Designing Your Own Irrigation System

Designing Your Own Irrigation System

Do you get tired of dragging out the water hose whenever the flowers in your yard look droopy? You may be wondering if designing your own irrigation system is a good idea. The fact is that you can install an irrigation system on a budget if you take the time to learn more about it and do the work yourself.

You may be surprised to learn that adding an irrigation system can add value to your home. Having an irrigation system can also save you time and money. If you’ve been considering including a new irrigation system to your home improvement projects, now is the perfect time to get started.

Start by getting a lot survey of your property. This will show the size of the property, location of the house on the lot, driveway, sidewalk, fences or water and electrical lines which are already in place on your lot. This will ensure you don’t damage the utilities when digging.

Check to see if there are permits required to add an irrigation system. You will also want to find out what the water pressure is, either by calling the local municipality or using a pressure gauge. The size of the water meter for your home may also be a determining factor in the type of irrigation system you can have.

Look at your yard, any landscaping which has already been done and where you’ll need the irrigation system. Think of the sprinkler heads you’ll need or if you’ll use a different system such as a soaker system. You’ll also want to consider putting the system on a timer to ensure the irrigation works at the time when it is most beneficial to your landscaping.

What plants will need to be watered? You may need a different type of system for the types of plants you have. They may need to be watered at different times so you may have to design watering zones. You can learn from books, magazines, hardware or garden center employees.

Depending upon the system you design, it can be an expensive project. Some irrigation systems can cost well over $2500. Of course, if you do much of the work yourself, you can cut out some of the associated labor costs.

Measure the distance from the water source or spigot and each of the watering zones. Add several extra inches for non-direct path hoses or tubing. Add the distance on the drawing you make or start another sheet of paper with a list for each of the water zones.

You may end up designing two or more systems for your yard. There may be differing requirements for summer than you would need during other times of the year. Perhaps the actual design won’t have to change, but when you have the timer set may change throughout the year.

Having an irrigation system can save both in water conservation and your water bill. Instead of over watering, your system on a timer will start and stop at a specific time of day when the plants need the most water. You’ll also save time because it will be automatic rather than your having to stand out in the yard with a hose.

By designing and installing an irrigation system, your yard will look great and you’ll have more time to spend with your family.

How to Build an Outdoor Play Space for Your Young Children

How to Build an Outdoor Play Space for Your Young Children

Parents spend a good portion of their time at work, earning the money needed for their family. Children, on the other hand, either spend their time in school or at their job – playing. Learning how to build an outdoor play space for your young children will give them somewhere to use their imaginations as they play.

Young children need to have time for unstructured play. This means they can pretend to be whatever they want or however they want without input from adults. Depending upon the outdoor play space your children have available, it can actually encourage this type of play.

Before you begin building an outdoor play space, ask your children what their ‘dream’ play area would include. Perhaps they want to emphasize nature because they love to find bugs and chase after butterflies. Or they may want outdoor play equipment like a swing or climbing platform. Find out what they want and then try to incorporate those ideas in the space you create.

Find a level area in your yard in which to place the outdoor play space. Why is level important? If the area isn’t level, any equipment you purchase may not be able to be used correctly, there may be puddles which could cause problems, and having unlevel ground could possibly lead to accidents because your children trip more easily.

If you’re planning on adding outdoor play equipment, it is important to put mulch or another cushioning surface under the equipment and several feet beyond the equipment in case children fall. This will provide a softer landing than hard ground and could lessen the extent of any injuries.

Provide shade at one location on the play space. Young children can sunburn so easily, and it’s important to provide places for them to get out of the sun. Of course you’ll use sun screen to protect them, but having shade in the area will also help.

Choose outdoor play equipment which is age appropriate. If your children are very young, you won’t put in equipment which is meant for school-age or older children. You’ll also want to ensure that the equipment is safe for your children by not using equipment which has sharp edges or is made with chemically-infused wood.

It may also be a good idea to build a border around the play area. Use child-safe plastic edging to help keep the surface material inside the play area. If you do use the edging, make sure it is brightly colored so your children will recognize it and then avoid it so they don’t trip and get hurt.

There is so much to think about when trying to figure out how to build an outdoor play space for your young children. Safety is obviously going to be a primary concern. Don’t forget to ask your children what they want and try to use those ideas when the plans are made.

How to Build Your Own Patio

How to Build Your Own Patio

Wouldn’t it be great to have a place to relax outdoors after a long day at work? A great do-it-yourself project is to learn how to build your own patio. With some time and hard work, you can create a getaway spot your whole family will enjoy.

Begin by laying out the proposed location for the patio. Think about the other buildings or landscaping features of your yard. Will you have more than one level of the patio, a built-in barbecue pit or retaining walls? Draw out exactly what you’d like the patio to look like so you can determine what materials are needed.

Decide on the material you’ll use to create the patio. You can use brick, flagstone, wood or even concrete. If you’re not handy with tools, you may want to ask for help or advice from home improvement employees or friends who have built their own patios.

