Garden Best Price!

Garden Stake 3D Metal Outdoor Decor Lucky Ladybug Man (32H) (A324) by Regal Gift

2009-12-31T22:02:00.001-08:00

Garden Stake 3D Metal Outdoor Decor Lucky Ladybug Man (32H) (A324) by Regal Gift
From B00183KAFS

This Garden Stake 3D Metal Outdoor Decor Lucky Ladybug Man (32H) (A324) by Regal Gift is fun, unique and whimsical . . . with gorgeous, three dimensional details and rich hand painted colors. This quality stake is NOT your everyday, dollar-store variety. Decorate your garden and home with these perfect gents, ladies, bugs, birds, flowers and what nots! Purchase more than one and get a whole theme going on. An optional stand (if shown it is not included), so you can create a standing display on your patio, porch or indoors, is also available for the larger ones with feet.
Amazon Sales Rank: #577647 in Kitchen & Housewares Brand: Regal Gifts Dimensions: 5.00 pounds

A must for any yard I purchased 2 ladybug stakes for our backyard and they are the talk of all of our guests. They are very well made, hold up to wind and rain and add a smile to our faces when we are sitting in the yard.

Burt's Bees - Garden Tomato Complexion Soap, 4 oz bar

2009-12-30T22:02:00.001-08:00

Burt's Bees - Garden Tomato Complexion Soap, 4 oz bar
From Burt's Bees

WHY IT WORKS: Its like treating your skin to a healthy salad. This hand milled soap is made to naturally cleanse and balance oily and troubled facial skin. Tomatoes are a natural source of AHAs and lycopene to balance your skins pH. This soap also helps to refine enlarged pores and provides a soothing effect. HOW IT WORKS: Wet face and throat. Lather soap between hands and massage gently over skin. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and again with a cool rinse. Follow with a toner and your favorite Burt's Bees Creme or lotion. 4 oz.
Amazon Sales Rank: #25017 in Health and Beauty Size: 4 Brand: Burt's Bees Ingredients: Vegetable soap base, fragrance, tomato powder, aloe barbadensis. 96.80% Natural. Dimensions: .30 pounds

Very good product. In the store, the first thing the salesman told me when he noticed I was looking at the Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Complexion Soap was that he's had many a customer come in to purchase it saying their doctor or dermatologist had requested they get it. Now, I can see why. It lathers just like regular soap but is soft on the face, is easily apply and rinse off. It doesn't leave my skin feeling dry or irritated like regular soap or cleansers. But, as for clearing/preventing acne, so far that hasn't happened, and that's one of the main reasons I purchased it. But don't get me wrong, this is a very good product and if you aren't looking for an anti-acne soap, then consider this review a 5/5. Acne no more! I've never had horrible acne, but I've never had completely clear skin either. For the first time in my life (I'm 32) I have clear skin. I am in love with this soap. The ONLY thing that has worked like this. I have loved Burt's Bees for a long time, but just found this soap. If only I had found it sooner... oh well, I have it now. Finally a reprieve from oily skin I have to say the first couple days I was a bit disappointed with the soap. I noticed the eruption of a lot of tiny red pimples, which made me worry that I had just wasted more money hoping for a cure. What I did immediately notice was that it got rid of the oiliness on my face. I have severely oily skin and within a couple hours after showering, my forehead is completely shiny. With this soap, the shininess was gone, all day. I decided that I would be patient and try it a little longer. I have used it about a week and I have noticed an improvement. My pores are smaller, I have fewer pimples, the oil is gone, and my skin feels softer. I had awhile back used Tretinoin and as a result developed bad rosacea on my cheeks. Every other protect I used just aggravated my skin and caused a lot of other problems. If you have problem oily skin, I'd say give the soap two weeks, and see if it can do the same for you. If your skin is really bad, you probably won't see an overnight effect. Also, I'd recommend using the tomato toner in conjunction.

