New Desert Landscape Design Styles

Deserts are defined not by heat, but by aridity. Most deserts have less than 10 inches of rainfall a year, and this is the natural situation in significant parts of the south-west of the United States. Climate change may be expected to extend the area subject to this regime. Although heat does not define desert areas, it is nonetheless true that many desert areas of the continental United States have average summer temperatures above 85?F.

For most of human history small numbers of passing nomads and smaller numbers of holy men and women seeking solitude were the only human inhabitants of deserts. Today, major water engineering projects like the Colorado River Basin Project permit the deserts to bloom with massive storage and reticulation infrastructure.

Your landscaping contractor will be sensitive not only to your needs as a client, but also to what eminent designer John Brookes has called the "visual vigor" of the desert landscape. Just as a good architect will conceive house plans that draw on the strengths of the desert, including the crystal quality of the light and the dry, invigorating air, so the landscape architect will draw of the strengths of the desertscape, rather than try to reproduce some northern or eastern suburban garden.

Natural desert planting has great visual strength. To reduce transpiration and conserve water, Nature has rolled out a whole bag of clever tricks: insulation is provided by hairy leaves and stems, leaves roll up tight in the heat - there are even some plants designed with no leaves at all - and waxy surfaces reduce water loss from leaves. Many desert plants are succulents, able to store water for themselves. These many strategies for desert living have produced considerable variety of plant form, well suited to the modernist designs favoured by many home owners for residences in these regions. Among the many species suited to desert growth are agaves, Artemisia, mesquite, ocotillo, prickly pear, tamarisk and Yucca.

The desert garden does not need to display only shades of silver-grey and green. Many species have cultivars that mean you can choose from a varied color range: agaves, golden barrel (Echinocactus grusonii), and some prickly pears (for example, Opuntia violacea santa-rita) can all introduce color notes to create a focal point in the garden. And then, of course, in due season the gardener can look forward to spectacular flower displays that erupt from long stems or directly from the plant surface.

Although water has been brought to the desert in abundance most gardeners, in these days of environmental awareness, will be careful not to waste this resource. In nature desert plantings are often sparse and well spread out: in the garden closer groupings of plants allows for more efficient use of water. Lawns may not be considered appropriate for desert environments, and the landscaper can create dramatic effects from alternative forms of surfacing, including scoria and many colors and textures of paving material.

Once inhospitable and forbidding, desert climates now create innovative, creative opportunities to create vibrant and beautiful gardens.

The Best Patio Umbrellas Help You In Many Ways

Patio Umbrellas are the biggest help in keeping you away from harsh sun at outdoors. And, of course, the decorative value that they offer you is unbeatable! Bringing home a patio umbrella let you enjoy a whole lot of things!

Patio Umbrellas
The umbrellas that adorn the patio are the popular among them. They are called as patio umbrellas. They have great utility. They do not just ornate the patio but gives an excellent shade to while away your casual moments. You might enjoy those moments just because you have made up your patio gorgeously. Patios are always an natural extension of your home and that make your home complete. A whole day idling away with your friends and family is just a fulfilling experience. You don’t want to go out and endure all the rush and crowd that comes on the way. Here, this just you and your beloved ones and you savor the warmth, beauty, and majesty of the nature. Go ahead and bring those patio umbrellas for your patio and make sure that you choose the umbrellas that are sturdy. You should pay attention to the umbrella stand too. You can bring an umbrella that matches the other patio items. You get a whole load of variety there—the color, shape, size, and quality you avail painlessly.

Pool Side Umbrellas
Patio umbrellas are extensively used in pool sides. They are more than a necessary. Those who are ardent swimmers must love to sit on the lounge and enjoying the shade of the sun. Arranging a patio umbrella in the pool side comes as a great help. Now you don’t need to wonder where would you keep your drinks and enjoy it. And, now you know that life is actually pretty easy. Nothing can match up with the luxury that you savor when you are at your pool side or at patios. Go for the pool side patio umbrella that matches exactly with the other design. Pay a lot of attention to the overall design, shades and your patio umbrella should exactly a complementing factor to the pool side. Well, you know what is best for you and what make your loved ones happy.

Beach Umbrellas
If patio umbrellas are so much a necessarily in your patios, they can be wisely used in beaches. Fortunately, they come as handy. You get portable umbrellas and that is going to make your life very easy. You get patio umbrellas in different colors and designs. Make sure that you have selected an umbrella which is very colorful because the colors are the most appreciated thing in open places. Here too, you need to pay attention on the umbrellas stand when you make a purchase. A sturdy patio umbrella is a must.

Modern Patio Umbrellas and Other Outdoor Decor Can Really Improve Your Garden

Garden decor is a wonderful way to add interest to your property using things such as fountains, sculptures, yard furniture, bird feeders and baths, ponds, large garden finials, teak benches, vases, plants, old stone urns. Even patio furniture and patio umbrellas can help make your garden area look interesting, distinct and beautiful. Finding and adding unique, unusual or even strange garden accessories can add to the gardens appeal if you stage them properly but still allow the beauty of the flowers and plants to show. Whether you live in the city with a postage-sized piece of property or have a huge garden area, there are ways to create different effects such as comfort, elegance, calmness, excitement, formality or even an 'outdoor room' effect, depending upon your design. 

Outdoor garden decor that has a permanent location creates interest in not only the summer but also the winter months. Although outdoor garden decor such as a fountain or water garden creates a central point of interest in large or small informal or formal garden settings, never use decor too large for the area or too many ornaments so it becomes overwhelming and the garden becomes cluttered looking.

The charm of a garden ornament placed in the correct area will help you produce the ambiance or atmosphere you are looking for in a garden. For people wanting a more formal setting, the correct placement of a large fountain, a pair of detailed, elaborate large Grecian urns or an elegant sculpture is a great way to add to the formal design or feel of the garden. In an informal setting or for a natural looking garden, whimsical ornaments placed throughout your garden, the glimpse of a small stone sculpture amongst the hostas or even a squirrel ornament peeking from behind a tree is all that is necessary. Create an unexpected glimpse or surprise effect by hiding smaller garden ornaments or unique pieces throughout the flowerbeds and gardens. For Japanese type gardens, building a water or koi pond with a bridge over it or a simple large stone lantern or statue will produce a stunning sight. A wonderful way to soften the look of architectural and sculptural pieces is by encouraging moss to grow on them or having vines trail over them. Some other tips to improve the look and feel or your garden include:

If you are just starting to landscape your property, focus on a specific area, add a main point of interest such as a gazebo, large statue, patio table and patio umbrella, fountain or waterfall and then build the gardens and decor around this.
Add style, architectural form and interest to the decor of your garden by adding some wicker patio furniture.
Enhance the decor of your garden by using some of the many interesting, unique outdoor lightening options available on the market today.

Remember that garden decor is a completely personal choice so always use ornaments and decorations that appeal to your sense of taste.

Best of Aesthetic Landscape Concepts

While the relationship between landscape and art may be traced back to the sixteenth century, this relationship became more explicit in the second half of the eighteenth century. At this time, writers began to draw upon ideas from art to classify landscapes and instruct others in the appreciation of landscape. One of the most famous of these attempts was Edmund Burke's A Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and the Beautiful. The idea of beauty was relatively straightforward; however, Burke argued that not all visual experiences could be Merrell Sandal easily designated as beautiful or ugly. Because other experiences could also affect the viewer, new categories were developed, such as the sublime. Burke proposed a descriptive typology for landscapes with certain physical attributes that was based on what he asserted were the two strongest human instincts: socialization and self-preservation. According to him, pleasurable experiences were the source of the beautiful. Those things that are attractive, reassuring, or inspire love draw out one's social instincts. The experience of the beautiful is calm and easy as a result of the softness, smoothness, smallness, and harmoniousness of the objects or scenes.

Also according to Burke, in contrast to the beautiful, terrifying experiences was the source of the sublime. Those things that induced fear, anxiety, or terror appealed to the instincts of self-preservation. Experiences of the sublime were often greater in intensity than experiences of beauty because powerful human emotions could be evoked by pain or fear. While these emotions were seemingly unpleasant, they could also be thrilling, or sublime, when experienced from a Merrell Boot safe distance. As such, sublime landscapes could stimulate a type of 'delightful horror' or 'pleasurable pain'. These experiences often involved encounters with darkness, vastness, and emptiness amidst mountains, deserts, or the sea. In essence, sublime landscapes were specifically those places where one would be most likely to "glimpse the face of God".

Burke's concept of the sublime created a demand for new destinations both domestically and abroad. Places previously experienced with emotions of danger were re-interpreted with awe, although sublime landscapes were still typically observed from a safe distance. The Alps, for example, were traditionally seen as a life-threatening barrier between northern and southern Europe; however, in the eighteenth century, this geographic feature was redefined and positioned as a sublime experience. In the context of travel further abroad, a few more obstacles had to be overcome "enemies had to be subdued, pirates eliminated and peaceful networks had to be established" before the principles of the sublime could be applied. As more people sought the spectacle of wilderness though, particularly in the nineteenth century, the terrible awe that once characterized sublime landscapes became more comfortable, sentimental, and domesticated.

Adorable Basic Gardening Tips 101

Budgeting For Your Garden

An impressive garden need not to be expensive. There are a number of ways on how to can create a unique and stylish landscape without breaking the bank. You can opt to hire a budget landscaper to the work for you or you can handle things on your own and make garden landscaping your do-it-yourself project. This can save you a lot of money but can seriously eat up your time.

