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	<title>House Design Ideas &#187; Exterior Design Ideas</title>
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	<description>House Design Ideas is a Large and Growing Resource of Excellent Ideas and Products to Help You Design and Decorate Your Home, Inside &#38; Out!</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:40:04 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Alternative Power: Using Solar Landscaping Lights</title>
		<link>http://www.housedesignideas.com/alternative-power-using-solar-landscaping-lights/</link>
		<comments>http://www.housedesignideas.com/alternative-power-using-solar-landscaping-lights/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:28:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Reader Contributions</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alternative power]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[build solar panel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.housedesignideas.com/alternative-power-using-solar-landscaping-lights/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Garden landscaping has become very popular in the past few years with most people going for professional landscape artists and other landscape designers to plan their individual gardens. However, these landscape experts may use unnecessary things to beautify your garden which will ultimately become a problem for you. One such thing is the lights that [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Garden landscaping has become very popular in the past few years with most people going for professional landscape artists and other landscape designers to plan their individual gardens. However, these landscape experts may use unnecessary things to beautify your garden which will ultimately become a problem for you. One such thing is the lights that they may use which could run up a good electricity bill and other charges. There is an answer for this problem with the new innovation of solar landscaping lights as the source of <a target="_blank" title="Green Power Easy" href="http://www.green-power-easy.com/">alternative power</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>While solar landscaping lights would suit your budget, some believe that it&#8217;s only another marketing scam used by businessmen in order to attract buyers. Solar power is the success behind these solar landscaping lights Solar landscaping lights comes with a system that powers up during the day and gives off its stored energy when the night comes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Garden decorators find solar landscaping lights to be best for many reasons. Just like if you are to <a target="_blank" title="Green Power Easy" href="http://green-power-easy.com/">build a solar panel</a> as a source of energy, you&#8217;ll get advantages out of these kinds of lights. The first big advantage is the money and energy that will be saved. Secondly, you save hassle that you will otherwise spend on wiring and similar tasks. The decorator will find that setting up such solar landscaping lights is rather easy compared to other lights systems. Also the gardener would save a lot of money on purchasing these lights that are priced reasonably.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Getting a hold of these solar landscaping lights is very simple. All you need to do is search of solar landscaping lights and you will find many lists and products that will interest you. Make sure you buy what you need and not what is available. Also be careful of online criminals and con artists, the best way to be safe is to find the product you like and then visit the store personally to purchase it. But if you&#8217;re busy and you prefer to buy things online make sure you visit a trusted and certified product site to purchase solar landscaping lights.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There&#8217;s no need to put back beautifying your garden anymore. Start investing in solar landscaping lights as your source for alternative power and feel the difference today!</p>
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		<title>Dallas Sunrooms &#8211; A Perfect Addition To Your Home For A Better Living</title>
		<link>http://www.housedesignideas.com/dallas-sunrooms-a-perfect-addition-to-your-home-for-a-better-living/</link>
		<comments>http://www.housedesignideas.com/dallas-sunrooms-a-perfect-addition-to-your-home-for-a-better-living/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:10:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Reader Contributions</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Exterior Design Ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home construction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home repair]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[modern sunroom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sunroom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sunroom designs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sunroom guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sunrooms]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Our landscapes are awash with fresh colors and sounds all through the year.   But unfortunately, most of us fail to enjoy the beauty of the nature in its fullness, the most quoted reason being adverse climatic conditions.  Winters are beautiful, but the cold, snow and sleet may drive you indoors. Similarly, harsh summers also equally [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Our landscapes are awash with fresh colors and sounds all through the year.   But unfortunately, most of us fail to enjoy the beauty of the nature in its fullness, the most quoted reason being adverse climatic conditions.  Winters are beautiful, but the cold, snow and sleet may drive you indoors. Similarly, harsh summers also equally uncomfortable.  This is why your house needs a sunroom: they help you enjoy the outside ambience without leaving the safety of your home.  In addition, they prevent pests, insects and dust from making your life miserable.</p>
