Gardening in the Valley of the Sun can be a challenge, especially to green thumbs transplanted from other parts of the country where gardening seasons, plants and conditions are very different from the desert environment. Luckily, there are many local resources for novice desert gardeners and those who just want to understand the basics of maintaining their yard throughout the year.
There are many knowledgeable landscape maintenance and design services in Arizona that can help plan and maintain your yard and planters, leaving you to enjoy your golf game or lounging poolside. However, for those who want to be more active gardeners, the first place to gather information and get a good look at a variety of desert plants is the Desert Botanical Garden. This 145 acre facility features over 50,000 plant displays in outdoor exhibits, and offers a variety of classes year-round for the casual to serious gardener.
Checking with your local municipality is another option. The City of Scottsdale, for example, is offering free workshops on plant selection, plant care and landscape makeovers this fall. Glendale also has landscaping and water conservation workshops on the calendar, and Gilbert’s schedule features “Hummingbird and Butterfly Gardens” as well as “Drip Irrigation Design and Install” workshops.
As you consider creating a desert-friendly yard or garden, you can also visit one of the beautiful Xeriscape Demonstration Gardens in the area. These gardens provide great examples of plant usage and plant combinations which are sure to generate ideas for transforming your own landscape. Also be on the lookout for the tenth annual “Real Gardens for Real People” garden tour coming up in 2011, sponsored by the University of Arizona’s Master Gardener Program. Visit their website for a wealth of desert gardening resources, from books to classes and other events.
Don’t be intimated by the desert landscape – it can be prickly, but by making the most of local resources you’ll be surrounded by a beautiful landscape in no time.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Don’t Let Energy Vampires Scare You
Here are some tips for reducing your electric usage and eliminating frightful electric bills.
Start off with energy-efficient appliances. If you are replacing an old appliance, look for the Energy Star label, which assures you the product saves energy, and also prevents pollution. Buy the appliance best-suited to your needs and the size of your household, instead of the biggest with the most features.
Changing some simple settings can help lower your bills. Twenty percent of your household electric costs can come from your refrigerator. Check the temperature inside your fridge and freezer and adjust the settings so that your fridge reads 37-40 degrees and your freezer reads 3 degrees. Also use the energy saver switch. Adjusting your hot water thermostat can also result in significant savings. Try setting it for 120 degrees instead of 140 degrees.
When cleaning up it pays to pay attention to settings as well. Use warm or cold water when doing laundry, instead of hot. When running the dishwasher, make sure you fill it completely and use the energy saver setting. Consider drying dishes the old fashioned way or just allowing them to air-dry without using the heated drying cycle, which can save up to 20% of your dishwasher’s electricity usage.
Pay attention to appliances and devices that are “turned off” but are standing by – chargers that are left plugged in, electronics with remote controls, and anything with a digital clock display. If you are not using these things, you may not give them another thought, but they are still drawing electricity constantly and can account for 5% of your electric bill.
Use these simple tricks for a treat on your next electric bill.
Start off with energy-efficient appliances. If you are replacing an old appliance, look for the Energy Star label, which assures you the product saves energy, and also prevents pollution. Buy the appliance best-suited to your needs and the size of your household, instead of the biggest with the most features.
Changing some simple settings can help lower your bills. Twenty percent of your household electric costs can come from your refrigerator. Check the temperature inside your fridge and freezer and adjust the settings so that your fridge reads 37-40 degrees and your freezer reads 3 degrees. Also use the energy saver switch. Adjusting your hot water thermostat can also result in significant savings. Try setting it for 120 degrees instead of 140 degrees.
When cleaning up it pays to pay attention to settings as well. Use warm or cold water when doing laundry, instead of hot. When running the dishwasher, make sure you fill it completely and use the energy saver setting. Consider drying dishes the old fashioned way or just allowing them to air-dry without using the heated drying cycle, which can save up to 20% of your dishwasher’s electricity usage.
Pay attention to appliances and devices that are “turned off” but are standing by – chargers that are left plugged in, electronics with remote controls, and anything with a digital clock display. If you are not using these things, you may not give them another thought, but they are still drawing electricity constantly and can account for 5% of your electric bill.