How to Grow Vegetables and Berries

2009-12-29T22:02:00.000-08:00

How to Grow Vegetables and Berries
By Sunset Editors

Turbofloorplan Home & Landscape Pro V12

2009-12-28T22:03:00.001-08:00

Turbofloorplan Home & Landscape Pro V12
From IMSI

Designing your dream home has never been easier. Choose from one of the sample plans or build your own from scratch with the powerful House Builder Wizard and create your dream home layout to your exact specifications. Customize the interior and outdoor space by quickly adding walls color furniture lighting landscaping or a deck. Experience your dream home in photorealistic 3D and create a virtual walkthrough to show friends and family. Home Design Remodeling Interiors Kitchens & Baths Landscaping Site Planning Cost Estimating and more Design and Visualize your home in Photorealistic 3D Automatic Building and Design Tools like Home Design Wizard Kitchen Design Wizard Deck Design Wizard Shed Design Wizard Material Selector Brand Name Content Color Chooser and more Over 10000 built-in Library Items Material Selector - point-and-click colors for walls floors countertops and more Accurate Measurements & Cost Estimating Over 1000 Sample Home PlansSystem Requirements: Microsoft® Windows® 2000 (SP4) XP (SP2) or Vista 500Mhz or higher processor 750MB free hard drive space 512MB RAM (*1 GB RAM Recommended) DVD-ROM drive Video Card with OpenGL driver and 32MB RAM (*64MB RAM Recommended) Color monitor with 1024x768 resolution or higher Windows-compatible mouse Microsoft® Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher to access online features (Optional) *Use these requirements to optimize your software experience. Format: WIN XPVISTA Genre: REFERENCE / LIFESTYLE Age: 730526358162 UPC: 730526358162
Amazon Sales Rank: #1519 in Software Brand: IMSI Released on: 2007-09-04 Platforms: Windows Vista, Windows XP Format: CD-ROM Dimensions: 1.25 pounds

General Design - Nothing To Build From This is a very nice general design software however, I was looking for something that would provide more detail. The software provides for common selections for a given area, probably the area the software designers are from, it didn't come close to the building codes in my area of California. You definitely CANNOT print a set a blue prints from this software package. The software wouldn't even provide a proper material list simple balcony. It listed general lumber and nails. I couldn't specify specific hardware, such as, screws, Simpson ties, etc. Since this software doesn't stand out from the rest, I rated it average. Disappointing program Looked good at first blush but has several limitations. Can't resize a single wall; adjusting one always adjusts one or more adjacent walls. Have existing house plans I wanted to 'plug-in' but gave no option to do so. Hard to do anything but a strict rectangular plan. Great, easy to use drawing program Turbofloorplan Home & Landscape Pro V12A super great, easy to use drawing program. A lot of fun to use.