<p> If you have got a small money to spend and a little space to spare, never be hesitant in installing a sunroom at your property.  They can be built even with limited monetary resources.  When placed along the walls of your place, they add to the charm of your home.  If you have giant open spaces in your garden or yard, you can go for stand-alone conservatories.  If you have space inhibitions, you can go for terrace sunrooms or <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mydallassunrooms.com/dallas-sunrooms/dallas-sunrooms-what-type-of-house-windows-to-install/">sunrooms</a> installed in corridors.</p>
<p> Professional help in the form of experts and websites dealing with sales and designing of sunrooms can come handy while designing your sunroom.  Most experts prefer square, rectangular or curved ones since they are easy to install and use.  You can enjoy the outside ambience while sitting safely in its interiors.</p>
<p> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mydallassunrooms.com/dallas-sunrooms/dallas-sunrooms-best-solutions-to-glare-problems/">Sunrooms</a> are supposedly the best tools to add an outdoor ambience to your interiors.  If you&#8217;ve got a huge house and a huge conservatory style sunroom, you can use it as further living space, an entertainment area and a playhouse for your kids during cruel climates.  However , most owners wish to use them as clinics.  You can spend lengthy periods within a sunroom with a book in your hand or enjoy a siesta without the external world influencing you.</p>
<p> Many sunrooms are operational only in milder climes.  The reason behind this is that sunrooms, being exposed to outside elements, can get too cold or too hot depending on the climate.  By adding a heating or cooling devise, as the case may be, you can remove this drawback completely.  You should go for such a perfect sunroom:  otherwise it would lie unused in harsh climates, especially in winter.  A perfectly designed sunroom can safeguard your mental and physical health all through the year.</p>
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		<title>How To Plant The Best Grass Seeds</title>
		<link>http://www.housedesignideas.com/how-to-plant-the-best-grass-seeds/</link>
		<comments>http://www.housedesignideas.com/how-to-plant-the-best-grass-seeds/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Feb 2010 06:41:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Reader Contributions</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grass seeds]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[With the right information and advice you can have a lawan growing outside your home with little effort. There is really more to growing a lawn than just planting grass seeds.
Different kinds of grass will perform differently in different kinds of climate. There are a number of factors to think about such as amount of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>With the right information and advice you can have a lawan growing outside your home with little effort. There is really more to growing a lawn than just planting grass seeds.</p>
<p>Different kinds of grass will perform differently in different kinds of climate. There are a number of factors to think about such as amount of sunshine, rainfall and shade that can be provided to the grass. The best way to spend as little time as possible trying to grow your grass is to choose one that is suited to the area that you are living in. For those in wet and cool climates they will find that Centipede, Bermuda or Buffalo grass does very well.</p>
<p>Some other great planting ideas can be found under any of the following: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bestgrassseedreviews.com/compare-grass-seed/index.htm">grass seed comparisons</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bestgrassseedreviews.com/lawn-grass-seed/index.htm">low maintenance lawn grass seeds</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bestgrassseedreviews.com/grass-seed-germination/index.htm">grass seed germination</a></p>
<p>Another consideration is whether you are planting your lawn on virgin land or replenishing an existing patch. If the ground has never been planted then it must be thoroughly cleared to make sure nothing competes with your lawn as it grows. Uproot as much of everything as is possible. Most plants can grow just from the roots that are left behind when clearing so you want to make sure that this does not happen</p>
<p>The seeds need to be spread evenly so that there are no patches when the lawn does grow. The soil should be loose and the seeds be covered by another layer of this soil.</p>
<p>The early stages of growth are important as once it is established it will require little attention apart from the occasional trimming down. When watering your lawn make sure it has enough water but is shall not clogged. You can use fertilizer but weed killer only after you are sure that it is now strong.</p>
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		<title>Building a Deck? Make Sure It&#8217;s Child Friendly</title>
		<link>http://www.housedesignideas.com/building-a-deck-make-sure-its-child-friendly/</link>
		<comments>http://www.housedesignideas.com/building-a-deck-make-sure-its-child-friendly/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:01:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Reader Contributions</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Exterior Design Ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[backyard decks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[child safety with decks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deck]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deck building]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deck railings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[toddler safety]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[  Is your deck child safe? Your whole family loves to use the deck so you want to make sure that it is safe enough for even the smallest members to enjoy.
