By Keith Markensen The role of color in any landscaping design is a vital one. When color is not used properly, it can destroy the integrity of the design, causing visual confusion and chaos. The correct use of color however can enhance even the simplest designs, resulting in a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. Using Color Theory for Effective Landscaping To be able to effectively use color, knowledge of color theory is necessary. Do you know the difference between primary, secondary and tertiary colors? What about neutral colors? Using the following table will help. Primary Colors - red, yellow and blue Secondary Colors - green, violets or purples and oranges Tertiary Colors - Blends of the primary and secondary categories Neutral colors - White, grays and silvers Note: Black is not a color - it is the absence of color! Creating Harmony between Colors The harmonious use of color occurs when colors are used properly. In order to achieve this harmony, it is necessary to study color combinations and work out which ones go together well. It is a good idea to match warm colors with other warm colors and cool to cool. Whilst there are cool and warm tones in all colors, it is generally accepted that the "cool" colors are blue, pink, purple and green, whilst the "warm" colors are red, yellow and orange. Using colors based on your needs Select colors that reflect the purpose of the landscape design, for example, if you are after a relaxation area, greens, violets or pinks are the ideal choice. If you are looking for a vibrant space, choose bright colors such as reds, yellows and oranges. To create diversity and depth, mix neutral colors such as white or gray with primary or secondary colors, whilst tertiary colors are used to link or separate primary and secondary colors. Use a color wheel to help you match colors. Exterior colors complimenting your interiors Matching the color scheme of your garden to that of the interior of your home allows a transition or flow between the landscape and the building. Colors in the garden that when seen from the inside of the house are complimentary and allow for harmony. Using Seasonal Colors Choose your very own unique set of landscape plants carefully and you will ensure that there is color in your garden all of the year as well as adding interest for the viewer. Using warm colors cautiously If you are like most people and only have a small area to landscape, then you should be careful how you use "warm" colors such as red, yellow and orange. Their vibrancy gives the illusion of being closer or bigger. "Cool" colors will soften the effect and give the illusion that the garden is bigger. There is much more to explore on the subject of plant patio landscape. Today you too can take advantage of our years of experience, visit plant-care.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

By Kathleen Wilson Adding the autumnal warmth to a room can mark the change in seasons for the entire family, ushering in football, holidays, and cups of cocoa after school. And it can be easy, dramatic, and inexpensive! Follow these three simple steps to take any (or every!) room in your home from summer simple, to fall fabulous in just one day! Step One- Add rich, warm color! Whatever your main wall color is in your room, paint your focal wall a deep shade of that color. No major color scheme change here, everything you already have in that room will still work because you are just amping up the present color scheme. For instance, if your walls are a pale peach, paint your focal wall a rich terra cotta. Light sage? Paint that focal wall a deep warm green. Just have white walls? Here is your chance to develop a color scheme and bring a lot of warmth into your room. Pick any one color you love, plus white, and you have a color scheme! Still love your white walls? Then paint the focal wall a rich cream, or even a chocolate brown. Remember, its just paint, and you can always paint it back in an afternoon with a cheap can of paint! Step Two- Change out a few of your accessories... pick up a couple of candles in your new rich focal wall color and set them out on a pretty plate, or add just one throw pillow to the couch and chair in that color. Pick up some ribbon in that hue and use it to tie back curtains, or wrap it around pillows a few times and tie with a pretty bow. Add a throw blanket from the linen closet draped over the easy chair, and a stack of books on the end table to read on a cool night. You don't need to go buy out the home section, just add a few quick touches to warm up the room. Step Three- Add nature! Nothing says the harvest season like displaying the fruits of natures bounty in your home. Set out a bowl full of nuts and nestle a candle in the middle, scatter pressed fall leaves over your mantel or coffee table, or tie branches into bundles, add some dried flowers and hang over doorways. Display fruits and veges on your kitchen counter or take the kids on a nature walk and fill a large clear jar with gifts from Mother Nature. (Always follow laws about collecting, however). There you go, three quick steps and in one day you've created a room for your loved ones that breathes the comfort and coziness of fall!

 

 

