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A little 10 lb baby has no problem taking over a huge living space.
My living room for example consisted of couch, loveseat, chair, coffee table, T.V on a small unit and a small bookcase that was before my baby. Now along with all of the above I also house a baby swing, bouncy chair, play mat, exer-saucer and toy box all in the living room.

Start by finding a place for everything
So I stood in the living room one day and looked around me at all that cluttered. I felt overwhelmed and about to become Closter phobic. Then I realized the playmate folds to go neatly behind the loveseat and almost out of sight. The swing would have to remain as a piece of furniture would in the central area since you will be using it quite often. However there are many swings available on the market that take up very little spaceGreat idea to go as compact as possible. The bouncy chair goes at the end of my couch up against the wall and is perfect to hold a spare blankie and my basket of baby supplies. It too then becomes almost out of view. The exer-saucer is the best invention since sliced bread at least in my home so it is a central piece in the living area. I find it would be too much bother to fold up just to clear up a sq foot of space so I leave it where it’s at. Of course you could move it at night when the ownership of the living space is turning back over to you.

Now the most important is your BABY SUPPLIES BASKET. My best advice to any new mom is SKIP THE CHANGE TABLE. You will only end up using it for storage. Think realistically are you going to pick your baby up every time he needs changing and go to that room. For me that would involve stairs every time and my baby is only four months old and I’ve changed approx. 960 diapersthat would be too many trips up stairs. So invest in a basket.not too big but not too small either. These retail very cheap right now and are in style for home d

If your budget is not a consideration, then consider custom-made kitchen cabinets as a viable option to remodel your kitchen and give it a new lease on life. This is not to say that custom-made cabinets are unaffordable, it just means that if you decide to opt for custom cabinets, the sky is the limit.

Before deciding on the cabinetry, you should have clear-cut idea of what you are looking for. This means you need to decide upon the style and color of the cabinets. Study the market and you’ll find that cabinetmakers will be able to match any color of your choice or an existing cupboard in your kitchen if you so desire. Then you need to check out your preferences in term of wood or steel.

Also, depending upon whether your home is a modern apartment or a centuries old house, you can think in terms of traditional design or a contemporary look. Traditional designs will involve add on frills and moldings. Contemporary designs, on the other hand, focus on an uncluttered, simple, ready-to-use look.

Another important factor that should call for your attention is the amount of time you’ll spend in the kitchen. This factor will determine how much of space you wish to allocate to you custom kitchen cabinets.

You can use kitchen cabinets to create more counter space, store food products, hide appliances, and display silverware. Depending on the space you allocate for the cabinets, you can decide on cabinets with overtop storage space for dishes or pull out drawers underneath the stove for pots and pans.

Traditionally, kitchen cabinets were made of solid wood varying from the sturdy oak to the wine red cherry or the elegant maple. Trends have changed in kitchen cabinetry and now you have newer and trendier options including freestanding or mobile cabinets made from glass or durable plastics.

There are a wide array of knobs and latches to add aesthetic value to the cabinets. Again, you can pick between the contemporary or vintage designs. Also, if you have kids or grand kids in the house, you can consider knobs with monkey faces or rocking horse designs. Knobs designed as teddy bears continue to hold the fascination of children.

You can also consider add-on accessories such as lights. Again, the designs vary from the spotlight halogen lamps to the fluorescent connections.

So, if you can loosen your purse stings, let your imagination go wild and choose custom made kitchen cabinetry giving you the dream finished coupled with practical utility.

Kitchen Cabinets provides detailed information about kitchen cabinets, discount kitchen cabinets, kitchen cabinet doors and more. Kitchen Cabinets is affiliated with Wallpaper And Borders.

[tags]kitchen cabinets, discount kitchen cabinets, kitchen cabinet doors[/tags]

Most everyone wants a new kitchen but few people realize the work and inconvenience that goes into a kitchen remodel. A big remodel can take months and you won’t have access to the room while the work is going on. While this can be a trying time, once you have your beautiful new kitchen in place it will be well worth it!

Here’s some tips to get you through the remodel and on to your new kitchen:

1. You will need to set up a temporary kitchen in another part of the house. Make sure it is a convenient location with have access to water and a space to keep food cold as well as a place to heat up meals. Sometimes portable appliances like a crock pot or electric frying pan and a small dorm fridge and microwave work good for a temporary arrangement if you will be replacing your old appliances.

