Indoor Ponds Keep Plants and Fish Healthy During Winter Months

If youve never seen an indoor fish pond or are of the mind that the only place for a fishpond is outdoors, its time to readjust your thinking. Many people love the idea of having a goldfish or Koi pond in their lawn and garden area but find the reality isnt always as wonderful as the fantasy.

Every winter runs the risk of losing the plant and fish life in your pond with the first freeze. As a result, more and more people are coming up with a method for bringing the outdoors, in and forming your very own pond indoors is a beautiful alternative to a tired old aquarium. While an indoor pond doesnt have to be beautiful in order to be functional, you can choose to make it a focal point and conversation piece quite easily.

A fairly simple and inexpensive way to craft an indoor pond this winter season is by using interlocking landscaping blocks to form a basic outline, and place a pre molded plastic pond liner (to avoid leaks), and other landscaping items such as rocks, plants, and soil in order to fill in the gaps. Others have even used a plastic kiddie pool for the fish and disguised the pool by hiding it with bricks or landscaping rocks.

The main purpose of indoor ponds is to protect your fish and plant life from the extreme winter weather conditions. It is quite easy to move the fish and plants from one pond to another. Be sure to keep the indoor pond regulated for temperature and water freshness by using proper equipment. Taking these precautions should keep your Koi fish and your plants healthy throughout the harsher winter months.

Rob Buenaventura invites you to ArtificialGardens. Here we provide tips and benefits on Koi Ponds. For additional information on Koi Fish Supplies check out ArtificialGardens for your water gardening needs at http://www.artificialgardens.com

Small Shrubs and Bushes - Their Importance in a Garden Design

The design question that will almost inevitably arise in most garden situations is that which relates to the space between the hedge or shrubs and trees that border a garden, and the ground plain which takes up the majority of the area. This ground plain usually comprises of a lawn, but an alternative material like a wooden deck is often the desired option particularly in dry climates. Whether a lawn, deck or some other material is chosen, the same question remains - what is to be done in the foreground between it and the hedge or shrubbery? This is where low or dwarf shrubs and bushes come in.

Low shrubs can be classified as woody plants that cover the ground up to a height of about 50cm or so. Their primary function visually, is to fill up the space at this low but not necessarily prostrate height. In this way they cover and hopefully beautify the space between the ground and the point where the larger shrubs or hedging plants start to grow. They should be considered before other design options such as herbaceous and flowering perennials for a number of reasons.

Dwarf bushes provide a low maintenance solution. While herbaceous plants, whether annual or perennial, require constant attention, such as very frequent clipping and pruning, small shrubs generally need only be pruned once or twice a year if at all.

In this way, they serve as a stable element in the garden. Flower beds by their very nature are constantly changing, with plants being cut down, divided and re-planted, or replaced altogether. There is a place for this of course in the garden, and indeed large areas taken up by low maintenance dwarf bushes actually free up valuable time for the proper attention that herbaceous beds require.

Many dwarf shrubs are modest in their water requirements and some can even be defined as water conserving plants. This means that in a typically Mediterranean climate, with an annual rain fall of say 450mm, they can be grown by consuming about 200-300mm of irrigation water per year, i.e. 200-300 liters per square meter. By way of comparison, a perennial bed will need at least 500mm per year, while annuals often gulp up over 1,000 mm, or 1 cubic meter per square meter per year.

By reducing the amount of flowers and concentrating them in smaller, well defined groups in the garden, the opportunity arises of designing flower beds that function as focal points and not just as smatterings of colour in the garden. The creation of focal points should be one of the compositional aims of the design.

So if you're being overwhelmed by the amount of work needed to maintain your flower beds, or herbaceous borders, then you may wish to consider redesigning some of them by replacing the herbaceous material with low, shrubs and bushes. Here are some examples that I recommend from over 20 years experience gardening in Israel.

Pittosporum tobira "Wheelers Dwarf"

Coprosma repens - There are a number of different varieties including dark-leaved plants and those with variegated foliage.

Melaleuca sp."Green Dome"

Ficus sp."Green Island"

Asparagus densiflorus "Sprengeri" group

Juniperus sp. - Low growing varieties

In addition, a number of shrubs which grow vertically, such as Nandina domestica, or Junipers like the upright variety "Kaizuka", can be judiciously placed for accent and emphasis.

About the author - Jonathan Ya'akobi

I've been gardening in a professional capacity since 1984. I am the former head gardener of the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, but now concentrate on building gardens for private home owners. I also teach horticulture to students on training courses. I'd love to share my knowledge and experience with you.

So you're welcome to visit me on http://www.dryclimategardening.com

Evaporative Water Cooler - This Water Cooled Condensing Unit Is No Swamp Cooler

This unique cooling technology from Freus, shouldnt be confused with a swamp cooler. Although water is used to assist with the cooling, it is sprayed over condensing coils rather than pads.

The water cooled condensing unit is a residential application of the 250 ton split system chillers already used by commercial buildings. Think of this technology as a mini-chiller for residential use.

Evaporative water cooler units for split system air conditioners have a number of advantages over air-cooled units. Water removes heat from the condenser coils far more efficiently than air. This reduces the temperature of the compressed R-22 refrigerant, which in turn reduces the work load of the scroll compressor. Not only will the compressor last much longer, there is only a minimal loss of cooling efficiency when the outdoor temperature exceeds 100 degrees.

Typical air cooled units can lose as much as 25% of their efficiency at the same temperature.

How much can you save with a water cooled condensing unit?

Charles Mullin, a casino worker who lives in North Las Vegas is also single. So every utility bill comes from his lone paycheck. That's why he switched the air conditioning system on his 1,500-square-foot home to a water cooled condensing unit.

"Before I installed it, I had my thermostat set at 75 to 78 degrees to try to keep my electric bills down," he said. "I tested the new system at 65 degrees - felt like a meat locker. My bill went down to $86. That's about a 45-percent savings and the house was set cooler."

Mullin told all his friends about the units and the savings he's seen. He figured the Freus system will pay for itself in about two years.

Richard Waite, president of Hal Mechanical, installer of Mr. Mullins water cooled AC, said they are specifically made for the desert climate.

The only extra that's needed to swap out an old air conditioning unit for a new water-cooled one is to run a water line to it. The unit has an automated system, similar to a toilet tank, keeping the water at the correct capacity. The system also flushes itself to avoid calcium buildup.

Due to the almost constant capacity, the condenser size does not need to vary due to climate zones, like air-cooled units. The Freus is installed in much the same manner as an air-cooled condenser and has the unique ability to service multiple air handlers. This provides the space saving convenience of housing two or three compressors (up to 10 total tons) in a single cabinet.

Jim Kilby of Green Valley, a casino management professor, replaced his 10-year-old air conditioning units, one 5-ton and one 3-ton, with two water-cooled ones of roughly the same capacity. He figures his electric bills dropped by a third.

"The hotels have been using this technology for years," Kilby said. "When you think about it, water does a better job of cooling the air than air. It just makes sense."

Whether you call them evaporative water coolers or water cooled condensing units, this mini version of the 250 ton chiller is sure to revolutionize desert cooling.

Alternative-Heating-Info.com offers a unique look into geothermal heating and cooling, radiant heating, solar heating systems and pellet burning stoves.

How To Brighten Up Your Home With These Flower Arrangement Ideas

A beautiful flower arrangement piece can become the focal point of the room you choose to decorate. It's truly fascinating how we can combine different flowers to create a mesmerizing bouquet. With the vast selection of colors, fragrances and shapes, you can create or readily buy a flower arrangement piece that will speak to you and others walking in the room what you want to communicate.

First thing to do is decide where you will be placing your flower arrangement. Will it be placed on the floor in your hall, on top of a piece of furniture?

What about the space where your arrangement will sit? Will you need a finished piece that is tall, round, wide or full? What is the decor of the room you've selected that will contrast powerfully with your flowers?

Don't limit your creativity!

There are several design styles you can choose from and we have included a variety of design here for you to get those creative juices flowing.

Use these as a guide to creating your own flower arrangement style. Pictures of the flower arrangements below can be found at our site.

Bud Vases

A bud vase with a single stem or several stems of your favorite flower(s) is a simple but elegant flower arrangement piece. Cut your flower stems to about twice the height of your vase. To enhance your flowers beauty, also include some linear foliage.

One tip I will give you with bud vases is to be imaginative. If you don't have a bud vase, recycle any beautiful glass containers you have lying around the house such as perfume bottles or any other.

Basket Arrangement

A basket flower arrangement brightens up your favorite room very well. They make perfect gifts for a housewarming occasion, birthday, or to send and cheer a loved one who is sick.

Baskets come in all sizes and shapes and if you are designing your own basket arrangement, you can find the one that will be perfect for you. There is so much you can do with flower baskets - let your creativity run wild!

Garden Arrangements

Don't these flower arrangements look like you've picked them from your garden?

After years of living in the city in an apartment block, I have now the great fortune of living in the suburbs and I've taken great pains to create a heavenly garden filled with white and red roses, carnations and lilies. With greenery surrounding their flower beds, my little garden looks like a little paradise.

Centerpieces And Table Arrangements

The trick for a successful centerpiece or table arrangement is not to make them too tall as to obstruct views across your dining table.

Choose or create the piece to generate the mood you want to achieve. Flowers at your table will enhance the dinning experience.

