A flowery garden all winter

The winter blues can not be a fatality! Every good gardener knows many plants will compensate. Colorful flowering shrubs, perennials, biennials and bulbs, do not hesitate to plant the plants that you bring color and gaiety.

Of climbing all dapper

It is no longer honeysuckle, perfect for quickly fill a wall, this plant carefree delight you with its sweet fragrance. Choose the species' fragrantissima "commonly called winter honeysuckle that produces a multitude of small cream-colored flowers December to March.
Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) can also be trellised on a trellis. Its small bright yellow petals appear before the leaves on the branches bare. Unlike other scented jasmine flowers are odorless powerful. If it is sunny bloom from December to March.
Some are very early and clematis bloom in February; This is the case of Clematis cirrhosa in bronze tinted foliage that offers pale yellow or cream flowers sometimes tinged with light red buttons.
Shrubs covered with flowers

Very elegant, camellias are covered with flowers for many months, to stagger the blooms. The genus includes over 250 species, as saying that the choice is vast. The camellia "Bonanza" referring to those big red flowers peony bloom from October to February. Larger reticulata some Camellias will be used in the background of massive, they can reach 4 meters in height. The variety "Australia" is very strong and offers salmon pink flowers in February. Same for Camellias sasanqua variety whose Mineno-yuki open the ball blooms in October with its small white flowers.

If Camellias grow well in your garden is that your soil is acid! Take the opportunity to plant heather which form mats white, pink or purple in the heart of winter. Again, there are many varieties ... Enter your decor to ensure continuous flowering from November to May
Undisputed star of the garden in winter, Mahonia flowers for a long period. At the top of the shrub prickly foliage appear spectacular clusters of bright yellow flowers. Its scent is reminiscent of muguet. Plant several varieties to stagger the blooms from December to April.
For its enchanting fragrance with notes of slightly spicy hyacinth plant near the house a Daphne odora. Flower color may vary depending on the species from pure white to deep purple. Very original and uncommon in our gardens, this plant deserves to be better known!
Finish with a classic: the viburnum. Flowering through the winter safely. This is an easy plant that grows alone. Choose hybrid "bodnantense" for its delicate fragrance and subtle bloom.

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Choosing the right lawn mower

A lawn mower is a significant investment for the gardener. To choose the criteria to be considered are multiple mowing area, cutting width, engine type, type of traction. Overview.


Choosing a lawn mower depends mainly on the area to be mowed. For small areas a push mower simple, economical and ecological amply suffice as long as the cut is performed regularly. But when mowing is more casual (as in the case of a second home for example) or the surface is consistent, it is necessary to turn to more sophisticated models. Among these models, the choice is very wide.
Generally, for small areas in one piece without beds to go around, the best choice is an electric mower. Easy to use, this type of machine requires little more maintenance.
For larger areas (over 500 m2) or isolated land not having easy access to an electrical outlet, the choice will have to be on a mower engine. The advantage of this type of equipment is obviously autonomy, has no wire counter maneuvers. The negative thermal mower is noisier and requires regular maintenance as well as some precautions during winter.

Among the thermal mowers, many models are proposed. The differences are primarily in the power of the engine, the cutting width, but also the traction mode. Depending on the conformation of the ground floor and the presence of bypass, the choice should instead turn to reach for a lawnmower lawn strewn with obstacles and pulled straight to supermarkets.
For areas between 1000 and 2000 m2, the best choice is unquestionably a self-propelled mower. Beyond 2000 m2, it is wiser to opt for a lawn mower self-limiting range efforts.
In all cases, to avoid manipulations, it is advisable to opt for a model offering a basket of collecting the clippings. In addition to the models described above, the solution of a shearer solar robot is also studied in the case where the surface is sufficiently flat and unobstructed.

Did you know?
Models airbags electrical or thermal are generally easier to handle, especially when the terrain is sloped. In exchange gain maneuverability, this type of mower can receive catcher grass clippings.

