I’m going to level with you – I hate to mow. Much as I love living out in the country and having lots of real estate under my feet, I dread that moment when I notice that I can no longer see my feet when I stand upon it. That’s my moment of truth, my proverbial wake-up call. Time to saddle up and mow ‘em down. The yards, that is – front and back. It’s an all-day affair, with precious little reward beyond the fragrant smell of fresh-cut grass and the gratifying sense that I’ve bought myself another week before I’ll have to do it all over again.

So how will I know when my time has come, you ask? Here are ten signs that it’s time to mow your lawn:

1. Here, Kitty. Where’s Kitty? – When watching the neighbor’s cat slink through your yard is reminiscent of a lioness stalking wildebeest on the African prairie in a video from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, chances are good the old Cub Cadet is due out for a spin there, chief.
2. Table Dancing – Another good indication that you’re a tad behind on your lawn care duties is when you trip over lawn furniture. Who put that table there? (This has actually happened to me.)
3. Need some help? – Lawn care businesses begin stopping by to offer their services to you. Looks like you could use our assistance, sir. We can have this yard looking good in no time.
4. Ancient Astronauts – Shortly after your 4-year old does a few laps in the yard on his Big Wheel, you get a voice mail from a local news channel. Something about crop circles.
5. The Sinking of the Hendersons – Maybe I’ve been working too many hours at the office, you wonder, or had one too many cold ones by the poolside. But you’re certain that the Hendersons’ house across the street was a two-story Colonial, and you can’t see their front door from here.
6. Hey, wait for me! – When the school bus driver passes by without noticing your kids standing at the curb, this too could be an indication that some landscaping is in order.
7. Stephen King Lawn Care – And if, once they actually get to school, your kids are referred to by their classmates as Children of the Corn, you may want to set this weekend aside for some mowing.
8. Two Flights of the Bumblebee – If you see that bumblebees are pollinating outside your bedroom, on the second floor, you guessed it. Your time has arrived.
9. Safari, So Good – Neighbors pay you a visit, wearing pith helmets and brandishing machetes. Subtle, yet effective.
10. There you are! – Upon finally taking the hint and heading out to the shed for the lawn mower, you find on its seat, your last month’s issue of Better Homes and Gardens.

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Allergy season is a miserable time for millions of sufferers of watery eyes, sneezing, sniffling and itching. It’s a time for many to resort to medications of various types in the hopes of reducing these symptoms from exposure to allergens. If you’re looking for alternatives to the prescription or over-the-counter options in your fight against allergies, read on. The following are 10 home remedies against allergies.

1. Dehumidify – Dust mites are a common source of allergens in the home, and don’t do well in a dry climate. Try using a dehumidifier to rid your home of these pests.
2. Launder Linens in Hot Water – A water temperature of at least 130 degrees will kill any dust mites that have taken up residency in your bedding.
3. Spice it Up – Spices in your diet can help keep air passages clear, which can become congested by allergens. Try adding some horseradish, hot mustard, chili peppers to your food.
4. Add some Lime – A solution of a half-lime and some honey in warm water will flush toxins out of your system. It will also act as an anti-toxin to prevent allergens from gaining a foothold in your system. Drink a glass daily beginning just before allergy season.
5. SLIT – a therapeutic technique begun in Europe, Sublingual Immunotherapy has shown to be an effective means of combating allergies. SLIT therapy involves placing a small dosage of the allergen under the tongue, then swallowing it. By way of introducing the allergen to the body daily, in very small doses – on the order of about one part per thousand water dilution – it acts as a sort of immunization to the ill effects.
6. Castor Oil – For allergies of the skin, nasal passages or digestive tract, try a mix of castor oil in water or fruit juice. A few drops in a half cup dilution can flush out those allergens.
7. Baking Soda – For hives, add a half-cup of baking soda to a warm bath, and soak for 30 minutes.
8. Tea Time – Drinking hot tea not only helps keep nasal passages open, but certain types of tea act as anti-inflammatories and ant-bacterials. Peppermint tea, for instance, contains essential oils that work as a decongestant. Green tea also will work to resist the effects of allergens in your body.
9. Butterbur – This herb has been shown to work as an antihistamine when taken. More common in Europe, butterbur (Petasites hybridus) can alleviate allergies without the side effect of drowsiness that traditional antihistamines can cause. It is taken in tablet form 3 times daily.
10. Keep it Clean – Much of the battle with allergens can be won with some basic cleaning measures such as using bleach in a water solution on hard surfaces to kill mold; removing carpet in favor of hard floors or area rugs to limit breeding areas for dust mites and mildew.