2. Make sure you really think about how long the job will take. Most jobs run take longer than expected. This can be frustrating for everyone, so it’s in your best interest to set a realistic date and that way you won’t be disappointed.

3. Make sure you know what you are going to reuse. Whether you do some of the work yourself or hire it out make sure that it is very clear what things are going to be reused. The cabinets, counter tops and flooring can become damaged during a remodel and if you are planning on reusing them this can be a huge problem and expense. Remember to be careful around these reusable items.

4. Make sure you seal off the room properly so you don’t get dust and debris all over the house. If you have hired someone to do the job, they will probably know just what to do but if you are doing it yourself, invest in some plastic sheeting and make sure you secure it around the doorways as good as possible.

5. Get everything out of the kitche. Box up everything that will not be used in your temporary kitchen. Label the boxes and store them out of the way.

6. Remove anything that isn’t nailed or screwed down. This includes drawers, lazy susans, spice racks, wall clocks, ornaments, etc. Place a protective cover over anything that must remain in place while you work.

7. Make arrangements for the removal of any refuse that may accumulate during the remodeling. if you must rent a dumpster, do so in plenty of time or have a pick up truck on hand for hauling the rubbish to the dump. if you plan to salvage the old cabinetry for a workshop or donation to a charitable cause, have a place ready for them to go as you take them out of your work area.

8. Think safety and remember to turn off all utilities b efore removing any major appliances, turn off all utilities. This can be done at the individual shut off valves for gas and water. If there are no shut off valves, you will have to turn off the main valve. The main gas valve is usually located near the gas meter. Remember that, once you turn off the gas to the whole house, ALL pilot lights will have to be relit before they will work again. Without careful planning you may find yourself without hot water when you’re ready to clean up after a hard day’s work.

9. In older homes, the wiring may have been modified over the years and it may not be clear which circuits or fuses control specific areas. If you are unsure, turn off the main power or get professional assistance. Never take a chance with electricity! In addition, tape over the breakers so they won’t be turned on inadvertently. If you plan on upgrading your electrical system and adding new outlets and fixtures, it will be necessary to dismantle all existing outlets and fixtures.

10. Remove all light bulbs. Then, dismantle each fixture by using a screwdriver to unscrew the plate and the receptacle and pull the receptacle out of the box. Put wire nuts on any exposed wires for the interim. The bare copper wire is the ground and does not need to be capped.

Lee Dobbins writes for A Kitchen Decorating Idea where you can find more tips on kitchen remodeling and decorating on a budget.

[tags]kitchen, decorating, interior decorating, interior design, remodeling[/tags]

An outdoor kitchen is a wonderful way to make the backyard a more appealing place to entertain. Why spend your parties stuck inside, preparing food in your regular kitchen, when you can be outside, chatting with your guests, serving drinks, grilling hamburgers, and even making pizzas without ever leaving the part? If you have a backyard swimming pool or spa, an outdoor kitchen is a perfect addition. And if you’re thinking about selling your home one day, a well-built backyard entertaining area can only increase the value of your home. Today, dedicated outdoor living spaces are growing more and more popular with homeowners (and more potential home buyers are putting them on their want lists).

There are all sorts of features you can build into an outdoor kitchen. Examples include fire pits, pizza ovens, refrigerators, ice makers, granite countertops, deluxe gas barbecues, trash compacters, wok burners, and gas or electric stoves. Basically, anything you can do indoors you can do outdoors these days. The only limits are your creativity and your budget.

Before you run down to the home improvement store and charge up a big order, stop to think about what you want in your outdoor kitchen. Here are some of the questions you should ask while you’re still in the planning stages:

–Do you want to be able to cook complete meals, or will a charcoal or gas barbecue suffice?

–Is your food preparation area going to include a sink? If so, you’ll have to run a water line to your outdoor kitchen.

–Do you want a refrigerator, ice maker, or other appliances that will require electricity be run to them? Are you prepared to hire an electrician to handle the wiring?

–Do you like to smoke meat or dehydrate jerky? Rotisserie ovens, dehydrators, and meat smokers are good choices for outdoor kitchens, since the long cook times can make the smells overpowering indoors. Outdoors, no one is going to mind.

–Do you want to entertain right by the house or would a detached island be better, perhaps as a poolside bar? Take note that the farther away your outdoor kitchen is from existing electrical and water lines, the more expensive it will be to install.