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The maintenance of the greenhouse

For beautiful plants throughout the year, it is not enough to have a greenhouse, it is still necessary to maintain it. The greenhouse provides efficient protection against cold and winds, but does not the plants protected from insect pests or other fungal diseases. To do this, vigilance and maintenance will be required.

The big autumn cleaning
The plants need a lot of light, cleaning windows is essential at least once a year. It is carried out preferably in the fall, especially if they were coated with white Spain for the summer, the brightness is not sufficient in winter.
Choose a dry day to get all hot and plants.
That the glazing is glass or polycarbonate, proceed in the same way by washing with soap and water on each wall.
 If the surface is very dirty or is colonized by moss or mold, it will add the bleach in proportion to 1 liter to 10 liters of water. Remove the white of Spain take a little more time be patient! Once washed, do not forget to flush with water. Remember to check the flow of gutters and clean them.
Check all openings, you can lubricate the passage hinges and check the clips, enjoy this great spot cleaning windows broken or cracked and replaced.
Plants being outside, it will be the perfect time to inspect worktops and shelves, pull weeds and rake or sweep the floor to get rid of all plant debris, which could generate in rotting diseases and shelter parasites.
Maintenance throughout the year Each season requires special care:
Spring is the time when we are active in the greenhouse, it should be stored out plants that spend the season fresh out shelves and prepare seedlings, good ventilation is important.
In early summer we veil the windows to avoid the plants to burn, either through a layer of white Spanish or install blinds that reduce the light by 40%. We must not neglect watering summer will every night to "cool" and depth. The door and the various openings will remain open to allow ventilation and prevent rot and insect pests.
In the fall, we have seen, is the period of the great cleaning.
In winter, if your greenhouse is heated, change from time to time and check the heating temperature, fan from time to time.

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Solar panel

Solution both economically and ecologically, the installation of solar energy to convert sunlight into electricity that will operate various equipment in your home at a lower cost solar energy is used for heating water circuits or for part of the heating of the house. In case of high production you can even sell that electricity to EDF.

What is a solar panel?

The photovoltaic panel is composed of small photovoltaic cells, which contain silicon. These cells store solar radiation and convert it into electricity. The solar panels produce DC. An inverter is required to convert this current into alternating current, which will make the energy produced can be used by our current electrical network and the EDF.

The amount of electricity produced is dependent on the power of the solar panel, but also to its positioning. To capture maximum sun panels must be tilted 40 to 50 degrees and be facing south. Nothing should hide (large trees, buildings ...). They can be fixed to the ground near the house, disposed in awnings, placed on a terrace or integrated in the roof.

In general, solar collectors are glazed but there are also sensors vacuum tube for better performance with less sunlight, however, they are more expensive to purchase.

If the house is not connected to network EDF plan solar batteries to store the energy produced by the panels. Attention these batteries wear out very quickly, so it will involve a solar controller which significantly extend their lifespan.

Climatic zones and photovoltaic panels

In Ile de France 1m ² of solar panels produce about 200kWh per year, or 40 liters of hot water per day. Needs for hot water solar covers 40-60% of needs in the north and 60 to 80% in the South.

Before anything else, make an accurate assessment of your needs in electricity consumption that will give you an estimate of the size of the required sensors. This depends on the sunlight in your area, the orientation of your home, the number of people who live there etc ... The energy savings are possible, however, interesting, investment remains important to equip; Luckily aid are available: check with the ADEME that will help you in your efforts. Indeed, the installation of photovoltaic panels entitles the tax credit if they are placed by approved companies.

Always contact qualified professionals who have subscribed to the quality charter "QualiPV", which will save you some disappointment. Finally, note that since 1 March 2010, installers must obtain a certificate of conformity CONSUEL before commissioning the installation to verify that all is well with current electrical standards.

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The synthetic turf

Attractive alternative in many respects a true grass, synthetic turf new generation to create a carpet evergreen in your yard in record time and hassle of maintenance.