Allergies don’t have to spoil the season for you, and fighting them doesn’t have to mean taking a lot of medication. A few common sense cleaning tips and a handful of natural or household items is all you need to say good-bye to those allergy symptoms.

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If you have a back yard large enough to plant a fruit tree, then it is time to look at the choices to fit your own situation. When choosing a tree you may want to base it on the type of fruit you like the most. However, if you haven’t thought in terms of a specific kind, but are wanting the joy of trying this for the first time, then you can pick from one of several options. Each will give you fresh fruit, and not require any more care than any other tree. The place you buy the tree will be able to provide any details about its care and upkeep. Here are ten fruit-bearing trees you should consider when looking for that first purchase.

1. Apricot. The fruit provides a great source for Vitamin A. It also includes minerals like calcium, manganese, iron and also sodium. The fruit doesn’t store well for long times and is best when eaten right after it is picked. Its tree does best in soil that is moderately fertile and drains easily.
2. Apple. There are so many varieties of apples that you can easily find one you will enjoy, whether it is the Granny Smith or the Fuji, or another variety.  Most apple trees will grow to between 10 and 20 feet when mature.
3. Cherry. With this fruit, you can plant either sweet or sour versions.  They do best in Northern and Southern regions.  It is a self pollinating fruit whose tree will grow from 12 to 25 feet in height.
4. Pear. There are more than 3,000 types of pears you can plant.  They do well in the same climates where apples are grown.  The tree can be between 15 and 30 feet in height.
5. Peach. A tasty ripened peach, just picked off the tree, is a very amazing experience. They grow best in Northern and Southern climates with mild temperatures.  A peach tree’s height can vary between 4 and 30 feet.
6. Plum. This is a soft and very juicy fruit. Its tree will do best in warmer climates when they bear Japanese plums. With the American versions, they will do better in colder winter climates.  Plum trees will rise between 10 and 25 feet when mature.
7. Nectarine. These do best when planted where there is full exposure to the sun.  They do well in the same climates as peaches. This is a fruit that is primarily grown in California. The trees vary in height from 4 to 20 feet.
8. Pomegranate. The fruit of this tree is relatively pest free, and does best in full sun. It thrives well in warmer climates.  Although it is very popular to eat it when first picked, it does do well when stored.  The trees can grow between 12 and 30 feet.
9. Mandarin. This tree does best in full sun and well drained soil.  Its blossoms are very fragrant, and it has beautiful foliage.  Mandarin trees grow to a height between 8 and 25 feet.
10. Lemon. The lemon tree has a fragrance that rivals many flowers for how it fills the air.  It is best to plant this tree where there is no frost.  Lemon trees grow to a height of between 4 and 30 feet.

Fruit trees can truly add a special quality to any house.  They are easy to plant and maintain with limited instructions.  Adding one to your yard can give it wonderful fragrances in the springtime.

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There’s nothing like fresh vegetables from your own garden. All the hard work is rewarded when you take the first bite. The freshness you get from the garden to your table can’t be bought in a store. When most people think about vegetable gardens, they think of tomatoes or corn on the cob. Here’s some less common, but fun things you can grow.