–What’s the climate like where you live? Will you need to have a roof over your kitchen? If you don’t want to install a roof, you’ll need to order special waterproof appliances, which can cost more.

–Where do the prevailing winds come from in your yard? You don’t want to have your food and wrappers being blown away all the time. If possible, maybe you can build up a wall or use an existing wall to protect the area.

As you can see, there are quite a few things to consider. Outdoor kitchens can be simple or very complex. Either way, a well thought outdoor kitchen can be a wonderful addition to a home.

Hopefully, these questions have given you an idea of some of the decisions you should make before you actually start spending money on your new kitchen. As with all home improvement projects, it’s a good idea to spend a lot of time planning before you actually break ground.

For more ideas, visit the author’s home improvement blog. You may also find useful information at this outdoor living site.

[tags]outdoor kitchens, outdoor living[/tags]

With fall on the way, it is time to consider planting bulb flowers that we want for spring blooming. Bulbs are one of the best flower investments for the cost, properly cared for they will provide spring color in your garden for years.

The planting of hardy spring flowering bulbs is best accomplished in the fall months. You can plant most bulbs as long as the ground has not frozen.

Soil Preparation

As with most garden flowers it is important to prepare the soil correctly prior to planting. Making sure that the soil drains well is very important, as most bulbs are prone to rot if the soil is to wet. Soils that are high in clay can be adjusted by adding organic material such as peat moss or compost. Work the organic material into the soil to a minimum of 12 inches below the surface.

Fertilizing

Phosphorus should be mixed into the soil to enhance root development. Use a superphosphate or bonemeal mixed into the soil below the bulb, about 8 to 10 inches deep as this is the location of where the roots will be and where the fertilizer will be absorbed. Then apply a small layer of soil above the fertilized soil so that the bulb is not in direct contact with the fertilizer. Note: If you have small burrowing animals on your property, such as gophers or chipmunks use superphosphate as bonemeal will attract the animals to the bulbs.

If you do not remove your bulbs after flowering then it is important to continue fertilization. For spring flowering bulbs - in the spring (as soon as the shoot is visible) and in the fall, for every ten square feet of garden, create a mixture of two cups of superphosphate combined with five tablespoons of 10-10-10 soluble fertilizer. To avoid bulb rot do not add fertilizer to bulbs once they have started to flower.

For bulbs that flower in the summer and fall - as soon as the plant is visible commence fertilizing monthly until the plants start to flower. Use seven tablespoons of 10-10-10 soluble fertilizer over a twenty square foot garden area.

The soil pH range should be tested to determine if lime is needed to reduce the acidity of the soil. The correct pH range for bulbs is 6 to 7. An acid soil will be detrimental to hardy blooms.

For additional information on Planting Bulbs

Part 2 - Planting Location, Planting Depth;

Part 3 - Watering, Removing Foliage;

Part 4 - Staking, Mulching, Storing;

For additional information on gardening and landscaping or other home renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

[tags]bulbs, plant, planting, storage, tulip, daffodil, mulch, staking, gardening, home improvement[/tags]

2006 is a year of exciting and fun fabric trends in both the fashion and interior
design industries. Balance is the theme for this year and bringing together the
future with the past, the natural with the modern, the simplistic with the glamorous
is the challenge for interior designers everywhere. In a world burdened with natural
disasters, war and other serious issues design is filled with optimism once again
and is certain to lift the spirits of many fabric consumers, regardless of what styles
and trends you prefer.

Redefining the Blues

In the fashion and interior design industries blues have moved to the forefront this
spring. According to the “New York Fashion Week Spring 2006″ [September 9-16,
2005] report from color authority Pantone, Inc. “New York designers are awash in
America’s favorite color for Spring 2006. From sea to shining sea - the
Mediterranean and Caribbean to the South Pacific and Atlantic - they have collected
shades ranging from aquatic Blue Tint to placid Skyway and seaworthy Deep
Ultramarine. Smooth sailing typifies the calm and effortless attitude infusing the
season.” The nautical theme has also been sweeping the fashion industry and will
affect the fabric and interior design industries as well. Keep an eye out for seashells
in fabrics and a simple beach house look with furniture.