About The Author

Copyright Gina Stathopoulos

Looking for a gift? Let Gina and Nick show you what we buy for friends/family and each other. At our site you will find popular gifts, gift information and stories from our readers. Come have a look http://www.we-recommend.com

Why Use Or Make Compost Tea

We all know that compost is a wonderful material especially those that practice organic gardening. What could be better than compost? Well how about compost tea. When you begin with good quality compost you will end up with a complete solution of nutrients and bacteria for all your gardening feeds.

Compost tea helps:

keep diseases off the plant with the many bacteria that it has.

Provide an abundance of food needed for good growth.

Destroy any toxins that hurt the plant.

Improve the flavor and taste of vegetables.

Produce more vibrant flowers.

So why not give this tea a try either by buying it or brewing it yourself. You can now in many good nurseries buy this tea or start brewing the tea yourself.

The results will amaze you, so get started!

The good bacteria that is available in the tea will compete for the plants food. Hunt out the bad critters and eat them up. Helps make the antibiotics to prevent those bad critters. And scare the bad varmints so they don't attack your plants.

Compost tea that is made in an accurate manner has a abundance of microorganisms which will help your plants growth and overall health as well as the soil that the microorganisms live in. It can be regarded as the yogurt for the soil. The organisms living in the soil are both bad and good. What the tea does is make sure the good guys win By bringing in useful protozoa, bacteria, beneficial nematodes and fungi the tea shows it is the hero needed to save the soil.

When you have good air circulation the bad bacteria cannot live in the soil. But good bacteria will thrive in soil that is well vented with air. Produced the right way this is when compost tea races in. If you have well aerated compost solution you have gotten relieve from of three-quarters of the harmful varmints.

When you use toxic insecticides or chemical fertilizers we quash the amount of beneficial microorganisms in the soil.

Mainly plants make their own vigorous activity and food and one-half of that is delivered to the roots and much of that breaks down into the bordering soil and have you ever wondered who receives that? Right, the goody-goody guys, and then it changes into a beneficial repetition.

Compost tea is made by many different recipes using compost as a beginning substance and making a liquid solution obtained by steeping or soaking a substance. Today, there are many different ways to make a homemade brewery or you can buy in nurseries or online to make your tea. With the advancing technology changing everyday there are bigger and better efforts to better costs and efficiency.

In addition, there are likely as many formulas for compost tea as there are for recipes for chili in Tennessee, with better plans on improvements and a concentration on its utilization for more specialized applications. For example, if you are making compost tea to fight plant pathogens, the inclination is to have as much microbial variety as feasible. While you are brewing the tea many gardeners are adding supplements to the mix like additional bacteria and fungi.

Expecting the best about compost tea is high, but realizing its limitations and having down-to-earth expectations are essential. One comes to mind is when to use this concoction and that is almost immediately after brewing. Since you are presenting live organisms you want them to be alive when application is done.

An excellent reason for making compost tea is to transport microbial mass of living matter, fine organic matter, and soluble chemical elements of compost into an aqueous stage that can be put on soils and plant surfaces in ways not accomplishable or economically possible with regular compost.

Jim's articles are from extensive research on each of his topics and life-long experience. You can learn more by visiting: organic fertilizers and compost tea.

Increase Your Success When Transplanting Seedlings

Transplanting seedlings is one of my favourite tasks in the garden. There are a few simple things to consider to give your young plants the best chance to flourish - you want them to thrive, rather than just survive.

Timing

Think about the time of year. Just because certain seedlings are available at your nursery, don't assume it's the right time to plant them out. If you're not sure, read the label - most tell you the best time of year to plant. You could look in gardening books, research online or ask family or friends who are gardeners (they might even give you some seedlings if they've bought too many).

You can plant tender plants before the risk of late frosts has passed, provided you listen closely to weather forecasts and are prepared to cover your 'babies' with protection or enclose them in a cloche.

Hardening Off

If you've grown your seedlings from seed you probably know to harden them off before planting. But if you're buying them from a nursery take a look at where they've been living. Have they been in a glass-house, under shade or exposed to the weather? If you seedlings have been grown outside exposed to the weather, they won't need hardening off. But if they've been pampered, they'll need a bit of toughening up to prepare them for the real world.

To harden off your seedlings you need to leave them outdoors for a longer time each day. Protect them under a porch or behind shade-cloth, bringing them indoors at night for the first few days. After a couple of days, you can expose them to the morning sun. At the end of a week, they'll be tough enough to transplant to their permanent plot.

Planting Out

The garden bed they are being planted in should already have been prepared with layers of organic matter, compost and mulch. Water seedlings 10-15 minutes before planting out.

Before removing seedlings from their containers, arrange them where they will be planted. When you're happy with the arrangement, use a trowel to dig a hole about twice the size of the rootball. Doing this prep work reduces the length of time that the roots will be exposed (drying out).

Fill each hole with water. This supplies moisture to the plant's root zone rather than the surface where it may quickly evaporate. Gently ease the first plant from its container, working from the bottom and sides to loosen it. Don't try and pull it from the container by its stem - you may damage it. Only handle these young plants by their individual leaves or by the root ball. Keeping the rootball intact will help prevent transplant stress, but gently tease the roots to loosen them.

Place the plant into the ground at about the same level that it was growing in its container. Backfill the hole until it is almost level with the soil. I like to add some organic fertilizer at this stage, to give my 'babies' a head start. Just use a small amount - you can add more later. Finish backfilling, pressing the soil lightly around the roots to ensure good soil-to-root contact.

Water them in well, avoiding overhead watering, immediately after transplanting. Water daily for about a week until seedlings are well established. Bring mulch around the plant, leaving about a 10cm (4inch) diameter clear around each plant.

Other things to consider

Avoid transplanting vegetable seedlings when the weather is expected to be excessively hot. If you can, choose a day that is cloudy or transplant late in the afternoon or evening so that your plants can recover through the cool of the night, without sunlight beating down on them. If you can't do this it's a good idea to provide some temporary shade, particularly in hot weather.

An initial watering with an organic seaweed fertilizer will provide a wide range of nutrients and help reduce stress on your young seedlings.

Get all your equipment ready before you start - hand trowel, gardening gloves, kneeling pad, your water bottle and hat.

Tomatoes are an exception to the rule as far as planting depth goes. You can plant them right down to the first set of true leaves. They will grow new roots right up to the soil level, making them more sturdy.

Seedlings from the Cucumber family (cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, melons) do better planted in hills. This allows for better drainage and warms their soil to give them a better start.

Hi, I am an avid organic gardener and am known by my friends as the recycling queen. I live on a small country property in South Australia.
It is my mission to encourage as many people as possible to start organic gardening ( I know you'll become addicted). This will improve both our individual lives and the wellbeing of our personal and global environments.
Anyone can grow their own healthy food with Organic Gardening. Click here to get started now!

Happy Organic Gardening, Healthy Living...
Julie Williams
http://www.1stoporganicgardening.com

Duranta - A Must Landscape Bush For A Mild Winter Garden

Duranta erecta is a fast growing shrub that reaches about 4-5 meters (20-25ft). With consistent pruning, it can be kept to lesser dimensions and so is suitable for small as well as larger gardens. Although originating from sub-tropical North America and Mexico, it is also suitable for those Mediterranean climates that do not experience winter frosts. It is known by a variety of common names such as Sky Flower, Golden Dew Drop, and Pigeon Berry.

There are a number of varieties belonging to the species, possessing a plethora of names, which seem to differ from place to place. They are all similar to each other however, and this makes it possible to grow different plants together, thereby creating a subtle variation on a theme.

In a number of small but significant ways, Duranta erecta has landscaping features that are almost unique to the species. From my experience, the shades of green are unmatched in the gardening world. The most common types possessing foliage of a very special medium hue, while some have lovely gold colored leaves.

They all have gorgeous, violet-blue flowers that though individually small, grow in a mass, creating a powerful effect. There is often though, considerable variation in this regard within the species. The blooms also appear at the same time as the tiny, orange berries, which hang down in panicles. The violet and orange together, makes for an unusual but attractive combination. There seems to be some confusion as to whether the berries are poisonous or not.

The medium leaf texture means that Duranta erecta associates well with trees and shrubs that have similar foliage. It therefore goes well with the usual Mediterranean type plants like Pistachio, Olive, Pomegranate, and Sumac, but less successfully in my opinion with the course leaves and large flowers common to plants like Hibiscus. A quite stunning effect can be created by combining the golden-leaved Durantas with grey-leaved shrubs like Leocophyllum, or with deep, purple-leaved bushes such as Cotinus.

In most garden situations, Duranta needs regular pruning and trimming to maintain bushy, compact growth. Care must be taken however, not to remove all the flower buds at the same time. With a little bit of sensitivity and common sense, this is not too hard to achieve, as the plant flowers so profusely through the summer. Alternatively, it can be limbed up as a small tree. To grow it on a single trunk is rather difficult, as the plant grows so rapidly, but it can easily be turned into a multiple-stemmed tree.

My name is Jonathan Ya'akobi.
I've been gardening in a professional capacity since 1984.
I am the former head gardener of the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, but now concentrate on building gardens for private home owners.
I also teach horticulture to students on training courses.
I'd love to help you get the very best from your garden, so you're welcome to visit me on http://www.dryclimategardening.com or contact me at jonathan@dryclimategardening.com

Professional Heating and Air Maintenance

Your homes central heating and air conditioning unit, or HVAC, is a key element in your home's energy consumption and comfort level. For these reasons, it is important to have your home's system routinely serviced by a professional technician. It is recommended that your it should be serviced by a qualified technician once every one or two years, depending upon your region's climate and your home's size, age, etc.

