1. The garden needs to be green. You might say this is pretty obvious. I am however referring to the new definition of the word “green”. The garden needs to be environmentally friendly. You want to add something to the planet, not create more damage. So carefully consider what kind of garden you want and the types of vegetables, flowers, shrubs or trees that you want to plant. What type of layout do you want to have? Will you have a pond, a small waterfall, or just plants? These are all questions you need to consider before you put the shovel in the ground the first time.

2. The garden needs to be functional. Now you are really starting to wonder where I am coming from. What does functionality have to do with a garden? Your garden could be the most elaborate in the neighborhood, but if it is not functional you have wasted your time, money and effort. While beautiful and colorful plants may be visually appealing, they may not be the optimum usage of space for your family. Consider having several smaller spaces in your garden for different uses, for example: a sitting area; a quiet meditation area; a children’s play area and/or an area for pets.

3. Consider the needs and desires of the entire family, including your pets. Everyone has a different opinion as to what is beautiful or not. Some people are formal and want every leaf just so, others just want a place to run and play. Think about a spot for picnics, or open spaces to play in. Think about what would make this a fun, yet relaxing and entertaining space that the entire family will enjoy. You’ll be surprised what you can come up with. Get the entire family involved. Go to home and garden shows and go visit public gardens. See what others have done and go for it.

4. Do you know what you want to get out of the garden? I think I have already touched on this, but it is important. What area of the world do you live in? Do you have 4 seasons? Or are you in a hot environment? The area you live in and the climate changes you experience will give you some things to consider. You might not want to have an acre of green grass if you live in a desert type of environment. And if you live in the north, tropical plants will not be a good fit. So please keep in mind the region you live in before you start your garden project. Also consider using plants that are native species to your region, as they will be hardier and not upset the local bio-system.

5. Will you have a need for privacy? Are you looking for a private spot to meditate or to relax? This would imply that you might want vines, or bushes to give you privacy. Or how about a small maze that ends in a seating area? Let your imagination soar.

Hopefully this has given you some food for thought. Getting a garden going will be something the entire family can get into and it will be good for the environment and planet. It will also give you something to be able to enjoy when you have time off and need to get away – right in your own backyard!

Watering

If you have watering system, we recommend watering every second day for the first few months. (As a general rule! Remember that plants have differing needs, so check any special care instructions if you are unsure).

To establish how long they need to be watered for, do a test by turning on the irrigation system manually and watching to see when the soil is wet down to the roots of the plants.

As a rule of thumb, 30 minutes is a good time to start with and you can adjust from there.

If you only have a watering can, try watering every few days, again checking the soil to make sure you’re watering them sufficiently.

Fertilizing

Like us, plants need food to grow and repair them-selves, and your new plants are no exception! In fact, because they have a relatively small root system and will be doing quite a lot of growing, they need extra care.

The three main elements plants need are nitrogen (N), potassium (P) & phosphorus (K), so a fertilizer containing these is recommended.

When giving your plants their first feed try using a liquid fertilizer with about half the concentration of normal as at full strength it can damage new roots. We think organic fertilizers like Dynamic Lifter and Charley Carp are quite good and worth using.

As a rule of thumb when plants are in their growing stage (usually spring) and leaves and branches are growing, a fertilizer with a higher concentration of nitrogen is needed. During their flowering season (summer) use a fertilizer with a higher concentration of potassium and phosphorus.

Once or twice a year give your plants some trace elements. Usually you can get these in a soluble form, such as Yates Complete Plant Food. Dissolve in a watering can and put it on the plants.

With the right fertilizer at the right time your plants will be happy and healthy.

Before starting out on your journey towards natural holistic healing, it would be best to know the herbal advantages and disadvantages to ensure that you are getting your monies worth in addressing your health-related concerns.

Advantage 1 – Natural Ingredients

Medical and pharmaceutical companies that bring you alternative and holistic medicine only make use of natural herbal health products. The process of extracting oil from plants is carefully formulated to ensure that every pill or tablet is filled with the essential nutrients to address your health concerns and improve your bodies natural recovery process.

