First, some facts about compost heaps:

1. Compostable materials are natural materials that biodegrade substantially under specific biological conditions.  The compost doesn’t just “happen” if you put the materials in the backyard.  Bacteria and heat need to be at work, and they need a specific environment in the heap to make the compost effective.
2. 4 important elements are needed to make the materials biodegrade in the most efficient way: carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and water.  Some easy carbon materials are cereal straws, cornstalks, dry leaves, wood, cardboard, or office paper.  High nitrogen levels are found easily in green plant material, grass clippings, manure and kitchen waste, such as fruit and vegetable cooked waste, or tea and coffee grounds.
3. Compost heaps can be done at high temperatures (active or aerobic compost) and low temperatures (anaerobic).  High temperatures are necessary to compost meat, dairy, eggs, grease and cooking oil.  To create an aerobic compost heap, the compost needs to be contained within a bin so it can achieve high levels of heat inside the bin to decompose the matter inside.  Recommended size: 3 feet x 3 feet.
4. Anaerobic composting happens at around 86 degrees Fahrenheit.  It is slower than aerobic composting but still effective, and is the common technique for domestic gardening.  Usually an open (or closed) bin of wood or plastic, or even just in the yard in exposed piles, anaerobic composting works for kitchen scraps and garden clippings.  It is recommended to improve airflow and eliminate odor by adding carbon-rich “brown” materials, such as wood chips, shredded bark, twigs, etc.

Now that we have a run down on the important facts about compost heaps, let’s look at some of the products on the market to help with aerobic and anaerobic composting.

HomeDepot.com’s ECOmposter Tumbler with Base is only $249.00 and holds up to 71 gallons of waste inside.  This is a great design for the aerobic processes, and promises to have nutrient rich compost created in as little as 4-6 weeks.  The design looks kind of like a spaceship, but at least it will contain most of the smell.

CleanAirGardening.com’s Black Soilsaver Compost Bin is a double whammy:  the bin is on sale for $109.99, reduced from $139.99, AND it is made out of recycled materials itself!  This is a great bin for domestic use compost in the garden.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more compost bins.

How adorable are these?

Topiary making is an art and wire forms are like sculptures. I know, just keeping my 3-tier round topiary tree is hard enough (well, it’s not round anymore). Here’s a quick rundown on how they make it.

1. Buy a form. Unless of course you are a master wire sculptor. There are several online shops, just type in “topiary forms” specialty nursery and garden stores in your town may have them, too. If you are making your own, chicken & copper wires may be suitable. Other people have even used wire hangers.
2. Choose the plant or shrub. The selection includes creeping vines such as English Ivy, Bay Laurel, Box Holly, Myrtle, etc.
3. Fill the form with sphagnum moss. Thy available at your local Lowes and Home Depot.
4. Plant the vine around the form in the pot or ground.
5. As the vine grows, train it to wrap around the form. Prune as needed so the form stands out.

Ahhh, just love topiaries, found this namecard holders I’m thinking of using at my wedding… whenever that will be.

Conversely I happen to adore the emails with the string of funny pictures or witty stories. I guess I just don’t like being told to forward the message to all my friends in the next 2 minutes lest fire and brimstone rain upon me. So this morning my co-worker sent me the most adorable email containing Puppy Bouquets!

So now you see why I felt obligated to “pay it forward” and post about these adorable creations! The only problem is that there was no merchant information listed in the email stating where you could purchase and or order these puppy creations. Does anyone know where you could buy these?

Which leaves me to believe that they are a labor of love. I suppose you have to try your hand at creating your own puppy. I have an artistic eye but actual “implementation” for arts and crafts eludes me.

My suggestion is to print these photos out, bring them to your local florist and have them mimic the loving… Good luck guys!

Ps. If you do know where to buy these floral arrangements, please let me know. - Michelle

For more Flowers, Gifts Baskets, and Party Supplies, click here.

SPECIAL UPDATE AS OF 12/5/08: 

Thanks to reader: Elizabeth Dufraine (Editor of Thumb Michigan Writers)

She provided me the following merchant who offers these adorable puppy bouquets!

They can be purchased at:
120 E. Main Street
Elsie, Michigan
48831
989-862-4446
http://thecountrypetal.zoomshare.com/

Hope that helps!

Wow, what year is it? Oh that’s right it’s 2008 and yet I kid you not there is a lady that lives down the street from me who’s garden is ripe with those little garden gnomes! I know what your thinking let her be, it’s her house her garden she can decorate it the way she wants. Which is all well and true but it just got me thinking that there has to be cooler, newer garden decor to fill your lawn with now a days. Right?

Answer: YES

Take for example this awesome Buddha Garden Statue from Exterior Accents!

This beautiful Buddha in Lotus Position garden statue is created in the time honored cold cast method mixing resin with bronze, marble, granite and other quality materials. Durable, yet one third the weight of concrete allowing for easy mobility, each sculpture is completely weather resistant and will add years of visual pleasure to your garden.