It is important to choose a qualified, dependable heating and air specialist to perform any required maintenance of your HVAC system. Having an experienced service technician evaluate its performance is the only way to ensure that your central heating and air conditioning is running efficiently and safely. Keeping your home's system properly maintained will extend your equipment's life and improve the capacity the system can handle. Here are a few things to be sure that your hired service technician should perform.

Any qualified service technician should thoroughly inspect your complete HVAC system. A comprehensive inspection should be made of all elements including cooling coils, primary and secondary drains, blower components, condenser coils, electrical connections, heat exchanger and burners, all safety controls, heat anticipator settings, as well as your system's thermostat and all its included components. After inspection of all these elements, the technician should replace, repair, tighten, adjust, and/or clean any of these components as needed.

A standard scheduled professional maintenance should also include the cleaning or replacement of any air filters found in your home. The technician should lubricate all moving parts incorporated in your home's HVAC system, as well. Freon should also be added by the technician when deemed necessary. If needed, your unit's airflow should be adjusted to ensure efficient temperature rise or decrease. All debris should also be removed from your outdoor condenser unit.

While the heating and air service professional is at your home, he or she should monitor the amperage and voltage draw on all motors, air conditioning and heating cycles, flue draft, and air conditioning operating pressures to ensure proper refrigerant charge.

It is important to have a professional service technician perform scheduled maintenance on your home's system. Qualified A/C techs require the necessary tools, skills, and experience to keep your home's A/C running efficiently, avoiding costly repairs in the future.

Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of James River Heating and Air Conditioning Company. The heating and air conditioning contractor provides comfort service in the areas of heating and air conditioning throughout Richmond Virginia and surrounding areas. For information on their Heating and Air Conditioning please visit their website.

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Doors, Windows and Skylights For Your Home

When looking at one of these windows, doors and skylights, whether you are replacing old ones in your current home or buying ones for your new home, there are some factors you will want to take into consideration. These are called fenestration factors.

According to Wikipedia, fenestration is defined as, "Products that fill openings in a building envelope, such as windows, doors, skylights, curtain walls, etc., which are designed to permit the passage of air, light, vehicles, or people."

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NRFC) has developed a rating system for you to compare the performance of different fenestration products. NFRC is a third party, non-profit organization that sponsors certified rating and labeling programs to help consumers compare the energy and performance features of windows, doors, and skylights. NFRC's programs set minimum performance standards, or mandate performance levels. This is where ENERGY STAR comes in. ENERGY STAR enables consumers to easily identify NFRC-certified products with superior energy performance.

There are five (5) characteristics to consider when looking at a fenestration product.

1. U-Factor - This measures how well the product prevents heat from escaping your building envelope. The rate of heat loss generally falls between 0.20 and 1.25. The lower the U-Value, the greater the product's resistance to heat flow, and the better its insulating value. The U-Factor is particularly important during the winter heating season.

2. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) - The SHGC measures how well the heat caused by sunlight is blocked. It is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower the number, the less solar heat is transmitted into your home. Atypical range is 0.25 to 0.80. Blocking solar heat gain is particularly important during the summer cooling season.

3. Visible Transmittance (VT) - This is expressed in a number between 0 and1, and is a measure of how much light comes through your fenestration product. The higher the VT, the higher the potential there is for daylighting. Generally, products range from 0.20 to 0.80.

Daylighting is the practice of placing windows or other transparent media and reflective surfaces so that, during the day, natural light provides effective internal illumination. Energy savings from daylighting are achieved in two ways-either from the reduced use of electric lighting or from passive solar heating or cooling.

4. Air Leakage (AL) - Any air which filters through cracks in the product's assembly results in heat loss and gain. AL is measured in cubic feet of air passing through one square foot of window area per minute (cfm/ft2.). The lower the AL value, the less air is leaked. Most industry standards and building codes require a minimum AL of 0.3 cfm/ft2. The AL rating is optional and manufacturers can choose not to include it in their labels.

5. Condensation Resistance (CR) - This measures the ability of the product to resist the formation of condensation on its interior surface. The higher the CR rating, the better the product is at resisting the formation of condensation. The CR rating is optional and manufacturers can choose not to include it in their labels. The CR does not predict condensation but rather measures the potential for its formation.

When looking for windows, doors or skylights take these characteristics into consideration. The better NFRC ratings will result in increased energy savings and great comfort for you and your family.

Chuck Warrender, an experienced custom builder, opened UBuildIt in 1988 to show people how to become Owner-builders and save money or gain equity on their own custom home building and remodel projects. Chuck designed the UBuildIt System for Owner-builders who want to build more home for their money by directing their own construction projects. UBuildIt's Construction Consultants guide Owner-builders every step of the way and provide a proven system, professional advice and trusted resources. UBuildIt now has over 100 franchises across the US. Learn more about Chuck and how to build or remodel your own custom home at UBuildIt.com

The Best Sago Palm Care

If you are looking for a tree to brighten up either the home or garden then a planting shade tree may be just what you need. They have the ability to make the space around them look tranquil and homely and they also make everything seem a little more attractive within the garden. However, you do need to ensure that you choose the right tree for you and your needs.

Choosing the Right Shade Tree for Your Needs

There are so many different types of trees which you can plant in order to give you shade from the sun. However, care does need to be taken otherwise you could end up with a tree which is completely unsuitable.

Things you need to take into consideration include:

How tall the tree will grow

How much care the tree will need

How much light the tree needs

All of the above will make a difference to which tree you actually select. Obviously some grow bigger than others and if you are looking for a tree for your small garden, a huge oak tree may not be what you need!

So you need to take into consideration the needs of each tree you are considering. Are you looking at planting a specific shape of tree? It may sound strange but trees do grow in different shapes but most people do not really take much notice of that. It is also important to not plant the tree too close to the house. It is a well known fact that trees can drain the moisture out of houses and that can cause the walls to crack and become damaged over time. So, space the tree a good distance away and that way your home will stay safe.

You will need to consider just how hardy the tree you are planting is. If you purchase a sago palm plant for example, it will need specialist care and attention and it may not be suitable for all weathers. In order to find out you need to do your research and the same goes with all different types of trees. You cannot expect the tree to grow and protect you from the sun if you do not even bother to take the time to research its needs and look after it properly.

Overall some trees are better for shading you from the sun than others and some good ones include maple, oak, honey locust and ash trees. You just have to make sure that you do the right amount of research and know what the tree needs in order to help it survive.

Andrew Caxton is the editor and journalist of many information websites like http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com , who has written more articles and newsletters on palm trees . A website with tips on sago palm care.

The Soil Benefits

The most important element in determining a garden's success is according to experts its soil. Paying attention to soil quality dramatically improves the odds of producing healthy, verdant plants.

As gardeners have categorized the three basic types of soil, these included clay-based, sand-based and loam-based. Loam-based soils are considered the ideal since they provide a consistency that allows most plants to thrive. Loam consists of 20 percent clay, 40 percent sand and 40 percent silt. But if the soil of your own garden contains too much sand or clay, there is no reason air: adding amendments will allow you to tailor the soil to successfully meet the needs of your plants.

Soil classification is a contentious subject, from the structure of the classification system itself, to the definitions of classes and types, and finally in the application in the field. Every classification system starts with its own individual definition of soil. The essential problem is that soils do not reproduce or have DNA like living organisms, so no "objective" criteria can be used to choose among classifications. The most qualified specialists in the world can and do spend hours arguing about a soil's classification. Thus, instead of fighting it is better to assess its quality.

First, begin by assessing the existing soil quality. The soil that contains too much clay will have a wet, sticky consistency with large clumps. The problem with clay-based soils is their prevention of sufficient air flow, but their high nutrient levels make them an important part of a good soil mix. Sand-based soils, on the other hand, will exhibit a light, granular texture as shown in. The drawback with sandy soil is that while it allows ample drainage and air flow, it's low on nutrients. Loam, which is the best type of soil, will exhibit a rich dark color and have a light texture with just a hint of stickiness that allows it to hold nutrients. Even in gardens with loam-based soils, however, mixing in a bit of clay-based and sand-based soil will help ensure a nutrient-rich, evenly aerated consistency.

Once you've established a great base soil in your garden, the next step is to add organic material to increase existing nutrient levels. Whatever amendment you select to nourish your garden-compost, grass clippings, ground-up leaves, etc.-be sure to consistently monitor the soil quality and add new amendments as needed.

Soils are also affected by human habitation. People can alter soils to make them more suitable for plant growth through the addition of organic materials and natural or synthetic fertilizer, and by improving their drainage or water-retaining capacity. Human actions also can degrade soils through the depletion of nutrients, pollution, soil contamination, and soil compaction, and by increasing the rate of erosion, which is the relocation of soil through the movement of water or wind.

Thus, keep in mind that whatever you do might have an impact to the overall appearance of your garden. Planting in containers is different than planting in the garden and therefore demands a different type of soil. Since water tables and other conditions in containers are unlike those in the ground, the best option for container plants is a high-quality potting mix (generally not the least expensive). Using this medium for your potted plants will ensure that they thrive at the same level as your garden plants.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Gardening, Society, and Employment

What is Compost Tea?

Organic gardeners all know compost is fantastic stuff. But now, there's something even better and that's compost tea. If you start with a good compost you'll have a versatile elixir for all your garden needs.
Compost tea helps prevent foliage diseases and at the same time increase the nutrients to the plant and shutdown the toxins hurting the plants. It will improve the taste/flavor of your vegetables. So why not give this tea a try either by buying it or brewing it yourself. You won't believe the results!