  Please ensure that you plan to have a child safe deck.  This should be discussed while you are designing your deck to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>  Is your deck child safe? Your whole family loves to use the deck so you want to make sure that it is safe enough for even the smallest members to enjoy.</p>
<p>  Please ensure that you plan to have a child safe deck.  This should be discussed while you are designing your deck to ensure there are no unforeseen accidents waiting to happen.</p>
<p>   Whenever a deck is even a few feet off the ground, you should plan on building a rail all the way around it to prevent falls. A child safety gate is a good idea if you plan to have stairs so ensure that a gate can fit at the entrance/exit.</p>
<p> Another safety precaution to take is to ensure that the materials you pick up from the building center are rounded and smooth.  If the deck has splinters in it, you are sure to have a child (or adult) end up with a splinter in their foot.  The deck will have to be inpected and sanded to get rid of any splinters from time to time.</p>
<p>   A summertime necessity is shade. One can only take so much sun, especially for the safety of little children who have no concept of the dangers of it.  Why don&#8217;t you consider building an overhang or a canopy over your deck and then there are no worries of too much sun exposure. This is not to replace sunscreen of course.</p>
<p>  Try to think like your child would. Does he/she liket to climb? Squeeze through little open spaces?  Put this thought into your plan to have no temptations for climbing things and squeezing through wide slats on your railing.  Make the slats very narrow to avoid any of these ideas getting in to their little heads.</p>
<p>  A safe deck is a fun deck for everyone. When you&#8217;re planning your deck (whether it&#8217;s a DIY project or whether you have a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.torontofenceanddeck.com/rates/">deck builder</a> to construct your deck), plan to have a safe deck so your family can stay accident free to enjoy it for many years to come!</p>
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		<title>How To Build A Pond In Your Yard</title>
		<link>http://www.housedesignideas.com/how-to-build-a-pond-in-your-yard/</link>
		<comments>http://www.housedesignideas.com/how-to-build-a-pond-in-your-yard/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:13:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Reader Contributions</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[adding fish to a pond]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[building a pond]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[designing a pond]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[garden pond design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[garden pond designs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to build a pond]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.housedesignideas.com/how-to-build-a-pond-in-your-yard/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The family is drawn into the garden as the weather warms up. Initially, it is to tidy up after the long winter, and to ready the yard for the warmth and joy of summer. When the garden is tidy it will be ready for barbecues and picnics with family and parties in the garden parties [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The family is drawn into the garden as the weather warms up. Initially, it is to tidy up after the long winter, and to ready the yard for the warmth and joy of summer. When the garden is tidy it will be ready for barbecues and picnics with family and parties in the garden parties that are always popular during summer.</p>
<p> If you&#8217;d like to dramatically improve your garden, consider building a garden pond. If you are unsure about <a target="_blank" title="how to make a pond" href="http://www.fishpondtips.com/"><strong>how to build a pond</strong></a> you will soon discover that with some preparation and planning, you can build a garden pond in a weekend. The addition of a pond can quickly take your yard from ordinary to extraordinary.</p>
<p> A Garden Pond Provides Tranquility, Peace and Beauty</p>
<p> Running water provides a sound that is recommended for its soothing qualities and its ability to refresh and to calm the soul. If you close your eyes you can imagine the sounds of a running stream, as you sit on the bank with your toes being tickled by the water as it rushes by; you are surrounded by the sounds of nature and the water as it flows past. This image of peace and tranquility is stimulated by the familiarity of the sounds of the water. By building your own pond you can experience this joy every day.</p>
<p> Deciding On The Design For Your Fish Pond</p>