1. Scarlet runner beans – These pole beans are both decorative and delicious. Make sure they have something to climb on and watch them go. The profusion of bright red blossoms is gorgeous and very attractive to hummingbirds. They produce 9-10” flat, wide beans that can be cooked while they’re green and tender or left to mature as a shelled or dry beans. The unusual back and purple dry beans are great for soups or can be used for decorative crafts. Since they’re an heirloom seed, save some of the seeds and plant them again next year.
2. Kohlrabi – This unusual vegetable is easy to grow and delicious. The plant forms a bulb just above ground with leaves sprouting from the sides and top. To harvest, cut just beneath the bulb and discard the leaves. After peeling off the outer skin, enjoy the mild turnip flavor either raw or cooked. Don’t let them get over-mature in the garden or the flesh will turn woody.
3. Spaghetti squash – The flesh of this unusual variety of squash really does look like spaghetti. Poke some holes through the hard outer shell and cook them whole in the oven or microwave. After splitting them open, scoop out and discard the seeds. Remove the noodle-like flesh with a fork and serve with sauce or butter and Parmesan cheese.
4. Ground cherries – This unusual fruit is actually a berry, not a cherry. Growing on tomato-like plants, the ½ inch fruits are golden-yellow with a papery husk. Remove the husk and they can be eaten raw or cooked and have a flavor similar to strawberries. The abundant harvest of fruits can be used in pies, preserves or jams.
5. Red Peter peppers – Most peppers are hybrids, but this rare heirloom pepper is quite unusual. Most people grow them to shock their prudish neighbors by the self-described shape, but they’re great for making chili powder.
6. Gourds – Not an edible vegetable, gourds are grown for their decorative properties. Great for fall decorations, they come in just about any size or shape you can think of in a variety of colors. People like to use the larger sizes for bird houses.
7. Purple beans – This variety of green bean was developed to make them easier to see when harvesting. The dark purple color is a stark contrast to the green foliage. If you’re not comfortable with eating purple beans, don’t worry. They turn green as soon as they’re cooked and are quite delicious.
8. Romanesco – A hybrid form of cauliflower with an unusual look, this veggie is sure to attract attention. Light green in color, the florets are spiral spikes instead of the billowy shape of the normal cauliflower. You’ll love the mild nutty, sweet taste and your vegetable tray never looked so elegant.
9. Oregano – Most people don’t think of growing their own herbs, but why not have the freshest spices along with your fresh vegetables. Oregano is a perennial that if not contained, will spread everywhere. Cut the leaves in spring or early summer when young and tender to be used fresh, frozen or dried. The plants will continue growing and produce a profusion of tiny light purple flowers that honey bees love.
10. Hops – This fast growing vine is great for ornamental screens and can grow up to 20 feet high in one year. The fragrant blossoms look like light green pine cones and are used in making beer. The vines die back each winter, but sprout from the crowns at the ground again in spring.

Gardening is considered one of the most healthy hobbies you can have. Even though it can be a lot of hard work, it can also be very relaxing and a great way to enjoy the outdoors on a lovely summer day. Enjoy the fruits of your labors with beautiful, colorful flowers and tasty vegetables, but have a little fun with it too.

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If it wasn’t for the weeds I’m afraid my lawn wouldn’t be very green. Yes, the weeds have won. If it’s green and my mower cuts it, they can plan on staying. These are ten of them that have taken over my lawn.