Use these simple tricks for a treat on your next electric bill.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Solar Power Basics
You are probably seeing more and more solar panels on homes and businesses as the sustainability movement gathers steam and the government offers more tax incentives for making “green” improvements to properties. If you’ve considered making the switch to solar power, here are some of the benefits.
Solar power obviously comes from the sun, which is a renewable resource. Although not every day is sunny, the sun is not going to stop producing light. Other energy sources require harvesting of fossil fuels or plant or animal matter that will eventually be depleted. Solar power doesn’t emit any greenhouse gases or other pollution, and there is no risk of harming the environment while acquiring the energy from the sun, as opposed to fuels like oil that require dredging and may spill with disastrous results.
Ongoing solar power is free. Once your system is in place, there is no additional cost to power your home or business. Most solar panels are long lasting and require little maintenance. Solar panels are generally a good investment, with varying time-frames for ROI. As interest in solar power grows, a solar power system can add resale value to a home, since lower energy bills are appealing to everyone and “green” improvements are becoming more desirable.
Solar power technology is continually improving, and costs continue to drop. If you aren’t ready to commit to roof panels and the larger expense of powering your whole home with sunlight, you can also opt to power your hot water heater or pool heater with solar power, or use smaller solar power devices for solar “space heating”. www.SolarPower.org is a great place to learn more about solar power and stay up on the latest developments in the industry.
Solar power obviously comes from the sun, which is a renewable resource. Although not every day is sunny, the sun is not going to stop producing light. Other energy sources require harvesting of fossil fuels or plant or animal matter that will eventually be depleted. Solar power doesn’t emit any greenhouse gases or other pollution, and there is no risk of harming the environment while acquiring the energy from the sun, as opposed to fuels like oil that require dredging and may spill with disastrous results.
Ongoing solar power is free. Once your system is in place, there is no additional cost to power your home or business. Most solar panels are long lasting and require little maintenance. Solar panels are generally a good investment, with varying time-frames for ROI. As interest in solar power grows, a solar power system can add resale value to a home, since lower energy bills are appealing to everyone and “green” improvements are becoming more desirable.
Solar power technology is continually improving, and costs continue to drop. If you aren’t ready to commit to roof panels and the larger expense of powering your whole home with sunlight, you can also opt to power your hot water heater or pool heater with solar power, or use smaller solar power devices for solar “space heating”. www.SolarPower.org is a great place to learn more about solar power and stay up on the latest developments in the industry.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Bedbugs are REAL!
Bedbugs are all over the news these days, because apparently bedbugs are all over everything these days. The rise in bedbug infestations is credited to increased travel, more immigration and the fact that the hardy bugs are tough to eliminate. Bedbugs can live for as long as a year without feeding, and their food of choice is human blood. They hide in seams, cracks and crevices and are expert at hitching rides in suitcases, briefcases, gym bags, purses or on your clothes. This allows them to spread from hotels to homes to schools and offices.
These little brown bugs cannot be stopped by pesticides alone. In a span of about 4 months, just two bedbugs can produce over 300 bugs and lay an additional 1,000 eggs. They like dark places, and like to feed in the dark.
If you’re getting itchy bites, or see evidence of bedbugs you should call a pest control professional. In addition to any chemical treatments, you’ll need to take some other measures to eliminate these pesky parasites. You’ll need to seal your mattress and pillows with a zippered cover to trap bugs and nymphs and prevent them from feeding. Wash linens and be sure to dry them in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Vacuuming can help, although the eggs are hard to remove. After vacuuming, seal the vacuum bag in a Ziploc bag and dispose of it outside. Sticky tape or glue boards can be used around your bed to catch the bugs, and allow you to see if they are still moving around.
Remember to check your room if you are traveling, and even be on the lookout for bedbugs in the office or gym. An infestation can easily be transported back to your home from one of these places.
These little brown bugs cannot be stopped by pesticides alone. In a span of about 4 months, just two bedbugs can produce over 300 bugs and lay an additional 1,000 eggs. They like dark places, and like to feed in the dark.