What are the advantages of synthetic turf?

No more maintenance chores!

The first advantage of this concept is its limited maintenance, once installed your lawn will not need watering or maintenance of usual if binding. Remain very green lawn evenly throughout the year and whatever the weather and climatic conditions.

Need to perform regular mowing or spreading fertilizer or top dress ... Farewell scarification, weeding and seeding restoration!

An economical and ecological solution for the long term
While the price of a good quality synthetic turf and European manufacturing can be a barrier to purchase, but it would be a miscalculation. This type of coating is guaranteed for 10 years or more, his life is normally 35 years. Imagine the savings of water, cleaning products and energy!

Some lawns have ISO 14001 certification which demonstrates the commitment of the company that the product to minimize the damaging effects of its activities on the environment.

A more lifelike
The new generation synthetic turf are much more efficient than older ones. Much nicer underfoot, soft to the touch, and look very realistic, they are also much better UV resistant and fade more.

ease of installation indisputable
Nothing is easier than to unwind a synthetic turf lès! The only effort will even match the joints for a perfectly natural. Its easy cutting, using a single cutter, can make the outline of plants or produce curves without worry. Some brands even offer lawn "ready to install" which does not require the application of ballast sand.

Another advantage is that the coating can be placed on any type of soil, it will be fixed by simple carpenter nails or tuff on the earth, and will be stuck with a two-component glue on the tiles or tiles.

From classicism to extravagance

Synthetic turf classic, very green, to create the perfect illusion of a traditional English lawn. As for the new standards, they allow more originality and integrating a touch of decoration to the garden and even in the house. Silver, red, blue, black, purple and even pink, modern turf we actually see all the colors! Ideal as a garden in wicker, or to create a very stylish area near the pool, this coating also find its place in the home, replacing the traditional carpet too. Creativity in perspective!

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Some safety rules at the pool

The pool is a place of relaxation and fun that the first fine days the delight of small and bigger. To the bath is a pleasure and to avoid terrible tragedies, however, some precautions must be taken.

What are the risks?
Each year, private pools many victims. More or less serious problems can easily be avoided, but are still too many dramas there are every year dozens of deaths and unfortunately children 4 to 8 years who are the main victims.
The major risk is of course drowning. An infant should never be left alone near a swimming pool equipped with the same safety features required. A child, even with should not remain unattended too many accidents still happen when a group of adult busy arguing think others are watching.
Prevention is guarantee of security Teach children to swim as early as possible and equip younger jerseys floating buoys or armbands and make sure they do not remove.
Serious injuries can be prevented by prohibiting diving in shallow water, and for aerobatics like "back flip" which too often ends tragically, head violently encountering the edge. Beware also of mattresses and other inflatable animals! Teach children not to jump over the outside of the pool, slipping they could be seriously injured. Finally forbid violent fighting games inside the edge of the basin, an accident happened very quickly!
The syncope is another real risk. Always avoid sudden go in the water after a long exposure to the sun or overeating or too wet.
Attention also to sunstroke or sunburn. Parasols and protection plan!
Other risks are related to the quality of the water in the pool, if it is not good, can cause digestive disorders, otitis and dermatitis. Never neglect hygiene and make regular tests to check the quality of bathing water. Always follow the care instructions provided by your installer and do not neglect to clean the filter. Various products (chlorine, algaecide ...) will be added regularly following the recommended doses but never too much. Prefer to treat the pool late at night when nobody goes swimming.

What to do in case of an accident?

Immediately notify the emergency by dialing 15, 18 or 112 from a mobile phone.

Remove the person from the water and loss of knowledge, practice first aid. First Aid courses are given in most emergency centers to acquire the basic skills

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Houseplants and light

Houseplants are sometimes subjected to difficult growing conditions, then they suffer from various symptoms. Light is essential to the life of the majority of our plants may lack the long term, prove fatal. See how to fix it.

How to recognize a plant suffering from a lack of light?