1. Dandelions – If she were alive today, how many people would want to murder the woman from England who brought over that first package of dandelion seeds. She thought they were so lovely, but millions of people have been trying to get rid of them ever since. It takes at least three mowings to get through the flowering and seeding stage for my lawn. I swear they duck when I go over them with the lawn mower.
2. Creeping Charlie – Otherwise know as ground ivy, once this stuff gets going in your lawn, it’ll choke out all the grass. True to its name, it creeps along close to the ground forming a dense green mat. A member of the mint family, it has a pungent aroma and gets cute little blue or purple flowers.
3. Clover – It’s a good thing I don’t mind having clover in my lawn, because it’s really hard to get rid of. I’m constantly weeding it out of my vegetable garden and flower beds and it keeps coming back. The deer really like it though.
4. Quack Grass – As long as it’s grass, what’s the problem? Quack grass isn’t the most ideal lawn grass and really tough to eradicate. Any little piece of root that’s left in the ground will continue to grow.
5. Crabgrass – I always get quack and crabgrass mixed up. The difference is, quack grass grows very tall and crabgrass is short and bunchy. It doesn’t make a very good lawn grass either. The problem is that crabgrass is so short that it can still go to seed even if it’s been mowed.
6. Poison Ivy – Since most people are allergic to the oil on their leaves, poison ivy is not welcome in anyone’s lawn and it’s very tough to get rid of. Persistent mowing will keep it at bay, but it will keep popping up wherever your mower doesn’t reach, such as around trees and along fences.
7. Wood Sorrel – Similar to clover, I actually think sorrel is pretty. It has three heart shaped leaves and gets tiny yellow flowers. Another variety has reddish purple leaves and tiny white flowers. It may be lovely, but most people don’t want it growing in their lawn and it can be very pervasive.
8. Plantain – This tough little weed loves to grow in lawns. Plantain has oval shaped leaves and grows in a clump close to the ground, so mowing over it doesn’t bother it much. Actually, this herb has medicinal qualities and the juice from the leaves works well to stop the itching of insect bites.
9. Chickweed – Another herb with medicinal properties, chickweed is also very invasive. With tiny leaves and little white flowers this weed spreads along the ground in a tangled mess. If you try to pull it, the fragile stems break off leaving the root in the ground to sprout again. I hate this stuff when it gets in my gardens.
10. Thistles – Yikes! Nobody wants thistles growing in their lawn, but how do you get rid of them? If you mow them off, they just keep growing in a prickly clump on the ground that is not fun to step on with bare feet.

There you have it. I’ve got all ten of these weeds in my lawn and then some. I use Roundup around the base of trees and along the edges of buildings and flower beds to keep the weeds there at bay. Besides quack grass and crab grass, surprisingly I actually do have some lawn grasses that continue to survive. I could spend quite a lot of time and money trying to get rid of the weeds, but instead I just keep mowing them and hope for the best. It looks nice for a day or two and then those darn dandelions pop up again.

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If you’ve never trained a dog before, it can be easy to revert to disciplines that we have seen others use or methods that we would use with children. At times, these can actually make matters worse. Hitting or causing pain to a dog in any way is not only inhumane, but it can cause your dog to either become more aggressive or to cower in fear. Below are listed ten humane, and widely used, training techniques for dogs.

1. Spray bottle. Having a small spray bottle with water in it can be a very handy and effective disciplinary tool. A quick squirt of water in its face will be unpleasant but not harmful. When this technique is consistently repeated when the negative behavior is happening, the dog will begin to recognize that the behavior has unpleasant consequences.
2. Chin taps. A couple of firm taps under the dog’s chin combined with a firm no can communicate your displeasure in a much stronger measure than you may expect.
3. Tone of voice. Your tone of voice is one of the most effective tools you have. Understanding this one thing can make a huge difference in the training process for your dog. Yelling and shouting will not affect a dog in the same way it does another human being. It is important to calm a dog when disciplining them, and a raised voice will tend to excite them and even cause them to bark back, on occasion. Commands should be firm and consistent. Praise should also be delivered in a calm but soft voice.
4. Time out. This is one form of discipline that you can carry over from your children to your pets. Placing your dog in their kennel for a short period immediately after the behavior can help reinforce your direction for them.
5. Positive reinforcement. Discipline is not just about your dog’s negative behavior. You should also be providing positive reinforcement when they do the right thing. Doggy treats immediately following their successful trip out of doors is just as important as the discipline that follows an accident in the house.
6. Ignoring. Dogs love attention from human. Scolding them is attention. Hitting them on the rump with a rolled newspaper is attention. You can often be reinforcing negative behavior when you use these methods. Keep your reactions calm and removing them from human contact can be a much better solution.
7. Physical relocation. To housebreak a dog, or train them stay off a rug, for example, you may want to simply pick them up and place them where they are supposed to be. If they urinate on the floor, immediately pick them up and bring them outside. If they are on your oriental rug, and aren’t supposed to be, pick them up and place them back on the wood floor.
8. Distasteful consequences. Providing negative consequences to replace positive ones can quickly change a dog’s behavior. Some hot pepper mixed in the trash will make it much less appealing in the future. Bitter spray on chewable items can eliminate their appeal.
9. Collars. Correction collars can be another good training device when used correctly. They allow you to maintain control and administer the discipline immediately when the behavior happens.
10. Remove the reward. If your dog is doing something you don’t approve of, they are mostly likely gaining some positive reward from it. If you can eliminate the positive reward, then you may also eliminate the behavior.