<p> As you begin designing your garden pond, choose a area that will not be subject to too many falling leaves which will rot in the pond. Depending on the size of your block you may choose a location at the end of a winding path to draw people through the garden to the sound of running water from a waterfall. In a more urban area you may choose a location close to the house so that you can hear the sounds of the pond from inside the house.</p>
<p> Other Creatures Can Benefit From Your <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fishpondtips.com/blog/garden-pond-design/garden-pond-design-for-the-homeowner">Garden Pond Design</a></p>
<p> There are other benefits in addition to the calming effects that your garden pond design will provide; the wonders of nature may also become available to you. A well-designed garden pond will not only provide an oasis for the human members of the family, animals may also enjoy it. You shouldn&#8217;t be surprised if your new pond attracts song birds, frogs, turtles and other water-loving creatures. You can also consider <a target="_blank" href="http://fishpondtips.com/">adding fish to a pond</a>. Fish in the colors of gold, yellow, black and white will provide a stunning contrast to the various greens of the aquatic plants and the darker water of the pond.</p>
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		<title>Unique backyard landscaping ideas</title>
		<link>http://www.housedesignideas.com/unique-backyard-landscaping-ideas/</link>
		<comments>http://www.housedesignideas.com/unique-backyard-landscaping-ideas/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Dec 2009 05:52:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Reader Contributions</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Exterior Design Ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[backyard landscaping idea]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to landscape]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.housedesignideas.com/unique-backyard-landscaping-ideas/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Your backyard landscaping is going to have to be about a lot of different things but the most significant among these if your well being. Most people get into backyard landscaping because they want to change the look and feel of their home, they want to make it a wonderful place where their family can [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Your backyard landscaping is going to have to be about a lot of different things but the most significant among these if your well being. Most people get into backyard landscaping because they want to change the look and feel of their home, they want to make it a wonderful place where their family can feel safe and comfortable at all times. Backyard landscaping is a great way to add some more peace to your life whether you are alone or you have a large family and tons of kids. You will be able to create a sanctuary with your backyard landscaping that you have never had before in your life.</p>
<p> A good <a target="_blank" href="http://howtolandscapesite.info/Backyard_landscaping.html">backyard landscaping idea</a> is one that everyone can make use of. There are many different backyard landscaping ideas and most of them are pretty good but to find the one that is right for you and that is just what your yard needs may take some reading. This article will assistance you to find the perfect backyard landscaping idea for your home.</p>
<p> A good backyard landscaping idea is to use evergreens. The use of these fabulous trees will do o much for any yard. They will add a stately nature to the feel of your home while keeping it welcoming and warm. Many people like to use deciduous trees in the yard and this is always a good idea but it is the evergreens that will give the yard the structure and the stability that it needs for a good backyard landscaping idea and design.</p>
<p> Knowing <a target="_blank" href="http://howtolandscapesite.info/">how to landscape</a> your backyard  like the one above that will benefit you all year round. Deciduous trees will not be beautiful in every season, most perhaps, but not all. Evergreens on the other hand are always fantastic and they look as beautiful in the winter as they do in the summer and this is why they make for such a great backyard landscaping idea. The key to any great landscaping design is to discover a backyard landscaping idea like this that will keep your yard interesting regardless of what time of the year it is.</p>
<p> Another good backyard landscaping idea is to use hardscape. This is the use of things like rocks, fences and walls. These can make your yard look very interesting during all of the seasons. You can have climbing plants on it in the summer and spring and pretty trees around it that will look great in the winter. When looking for a good backyard landscaping idea you need to look for other options besides just plants. There is much more to landscaping than just plants and trees.</p>