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By Elaine VonCannon As gas prices increase more homebuyers are moving closer to the city, their jobs and hubs of activity to decrease travel costs for themselves and the whole family. In the article "Green in the City Part 1" we discussed compact fluorescent light bulbs, tankless water heaters, low flow toilets and how to use power strips and surge protectors to conserve energy. In rural and urban environments green building and eco-friendly renovations that work for existing houses, town homes, condos and apartments are in higher demand. Whether you have a large budget or almost no budget you can reduce your carbon footprint and energy costs. Green home remodeling and practices are a cost effective way to save energy and money every month. Low Flow Faucets and Shower Heads Another great addition to any home or commercial property is low flow faucets and showerheads. Low flow faucets and showerheads use less GPM or gallons per minute, yet they still provide the necessary water pressure. Efficiency faucets and showerheads can be purchased in a variety of styles to suit your personal needs. Improve the Energy Efficiency of Your Windows and Doors Leaks around windows and doors can be one of the worst energy drains in older residential and commercial real estate. If you are not sure where your leaks are on a windy day take a candle and place it in front of different windows and doors. Watch the flame and see where the air originates. If you have traditional, single pane windows with storm windows then consider caulking the storm window frame on both the interior and the exterior of the house. If you have a larger budget invest in new, double pane windows, especially Low E double pane windows, which have a thin layer of silver that lets in light, but not heat. To seal old doors consider re-hanging doors that are loose or have difficulty closing. Also add door sweeps to the bottom to keep air from escaping along with weather stripping. Avoid Chemical Exposure with All Natural Carpets and Flooring The off gassing of new carpet and even some rugs has generated a lot of consumer concern. If you are replacing carpet be sure and buy carpet made with all natural materials or at least unroll the carpet outside in order to allow the chemicals to dissipate. This helps you avoid poor indoor air quality. To avoid chemicals found in flooring consider eco-friendly options such as linoleum alternatives, pressed cork or bamboo flooring. Protect Indoor Air Quality with Low or No VOC Paints Residential and commercial real estate can also become greener by using low or no VOC paints, stains, and finishes. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) are found in many different products but especially in paints, lacquers and finishes. VOC's are highly toxic, like chemicals found in the off gassing of new carpet. Nontoxic, VOC-free paints or low-VOC can be found in any color and are now commonly found online and in hardware stores across the country. For more information about green building and eco-friendly renovations read "Go Green In The City Part 1" Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

By Elaine VonCannon As gas prices increase more homebuyers are moving closer to the city, their jobs and hubs of activity to decrease travel costs for themselves and the whole family. As more people embrace urban environments green building and eco-friendly renovations that work for existing houses, town homes, condos and apartments are in higher demand. Whether you have a large budget or almost no budget, there are ways to reduce your carbon footprint and energy costs. Green home remodeling can benefit you, the environment and the future of our entire world. The Truth About Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs There is a lot of controversy these days about the green value of compact fluorescent light bulbs, better known as those spiral light bulbs that only use a small percentage of the wattage traditional light bulbs. As a positive, these light bulbs do not use nearly as much electricity as traditional bulbs and often last for years at a time. Then it was reported that if these bulbs are broken a small amount of mercury is released. Despite the harmful impact mercury has on the environment the positives of these bulbs outweigh the negatives. Although these bulbs contain a small amount of mercury the amount of electricity they save greatly reduces the amount of mercury released by electrical plants. When using compact fluorescent bulbs take extra care not to break them and dispose of them carefully. Recycling of compact fluorescents has started in various parts of the US. If possible find a recycling center near you Make the Most Out of Your Surge Protectors and Power Strips Many appliances, including computer equipment, stereos, TV’s and cell phone chargers all draw electrical energy even when turned off. If they sit plugged in all the time electricity is wasted. In order to avoid this waste purchase surge protector power strips for various areas and plug multiple items into the strips. Make sure the power strips are easy to reach and when printers, speakers, computers, radios, cell phone chargers, toasters, coffee makers, etc are not in use unplug the power strip and electricity will be conserved. This may seem like a simple tactic, but imagine if everyone became aware of this small electrical drain and took action. Our carbon footprint as a country would decrease dramatically. When it comes to energy conservation every lit bit counts. The Best Ways to Heat Your Water If you own your condo, apartment or home in the city one of the best ways to save energy and money is to purchase a tankless water heater. Energy efficient water heaters save thousands of dollars during the first three to five years. This kind of feature will also work as an excellent incentive for buyers if you sell in the future. If a new water heater isn't in the budget consider turning off your water heater when you are out of town or purchase and install a timer. Most often even older water heaters maintain hot water for approximately 24-48 hours after they have been turned off. Why pay for hot water when you are not using it? Another simple idea is to lower the temperature on your existing water heater. Many older water heaters are set at a scalding 140 degrees. Lowering the thermostat will conserve energy and it’s totally free. Low Flow Toilets and Tricks to Conserve Water Leaky toilets and the water waste caused by older toilets is common in existing homes and commercial properties. Older toilets often use between 3 and 5 gallons per flush. To check and see if your toilet is leaking place food coloring in the back of the tank, after an hour without flushing if the bowl turns color you have found a leak. If you have the money a low flow toilet is your best bet. Made specifically for energy efficiency, low flow toilets are another excellent selling point. If you have a small budget or no budget consider this well-known trick. Take any weighted, solid object, like a glass jar, and place it in your toilet tank. This object will take up space so your tank fills with less water than usual. Instead of 3 to 5 gallons each flush you will now use less. Stay tuned for “Green in the City Part 2” for more great green tips on how to conserve energy and save money. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com