If you check out the labels on natural herb remedies, you will see that they mostly contain an herbs extract. No product fabrication is needed to complete the medicine. There might be a few others that are integrated into the mix to improve its effectiveness, but government health agencies ensure that it will not get in the way of your treatment.

Advantage 2 – Cost-Effective vs Cost-Efficient

One of the advantages of natural herb remedies is their price. They are a lot cheaper compared to simulated products commonly prescribed by doctors today. In fact, low-budget consumers are opting for this solution to their health problems in order to get as much savings as they can get when addressing their health-related concerns.

The reason why alternative and holistic medicine is cheaper is attributed to the ingredients used in them. No expensive chemicals are used in the formulation of the medicine and the ingredients can be grown almost anywhere under the right conditions.

Advantage 3 – No Allergic Reactions

You do not have to worry about what you eat when you take in herbal health remedies for your health problems. Since the ingredients are 100% natural, you do not have to be careful about your meals causing allergic reactions that will compromise your health.

But it would be best to have a doctor look at the herbal health remedies you plan to use and undergo a serious of laboratory exams to determine that your system is compatible with it. Even if the product works for some, there are no guarantees that it will have the same effect when you take it yourself.

The Disadvantage Of Using Natural Health Cures

With all the advantages stated above in the use of holistic and alternative medicine as a treatment method, many would think that there are no complications when using it whenever they feel like it. This is a common misconception that often leads to more health-related problems.

We can never deny the fact that herbal products are classified as medicines and should be treated as such. Proper formulation and dosage is necessary for a safe use. Consumers are urged to follow the dosage indicated on the label of the natural herb remedies they choose or to consult a health expert or your family doctor to safely determine the proper usage of the product. It is also advisable to get an expert opinion on medical diagnostics and undergo a consultation and physical or laboratory examination to ensure that your body will not react with alternative herbal medicine for your health problems.

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Looking after your antiques correctly is essential if they are to remain in good enough condition for future generations to enjoy as much as you do. Nevertheless, there is a world of difference between caring for an antique correctly and attempting to restore it to mint condition.

Almost all antiques reflect their age and you should not expect them to look too perfect. In general, any restoration work reduces the value of a piece; limited wear and tear will nearly always be preferable and a slightly worn item is usually more valuable than one which has been over-restored.

Nonetheless, if an antique is in danger of deteriorating further because of damage it has sustained, or if its imperfections are impairing your use and enjoyment ot it, it may benefit from limited restoration. If this is the case, always consult a specialist restorer. Unskilled restoration can cause irreversible damage to an antique and may greatly reduce its value.

Nearly all antiques, apart from silver, ceramics and glass, should be protected from direct sunlight and heat. Sunlight can cause textiles, carpets, prints and furniture to fade. Direct sources of heat cause many substances, including wood to expand. This may lead to warping and splitting in antique furniture, and can cause cracking or flaking in pieces with a painted surface.

Prolonged exposure to cigarette, pipe and tobacco smoke can cause discoloration in many types of antiques which can be tricky to restore. So always keep antiques in a well-ventilated room, and protect them from excessive smoke.

Here are some general guidelines to take when caring for antique furniture:

Excessively dry conditions can cause veneers to lift, and joints to dry out. If you live in a very well heated home it may be worth investing in a humidifier which will help to protect your furniture. However, excessively damp conditions are also detrimental to furniture as they may cause the wood to rot. If pieces of veneer break off, do not just throw them away; keep them safely, as it is always preferable to use original veneers in restoration and their use may also reduce the cost of the repairs.
Avoid silicone polishes and aerosol sprays;instead, use a small amount of good quality wax polish.
Do not polish a piece too often or the surface of the wood may become sticky.
Never drag antique furniture even a short distance when you want to move it as this causes strain on the legs – pick it up instead.
Do not risk picking a piece up by its carrying handle (these are usually more decorative than functional), or by the top if it has a protruding rim; always support the main structure.

One of the most exciting ways in which to buy antiques and collectibles is at an auction, with potential buyers bidding for items. You will find almost every type of collectible, from objects worth millions to boxes of inexpensive bric-a-brac. Auctions are not limited to the big city salerooms such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Phillips, and Bonhams – there are local auctioneers throughout the country.