Live Butterfly Pavilion

2009-12-27T22:03:00.001-08:00

Live Butterfly Pavilion
From Insect Lore

The 2-foot tall Butterfly Pavilion pops-up easily. Hang it from a string or set it on a table-top. The see-through mesh and zippered entry allow easy access for care and feeding. Includes habitat, mail-in coupon for 6-10 Painted Lady butterfly larvae with special food and complete instructions. Please be advised that there is an additional $5.00 required when redeeming your coupon for shipping and handling. Available only in the Continental U.S. and Alaska.
Amazon Sales Rank: #2782 in Toys & Games Size: Pavilion Brand: Insect Lore Model: 4100192 Dimensions: 15.60" h x 3.10" w x 15.50" l, 1.55 pounds
The 2-foot tall Butterfly Pavilion “pops-up” easily. Hang it from a string or set it on a table-top. The see-through mesh and zippered entry allow easy access for care and feeding. Includes habitat, mail-in coupon for 6-10 Painted Lady butterfly larvae with special food and complete instructions. Please be advised that there is an additional $5.00 required when redeeming your coupon for shipping and handling. Available only in the Continental U.S. and Alaska.
So fun I Bought My Own! I bought one of these last year for my nieces. I also got one for me, and I'm in my 30's. I waited until the spring time to send in my caterpillar certificate. They came in their own little container with just enough food. So you don't need to feed them anything. I tried to put some real food such as leaves from the plants they like to eat in the wild, but they preferred the food that came with them. I think I received 6 caterpillars and they all turned into butterflies. I let them go a day or two after they emerged. Kids are completely fascinated by the process from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly. One word of caution, it may not be the best thing to get for Christmas since you may have to wait until spring to get your caterpillars. They will send them in the winter, but I didn't want the butterflies to die on me or freeze to death if I let them go. Wonderful--Raise generations of butterflies! My son (age 5) got this from his grandparents for Christmas and it has been terrific fun for all of us. The first set of ten caterpillars grew visibly day-by-day, then pupated and emerged as butterflies in a few weeks. There is a lot of great information about painted lady and other butterfly species online and having this project got my son very interested in how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly so soon I found myself showing him multi-colored pictures of imaginal discs (the larval structures that produce the butterfly wing, leg etc. during metamorphosis) online at websites I found--a great way to get him interested in developmental biology. The first time we talked about this he decided they were actually "magical discs", given what these groups of cells can do...the whole process has been very entertaining for the whole family.... It is also really fun to have butterflies flitting around and caterpillars growing in the pavilion in the kitchen when it is gray and wintery outside. How to raise more than one generation of critters inside: Since we sent our coupon for larvae out immediately after Christmas, we had butterflies dancing around the pavilion and mating in February when there were no plants outside to collect for the next generation of caterpillars to eat. Anticipating this, I ordered a mallow plant and some additional larval food from Carolina Biological Supply Company at about the time when our caterpillars turned into chrysalises: there is an online store and the stuff to get is the L918 culture medium (144040). This will feed about 80 larvae. (Unfortunately the Insect Lore company, which makes the Pavilion, only sells caterpillar food in small quantities along with additional larvae, which we certainly didn't need). How to do it: We set the mallow plant in the pavilion and the butterflies laid their eggs on the leaves where we could watch them darken and emerge as very tiny 1mm long new caterpillars. After 4-5 days of watching the caterpillars eat the mallow plant (making little tracks on the leaves) we prepared them new homes in caterpillar media. To do this, you can use either the original plastic containers that the first generation larvae are shipped in (clean them out and dish wash them) or use another small clear-sided plastic or glass jar with a lid. Clean the containers well (I wiped the inside with a paper towel with isopropyl alcohol on it after dishwashing to kill bacteria, which will contaminate the food and make the larvae sick). The food will come in two plastic containers (nearly full). One of these can be frozen for subsequent generations. Transfer the contents of one container to a covered microwaveable container and heat on medium in the microwave (swirling every 10-30 seconds to mix and avoid overheating) until it is a solution. Pour media into the bottoms of the larvae containers to a depth of about a quarter inch (this will make 4-5 new containers). If there is a lot of condensation on the sides after the media has hardened, you can wipe this away with a paper towel--I did this, but then again alcohol-wiped the inside solid surfaces and lid above the media. Cover the containers loosely (leave the lid slightly ajar) and put them somewhere to dry. I laid a clean paper towel over the collection of covered jars to keep dust/dirt from drifting in given the activity level of the children here. After a couple days of drying, these were ready for larvae. If necessary (ie., if not using the previously shipped containers) make very, very small air holes in the lid. Then use a toothpick or matchstick to collect each 2-4 mm long larva off of the mallow plant leaves and tap to drop them into the new container. Put a clean paper towel over the top of the container (under the lid) and re-cap the jar--now the paper will serve as a scaffold for new chrysalises to hang from and will allow air in while preventing the tiny caterpillars from escaping. Try to be relatively aseptic about this. It appears that we're going to get about 20-30 new caterpillars from the first generation, which I should be able to accommodate with the larvae cups made above...hopefully by the time we've run out of this food and been through a couple more generations it will be summer and warm enough to release all of the butterflies we have outside. The pavilion is well made and sturdy enough that it should accommodate many other projects involving insects. All in all, we've been entirely pleased with this--a great gift that's had my son on the phone describing his butterflies' recent development to grandma and grandpa several times! One more tip: the adult butterflies seem to become upended on the floor of the pavillion at times while they are flapping around and have trouble gaining traction to right themselves on the slick nylon surface. This shortened the lives of several of ours until I saw it happening and put some packing material (like easter straw) in there for them to stand on. Fun, educational, and really cool, too! I bought this kit for my 5-year-old, but my 3-year-old wound up loving it every bit as much as the older one. The caterpillars arrive in a sealed container with everything they need--all you have to do is observe them. After a week, we placed the cocoons in the habitat, and out hatched five gorgeous butterflies. What's more, they began laying eggs within a few days, and before you know it, we had DOZENS of teeny-tiny baby caterpillars! Of course, we set them free outside (I'm no bug farmer), and we enjoyed painted lady butterflies throughout the rest of the summer. This kit provided my children with a wonderful, exciting learning experience that they will never forget!