Four ways that good bacteria work:

Help compete for the nutrients

Dine on the bad varmits

Help produce antibiotics to use against the varmits.

They shove the bad varmits out.

Compost tea that is correctly brewed has a wealth of microorganisms that will benefit your plants' growth and health as well as the soil that they live in. Compost tea can be considered yogurt for the soil. The microorganisms living there are both good and bad. What the tea does is make sure the good guys win by introducing helpful bacteria, fungi, protozoa and beneficial nematodes.

Harmful bacteria lives best in soil that does not have good air circulation. Good bacteria lives best and will thrive in soil that is well ventilated with oxygen. This is where a good compost tea, made the right way, comes in. When you have well oxygenated compost you automatically get rid of 3/4 of the bad varmits. Also by using harmful insecticides or chemical fertilizers we reduce the number of beneficial microorganisms in the soil.

Plants produce their own energy and food and half of that goes to the roots and some of that goes into the surrounding soil and guess who gets that? Correct, the good guys, and then it turns into a beneficial cycle.

The following is taken from the internet and shows compost tea is becoming a force in gardening.

National Organic Standards Board Compost Tea Task Force Report April 6, 2004 Introduction In 2003, the National Organic Standards Board convened a Compost Tea Task Force to review the relevant scientific data and report their recommendations on What constitutes a reasonable use of compost tea? The Task Force was composed of 13 individuals with knowledge and expertise in organic farming practices, organic certification, EPA pathogen regulations, compost, compost tea production and analysis, plant pathology, food safety and environmental microbiology.

Throughout their discussions, members consistently acknowledged the growing interest among certified organic and conventional growers to use compost teas, and the need to develop effective biologically-based tools to manage plant fertility, pests, and diseases.

A primary reason for producing compost tea is to transfer microbial biomass, fine particulate organic matter, and soluble chemical components of compost into an aqueous phase that can be applied to plant surfaces and soils in ways not possible or economically feasible with solid compost.

This article is provided courtesy of http://www.basic-info-4-organic-fertilizers.com You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.

Gardening Your Flowers to Grow

Many people like flowers in their garden. The whole point of having a garden for some people is to be able to have flowers which they can enjoy and smell and pick and give away to friends on birthdays or funerals. And there are many types of flowers which are indigenous to the lands in America or near your home so that you should be able to grow these flowers without too much incident at all. But before you begin the struggle to get your flowers up and running, you should first find out about the different types of flowers which are able to be grown in your area versus the kind of flowers that you want to grow and the climate an area in which they are able to grow.

Flowers In A Nursery What An Idea

Many people are such fans of flowers that they will do tree trimming to allow in more sunlight or even build entire nurseries in their backyard where they can grow the flowers they want to grow. Even if they are in harsher northern climates or tropical southern climates which are not conducive to the growth of these flowers, a nursery is a controlled environment in which they will be able to do the things they want to do.

Many people don't even think of this when they are thinking of their own lives and their own flowers. However a nursery is not going to cost too much money and if you have a big enough backyard and if you have paid off the mortgage on your home then being able to achieve this level of success is a thing which should come easily enough. If you feel that you would like to find out more about having a nurturing your backyard then you should speak to somebody who installs them. While it may be an added expense you don't want to take on at this time it is always something to look forwards to in the future.

Low Priced Is Twice As Nice

If you want to just buy some nice flowers or garden some nice flowers on your own terms and in your own yard without the necessity of a nursery then that is something else you can do pretty easily as well. Need to have flowers which are indigenous to the year area and you need to be able to afford them. Getting since she flowers is an easy enough task and getting flowers that are priced low and smell nice is twice as nice.

The collaborator Eric Slarkowski is really passionate about issues similar to chain saws. His publications on tree trimming chain saws are found on http://www.insidewoodworking.com and also different web pages.

Solar Heating - A Solution For Winter Swimming Pools

When the summer months pass and the temperature starts to drop you may discover that a dip in the pool leaves your teeth chattering and your body shivering for hours afterwards. If you're like most people, this would not be a very pleasant experience for you. In many areas of the country this has always been a problem for swimming pool owners who find themselves unable to swim in during the winter.

How can this be avoided?

There have been many heating solutions developed for swimming pools over the years. Currently the most popular are heat and gas pumps. While cheaper to set up, gas pumps are more expensive in the long run given the rising price of gas in recent years. Heat pumps are a bit more expensive to set up initially, but will prove to have lower maintenance costs. Both types of pumps, however, suffer from serious flaws. Neither gasoline nor electricity mix very well with water. A gas leak will contaminate the water, and I don't think I need to explain what would happen if you happened to be swimming while an electrical malfunction occurred.

To overcome these dangerous challenges, you may want to consider solar heating for your swimming pool. It is possible to install solar panels which will collect energy from the sun and use that energy when needed to provide heat to the water, keeping it warm even during the cold winter months.

Over the long term, a solar heating solution is even more cost-effective than either the gas or heat pump system. Without the need for supplies of gasoline or electricity, the maintenance costs of solar heating panels are very low, yet will still provide year-round warmth for your swimming pool.

The heat collected by the specially designed solar panels is transmitted through copper wires into strategically located pipes, where it is then released into the pool water. This type of heating system is safe, since there is no danger of electrocution or contamination of the water.

A solar panel setup allows for regulation of heat through valves that are able to control the amount of heat released through the pipes. This ensures that the water will never be too hot for you, nor will it be too cold, even during the coldest winter days.

If you enjoyed this article and would like to learn more about solar heated swimming pools, then please visit our swimming pool website for more information.

Lavender - The Scent of Relaxation in Your Herb Garden

Amongst the many types of lavender, three main varieties stand out, English, French and Italian lavender. Some have been hybridised and these are easily grown hardy, though you can't grow the seeds, as they will revert back to the original plant. The hybridised plants have larger flowers; so if looks are what you are after, go for it.

If you intend to harvest for the oil, or to make lavender pillows, the English lavender has the strongest scent. It is the most popular lavender, with its compact bushy growth reaching about 3 feet high. It has silvery pointed leaves and tiny mauve flowers grow at the end of long stems. Different colored flowers, from white through to pinks, blues and mauves, are available and the highest concentration of oil is in the flowers.

French lavender is considered the most hardy of all, reaching a height of about five feet. If the spent blooms a snipped off regularly it will bloom for nearly nine months of the year, giving good value for money and time. The blooms cut off can be dried and used for pot-pourri or sleep pillows. So can the leaves. Given a sunny spot, it will reward you with a greater depth of colour in the blooms.

Italian lavender is the baby of the three, growing to only about two feet high. It is a bit scarcer, but well worth cultivating if you can find it. Its leaves are tiny, smooth and pointed and although similar in many respects to the other lavenders, it is still different enough to form a good contrast. It flowers from mid-winter to early summer and will make a most attractive small hedge or groundcover, the deep mauve flowers covering the bush profusely. It is not as highly perfumed as the other two lavenders.

The best time to pick lavender flowers for drying is just before the last flowers have opened. Do it on a dry day while it is still cool to retain the oil essence. Hang in a shady, airy place to dry out and then strip the flowers from the stems and store in airtight containers. Lavender is most effective visually if grown as a hedge or with several bushes grouped together. They all like a sunny well-drained position.

Lavender is used as a remedy for giddiness and faintness. It calms and relaxes and cosmetically is good for oily skin.

Hans is an avid gardener and writes for http://www.gardening-guides.com visit us for more articles on herb gardening

Indoor & Outdoor Fountains - Add A Peaceful Touch To Your Home Or Garden

The beautiful sight of a cascading water fountain combined with the gentle trickling sound of the flowing water is wonderfully soothing. We all tend to lead busy lives these days, and when our nerves are fraught, being able to retreat to a peaceful spot and relax for a few moments is important. This is where fountains come in handy. They come in a huge variety of styles, from decorative tabletop fountains to ornamental garden fountains. So, whether you like to escape to the backyard or unwind inside in your favorite armchair, a fountain can easily be located nearby to help ease your stress.

Indoor fountains enable you to bring the naturally peaceful sound of trickling water inside, so you can close your eyes and easily imagine you're by a babbling brook or waterfall. A desktop fountain placed on a computer desk or shelf helps promote a good working environment. The moving water helps to purify the air and acts as a natural humidifier. As well as small tabletop interior fountains, floor and wall fountains are available for larger spaces such as an entranceway or reception area. These are great for creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Garden fountains can be used in any garden design, from large lawned gardens to small courtyard areas. Pond fountains are excellent for creating an attractive display and for keeping the water circulating. Bird bath fountains are ideal for attracting beneficial wildlife to a flower garden. Outdoor fountains are powered either by an electrical pump or by the sun's rays. Solar fountains have the advantage of no running costs and can be moved easily to any position you like, provided the solar panel is kept in sunlight.

Whether you want to drown out the noise of the city and transform a small patio into a haven of tranquility, or want to create a relaxing ambiance in your home, a water fountain could be the perfect accessory.

Caroline Smith is a contributor to FindFountains.com - an online resource offering a huge selection of outdoor and indoor fountains, including indoor wall fountains, garden pond fountains and more.

Wood Stoves Cast Iron Verses Steel

Wood burning stoves the comparison between steel and cast iron. Steel stoves heat up quick and start giving off heat right away. When the fire in the steel stove cools down so does the stove. A cast iron wood stove can take a couple hours to heat up, but when the fire dies down the cast iron will radiate out heat for hours. When comparable sized stoves are heated and operating both generate comparable heat into your home. What we will look at is the time it takes a wood stove to heat up and the time it takes to cool down.