Going to auctions regularly is an excellent way to learn about the area you are interested in before beginning to collect. If you attend saleroom previews often and read the auction catalogs carefully, you will soon acquire a sound knowledge and a feel for prices.

Viewing The Sale

A “sale preview” occurs about two or three days before an auction. All the objects to be sold will be put on display, so that buyers can examine them. If you are hoping to buy at the sale, it is important to attend one of these preview days because on the day of the sale it may be impossible to view properly.

Always examine thoroughly any object on which you intend to make a bid. Pay particular attention to the condition of the piece and take into account the potential cost of restoration, which may be considerable, before deciding on your bidding limit.

Catalogs, Estimates And Reserves

When attending an auction, make sure you acquire a catalog. This publication is used to identify items to be sold at auction. Whether it is a typed sheet or a glossy illustrated publication, it will list and give “lot” numbers of the objects in the order in which they will be sold. Next to each catalogue entry there may be a suggested price range, which is known as the “estimate”. The suggested price range, for example $250-380, is a rough guide to the value of an object; they are never a guarantee of the price for which something will be sold.

Ask to speak to the expert in charge of the sale if you would like more information about a particular piece.

At auction, any item on sale, no matter how rare or valuable, is ultimately only worth what two or more people are willing to bid for it so it is a great opportunity for any budding antique collector to snag quality antiques at bargain prices.

Look at any decoration such as painting, gilding, mounts, or carving. The style may help indicate the period, and is also a good way of assessing quality. The panel between the legs is carved on this table. The table may be of an animal theme such as lion’s paws or claw-and-ball or end in a pad or spade. Or they may be blocked, shaped like a bracket, or splayed. The shape and style of the feet will help you to trace the table to its origins.

The tabletop

Look to see whether the top is solid or veneered. You can tell if there is a veneer by examining the edge of the tabletop. If the top is a solid piece, is it made from a single plank or interlocking planks? If it is veneered, try to identify the type of wood used as this helps to tell you where the piece was made and its age. Notice whether the veneer is machine- or hand-cut as this is also a good clue to age.

The shape of the top

The top may be straight or shaped. Identify the shape: demi-lune (halfmoon or semi-circle), serpentine, or, as here, more elaborate. Shaped edges require skill to make and are a sign of quality.

The underside

A period table should have a lighter underside, with none of the patination found on the top. Patination is the surface colour caused by years of wear, dust, sweat from hands, and polishing. That does not happen to the underside.

Fixture of top to base: Check underneath to see whether the top is permanently fixed to the

base. If it tilts or turns, this will give you a good clue as to the table’s purpose. Tables with adjustable tops were usually designed for occasional use. The tops would be dropped down and the table moved when not in use.

The legs

Check the leg formation. They may be at the corners, perhaps joined by stretchers. Alternatively, there may be a central stem with three or four legs. The shape of the legs is a good style indicator. So, too, is the decoration: legs may be square, turned, fluted, reeded, and/or painted.

For example, the refectory table, a 16th century tables with four legs with a plank top would have turned legs as a refinement. The gateleg table, popular in the 17th century, would have one leg swinging out to support the drop-leaf top.

Tiffany style lamps are known for their stained glass shade and this is where you can get all of the beautiful colors when you turn it on. There are a variety of colors of shade to choose from and there are many different sizes of lamps to choose from. If you are purchasing a reproduction you will have many choices at your fingertips. If you are looking for an original Tiffany style lamps, you may find that this can be a bigger task and you may not be able to find all of the pieces that you need.

The original Tiffany style lamps are a highly sought after lamp and many of the lamps that are still in circulation have been placed in museums. This can make it difficult to find a lamp that is available for sale and you may have to search all over the internet to find the lamp you are looking for. Since the lamps were only made for about 20 years, there are not many of the originals left and this can make it hard to find the exact lamp of your dreams. There are many reproductions that are out there that are crafted exactly the same as the original Tiffany and this can allow you to have a great piece in your home, but it will not be an original.