So if you do not have the time to do your garden but have the money for it, then you might as well hire a landscaper. But if you got time, then you can enjoy creating your garden with your very own hands.

Know your budget

The first thing that you need to do is to budget your money for your landscaping project. List down the basic things that you need like fences, plants, pots, water system, paving, focal points, and garden accessories, among others.

Choose a theme or design

You can o ask a landscaper for a consultation so you can have an idea which gardens style and plant types are suitable for your space. You can then begin sketching out your concept and ideas of how your garden would look like. You can get references from home improvement websites or from local magazines. Add in your own personal touch to achieve the look that you want for your garden.

Purchasing materials

Once you already have the design that you want, you need to canvass for landscaping materials, plants and garden accessories. It is advisable that you get all your supplies from one store so you can get a discount on your bulk purchase. But do remember to compare prices from local garden stores in your vicinity.

Get discount supplies

Another good place where you can get discount garden supplies is on the Internet. You can find a number of products that can fit your needs and your budget. While you are online, you can also get good information on how to landscape your garden and tips and advice on how you can save up on your project.

Budgeting your time

Budgeting your time is also important when you create your own garden landscaping. You can get the help from your household members during weekends so you can have some sort of family bonding. Create a schedule and specify a target date when you want your garden to be completed. With enough patience and hard work, you can come up with an impressive garden in no time.

The Koi Disease Is Treatable - Protect Your Pond

Having fish or any type of animal has its up side and down side. Koi disease is very common but the good news is that it's very treatable. Depending on which disease they have you will have to treat it accordingly. If you do not you will infect other koi and thus have a large scale problem on your hands. There are several koi diseases that can affect your fish; we will look at a few of the most common ones and how to treat them effectively.

Dropsy is not so much a koi disease but more of a symptom of something else. The koi will become bloated or full of fluid and their scales will perk up and make them look like a pine cone. Their eyes will also bug out, the fluid that fills them up inside cannot be expelled. If the koi swells too fast it can cause internal bleeding and if it swells slowly then it will become infected with parasites. Dropsy is very contagious; if you suspect this koi disease you should separate the fish immediately and treat them with an anti bacterial remedy.

Finrot is easily recognizable because the fin on your koi will look like it was chewed or damaged. There may be discoloration too. Ulcers usually accompany finrot and that can cause kidney damage and death if you don't treat it quickly. The bacteria in finrot can infect other fish through their gills. You should add some salt at a small rate or use an anti bacterial medicine. If you do add salt make sure the mixture is 3gm per litre.

Trichodina is a parasite that attacks the gills and skin tissue of koi. This koi disease lives mostly in warm water and you can tell if your koi is infected by their lethargic rubbing. The parasite can only be seen under a microscope and the circular cilia eat away at the tissue making your koi sicker by the day. The only way to treat trichodina is with potassium permanganate. This is a mixture of salt and ions will dissolve the cilia.

Anchor worm is a koi disease that you can actually see. This little worm will attach itself to the koi and usually under a scale but you can see them protruding because they can grow to up to 12 mm. The anchor worm will mate and the male will leave the body but the female will stay attached. They will inject bacteria and fungal infections grow from this little worm. They can be removed with tweezers but the koi must anesthetize, you can also make the anchor worm release by dabbing a cotton swab soaked in potassium permanganate on it. Treat your pond with paradex.

Fish lice are a common problem and deadly koi disease. The host will attach to the koi and inject their toxin. The koi will jump and try to get rid of this parasite. The damaged caused happens in their gills and treatment isn't found in stores. You will need to contact a dealer or vet to cure this koi disease.

Adorable The Basic Principles Of Landscape Design

Whether you plan on "borrowing ideas" or plan on creating your own landscaping design, you should have at the very least a basic understanding of the principles of landscape design.


This doesn't mean that you have to apply every principle to every part of your plan. But just having an understanding of these principles will help you generate ideas and increase your creativity.


Great landscaping lies in the eyes of the individual. What appeals to you may not appeal to someone else. So, while the principles of landscape design are a great guideline to follow, don't feel like they're the "have to rules" of landscaping.


Unity should be one of your main goals in your design. It may be better understood and applied as consistency and repetition. Repetition creates unity by repeating alike elements like plants, plant groups, or decor throughout the landscape. Consistency creates unity in the sense that all the different elements of the landscape fit together to create a whole.


Unity can be achieved by the consistency of character of elements in the design. By character, I mean the height, size, texture, color schemes, etc. of different elements.


A good example would be in the use of accent boulders. If you've ever seen a landscape design that had one large white round boulder here and another large red square granite boulder there and so on, then you've seen that unity wasn't created by this element.


This is just one example but the principle applies to all other elements such as groups of plants and materials.


A simple way to create unity in your landscape is by creating themes. And one of the simplest ways to create themes is by using a little garden decor or garden statues. Creating a theme garden is easier when it's related to something you're interested in or have a passion for.


If you're into butterflies for instance, you could create a theme using plants that attract butterflies as well as using statues, ornaments, and other decor that are related to butterflies.


Unity should be expressed through all elements in your landscape. Using elements to express a main idea through consistent style and a specific theme is what creates harmony.


Balance in design is just as the word implies. Equality. There are basically two types of balance in landscape design. Symmetrical and Asymmetrical.


Symmetrical balance is where one side of the garden design is the same as the other. With the garden equally divided, both sides share the same shape, form, plant height, plant groupings, colors, bed shapes, theme, etc.


You may remember creating something like this when you were a kid in art class at school. Where you take a piece of paper, splash paint on it, fold it in half, unfold it, and then it magically creates an interesting symmetrical design. So symmetrical balance or design is somewhat of a mirror image or reflection.


Asymmetrical balance on the other hand is one of the principles of landscape design that's a little more complex. It uses different forms, colors and textures on either side of the dividing line to create a pleasing design. This form of balance may come across as separate themes with each having an equal but different type of attraction.


A good example of this would be where bed shapes or paths differ on both sides of the dividing line. One side could be curvy with a sense of flow while the other side is straight, direct, and hard.


This can also create a neat contrast. Flowing lines are pleasing to the eye but the bold contrast of a curve with a straight line can be very interesting.


Asymmetrical balance isn't necessarily limited to just the shape of your garden either.


An example might be where one side of the garden is mostly large shade trees while the other side is predominately a lower growing flower garden or even a mix of both examples. This is only limited to your imagination so experiment a little.


Contrast and harmony can also be achieved using plants. Fine foliage verses coarser foliage, round leaves verses spiked leaves as well as color compliments and contrasts.


Plant height, color, and texture may be varied from one side to the next but each side should stay consistent within its own theme.


You'll hear me talk about "themes" a lot. Many successful do it yourself designs follow a basic theme to achieve most of the principles of landscape design described on this page. The proper use of plants or the use of garden statues and garden decor or a mix of both is a simple way to achieve themes.


Color adds the dimension of real life and interest to the landscape. Bright colors like reds, yellows and oranges seem to advance toward you and can actually make an object seem closer to you. Cool colors like greens, blues, and pastels seem to move away from you and can make an object seem farther from you.


Grays, blacks, and whites are considered neutral colors and are best used in the background with bright colors in the foreground. However, to increase depth in a landscape, you can use dark and coarse textured plants in the foreground and use fine textured and light colored plants in the background.


Colors can also be used to direct your attention to a specific area of the garden. A bright display among cooler colors would naturally catch the eye.

Natural transition can be applied to avoid radical or abrupt changes in your landscape design. Transition is basically gradual change. It can best be illustrated in terms of plant height or color but can also be applied to all elements in the landscape including but not limited to textures, foliage shape or size, and the size and shape of different elements.


In other words transition can be achieved by the gradual, ascending or descending, arrangement of different elements with varying textures, forms, colors, or sizes.


An example of a good transition would be a stair step effect from large trees to medium trees to shrubs to bedding plants. This example is where a little knowledge of proper plant selection would come in handy.


Transition is one of the principles of landscape design that can be used to "create illusions" in the landscape. For example a transition from taller to shorter plants can give a sense of depth and distance (like in a painting), making the garden seem larger than it really is. A transition from shorter to taller plants could be used to frame a focal point to make it stand out and seem closer than it really is.


Line is of the more structural principles of landscape design. It can mostly be related to the way beds, walkways, and entryways move and flow.


Straight lines are forceful and direct while curvy lines have a more natural, gentle, flowing effect.


Proportion simply refers to the size of elements in relation to each other. Of all the principles of landscape design, this one is quite obvious but still requires a little thought and planning. Most of the elements in landscape design can be intentionally planned to meet the proper proportions.


For instance if you are creating a small courtyard garden, an enormous seven foot garden statue placed in the center would be way out of proportion and a little tacky to say the least. Or a small four foot waterfall and pond placed in the center of a large open yard would get lost in the expanse.


Don't misunderstand this to mean that if you have a large yard you can't have smaller features or garden decor. Proportion is relative and elements can be scaled to fit by creating different rooms in the garden. The goal is to create a pleasing relationship among the three dimensions of length, breadth, and depth or height.


A small water feature can be proportionate if placed in a corner or on the edge of a large area and becomes a focal point of the larger area while creating its own distinct atmosphere. An entire room, sitting area, or theme can be created around it. Other rooms and themes can be created as well. See small gardens for ideas on creating rooms and creating illusions.


Also, special consideration and study should be given to proper plant selection to avoid using plants that are out of proportion.


Repetition is directly related to unity. Its good to have a variety of elements and forms in the garden but repeating these elements gives variety expression.


Unity is achieved by repeatingobjects or elements that are alike. Too many unrelated objects can make the garden look cluttered and unplanned.