Price - was $349.95 on sale $319.95 (click on image or link to shop)

If Buddha statues are completely not your style how about this “Flowers for Felicity Garden Statue” from Design Toscano!

We bet you love flowers as much as Felicity does! Balancing two faux woven baskets hanging from metal chains and ready for your favorite posies, this lovingly crafted sculpture boasts rich details, from the buttons proudly popping off her overalls to her bouncy, beribboned pigtails.

Personally I am a little bit scared of all statues or frozen forms of children. I think I watched too many horror movies in my youth. But Felicity is cute! Well until she comes alive at night and runs giggling through your hallways! Ha, I am kidding. If you can picture her in your garden she costs $75 dollars.

Call me kooky but I like this Lady Goldfish Pond Spitter!

It reminds me of Flounder from the Little Mermaid movie, plus garden statues and lawn art should be affordable and durable. Which this little goldfish is, it’s a beautifully sculpted spitter featuring a female goldfish resting atop a rock-like base.

This statue is crafted from a resilient resin blend for a construction that will last through many seasons.

The best part is my little fishy only costs $21.99

(To shop or browse the Beckett Lady Goldfish Pond Spitter, click the image or the link)

Plus if you spend over $75 dollars at TheBestNest.com Shipping is FREE!

OK so I realize that the Mother Duck and Ducklings figurines might appear a tad cliche to some, but I happen to think that they are adorable!

I happen to prefer the flesh and blood versions myself but if you don’t see yourself housing a family of ducks, why not purchase the frozen statuesque variety?

These Outdoor Duck Figurines possess all the charm of the weathered stone originals without the hefty pricetag! Constructed from a blend of resin, styrene, and fiberglass, the lighweight material makes the statues easy to maneuver.

The noble aged, black finish make it indistinguishable from the stone variety and each duck comes with a stake to securely place them along your lawn.

was $89.00 now $30.00 (you save $59.00)

Well hopefully I have given you ample options to the lonely 2 foot gnome currently residing in your front lawn. If I can’t convince you to retire “the garden gnome” then at the very least make an attempt to find him modern and classy company.

Well my roommates and I decided to try saving a few bucks every month and promptly alerted our gardeners that we would not be needing their lawn mowing services until further notice. I am starting to think it was the dumbest way to save a few dollars. Turns out this lawn upkeep thing is much harder than I anticipated.

First things first, we needed to purchase our own lawn mower! We all pitched in and decided we could not afford or want to invest in a model worth more than 500 dollars, just in case this ended up being a short term money shaving theory.

So here are some lawn mowers I found for less than $500 dollars:

1. Poulan-Pro Lawn Mower

My first choice is this 21 inch high wheel, bagged, push mower from Poulan. Has 5 different height settings so you can spare your back and adjust the level of the handlebars to your optimal setting. Has an attached bag to collect the lawn debris and a 6.0 torque engine.

Plus it was $378.09 but is on sale now for: $266.64 (you save $111.45)

(click on image or link to shop or browse)

2. The Black & Decker Cordless Mulching Mower

This model has a 24 Volt Sealed Lead Acid Battery for Trouble-Free Cutting of Up to 1/3 Acre Homesites (grass conditions will effect run-time). Well here is a list of features:

- Rechargeable Battery Recharges to 60-70% in 4 Hours and to 100% in 16 Hours

- Hassle-free Starting With the Flip of a Switch

- One-touch Height Adjustment Adjusts All Four Wheels With the Touch of a Button
Folding Push-handle Has Adjustment Which Folds Down so Mower Stores in Less Space.

-2 Year Warranty and No Assembly required

Price $399.95 (but has a Free shipping coupon)

(click on image or link to shop or browse)

3. Black & Decker Mulching Electric Mower from Ace Hardware

Well first of all it’s electric, because who could afford a “gas” mower right now? Cuts a width of 18 inches, mulches your lawn debris and expels on the side. There is no side bag attached but I think the “mulching” feature pretty much takes care of that. I personally would like to collect and dispose of the debris but I may be wrong. The Black & Decker electric mower has a single lever height adjustment feature and a lifetime warranty for the deck.

Price $209.99

(to purchase, shop or browse click on the link or the image)

4. Black & Decker Electric Mower

Last but certainly not least is the Black & Decker Electric Mower!  Lightweight and easy to maneuve, this model is also electric. The one lever height adjustment lets you adjust all four wheels at once.

No gas, No tuneups, No oil … makes it super easy to maintain and start!

Price $159.99 

(click on image or link to shop, browse or purchase)

Well I hope these options prove useful to you if you are in the market for a new lawn mower or are planning on buying one for the first time like I was.  Happy Humpday Everyone!  

What is your garden missing? I think a little tropical recluse is always a lovely touch to any green scene. Nothing soothes my nerves after a long day like the sound of trickling water.