If you plan to purchase a wood stove and burn it 24-7 late fall till early spring either stove will heat the same. Where the heat up and cool down times play into the comparison is the home owner who burns a wood stove just a few times a week and wants to heat up a cold home quickly. Many people have cabins or cottages that the sole source of heat is a wood stove. When entering a cold cabin in the dead of winter you want heat right away verses waiting for it to heat up.

Cast iron stoves have more features like upper air controls that allow you to add more or less air into the catalytic chamber for more combustion. Lower air controls are for the fire box. Most steel stoves only have lower air controls for the fire box.

Most cast iron stoves have ash drawers. The bottom of the fire box is either a cast grate with slots for the ash to fall into the clean-out drawer or some have shaker grates. Shaker grates are controlled from the side of the stove with a special wrench type tool. Steel stoves are lined with firebrick. Most steel stoves do not have ash drawers. Ashes are removed with a shovel. As stated above steel stoves are lined with firebrick this is to help the stove hold heat. Firebrick is easily broken when logs are tossed in and from normal wear of heating and cooling. Firebricks can be replaced.

While steel stoves are welded together, cast iron stoves are held together with furnace cement. Heating the stove under normal circumstances the expanding and contracting will cause the seams to crack. After a few years of burning the cast iron stove should be broke down and all the seams re-cemented.

Both steel and cast iron stoves have gaskets around the door and glass. The rope gaskets should be replaced annually. This is minor maintenance and it keeps the stove airtight.

Cast iron stoves are available in decorator porcelain enamel colors. A word of caution the colors will darken over time after the stove is heated. If the wood stove is overheated the finish can crack. It is similar to crazing that appears on your diner plates and other ceramic pieces. If there is water on the stove clean it ASAP. If the stove is hot do not spill water on it. The enamel finish will stain and the water marks are noticeable.

A wood burning stove is a great source of heat. Wood stoves last for 15 plus years and are inexpensive to operate. Whichever wood stove you choose enjoy it!

Cast Iron VS Steel Wood Stoves

Catalytic Combustors

Wood Stove Steamers

Portable Air Conditioners Ensure Economy And Convenience

Small is beautiful and convenient and so is the portable air conditioner as it can be shifted from one place to the other very easily. Read on to find out all the other advantages.

With the onset of the damp weather, it becomes difficult to survive without constant central air conditioning but that can prove to be quite expensive. The answer to this problem is a portable air conditioner as it has many advantages. It is easy to shift from one place in the home to another and that makes a portable air conditioner the ideal cooling system solution for your home, office or industrial site.

The portable air conditioners are easy and quick to install, as they do not involve any lifting or tearing up of windowsills. Moreover it can be shifted very easily from one place in the home to the other. For taking care of the hot spots in the central air conditioning, the portable air conditioners are far more convenient than window air conditioners. It is also ideal for window shapes, which present problems for installation. There is nothing like portable air conditioners for use as a spot cooler in the home.

A portable air conditioner is an excellent choice for saving money as just one unit needs to be purchased and it can be shifted easily to where you need it as it is mounted on castors and some can weigh only about 36 pounds. Moreover, as only one room is cooled at a time instead of the whole house, the total energy consumption is very low as compared to other air conditioning systems.

Another advantage of portable air conditioners is the energy efficiency that they provide. The average efficiency is in the 8 to 10 range although some are as high as 15, which is 50 percent better than most older central air conditioners. The small size of the portable air conditioners is very advantageous and as such it can fit in a corner or against a wall. It functions like an effective dehumidifier if you do not vent the warm exhaust air out through a window and its size is also the same as that of a room dehumidifier.

In order to reduce humidity and allergies, even the small ones remove 35 pints of moisture per day from the room air. The portable air conditioners also use the heat-exchange principle as the other air conditioners to cool and dehumidify the air. The operating principle is also similar to a window air conditioner as the room air circulates over cold evaporator coils to cool and dehumidify it inside the unit. The room air is exhausted outdoor after flowing over the hot condenser. There is no chance of already-cooled indoor air escaping outside as two ducts are now used.

Nowadays, you have electronic controls in most models and you can set the desired room temperature, blower speed, start and stop timer, and operation mode (cool, dehumidify, heat). The portable air conditioners also have hand-held remote control with which you can conveniently change all the settings as per your need.

The other features of portable air conditioners include a built-in air cleaner with an optional charcoal filter and oscillating louvers to distribute the cool air throughout the room. You can also switch off the louvers to direct the flow of air towards yourself, if you so desire.

Get the right air conditioner the first time. Discover the advantages of different air conditioner models and which one best suits your needs by reading our free articles at: Air Conditioner Reviews

Compost Pail

Compost pails are one of the most neglected parts of the whole composting process, yet they are an integral piece and one that is visited quite often. A few simple considerations make their use more satisfactory to the kitchen user and the composter alike.

The pail may be of almost any description as long as it can hold kitchen scraps. Ideally, it will be large enough to hold at least a day's offerings and perhaps two. Any longer in the heat of summer or even the normal heat of kitchen preparations will most likely cause unwanted odors to be received. If the pail is to find a home on the floor or the counter, a decorative crock with a cover can be used, else any sort of bucket will do under the sink or another counter.

A few cautions, mostly common sense, make using the compost pail easy, effective and reasonably sanitary.

• place only plant materials in the pail. Animal by products rapidly produce rancid odors and attract vermin to the compost pile.
• line the bottom of the compost pail with three layers of paper towel or newsprint. It helps to absorb liquids and odors and will keep the pail smelling fresh.
• empty the pail every two days or whenever it fills. Some occasions it may not be full after two days but it is best to empty it before rot progresses and smells develop.
• if fruit flies become a problem use a cover on the pail and empty it more often.
• wash the pail on a regular basis. Rinse with warm water and soap and wipe down with paper towels. The towels can be left in the pail to be composted.
• regularly sterilize the pail. Wash it with a bit of bleach in water. This prevents harmful bacteria from getting a foot hold.
• be nice to kitchen users, especially if this is the eating room. When preparing strong smelling foods, empty the pail immediately.
• keep a pile of dry, brown material handy to the compost pile or bin to add when emptying the pail. This allows for easy measuring of composting materials and a well mixed pile.

Some people like to cover the compost pail. I have not found this necessary if it is maintained with common sense and emptied regularly. Rather, a cover is often a nuisance when the pail is under the sink and the cover has to clear the plumbing when being removed. Treat your compost pail with good sense and it will be a pleasurable tool in the composting effort.

Darrell Feltmate is an avid gardener who has been composting and gardening for over 25 years with gardens up to 1/2 acre and compost piles for each. His composting site may be found at Compost Central. You can be a master composter in no time at all.

Much of his compost uses wood shavings from his wood turning hobby. The site for wood turning may be found at Around the Woods.

Hybrid Tea Rose - About Roses

As for the hybrid tea rose, you'll find that it is the most commonly used flower to put into an English garden or even a used as a border. As for the tea rose, you'll want to keep in mind that there is some elegance to the rose and you don't need to deal with this huge bush in your yard. You are able to take care of the hybrid rose a lot easier than most of the other roses that you may have planted. You will find that they are still roses and still need some TLC, but you'll be able to keep them under control easily. It is very important that you learn how to take good care of your flowers and gardens. You'll want to learn how to take good care of your tea roses, because they can enhance the appearance of your garden and you'll be able to improve your self esteem. Gardening has its way of making others feel good, because it is an achievement.

The tea rose is very small when you compare it to the typical rose bush. It's really nice when it comes to the size of the tea rose brush because you are able to use them for so many things. You can use them in a typical garden or you can use them as a border. When you use the tea rose bush as a garden accent you'll be able to work in some color and class, but you'll also be able to have fun with the design. You can use wildflowers with the hybrid roses and you can use many other flowers that you typically wouldn't put with a rose garden, because they are not overpowering at all.

The tea rose will typically come in colors like white, red, yellow, green, and red. Sometimes you'll see them in shades of blues and purples. Keep in mind that there are many numerous hybrids that you'll want to consider when planting a garden. You still can easily make a good rose garden with these hybrid roses, however, you'll have a lot more space then you would with a typical rose plant. You'll find that these flowers are very bright in colors, but they also have a very strong scent. If you are to put a hybrid tea rose garden together, you may want to think about adding some seating so that you can sit and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Tea roses are sold locally and online or through catalogs. You'll be able to create a wonderful design with these roses. Learn about growing Tea Roses and how you can enjoy more by reading gardening articles online everywhere.

Cheryl Hanlon garden author. Find more about gardening articles by Cheryl at http://www.backyardliving.com

Buy Flowers Online

Like love, the language of flowers is universal. People understand it across the globe, irrespective of their race or background, echoing their feelings of love, joy, desire, happiness, faith, hope or loyalty. Nothing expresses more than a bunch of exotic fresh flowers in full bloom.

Be it your anniversary or Christmas celebrations, choosing the right floral arrangement takes time and can be frustrating if after taking that drive and dealing with traffic your local florist doesnt have what you desire. Buying flowers online is the most convenient alternative to get what you want comfortably from your home. Local stores may not have a big selection of flowers and you might have to settle for whats available instead of what you actually desire. On the other hand if one online florist doesnt offer what you are looking for, you can easily move on to a site that showcases exactly what you have in mind.

Online stores display photos or illustrations of their flower arrangements so that you can actually see them before placing the order. While placing the order on the phone you cant see the actual bulbs and the arrangement you get may turn out to be entirely different from what you imagined.