There's a fine line here. It's possible that too much of one element can make a garden or landscape feel uninteresting, boring and monotonous.


However, unity can still be created by using several different elements repeatedly. This in turn keeps the garden interesting.

Amazing Landscape Trees - Form and Function

In Eastern Canada, the trees that have been used most successfully as street trees are the hard, or sugar, maple, the Norway maple, the European linden and the red and white oaks - though the oaks are rather slow growing. In the north and west, where the climate is more severe, the best street trees are the American elm, hackberry and green ash.

Because trees need to be in scale with the houses, modern homes call for much smaller street trees than the large ones named above. Shingle oak, hornbeam and smaller forms of European linden are excellent. There are also selected forms of Norway and red maple that do not grow as large as the natural species. These are more suitable for modern subdivisions.

Windbreaks and Screens

Exposed home sites, such as farmsteads or suburban properties, often need rows of trees to protect them against wind. Here the need is for rapid, dense growth. The exposed position naturally demands the utmost hardiness and, because the planting is close, the shape of the individual tree does not matter as long as the mass is effective.

The requirements are the same for trees used to shut off the view of unsightly objects, or to form a background for the more colorful displays of the garden. In the country or on suburban properties, poplar, willoW, ash, pine and spruce trees make the best windbreaks and screens. In the city, there is not usually room for trees larger than the Chinese elm or the native cedar; on small lots screening is usually done with shrubs or single trees of attractive form.

Framing

Trees on larger properties are used to frame the view of the house. Similarly, the view from the house, of distant objects of interest or portions of the garden, may be framed by trees to create a more pleasing picture. As the view should always be more interesting than the frame, such trees should be chosen for their ability to "play second fiddle" gracefully. Those with average habit of growth and color of foliage are most pleasing.

Specimens

Trees may be used as specimens or as accent points to emphasize the design of the garden. Trees used singly or in groups for these purposes are chosen for their distinctive characters: for example, an unusually attractive habit of growth, as in Camperdown elm, weeping birch, or pyramid cedar, a colorful foliage as in Schwedler's Norway maple, golden cedar or copper beech; or the particular grace of hemlock or the fall brilliance of the leaves of red maple and red oak. These qualities and the more obvious charm of abundant bloom or fruit, as with Japanese lilac or flowering crabs, make trees worthwhile specimens.

Conifers

The taller-growing conifers and natal mahogany tree are used in all the above ways. All sizes of conifers are becoming more useful as the knowledge and appreciation of garden design increases. Because of their dense, evergreen, fine-textured foliage and their definite forms, conicrs are the most solid-appearing plants at our disposal. They are the best ones with which to build architectural form into our gardens. They clip well and can' be held to constant form. Using them as a framework to emphasize divisions and accent points heightens the impression that the garden and house are related.

Conifers may be used to accentuate any sort of architectural line. The classic column is matched by the pyramid cedar or Swedish juniper, and the spreading lines of Savin's or Pfitzer's juniper carry out to perfection the lines of a rambling bungalow. The definite lines of good architecture can be brought out by the definite shapes of well-selected conifers planted at strategic positions.

There is, however, a great danger in using them indiscriminately or in too great variety without regard to the architecture of the house. Often deciduous shrubs are much more suitable.

Inspirational Get The Right Fireplace For Your Home

Not only does a fireplace increase the value of your house, it also adds to the atmosphere and creates a lovely space. Conventional wood burning hearths are commonly factory installed in homes. While these fireplaces offer great visual appeal and ambiance, they are not the most economical way of obtaining heat. For cooler spring and summer nights, a wood burning fireplace is recommended, however, if a consistent and effective heat source is your desire, you will probably want to look at alternative fireplaces. Electric fireplace logs are very popular. Many of these log sets can be placed in your existing fireplace. Just plug it in the wall and you automatically have a source of fire and heat. The logs are designed to replicate a true burning fire without the safety issues. There is a blower installed in most electric logs. This is how the warm air is distributed into the living space. Electric fireplaces and logs are affordable and appealing. They are easy and safe to use and can quickly heat up a small room on a cold winter night. Many homeowners are installing direct vent gas inserts. These inserts can be put in separately or can be placed in a fireplace you already have. You can simply hook up your vent insert right to the natural or LP gas hookup. They require a roof venting system or a chimney. For new installs the vent can be put through the wall. These fireplaces produce an abundance of warmth and are reasonably priced. You can enjoy the look and feel of a real fireplace with this safe and clean alternative. Another common type of fireplace is a ventless gas fireplace. This model does need a gas line hookup, but a benefit is that they do not require an exterior vent or chimney. If this type of fireplace is an insert, it is recommended to operate it with the dampers completely closed. This will reduce heat loss, adding more heat to the room. This fireplace design lets you improve energy efficiency at a lower cost. There are soome states that do not allow the installation of ventless fireplaces, so be sure to check before making any final decisions. The perefect choice for anyone who is planning to use a fireplace as their main heating source is the ventless fireplace. Your living arrangements, budget and your intended primary use, will help you choose the right type of fireplace. A traditional or electric fireplace is just the thing to add beauty and warmth to any room. Fireplaces that run on gas will give off more heat. They are also designed to be visually appealing. Adding a fireplace will add value to your home value, and a glow to any room.

Adorable The Fun Of Choosing Garden Pond Accessories

Every garden pond owner will soon discover that besides the necessary garden pond products, there will be a variety of garden pond accessories that they will want to purchase as well. Some of these are so valuable that they are considered by many to be a necessity.

The have to have items for the garden pond are the liner, pump, and filtering system. Along with these though, the following items are often added to the garden pond inventory.

Pond heaters

If you are going to house fish chances are you are going to want to make use of a pond heater especially if you experience fluctuations in temperatures. They are usually submersed totally within the pond. There are many makes, models and sizes and vary in price.

Garden pond thermometers

Whether you use a pond heater or not you are still going to want to monitor the temperature of the pond water. Even without having fish, many of the garden ponds provide a home to aquatic plants. These plants all have temperature ranges that the water must be kept at in order to keep the plants healthy. The pond thermometers take the guess work out assuming what the water temperature is. They are one of many garden inexpensive garden pond accessories. They are easy to use, and are immersed below the water level to the about the half way mark of the depth of the water.

Pond Nets

These are a real time saver when it comes to garden pond maintenance. They are a fine mesh that fit over the top of the pond. They are easy to install and when fitted properly are hardly noticeable. They serve some great purposes. They prevent the boisterous larger fish from jumping out of the pond. They are great at holding water garden predators at bay. Most importantly they prevent a lot of debris like leaves, and debris from landing in the pond which means less cleaning and less risk of pond contamination.

Pond timers

These are another one of the garden pond accessories that pond lovers enjoy. They are a small inexpensive item, but another pond item that most garden pond owners simply will not do without. These can be used to control the operation of the pump or the pond lighting or even the waterfall or fountain. It makes it most convenient to have these items cut on and off at a predetermined time automatically.

UV Clarifiers

These are an excellent resource for helping to control the algae and bad bacteria that often forms in a garden pond. They are designed so they do not harm the good bacteria which are crucial to a healthy pond.

Garden pond dcor

Some of the most exciting garden pond accessories that a garden pond owner can invest in, is the dcor that goes with a garden pond. Here one really gets to utilize their creativity. This can start with choosing to install one of the many waterfalls or fountains that are available for garden ponds. These can even be something simple such as a spitter for example. These are those beautiful items that allow water to trickle or flow from them such as a whimsical frog or Grecian statue.

There are numerous types to choose from. Then there is the garden pond lighting. Here there are many choices where they can be submersible or even something simple like floating lights.

These are just some of the common garden pond accessories that are readily available for the garden pond lover.

Best of Replacing the Fireplace Damper Lid

Now that it is fall and the weather is turning colder, it is time to make sure that the damper is functioning properly in your fireplace. Through years of usage, the damper lid can warp or become damaged. If this is how  your damper lid looks or is, you will need to replace this part of the flue. The damper is that metal thing in the chimney. If it is not working properly then it allows the cold outside air to come down the chimney into your house. but this is not all. It also lets your warm air to escape out the chimney. Over time, the dampers can warp and they need replacing. You don't need to hire a professional to come in and replace the damper lid for you. This is a job that you can easily do on your own.

Preparing to Remove the Damper

If it is winter and you just used the fireplace, you will need to wait until it cools down. All right, think of an oven. You wouldn't reach inside right after you turned the fire off, would you? Of course not, because it would burn you severely. You would wait until the oven cooled and you could reach in safely without burning yourself. The fireplace is the same. Wait until the logs are no longer burning or smoldering and the inside of the fireplace is cool to the touch. If you don't, you run the risk of burning yourself.

When the fireplace is almost cool, it is a good idea to begin preparations. You should put down a large piece of plastic or a tarp in front of the fireplace to keep the mess down to a minimum. Do this before you begin to cleaning the fireplace. Chimneys are messy with soot and ashes. You don't want to track that through your house.

Clearing Out the Fireplace, Find the Damper

Put on your leather work gloves. Remove the charred pieces of wood and throw these into a metal trash can. Now, it is time to remove the grate and set it aside.

Get inside the fireplace and take a flashlight or trouble light along. You will need to light up the chimney, so you can find the damper. Once you are inside, look up and you will find that the damper. It should be located only a foot or two above the fireplace opening. It is important to have sufficient light to see what you are doing.

As you look in that area, find the bolts that are holding the damper in place. You will need to remove those bolts with an adjustable wrench. Turn the bolts counterclockwise to remove them. Put the bolts in your  pocket or a small container. Don't loose the bolts because you will need to replace them when you install the new damper lid.

