How To Plant Flowers and Trees in Pots

There is a large variety of pots is many shapes, sizes and colors to improve the look of your patio. There are, however, some very simple rules to follow when planting flowers or trees in pots to help make your gardening successful. Below are some of these tips.

Make sure the pot is big enough for your plant or tree. It should be large enough to accommodate at least one year of growth.

• Use good soil — packaged potting mix may be the best choice.  It has been sterilized so you won’t be introducing any soil problems or diseases.   

• Do NOT fill the bottom of the pot with gravel or other coarse material.  Surprisingly, this may impede drainage. A simple curving piece of broken pot over the drainage hole will keep your potting mixture from leaking out.

• If the potting mix doesn’t have fertilizer in it, add a little bit.  You will want to lightly fertilize most potted plants — indoors and out–every couple of weeks during the growing season.  Or use a slow-release fertilizer.

• Stir in some polymers to the potting mix.  These granules retain water and release it slowly to the soil.  That can mean you have to water the potted plants less frequently.

• Double-pot to help protect pots exposed to direct summer sun.  The inner pot should be terra cotta to absorb water to cool the pot and to allow the plant roots to breathe.  The outer pot should be large enough to allow you to put insulation between the two pots to further help control heat.  For insulation, use sphagnum moss, coarse mulch, wood chips or crumpled newspaper.

• Move planted pots into shade on hot days.

Keep in mind that as the weather heats up, you may still have to water your potted plants two or more times a day. 

Awnings can be a great way to add value and curb appeal to your home. In addition to making sure your property is nicely groomed, adding awnings to your home will make it more attractive to prospective buyers and can  increase your chances of getting a good sales price from the home.

Aluminum awnings are probably the most popular types of awnings for homeowners. One good reason for installing aluminum is the fact that they are virtually maintenance free. Although canvas awnings can usually last between five and ten years, they will eventually fade with time. Most experts agree that canvas awnings will need to be replaced within ten years. Aluminum awnings, however, can last for an indefinite amount of time.

A major  drawback of aluminum awnings is the range of options available. Aluminum awnings do not come in such a wide variety of colors, styles and options as canvas awnings. If you’re looking to add color to your patio and design to your patio, this type of awning may not work for you.

Aluminum awnings usually provide better protection against solar heat. Because they are made of metal, they are more effective than fabric or canvas awnings at reflecting heat away from the home and windows. This reflection proves to be a great energy saver and can greatly reduce energy costs. This is especially true during the very hottest of the summer months.

 Home awnings are perfect for a wide variety of uses, on windows, doors, porches, and decks. Retractable awnings allow you to have fun outside without getting burnt by the sun or overheating and help you create a comfortable space outdoors to enjoy in the summer time.

Another benefit is that awnings can actually help keep you cool without having to spend a lot of money. In fact, retractable awnings can save you money on energy costs by cooling your home. Because awnings block the sun’s rays you won’t need the air conditioner as much, and energy costs will go down. Plus, you’re helping out the environment. Retractable awnings also protect furniture and carpets from fading due to excessive sun exposure.

Patio awnings protect windows and doors from weather damage and provide shelter and protection when you leave the house, especially on rainy days.  The great thing about retractable awnings is that you can have them custom made to fit anywhere  outside your home. Patio awnings, as well as other types, come in a wide range of colors too. It’s easy to match them to your home. And if you purchase a retractable awning for a window or deck, you won’t have to manually put up and take down the awning every time you go to use it.

Awnings can be made of a wide variety of different materials. They are made of canvas, aluminum, and other materials. Aluminum awnings have different benefits and drawbacks compared to canvas awnings - it depends on what you want to use the awning for.

Keeping sunlight out of a home is an efficient and effective way to regulate temperatures and ensure your home is comfortable.

Even if you don’t need awnings to cool your home, they are great additions to the exterior of a home, making it easier to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Also, stronger fabrics are used for awnings, so you don’t have to worry about the elements taking their toll on the fabric and causing premature fading. Beautiful fabrics make a wonderful addition to any backyard or patio, and you can choose colors and patterns that match your outdoor décor and patio furniture.

Different Patio Design Ideas:

There are no steadfast rules to follow when it comes to the type of outdoor patio design you can have. Many people consider their patio to be an extension of  their home and try to keep similar themes both inside and outside the house. Listed below are some of the more commong types of patio plans: 

Open Patios — Open patios are a sun worshiper’s dream. They are designed to take in the maximum amount of sunlight and air because they are built with the fewest obstructions. That means your patio area is often free from things that create shadows such as overhangs and large trees.

Patio Room – Patio rooms are better known as sunrooms. These types of patios can be used all year long because you don’t have to go outside to enjoy the sun.

Covered Patio –  A covered patio is very similar to a porch, apart from the fact that a patio’s flooring is normally masonry that is laid directly onto grade. Covered patios are often built next to a home, where extended eaves, shade or overhang protects it from weather related issues. Sometimes a part of the patio base stretches from beyond its coverage so that a portion of the patio can access the sun fully. You can add a patio screen to the patio to keep out bugs, too. But covered patios aren’t typically used all year long.

Poolside Patio – Poolside patios are like having a resort in your very own backyard. They have open areas for catching the sun after a dip in the pool and plenty of waterproof and slip-resistant surfaces for safety.

Retreat Patios – Retreat (aka getaway) patios are usually small, intimate outdoor spaces that offer the best privacy. They are normally nestled in a thick enclave of trees and other shrubbery located away from the house. Often your secret getaway patio spot is connected to your home by a little path. Retreat patios can be open-air or have a sheltered roof.

Entry Patios – Entry patios are built at the front of your home. Entry patios are open spaces with wide, paved areas that are great places to relax, visit with neighbors, and for displaying built-in planters and causal patio furniture.

When planning your new garden, ask any landscape architect and they’ll tell you that well chosen and situated outdoor lighting is essential to all-season enjoyment of your garden.

 When carefully planned and installed, outdoor lighting can transform your property at night, turning trees, buildings and other landscape features into dramatic focal points.  Lighting is also essential for safety along paths and walkways, and around decks, patios, and stairs.

After purchasing a set of patio furniture, people like to also buy some patio furniture fabric that will match or complement their existing décor. Many times, the fabric can be purchased at the same time that the furniture is bought. When looking for patio furniture fabric, it is important to not only look for fashion and trends, but also for durability as well. After all, this fabric will be exposed to the environment. Therefore it should by made of  weather-resistant material.

There are many durable materials that are used when making patio furniture fabric for the outdoors. Much of the decision depends of what kind of weather the furniture will be exposed to or if the furniture will be able to be stored in the winter time when not in use. Nylon woven fabrics are often used for their durability and strength, as well as their not-easily-stained quality. The texture of the fabric is usually a bit coarser than an indoor furniture fabric would be because the fabric is generally a thicker quality in order to make it stain-resistant and weather proof.

There are a variety of styles from which to choose when searching for patio furniture fabric. Most people like to carry their indoor decor style outside. A very popular type of fabric is the floral printed fabric, which can come in thousands of designs and colors. These floral patterns are best suited for a garden-type setting, as well as more feminine designs. . Plaid patio furniture fabric is another popular fashion for many who enjoy a more traditional look in their furniture. Plaid is often considered more masculine; so many men choose this design for themselves. Of course solid colors are a good choice, as colorful pillows can also be arranged to complement the cushion covers.

Prices for cushions and pillows  will vary depending on the type of fabric that is chosen. For those with a big budget, custom-made cushions can also be ordered when a more exact design is desired. Those who are gifted with the talent of sewing can also make their own and often save a great deal of money at the same time.