Merrill's Compost Tea

2009-12-26T22:02:00.001-08:00

Merrill's Compost Tea
From Merrill's

Now its easy to make your plants happy with Merrill's Compost Tea. Simply steep one teabag in a gallon of warm water for 15 minutes and water your plants for beautiful blooms, shiny leaves and healthy plants. Merrill's Compost Tea is a mixture of Rodale Organic Gardening Certified compost, sea kelp, humic acid, and micorhizae. Packed with the living microorganisms and essential nutrients your plants have been craving.
Amazon Sales Rank: #23360 in Lawn & Patio Size: small Brand: Merrill's Dimensions: 3.00" h x 4.00" w x 4.00" l, .28 pounds

This stuff is easy to use and amazing Fertilizing can be tricky in terms of what, and when to add. Compost tea is great because its easy to apply without risking damage, but often hard to make. This process takes out all of the guesswork with the tea bag. Just add the tea bag to a gallon of water, let it sit for a while and water. I was surprised at how fast and well it worked on all of the plants, both indoor and outdoor. In addition, its nice to have organic going on the garden herbs and vegetables we eat. You can go direct easily through (......)

Sentinel 8 x 10 Outdoor Storage Shed With Windows, Skylights, and Shelving, By Lifetime Products, # 60005

2009-12-25T22:02:00.000-08:00

Sentinel 8 x 10 Outdoor Storage Shed With Windows, Skylights, and Shelving, By Lifetime Products, # 60005
From Lifetime Products

Sentinel 8 x 10 Shed with new side entry, two new side windows on front and one standard size window on back wall. Shelving system includes 2-90 inch shelves, 2-corner shelves, 1-pegboard strip with hardware, and two large skylights. Constructed with powder coated steel A-frame roof trusses and internal wall structure of steel-reinforced double polyethylene panels. High grade metal screws ensure secure-fastened assembly. Peak screen vent cap offers additional airflow. Low maintenance features include UV-Protection to help prevent fading and cracking, weather resistant seams help keep interior dry, stain resistant finish is easy to clean and never needs painting. Your yard is a jungle - its time to tame it with this year-round storage unit. 10 Year Limited Warranty thru Lifetime Products. Customer service information 1-800-225-3865 and www.lifetime.com.
Amazon Sales Rank: #887269 in Lawn & Patio Color: Putty/Brown Brand: Sentinel Model: 60005 Dimensions: 33.75" h x 32.00" w x 96.00" l,

We LOVE this shed! I did alot of research before purchasing this shed on sale at 997! All other reviews have been awesome on other sites... and I can't say how the winter / snow will be since we haven't had to deal with that yet. However, the beams do seem very strong, and there are a bunch of them, so I can't forsee any trouble. However, there are more then 500 screws that go into this, so it will take 3-4 hours to build, 2 adults. It is easy to build, nice shelveing and slots to hang things, etc. One inner light, 2 vents and a window that does open. All in all a great shed for the money. It really looks nice too, our neighbors have commented on it. We had no problems with the instructions, and the doors went on easily and aligned perfectly. They open wide, so no need to worry about them reclosing or not enough room. Roomy inside, 8 x 10. Left door has its own lock to keep it shut, and space to lock both doors from outside. Roof collapsing!! I bought this shed, new, last fall. The roof has sagged at least 3 or 4 inches(in middle) over winter from moderate snow loads. "Customer service" says it's my problem. They would be happy to sell me new roof trusses though. The difference between a GOOD company your happy to do business with again and the rest is how they treat you when something goes wrong. Live in snow country? Expect good service for your money? Avoid these guys like the plague!

Sunset Hillside Landscaping

2009-12-24T22:03:00.001-08:00

Sunset Hillside Landscaping
By Susan Lang, Sunset Books

This all-inclusive edition explores landscaping solutions for properties with everything from slight slopes to extreme vertical challenges. Combining creative planning with practical application, Hillsides Landscaping offers easy-to-follow guidelines for designing plant beds and terraces, private steps and paths, serene seating areas, and soothing waterfalls on slopes of varying degrees. A Guide to Planting covers plant selection and installation, and includes advice on erosion control, plants for walls and crevices, and other special considerations.