When you have the bolts removed, reach up and turn the damper lid sideways in the flue. This will allow you to remove it from the rod that holds it in place.

Installing the New Damper

Before installing the new damper lid, check it against the old one. You need to make sure that they are the same size or replacing the damper lid will do you no good. If you haven't bought a new damper lid yet, simply take the old one to the store with you to buy a new one. You can find damper lids at most hardware stores or home improvement stores. I live in a rural area, so I would try the lumber yards, Menards, Ace Hardware, Runnings or Bombgaars. By taking the damper lid to the store with you, will help you to find the right size that will fit in the flue.

Put the grate back into the fireplace. You can even put some wood on it. Now fold up the piece of plastic that you had protecting the floor. All you have to do now is light the fire, settle in your favorite chair and enjoy the warmth and ambiance.

Now you are ready to install the new damper lid. So get back into the fireplace and turn the trouble light on. You will need to turn the damper lid sideways to place it back on the rod. Fit the damper lid in place. Now find the four bolts that you removed earlier and reinstall them in place.

Adorable Discount Fountains: Experience Utmost Relaxation

The sound of flowing water is simply heaven to the ears. It brings nothing but peace and tranquility to a person's mind and soul. This is the reason why elegant and decorative water fountains are becoming trendier in offices and in households. They produce sounds that can make you think like your streaming down a river.



Many fountains found in stores today come in various designs and styles. However, fountains that are specially made to suit a client's interest can burn a gaping hope to your pocket. However, fountains that are sold by Discount Fountains can surely fit to your tiny budget. They can bring the grandeur in your home while fitting well to your budget.



Having discount fountains is already within reach. It is important to integrate your personal taste and interest to the way you design your fountain. These fountains are characterized its high-quality materials as well as classy and elegant accessories. Others are embedded with unique artworks which give onlookers pleasure and calmness.



If you have a particular theme for your house, remember to choose discount fountains that will fit to your theme like a long-lost missing puzzle piece. For example, if your tables and chairs are primarily made up of wickers, then it is best to get a fountain that symbolizes the forest or the nature. Modern-influenced fountains are best suitable to contemporary furniture. Be creative and utilize ornaments to spice up the appearance of your fountain.



Are you a person who loves to stay outdoors? Then outdoor garden wall fountains are just right for you! You can turn your once dull garden into a place of complete relaxation. Fountains are made from steel, porcelain, copper, stone, and are sometimes attached to walls. They are very durable and can withstand the forces of nature such as constant rains, strong winds, and even tremors.



Outdoor garden wall fountains bring harmony and peace after a long day of stressful work. Thousands can attest to the benefits of having a fountain installed in your garden and in inside your home. They are therapeutic and at the same time attractive. You can turn a frown to a smile just by looking at them.

Beautiful Effective Front Yard Landscaping Idea

The best front yard landscaping idea is often very simple though highly effective; without it, you could easily become bored with your typical and perhaps traditional style front yard that contains nothing more than some green grass along with a mailbox and your garden flag. By opening the deepest recesses of your mind and being creative in your thinking you can easily come up with some useful front yard landscaping ideas.

Create Displays to Please the Eyes

There are a few simple though very effective front yard landscaping ideas worth checking out. The first of these front yard landscaping ideas requires understands the importance of creating displays in the front yard that are visually exciting. Your front yard should be a place that stimulates the senses and which also attracts some exciting wildlife including birds and pretty butterflies. You can therefore add a bird bath or bird house and also plant flowers and shrubs. These are of course rather simple front yard landscaping ideas though ones that anyone can put to good use.

Another aspect to a good front yard landscaping idea is to ensure that you can create comfortable and attractive sitting spaces in the front yard where you can enjoy some quality time with your neighbors, friends and other guests. It only requires setting aside some small space in the garden where a bench can be placed beneath a tree or close to or even in the shade of your shed. You can also convert isolated spots into pretty areas by adding the right kind of shrubs and flowers and by also adding potted plants create a more comfortable space in the front yard.

Last but not least, another useful and simple front yard landscaping idea is to mix perennials with annual plants. The former type of plants bloom from one year to the next and should be divided so that they add to the appeal of the front yard and because these plants do not require much maintenance are a welcome addition to the front yard. Annuals will provide more colors to the front yard - though only for a single season at a time - and so should be selected carefully.

There are also many free landscaping ideas that can prove to be a good reference point that will help you come up with, among other things, brighter front yard landscaping ideas. These free ideas are well suited for people that cannot or don't want to invest in creating their own landscaping ideas.

Awesome What are Solar Fountains?

People all over the world are always looking out for ways to beautify their homes and gardens. Fountains help achieve that goal. Fountains can be used as a simple birdbath, a stylish landscaping accent, or as an indoor fountain for your home or workspace. Nowadays you can have your fountains solar powered too. Solar fountains are one such great and easy way to add a particular charm and grace to your home or garden.  Solar fountains can also be added inside the home if you have the requisite space. Normally though, they are installed in the gardens and lawns. They add to the beauty of your nicely mowed lawn or just a simple plain garden.

Solar panels attached to these types of fountains with a cord can be placed outside a window or door to collect power. Since they operate by soaking up the solar energy from the sun, they don't require electricity at all and thus save on the overhead costs. They are environment friendly, and side by side help in building a peaceful atmosphere. Solar fountains come in a variety of styles and designs in the market. They can even be custom made to fit your décor.  

Installation of solar fountains is easy too. Solar powered fountains need no extra wiring or plugging. You can install it in any place you wish and make sure there's a water outlet.  The solar panels which are an integral part of the solar fountains can be easily incorporated into the fountain in a tidy and streamlined design.  If your solar fountain is installed away from the direct rays of the sunlight, then the solar panels attached with cords can be placed in an area where it can receive direct sunlight.  These can be buried inside the earth or placed out of sight.

One can even install a floating fountain in their swimming pools. This adds a unique style to your pool, and can be great fun for the kids.  Waterfall style fountains which circulate water from the pool itself can save on the water consumption and lessen its wastage too.  Since solar energy is available only in the mornings, the solar fountains too can operate only in the mornings when the sun is up. At nights you can run the fountains using batteries.

New fancy fountains are available in the market like the solar birdbath fountains. These look chic and come in a variety of styles, shapes, and colors.  You can even opt for the simple tray or bowl styles, which can be mounted upon pedestals on the fountains. There are many varieties of these fountains available and you can choose one which best suits your style and garden decor.  There are even some solar fountains shaped like animals or human figures. These are eye catchy and are like an adornment for your garden too. But they are made of expensive materials which need high maintenance. You can even get multi-tiered terracotta fountains or ceramic pouring bowl fountains, which come as single or double fountains.

So ask around a bit and go shopping at a variety of stores before zeroing in on a particular solar fountain.

Awesome Symmetric Landscape Ideas

Symmetry and harmony go hand in hand and are a basic tenet of all major art forms including design. The principles of landscape design also include the use of balance in everything. While it may be a bit deeper than this, this concept is simpler to interpret for newcomers to comprehend and fully grasp the idea. Perfection is often synonym to symmetry in the western world. However, some Asian traditions do not enjoy the use of even number of objects as it is too perfect to really represent what life is and the imperfection one could face during its life time. Imperfection will give a more natural and rugged feel and will even introduce character while perfection seems monotonous.
 
If a garden or landscape has symmetrical lines and is of equal proportions then it will feel and appear to be balanced in form. In reality symmetrical lines and shapes are not always a possibility and therefore there is the dependence on the introduction of other components to introduce this symmetry and harmonious balance. Many gardens and landscapes are asymmetrical or abstract in nature and possess no natural balance.
 
Lack of symmetry and balance can be related to the fact that there is a lack of repetition. The use of similar elements throughout a garden or landscape can add the missing symmetry and assist in the unifying of the areas to each other. Repeating elements such as plants, rocks, matching plant sets, a color and much more can be used to introduce symmetry.
 
A common problem is many landscaping plans are the use of a lot of non matching elements in the design. This gives the appearance of clutter and an untidy look when the area starts to grow. One rule of thumb is to start with a design which is minimalistic. This means that you plan for less and only include a few matching sets of plants around the garden and keep everything else to a minimum. You can then take your time and consider further landscaping ideas and additions that you can make.
 
One of the most asked questions in landscape design deals with shape. The shape of a design is unique and will at the end of the day comply with all your visions. If the shape is filled with clutter however it can still turn out poorly balanced and inappropriate. Harmony and symmetry can depend on shape but generally you do not need a particular shape to get a symmetrical design.

The process of landscape design closely follows those of other design art forms. The use of repetition, balance, harmony and symmetry are all principles related to art. Architects also use these principles in their designs. The creation of symmetry and balance in a landscape that has a flaw can be accomplished by the use of consistent repetition. Even the use of one element place at opposite sides can give the appearance of some unity. It can be easier to accomplish repetition using the softscape elements such as plants and ornaments but consideration of hardscape elements such as walks and driveways can provide great results too.

The Best Maintenance of Outdoor Fountains

A fountain is an artificially created jet with the stream of water that's decorated with a grant structure containing a reservoir or chamber. Fountains are used for both interior and exterior purposes to have an admirable look. When the climate is too hot, fountains provide enough moisture to sustain heat and withstand humidity. The outdoor fountains have the most relaxing sound and no one can deny the truth that fountain drowns out the noise of traffic and humans. The glinting effect of the water surface can bring the smooth and relaxing mind. These outdoor water fountains relay on submersible jet pumps that circulate water through the feature. The outdoor fountains have some of the important benefits such as purifying the air and developing a natural healthy environment, and to have a relaxed stress free mind. Fountains in outdoors are ornamentally designed to attract the maximum number of spectators and thereby become a centerpiece.

