Do you recognize the following image, you have read true all kind of gardening and landscaping books and searched online, your head is filled with all kind of ideas, you have drawn some sketches but you still are not sure if your ideas will fit your garden. What you need is 3D landscape software so you can visualize into detail what your ideas will look like in real life.

Lets face it, visualizing is really difficult and some of the ideas you have created in your head might look silly or will result in disappointment when you finally get it realized. Not to speak about the money it can cost you when you have bought that beautiful tree, dug a huge hole and then when it finally is placed realizing that it takes all the light out of your sitting area and your kitchen.

These are the kind of mistakes that are very common and can easily be prevented when you buy some proper 3d landscape software. In the end it will save you time, money and a lot of disappointment. The cost of landscaping software can vary from thousands of dollars for professional 3d software to absolutely free in the case of open source software. It is up to you what kind of software you buy in the end.

What does 3d landscape software do?

Most 3d landscape software provide you with means to make a landscape plan suited for your climate and the design of your home and shape of garden. The expensive software make it possible to use scans of your home and the surroundings of your home to create a realistic picture. Other software let you choose from some possible home designs so you still have to visualize your own home into the picture.

Almost all of the 3d landscape software have a brought database of plants, trees, flowers and shrubs to visualize the ideas you have. You can even watch them grow by changing their age, or see what they’ll look like through the seasons.

Watch out for the steep learning curve

Something else you need to consider when choosing 3d landscape software is the learning curve because there is a big difference between these products. Some are intuitive and have easy instructions while other can take you a long time if you want to understand how to use the software. And creating the plan you have in your head in the software can be quite complicated. Some of the more complicated pieces of landscaping software may actually take longer to learn how to use than it will take to landscape the yard. And I am sure that this is not what you want.

So what are the things you need to look for in good 3d landscape software?

- Easy to Use

- Good instructions

- A brought variety of plants, trees and flowers to choose from

- View of the landscape from different angles

- Gardening supplies you need

With the right 3d landscape software you will be able to make wonderful plans and check if the ideas you have can be realized in your garden and save money and time during the process.

Hank Gordon has a passion for gardening and wants the world to know how relaxing and rewarding it can be. On his website he talks about gardening supply and free landscaping ideas

Insects

The only ones troubling house plants are the green fly, the mealy bug, the scale, and the red spider.

The green fly is to be killed by a smoking with tobacco. Put the plant under a barrel with smoking tobacco; let it remain, say fifteen minutes; then give it a syringing.

Mealy bug is to be searched for and destroyed. Frequent sponging does much to keep down this pest.

Scale is to be treated in the same way. Warm soap-suds are peculiarly distasteful to the creature.

Red spider, which is seldom found on house plants, is nourished by a dry, warm atmosphere. Water is certain death. Keep the foliage syringed and atmosphere moist, and you will have no red spider.

Pruning

Is but little required. Should a branch grow out of place or die, it should be neatly cut off; and a judicious pinching does much to regulate the shape of a plant. Of course all dead leaves and old blossoms should be cut off at once. Not only will they infect other branches and blossoms, but they will make your garden statuary (http://www.garden-fountains.com/Detail.bok?no=1072) look terrible.

In the selection of our plants, we must be much influenced by the extent and location of our accommodations. Some plants thrive with less heat and light than others. As a general rule, choose only green-house plants, avoiding any usually catalogued by nurserymen as stove plants.

Discard ferns and lycopodia. With but few exceptions, these perish in the hot, dry, dusty air of our rooms. The Wardian case is their proper place. Remember it is better to grow one plant well than two badly. Because you have roses, geraniums, and daphnes, which do well, it is no reason you should also grow verbenas, fuchsias, and azaleas; your space is sufficient for the first three only; then be content, and do not crowd your plants.

The camellia is an ideal plant for window gardening and looks great amongst large water features (http://www.garden-fountains.com/Detail.bok?no=105). It is a native of China or Japan, from whence it was introduced to British gardens about the year 1739. The name was given in honor of Father Kamel, a Moravian priest, whose name, Latinized, became Camellus.