<p> Walls and fencings can frame your place beautifully and employing them is such a great backyard landscaping idea since they will just accent all of your other fantastic backyard landscaping ideas. They will frame your yard as a picture frame frames a gorgeous painting. Look at this kind of backyard landscaping idea as well in your search for the one.</p>
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		<title>Making sure your palm trees don&#8217;t get diseases</title>
		<link>http://www.housedesignideas.com/making-sure-your-palm-trees-dont-get-diseases/</link>
		<comments>http://www.housedesignideas.com/making-sure-your-palm-trees-dont-get-diseases/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:26:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Reader Contributions</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[buy palm trees]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[foxtail palm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[foxtail palms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[king palm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[palm trees for sale]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.housedesignideas.com/making-sure-your-palm-trees-dont-get-diseases/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One tree that is very popular among a lot of people to plant for their yards are the palm trees.  People love how they look and they can really enhance a garden.But quite a few people don&#8217;t know that in certain areas a palm tree won&#8217;t do well.The reason for this is mostly because of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One tree that is very popular among a lot of people to plant for their yards are the palm trees.  People love how they look and they can really enhance a garden.But quite a few people don&#8217;t know that in certain areas a palm tree won&#8217;t do well.The reason for this is mostly because of the climate.Often the areas that are colder will make it harder for palm trees to grow.But if you know what to do in caring for them, you can grow palm trees.  In this article we will go over a couple of things you need to do to care for them.</p>
<p> First of all some palm trees like the <a target="_blank" href="http://sotropicalfoxtails.com">foxtail palms</a> in colder climates develop fungal diseases.The reason for this mainly is because the roots get more water then it needs.The most effective way of avoidance is making sure to plant only in areas that are warmer.But if it is something you can&#8217;t avoid and you still want to grow it, make sure the soil is drained.That way will work the best to stop this type of disease from happening.</p>
<p> Another type of disease that affects palms such as the <a target="_blank" href="http://sotropicalfoxtails.com/otherpalms_page3.html">coconut palm tree</a> are leaf blight.This is where you have spots on the leaf that are yellow or brown.This begins the spread of it as it begins to kill the leaves.The way that works best is to make sure you prune all the areas that are affected.  Also you want to treat it with fungicide and add iron to it. When you don&#8217;t have enough iron it is one reason for this, so add some nutrients.</p>
<p> Finally most of the diseases that palm trees get is because of too much water.  Sometimes it is because there is poor drainage so the water gets trapped in the soil.  This will be the cause of a lot of diseases.  So if you are looking to <a target="_blank" href="http://sotropicalfoxtails.com/otherpalms.html">buy palm trees</a> keep this things in mind.If you are able to accomplish these steps you will have palm trees that look beautiful and live a long time.It isn&#8217;t a pleasant thing to have happen when your palm dies because of diseases.</p>
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		<title>Easy &amp; Inexpensive Ways to Kill Lawn Weeds</title>
		<link>http://www.housedesignideas.com/easy-inexpensive-ways-to-kill-lawn-weeds/</link>
		<comments>http://www.housedesignideas.com/easy-inexpensive-ways-to-kill-lawn-weeds/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:32:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kathy Burns-Millyard</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden Design]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.housedesignideas.com/?p=410</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Overview
Buying commercial weed killer can be quite expensive, and it&#8217;s not usually friendly to the environment either. Thankfully there are several more natural and inexpensive ways to kill lawn weeds though. The two best are the use of plain water, and hand pulling the weeds.