Fountain Maintenance Is Not A Tough Job:

Fountains supply us rich beauty and therefore maintaining a fountain is an important task. Small outdoor floor fountains and table top outdoor fountains are easy to maintain, since they have the little setup. But, when dealing with the water level and pump of large fountains, it's necessary to remember the following steps. When you purchase a fountain, it's important to have a close look at its operation and figure out the usage of water consumed daily or weekly. The better thing is to maintain the water level above the fountains pump, so that the flow of water is kept consistent and also maximizes the life of the water pump. Most of the pumps are found usually in the base of the water feature or reservoir and confirm whether the pump is completely submerged in water to avoid motor damage. The Most important factor is, make the new outdoor fountain to run regularly for its optimal performance and functionality. And check for debris build up; if so wipe it off clearly.

Proper Handling Endures The Fountain Everlasting:

There's no strict guideline on cleaning up the sculpture part of the fountains. Keep an eye on the quality of water and dust build ups over the outdoor fountains. Its recommended to use soft clothing's to wipe out the dust over the fountains, since tough clothing materials can bleach the originality of the colors. Also, use feature organic and non-chemical recommended cleaners to wipe off the sediments from the outdoor fountains. When the sound of the motor is high than the trickling water fall, it is necessary to look at the pump, if it is properly installed in reservoir or not. At frequent time, the splashing of water may be irregular and this troubleshoot is caused due to improper installation. If this problem persists further, then it is better to maintain a proper water level neither too low nor too high. Splashing can also controlled by putting small rocks and pebbles over the basins. The trickling sound of outdoor fountains that we hear depends on distance that the water drops into the reservoir, and thereby adjusting the water level the fountain explicit more or less sound.

Nice The Role of Plants in a Koi Pond

For those who are new to this concept, a Koi Pond is basically an enclosed type of freshwater system that recirculates for keeping Koi Fish, a variety of Japanese fancy carp. Hence, it is unlike other forms of garden or fish ponds to provide for the specific needs of the Koi fish that ordinary types of garden or ponds are unable to deliver.

Hence, there are two major factors you should be looking at when developing a Koi pond. It must first and foremost provide a healthy home for your Koi fishes to live and grow. And second, it must contain a clear water to keep your fish healthy.

As more and more new landscaping designs are available for pet owners who want to build a Koi pond for their fishes, there is a growing question with the possible advantage or disadvantages of adding plants into your pond. Is it better or not for your fishes?

There are several known advantages of adding plants to your Koi pond, which are the same benefits that you can expect with adding up plants to a traditional garden. It will then serve as an aquatic basket that will enhance the overall living condition for your pet fishes. These plants will serve as submerged oxygenators that supply enough oxygen into the water in daytime. Meanwhile, they also double as a spawning mat for your Koi fishes.

For optimum protection to your pets, opt for deep water type of plants like such as floaters and lilies. Choose also those that provide shade and cover that will help prevent algal growth. But the biggest benefit that can be derived with adding plants to your Koi pond is basically the fact that it provides nitrates and other compounds for your pond to use in case biological filters fail to do their job.

You can also add up marginal plants to your Koi pond, which helps to soften the edges and create an aesthetic balance into the water system or entire pond. Hence, you never really have to compromise the look of your background just to provide an efficient habitat for your pet Koi fishes.

However, you do have to take note of a few disadvantages to adding flower to your pond. Koi carps often like to wreck these plant materials by gnawing on them, which is a natural tendency for fishes and other animals. It also can cause the water to appear murky with the constant stir-up by the activity produced by the fishes. Hence, pay close attention to where you situate the plants you add into your Koi pond to avoid direct contact with the Koi carp. Make sure that your fishes are below 2 inches from the pond's surface area to keep enough distance away from the plants. Besides that, plants provide an active biological filter system beneficial for your fish and the entire pond.

Best Patio umbrellas and how to clean them

The ultimate function of these outdoor patio umbrellas would be to create shaded areas to enjoy time outside. They also complement a décor on a patio or deck that serves as an additional living space outside the home. Due to prolonged usage, the patio umbrellas would become old and worn or it will be damaged from inclement weather conditions. However it can be repaired quite easily in many cases and brought back to functional state.

The outdoor patio umbrellas can get pretty dirty after a full season outside in the elements. The umbrellas would be exposed to various elements like falling leaves, berries, seeds and bird droppings. Hence it is essential to give the umbrella a good cleaning before it is stowed away for the winter. Since the patio umbrellas are bulky, cleaning them would be a time consuming task. But make sure that you clean it properly to increase its shelf life.

You can begin the cleaning process by making a protective surface on the ground. You can use a bunch of towels, a tarp or an old blanket. The protective surface should be big enough to accommodate the umbrella when it is fully open. Open the umbrella completely and lay it on its side on the protective surface in such a way that no part of the umbrella would touch the ground. Once the umbrella is opened you need to check if the fabric can be removed from it. The fabric of some of the patio umbrellas can be removed and that would be easier for cleaning.

You need to use a hose to wet the umbrella. If you are not able to find a hose, you can pour clean water from bucket onto the surface. Make someone hold the umbrella in place to keep it from rolling off the protective surface. Fill a bucket with clean, warm water mixed with a mild detergent. You can use dish washing soap or laundry detergent. Using a cloth or soft sponge you need to start scrubbing the umbrella. If tough stains are present, you need to brace the area by putting your hand on the other side of the fabric. Poles and other hard surfaces can be cleaned using a rag soaked in warm soapy water.

Remember to use mild soap and a damp cloth to wipe down frame parts. For cleaning vinyl umbrellas you can get a convertible top cleaner from an automotive goods store. This is because soap and water is not enough to clean the vinyl umbrellas. For better cleaning process, you need to buy an outdoor patio umbrella that has a removable canopy which can be cleaned in the washing machine. Make sure that you don't use abrasive cleaners on the frame or pole of the umbrella.

Rinse the umbrella with clean water to remove the soap and dirt. You need to thoroughly rinse to make sure that soap residues are not left on the umbrella. Keep the umbrella opened in the sun for drying before storing it inside.

Lovely Maintain the Showcase Form of Your Furniture with Patio Chair Covers

People love to decorate the outdoor areas of their home with a wide variety of things. From simple pots of flowers to big-sized outdoor furniture, the design ideas are limitless. However you decorate the outer sections of your home, you will certainly put an emphasis on your patio chairs.

These pieces of outdoor furniture are often your most extravagant splurge. The desire to maintain them in their showcase form will definitely be on top of your list. In order to keep your furniture in their best shape, you should look into buying some patio chair covers.

Indeed, the patio chairs can be a bit pricey. A set of patio deep seating sofas can cost you around a thousand bucks. Depending on the kind of materials you picked out, they can even go higher and cause you to shell out up to several thousand dollars. With the exorbitant price of these furniture pieces, homeowners are often wary about leaving them totally exposed in the open. Despite the claims of manufacturers that they are maintenance-free or that their outdoor chairs are highly-resistant to the weather elements, homeowners will never be at peace with their treasured chairs sitting by the open expanse of their homes. Unless they have roofed patios or porches, their only last resort for protection is the placement of patio chair covers.

Patio chair covers don't cost that much. In fact, they are highly affordable and can be bought for a couple of bucks. They are literally a small price to pay to give a layer of protection to those beloved outdoor chairs. They can be bought according to the shape of the furniture you have. Whether you have an outdoor lounger or a sofa, there are covers that are manufactured for these pieces. A great thing about these items is that they are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns and there's none of that white drab you often see when covering up indoor furnishings. Using these covers around, you can definitely keep the original showroom form of your patio chairs.

Best Landscaping a Home With Roses

In the beginning there were no roses, just the house set among oaks on a sloping hill. They were not interested in landscaping but something had to be done. So the couple called in an energetic nurseryman who planted the grounds with honeysuckle, Bridalwreath, lilacs, spirea and evergreens. In a few years his plants far outgrew their allotted space and the grounds were no more pleasant than before.

About this time the oak trees succumbed to a disease, one by one, and had to be removed. As if to save the situation, fate, disguised as an Etoile de Hollande rose flourishing in the shrubbery border, stepped in and inoculated the couple with a rose-growing virus.

Never since has Etoile de Hollande bloomed so luxuriantly, but no matter. The rose was responsible for the slowly rising fever that caused this husband wife teem to get eight more roses.

Despite neglect, the plants thrived. Maybe fate made them beautiful to inspire but more likely, it was good soil balance, lack of cultivation and a "green growing mulch" of portulaca or "moss roses" Which had crept into the bed.

Not much later fate took full charge. A broken arm in the fall and during the slow months it was mending, all the books in the house had been read and the only thing left was seed and flower catalogues.

The picture of roses brought the old fever back and now there was nothing to interfere with its course. Not even the persistent considering of golf as the only worthwhile diversion but the arm would not allow any play.

Due to the early training under a wonderful mother who loved growing things, the man of the house felt quite at home in this new world and as his vision broadened, he realized how easily a rose bed could replace a golf green.

Right off he knew growing roses on flat ground was as challenging as desert landscaping. It was a tame adventure compared to the thrill of developing really good ones on a hillside, such as his.