Rather than depending upon pictures in a book, magazine or printed store display, try to find a real-life display which shows exactly what the colors of the pavers are. You don’t have to match the color of your home. Contrasting or complimentary colors are common. Darker colors are also less reflective which can make your patio more user-friendly.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. There’s nothing set in stone which says you can only use one type of paving or surface for your patio. You may want to have a gravel walkway leading away from brick or tiles. Use contrasting edging or plants to enhance the finished look of the design.

Draw out a pattern to get an idea of what the finished project will look like. You’ll also want to purchase more tiles or pavers than you think you need at the beginning of the job. This will ensure you have the materials from the same lot so there isn’t a large difference in color.

The foundation to your patio is so important. If the ground where you’ll put your patio is well-compacted soil, you may not need the hardcore sub-base. Prepare the ground by adding a compacted base of hardcore rubble followed by gravel or a sub-base material which is compacted.

For your first patio, you’ll want to start with something small. An average brick patio can be made within two to three days if the weather cooperates with you. Create a patio design which is simple – rectangular is easier than curves – a design which doesn’t require you to cut the bricks would also be simple compared to a design which needed to have bricks cut.

Another way to build a patio is to find a book at the library that gives step-by-step directions, if necessary. You want the patio to look good so you’ll want to learn all you can about the type of patio you want to build. Take your time and you’ll have a patio you can be proud of when it is finished.

The Benefits of Natural Lawn Care

The Benefits of Natural Lawn Care


What is natural lawn care? Essentially, caring for your lawn naturally means you don't use synthetic chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn. It means you do use natural fertilizers and organic means of dealing with pests. Natural lawn care can apply to a few methods or you can go "all the way" and have a lawn that is "given back" to nature and not maintained artificially at all.

There are many benefits associated with natural lawn care. Here are some of them.

Healthier

If you stop spraying your lawn with chemicals every season, your lawn will be free of these dubious substances. This may make your whole family healthier in the long run. It is probably healthier for the environment, too - lawns that are not doused with chemicals are lawns that do not shed these chemicals into the surrounding ecosystem and water supply each time it rains.

Also, caring for your lawn naturally usually results in lush, green grass that is healthier. Healthy grass absorbs more carbon dioxide from the air and puts out more oxygen.

Saves Water

If you engage in natural lawn care, you will probably set up a rain barrel to provide water for your lawn. Even if you don't, you may find that you water a naturally-maintained yard less, because the grass is healthier, longer, and able to withstand dry conditions better.

Easier

As you engage in natural lawn care, you may find it's a lot easier. There is less mowing involved, for one thing; natural lawns are generally allowed to grow to four inches or more. You can use your grass clippings as mulch, and you won't have the added chore of pouring on synthetic fertilizer and pesticides.

Saves Money

Synthetic chemicals cost money. If you switch to natural lawn care, you will no longer be paying annually for chemical treatments and sprays.

Biodiversity

If you go "all the way" with your natural lawn care and decide to let nature take over, you will find "weeds" setting in. Many of these "weeds" are valuable plants that are important to the surrounding ecosystem. Some of them are edible or medicinal, too.

Beneficial Insects and Birds

A lawn that is cared for naturally will tend to attract wildlife, especially bees and birds. These important members of the ecosystem appreciate a sanctuary that is free from chemicals and where there is suitable habitat.

Bee Stings and Anaphylactic Shock – How to React

Bee Stings and Anaphylactic Shock – How to React

Insects are a common problem during the warmer summer months. For some people they’re nothing more than a nuisance; for others they could be a serious problem. This is especially true for people who get bee stings and anaphylactic shock sets in. Even if you think you don’t know someone with this type of allergy to bee stings, it’s a good idea to know how to react. Your actions could save a life.
People don’t often think about how serious a bee sting can be, unless they have had a severe reaction to a sting themselves.
Know the symptoms of anaphylactic shock so you can help someone who is having a severe allergic reaction:
* Severe and sudden headaches
* Difficulty breathing
* Swollen tongue
* Nausea
If you find someone having these symptoms, get them to a hospital at once.
Experts believe the reason bee stings are more harmful and cause anaphylactic shock (more so than other stinging insects) is because their stinger is barbed. When a wasp, hornet or yellow jacket stings, the stinger remains with the insect and the poison is removed when it flies off. Bees, on the other hand, lose their stinger when they sting a person and fly off to die.
The stinger, which is connected to a poison sack, remains in the skin. As long as it is imbedded in the skin, it can still pump poison into the body. This can continue for several minutes. If the stinger isn’t removed it can quickly turn to anaphylactic shock.
Be careful how you remove the stinger. Don’t press on the venom sac or this will inject more poison into the person. Instead use a fingernail or credit card to scrape the stinger out. Wash the area with soap and water immediately and place ice on the area that was stung. If you notice any of the above symptoms, get the person medical help immediately.
People who know that they have that serious an allergic reaction to bee stings will generally carry an epinephrine (or Epi) pen with them. The pen provides a specific dose (0.3 milligram) of epinephrine. Even if this doesn’t seem like much, this little amount can literally save a person’s life if they’re going into anaphylactic shock from an allergic reaction.
If you have to use an EpiPen on someone, remove the gray safety cap. Place the black tip on the thigh at a right angle and press it into the outside of the thigh. Hold the injection there for several seconds and then massage the injection site for at least 10 seconds. NEVER give and EpiPen shot to any other area of the body.
Watching someone go into anaphylactic shock can be traumatic. However, when bee stings and anaphylactic shock are a possibility it is best to be prepared. Learn what you can about this condition so you can help someone experiencing it and possibly save their life.