Several symptoms may suggest a lack of light:
very pale green leaves;
rods which extend excessively and become too thin and flexible;
growth arrest;
asymmetric growth of the plant;
flowering absent or very rare and scarce;
becoming green variegated foliage only.

What are the plants most sensitive to lack of sunlight?
In general, you should always inquire about the origin of the plant and its natural habitat. Plants growing in full sun should be avoided in a dark interior. Variegated foliage need a lot of light to keep their special colors, and for silver foliage, purple, fluffy or pruinose in nature which provide protection against the rays of the scorching sun and lose all their glory in a dark apartment .

Flowering plants also require maximum brightness without it, they rarely bloom.

Last seeding will always be exposed to strong light to avoid wilting of young shoots.

How to correct a lack of light?

We must try to get the light to plants to which they are subject in their natural environment. It is important to know that the amount of light passing through a window decreases very rapidly with distance, it also varies depending on exposure.

Always expose your plants the proper amount of light and attention to tropical forest plants whose leaf does not bear the sunlight behind glass that burns cause irreparable.

Everything is a matter of dosage depending on the species.
Some tips are still adaptable to most interiors:
First of all, even if it seems obvious, do not leave your curtains closed during the day constantly;
install your plants closer to windows, especially in winter, if your house is not facing south and the rays are not hot;
Turn your pots every week so that each side has the same light intensity;
if your apartment is very dark and has few openings, skylights create or invest in a system of artificial light specially dedicated to the cultivation of plants.

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Offering flowers

Giving flowers is always a pleasure to both the person who gives and the one who receives them.

Whether during a party, a birthday, an invitation to declare his love or be forgiven, flowers accompany moments of life.

Different ways to give flowers

Depending on the person, occasion and situation, the choice will be different types of formulas.
To celebrate an event and give pleasure to a person living far, nothing like to send a bouquet of flowers. Quick and easy, this is the preferred solution for most of us hurry. With a few clicks on the internet or by phone at just a florist, flowers will be delivered directly to the person on the day J.

When you are prompted, give flowers is always a nice touch. Again, it depends on the circumstances of the invitation and the message to convey. During a tryst we offer red roses to declare his love, while for dinner with friends the choice will be easier on a beautiful orchid, still graphics and integrating into most decors.

To please certainly a person who loves plants and having a balcony or a garden, nothing like a flowering plant in pot. Camellias, azaleas, poinsettias, jasmine or composition of season: you are spoiled for choice!


Choose the flowers

Good choice depend on the flower vase or resumption of the plant provided, here are some tips for choosing the flowers:

Preferably choose plants with buds just hatched: the flowers will last longer;
Refuse flowers whose petals have a darker edge, a sign of their wilting already well advanced. The same goes for the flowers bent rods, softened or become translucent: Again, beware!
For plants in pots: check that the roots do not go out of the pot thoroughly and do not form a bun: the recovery would be jeopardized. Examine the foliage must not be stained or covered with parasites.
Avoid plants "tampered" with strange colors and artificial: Phalaenopsis indigo blue, dotted with cacti flowers immortal ...

The language of flowers

Has always offered the choice of flowers has a special meaning. Some of the most common:

Myosotis "forget me not";
Roses red: passion, love
White Rose: purity;
Yellow Rose: infidelity
Thrush happiness, luck;
Peony: sincerity;
Orchid: refinement;
Azalea: the joy of love;
Begonia: friendship
Eyelet: passion, freedom.

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Autumnal ideas

The scenes described are designed to be carried in the ground as trays.

Dream of "undergrowth"

In a corner of the garden or patio light sweet marry a Parrotia with a few clumps of ferns to highlight the color of the foliage. Cover the surrounding soil with cyclamen from Naples who appeal to shadow a little dry parrotia.

If you can, complete with Hydrangea quercifolia whose foliage colors in the fall. Its large conical inflorescences cream tinged with warm colors tan.