The property, on a slope facing south, was 168 feet long, 85 feet wide and rises approximately 50 feet above the street. The land climbs in a series of terraces from street to level ground and the house. The ascent continued, in smaller terraces behind the house, to level ground and the garage. It rises again to the rear lot line.

Such terrain is unconventional and presents obstacles. Some imagination, a strong determination-. to have lots of A bright roses and a free expression of our creative powers were needed to develop it.

New Why Does Pond Ph Fluctuate

The pond ph varies on the time of the day you conduct the test. Ph readings done in the morning are lower compared to the tests done in the afternoon. The KH or carbon hardness of the pond water is a determining factor on how much pH will fluctuate within 24 hours. Remember that the ph levels of your pond are not stable the whole day, so dont fret as you see the readings went up or down.

What influences the pH swings in pond?

Pond ph swings are the produced from the natural gas exchange of plants. During the day, plants and other free floating algae release as much oxygen and get carbon dioxide CO2. The drop off in CO2 raises the pH in your pond, which is triggered by photosynthesis. At night, the pH decreases because the plants and oxygen consume oxygen and release CO2. Theres no wonder why low pH is detected every morning. The bacteria, blanket weeds, and sludge at the bottom of the pond may also influence the oxygen and CO2 levels in your koi pond.

How to prevent toxic pH crash in the pond?
The ph levels in koi ponds will eventually plummet without enough carbonates or carbonate hardness; thus, the efficient koi pond keeping means stabilizing the KH at a safe level of 140 and above.

A decrease in pH can be stressful and toxic to fish. The pH is measured from 1 to 14. pH level of 7 is neutral, below 7 is considered acidic, and above 7 is alkaline. A good pH reading is 7.5 in most koi and fish ponds.


The kois and either type of bacteria use the available carbonates in your pond every day. When all these carbonates are consumed, the pond pH will decrease eventually and become acidic.


you can increase the pH quickly after a ph crash, without harming the kois; however, if you attempt or force to reduce the pH instantly, then you are making your fish succumb from unstable water pH. Keep in mind that a very high ammonia reading is deadly to fish, because ammonia is more toxic than with high pH. When dealing with ammonia problem and high pH, you may change the water to drop off the high ammonia, or use ammonia remover. Pond pH buffer can also be used to balance water pH when they have gone at levels suffocating to fish.


You might want to increase the KH of your koi fish to keep it high enough overnight. If thats the case or if its just the water turns terribly lower than 7, you may add buffer to increase the carbonates. Sufficient levels of carbonates will keep the kois healthy, and much more when added with good bacteria.

Best Fireplace inserts will certainly adjust inefficient fireplaces directly onto wood stoves

Wood burning fireplace inserts are designed to transform inefficient fireplaces into wood stoves, which can get many BTUs of heat out of a load of wood. Using the existing fireplace means that even houses with no room for a free-standing wood stove may be heated with wood.

When installing a free-standing wood stove, the building code regulations must be followed, with fireproof shielding on floors and walls and a regulated amount of air space and clearance; consequently the stove protrudes into the living space. A stove's hot surfaces may be dangerous for children, and some people dislike the look of stovepipes running to a vent in the wall.

Actually, a fireplace can be a negative in heating a house, since more heat may be lost up the chimney than is sent out into the room, and heat from the room is lost while the fire is beginning to burn and as it is dying down to smoldering ashes. Dampers that close the chimney to prevent this hot air rising and escaping to the great outdoors cannot be closed while ashes are still smoking.

Some 'inserts' are simply glass doors that can be shut to keep indoor heat from escaping even though the damper is still open. The best way to use them to close off the fire at the end of the evening, so people can go to bed and wait to shut the damper in the morning when the fire is completely out. Keeping the doors shut while the fire is burning brightly, of course, means that the beauty of flames can be seen but all heat is trapped in the fireplace until it is lost through the chimney.

For this reason, an insert must fit the room or area it will heat and the kind of wood burning the family does. A lightweight, less airtight insert may be best for a family room which will only be heated with wood as a supplement to the central heating on week-ends or in the evenings, perhaps. A heavier, truly air tight stove that will burn for eight hours or more on one load of wood may be needed if the main heat in the house is to be provided by the insert.

An insert must be treated like a stove, in that the wood inside must be lit and allowed to burn for a while to release the creosote that it contains. This creosote will burn if the fire is hot; otherwise it will evaporate and coat the surfaces of glass doors, the inner chamber, and the walls of the chimney. The danger of unburned creosote deposits is that, when the fire does get hot, these deposits may ignite and cause a chimney fire. Creosote is liquid at times, and a stove that is not getting enough air for proper combustion may even leak the black tarry substance out of the front onto the hearth and near by carpets.

When evaluating wood burning fireplace inserts, homeowners should get one only as big as they need for the space to be heated. The largest and most airtight insert may not be the best, if what is needed is short-term fires in the evening rather than whole house heating with wood.

New Get That Water Circulating in Your Garden Koi Pond

How to Maximize Your Garden Koi Pond Turnover Rate

Simply put, the turnover rate of your pond is how fast it takes for all the water in it to go through the pond filter. It varies from pond to pond.

Ready...Set...Calculate!

This should excite you math-whizzes out there. To find out what your Koi pond's turnover rate is, simply calculate how much water your pump moves per day and divide it by the volume of your pond.

So, for instance, if you have a 50,000 liter pond and a pump that moves X liters of water per hour, it would be pumping (X*24) liters per day. Take that number and divide it by 50,000 liters and you have your turnover rate.

The turnover rate determines the average ammonia concentration in your garden Koi pond water. That's how much ammonia is left in the water after filtration. This will vary depending how often the pond water is turned over.

Why does turnover rate matter?

High turnover rates ensure high oxygen levels in the pond. You need oxygen in the water because Koi need oxygen, the plants need oxygen, and the microorganisms in the water need oxygen to live. Because of this, oxygen levels in the water tend to fluctuate depending on many factors including time of day, number of fish, number of plants, etc.

On the reverse side, low oxygen levels can spell disaster. So keep your eye on the oxygen.

Turnover Rate and Bio filters

Knowing your garden Koi pond turnover rate is also important when shopping for a bio filter. Keep in mind that a filter chamber can handle only so much. It does not have a limitless capacity. Additionally, your pond's flow rate will affect the water's residence time in the bio filter.

Residence Time?

Just like how it sounds, residence time is the maximum amount of time the pond water is in the bio filter, in contact with the bio media.

For instance, if the residence time of the filter chamber is 2 minutes, that means it takes the bio film and active bacteria in the filter 2 minutes to convert the harmful ammonia in your garden Koi pond (from the Koi feces) into nitrites and then to nitrates.

You don't really need a chemistry degree to understand this - well, on second thought, maybe you do. Point is you don't want ammonia. Ammonia makes the Koi sick. The bio filter oxidizes it and converts it to something safer for the fish.

We could go into the theories and discussions involving how these hardworking little buggers do their work, but we won't. We'll just take a moment to thank them right now....

OK.

The bottom line with bio filters is you can't have too much of it protecting your garden Koi pond keeping the water clean and healthy for you fish. Having said that, there is no reason to get all excited and begin messing around with the flow rates to try to maximize contact time with the bio filter. Leave that alone.

If turnover rate slows down, you could put your bio filter into ammonia overload. You don't want that, trust me. If your bio filter is not able to oxidize all the ammonia on the first pass, it has another opportunity the next time around providing your turnover rate is decent.

If you have a new garden Koi pond, keep in mind that it takes time to get a new bio filter to grow bio film. It took you 9 months from conception to birth (10, really) so don't rush nature. Give the little guys a chance to get going.

Let the pond find its own "happy place" or equilibrium. Don't over-feed the Koi. The more you feed, the more they excrete; and with an immature bio filter, this can lead to problems.

Keep an eye on the ammonia and nitrite levels and just let nature run its course.

Oh, alright, I'll tell you how to cheat nature. Get some Bao Bio Clear - that'll jump start the bio film growth.

Awesome The DIY Patio Grill and Fireplace Double

When you walk onto your patio, is there anything missing? Do you wish something was there but you just don't know what? All you need are some good ideas and you can have a late Spring project that will make your summer hopping this year.

I think that an outside fireplace is the perfect idea and it doesn't take much to put together. But before you get started and run out to buy all the materials you need, I think you should strongly consider creating a fireplace that doubles as a grill. Now, that's an idea that can really add some class to your backyard or patio.

Over the summer, you'll have twice as many barbecues because every weekend will be the perfect time for you to throw some steaks on the grill and invite some friends over to your house. You'll never get tired of it. But then when fall rolls around, you'll be able to enjoy some warm evenings in your backyard because you'll have a fireplace that will light up any evening when you want to relax outside with a cup of coffee and some friends.

So, let's get started.

The materials you will need vary in your style and budget. But, what I suggest will be easy on both. You can learn how to build a brick structure if you want. It's not hard to stack bricks and make sure you cement them correctly. Then, wipe away excess cement so that it's not a sloppy build.

But, I think that you can build your structure with 2X4s and plywood. Of course, most people will shy from this solution because of the fire risk. But if you do it right, you can bring the risk to a minimum like they did in the old days when they built wood structured fireplaces in the home. 

The base will be a 4 foot wide by 4 foot long structure that rises about 2 feet from the ground. It should be made completely with brick. Then, you can build upon that the rest of the Fireplace / Grill structure. After the2X4 and plywood structure has been built, we protect it with rock or brick veneer. This is a small layer of the brick or rock that makes up your design. But, you don't have to learn how to master the art of creating brick and rock structures.