Return of the White Room

White is about to have serious comeback this year inspired by design that is natural
and clean, yet modern and functional. The Interior Design Trends 2006 Special
Report on the Sheffield School of Interior Design website reports the opinions of
successful designers from a variety of places. Karen C. Wirrig of Karen Cole Designs
says “I see furniture being designed with sleeker lines, less carving but still great
attention to quality and detail.” “I rarely have a client who wants an ultra
contemporary look,” continues Wirrig, “but I often have clients who want cleaner
lines and simpler interior designs.” Pure white can also mixes easily with bright acid
colors and works with mod and atomic age motifs, which are still hot.

Glamorous Simplicity

Although many design trends currently focus on natural colors and clean lines
nature creates a glamour all its own. This exciting return to colors that exist in rain
forests, sunsets and tropical beaches allows interior designers to include beautiful
and bright color schemes in almost any room. The “too much is never enough” rule
of the 1980’s has been transformed for showrooms in 2006. Prints are returning to
our hearts and homes as well as luxurious fibers in rich saturated hues. Look for
deep thick mohair and fine upholstery weight silks from Thailand, some of the finest
silks in the world. There will also be a move towards futuristic fibers and
constructions. The colors will be striking acid greens and fuschias, true oranges,
turquoise and glamour would not be complete without metallics, like silver and
gold! Flamestich, another delight from the 80’s, is returning with a modern, chic
appearance. I also predict a revival of polished chinz, but don’t be scared, all these
old school looks have been revamped to have hip, urban kind of feel.

Design for the Age of Aquarius

In this technological world interior design must also accommodate and blend a
variety of electronic devices. I see modern furniture with everything from built in
heaters to plug-ins for an i-pod. The Interior Design Trends 2006 Special Report
from the Sheffield School of Interior Design also reports “interior designers and
homeowners continue to struggle most with integrating the home office-and all the
electronic equipment we now have-into the home.” Designer Cari Pilon states that
“Almost all homes have a computer, but not all homes have space for a home
office.” Pilon believes the challenge for designers is making sure “the computer
desk doesn’t look like it dropped from the sky into the family room. You need to be
creative to include the computer desk into the dining room without losing the
aesthetic of the dining room.” On the other end of the spectrum there is a revival of
some past styles, such as victorian fainting couches and and shelter sofas, all with
more exposed wood.

As 2006 continues design and fabric trends will shift for the fall and winter with
even more new and exciting color schemes and textures. To learn more about the
hottest fabrics on the market for fashion and interior design visit Lewis and Sheron
Textile Co.’s new website at http://www.lsfabrics.com.

Stacey Sheron is an innovative interior designer with an eye for detail. After
graduation from Atlanta College of Art, Stacey went to work at her family business,
Lewis & Sheron Textile Company. Stacey is currently opening her own store inside
Lewis & Sheron with unique and beautiful creations that will keep people talking for
years to come. To learn more about the hottest fabrics on the market for fashion
and interior design visit Lewis and Sheron Textile Co.’s new website at http://
http://www.lsfabrics.com.

[tags]fabric, textiles, upholstery, furniture, color, interior design, fashion, rugs, buy, online, trends,[/tags]

Winter energy bills can be terribly upsetting. It seems that we spend way too much on heating our homes in cold weather. Wouldn’t it be better to spend this money on something more fun? Well, there are several ways to cut your energy bill, and the simplest way is to invest in a bedroom heater.

We spend almost one third of our life in bed and there is no need to have central heating on while you sleep. It is only the bedroom that you want to be warm at night, is not it? For the bedroom you can get a separate wall heater or a portable electrical heater. Make sure you select a heater that is safe and doesn’t require constant attention. Heaters with open radian element should not be used. It can start a fire if a curtain or your cloth blows across the heating element.

Bedroom Heater Features

The best choice for a bedroom heater is oil filled radiators. They are safe, silent (which is very important while you are asleep) and they provide enough heat to comfortably warm up an average size bedroom.

It pays off to get a more expensive model that has a timer. This way you can set it to warm the room more before you have to wake up and get out of bed. But while you are actually asleep it is best to have the temperature not too warm.

Also some new models have an instant heat button that allows you to heat up your room very quickly. This is very useful if you forgot to set the timer or when you just came back home and want to warm up fast.

To find the right size heater for your bedroom, look at its specifications. Most models tell you for what heating aria they are intended. Don’t assume the bigger the better. Heater that is too big will not provide any additional benefits, but will consume more energy than necessary.

