feeling of comfort.

Some sleepers feel most comfortable with a barrier-free bed with nothing to clutter the end space. Decide what makes you feel secure, a peaceful, expansive bed without enclosure, a semi-enclosure with a bare framework, or total enclosure with abundant fabric on all sides.

Padded headboards, easy to assemble and more comfortable than the more expensive brass, iron, or wood headboards, offer great support for reading. Construct a marvelous and unusual headboard with an antique oversized fireplace surround. Fabricate a padded insert for the fireplace opening space.

A bed footrest, love seat, or padded old chest at the foot of the bed offers more functions than a footboard.

Bed Dressings

Black sheets not only look seductive, they also help keep the morning light from disturbing sleep. Because forest green evokes feelings of deep serenity, this color is another good choice for bed linen. High-thread count, white cotton contributes the impression of a luxury hotel. White bed linens give you refreshingly cool emotional support during hot summer nights. If you want an easy bed to make, then use a bedspread that touches the floor instead of a comforter and dust ruffle.

Forget all the pillows! They get in the way, make it hard to make the bed, and add needless clutter.

Giving thought to your emotional needs when designing your bed placement and enhancements helps you create a bedroom for joyous living.

(c) Copyright 2004, Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.

Professor Jeanette Fisher, author of Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars, Joy to the Home, and other books teaches Real Estate Investing and Design Psychology. For more articles, tips, reports, newsletters, and sales flyer template, see http://www.doghousetodollhousefordollars.com/pages/5/index.htm

[tags]emotional well-being, bed placement,bedroom makeover, Jeanette Fisher,Design Psychology[/tags]

True annuals are plants that will complete their life cycle within twelve months of sowing. Biennials require two growing seasons to do so and are usually sown in summer to flower during the following spring and summer.

Many other plants that botanists would define as perennial can be treated as annuals, although some are half-hardy and, while able to flower well for a single season, are not hardy enough to be used for more than one year. Half-hardy annuals are generally raised in a greenhouse, then ‘pricked out’ (transplanted, a few centimeters apart in larger boxes) and grown under protection before being planted out.

The winter hardiness of biennials depends on the district where they are to be grown. But there are significant advantages in planting out in late summer or autumn for all those hardy enough to winter well. For example Canterbury Bells that are planted outside as transplants in the autumn will flower well the following summer, but if planted out in the spring they tend not to flower until twelve months later!! Sweet Williams behave in a similar way.

Biennials are usually sown in a seedbed in the open, or in boxes in a frame or greenhouse, and transplanted as seedlings. They are then put in their final quarters in late autumn, as in the case of Wallflowers which do best in cool regions. It is quite important to plant out forget-me-nots and cinerarias in the autumn, as both of these flower early and therefore need to be planted out well ahead of flowering time.

Cinerarias are suitable only for areas free from frost but in such areas they are very showy and they are particularly useful for shady gardens. There are short, medium and tall types and the color range is wide. Especially good are the rich blue shades.

Plants that are not frost hardy include Begonia semperflorens, coleus and impatiens. The latter have become extremely popular plants. They are available in both short and taller varieties and also in numerous double flowered cultivars, which are mainly propagated by cuttings. Impatiens grow well in full sun if watered or in shade and are popular container plants for patios.

Hardy biennials are plants that are sown the year before they are expected to flower. They are raised in a seedbed outdoors or in a cool, shady frame and may be thinned out or transplanted when large enough. For best results planting out should be done in the autumn. If they are bought from the garden center in punnets or seedling trays, plant them out early in the season. Even in areas where the winters are mild, planting at that colder time will result in small flowering plants, except perhaps with pansies and violas.

Annuals that can be sown directly in well prepared flowerbeds and which come quickly into flower are bound to be popular if they are capable of sustaining flowering for a lengthy period of time. There are numerous suitable varieties to choose from and in most cases they may be sown in boxes and transplanted. Before sowing time, prepare the growing site. If the soil is lumpy and heavy, compost should be worked in and planting mix applied to the surface. Then choose a dry day, apply a little general fertilizer and rake it in. Seed can be broadcast or it can be sown in shallow drills.