The plants first introduced were fairly killed by kindness; an error not infrequently repeated in our day with newly-discovered plants. They were planted in a stove where the extreme heat soon dried the leaves and parched the plant. We find no further mention of the plant till 1792, when the single red variety (Camellia Japonica) was introduced, and flowered profusely in a common greenhouse; during the next year many plants of this variety were obtained from China; next we find mention of the double red; soon after, the fringed double white, and many varieties too numerous to mention. Strange to say, the single white was not imported till about the year 1820, and even now it is not common, though a showy and free-blooming variety.

The camellia, in its native country, is a shrub or small tree, though Mr. Fortune mentions specimens of the single red as sometimes exceeding twenty feet in height, with trunks of proportionate size. This variety is almost hardy, and in the Middle States will often endure the winter; we have known it to survive even our climate, when well protected; all other varieties are more delicate, and few will bear any severe frost without injury. Most of the kinds in our green-houses are derived from Camellia Japonica, though other varieties have, we believe, afforded fine seedlings.

Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in landscaping, home improvement, and gardening. For a great selection of garden statuary and large water features, please visit http://www.garden-fountains.com/.

If you are like me, I absolutely love the smell of fresh herbs. However, buying fresh herbs at the grocery store would often make my wallet cry, so I would pass them up. Often times I didn’t buy enough or they would spoil before I used them all. So like me, Container Herb Gardening can give you an abundant, readily available supply of fresh herbs. It doesn’t matter if your living quarters are small because you can put the containers inside in the kitchen within reach. Even next to the coffee pot.Growing herbs in containers is the perfect gift for gardening friends, as well as for cooking. Take into account these 3 tips for the successful container herb garden, for some flavorful and or smelly results.

Tip #1. Select the herbs you want to grow. Choose from basil, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley, mints and dill. All are easy to grow in containers, require very little maintenance, and are adaptable for a wide variety of dishes. Plants such as lavender and yarrow spread quickly and can take up all your space, so these are ideal for container herb gardening in small batches.

You will want to grow herbs that you will actually cook with. Because your fresh herbs are full of flavor and not diluted, you only need to use half the amount of fresh herbs as store bought herbs in recipes. In fact, when substituting dried herbs for fresh herbs, one tablespoon of fresh herbs equals about one teaspoon of dried herbs. You might even consider growing a container full of organically grown herbs. It’s safer for you and less expensive because you aren’t using pesticides. Organic pest control is a comprehensive approach instead of a chemical approach.

Tip #2. Seeds or budding plantings’ are viable options. Growing herbs in a small garden is quite affordable especially if you start from seeds. Don’t skimp on seeds of good quality, go ahead and spend a little more. Remember seeds can spoil just like other natural food products. I typically don’t get my seeds from plants, but it’s your choice. In doing that, you just need to understand how to properly dry out and store the seeds. Remember to check the dates on the package, to ensure your seeds are fresh.

If you are using plants to start your container garden, plant the plants at the same height. If you plant them too shallow, some hair roots may be exposed. If you plant them too deep, they may choke or suffocate due the all the soil overhead. Also, check to see if your plants have become root bound. If roots start coming out of the drainage holes, replant them in a larger container. Roots have feelings too. Have you ever worn a pair of pants and have gotten a wedge. Ouch. !

Tip #3. Where are you placing the containers (pots, etc.)? Mother Nature will not provide the right amount of water and sunshine. Container herb gardening provides the mobility necessary to protect your herbs from bad weather and seasonal conditions, as well as hungry animals and insects. Inside, you can place your containers in the right location for the herbs they contain. Most herb plants require similar growing conditions: a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day. Plants may need full sun, partial sun or partial shade. For example, parsley and thyme like to be in a sunny spot. Plants will only receive what you give them; therefore, you will be able to regulate the pH, nutrients, nutrient strength, water amount, and light amount. This makes it important that you research the plants you will be growing so you know what they need to survive.