With any of these discipline techniques, the key is consistency. If you aren’t consistent, your dog receives mixed messages and will not understand what you are trying to communicate. If something is ‘wrong’, it should always be wrong. If the rug is off limits, it must always be off limits. When attempting to train a dog, you must be willing to discipline yourself, as well.

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Have you ever seen a home that has a dilapidated deck on it? It can ruin the whole appearance of a house. If a deck is constructed properly to begin with, and then properly maintained, there is no reason for this to happen. Following are ten important ingredients to building a deck that will last.

1. Post foundations – The foundations supporting your deck posts are critical to the life of your deck. The type of foundational support needed for your deck will be determined by the area of the country you are building in and the soil conditions. Cold climate areas need deeper footings, below the frost line, to provide a truly stable footing for your deck posts. Improper footings can cause the deck to shift and compromise the integrity of the entire structure.
2. Support posts – The posts setting on the footings are another important element to the support of the deck. Proper sizing and selection of material are critical. Concrete pier footings should be poured to provide a solid base between the foundation footings and the support posts. The more support posts under a deck the more stable the deck will be.
3. Attachment to house – Using proper techniques to attach the deck to the house will keep the deck from pulling away from the structure. The piece of lumber used to attach the deck to the house is referred to as the ledger board. The ledger board should be attached to the rim joist of the house with flashing behind it to prevent moisture seepage into the wall of the home. Making sure that the ledger is perfectly level and securely nailed into the floor joists of the home is an essential part of the deck construction.
4. Fasteners – Using the proper fasteners for attaching the joists and posts is also important. Strong elements that are not well connected can cause shifting.
5. Deck joists – The size and placement of your deck joists will determine whether a walk across your deck feels solid or springy. The narrower your joist lumber, the closer together you should position your joists. Lumber for your joists should be selected carefully to avoid any joists that are not perfectly straight.
6. Joist support – Your joists support your decking but what is supporting your joists besides the posts and rim? With a typical small deck, proper spacing of the joists and posts should be all that you need. However, in a larger deck, a cross beam will usually be installed to provide additional support for the load. Blocking between the joists can also strengthen the entire floor structure of the deck.
7. Decking lumber – Once the basic framing is completed, it is time to apply the decking lumber to create the floor of the deck. The materials used for your decking will make a big difference on the life of the deck. There three primary decking lumber types to choose from: pressure treated pine, red cedar and redwood. All three are excellent choices but each will provide a different finish for your deck.
8. Weather protection – In spite of the fact that the woods used for exterior decks stand up to the weather better than other types of lumber, they still need preservative treatments applied to them to maintain their condition.  The wood decking material needs to have a stain or a clear sealant applied every couple of years to maintain protection against sun and water.
9. Vinyl decks – Natural wood products are no longer your only choice for decking materials. As with your siding, you now also have the option of finishing your deck with prefinished vinyl materials. For a long lasting clean look that is maintenance free, vinyl decking is a great choice.
10. Composite decks – Another maintenance free decking material is composite decking. This decking is very dense and sturdy and has a closer resemblance to a wood deck than the vinyl. The deck components are bolted together to form a very sturdy and durable structure.

Whether you choose to go with the traditional wood decking or the newer prefinished options, it is the structure underneath that is going to be the most important. If you get the foundation and framing done correctly, the rest of the deck should stand up as well.

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House plants are such a beneficial means of adding natural beauty to any room’s décor. There are certain plants that are also easy to maintain and that adds to their appeal.  So here is a list of ten house plants that fit that description.  Each offers its own qualities of beauty, if you are wanting to add some extra color or floral element to a part of your house.