Some seedlings can be safely transplanted but the following do not transplant easily: clarkia, eschscholzia, godetia, gypsophila, linaria, nigella and poppies.

Half hardy annuals must be raised in a frame or greenhouse or in a few cases sown outside after the danger of frost has passed.

Germination time varies, and most kinds require pricking out into boxes or pots of potting compost. Some of the seeds such as lobelia, begonias and petunias are very small and need to be sown carefully and kept out of direct sunlight.

Nowadays the numerous garden centers often do all this work for you offering a good range of these plants n punnets ready for planting. But it may be that you want to use seed collected from your own garden, or wish to grown varieties unavailable in punnets. In any case you will find that raising your own seedlings can add a great deal of interest to your garden.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Gardening

[tags]gardening[/tags]

After kitchens, bathrooms are the most commonly remodeled rooms in the house. That makes sense, since for many of us, the bathroom is the only place we can escape for some private time. You can shut out the kids, the pets, and the spouse, at least for a while.

Whether you enjoy reading by candlelight in a scented bath or just like the feel of hot water pounding against achy muscles in the shower, the bathroom can be a little oasis from the hectic activities in your house. At least it can if you’re willing to put a little work into creating a sanctuary. Your standard toilet, sink, and tub/shower aren’t that exciting in themselves.

So, what are some of the things you can do to turn your ho-hum bathroom into a luxurious place for relaxation?

Many people immediately think of big, jacuzzi bathtubs with lots of frothing jets and bubbling water. Not only are jetted tubs expensive, but they involve a lot of labor to install. Aside from the time, cost, and aggravation of ripping up your bathroom, you would likely have to replace your water heater, since those massive tubs take much more water to fill than a standard model. And at the end of the day, most people don’t use their tubs that often–despite the ohs and ahs people voice when they first see them.

So, what are more economical bathroom improvements that can pamper you just as much?

If you want a daily treat, a new showerhead is a good way to go. You can get models that hang overhead and rain water down on you, as if you were standing under a waterfall. If that’s not your cup of tea, how about a handheld shower nozzle? These showerheads let you direct the spray wherever you want, and most can be mounted on the wall when you want your hands free. You could also opt for double showerheads that massage your body from two different directions. Even inexpensive models with numerous settings may be an upgrade if you’ve got a standard shower. These let everyone in the family get just what they want.

If you want to go a step further, you could install a floor-to-ceiling shower enclosure. This lets you turn your average shower into a steam bath. Even after the water is turned off, you can sit in the warmth of the cubicle and let the hot air soothe your muscles.

Speaking of sitting, you’d be surprised how handy a folding shower seat can be. If you’re tired, you can sit while the water beats down on you, or maybe you just want someplace to prop your foot when you shave your legs.

Now that we’ve talked about ways to make shower time more luxurious, what about when you step out of the water? How about a towel warmer? You can get heating racks or warming drawers that turn your towel into something toasty to wrap around your shoulders when you’re done.

Enjoy some aromatherapy in the bathroom while you’re there. You can burn candles or incense, if that’s your preference, but there are more subtle essential oils and perfume sachets that can offer just a hint of your favorite aroma too.

If you do want to splurge and do a little more extensive remodeling, consider a new floor with radiant heat instead of a jacuzzi tub you’ll rarely use. You can get programmable heating systems, so you can set your bathroom floor to warm up a few minutes before your alarm goes off. On a cold morning, there’s nothing like a little warmth seeping up from underfoot to wake you up gently.

For more ideas on perking up your bathroom sanctuary, visit the bathroom remodeling section of the author’s home improvement site.

[tags]bathroom remodeling, home improvement[/tags]