Wednesday 24 May 2017

10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Landscape Designer

If you're considering working with a landscape designer, finding the right fit -- and avoiding surprises midway through the project -- is largely about knowing which questions to ask upfront and being familiar with the range of services these professionals provide.

We reached out to four seasoned landscape professionals -- Peter Reader of Peter Reader Landscapes in London, Beth Mullins of Growsgreen Landscape Design in San Francisco, John Algozzini of K&D Landscape Management in Chicago and June Scott of June Scott Design in Southern California -- to get the inside scoop on the range of services available and the 10 essential questions potential clients should ask before hiring a professional for the job.

First, get your ducks in a row. Before reaching out to a professional, write a wish list for your garden remodel, establish your priorities and budget, and decide which parts of the process you'd like to hire a pro for help. With this on paper, you'll have a clear sens e of what you're looking for in a designer before you begin to contact professionals.



10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Landscape Designer

1. What services do you offer? First and foremost, determine what services a landscape designer offers to see if he or she is the right person for your project."The best question a potential client can ask is: 'Are you experienced with the scope of work we want, and can you design and manage it?'" Algozzini says.

Generally speaking, landscape designers fall into one of three categories, depending on the services they offer:

Design only. Some designers specialize only in the design process. This typically includes a site analysis and discussion of a client's needs, a preliminary design, revisions based on your feedback, and a final detailed master plan for your garden. This detailed planting plan and construc tion document is then handed over to you (or a landscape contractor of your choosing) to take it from there.

Design-build. Others offer the design service described above, as well as overseeing plant purchase and all installation. Contractors are needed for permitting and hardscape installation -- sometimes the landscape designer is also a registered contractor, and other times they have landscape contractors on their team or ones to recommend and oversee.

RELATED: Choose From the Best Design-Build Firms

Full service -- design-build and maintenance program. For the highest-touch service, some landscape designers will offer all the above, plus oversee ongoing maintenance of the garden.

2. Can I see examples of your past work? "Consider the style of the designer in relation to the garden you want," Reader says. "If you want a modern, clean-lined city garden, have they designed any before? Or if you Sprin klers are looking for a cottage-style garden, do they have the plant knowledge to deliver?"

Alternatively, if a designer's portfolio doesn't include the particular style you're looking for, check out his or her credentials for evidence of the training to make the vision of your garden a reality. Degrees from accredited landscape design colleges and memberships in professional organizations are both good indicators.

3. Do you offer garden consultations? Some landscape designers will offer one- to two-hour garden consultations. During this meeting, a designer will typically come over to your property, join you for a walk around the garden, listen to what you'd like to accomplish with your remodel and begin to bounce some ideas around for the design.

This is a great opportunity for you to determine whether you have a fit with the designer, and for the designer to see if he or she fits with you as a client. "It is important for a client to determine what role th ey want to play," Mullins says. "Are they interested in a collaboration, [want to] defer completely to the designer or have a clear idea for their garden and just want someone to implement it?"

Don't expect an initial consult to be free of charge -- it is, after all, two hours of a professional's time -- though some designers will put the consult fee toward the cost of the design if you end up hiring them.

4. What ideas do you have for our garden? After you've shared your wish list and budget with the designer, and the designer has had a chance to view your property, ask what vision the designer has for your landscape. Designers have different mediums of presenting their ideas for your landscape, ranging from a collage-style mood board with inspiration images for http://www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/ plants and hardscape materials to a two-dimensional, to-scale drawing created with a CAD program or by hand.

This is t he time to speak up about what you like and dislike in the design or if you see anything that's missing from your wish list -- for example, more space for tool storage, room to grow vegetables or an area with shade. Following this meeting, a designer will draw up a revised design drawing based on your feedback.

5. What is your process? A designer's process depends on the services he or Sprinkler System Installation she offers (see question 1). Get to know the process -- and whether you or the designer is responsible for overseeing each step -- from the beginning so that you'll know what to expect once the project is underway. If you're hiring a designer who specializes in design only, ask yourself whether you have the time or experience necessary to oversee the project installation or if the designer has contractors to recommend.