Now that your vision has been expanded a little, you can see that the possibility of creating that special herb container garden that can happen now. You will be able to incorporate all of your 5 senses; touch, taste, smell, feel. What you will hear is everyone applauding the wonderful flavor or smell you create. Using these 3 tips for a successful container herb garden will have you well on your way to herb heaven.

I enjoy gardening, specifically container gardening,so you can learn from my mistakes. I was a remedial gardener gone pro. That’s my final answer. The site is regularly updated. Be my guest and stop by! http://www.containergarden411.com/blog

If you follow these 5 tips for successful container gardening you will not only save time, but money, frustration and possibly embarrassment. As this is an increasingly popular venue for gardening, container gardening is making a fashion statement. Container gardens are already very popular for entries, patios and decks. Maybe you’ve thought about incorporating them into your office or home, but haven’t. If by chance you feel a little overwhelmed on the basics, here are 5 tips for successful container gardening, even if it’s your first.

Before you run off in all directions as if you had 2 hours to create a masterpiece, pause to do some planning. First think about what type of feeling you want to have, when you look at your container. For me, I want to feel like I’ve walked into my own “secret garden” and have a sense of calm. I think about how it will smell, and feel among other things. Is it going to be a focal point in a room, or mixed in as part of a theme? Will it be the centerpiece on a table, or placed in a semi-lit hallway?

Tip #1

Anything can be used as a container. If you are purchasing a container from the store, choose ones with drainage holes. However, if you can poke, drill or carve a hole in it then use it. Container gardens have been made from tables, old pots, milk cartons, cans, gloves, boots, pocketbooks, suitcases, pots, pans and mailboxes, just to name a few. You can be creative and recycle items to use as containers. Allow yourself to be creative. Be sure to clean it out, and let it dry thoroughly. If you’ve used any chemicals or any type of varnish, clean and let dry. Look around for anything that can be shaped to hold dirt.

Tip #2

Use containers larger than the root ball of your plant, considering the size of the mature plant. This is really important and sometimes we forget about how big the plant may actually grow or say to ourselves we’ll just transplant it as it grows. Therefore, you want your roots to be able to expand; otherwise the plant is going to eventually die. So read the information card to get a good idea of what size container you will ultimately need.

Tip #3

Use a good potting soil, compost or combination of both. I didn’t realize how many types and combination soils are available. Just because a bag of soil is on sale, doesn’t mean it’s good. Think of your soil as a primary food for your plants food chain. To get the desired results it pays to know what’s in a particular soil and if it what your plant/flower needs. Also, sometimes the soil may be too heavy for what you are planting. Just filling a pot up with dirt and stuffing your starter plant therein, may cause you to waste time and money.

Tip #4

In most containers the weight and scale of a container can become an issue when the pot has to be transported to a new location. The best thing to do is to move your pot to its final location before you plant it. You do have the option of reducing the overall weight of a large container. You can fill it with lightweight potting soil, ceramic beads, Styrofoam, broken pieces of pot, drainage gravel, pine cones, aluminum cans or small plastic nursery pots. I’ve even used an empty plastic milk carton.

Tip #5

Select plants that suit your light conditions. Too much sun for one plant will kill it while do little sun for another plant will do the same. Full sun means your plant will receive a minimum of six hours of sunlight daily.

If you follow these 5 tips, you will experience success in container gardening with flowers. You won’t pull your hair out, or throw darts at a dart board out of frustration, because you can get it right the first time.

I enjoy gardening, specifically container gardening,so you can learn from my mistakes. I was a remedial gardener gone pro. That’s my final answer. The site is regularly updated. Be my guest and stop by! http://www.containergarden411.com/blog

In early September 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed new regulations that will cause small engine makers like Briggs and Stratton to rethink how they make and market their engines.

The design of new laws that seek to reduce small engine emissions by 35% is to ensure a smaller carbon footprint and save Americans money, but it will cost them initially. This is justified by the promise of a savings of 190 million gallons of gasoline each year once all small engines are converted to emission-busting standards in 2011.

As with almost any advancement in lowing lawn mower emissions the consumer will see an increase in cost with the new systems. While we may think of this change in relation to lawn mowers we can’t forget gas powered weed trimmers, hedgers and recreational watercraft.