A pillow-book for gardeners I was a flat-land gardener most of my life, and when we retired and moved to a house with a backyard that sloped steeply down to a small river, I needed ideas on how to landscape our new property. "Hillside Landscaping" is a sort of pillow book for gardeners. The majority of its beautiful photographs show landscapes that gardeners of modest means can only dream about. I used the book to point out photographs of steps and retaining walls that I liked to the local landscaping firm, then we'd have a good laugh about the price, and work out cheaper compromises. For instance, instead of stone steps I now have wooden stairs leading down to the river. Don't misunderstand me, though. There are some very good ideas in this book. For instance, we used the suggestion to zig-zag the stairs down the slope, both to make the climb a bit easier (the slope varies from about 1:6 to 1:2) and to make the journey to the river more interesting. This book is divided into five sections: * "Understanding your Terrain"--this section is very important, no matter how much money you plan to spend. It discusses types of hillsides (most especially the severity of the slope) , drainage considerations, and whether or not the landscape needs to be reshaped, e.g. terraced. * "Inspiring Ideas"--beautiful photographs of slopes, decks, patios, steps, retaining walls, water features, etc. with suggestions on placement, materials, and plantings. * "It's all in the planning"--a very useful chapter, including the ABCs of garden design, and the mechanics of plotting your property. One of this chapter's suggestions that we plan to implement is a 'dry creekbed' to drain water from our backyard slope. * "Building on slopes"--Many landscaping features such as fences are more challenging to build on a slope. This chapter explains what factors you need to consider when building or gardening on a slope. I learned NOT to pull up weeds and saplings from their downhill side, after yanking out a small alder, losing my balance, and tumbling over the dry-stone retaining wall and down the steps. It was a cheap way of conducting my own bone density scan, but I wouldn't recommend this procedure to anyone else! I was also very glad that we had decided to build the steps out of wood, not stone. * "Focusing on plants"--Erosion control. Erosion control. Erosion control. Figure out how you're going to work your beds. Use low-maintenance plants "if you want to avoid scrambling around your hillside to perform tasks such as weeding and pruning." There are suggestions on how to water on a slope--very important, and something I didn't think of when originally planning the beds. "Hillside Landscaping" is useful as well as beautiful and can be used by do-it-yourselfers as well as those of us who plan to hire the muscle to move the stones and build the steps. Lots of pic's but no help for do it yourself homeowners I live in Southern California where there are hills galore. I thought the book showed very pretty pictures and has nice planting tips, but it wasn't very helpful for homeowneres like my husband and I who wanted to try and landscape ourselves. I also purchased a book called Inspirational Terracing which was able to help my husband and I really landscape our yard ourselves with instructions and wonderful ideas for any situation and the author built all the landscapes himself, using afordable stones that the average person can lift. The book has beautiful pictures and it was very useful. It made me wonder how Hillside Landscaping got all their pictures, I think anyone can drive around and take pictures of landscapes that other people have built and work hard to maintain and beautify and turn around and make money off of other peoples hard efforts. It seemed more like a magazine than a book,it had beautiful scenery but used only materials that top notch contractors with huge equiptment, charging heafty prices could pull off. These landscapes are not for the person with an average house, only the upper class, homeowners could never afford these landscapes and nearly all of them could never be attempted by the homeowner. Great addition to any landscaping book collection I just received this book today and have been unable to put it down. I never expect to be so impressed with a book in this price range, but I highly recommend it for anyone who is serious about landscaping and has to deal with hills or slopes.Having just recently purchased some hillside property, I was looking for the kind of book that would help me and my land partners develop this in the fashion we want. This book gives me much more than I could ever imagine. Not only is it chalk full of great suggestions for developing practically EVERY kind of sloped surface, but it great tips on garden design, plant choice, decks, multi-leveled lawns, walkways (all types), retaining walls and much, much more. There are also loads of great instructions and diagrams to help anyone from beginner to expert. The second chapter, "Inspiring Ideas," is worth the price of the book alone. Yes, the photos are sometimes a bit small, but there are so many good ones here of, in some cases, some of the cleverest landscapes I've ever seen that it more than compensates for any photographic shortcomings.Hard to go wrong with this book. Really. Highly recommended for anyone who has to deal with this type of landscape.