When you order flowers online, place the order only after comparing and deciding the best flower arrangement offered at the most competitive price. Make sure they are assuring delivery at the date and time you ask. If you want your flowers to last longer, order ready-to-bloom buds which will blossom two or three days after you receive the shipment.

Whether you buy daffodils - which signify sunshine and happiness or irises - denoting faith, hope and wisdom or any other kind of flower, buying online will give you the best available choice in your price category.

Buy Flowers Online provides detailed information on Buy Flowers Online, Send Flowers Online, Buy Cheap Flowers Online, Buy Fresh Flowers Online and more. Buy Flowers Online is affiliated with Local Flower Shops.

Bonsai Tips

A great hobby that many people should try, because it is calm and restful is to grow and cultivating a bonsai tree. Often people buy some shaping tools and a young bonsai tree, and begin. In a short time they often experience disappointment as their best efforts result in failure, and perhaps even the death of the bonsai tree. But it does not need to be that way. I here give you some useful and basic Tips on how to grow a bonsai tree.

Bonsai Tips 1: Choosing the right Bonsai Tree from the start

Choosing the Bonsai tree from the start is very important, and you should choose the tree wisely as it may become a problem later if you do not look carefully for the right things for the tree. Some of the most important things to look for is:

• Attractive bark.
• Small leaves

It will make the whole process a lot easier, if you start out with a Bonsai tree with some good and healthy
outlook.

Bonsai Tips 2: The environment for the Bonsai tree

The environment of the Bonsai tree is also very important. You need to consider things such as sunlight, rain, wind, humidity etc., because each of these environment elements will make a difference in the development of your Bonsai tree. Try to optimize each element for your tree, and you will soon see a healthy and beautiful tree growing up.

Bonsai Tips 3: The Watering process for the Bonsai tree

The watering of the Bonsai tree is one of the most vital parts in the process of growing bonsai plants. One of the most common problems with the Bonsai Tree, that people are not able to find the right balance of giving water to the tree. You need to make sure, that your Bonsai Tree gets plenty of water, but certainly not too much. A basic rule of the watering process is to look at the colour of the leaves.

Generally speaking, if they are yellow in appearance and brittle to the touch this indicate a lack of water. If however they are yellow and falling you may find that you have been over watering your Bonsai Tree. You should focus a lot on this water processing issue, It's a good ideal then to get into the habit of watering your Bonsai tree a little everyday. After a while you will become more aware of just how much water your Bonsai Tree actually needs.

Bonsai Tips 4: Shaping and dwarfing of the Bonsai Tree

Shaping and dwarfing of the Bonsai Tree is accomplished by following some fundamental techniques. The small tree size and the dwarf foliage is maintained by a consistent schedule of pruning of the roots and leaves. It is important that you learn and follow the Different methods of this area. Further it is important to have on hand the proper shears and cutting tools to use during this process.

Pruning is crucial to the plant, so good quality tools are critical. Also, some pruning should be done seasonally, as most bonsai trees require a period of dormancy and fail to grow roots or leaves during that time. Remember: pruning not done correctly can either weaken the tree or kill it.

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By following these simple Tips, you can a much bigger chance to avoid disappointment, and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and serenity of growing your own Bonsai Tree.

About The Author

Morten Hansen has been focused on the Bonsai area for several years and is mainly writing about subjects, that make it easier for people to understand the different issues about the Bonsai Tree. For more details about the Bonsai Area visit our website http://www.BonsaiTips4you.com

Halve Your Energy Bills by Doubling Up! Part 2

It is not an accident that the list compiled by The National Association of Home Builders on how to save energy in your home has windows included in it. In fact, right near to the top is 'double-pane windows that have high performance glass that helps reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer'.

In Part 1 the general case for installing Insulated Glass Units (IGUs) was discussed - in particular noise reduction glass; assuming you are all dying to get on with it, here are the whys and the wherefores of your choices in energy-saving glass.

The most popular reason for installing IGUs is for green and/or energy reasons. In this same vein, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the U.S. Energy Department recommend that you search out specific qualities when choosing your glass.

Glass can be chosen for its energy saving qualities or for its noise reduction qualities. Since Part 1 of 'Halve Your Energy Bills By Doubling Up dealt with the generalities of IGUs and specifically with noise reduction glass, this Part 2 will only decipher the mysteries of energy-saving glass.

There can be certain options in the qualities of glass that are specifically designed to help with energy reduction and these may be the reasons you might want to change to new windows.

One of these is low-e coated glass. 'Low e' stands for low emissivity; as the word suggests it relates to the amount of heat that is 'emitted' through the glass by radiation. Radiation can go two ways, your heat can radiate out through your single pane windows and the cold can 'radiate' in.

Alternatively, sun shine shining on the window can radiate heat into the room you are trying to cool, and your air conditioning will work twice as hard trying to keep those panes of warming glass cool.

Doesn't sound like much but according to the U.S. Department of Energy either scenario can raise your bill by ten to twenty five per cent. With energy costs on the rise, this represents lots of cash.

So if you choose glass that has low-e coating it will reduce the flow through your window of hot to cold, or cold to hot, and lessen your energy output.

There is another type of glass, mostly recommended for people in mainly hot climates; it is called 'solar control spectrally selective' glass. This blocks the infrared portion of your sunlight.

This is the 'hot' portion that is used to power solar heating panels. Blocking it allows the sun to shine through your 'solar controlled spectrally selective ' pane of glass without heating the room up. Therefore it is not recommended for seasonal climates, where in the cold season we like to feel abit of sun warmth in the home!

Before you think about buying, you would be advised to check out the non-profit organization that spills the beans on doors, windows and skykights. It is called The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and you can find it on the Internet.

Fenestration, in this case means the design and placement of windows in a building (from the French word for window: fenetre).Windows that are certified by the NFRC carry a label that is invaluable in helping you to make an informed choice. The labels specify four different ratings.

- The U factor measures how well the heat is kept inside a building. For climates which also experience cold weather, NFRC recommend a U factor of 0.35 or below.
- Visible light is also measured - the higher the number the more light is transmitted.
- NRFC also measures a window's ability to block heat from coming in i.e. from sunlight. Zero is the better blocking rate than one.
- Air leakage is a handy one to know about; as heat loss or gain can be from cracks in the construction of the window unit. The Energy Department recommends a loss rating of not more than 0.3 cubic feet per minute.

Another guide is to check and see if the windows you are choosing have the Energy Star label on them; this is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Glass for use in windows is moving into the technological era as fast as anything else, so do not be too quick in choosing 'any old IGUs' - take the time to really get what you want and enjoy the reductions you deserve.

PorchLight Real Estate Group combines local market knowledge with cutting edge marketing skills. For more information on Denver CO real estate or to do a search for Broomfield real estate, visit us online at PorchLightGroup.com.

An Energy Efficient Home is a Money Saving Home!

Energy efficiency is top priority in most people's lives today and this is the reason for the increased popularity in environmentally friendly homes. In fact, people living in these homes experience improved breathing conditions and reduced incidences of flu.

The first thing to do for an eco friendly home is it replace the ducting, heating and cooling systems with low emission and energy efficient stuff. Changes that can be made are like using corn burning furnaces instead of wood fireplaces, using solar water heaters and not electric water heaters and updating of the furnace with an energy efficient model.Use timers and dimmers to regulate your systems It is better to use electronic timers for turning these energy efficient models on and off, when required. It is also possible to save money by using lighting control systems like dimmers, timers and occupancy sensors.

You can improve the heating capacity of your water heater by wrapping it with a thermal blanket. To get increased air conditioning benefits, you can provide some shading for the air conditioner and install a programmed thermostat that adjusts setting automatically.Fill up all cracks and block air leaks. All cracks in the house have to be caulked, vapor barriers installed and energy efficient doors and windows installed. If you intend to sell your home, it is better to do all this about a year before the sale so that you can prove the energy savings through low heating bills.

It is also possible to improve energy efficiency of the home by improving insulation of attic, basement and exterior walls, floors, ceilings and heating ducts. This prevents hot or cold air from entering or leaving the room for increased cooling and heating.Similarly, block any possible air leaks in the form of holes and cracks n walls, windows and doors. Even ensure that there is no air leakage in your ducts.

Use modern windows for maximum lighting Lighting and ventilation have more emphasis today as homeowners turn to be more health conscious. There are more homeowners keeping Feng Shui elements in their homes and are using natural venting. Modern windows and vents are created to provide for maximum natural lighting, and make more use of solar heating. This is to ensure removal of contaminants from the room, reducing the build up of mold and mildew and to avoid using air conditioners.

With all these tips, you will soon be the proud owner of an energy efficient home that produces reduced energy consumption bills for you.

James Tyler is the owner of Ace Builders, a residential remodeling company serving the Raleigh, North Carolina area. Tyler writes about issues relating to all types of remodeling and home improvement projects.

For more information, tips and advice visit http://www.acebuilders.net

The Benefits Of Using Electrostatic Air Filters In Heating And Air Conditioning Equipment

As technology advances, we get new innovations in every field, including that of furnace filters and air filtration. One new option that's becoming more and more popular is that of electrostatic furnace filters. Ask a lot of duct technicians these days, and you'll hear that these filters have many benefits, and are a great way to save money. After all, you'll never have to replace a filter again. Here are a few of the benefits that are associated with using electrostatic furnace and air conditioner filters.