As a responsible client, you also need to be honest with a landscape designer regar ding your budget for the project. "Knowing a budget beforehand is crucial," Mullins says. "It doesn't mean that a designer needs to spend the budget but dictates what [he or she] can realistically design for." If a look you like is over your budget, designers often have creative ways to stretch your budget and give you the best garden for your space.

6. What is the estimated cost? Clear communication regarding the estimated cost of the project and your budget is essential. Ask your designer for a range of cost for both the design and the installation. Most installation estimates are drawn up by a contractor based on the cost per square foot of installing areas of hardscape outlined on the plan for the yard.

Scott shares another key question to ask your designer: "How are changes in scope handled during the design and installation process?" Given that unanticipated design changes often come up midproject, it's important to be clear on whether a designer will charge addi tional fees for the time it takes to change the design plan or installation.

7. Are there any ways to reduce cost? Pathways, patios, retaining walls and decks are generally more expensive than planted garden areas, so the more hardscape there is in the design, the more it's likely going to cost to install. Plus, the materials used for hardscape can vary widely for both the product and the installation.



It's best to have a conversation with a designer when you are discussing the initial plan about ways to reduce the cost of the landscape to stay on budget. The designer will have ideas about where you can save money without compromising style, and what elements are worth a splurge.

8. How long will installation take? The time it takes to design and install a landscape depends on a number of factors: size and scope of the project, availability of contractors and other installation specialists, ordering and delivery times for materials and plants, dry weather for laying hardscape, and unexpected setbacks during installation. Instead of asking a landscape designer to have the installation done by a certain date, ask for an estimated range for the project to be completed.

As eager as you may be to enjoy your new landscape, keep in mind that skilled installation of hardscape and careful planting takes time. "While landscaping on TV is inspirational and great entertainment, the actual site work rarely has a team of 24 [people] working around the clock," Algozzini says. "High-quality work is both art and science, and tak es time to install."

RELATED: How to Work With a Landscape Professional

9. When will the garden grow in? The time it takes for a garden to grow in depends on the scope of the design, what types of plants are proposed and how mature the plants are when they're planted. A smaller area with ornamental grasses and perennials can grow in within a single season, but larger and more complex designs with trees and large shrubs can take years to reach maturity. Ask your designer which plants make sense to splurge for semimature specimens (like focal-point trees or shrubs needed for screening) and which plants can be purchased small and fill in quickly (like most ground covers, vegetables and ornamental grasses).

10. How much maintenance will it take to keep the garden looking good? Different styles of gardens and plants require very different levels of care. Be upfront with your landscape designer about how much maintenance you are willing to commit -- either your own ti me or that of a hired gardener -- going forward. Once you've invested in hiring a landscape designer and installing a garden, you'll want to keep your landscape alive and flourishing for years to come. Ask your landscape designer if he or she has recommended maintenance gardeners or specialists to take care of the garden going forward.

http://www.foxnews.com/real-estate/2017/04/07/10-questions-to-ask-before-hiring-landscape-designer.html

Sunday 14 May 2017

Flower Gardens | Buzzle.com

Perennial Flower Bed Designs

Perennial flower bed design

A basic tip for maintaining lovely perennial flower beds is to grow plants after understanding the height, flower color, length of bloom, flowering time and most importantly, the growing conditions. You can create a beautiful...

Flower Bed Border: Flower Bed Edging Ideas

Flower bed borders

If you love gardening or you own a flower garden, ideas for your flower bed borders or even other landscaping ideas for your flower beds are just never enough! All you need is some good time to spend pe rfecting the best ever flower...

Flower Garden Layout: Design and Ideas

Garden layout plan

Who doesn't go crazy for a luscious, green garden? That small haven in front of the porch or any small space can be turned into a beautiful garden. Starting a new garden is fun, and it adds interest to the existing landscape design.

Dianthus Care



Are you planning to grow dianthus in your flower garden? Scroll down to know more about dianthus care instructions.

How to Make a Flower Bed



If you think that the instructions on how to make a flower bed are long, confusing and a nightmare to understand, you're in for a relieving secret. Let's pleasantly surprise you with this article that will show you that it is, in...

