Gardening With Charlie Ecological Landscaping

Green is the across the country right now. Whether it’s , changing to energy-efficient light bulbs, or using nontoxic cleaning products, everyone seems to be looking for ways to lessen their impact on the environment. One area in which it’s easy to see immediate results is our yards. By gardening more ecologically, we can reduce pollution, create wildlife-friendly plantings, and conserve water. It’s just a matter of being smart in the yard.

Plant Trees. One of the simplest acts to reduce pollution and global warming is to grow trees. Trees absorb pollutants such as carbon monoxide and particulates. When properly placed, deciduous trees also cool houses in summer while allowing the ’ to heat houses in winter.

Mulch Plants. To conserve water and reduce weeding, apply a 2- to 4-inch- of organic , such as shredded bark, around trees and . In use native rock or stone to conserve soil moisture.

Find the Right Plant. Plant the right plant in the right location. Choose adapted to your growing region. Native are great because they are used to growing in your climate, and some produce berries for local birds. Site the plant in an area with well-drained and proper . Make sure the ultimate size and shape of the plant will fit the location. There’s nothing worse than having to drastically prune a tree or shrub because it’s grown into the power lines or is blocking a window.

Grow Less Lawn. Lawns have their place in the yard. However, with a smaller lawn you’ll reduce pollution because you won’t have to use the power mower as much. A -powered lawn mower pollutes as much in an hour of mowing as driving a car 100 miles. Try using an electric or push mower instead and more trees, shrubs, and gardens.

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Wednesday, June 11th, 2008

Bamboo Porch Blinds Protect Outdoor Living Space

Whether you have a large porch, a or veranda there may be times when you need a little extra shade from the sun or even some protection from the wind. By using bamboo blinds, affordable protection can be installed in minutes while providing a decorative accent to the outdoor living space. They are beneficial, especially for large opening where traditional blinds cannot provide adequate coverage while resisting the effects of the elements.

Many styles of bamboo blinds can be found to provide protection against the sun that causes damage by exposing outdoor furniture to damaging ultraviolet rays and with the proper installation, they can also work as a wind block in light breezes. They are manufactured in a variety of sizes, and installation is usually quick and easy with little more that something with which to start a hole for screw hooks on which to hang the blind%26#039;s hangers.

While most think about bamboo blinds in the rollup variety, they can be installed as a folding variety and a few designs are available that fold from the side, to fit even the most odd-sized opening in an outdoor space. One of the big advantages of bamboo blinds is the availability of various sizes that allow just about any size opening to be filled with a quality covering.

Protect Investment With Quality Products

Any item that is meant to be left out in the elements needs to be properly protected against possible effects of exposure. With bamboo blinds, although they may be rolled up or folded to limit exposure to bad weather, they will get wet with rain or snow, and should have some sort of treatment to protect them against mildew. Understand, that regardless of the quality there will be some damage due to exposure to the sun.

Many styles of bamboo blinds are designed so that either side can face the inside, and turning them around on a regular basis can help both sides show evenly. Otherwise, the surface pointing out will become dull much quicker than the protected side. Additionally, sunlight may have a positive effect in reducing the effects of moisture and help fight against the formation of mildew.

Those with screened-in have found bamboo blinds useful in providing privacy as well as limiting the amount of sun that pours into the . They can be rolled up in the evening or when a breeze is welcome, and closed when less light is needed and to limit the amount of wind entering the .

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Saturday, March 8th, 2008

Does our lack of sun put your health in danger?

The Northwest’s dreary winters are infamous for inducing depression. But being starved for sunlight can do more than kick you into a psychic hole.

A growing body of evidence suggests it can raise your risk of cancer, increase susceptibility to heart attack, diabetes and other disorders, and at least partly account for the region’s sky-high rates of multiple sclerosis.

The reason is vitamin D, an essential nutrient produced in abundance by skin exposed to the sun’. Long dismissed as being important mainly for strong bones, the so-called sunshine vitamin is now recognized as a key player throughout the body, including the immune system.

Experts say vitamin D deficiency is much more common than previously believed especially in northern climes like Washington, where solar radiation from October to March is too puny to maintain healthy levels.

“You’re in a dark, gloomy place,” said Bruce Hollis, a leading vitamin D researcher at the Medical University of South Carolina. “In the winter, you could stand outside naked for five hours and nothing is going to happen.”

Increased use of sunscreen has turned a seasonal shortfall into a year-round condition for many people. A recent survey in Britain found 87 percent of adults tested during winter, and more than 60 percent in summer, had subpar vitamin D levels. Doctors in many parts of the world including California report a resurgence of childhood rickets, soft bones caused by lack of vitamin D.

While supplements offer a cheap and easy solution, Hollis and other researchers argue the recommended intake is too low to provide many health benefits. A Canadian medical organization advises that pregnant and nursing women take 10 times the amount suggested in the U.S.

“You’re more likely to live longer and you’re less likely to die of serious chronic disease if you have adequate vitamin D on board,” said Dr. Michael Holick of Boston University School of Medicine, one of the world’s top experts. “It may well be the most important nutrient of the decade.”

Risks of low levels

When Lisa Hill went to her doctor complaining of joint pain, she was surprised to get a diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency. “I had never heard of it,” said the 54-year-old Gig Harbor woman.

Since leaving her native Southern California, her has dropped dramatically.

“You’re like a little mole in a hole,” she said. “You just don’t get much sun here.”

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Thursday, February 14th, 2008

Meet Landscaping Idea Challenge With Help

your home can be a daunting task to even the most knowledgeable gardener landscaping idea. The idea of developing usable garden rooms and getting the right plant in the right place may stop you in your tracks idea. (more…)

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Sunday, October 21st, 2007