Helps Relieve Allergy Problems

Exposure to common allergens, including mold, pollen, pet dander and dust, is reduced when you use an electrostatic furnace filter. If you have asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems, you'll notice a lot less irritation and fewer episodes

Electrostatic Filters Are Economical

These filters help keep your air conditioner coils and the components in your furnace from collecting dirt and dust. That dust is the single most common cause of heating and cooling system failure. If your system is cleaner, it will have a longer life and be more efficient, meaning that you'll use less energy and need to repair your furnace less often. Also, unlike conventional filters, electrostatic furnace filters never have to be replaced. While they cost more to install initially, you'll save in the long run by not replacing dirty filters.

Cleaning Your House Gets Easier

Since the electrostatic filter collects dust effectively, less of it gets out to settle throughout your home. That means less dusting, easier vacuuming, and a generally less bothersome time keeping your house clean.

Electrostatic Filters Are Environmentally Friendly

Filters you never have to replace are filters you never throw away, and that's a lot friendlier to the environment. Reducing waste is a common concern in many countries, and these filters are one way to cut down on the amount of trash you throw out. The landfills will thank you.

Easy Maintenance

To make sure that your filter does its job correctly, there is a little work required. However, all you have to do to maintain furnace efficiency is give the filter a cleaning once a month. This can be done by vacuuming the heaviest buildup off the filters surface. Then, lay your filter flat and spray with detergent on both sides. Spray the filter with water, turn it over, and repeat until the water isn't dirty anymore. Just let your electrostatic furnace filter drip dry, and put it back in your heating and cooling system to continue providing you with clean, high quality air.

Help keep your heat pump or air conditioner working a peak efficiency by selecting a good air filter. There are many options and things to consider when making your selection. Visit our site to learn more about furnace filters and air conditioner filters or to get more information about electrostatic furnace filters.

Finding an Energy Efficient Modern Home

The modern prefab home, in the manufactured home market, is all the rage. The day has arrived when home owners can own a dwelling with a truly modernist design. Now individuals can enjoy a modern, stylish abode at half the cost of site built homes. With the advent of this method of home construction, a person can live in style and comfort all at the same time. Modern prefab homes can be found in a variety of places, but if one wants to see the latest homes plans, they can find out more by visiting certain websites dedicated to the promotion of these unique domiciles.

If a person is really interested in a modern prefab home, then the best place to start the research process would be searching Google for "fabprefab." At their website, one can find out a ton of information on these custom modular homes. All the information that one could ever need is here. Everything from understanding what the homes are made of to what the cost is can be found on this informative website. One can also find architects that create these amazing homes on this wonderful website. These homes are quickly becoming the desired dwellings in the factory built homes market.

When one thinks of going green, they rarely think of a prefab home, but that is exactly what they will get if they invest in one of these modern homes. This unique new modular home can bring a person closer to living in an upscale environment without living with the cost. Beauty and eco friendliness have never looked so good together as they do in the modern prefab homes of today's world.

Bo Von Brockdorff was once a contractor who specialized in California manufactured homes. Unlike site built home contractors, Sacramento modular home builders ensure energy efficient homes so you can go green without giving up luxury and style. Not bad for a Sacramento manufactured home.

Saving Mortgage Money in the Credit Crunch

Tips that will save you money

You should first take a close look at your living expenses... debts, loans, phone bills, mortgages... Then shop around to find the best deals in the marketplace for each of these cost centres.

Mortgage Review

You are unlikely to make a more expensive purchase than your home, so you need to find the best deal for your repayments. If your mortgage is being repaid at the full standard variable rate you will almost certainly be able to find a more competitive rate. The base rate is falling nearly every month so you should be able to pick up an excellent deal. Do not feel that you are tied to your own building society or bank, but check that you will not incur financial penalties if you swap mortgage providers.

Take a Look at your Bank Account

Is your current bank account right for you? A survey has revealed that 52% of current account holders are missing out on an extra 3 per cent interest on their savings and are paying 12% too much on their overdraft

Having an overdraft does not prevent you from changing banks In fact on transferring your account some banks will offer a lower, perhaps even zero, interest rate on your overdraft for a specific length of time. There is no better place to look for good deals than on the internet...especially on comparison sites.

Save on Fuel Costs

You can save money and help to protect our planet's environment by choosing the right energy services for your home and using them wisely. Electricity is generated using gas, coal or oil, which releases carbon dioxide into the air, thus increasing the adverse effects of global warming. If everyone insulated their homes, thereby reducing the energy we use, we would help the environment and save money.

Grants to Save Energy

Local authorities offer a wide range of grants to assist you with draught proofing, hot water tank insulation, loft insulation, cavity wall insulation.....Every authority has different criteria, which have to be met before they will award a grant, but it is well worthwhile enquiring to see if you are eligible.

Electricity and Gas Providers

Few markets are more competitive than domestic energy supply, so you should be able to pick up a good deal by shopping around. Make sure your new supplier offers a good service before signing up. In a continually changing marketplace, on line comparison sites are a good way of finding the best offer at that particular time. Many people can save 150 a year by changing suppliers and you can often get additional discounts by paying through a direct debit agreement.

Installing Double Glazing

There is no better way of saving energy than through double glazing your home. To have double glazing installed by a professional company is expensive, but there are a range of inexpensive DIY kits available. These kits will not be as efficient as purpose made double glazed windows, but they will reduce draughts and save you money for just a few hours work.

Installing Insulation

Insulating your home can save you up to a third on your heating bills. Research has shown that 20 per cent of heat loss is through your walls, roof and ceilings. Roof insulation must be at least 150mm thick to be effective. Heat loss can be reduced by two thirds by installing wall insulation. Your hot water heating bill will fall substantially by fitting an insulating jacket.

Kings College Brokers offer great deals on Mortgages, Loans and other financial products. Visit our site for more info. Our sister site Brokers Online offers cutting edge articles and information about Life Insurance and other great financial products.

3 Leading Solar Energy Technologies

Solar technology is constantly evolving. It is clear now that for the near future, it is the the most viable method to generate clean, renewable energy.

Billions of dollars in investments go into scientific research of solar technologies. Still,almost all commercial and residential systems use one of 3 technologies: Thin-film P.V. (Photovoltaic) , Silicon P.V., and concentrating solar.The two P.V. technologies compete against each other as a solution for residential customers, while P.V. solar panels and concentrating solar compete for large scale, commercial installations.

Photovoltaic - Silicon

The first P.V. panels built from solar cells technology used silicon to generate electricity. When light from thesun hits a silicon atom inside the cell, an electron is emitted (photoelectric effect) . When enough sunlight hits enough silicon atoms, an electric current is generated. Today, most installed solar panels use Silicon to generate electricity.

The problem with Silicon is that it is expansive. It isthe same Silicon used in modern computer CPUs. Additionally, manufacturing processes arehighly complicated and expansive. Silicon is not very effective in converting sunlight to electricity - only about15% of sunlight is converted.

Photovoltaic - Thin film

As P.V. solar panels gained popularity, it wasclear that using Silicon as thesubstrate might limit widespread adoption of solar technology, due to the highcosts of Silicon and the panels' production. The solution - thin film cells.

Thin film cells operate the same way as their silicon counterparts(the photoelectric effect), but their manufacturing process is cheaper, and the materials used in the process(glass, stainless still, glass) are much cheaper than Silicon.

The tradeoff for the price advantages over Silicon based P.V.is efficiency - only about 10%.

Concentrating solar

The most intriguing, and some argue, the most viable technology in use today is concentrating solar. Concentrating solar plants can generate enough energy to power tens of thousands of homes. These huge solar fields are made of thousands of mirrors, who concentrate sun light onto a fluid. That fluid heats up, generating steam, which is than converted into electricity using a steam turbine.

These plants are usually built in desert areas, where sunlight is abundant. Building these plants can costbillionsof dollars, but they have one amazing characteristics: their efficiency in converting sunlight to electricity canbe as high as60% (as oppose to 10-15% for P.V. technology).

There are many variations of the 3 technologies presented here, and as more research becomes production, the prices of solar energy system will drop, while efficiency will rise.

Joseph H. Ben is the founder of ThetaNoon - the global solar energy systems directory,available at : http://thetanoon.appspot.com/ Thetanoon provides anyone interested in solar energy unique insight into real world solar energy systems - solar panels, water heaters and other technology. Each system in the directory is monitored and electricity output and CO2 savings are estimated.Users' experience, images and location related information make ThetaNoon the best resource on the net for anyone investing into solar technology. To learn more about real-world solar systems, visit: http://thetanoon.appspot.com/

The First Step to Saving Money on Your Energy Bills, Part 1 (The Kitchen)

Believe it or not, it is entirely possibly to start saving tonight on your energy bills - no matter where you live, or the type of house you live in. The real secret to saving money is knowing where to start. So, let's get started!

It's a very important step - yet it is one that nearly everyone falls all over. In fact, it is the first step for a reason. Knowing where to start looking for energy problems is half the battle. Once you find the problem areas of your home, you can find solutions that will fix or remedy those areas.

In this article, we'll focus on your kitchen's energy usage.

Every home or apartment has a kitchen. And in this kitchen there are numerous appliances you have to keep your eye on. Do you know what the biggest energy waster is in 95% of kitchens? It's the refrigerator. That modern marvel is terrific for keeping foods from spoiling, but if it is more than 10 years old, it is "obsolete" and a waster of energy. Today's refrigerator units use on average 25% less energy than their predecessors just 10 years ago.

So what can go wrong with a refrigerator? Usually the first sign of wear on an old fridge is the seals and hinges of the door. It isn't surprising when you consider that the doors are opened and closed repeatedly at least 10 times a day in over 50% of homes. Think about how often you open and close the doors on a daily basis. Twice at breakfast, four times or more at dinner, and a few more times to reach for a cold beverage.