The truth is marine equipment that relies on small engines will have to meet the new requirements by 2010. They will also be required to reduce marine motor emissions by 70%.

Most analysts are agreed that any small engine change that could affect this kind of reduction in emissions would likely require the use of a catalytic converter.

Small engine manufacturers have opposed these rules for years, and had the backing of Senator Kit Bond from Missouri who sided with manufacturers who may have considered the proposed regulations as too restrictive and feared a larger price tag might mean dissatisfied customers. Many now believe the change was either inevitable or timely depending entirely on perspective.

It has been estimated by the EPA that the changes will likely cost about $235 million a year. Most of that increase will be passed on to the consumer. Briggs and Stratton officials have made it clear the cost of their motors will go up when these new regulations take effect.

Many lawn care professionals have expressed concern over the inevitable price increase leaving some to wonder if they can continue in a business that, for some, has been a life long love affair with the outdoors. To put this in perspective a lawn care provider has already accepted the loss of revenue from higher fuel prices, but even if they replaced older equipment with lesser quality new equipment it will still cost from $35-$180 more per mower. This has the potential of eroding an already slim profit margin.

As with any report there is always another perspective. The news that excites many is a statement made by Bill Becker who heads the National Association of Clean Air Agencies. Becker stated, “This rule will be the air pollution equivalent of removing one out of every five cars and trucks on the road.”

Analysts further expect fewer deaths associated with lawn mower emissions as well as other small engine carbon based discharge.

Many retailers have already concluded that when it comes to small engine machinery they will not likely see a drop in sales, at least when it comes to mowers. The prevailing belief is that while a jet ski might be a luxury a mower is often a necessity.

Some retailers are also stocking up on existing mowers due to the fact they will be grandfathered in. Existing units will not be subject to the new EPA rules so some business owners will attempt to stockpile older units for sale even after the new regulations go into effect.

Small engine manufacturers have expressed a commitment to work with regulators to find solutions to a drop in overall emissions and will be aiming at the target dates set by the EPA.

~Ben Anton, 2008

Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR and works for Labworks Design, a Portland web design firm. Read more from the experts on small engine rebuild kits for mowers and golf carts at the Repower Specialists site for Kohler and Briggs & Stratton engine repower kits.

Picture any new middle class neighbor hood in suburban America. The picture one in the mid west that’s been build in the last 10 years add to that a sort of homey 1950’s TV perfect lawn and you pretty much have a picture of my street with the exception of a few homes that frankly just don’t get it.

From the corner to my house we have our own version of landscape wars going on. Sure none of us ever claimed the hostile intention f having a more manicured patch of land than the other but much like the arms race of the cold war Era the competition just escalated as part of human nature.

Well that is until you got to the house next to mine. It’s had 4 families in 5 years and the last two have failed to even basic watering followed by a healthy dose weed and feed. The shrubberies were untrimmed, the trees not pruned and the plantings were jumbled and complete random at best and once they had been planted all but forgotten about.

Think of a brand new house that in a few more years could be the “scary house” in some made for TV production featuring overly intelligent precocious paranoid kids and a mystery of some sort. The for sale sign in the yard was there for a good six months. Give you a hint the landscaping did absolutely nothing for curb appeal. While the rest of the street was neatly groomed with perfect yards, beautiful flowers, planters and urns, hanging ferns, Statues of everything from golden retrieves to the Virgin Mary. A few fountains, a gurgling water fall and fresh mulch. This yard if it was a boy dating your daughter is exactly the type of boy you hoped she’d never bring home.

So While on my back patio discussing the late season growing pattern with a few favorite plants and how disappointed I was in them along came Casey. Big, beautiful, and with bounding youthful strides. Casey decided instantly that I was OK ran over gave me a big old kiss and then sat there while I scratched his ears. A few folks acme around the back carrying boxes. As I introduced myself meeting my new neighbors and assuring them that it really isn’t a problem that Casey had come over. After all I’m a dog person and a big yellow lab would make a good friend for my big lazy old Chesapeake.