Ranunculus Care



The basic ranunculus care and maintenance instructions are centered around providing the essential growth requirements. Remember that ranunculus plants grow best in areas, where spring season is cool and long, and winter...

Planting Wildflower Seeds



Incorporate vibrant colored Mckinney Sprinkler System wildflowers and give a unique touch to your landscape. Contrary to the common belief, planting wildflower seeds is one of the simplest gardening projects that you can accomplish with minimal effort.

Tuberose Bulbs



Strongly scented tuberose plant grows from its bulbs. Its correct planting is essential for good flower and foliage growth. Let us learn more about this plant.

Flower Garden Ideas



With a good layout plan and well-selected flowers, you can create a garden that you will cherish for years...

Easy-to-grow Flowers



If you do not have enough time to spent for gardening; easy-to-grow flowers are the best. Even beginners can grow such plants, without much difficulty.

Flowers to Plant in Spring





After the dreariness and col d of winter, everyone wants to see a riot of colorful blooms in their garden. In this Buzzle article, we give you some of the best flowers that you can plant to make your garden come alive this spring.

Honeysuckle Vine



The twining honeysuckle vines are easy to grow and produce fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. This write-up provides information on the popular varieties of this vine and tips for caring for this plant.

Zinnia Seeds



Bring a multitude of vibrant colors home by sowing zinnia flower seeds. This article will tell you how to ha rvest and sow these seeds.

Tips for http://www.rbge.org.uk/ Planting Daylilies



Available in several colors owing to increasing hybridization, daylilies are perennial varieties. Read this Buzzle article to know more.

Flowering Vines



Flowering vines definitely look beautiful and enhance the look of the garden or home when used esthetically. Read this Buzzle article to know more.

How to Sow Angel's Trumpet Seeds



Angel's trumpet flower derives its name from its large-sized, fragrant, and pendulous nature. Read the following Buzzle article to know more.

How to Care for a Honeysuckle Bush



It is not difficult to grow honeysuckle plants, that are hardy and fast growing. Go through this article for some tips to grow them properly.



Ranunculus Bulbs



Ranunculus genus comprises around 600 species, and most of them produce vibrant-colored, layered flowers. This write-up provides instructions for planting ranunculus bulbs.

How to Sow Heliotrope Seeds



Members of the genus Heliotropium, heliotropes are flowering plants that get clusters of unique and fragrant flowers. Read the Buzzle article to learn how to sow heliotrope seeds for a lush spread in your garden.

Flower Gardening Tips



Do you have an affinity for gardening? Are you a closet green thumb, so to speak? Let's take a look at how you can start your very own garden, with these helpful flower gardening tips.

How to Plant Allium Bulbs



Plant Allium bulbs in well drained soil to get those sprightly colored flowers that you have been yearning to have around in your garden. This article gives you exact pointers on how to plant Allium bulbs, nourish them, and care...

Crocus Bulbs



Crocus bulbs are actually not true bulbs, but corms. These corms are used to grow crocus plants, which are known for their small and attractive flowers that bloom quite early in spring. Find out more information about crocus plants...

Flower Bed Designs and Ideas



Strolling in a garden with many colorful and vibrant flowers is always a pleasure. A bed full of varied Sprinkler Installation blooms adds amazing beauty to a garden. Most people think that making a perfect garden bed is difficult, on the contrary this...

Pu rple Flower Garden



A garden made up of purple flowers looks very beautiful and royal. This article provides a list of flowers that you can plant in this garden.

Hay Bale Gardening Techniques



Hay bale gardening techniques involve the use of bales instead of soil to raise a garden. It is a low-cost and convenient way of growing flowers and vegetables.

Clematis Care



A clematis vine in full bloom is a visual treat. With just a little care, this treat could be yours, year after year. Read on to know more about how to tend to this climber.

Purple Smoke Tree



The purple smoke tree shows off a very peculiar combination of colors that range from green to pink and then to purple. This is a very popular garden tree that is planted in the corners of garden plants throughout the United States...