More Energy Saving Tips

Did you know that you can add timers to your central heating? There is no need to make your central heater work all day while you are at work. With the timer you can make it switch on about half an hour before you come home, this will warm up your house adequately. Of course, this won’t work if you have pets, they dread cold as much as we do.

Also check all drafts and increase insulation. If you have old windows, consider replacing them with storm windows. Having good insulation can make a huge difference, especially when it is windy outside.

In conclusion, a bedroom heater is very convenient and saves you a great deal. So if you don’t have one yet, it is time to compare different models of bedroom heaters and get one that is suitable for your room.

Find reviews of bedroom heaters in Heater Buying Guidepublished by Tanya Turner. We provide information and tips on electric, gas, portable and water heaters.

[tags]heater, electric, gas, portable, bedroom, home[/tags]

Making fires outdoors is not just a primordial instinct. Homeowners have the campfire bug and it just seems to keep growing. With the trend towards creating outdoor living spaces and spending more time outside relaxing or entertaining friends, outdoor accessories such as an outdoor hearth make the backyard experience that much more enjoyable. However, it is important before you shop around for an outdoor fireplace that you check with your local city hall or firehouse to learn about all necessary codes and restrictions.

While choosing between the many different outdoor fireplace options may at first seem daunting, there are ways to help make your decision easier. For example, it is good to know that an outdoor hearth can serve not only as a center piece where people enjoy surrounding the fire, but it also has a functional role such as providing a source of outdoor heating when in close enough proximity of the fire’s radiating heat. This is true of both gas and wood burning fires. In addition, features such as an attachable grill grate cooking surface makes it possible to cook outside, another added benefit. Here are some ideas to help you decide what works best for your space.

The easiest to maintain outdoor fireplace

Gas modeled outdoor hearths and fire pits are an excellent choice where a clean burning fire is desired. With gas, either natural or propane, burning more cleanly than wood, you will not have to deal with smoke, sparks, cleaning up ashes or gathering wood logs. Another benefit: you can create an instant fire with the click of a button and enjoy a faux wood fire any time of year. This is very appealing to many folks, especially where convenience and low maintenance pits and hearths are valued. Some gas outdoor fire pits fueled by propane gas are designed for portability. In fact, there are fire pit models that include rear tires and pull handles so that you can move the pit to the destination of your choice including a summer cabin.

The permanent outdoor fireplace

By far the most permanent outside hearth is the cast iron chiminea. This is an excellent outdoor fireplace choice when a sturdy year round outdoor fireplace presence is desired, such as permanent architecture around the patio or pool area. However, as with metals in general, other than aluminum, iron is prone to rusting over its lifetime but maintaining with special paint from time to time and covering with a chiminea cover will help. Another choice for permanence includes the cast aluminum chiminea. While not nearly as heavy as cast iron, these outdoor fireplaces will definitely add a sense of year round presence, if desired. One thing to note, metal can get dangerously hot when the fire’s burning. It’s best to supervise young children when the fireplace is in use. You can also use your chiminea for grilling and the outdoor fire as a source of heating. (visit http://www.outdoor-fireplaces-and-patio-heaters.com/chiminea.htm)

The designer and focal point outdoor fireplace

If you desire a fireplace that looks like an outdoor art work or furniture when not in use, consider fire pits made from copper or the slick contemporary look of steel. Copper fire pits are very popular. If you prefer the lustrous shine of new copper you can maintain this effect with the right products. Some copper pits include an area to store wood logs beneath them which is very attractive as well. Another option, but certainly more expensive, are some of the fine furniture looking gas fireplaces such as the Luminarium. You can choose between several different finish options and some of these pieces look as if they belong inside the home.

The easy to transport outdoor fireplace

To make it more accessible for people to take their outdoor fireplace with them: camping, the beach, summer cabin, tail gate parties and so on many outdoor fireplace models, especially fire pits, are designed to be lightweight. They include features such as lids and tires for convenient transport. Another reason to purchase a portable fireplace is that if you prefer to store the unit during winter. You will have no problem tucking a unit such as this inside your home. The good news is that you will find many lightweight outdoor pits and fireplaces available. Portable outdoor fireplaces may also include features such as gas or wood burning options, grill attachments, spark screens, lids, wheels and can come in many different materials: copper, steel and aluminum.

Nicole Martins is a contributing author and publisher to http://www.outdoor-fireplaces-and-patio-heaters.com an online resource that provides you with information, articles of interest and reviews of the best outdoor fireplace and patio heaters online.