Now I’m not the type of guy who wants to meet the new neighbors. I’m a bit antisocial that way and of it weren’t for Casey I probably could have waited until spring. As they talked about they changes they made inside the house before moving in it became apparent they were my type of people. New carpet, new flooring, all fresh paint. I liked the young couple and her dad already. Then again there aren’t many guys that I’ve ever met who wear boots and over all that I didn’t like.

“The only thing left is the Landscaping” they said. Following that statement with “it can’t get any worse!” I wanted to kiss them all just like Casey had kissed me. Don’t worry I thought better of it, after all I’m not much for new people, figure most men don’t like other guys kissing them or their wives and he was holding a shotgun case under one arm and a compound bow case in the other.. Being the cynic that I am. I figure Yeah I’ll believe it when I see on the landscaping issue.

The next day a brisk Sunday Morning there’s a flurry of people at the neighbors pretty early. Not completely unexpected as I head out to the gym. Two hours of sweating and grunting later I head home to work in the yard and that’s when I see it. Three pick up trucks scattered on the front lawn and a series of men all who are larger than me and I’m by no means a little guy. Frankly terror struck me thinking I was now in a suburban redneck hell. I had Images of trucks on cinder blocks next. It was an unfair judgment.

As I got out of the car my new friend Casey came to see me. Then I noticed the small sickly shrubs that were on the property line were gone. In all honest I tried to kill them this summer by taking a mower to the parts that had encroached their sparse dying ugliness after the old owners had moved out.

Now there was fresh dirt and grass seed in that spot. Trees had been pruned or cut down, bad plantings unceremoniously ripped from the soil and replaced. Even my sarcastic old soul found hope in this. And to top it all off in a conversation later that day “all you can do is aerate, over seed, put some starter fertilizer down and hope for spring” was the comment about the grass which is exactly what they did a few days later.

So while I’m not much for new neighbors, unlike some of the nice folks on my street I’ll be minding my own business and not showing up with welcome baskets and fresh baked cookies. Instead I will enjoy silently competing with them in yet another undeclared landscape war that I fully expect to come out the winner in.

I am an author that loves the about writing of my experiences of the outdoors. I wake up every morning to see the beautiful landscapes and gardens that are among my area. If you love gardening and are looking for outdoor garden decor visit http://www.designerstatues.com

The manner in which you store your sunflowers can play an important role in the preservation of your seeds (as well as the ease with which they’re unloaded). For example, if there is excess moisture during storage, it’s possible for the moisture to freeze the seeds, causing breakage. This happens often when they’re harvested early and stored without proper drying. Harvesting them early can help limit the potential for bird damage and shattering, but the seeds must be dried before storage. In this article, I’ll provide a few tips for storing your sunflowers properly to prevent them from being damaged.

Tip #1: Measure Moisture Accurately

Because storing your seeds when they contain too much moisture can cause problems, you’ll need to use a moisture meter. However, if your seeds are less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the meter will not be able to measure the moisture accurately. So, put the sample you’re using for measuring into a container and allow them to reach room temperature. Then, measure the moisture.

Tip #2: Use Aeration

The larger the storage facility, the more important aeration is. In the past, most professional growers relied upon aeration fans to keep the stored sunflower seeds cool. Today, larger facilities are being used for storage due to increased crop acreage. As a result, many growers have switched from using fans to ducts mounted into the floors.

The temperature at which the sunflower seeds are stored should remain between 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that aeration systems are not meant to dry the seeds (that’s the role of a high-temperature dryer).

Tip #3: Monitor Storage Quality

Don’t assume that the storage atmosphere is constant. When you first store your sunflowers after drying, you should monitor samples each week. Take the time to inspect the storage temperature and the seed moisture. You should check samples from several areas in your facility for consistency. When your seeds and the facility reach the target winter temperature, you can begin monitoring every 4 weeks. The key is frequent (weekly) monitoring in the beginning. If you neglect to do so, the temperature may be too high, attracting insects and disease.