The Stone Hill Tranquility Pond would make a wonderful addition to any garden, small patio, deck, balcony or backyard. Water gently cascades from the top tier to the bottom, the fountain is lightweight, durable and the pump plugs directly into a standard grounded outlet.

Originally the Stone Hill Tranquility Pond costs: $79.99 but is currently on sale for: $71.99! (you save: $8.00 10%)

To purchase the Stone Hill Tranquility Pond, click here.

To shop for more discount Ponds & Fountains, click here.

Frontgate - Deluxe Patio Heater

The Frontgate Deluxe Patio Heater is equally at home in your residential backyard as well as in a trendy cafe’ or coffee shop! You can extend the entertaining season well into Spring with an outdoor space heater to warm the winter nights.

Here are the highlights:

• 40,000-BTU heat output keeps a 15′ radius toasty warm
• High-efficiency burner system features a flame-failure device and anti-tilt switch
• Push-button ignition
• Adjustable heat control
• Three-piece slidable aluminum reflector intensifies heat
• Weighty 20″ base rolls easily on wheels
• Patio heater uses a 20-lb. LP tank (not included)
• Price: $395.00

To purchase or shop for the Frontgrate Deluxe Patio Heater, click here.

Lil’ Arctic Sun Patio Heater

This portable gas fueled table top heater is a perfect heat source for your deck, patio, or campsite. Shipping is FREE and it is currently being offered by MoreMailBoxes.com for only $173.99!

Here are the features:

• Available in Beige, Green, Bronze or Pewter
• Constructed with a cast iron base, stainless steel emitter screen shield, and an aluminum reflector dome
• Easy 10 minute assembly
• Tip-over safety switch
• Burner grid radiates heat up to an 8′ diameter
• Push button Piezo electric ignition
• Efficient burner system with 100% safety shut-off
• Up to 11,000 BTUs
• Fueled by a standard propane disposable tank (approximately six hours of burn time)
• 1-year limited warranty
• LP tank not included
• Made in China
• 39.5″ H x 20″ W x 20″ D

To purchase or shop for the Lil’ Arctic Portable Patio Heater, click here.
To shop for more discount patio heaters, click here.

There is nothing quite as tranquil and beautiful as a Japanese themed garden! Check out the following exotic and tropical plants you can purchase to add a touch of the orient to your home and garden today. With its beautiful braided trunk, the Asian money tree is not only of unique visual interest, but some believe that good luck follows with each unfurling leaf. The large tree has bright-green leaves and a substantial trunk with a visual creativity that is offset by the square, white ceramic pot.

The Large Traditional Money Tree featured is offered by Red Envelope and retails for $65.00!

Upgrade the energy of your home, your luck and your life with this auspicious plant. In Feng Shui philosophy, the lotus bamboo is believed to bring prosperity and blessings. It is named for its leaves, which form the shape of the inspirational lotus flower, signifying purity, peace and the higher spirit.

Sold exclusively at Red Envelope, The Lotus Bamboo Traditional Plant retails for $38.00!

Practiced for centuries in China and Japan, the art of bonsai captures nature’s beauty in a confined space. Not your traditional bonsai tree, the exotic, tropical Sago palm brings a bit of paradise down to earth. This plant is easy to care for, the miniature version adapts to indirect light or full sun and needs only occasional watering.

The Palm Bonsai Exotic Tropical Plant is sold for $50.00, at Red Envelope.

Durable and beautiful water lilies, with a floating arrangement of three lilies grouped together. A lovely way to add bold color to your pond. Free weight and green anchoring line included.

Water Lily Cluster costs $10.39 at Drs. Foster & Smith.

Hopefully these plants inspire you to create a little piece of tranquil heaven on earth, a remote respite where you can de-compress and center your Zen!

To shop for more deep discounts on Plants and Seeds, click here.  

The featured Indoor Gardening Tool Set is currently on sale, originally sold for $24.95 it is currently on sale for $14.99!

House all your gardening necessities in this durable and thrify garden tote tool set. This small gardening dynamite includes a pruner, snips, rake, trowel, shovel, and glass spray bottle. The canvas tote has a reinforced bottom and it has brass grommets, elastic tool bands, and an eight-pocket capacity. Perfect for tending to small gardens and indoor plants.

To purchase this Indoor Gardening Tool Set, click here.

To shop for deep discounts on assorted Garden Tools & Garden Supplies, click here.

The key to all great cooking is the freshest ingredients! So why not grow your own herbs on your kitchen counter top? This Italian Herb Garden that is sold exclusively at Red Envelope features basil, oregano and chives. It would make a delicious gift for friends and family who would appreciate the use of fresh herbs in their culinary delights.

This sweet deal also includes 3 glazed ceramic containers decorated with herb illustrations and premium seeds and soil. Honestly they couldn’t have made it any easier for us, if they slowly S-P-E-L-L-E-D it out. Oh wait a minute it comes with step by step instructions! I am officially all out of excuses.

Retails for $29.00

To purchase the Italian Herb Garden House Plant, click here.

To save money on more House Plants, click here.