1. Angel Ivy Ring Topiary. Also known as wire vine, this plant will festoon with a topiary ring that can measure up to twelve inches tall and eight inches in diameter.  It requires a soil that is moist, but not to the point of being soggy.  Using a mister is recommended for watering.  This green plant does best in temperatures between sixty-five and eighty degrees.
2. Braided Ficus Tree. This plant is one of the most popular foliage plants used.  It is  very adaptable to many indoor climates and that has been part of what makes them so desirable.  The Braided Ficus Tree has leathery dark green leaves that cover its branches.  For best results it is important to provide a consistent moisture level to keep the leaf loss to a minimum.  It thrives and grows most successful when placed in bright indirect light.
3. Cactus Combo Bonsai. Many have found the cactus combination very appealing and satisfying as a house plant.  It creates unusual forms with light gray, dark gray and dark green colors. The benefit of temperature and moisture adaptability has made these plants very desirable house plant options for many homeowners.
4. Chamaedorea Palm. This bright to medium green plant does best in any room that offers bright indirect light. It has arching, graceful looking branches that will definitely add to the mood or ambience of any room.  Properly located they often add a certain elegant aspect to any room.  When fully grown, they can vary in height from two feet to six feet.
5. Chinese Evergreen. For anyone just starting out with house plants, this is a wonderful first choice.  This is an excellent plant for beginners because it can survive on low light. As long as you watch the soil’s moisture level, it will thrive under very little illumination.
6. Miniature Herb Standard Topiaries. With its trio of tiny topiaries, this plant has the ability to increase the appeal of any sunny place.  Each of its topiaries is formed into the usual tree or standard shape.  It has a fragrance that can be very like lavender and its dark green or white versions have colors that fit into many different surroundings.
7. Moth Orchids. This is a very beautiful plant with petals that have streaks of fuchsia or white. It will definitely light up any room where it is added.  The Moth Orchid will bloom for as long as two to three months, twice a year. It is considered one of the best air purifying plants you can add to your home.
8. Ponytail Palm. The green whirl of the foliage from the Ponytail Palm rises from its stem.  It produces leaves that are leathery and like ribbons in shape.  This plant will do well in bright light and even direct sunlight.  In terms of low maintenance it would be harder to find any option that requires less care.  Even watering is easy since it has been known to go as much as a year with watering.
9. Tropical Combo Bonsai. In its pre-designed shape, this is a great way to combine a tropical plant with a rock garden.  It will give a hint of the tropics to any home.  Placing it in a ceramic bonsai container can give it a very classy appearance.
10. Amaryllis “Yellow Goddess.” This has a breathtaking yellow color with seven inch blooms.  Its color and beauty makes it very desirable as a house plant, which is part of the reason why it has the name “Yellow Goddess.”  The bulbs should bloom in approximately six to eight weeks after being planted.

With all the options available for house plants that require little upkeep, it makes it very easy for anyone to add them to the house.  Most plants are available with their own care instructions that, when followed, will keep your plant healthy and strong for many years.

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Perennials are an excellent addition to any garden that will give it great color and add sparkle to its appearance.  They are easy to maintain and come in a variety of choices that allow you a chance to transform any space set aside for your garden into something special.   With so many types to consider it will allow you the chance to enjoy a very beautiful garden with a limit of upkeep.