If you’re getting itchy bites, or see evidence of bedbugs you should call a pest control professional. In addition to any chemical treatments, you’ll need to take some other measures to eliminate these pesky parasites. You’ll need to seal your mattress and pillows with a zippered cover to trap bugs and nymphs and prevent them from feeding. Wash linens and be sure to dry them in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Vacuuming can help, although the eggs are hard to remove. After vacuuming, seal the vacuum bag in a Ziploc bag and dispose of it outside. Sticky tape or glue boards can be used around your bed to catch the bugs, and allow you to see if they are still moving around.
Remember to check your room if you are traveling, and even be on the lookout for bedbugs in the office or gym. An infestation can easily be transported back to your home from one of these places.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Easy Bathroom Updates
Updating a tired bathroom is a great way to start the fall. But don’t think you have to get into heavy-duty, dusty demolition and costly renovations. One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make bathroom improvements is to update your bath or shower area with an acrylic liner. These custom-fitted liners fit your existing tub or shower area perfectly, and are guaranteed not to fade, crack or peel for your house’s lifetime.
Liners Direct has been in the liner business for almost 20 years, and is an industry leader in acrylic manufacturing. They offer a variety of colors and have a complete selection of molds for tub and shower models of all ages and sizes.
So, what if you could be looking at a clean, modern shower or bath area in just one day? This is the time of year when out-of-town relatives and friends start booking their trips for Arizona’s warm winter – when is your rotation of houseguests going to start? By taking advantage of the quick turnaround using Liners Direct, you’ll be ready to host Mom and Dad in no time, for a smaller investment than you would expect.
Match your existing bathroom colors, or go in a new direction with a selection of colors and finishes – from granite and marble designs to a clean tile look. Add accessories to enhance your tub or shower, such as shelves, recessed soap dishes or a corner seat. Liners Direct can also provide a custom-fitted window kit that results in a water-tight seal on your existing window. Update the rest of the room with Liners Direct wainscoting for a fresh look with unmatched durability.
Getting excited about the possibility of a top quality bath renovation that is quick and easy? Take a look at these before and after photos for even more ideas.
Liners Direct has been in the liner business for almost 20 years, and is an industry leader in acrylic manufacturing. They offer a variety of colors and have a complete selection of molds for tub and shower models of all ages and sizes.
So, what if you could be looking at a clean, modern shower or bath area in just one day? This is the time of year when out-of-town relatives and friends start booking their trips for Arizona’s warm winter – when is your rotation of houseguests going to start? By taking advantage of the quick turnaround using Liners Direct, you’ll be ready to host Mom and Dad in no time, for a smaller investment than you would expect.
Match your existing bathroom colors, or go in a new direction with a selection of colors and finishes – from granite and marble designs to a clean tile look. Add accessories to enhance your tub or shower, such as shelves, recessed soap dishes or a corner seat. Liners Direct can also provide a custom-fitted window kit that results in a water-tight seal on your existing window. Update the rest of the room with Liners Direct wainscoting for a fresh look with unmatched durability.
Getting excited about the possibility of a top quality bath renovation that is quick and easy? Take a look at these before and after photos for even more ideas.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Pool Safety is Important Year-round
As summer draws to a close we may not be spending as much time out by the pool, but it’s important to remember that throughout the year, pools are a potential hazard for homeowners and should be protected with the proper fencing and other safety equipment. Local building codes include very specific requirements for pool safety in terms of fencing, gates, and door alarms in an attempt eliminate drowning incidents. Drowning is the leading cause of death among children aged 1 to 4 in Arizona, and is the second-leading cause of unintentional, injury-related death among children under the age of 15.
Pool barrier code varies from city to city in the Phoenix metro area, so homeowners should familiarize themselves with their local ordinances. Homeowners have a number of options for protecting their families and keeping their pool areas safe. A permanent, galvanized and powder-coated steel pool fence can be a beautiful part of your property landscaping, while keeping your pool area safely secured when it is unsupervised. These fences can be custom built to match your home and installed to enhance your existing landscaping features.