Allergic to Bee Stings

Allergic to Bee Stings


A certain species of bees (belonging to the Hymenoptera order) are more likely to cause anaphylaxis in humans. If you have discovered that you are allergic to bee stings, prepare to stay safe while you enjoy the summer outdoors.

Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction to a food, insect or other substance once it enters the body. The effects are usually felt almost immediately. They can be life threatening if treatment is not administered right away.

For those who are allergic to bees, you may find that anaphylaxis occurs even if you have been stung before with no adverse effects. The venom of the bee enters the body and causes a severe allergic reaction. 

Those who are allergic may experience:

* Swelling of the tongue and throat
* Dizziness
* Labored breathing
* Headache
* Nausea and vomiting

After you have been exposed to a bee sting leading to a bout of anaphylaxis, your doctor will more than likely prescribe an epi-pen. This is an injector pencil that delivers a dose of epinephrine into the system to reopen the blood vessels and the airway. Epinephrine, or adrenalin, is found naturally in the body. It dilates blood vessels. 

An immediate shot can provide enough relief to get medical attention. One thing to remember is that one epi-pen dose can wear off and the anaphylaxis begins again if the venom is still present. That is another reason why it is important to seek medical attention right away.

Preparing for a Summer Full of Bees

Don’t let your allergy to bees keep you from getting out and about in the summer sun. You can still live your life the way that you want by taking a few precautions. 

One main precaution is to ask your allergist about immunotherapy. This consists of allergy shots to help boost your protection against any future stings. The more medicine that is in your system, the more you are protected. This doesn’t mean that you ignore a sting, but it gives you more time and control over the situation.

Here are some items to carry with you for first-line protection.

* Epinephrine auto-injector (epi-pen) – Your doctor has probably prescribed an epi-pen. They may even give you two. A second dose may be needed if it takes you longer than 30 minutes to reach medical attention. When one wears off the anaphylaxis may return. Carry them with you always in a cool, dry place. Check expiration dates to get a fresh refill if yours has expired.

* Use antihistamines – This can cut down on the amount of histamine released by the body. Histamine leads to the rash, itching and redness that are exhibited at the sting site.

* Salt or a credit card – Certain bees leave the stinger in the skin. This continues to release venom into your system. Using salt as a rub or a credit card, scrape over the surface of the sting area to remove the stinger.

* Cold packs – These reduce the pain and spread of venom so you can get help.

Those who are allergic to bee stings need to take precautions when spending time outside. This doesn’t mean that you have to stay indoors, as long as you are protected.

How Much Gardening Can You Do In Winter?

Easy to Follow Tips for Your Winter Garden By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Brody_Wilson]Brody Wilson


If you are one among those nature lovers you will sometimes realize that winter season is not the best time of the year for you. I bet being cooped up inside the confines of your homes makes you giddy and restless.


However, to those who are sensitive to cold hate this season. But if you are one of those keen gardeners, you'll be busy working on your winter gardens. Your garden must not be dull during winter seasons. Snow and cold temperature must not be a hindrance for you to manage your garden.


You might not like the idea of tending and nurturing your plants as temperature drops down. Starting a winter garden is not that hard if you want to break the dull surroundings brought about by winter.


You may also come up with great ideas to make a beautiful garden despite the season's cold chilly nights. Coming up with creating a winter garden needs different plants, trees and grass. A new set of plants will surely make your garden a success. Evergreens, hedges and ferns add color to your gardens while winter and early spring blooming plants not only add color but scent as well. When looking for possible plants to use, take into consideration those that can withstand harsh winter storms. You can choose red twig dogwood, holly, winterberry or nandina. These plants offer additional colors complementing the white winter surroundings. Covering up your grounds also prevents weed from taking control.


One of the best ground covers during winter season is the English Ivy. Periwinkle, alba or bugleweeds are among the other examples. Try planting vegetables in your winter garden. There are vegetables that are typically used in a winter garden. Among these are winter rye, beets, carrots and several breeds of winter-ready broccoli and cabbage. While attending to these chores, try changing your scenery. Adding birdhouses, sculptures and benches might add a little change in your garden. Provided that you add feeders, some birds that'll be seen lurking into your garden are finches, woodpeckers and cardinals.


With a little planning, you can enjoy watching great view from your window. Even flagstones may entice you to go out to your garden to take a look at the blooms of witch hazels or heath. You may also think of creating pathways made of old bricks, gravel or stone. This will surely liven up your winter gardens without a sweat. Don't let the chill of winter season stop you from doing what you want.


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