Nature and Biodiversity

Bet on the noble beauty of sweetgum in the middle of a grove of two free rugosa roses with large bright orange fruit and a rose 'Mutabilis'. This large rose aptly named showing spring to fall steadily, its large single flowers of unusual color mixing of yellow copper, pink and crimson.

Accentuate the joyful and spontaneous side of the stage with a few clumps of miscanthus, pennisetums oriental autumn asters and small flowers to give to link together and draw a crowd of colorful butterflies.


Balcony colorful

In a large pot glazed red purple or brown, install a Japanese maple or sweetgum small 'Gum Ball'. Move around in separate pots, a grass Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron' in stunning bright red foliage and three heuchères 'Pinot Gris' or 'Palace Purple'.

Version garden, hide the bare ground with some Ceratostigma plumbaginoides with dark green foliage turns crimson in the fall. Their flowers gentian blue offer a stark contrast with the wide color palette putting dark red to honor.

Breath of the rising sun

In one corner lightly shaded garden plant a Japanese maple or parrotia to weeping. Combine this small tree a few grasses. Dwarf foliage of sedums blushing tapisseront the ground.

For a more intimate scene, plant a green curtain consists of large bamboo canes in black or yellow gold or a trellis if you do not have the space.

A mulch of pebbles or slate chips conceal the bare ground and reduce weeding and watering.

A lantern and some Eastern lanterns ... this scene is the beauty relaxing invitation to travel or meditation.

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Candles and Christmas lights. And citrus fragrance of yesteryear

Cut two-thirds citrus and core them with a spoon. (Take the opportunity to make jam.)
To make lanterns, cut into small citrus decorative openings, eg star-shaped, sides, and always on top, so that the flame does not burn the bark. Return them and place them over a small candle warmers
To make candles, fill the crust with a little paraffin. Place the wick: it must touch the bottom of the fruit and slightly exceed height. Finish filling paraffin.

What you need:
Tealight: citrus and tealights
Candles: citrus, wicks and paraphine bag for jam
This achievement is part of the file: Candles, wreaths, placemats and napkin ... do it yourself Christmas decorations.
This file explains how recovering branches, twigs, leaves, bark, and berries, it is possible to do it yourself Christmas decorations both chic, cheap, original and personalized. The garden is a gold mine for yourself scenery nature.

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Frozen plants: what to do?

Your garden is frosted? Not panic! The plant resources are amazing. And for plants that have suffered from the cold, some actions will be sufficient to help them until spring.

Winter can be tough, but these rigors that bully our gardens will benefit them on sunny days.
Periods of extreme cold kill some parasites and garden pests (eggs, larvae and adults in hibernation, but also molds).
The winter cold is essential to the recovery of activity number of seeds and buds, even if they live in slow motion during the winter.
Snow remains for plants the best protection against the cold. In addition, the flakes provide some nutrients (especially nitrogen) to the ground.
Finally, the gel accelerates the decomposition of dead leaves and green manures, quickly transforming organic matter assimilated by plants. Spring and the recovery of vegetation, soil will be even more fruitful!
Nature has provided all
The gel was visually spectacular consequences (brown leaves lying ...) on the aerial part of plants, but most often the root damage are low or zero.
Wait before judging and do not rush to tear or cut any. Let the foliage and flowers wilted or flabby: they play the role of winter protection for stem at ground level.
In the garden: clean, aerate, mulch, butter
Remove leaves softened or starting to decompose. In case of prolonged thaw, débuttez your artichokes to prevent rotting and withering plants. By heavy frost, from - 5 ° C, replace a mound of earth and straw to protect them.
Despite the cold weather, it is land that root vegetables the more rustic (leeks, parsnips, carrots ...) are best stored. Add a layer of mulch on the ground for easy picking.
For the chassis, there is nothing else to do but wait as long as the thermometer rises. Then consider the open sunny days to avoid excessive condensation.
Give air to the fish
Fish may lack oxygen. But do not break the ice abruptly: they could not withstand the shock and consume more oxygen as a result of the panic caused.
To help them breathe, melt the ice with a heated plate or place the bottom of a pan filled with hot water. Once a basin area has been cleared, any risk of suffocation is avoided.
Place a piece of wood, a large bundle or ball of soft plastic to prevent surface water from freezing completely.
Watering early in the thaw

With almost no activity during the winter, deciduous plants are very sensitive to cold. It is not the same for persistent vegetation which only slowed during this period. In case of severe frost, the foliage of shrubs burn a bit fragile but their root system remains intact, well protected underground.