To address the safety issue, the fire should never be left unattended. This wouldn't happen if you are cooking steaks on the grill anyway. But if you are enjoying the fireplace and you want another drink from inside your home, there should be company outside to keep an eye on the fire. Furthermore if you are enjoying your fireplace alone, check the fireplace before going inside to make sure you don't see anything unsafe. Then, make your visit inside as short as possible. If you are going in for the evening, make sure your fire is out completely and you should never encounter any problems. Fires in traditional fireplaces are risky and yet, we live with the risk every day. So, just be safe and you should be able to enjoy your fireplace for a long time to come.

Make your overall height of the project about 6 feet and the width about 4 feet. The back part of the structure should be about 1 foot in depth. Then, you will build 2 foot high walls on both sides of the fireplace so that your structure has a place to hold the grill and surround the fire that you will build inside the structure. The face will be open for easy access so that you can effortlessly change your grill into a fireplace and vice versa.

You'll want to build a shelving solution for a griddle. This will hold your charcoal about 6 inches to 1 foot below the grill. You'll also need to get the grill accessory that holds your steaks or hamburgers above the charcoal flame. These can be found, sometimes somewhat remotely. But, I have a friend who tore about an old grill and simply used those accessories. It seems everywhere I look I find old grills that can serve this purpose for your project.

To keep the project completely safe, you should use a fireplace insert and gel fuel from Ventless Gel Fireplace. This is an environmentally friendly gel fuel that burns into water vapor and can be put out by simply placing the lid on the can. Granny Gel Fuel will produce a very large flame and will burn for hours while you enjoy your evening. You won't have to find firewood and you won't have an unpredictable flame that can possibly pose a fire risk.

You can get plenty of other unique fireplace ideas by visiting Ventless Gel Fireplace and downloading our reports. You can take these reports and use your own imagination to create just about anything you want. It's up to you how far you can go.

Best Deciding on The Right Fireplace Glass Doors For Your Fireplace

Fireplaces are iconic in western homes. It adds tradition and warmth to the in general appearance of a home. To a great majority of homes that encounter frosty conditions in winter and fall and a fireplace offers warmth and relaxation. Its look has advanced over time and there're now more accessories that will make it look great. These days, you will discover many more fireplace glass doors gracing the front of a fireplace. It is stylish, delightful and adds style to your decor.

The fireplace was invented to offer relaxation to man. There're many types of fireplaces that have been designed over the past decades. One of them is the masonry type of fireplace that is made with bricks or rough stone. Chimneys are also made another way. Few are made of concrete whereas some are reinforced with metal bars within the concrete walls. The recent fireplace is built of metal and fired by fuel or natural gas rather than firewood. They're vent less and don't emit risky smoke to the environment. They're normally pre-fabricated & then set up in houses.

Glass doors will go with all type of fireplace, old or new. They are adaptable and add up a recent appearance to any fireplace. There're many varieties of fireplace glass doors for masonry or modern fireplaces. Some people have them custom made to match up their individuality and choice. Other than looking delightful, these glass doors are also security features which are simple to maintain and clean.

One thing that a person needs to look at is the level of safety it can add to a home. This can be important because a fire often leaves hot embers bouncing around and that could cause them to bounce out onto the hearth. So a person needs to ensure that this will raise the amount of safety in the home.

Another thing to take into consideration will be if it is going to allow a person to see the fire. At times a person will want to sit and stare into the fire. So they need to ensure that the screen they are going to have lets them look into the fire.

You can select from various models and glass frames. Plated steel or solid brass glass doors are finest for masonry fireplaces. The glass is generally two ins thick & you've numerous room for drawing your own pattern or desired scenery. You could have it cut into an arched figure like traditional fireplace doors or make it look like a attractive window for a more modern look. Many current fireplace glass doors are snowy or smoked. You can have a mesh curtain set up or make it foldable with several finishes to select from.

Glass doors can also be adapted to fit into pre-fab fireplaces. Both pre-fab fireplaces & glass doors are really accepted today as they are convenient & sensible for active people. Airtight tempered glass is suggested for outdoor fireplaces to withstand radical weather situation. Today, fireplace glass doors commonly require so little renovation & are usually blot-free. There is no necessity to clean or polish them each day. You can discover several sites on the web which have a broad choice of glass doors you could choose from.

Best of Reveal Your Excellent Taste with Teak Patio Furniture

When you acquire things for your home, it always makes sense to get excellent quality materials. This principle shouldn't only apply when it comes to acquiring electronics, appliances or furnishings inside the home. It should also be implemented in the acquisition of furniture pieces for the outdoor spaces.

Your patio, deck, verandah or porch is a part of your home and it serves many purposes. Whenever you have parties and have lots of guests to entertain, they can serve as an extended area to hold a spill of your guests. Aside from their conventional role in outdoor entertainment, these outdoor spaces can also be used to create your private sanctuary. Your patio can be a place where you can meditate; your deck can serve as a quiet area for reading a good book. You can also convert them into functional areas where you can dine and work under the sun.

With all these great uses for your outdoor spaces, it is only apt that they be filled with excellent outdoor furniture. Among the many choices for outdoor furnishing, nothing beats the excellent form and style of teak patio furniture. Furniture pieces made from teak exude an aura of class and sophistication that will definitely be noticed by your visitors and friends.

When you have people coming out into your yard, expect a flurry of praise when they view your teak patio furniture. Being made from top quality teak lumber, its craftsmanship is highly notable as it is only touched and brought together by a very skilled craftsman. The elegant form is easily seen even if it's only an outdoor bench or a chair. You can have an outdoor masterpiece in pieces like a teak dining set, deep seating sofa or lounge chair. Choosing teak patio furniture will reveal your excellent taste for furniture that is sure to be a cause of envy from your neighbors and friends.

 

The Swimming Pool Cleaners - 4 Walk-In Places to Buy Your Pool Cleaners

If you have decided to have a swimming pool installed in your backyard then you must also decide on purchasing pool cleaners that will help you to maintain the look of your pool. However, one of the dilemmas you might be facing is to know where to buy efficient cleaners. This very informative article will show you some places where you can walk-in and buy these equipments to keep your pools clean.

1. The first place to consider if you are a novice to pool types of cleaners is to make a search on the Internet. There are different websites you will come across that offer different kinds of pool supplies' products. Take advantage of these websites and get your cleaners at affordable prices.

2. The second place you may want to consider is that Home Improvement Mega Store in your area. These stores sell different kinds of items, including pool cleaners and the accessories.. You can access various brands from these stores as you seek for the best types of cleaners.

3. The third place you may want to consider is the pool supplies' stores. These are dealers of swimming pool accessories of any kind. The benefit of utilizing this source is that you will have access to different models and brands of pool cleaners. Also, you will see manual pool types of cleaners, automatic pool cleaners and robotic pool types to choose from.

4. The fourth place you can go to buy your swimming pool cleaning machine is from the manufacturers themselves. There are different manufacturers of pool cleaners and you can access their addresses from the Yellow Pages and the Internet. Look around your locality to see if you will get the addresses of any manufacturers around you. Some of the popular ones you may consider are - Dolphin, Polaris, Aquabot, Letro, and Kreepy Krauly.

Best Outdoor fire pits not only provide warmth but can enhance the look of your patio!

There is nothing like the comforting heat of outdoor fire pits for your patio or backyard that helps create a romantic ambience in chilly winters as well as cool summer evenings. It is a perfect solution to avoid the chill and shivers and enjoy a warm evening with family and friends. So what is an outdoor fire pit? As is evident from the name, these are fireplaces that can be used for any kind of outdoor activity such as bonfire parties and barbeque in your backyard. The biggest advantage of such fire pits are their ease of usage and their portability where you can even take them along to a picnic or to your neighbor’s house for some fun.

There are essentially two kinds of outdoor fire pits available these days; one that uses wood as a fuel and the other natural gas.  Although wooden ones are much cheaper but they come with a lot of hassle and tensions. Whereas a gas fire pit is much easier to use and you can simply ignite it with a turn of the knob and extinguish the fire in the same way.  There is no harmful smoke and fumes emitted as is the case with wood burning pits and you do not have to use a lighter or matchstick to light the same. Natural gas is also not a threat to the environment with no soot, ashes and charred wood to be cleaned up.

If you have decided on purchasing outdoor fire pits, the first thing you should consider is the size of the model that you require. The easiest way is to search through the online stores and go through all the different models and price range that they have on offer. Nowadays gas fire pits come in many different elaborate designs and comprise of different metals including copper, steel and cast iron. You even get ones that have a slide grill for turning your appliance into a barbecue or with ash removal cans which easily slides out to dispose of the waste from the fire. The attractive patterns and vibrant colors can actually enhance the look of your garden or patio and make each and every evening enjoyable and entertaining.

Amazing Fireplace Grates Blowers

 

A fireplace grate blower is a device that will increase the flow of warmed air into your room and home.  While these come in a couple of different forms one being a fireplace insert and another common less expensive type is a tubular grate blower. 

Fireplace grates with blowers operate on a very simple principle.  Take in cool air and heat the air in the tubing and blow it out with a fan into the room to distribute the warmed air thus increasing the room temperature. A fireplace on its own will contribute warmth to a room but the actual efficiency is very low.  Some poorly designed hearths will allow all of the warmth to go up the flue and not contribute to the home heating.  I have been in one house where the fireplace took with its draft, warmth from the home up the flue.  Using a fireplace blower will greatly increase the fireplace efficiency many times.  The return on investment will be seen quickly on your heating bill. 