[tags]outdoor fireplace, fireplace, home improvement, chiminea[/tags]

What is hydroponics?

The word hydroponics come from the greek hydro and ponus meaing literally “water works” and true to it’s name hydroponics is growing with water only, no other growth medium.

There are many hydroponic systems all of which do the same job in a different way, that job is to completely control the enviroment in which your plants grow.

So how does it work?

Plants need food and light to survive and in nature the sun provides the light and nutrients in soil provide the elements it need s to grow. In hydroponics you have a nutrient solution to provide the basic elements to grow and high intensity discharge (HID) lamps to provide light.

This allows you to control the amount of food and light a plant gets so that it can grow at it’s optimum rate.

Conventionally grown plants the extract water nutrients and oxygen from soil however because of the physical characteristics of soil it is likely that one or all of these essential nutrients is in limited availability to the plant roots.

When plants are grown hydroponically, provided the system is set-up correctly the plants have access to an unlimited supply of water, containing exactly the right amount of nutrients along with a perfectly balanced pH enabling a grower to keep there plants growing at a much more vigorous rate throughout the crop and achieve maximum yield.

Contrary to some expectations, the roots of the plants grown hydroponically are not usually totally submerged in water. As having the root totaly submerged in water would be counter-productuive, the reason for this is oxygen is a key factor to all hydroponic systems.

The idea of hydroponics might still intimidate some people, most gardeners prefere and enjoy the simple, quick and eacy process of Hydroponics. It is no more complicated than traditional gardening mothods, and the same growing principles apply to the both. Althought slighty more technology is used in Hydroponics you should not be daunted by this.

Choosing the best method for you

There is often great debate about the best method of growing the truth is it depends on the grower, it is certainly true that advanced methods like aeroponics and hydroponics display rapid growth rates which astonish growers who have previously worked with soil this is due to the water having the perfect amount of oxygenated nutrients contained within it.

What the grower must understand where they previously had soil acting as a buffer as well as providing nutrient, in hydro & aeroponics it is down to the grower to ensure the pH and nutrient remain stable and accurate.

Many soil growers enjoy the low cost & low maintenance of working with soil despite the traditionally slower growth rates by adding air pumps porous air rings many growers report up to 50% increase in yield along with growth rates than can only been compared to aeroponics.

In conclusion it really depends on an individuals circumstances many growers use a combination, keeping stock or mother plants in soil, Using Aeroponics for rooting cuttings enabling rapid root and vegetative growth at very early stages and flowering in N.F.T or flood and drain.

S Dop is the webmaster of http://www.grotec.co.uk, one of the biggest hydroponics shops in the UK.

[tags]gardening, hydroponics, growing[/tags]

It seems that there are always questions this time of year about winterizing plastic ponds. To begin with, clean out all the gunk (composed of fish and plant waste) at the bottom of the pond. Specialist garden catalogues have a little gizmo that attaches to a hose and when the hose is run, the gizmo acts like a vacuum cleaner, sucking debris from the bottom of the pond. Or, more simply move your pond pump to the pond bottom and direct the output to the ground and not the filter. If you don’t remove the plant debris, it will continue to decompose. Decomposition uses oxygen as one of its primary fuels and this means that oxygen will be taken from the water to fuel plant decomposition. If there is an ice-layer over the pond, and there will be shortly, the water will not be able to replace that oxygen and the pond will go into an anaerobic (without oxygen) state under the ice.

Now, you’ve never quite smelled something until you’ve taken a whiff of a pond that’s in that state. It is basically your very own backyard sewage system. Aside from getting rid of the smell, the reason you remove the bottom layers of material is so any fish you’re leaving in the pond will have enough oxygen to survive the winter. And survive they will as long as you stop feeding them when the water gets cold - the water (at less than 50F) is really too cold for them to feed and any food will simply rot. The fish will survive as long as the water doesn’t freeze solidly to the bottom of the pond. If the pond is three to four feet deep, it will not freeze and your fish will be fine. Shallower ponds will either have to have a bubbler, a pump left running to keep an open area open or the fish removed to an aquarium for the winter.

But start with removing the gunk.

Doug Green, an award winning garden author, gardens and answers questions in his free gardening newsletter at http://www.water-gardens-information.com

[tags]water gardens information, overwintering ponds[/tags]