In spring, young shoots pierce the lower branches. Therefore wait until May / June to assess the extent of damage. There will be time to cut the dead wood. Meanwhile, when it is warmer, water conifers and evergreens (camellias, rhododendrons ...). Cold spells and prolonged dry dehydrated plants.

Review the garden turning water into ice, freezing earth raises, exposing the roots of recent plantings. Take a tour of your shrub plantings to settle the soil.

Monitor cautious

Sheltered behind their shields, plants no longer fear the chilly cold.

Vigilance is still required. In the garden, tour the plant cautious to ensure that their protection against freezing were not displaced by the weather. Collect litter of dead leaves or straw, put a piece of screen over and a few bricks. Lift and readjust the wind: reeds, forcing veil, bubble plastic sheets ... Also check the condition of the tutors located at the foot of young trees.

Ventilate potted plants

With jellies, potted plants can take a look shriveled or withered. But the hardiest plants should soon recover. However, make sure your pots: after a few days of thaw, ventilate for a few hours in the early afternoon, swathed plants.
Grown in pots, plants, even the most hardy, suffering from dehydration during the coldest winter. Take the opportunity to sprinkle with water unglazed, monthly watering is sufficient. Let the water drain, and replace your coverage for the night.
If a severe cold wave is expected, strengthen your protections roots. Improve insulation pots rows of concrete or tile intercalating polystyrene plates. Another solution: put the pots (light!) In larger containers and slide the straw between the two walls.

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Precious fallen leaves

Each year sees the rebirth of elegant ballet of fallen leaves dancing in the wind, autumn arrived. No need to stress the idea to collect and burn you will be able to recycle!


Gold fell trees

Crunch underfoot, warm colors and smells wet, fallen leaves are back, littering the ground with their shimmering shades. The gardener is rarely tempted to leave invade lawns, walkways and massive vegetable bronzed by the rain which however is likely to be quite useful.

As compost

Crushed, the leaves can be added to compost, as it decomposes through the action of microorganisms, will turn over the months into a rich organic material that can be used as an amendment to the garden. You just fill the silo compost in layers or even make a simple pile in the back yard, to moisten and cover with a tarp for the decomposition process occurs. You just have to return all from time to time and add a little water or nettle slurry if the weather is dry for a good few months after compost.

As mulch

Another possible use of our sheets: plant mulch. Rather than buying mulch, why not use this raw material to the garden to mulch the plants up the more cautious? A thick layer of leaves effectively protect perennials and newly planted plants from frost. Do not tamp especially your mulch because it will be more airy, more insulation and better it will be its decomposition.

Nature is well done: winter mulch protects the roots from frost and spring heat helping the leaves decompose to form a very fertile humus at the base of plants.

If you're lucky enough to have pine trees in your garden, do not hesitate to use the needles fall to the ground as mulch for hostas and other plants that slugs love it, because they block their progress. They are also useful in limestone because they acidify the soil and therefore correct deficiencies.

As an amendment

In the garden if you have space left fallow, do not hesitate, after digging in mounds coarse, cover it with a thick bed of leaves covered with a layer of wood ash moistened to keep them in place when gale. This avoids flooding due to weeds.
Furthermore, by decomposing the two materials liberate nitrogen and potash for future crops. Micro-organisms and earthworms in the soil, are stimulated and you will find and, very naturally, a light and fertile land.

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