Water
Boiling water to be precise. This method is particularly effective for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.electronicperceptions.com/yellow-wild-flower/" title="Stock Photo of Yellow Wild Flower"><img src="http://www.electronicperceptions.com/portfolio/featured/DSC07916.JPG" alt="Yellow Wild Flower - Stock photography ©Kathy Burns-Millyard" /></a>Overview<br />
Buying commercial weed killer can be quite expensive, and it&#8217;s not usually friendly to the environment either. Thankfully there are several more natural and inexpensive ways to kill lawn weeds though. The two best are the use of plain water, and hand pulling the weeds.</p>
<p>Water<br />
Boiling water to be precise. This method is particularly effective for spot killing weeds in your lawn, and the pesky sprouts of weeds that come up between patio bricks and on concrete walkways.</p>
<p>Just bring a pan of water to a rolling boil, then pour it directly on the weeds you want to get rid of. Some weeds will need a few days to die off with this method, so repeat the process daily until the weed is gone.</p>
<p>Hands<br />
Hand pulling weeds is the least expensive way to kill lawn weeds without poisoning your yard with toxic chemicals. Pulling weeds is good for you because it gives you exercise, and it ensures you kill just the weeds in your lawn. All grass, flowers, ornamental shrubs and other yard plantings you have are guaranteed to be safe with this method, unless you accidentally pull the wrong thing.</p>
<p>Go through your lawn and garden beds with a spade and a good pair of heavy gardening gloves, pulling out each weed and its roots as fully as you can. If you have a lot of weeds to deal with then work a small section of the yard at a time. Continue this regularly throughout the growing season and you&#8217;ll notice big differences as you go.</p>
<p>Other Options<br />
Another excellent, inexpensive way to get rid of weeds is to smother them from light, air, and water. Spread out several layers of newspaper or cardboard over the weedy area of your yard, and they will be unable to get enough air or sunlight to live.</p>
<p>You can also spread black plastic over the weeds and leave it in place for several weeks. Not only will the weeds be robbed of sunlight, air, and water but the sun will heat the plastic and burn the weeds off naturally as well.</p>
<p>Prevention<br />
The best weed killer is not having any weeds at all, and this is easily accomplished by making sure your lawn is healthy. Keeping your grass healthy and robust will naturally keep out unwanted weeds because the healthy grass will kill them and crowd them out naturally.</p>
<p>Resources<br />
<a href="http://www.stretcher.com/stories/990503b.cfm" target="_blank">The Dollar Stretcher</a></p>
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		<title>About Bonsai Trees</title>
		<link>http://www.housedesignideas.com/about-bonsai-trees/</link>
		<comments>http://www.housedesignideas.com/about-bonsai-trees/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:08:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Reader Contributions</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Garden Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bonsai tree art form]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bonsai trees]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.housedesignideas.com/about-bonsai-trees/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Most people are, at least, vaguely familiar with what a bonsai tree looks like. You’ve probably heard it a hundred times, but anyone who’s seen The Karate Kid has seen a bonsai tree. Bonsai trees are regular tree species that have had their growth repressed by growing in containers and specific pruning techniques. Many of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Most people are, at least, vaguely familiar with what a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.homegetgreen.com/bonsai-trees/bonsai-tree-forms.html">bonsai tree</a> looks like. You’ve probably heard it a hundred times, but anyone who’s seen The Karate Kid has seen a bonsai tree. Bonsai trees are regular tree species that have had their growth repressed by growing in containers and specific pruning techniques. Many of them also have a distinctive shape to them that makes them recognizable. There are, in fact, specific bonsai tree forms that these trees usually take. Below is a description of some of the more common ones.</p>
<p><strong>Formal Upright</strong></p>
<p>The first bonsai tree form we’ll look at is the Formal Upright form. The distinguishing feature of this form is a straight trunk, evenly tapered from bottom to top. The branches will be evenly spaced around the circumference of the tree, but all of them will be at different heights. It is also possible to see this type of tree leaning slightly to the front. The longest of the branches is on the bottom, and they get shorter as they work their way to the top.</p>
<p><strong>Informal Upright</strong></p>
<p>The following <a target="_blank" href="http://www.homegetgreen.com/bonsai-trees/">bonsai tree</a> form is the Informal Upright form. This kind of tree has similarities to the Formal Upright in that the trunk is uniformly tapered from bottom to top. The difference is in the indisputable fact that the trunk has sweeping curves in it. These curves get smaller and less said the closer you get to the pinnacle of the tree. When viewing the tree from the front, the curves should be going to either side.</p>
<p><strong>Slanting</strong></p>