Forget-Me-Not Plant



Do you know that the Forget-me-not plants, t hat are found in the North America are mostly from Europe. Know more about these plants and flowers and the myths or legends about, how they acquired so catchy a name.

Purple Passion Plant



Known for the striking purple color of its flowers, the purple passion plant is a hardy vine that grows in southern parts of North America.

Container Flower Gardening



Modern living is characterized by vertical expansion and limited space. This has generated the need for the modern home owner to become more innovative on space management. Container fl ower gardening is one such ingenious...

Black-eyed Susan Vine



If it is a beautiful hanging basket or a twining ground cover you want full of a bright display, then a Black-eyed Susan vine is the perfect option for you. Read on to know more about this vine.

Black Eyed Susan Plants



Black Eyed Susan plants are amongst the most popular wildflowers seen in home gardens. If you want to learn more about these beautiful plants, the following article will get all the information you need.

Flower Garden Designing Tips



Your personal choice of design is as important, so also the reality of whether you want a high- or low-maintenance garden. Depending on your choice, you need to get the suitable flowers, pots, and other utilities, to make your...

How to Keep Cats Out of Flower Beds



Even though you might love your pet cat and see it in glowing light, a neighbor whose flowerbeds get ruined might not be amused by your cat's antics in his garden. Check out some simple steps for keeping the cats out of those...

Fall Flower Garden



Fall season can seem dull and dry without colors in a beautiful fall garden. Here are a few gardening ideas to make your garden look evergreen and colorful.

Options for Flower Bed Edging



Flower beds give color and grace to any garden, but they too need organization. Read the following article that provides you with some interesting edging ideas to enhance their beauty.

Biennial Oenothera



'Oenothera', commonly known as Evening Primrose or Evening star, is a biennial flowering plant which is found in North America. It is used for various medicinal purposes. Elucidated below is more on the plant's usage and its side...

Flower Bed Ideas



A great way for landscaping your garden is to come up with good flower bed ideas. In this article we will discuss various flower bed ideas to spruce up your garden.

Purple Passion Vine



Purple passion flowers are strongly associated with passion and permissive ness because of their subtle purple color. There are numerous species of purple flowers, some of which are shrubs and some vines.

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/flower-gardens/

Gardening :: Irrigation Systems – Drip Irrigation System, Drip Tape, Pivot Irrigation Drip Tape, Sprinkle Irrigation

Today irrigation system has evolved with the use of latest technologies. It is not only used in crop production but also for dust separation, dry land farming, gardening, sewage disposal and various other areas through the use of wide range of high tech systems.

Drip Irrigation System:

Drip Irrigation System is a method where water is delivered to plants slowly and right at their roots using a network of mainlines, sub-main lines and lateral lines with emission points spaced along their lengths. It maintains an optimum moisture level in the soil at all times with less water lost to the sun and the wind. Drip Irrigation System is typically the most Sprinkler System efficient method of irrigating as it is very easy to install, easy to design, inexpensive, minimizes soil erosion and specifically because it uses quite a less amount of water. It is very beneficial for plants in desert areas and is easily adaptable for use in commercial landscapes, agriculture, gardening, greenhouses, and nurseries.

Center Pivot Irrigation Systems and Lateral Move Irrigation Systems:

In center pivot irrigation system, the machine that consists of several segments of pipes, moves in a circular pattern and is fed with water from the pivot point which is located Sprinkler System at the center. In Lateral Move Irrigation System, the lateral movement of the machine ensures that the entire field is covered. Whether to select Center Pivot Irrigation Systems or Lateral Move Irrigation Systems depends on various criteria such as water availability, crop type, land type, land topography, operational cost and agrology conditions.

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Sprinkler Irrigation System:

Sprinkler Irrigation System is a method of applying irrigation water in the same pattern as natural rainfall does. A typical sprinkler irrigation system consists of a pump, mainline and sub mainline network, laterals and sprinklers. Sprinkler system offers efficient coverage for small and large areas. These sprinkler systems are suitable for almost all kind of crops including vegetables, wheat, grams, pulses, cotton, soya bean. They are applied at various places including farms, hotel gardens, golf courses and various other places.