The process itself is straight forward.  The unit is placed into the hearth.  Remove the old cast iron fireplace grate first; then, set in the new blower.  This unit does require electricity and you may need to have an electrician run a power outlet appropriate for the application. When ready to use,build a fire directly onto the grate.  The special heat resistant tubing is designed just for this.  The fan is then turned on and the air coming in the air intake will be quickly heated to as hot as five hundred degrees.  The air is then pushed back into the room.  This will increase the temperature in the room.  Other helpers in the process for the home could be the use of ceiling fans for circulation and something as inexpensive as a box fan to move warm air from one room to another. 

While using the fireplace to help or be the sole heating of your home, other safety precautions need to be observed.  First and foremost is at least a single fireplace screen.  This is the first line in fireplace safety.  Secondly,  use of a hearth rug of fiberglass will increase your safety factor many times.  These are non-flammable and are very sturdy rugs.  Another option would be a wool hearth rug. 

Please remember to have the flue checked and cleaned by a professional, burn hard dry wood and enjoy your family time around the home hearth. 

James Dahlberg

Amazing Advantages of a Solar Fountain

A solar fountain is bound to look great in any office, home or garden, not to mention the aesthetic attraction that it'll provide to your space. They are a great way to mimic actual fountains in a manner that is environmentally friendly. Since they use solar power you are spared the expenses of paying hefty power bills. These are not the only advantages though - there are plenty more below.

1. Matters of energy conservation

A solar fountain will offer you handy energy conservation abilities by virtue of its versatility. This gadget can be used comfortably both indoors and outdoors since you don't require power outlets to use it.

While indoors, you can use the solar fountain to substitute your humidifier. In this way you will save on energy and subsequently on your power bill. In the outdoors, a solar fountain can be placed virtually anywhere. All that you need to do is to have the solar panels placed in the direct path of the sun. This is necessary since the panels fitted on these fountains don't store energy for later use.

2. Solar fountains are low maintenance

Of all the designs of fountains that you can have, solar-powered fountains are the least complicated to use as well as maintain.

There are different varieties that you can buy and all these come with pleasant handiness to suit your requirements. There are solar fountains whose panels can be placed as far off as 15 feet away in any position that you fancy. Additionally, there are solar fountains that are fitted with electrical pumps to enable you to use them even on the cloudiest of days. You can also purchase a battery that will store the solar power during the day enabling you to enjoy the fountain's pleasantness after dusk.

Solar fountains are also made to switch themselves off automatically such that you don't have to worry in case you forgot to switch them off yourself.

3. Discover the floating solar fountain

A floating solar fountain is made in such a way that the panels and the pump are a single unit. This design implies that there is very little installation to be done. You can place a floating solar fountain in your pool such that it spews water like an actual fountain. The absence of a power cord means that the gadget can float unfettered on the surface of the water.

4. They are available in a variety of designs

There are mainly three types of solar fountains that you can choose from depending on your preferences; pedestal fountains, cascade fountains, and single bowl fountains.

Pedestal fountains feature single or multiple tiers mounted on a pedestal. These stand between 2 and 3 feet high. Cascade fountains are shorter than pedestal fountains and have more tiers. Water flows from the top tier into subsequent tiers until it reaches the main bottom tier. The solar panels for these are mainly separate. Single bowl fountains are also quite short and feature an attractive figurine through which water spews.

5. Solar fountains are great for personal therapy

With a solar fountain you can enjoy a much needed rest as you appreciate the sight of cascading water and the therapeutic sound of the same.

Modern Solar Fountains ? Best Solution to Make Ecological Backyard Decor

It can make you are feeling great when you can beautify your environment and simultaneously be pleasant to nature. Photo voltaic fountains would be the kinds of products which will allow you add elegance and model for your property, lawn or workplace with no dangerous results for the pure setting and also the ecological process.

Ecology could be the relationships among organism and their atmosphere. Putting in photo voltaic fountains may be a fantastic approach to create an ecological backyard decor. How?

They reduce carbon emission:

Because it is powered by the sun, there isn’t any have to have of electrical power provide from your grid. The era of vitality that we use indoor and outside creates greenhouse gases. Are you able to envision how we are able to assist lessen the damaging emission if all h2o fountains within the planet use photo voltaic power?

They pose no electrical hazards:

You’ll need electrical power operating throughout the lawn; or underground cable is important in the event you use the common fountains. Cables and electrical wires overlaying to the floor are unsafe. This fountain is cost-free from all these bills and mess; no have to have for plugs and outlets.

Great for that surroundings:

Making use of this fountains don’t add pollution in to the ambiance. One of many environmental factors that result in ailments and health and fitness problems is air pollution, wherein unique pollutants are current within the air that we breathe in.

They conserve the normal natural environment:

Including a photo voltaic fountain inside your lawn can serve as birdbaths. Clear and splashing h2o attracts birds. Birds are often an integral a part of an organic natural environment. Birds browsing your lawn is going to be far more typically which makes it their normal habitat.

Utilizing photo voltaic fountains saves you revenue:

The normal h2o fountains use pumps which eat electrical power from your grid. If you invest in a photo voltaic fountain you conserve in your payments, specially while you run them continuously about extended durations of time. A photo voltaic fountain just utilizes electrical power through the sun. Once the climate will get tough and also the sun isn’t going to display up, it really is time to present it a relaxation.

You can find a variety of styles and styles of photo voltaic fountains which may make your lawn naturally stylish. There are actually terrific animal or human sculptures produced from different stones and bronze.

With uncomplicated efforts you are able to assistance decrease greenhouse gases, conserve funds, possess a healthier lifestyle and most of all possess a stunning and ecological backyard decor.

To find out more about this topic, visit Solar Fountains For The Garden

Best In-Ground Swimming Pools Offer More Functionality

Making the decision to add a backyard swimming pool to a particular landscape is just the start. Once this choice is made, there will still be the question of style. This issue will center on whether a pool should be above ground or inground. When the pros and cons are explored, it will quickly become evident that in-ground swimming pools win out on the functionality front.

By their very nature, in-ground pools are highly flexible in design. When the choice is made to go this route with the investment, the potential returns will shine. Whilst there is no denying that in-ground pools do require a greater investment, they can fit into a backyard landscape better and offer improved functionality on a number of fronts.

The benefits of going in-ground versus above ground include:

- The lifespan of the investment - When a concrete pool is designed and constructed by a reputable swimming pool contractor, the potential lifespan on this style of purchase is open ended. Considering the fact that some inground pools remain intact from the times of the Romans, the solidity of this investment choice is clear. Above ground pools will provide a place to cool off, but they simply will not last for more than a few seasons in most cases. The investment in an above ground model just will not last.

- The investment return - An in-ground pool is an investment that can actually add to the value of a home. An above ground pool simply will not provide this value in the same manner. Should a concrete swimming pool be designed by a true artist, the "curb" appeal of this particular backyard feature can run incredibly high at resale time.

- The usability factor - In-ground pools are flexible by their very nature. During the design phase, buyers can specify special features that might be required. This type of pool can easily be created to facilitate diving, a large number of swimmers, the addition of a spa and more. Above ground pools are very rigid in what they will allow and won't. Diving, for example, will be out of the question in an above ground structure. A "deep end" also won't likely go with this purchase.

- The landscape friendliness - An in-ground pool can be designed from the very start to fit into and work well with an existing backyard landscape. In-ground, concrete pools can be created to fit just about any size backyard and they can take on almost any shape desired. Above ground pools are rigid in their form by their very nature. Fitting this type of pool into a landscape and actually having it enhance the appearance of a yard is not likely to happen. In-ground pools, on the other hand, can quickly become a pivotal part of a landscape and a focal point for it, as well.

In-ground swimming pools provide more functionality than the competition can boast. This is an investment that will keep on giving years after construction is completed.

Beautiful Create A Cozy Retreat In Your Home With Denver Fireplace Wood Inserts

Many homeowners purchased their homes in beautiful Denver, Colorado not only because of the spectacular scenery but also for the Denver fireplaces that were in their homes. After living there for a few years, however, you may have come to the realization that your Denver fireplaces need a little improvement. One easy way to accomplish that is to add Denver fireplace wood inserts to every fireplace in your home. If you are building a new home in Denver, now is the perfect time to add a Denver wood burning fireplace or two. With either scenario, you are sure to create a cozy room in your home where everyone will congregate this blustery winter.

A Denver wood burning fireplace insert makes a great deal of sense for older Denver fireplaces that have been in the home for decades. A great deal of the heat that you want to contain in the rooms of your home tends to get lost up the flue of a Denver wood burning fireplace, and most especially those that were installed years ago. This problem is solved when you add Denver fireplace wood inserts to your older fireplaces, because the new Denver fireplace wood inserts are designed to precisely fit into the fireplace opening, so that no heat is lost up the flue, but instead you now have a powerful heating device for your home, while still retaining the beauty of a Denver wood burning fireplace.

Denver fireplace wood inserts come in a wide range of styles and sizes. In this way, you can find a Denver wood burning fireplace insert style that works well with your interior design, because a fireplace is a major component in any room, so you will want it to be a highlighted feature of the room.

Many homeowners, in light of high heating bills as well as concern for the environment, are turning to an EPA certified fireplace for their homes. These fireplaces have met the most stringent guidelines for emissions, and so you can use them knowing that they are doing their part to not only help the environment but will also ably heat your home.

The best way to find out more about an EPA certified fireplace, and to see what is available in the most up-to-date fireplace insert styles, is to visit a fireplace showroom in Denver. Here you will see all of the available models set up, and your questions can be answered. In this way you can move confidently toward your dream of a cozy retreat in your home this winter.