Those that don’t have children in the home or want the convenience of a removable fence can consider a pool barrier system. These systems come in a variety of colors and can be used indoors or out, wherever a barrier is needed. They can be taken down and stored when not in use.
Be sure to comply with your local code for pool safety, but more importantly, remember to supervise children at all times because a child can drown in the time it takes to answer the phone. Installing pool fencing is the next important step to take in keeping your family safe around the pool all year long.
Pool barrier code varies from city to city in the Phoenix metro area, so homeowners should familiarize themselves with their local ordinances. Homeowners have a number of options for protecting their families and keeping their pool areas safe. A permanent, galvanized and powder-coated steel pool fence can be a beautiful part of your property landscaping, while keeping your pool area safely secured when it is unsupervised. These fences can be custom built to match your home and installed to enhance your existing landscaping features.
Those that don’t have children in the home or want the convenience of a removable fence can consider a pool barrier system. These systems come in a variety of colors and can be used indoors or out, wherever a barrier is needed. They can be taken down and stored when not in use.
Be sure to comply with your local code for pool safety, but more importantly, remember to supervise children at all times because a child can drown in the time it takes to answer the phone. Installing pool fencing is the next important step to take in keeping your family safe around the pool all year long.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Fall HVAC Maintenance Tips
Believe it or not, the weather will cool down before you know it and you’ll want your heating system to be working properly. Regularly scheduled maintenance by a professional is essential for keeping your system in top operating condition. Check out Energy Star’s maintenance checklist to see what your technician should be servicing.
Filters should be checked monthly, especially in times of high usage. Dirty filters can result in your system running inefficiently and raising your energy costs. Dirt and dust trapped in your system can also lead to expensive repairs if allowed to build up over time. Use the best quality filters for the best results.
Check your ductwork for cracks or loose seams where your heated air can escape. Seal all seams and connections with metal-backed or duct sealant (mastic) tape. You can then wrap ductwork with insulation to keep your ducts leak-free. Speaking of insulation, having the proper wall and ceiling insulation in your home can result in energy savings in both summer and winter. Both the U.S. Department of Energy and APS provide guidelines for proper insulation in specific geographic regions.
Check your condenser as well. First remove any grass, weeds or vines that may have grown up around your condenser, obstructing air flow. Also remove any leaves or other debris. Using a dry, soft brush, clean the exterior of the condenser to remove accumulated dirt. If you are reaching the fins, use care when brushing away dirt. Fins are lightweight and easily damaged. Don’t use your hose, as the dirt can turn to mud packed between the fins.
The concrete pad on which your condenser rests should be level. You can check this by setting a carpenter’s level front to back and side to side on top of the condenser. If you need to level your pad, you can pry it up slightly and fill underneath with a little gravel. These easy, common-sense measures will keep your home and your wallet comfortable this fall.
Filters should be checked monthly, especially in times of high usage. Dirty filters can result in your system running inefficiently and raising your energy costs. Dirt and dust trapped in your system can also lead to expensive repairs if allowed to build up over time. Use the best quality filters for the best results.
Check your ductwork for cracks or loose seams where your heated air can escape. Seal all seams and connections with metal-backed or duct sealant (mastic) tape. You can then wrap ductwork with insulation to keep your ducts leak-free. Speaking of insulation, having the proper wall and ceiling insulation in your home can result in energy savings in both summer and winter. Both the U.S. Department of Energy and APS provide guidelines for proper insulation in specific geographic regions.
Check your condenser as well. First remove any grass, weeds or vines that may have grown up around your condenser, obstructing air flow. Also remove any leaves or other debris. Using a dry, soft brush, clean the exterior of the condenser to remove accumulated dirt. If you are reaching the fins, use care when brushing away dirt. Fins are lightweight and easily damaged. Don’t use your hose, as the dirt can turn to mud packed between the fins.
The concrete pad on which your condenser rests should be level. You can check this by setting a carpenter’s level front to back and side to side on top of the condenser. If you need to level your pad, you can pry it up slightly and fill underneath with a little gravel. These easy, common-sense measures will keep your home and your wallet comfortable this fall.
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