Pathfinder Drip Tape Irrigation System



Pathfinder drip tape is an extruded drip tape manufactured with the highest technology. It is manufactured with materials of highest quality providing resistance to chemicals used in agriculture. Drip Tape is a flat tape used for irrigation purpose which has pre inserted drippers. Drip Tapes are used on wide variety of agricultural crops including wheat, rice, beans, peppers, tomatoes.

Aluminium and Polyethylene Pipes and Fittings

Pipes and fittings are basically used in irrigation system for transferring liquid, gas or even solid material https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irrigation_sprinkler at times. These industrial pipes and fittings are made from different materials including copper, aluminium, clay, iron, steel, plastic. Polyethylene pipes are flexible because of the elastic nature of polyethylene. Hence these type of pipes can be curved to make turns with ease and avoid complexity and also the expenses incurred. These kinds of pipes and fittings are mainly translucent and come under various colors. Aluminium pipes and fittings have high strength and hence cannot be twisted or turned. Aluminium pipes and fittings have an extensive application in a host of industries.

There are various irrigation products manufacturer and exporter in Spain that offers irrigation products but you must select the best company for better irrigation facilities.





http://www.articlebiz.com/article/615231-1-irrigation-systems-drip-irrigation-system-drip-tape-pivot-irrigation-drip-tape-sprinkle-irrigation/

Thursday 11 May 2017

Epsom Salt Bath Side Effects

Magnesium present in your body helps in working out the functions of the system smoothly, while also keeping in check enzyme activity. Not only does it help keep the heart's rhythm constant, but builds a healthy immune system, promotes normal muscle function, regulates blood pressure levels, and manages one's metabolic rate. It can curve one away from health issues like diabetes, hypertension, and diseases related to the heart. Magnesium sulfate is commonly known as Epsom salt. Epsom salt baths help replenish the body's lack of magnesium, proving to be quite healthy an option.

Epsom Salt and the Side Effects Upon Use



The Epsom salt bath side effects need to be taken into consideration, seeing that certain effects come into play when you over-indulge in this type of bath. The bath is known for agitating allergies where those that are connected to sulfur, tend to end up much more irritated than other kinds of allergies. It can bring on a case of dehydration, and can lead to diarrhea as well. Those who want to lose weight may take advantage of its diarrhea inducing effects, but prolonged abuse of these salts aren't safe or recommended. It is important to take advice from a doctor before starting out on the Epsom salt bath. Also bear in mind that adding Epsom salt to a bath, can be so relaxing that it can put one into a deep slumber, causing them to drown.

The Benefits of Soaking It Up in an Epsom Salt Bath



The portions of salt added, are two cups of Epsom salt to a tub of lukewarm water, where you can saturate yourself with the salts for about 20 - 30 minutes.

The benefits of this bath have been noted, where it proves to be a reliable stress reliever.



It can flush out harmful toxins from the body, including the presence of heavy metals.

It can ease up muscle cramps and reduce pain caused due to inflammation.

It can supply good amounts of calcium into the body, keeping the flow of electrical currents maintained.

It can prevent http://www.organiccatalogue.com/ the onset of bad headache attacks like migraines.

Even nutrients are much better absorbed by the body due to the presence of this important element.



It works wonders for diabetics, looking for a way to tone down the effects of diabetes and improve the body's ability to use insulin.

The salt gets its name from the town of Epsom in Surrey, England, where these salts are distilled from springs. Being an easy skin absorbent, the bath proves to be quite useful and effective. It would make a big difference for those who are magnesium deficient, where once a week is more than sufficient to take this bath. Doctors advise patients to soak themselves in Epsom salt three days a week, but given the side effects, one would need to approach Sprinkler Installation this idea with caution. Buying Epsom salt is easy, where these are available in either health or convenient stores, or even in some select pharmacies.

Epsom http://www.letsgogardening.co.uk/ salt can be quite harmful to those who do not approach this technique with care. Find alternative ways to relax your body like looking into other soaking salts to help ease away tensed muscles and frayed nerves. It helps to do research, and consult a doctor about starting out on a method not heard of Sprinkler Installation before.



Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/epsom-salt-bath-side-effects.html