<p>Slanting is another bonsai tree form that is quite popular. Obviously, this type of tree has a trunk that slants to one side or the other. It may also have characteristics of some of the other bonsai tree forms as well. These trees should be placed so that the lean does not go toward or away from the viewer. The most important thing for this type is that the majority of the roots are on the side opposite the lean. This will provide the tree with the necessary stability.</p>
<p>There are other bonsai tree forms as well, such as cascade and semi-cascade. These forms are not as well defined as some of the others that we have already discussed. They are quite random in their form and pattern, which makes them very difficult to create. If you’re interested in getting into bonsai gardening, try to do as much research as you can first, so you know what you’re getting into.</p>
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		<title>10 Ways to Make Your Front Entryway More Attractive</title>
		<link>http://www.housedesignideas.com/10-ways-to-make-your-front-entryway-more-attractive/</link>
		<comments>http://www.housedesignideas.com/10-ways-to-make-your-front-entryway-more-attractive/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:42:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kathy Burns-Millyard</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Exterior Design Ideas]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.housedesignideas.com/?p=336</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The front entryway, or doorway of your home is the first thing people see when they visit you. In a sense it&#8217;s like the face of your house. And depending on how it&#8217;s designed, that face might be smiling and welcoming, or it could be frowning and turning guests away instead. It&#8217;s very easy to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="/wp-content/pictures/front-door.jpg" alt="Make your front door more beautiful with house numbers, hardware, and kick plates. Photo &copy;Kathy Burns-Millyard">The front entryway, or doorway of your home is the first thing people see when they visit you. In a sense it&#8217;s like the face of your house. And depending on how it&#8217;s designed, that face might be smiling and welcoming, or it could be frowning and turning guests away instead. It&#8217;s very easy to make your front entryway much more inviting though, and here will look at 10 easy techniques you can use today.</p>
<p>1. One of the biggest improvements you can make that&#8217;s fairly simple to do, is to paint your front door. Putting a fresh coat of paint on the front door will give it a quick and easy decorative touch, plus it&#8217;ll help protect your door from the sun and rain.</p>
<p>2. Another excellent way to make your door look brand-new, is to simply replace the hardware. Get some nice new door handles and lock sets to replace your old ones with. These usually come in standard sizes, so you won&#8217;t have to drill any new holes. There is also a wide variety of designs to choose from, including satin, nickel, or pewter.</p>
<p>3. Update the kick plate and door knocker on your front door too. If your front door doesn&#8217;t actually have these, then install new ones. The kick plate will help protect your door when people go in and out, and it adds a nice decorative finishing touch as well. Having a nice door knocker adds an extra touch of elegance and class to your front entryway.</p>
<p>4. Add a front wreath or door decoration. Front door wreaths are a wonderful way to add texture, interest, and color throughout the year. And they&#8217;re an excellent choice for decorating, because you can change them throughout the seasons too.</p>
<p>5. Update your front door light fixtures. The front porch light is something most people don&#8217;t think to change very often. Porch light globes are quite inexpensive though, and it&#8217;s a very easy way to change the entire look and feel of your front entryway.</p>
<p>6. Add decorative house numbers to your entryway. Large numbers are best, because they help emergency services find your house more easily. Putting decorative numbers on your house will add another classy touch to the entryway as well. There are a variety of ways you can add House members with a decorative touch. Buy large metal numbers which can be screwed and four example, or select ceramic tiles that fit flush into your house frame. You can even simply buy stencils, and paint the numbers on nicely yourself.</p>
<p>7. Freshen up your house&#8217;s curb appeal by putting in a new mailbox, with a new post. This is especially important if your mailbox post is somewhat old and worn. You might try putting in an ornate metal post, or even try a brick garden bed style. Top it off with a beautiful new mailbox for the best results.</p>
<p>8. Add some decorative yard lighting. Solar lighting is quite easy to put in the yard these days. And it&#8217;s a wonderful way to have your house look good at night time as well as day. There are many different types of solar lighting that can be chosen to fit almost any decorating style for your yard.</p>
<p>9. Add colorful flowers in your front yard, or in decorative planters on your front porch. Annual flowers are particularly colorful, and they can really liven up the look of the front entryway. Hanging baskets of flowers is another easy way to decorate your front entryway, and even planting flowers around your new mailbox is a simple way to update your look too.</p>
<p>10. Try adding various types of outdoor art to your yard and porch. Birdhouses and wind chimes for example, go with almost any type of house design. You could also try various types of garden benches, statues, and even weather vanes too.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.electronicperceptions.com">Photography</a> &#038; Text &copy;Kathy Burns-Millyard</p>
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