1. Mum Matchsticks.  These are a new variety that is just now available to the consumer in 2011 as part of the new sun perennials.  They are a composed of red and yellow quill petals that unlike other mums require no staking as part of their maintenance.  Once they are cut they will survive for more than three weeks.
2. Echinacea Summer Suns. This is another flower that came available in 2011.  Its stunning petals come in tones of apricot and reddish orange.  The cut blooms have a very wonderful and long lasting fragrance.  When full grown they can be as tall as forty inches. These coneflowers come in more than thirty versions.
3. Phlox Shockwave. As one more of the new options for 2011 this plant has very intensely fragrant blooms.  One of the benefits to this purple flower is being highly resistant to mildew.  Its leaves will look colorful all season long.  The plant offers over two months of fragrant blooms making it a very ideal addition to any garden.
4. Rose Knock Out.  There are several different types of these plants available to the purchaser.  The Rose Knock Outs of the red tint make wonderful choices for landscape since they cultivated in shapes that fit any size of garden.  It does very well in heat and humidity and resistant to Japanese Beetles and powdery mildew.  With a blooming season of up to five months, the Rose Knock Outs are a wonderful addition to your flower purchases.
5. Budlesia Black Knight.  Its deep purple flowers cluster on the eight to ten inch stems.  The scent of this flower is one that often attracts butterflies.  This is a plant that does very well in both heat and drought.  During the first year of planting it will flower for a very long period of time.
6. Echinacea Green Jewels.  The Echinacea Green Jewels have large flowers that are a bright green color.  Those petals will hold that color and not fade as they age. Its fragrance will last up to two weeks once they are cut.  The blooms will last eight weeks during the mid summer season, which is a very desirable factor when picking your choices for your garden.
7. 7. Stokesia Peachie’s Picks. This plant provides a bounty of petals in  hundreds of three inch blue flowers.  They are considered to be deer proof and very attractive to butterflies.  It is completely suitable for very poor soil conditions even clay.  The petals have a blooming season that can last up to fifteen weeks. 
8. 8. Coreopsis Crème Brulees. These yellow flowers bloom non-stop from frost to summer.  It makes them an ideal long lasting type of ground covering that is drought resistant.  The petals of the Coreopsis Crème Brulees are very attractive to butterflies.   Having a multi-seasonal appeal allows them to be a very worthwhile consideration for any gardener’s needs.
9. Geranium Rozannes. This is one of the most longest blooming of any geraniums.  Its blue petals will bloom for months at a time.  They have been known to still be in bloom in Michigan as last as October.  Plus the plant is one that will attract butterflies.  Once planted they will provide a rapid spreading ground cover.
10. Festuca Boulder Blues. The plant’s steel blue foliage is semi evergreen in nature.  It is drought proof and thrives in full sunlight.  This is a type of plant that does great in heat and humidity.  It is a great choice for a flower to plant by walkways and in containers.

With all the selections you can find for your garden that vary in blooming times and colors there is no problem making your space so picturesque.  Just stopping by a nursery or visiting one of the many web sites that offer perennials will allow the means to pick out the options that best fit your situation.

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You have a great home with a patio, but your outdoor space is just that—space. Turning some of that space into a patio area can be the perfect compliment to make your great home even better.

Whether you have a sprawling back yard or a small urban location, you can create a memorable and inviting area with ambiance. That area of earth outside your home can be transformed into a great entertaining spot by employing these five elements.

1. Light Up the Night -  Landscape lighting is a great ‘wow’ feature in the evening. Add lighting to your water features and along pathways to accent these features. Twinkle lights can added to bushes, fencing or just about any area around the patio. They always provoke a welcome response from the guests. Plus, you can never get it wrong, no matter how you arrange them.
2. Stir Up the Fire – Is your patio small? Well your space can probably still allow for a free-standing fire pit. With a small price you can enliven the night with a warm and welcome flame. If you have a larger space to work with, a built-in fire pit or an outdoor fireplace is the way to go. Whether you are enjoying the evening alone with a good book or sharing a few laughs and wine with a few special friends, a lively, crackling fire can be very quaint.
3. Greener Side of the Patio – How about bringing some life into your new refuge? While redefining the area with flora and vegetation you could also have some delectable herbs and veggies availably near. You might consider setting some potted palm trees or maybe orange and lemon trees at each corner of your patio if you can spare the space. This could be a great chance to impress your guests with your design skills and your green thumb.
4. Don’t forget the water – Nothing creates a more peaceful atmosphere than the look and sounds of water. Water features of all types can be added almost anywhere these days. A fountain can add a touch of elegance, a goldfish pond says tranquility and a small stream or waterfall adds the perfect accent to party. A landscape professional can put together all the elements necessary to turn your dry ground into an inviting oasis.
5. What’s under your feet? Too often the very basic element of a patio area is overlooked. Don’t make that mistake. There are plenty of different options to choose from. Choosing the option that fits with your particular is very important.

Brick can give a great old city look to a small patio, while stone slabs can be better suited to a larger country setting. When it comes to pavers, your options are endless and certainly not boring. Creating interesting patterns with your pavers or brick will transform your patio from ordinary to eye-catching. If concrete is your choice, don’t settle for a plain smooth finish. You have other options. Stone aggregate creates a durable

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