There are also many collectors of Tiffany style lamps out there and this is where a good number of lamps lie also. Sometimes collectors sell their pieces and this is a great way to find what you are looking for. You will want to check with a collector often to see what they are selling at the time and when you find the piece you want, you will be able to purchase it form this source.

Tiffany style lamps are something that will always be popular. If you want one of these beautiful pieces, you will want to check out all of your resources and then make a good decision. You will be able to have a great lamp in your home and even if you want an original, you may be able to find a reproduction that will help you to get exactly what you want.

Rocking chairs have been made from various materials over the years including metals, lightsome, wicker and wood. The wooden ones are usually the most popular ones with collectors. Wood can age and show its use without the chair getting ruined. This is very desirable to collectors as they want items that have done more than just be displayed.

When these chairs are made from wood they need to some protection. Usually there are different types of chemicals applied to the chair to help prevent fading and other damage that can occur over time. By properly treating the wood the chair will remain attractive for years to come with no fading occurring.

Any antique item that is sold or auctioned has its value determined by its age and condition. The older an item is and the better condition it’s in means the more it will be worth. Most antique chairs don’t have any cushion in them and made completely from wood. They will have spindles on the back of the chair that area also attached to the armrests. The legs will be fitted perfectly to the rockers on the bottom.

It can be very hard to find chairs like these available for sale today unless you go to an antique store. Many people don’t like to see their chairs because of all the memories they hold. These chairs are often passed down in the family making it even more difficult for anyone to part with.

Although many young people experience a degree of rebellion, and consider themselves alienated from the past generation, the boomers really took revolution as their theme. They thought they had it figured out, and set out to change the world. They would revolutionize the social climate, bring peace, and put an end to prejudice and persecution.

What really happened was only part of the great plan. They grew up, generated a batch of kids, settled down, developed careers, acquired responsibilities, and in general became almost as stodgy as their parents. But not quite. They did change some things. Their protests were heard to a degree. Some equality was established. Peace? Well, not so you would notice it.

Where are those boomers now? The U.S. Census reports that as of 2006, most baby boomers were married, still working, and had achieved some college education. The greatest concentrations of boomers are now found in Pennsylvania, New York, Florida, Texas, and California.

As of now, the boomers are still having a tremendous effect on the economy. There is even a theory that the beginning of the economic downturn of a few years ago was caused by the baby boom batch starting to retire. After all the baby-boomers now control a major part of the financial resources, and control perhaps more than half of the spending. As they age, though spending habits will no doubt change, they will still be an economic force to be reckoned with.

Problems may exist in the future, as this batch of babies grows old. They are considered to be in denial about end-of-life issues, as a group. It is possible that many will come to the end of the road without making provisions for this last expense. Society may indeed be burdened with our aging and dying expenses.

They have adopted all kinds of philosophies, gone to school, tried to be vegans and such. They are sure they can handle aging, and even death, unless they can find a way to revolt against that as well. Keep an eye on those baby boomers. They have always been worth watching.

A good way to have some family time is with recreation and sports. Recreation can be as simple as holding theme nights such as board game night, movie night or book club night. Everyone can pull out their favorite board games, or buy a new one to try, and play for a couple of hours. Make dinner finger foods that night and people can munch as they play. You can also have a taco bar or a baked potato bar; self service being the point so that the games can be played nonstop. Bring out the popcorn or ice cream sundaes for movie night and enjoy a family favorite. Or lay out the munchies, bring your favorite books and hold a family book club night. Variations on these activities will keep everyone looking forward to these events.

Sports are another great way to have family time. Whether you have enough family members for your own basketball team or your family is smaller and likes to bicycle together, sports are a good way to enjoy each other and stay fit as well. Consider roller skating or ice skating rinks for your family time. These are safe places where you can rent equipment and have fun together to the sound of music. Hiking is fun and gets you out in nature. Hike in nearby woods, try the trails at your local park or walk the neighborhood. Parks are also great for throwing a Frisbee around, playing chase or seeing who can swing the highest. Or try a new sport like tennis. Many parks have tennis courts and all you really need is a racket and some balls to have some fun competition.

Recreation and sports are not only fun, but can bring a scattered family together again. Take turns choosing and you will all look forward to these nights together.

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