Tip #4: Clean Out The Facility

You should clean your storage facility each day. Begin by cleaning your dryer, but also devote time to cleaning the aeration system, air ducts, and the handling structure. Trash, sunflower lint, and other debris can easily accumulate. Not only will this open the door for insects and fungi to collect, but it can cause a fire during the drying process.

Tip #5: Control Insects

It’s not uncommon for stored sunflower seeds to attract insects despite proper moisture levels, aeration systems, and a clean storage facility. Unfortunately, these insects can significantly damage your seed crop. You can control the insects by spraying your facility. Just make sure that you’re using a solution that has been approved for sunflowers.

Storing Your Sunflowers Properly

A lot of professional growers neglect to take preventative measures to ensure their seeds are unharmed by insects, disease, or combine fire. Often, it’s just a matter of devoting time and attention upfront to avoid major problems later. While some issues may not have a large economic impact, others can. By controlling seed moisture levels, using an effective aeration system, and monitoring storage temperatures, you can protect your sunflower seeds from freezing, disease, and insect infestations. When the time comes to unload your seeds from storage, you’ll be glad you took these steps.

This sunflower information is brought to you by The Sunflower Guy, the best way to send a bouquet of sunflowers anywhere.

There’s more to harvesting and drying sunflowers than many professional growers realize. How soon you decide to harvest them will depend largely on energy costs, temperatures, and whether you prefer them to dry naturally. Ideally, your sunflowers won’t be exposed to insects and diseases, and the temperature will be warm enough to allow them to dry on the stem. However, those circumstances are rare. In reality, most crops will be vulnerable to some level of pests and diseases. And depending upon where you live, the temperature can cause your sunflowers to freeze.

In this article, I’ll explain some of the benefits of harvesting your sunflowers early. I’ll also describe how they’re dried and why the moisture in the air can affect your crops.

Benefits Of Harvesting Early

With energy expenses escalating, you might think that allowing your sunflowers to dry naturally is a good idea. But, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider harvesting them early. First, if the temperature is close to freezing during the evenings, your sunflower crops are not actually drying. The moisture is being sealed inside. But, even if you’re not growing your sunflowers in freezing temperatures, there are still many advantages to an early harvest.

For example, the weather can often be harsh for sunflowers. Rain and strong winds can pummel your crops and prevent them from drying properly. Also, keep in mind that the longer you allow your crops to stay outside, the more vulnerable they’ll be to insects, birds, and other pests. What’s more, they’re more susceptible to mildew, mold, and diseases.

Sunflowers also have to cope with weeds, which can become a problem if they’re not managed. You can use chemicals to control them, but their effectiveness is often limited, depending upon the weather and soil. If you own a high-power dryer that can output high temperatures, consider an early harvest to dry them yourself.

Temperature And Moisture

There are many places where the air has increased capacity to hold moisture during the harvest season (for example, South and North Dakota). When this is the case, your crops will dry more quickly. Sunflowers, because of their ability to take advantage of past crops’ residual fertility, can be especially resilient in this type of weather. And the higher the temperature, the more capacity for moisture the air has. In that case, you might be able to allow your sunflowers to dry on the stem a little longer. Of course, you’ll still need to be vigilant about protecting them from critters, insects, and weeds.

Harvesting Your Sunflowers

Years ago, growers harvested their sunflowers when the backs of the heads began to turn brown. However, many crops today come from hybrids and should actually be harvested when the heads are still yellow.

When your crops have a seed moisture of about 35%, you should consider harvesting them. You can actually wait until the moisture level is approximately 12%, but you’ll run the risk of a fire in your combine. This is another benefit of an early harvest. The damper the seeds, the less likely a combine fire will occur. Plus, damp seeds are less likely to break apart while threshing. When the seed moisture is around 10%, there’s far more breakage.

Even though letting your sunflowers dry naturally tends to cost less and be lower maintenance, it’s no longer always the best choice. Today, the combines and high-temperature dryers we use allow us to harvest early and thereby further protect our crops from insects, disease and bad weather.

This sunflower information is brought to you by The Sunflower Guy, the best way to send a bouquet of sunflowers anywhere.