All the strain on the hinges adds up, especially on older units. Now granted, they are built to withstand the constant opening and closing, but eventually problems will crop up. And when they do, either the door refuses to close all the way or it gives way to small areas around the door that aren't insulating as well as they should.

And the seal...well it doesn't take long for the seal to crack or lose its tight "grip". Once this happens, refrigerated air will leak out (or more to the point, warmer air will seep in) causing your fridge to work harder. The additional strain on the compressor, fan, and other parts means they run longer, on average, than usual. And this directly translates to high energy bills.

So, whats the solution? Well, hinges should be replaced if they are going bad, and the seals should be checked - especially on older units. You can also improve the efficiency of your fridge by ensuring it is not placed in direct sunlight or near a heat register. Minimize the amount of times the doors are opened and closed. Every time you open or close the door, you are exchanging cooled air for warm air. Finally, vacuum the exchanger coils once per year to allow better air circulation and more efficient operation.

The fridge is not the only place energy is used or potentially wasted. Your stove/oven also uses energy. And like refrigerators, the older they are the less efficient they become.

Whether you have an electric range or gas range, be aware that advances in appliance technology again means that units 10 years old or more are less efficient than current models. Keep in mind too if you have a natural gas range that there is inherent inefficiency with burning fuel for heat. Every gas appliance has an efficiency rating which tells you how efficient the unit is at converting the gas input to heat. As a practical example, if a range has a 10,000 BTU burner and operates at 80% efficiency, the most heat it will out put is 8,000 BTU. As the unit gets older, the efficiency rating goes down, so the fuel is burned less efficiently. This means that the range will need to run longer to achieve the desired result. Again, the direct result is higher gas bills.

Electric ranges are no different, except, as with all electronics, they are near 100% efficient in converting the "power". In other words, there isn't a built in efficiency problem as with natural gas appliances. The wattage the unit is rated at will be what it takes as input, and the heat output is consistent. There is no need to convert to an "efficiency output" as with natural gas. However, like their gas counterparts, the heating elements and electronics inside the unit certainly become outdated or can break over time. Consider that if an electric range burner "burns out" or breaks, it is useless. It must be replaced. Gas appliances usually don't have these electrical problems. Newer units use less power and heat better because of better convective cooking surfaces, better heating elements, and better, more energy friendly electronics inside the unit.

Ovens, whether they are electric or gas, typically have the same faults. Over time, the seals wear out and heat is wasted through the doors, Their heating elements as well can become old and outdated. Additionally, the insulation that surrounds the oven may crumble or being to show signs of wear. All these elements contribute to the oven's inefficiency.

So, how do you combat these problems? Sometimes, it isn't an option to use them less. But ideally, that is the best course of action. When using the oven, try to cook foods during the last 5 minutes of the cooking cycle with the heat "off". Avoid peeking into the oven - use the window. Opening the oven too often allows vital heat to escape, and thus the oven as to turn on for a period of time to compensate for the lost heat. You can use a similar trick with electric ranges. The element will remain warm for a couple minutes after it is turned off. Use covers when cooking on the range as they trap more heat than open pots and pans. Lastly, once boiling temperature is reached, turn down the burner to maintain the boil. It saves energy, while still boiling the liquid.

Last, let's touch briefly on microwaves. Another modern marvel that makes cooking fast and simple. There is a direct correlation between the power of the microwave and the power consumption. The power, measured in watts, is the power input. At 100% power, the microwave converts most of the power input to radiation, which heats the food/liquid in the microwave. Simply put, the more powerful the microwave, the more energy it takes. There is no such thing as a powerful microwave that is "energy efficient". Powerful microwaves are inherently energy hogs.

So, where's the opportunity for savings here? Well, using the microwave in "short" periods helps. The less you use the unit, the better off you are. And like most other appliances, older units become inefficient over time. The electronics and more importantly the radiation (microwave) source becomes outdated and produces less radiation. The 10 year rule applies here - if it is older than 10 years old, look into replacing it. Also, watch the hinges and door latch. These have a tendency to come loose with constant usage, even if the unit is only a few years old!

I hope you've enjoyed the energy journey through the kitchen. Next article, We'll walk through your living room and look for opportunities for energy savings there. See you then!

Dave Andersen regularly writes about home energy savings tips, energy efficiency, and saving money on home energy bills. He is not only an avid proponent of alternative energy and energy conservation, but of homeowner education about their home energy usage. He is a regular contributor to Utility Bill Busters, a free blog updated often with cutting edge energy saving tips for homes and businesses. It can be found at http://www.utilitybillbusters.com

Green Real Estate Upgrades and Renovations - How to Save Money on Heating and Cooling

The following interview was conducted with Marlayna Phenechka, a building subcontractor based in Asheville, North Carolina who practices green building and sustainable thinking. Phenechka has worked on both residential and commercial real estate projects in North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. She outlines some basic upgrades to facilitate more efficient and less expensive heating and cooling. The upgrades are a smart investment for the average consumer since the money spent is quickly recouped.

Turn Off the Hot Water! On-Demand Hot Water Heaters
(Estimated Cost: $250-800 Labor: $400-1400)

The resources used to heat water is expensive, often the second highest residential energy use in homes. Did you know most hot water heaters in homes are designed to keep water hot constantly? One good way to save electricity or gas is to simply turn off the hot water, and turn it on only when needed. Consult an electrician to install a timer or switch. Have them turn the water heater down from a manufacture's scalding 140 to 115 degrees. Another overlooked method to cutting costly water utility bills is to simply buy a 'blanket' for your water heater.

In Europe, modern Asia and Israel, On-Demand, or Tankless, Hot Water Heaters are more common than the hot water tanks in US homes. These cost effective, efficient devices turn hot water off unless it's in use. Phenechka says, "There's an off mode on this system. There is no pilot light either, which saves valuable energy. Many On-Demand Hot Water Heaters are even made with a temperature remote control feature so the user can adjust the temperature to his or her preference, saving even more energy."

The best On-Demand or Tankless Hot Water Heater uses liquid propane or gas as a source of energy. If main power is shut down for some reason there will still be hot water. "The size of an On-Demand Hot Water Heater is about the same as a backpack and weighs approximately 30-40 pounds," Phenechka adds. In some cases, installing a gas line to fuel the On-Demand Hot Water Heater may incur an extra expense, though liquid propane may be a better option. The majority of US states offer a tax credit for these devices.

Heat Pump Heating and Cooling Systems
(Estimated Cost for the system and installation $3,000-8,500)

Heat Pumps are a great way to conserve money on heating and cooling. "Some heat pumps come with heat and air conditioning and are well worth the initial investment. During milder winter days, the heat pump draws in warm air through the home's ducts; in the summer, it pulls in cool air and dehumidifies it at the same time," says Phenechka. A heat pump is far more efficient then many other heating and cooling systems and saves some homeowners as much as $100 per month or more. Make sure you purchase a programmable thermostat with the system and check and seal any leaks all your original air ducts and returns to optimize your investment!

Attic Exhaust Fan
(Estimated Cost: $80-$250)

Installing (or repairing) an exhaust, or gable, fan in the attic can make a huge difference in airflow, humidity, and temperature in a home. Solar exhaust fans, with their own tiny solar panel are now available at many of the big box stores! Hot air especially gets trapped in the attic, and without an exhaust fan, it is hard for this air to move and the home's temperature stays high. Attic fans are easily installed, and most have sensors for temperature and humidity so the fan automatically turns on. A gable fan ensures that even if there is air conditioning in the home it is not overused.

There is also a whole house fan system made to work in conjunction with an attic fan. The whole house fan system is an alternative to air conditioning especially in cooler, dry climates. It harnesses and pulls in the cool air that exists outside to the interior of a home through open windows at night.

Ceiling Fans
(Cost: $50-$100 each)

Ceiling fans also eliminate much of the need for air conditioning and sometimes act as a complete alternative to AC. "Ceiling fans have a wind chill factor of three and up," states Phenechka "a ceiling fan in each room can have a huge impact on the comfort inside." When a home is being heated in the winter, a ceiling fan will help spread the heated air more evenly throughout the house. Ceiling fans are a great way to upgrade a home, and many attractive fans, some with lighting fixtures, are available to choose from. Don't forget to use energy efficient bulbs in the ceiling fan for increased energy savings.

Green Upgrades and Renovations for Commercial Real Estate

Many of the green strategies mentioned not only have value for residential homeowners but also for commercial real estate such as retail stores, office buildings, apartment buildings, factory plants, restaurants and shopping malls. Heating and cooling costs are a major issue for commercial real estate developers and investors. If you want to save money on monthly bills consider hiring a green building and renovation specialist to upgrade the heating and cooling system of your commercial property. Commercial fan systems and on demand hot water heaters can hold great long term value for commercial real estate owners and are a healthy business investment.

These simple, green living recommendations will make your home or building more energy efficient and save you money over the long term. Whether you have hundred or thousands to spend on environmentally conscious, real estate upgrades and renovations there are affordable green solutions to keep your heating and cooling costs down. In a time of rising energy costs, it makes sense to go green. These kinds of heating and cooling upgrades and renovations will increase the value of your commercial or residential property and make it more attractive to future buyers.

Elaine VonCannon is an award winning REALTOR with RE/Max Capital in Williamsburg, Virginia. She specializes in retirement and relocation in the Williamsburg, South Eastern Virginia area and in Virginia Estate properties. To learn more visit http://www.voncannonrealestate.com or http://www.estatesinvirginia.com