100% Organic Biodegradable 3" Seed Starting 22 Pots

2009-12-23T22:03:00.001-08:00

100% Organic Biodegradable 3" Seed Starting 22 Pots
From Hirt's Gardens

Organic, Biodegradable Seed Starting Pots Beyond Biodegradable 100% Organic and 100% biodegradable. DOT Pots are the worlds only OMRITM listed Biodegradable plantable pots. Plant the pot without ripping the bottom. Post consumer content packaging is printed with biodegradable soy inks. Organic, Not just because we say so Wood fiber used is sourced exclusively from thinning of sustainably managed forests. Electric power used in the manufacturing process comes primarily from renewable resources. It's what's NOT in the DOT PotTM that makes it better! Unlike glued peat moss pots, biodegradable DOT Pots are made from all natural wood fibers, 80% spruce fibers and 20% peat moss and nothing else! DOT Pots contain zero glues or binders -- allowing the plant roots to grow right through the pot during a normal production cycle. The plant's growth is not impeded by the walls of the pot. This creates a vigorous, non-girdled root system that spreads out evenly and uniformly. Air pruning is taken to a whole new level. The highly porous technology of the DOT Pots allows us to exclude one more ingredient from the DOT Pot -- drain holes. Without glue or binders, air and water flow freely through the entire container without the need for drain holes. Why reduce air pruning to a few dime-sized holes or narrow slots? DOT Pots achieve even air pruning along the entire container surface. Not only are DOT Pots 100% biodegradable, but they are 100% OMRI Listed® as well. Now you can forget about the plastic waste and the disposal hassles of traditional plastic containers. When you plant a DOT Pot, both you and Mother Nature will be smiling. You will receive 22 organic, biodegradable pots, size 3 1/8" x 3 1/8"
Amazon Sales Rank: #55302 in Lawn & Patio Brand: Hirts: Gardens Products

great for seedlings These are the perfect size for cuttings, or for an intermediate transplant of peat pellets. Roots can punch through the bottom quite easily, which is good. (As with any container like this, though, remember that the pot itself wicks moisture out of the soil and away from your seedling. Keep an eye on the soil moisture.)

Sunsational 6' Classic Awning

2009-12-22T22:03:00.001-08:00

Sunsational 6' Classic Awning
From SUNSATIONAL

Retractable Sunsational Classic Awnings save you money! These Awnings really look sharp... and actually pay for themselves in energy saved! Not only do they offer a decorative touch, but they block more radiant heat out of your home. Fabric is water and dirt repellent; UV and mildew resistant, too; Individually hand-sewn with the highest attention to detail; Retractable with a simple pull of a cord; All sizes have a 2'1" drop, 2'1" projection and a 6" valance; Easy to install; Weighs 7 lbs., 10 ozs. State Color. Order Today! AVAILABLE SEPARATELY: 4' and 8' - word search in our Store for 'Sunsational Classic Awning'. Sunsational 6' Classic Awning

Quality is iffy, at best I purchased two of these for our beach house last year - the have not held up well, given the coastal environment. I wouldn't expect many years of use, but after just one year, they have faded severely when rolled up for the winter. It takes them several days and much exposure to "fall out" after opening them up for the Spring/Summer/Fall months. They do a good job of blocking the sun and shading the house but the material is the problem - using a Sumbrella type fabric would make these a great value but the supplied fabric is basically canvas that fades and wrinkles. Also, the supplied connectors are a huge disappointment - they are exposed "wing nuts" and UGLY UGLY UGLY. Look CLOSELY at the photo, if they had designed these to be on the inside, where you cannot see them, this would be a far better design. If you have a nice home and want these for function over asthetics, go for it but if I was buying again I'd pay a littel more for a better grade of fabric and connector system. Oh, and one more thing: if you live in a windy environment, even t-storms, the design of these is such that they bang against the house due to the support arm having far too much give - we have added rubber washers and they still make a lot of noise - enough to wake you up in the middle of the night with just a 20-30 MPH wind gust... UPDATE 10.30.09: We finally ditched the canvas material, after my wife used it as a pattern for new awnings - made from SUNBRELLA material - which is heavier and far superior to the flimsy canvas supplied. So heavy in fact the "thumping" against the side of the house has all but stopped in winds up to 30-40 MPH - no banging - those canvas awnings were so light they would bump in almost any wind. So two problems solved. the frames have held up well and are good quality - so figure a way to buy the frames and make your own! Costs $100 or so in material and a few hours of sewing - my wife loves to sew so it was easy for her. Horrible Product Installation was easy and it looked great for about 2 months. It faded horribly and now looks like it is a pink awning that we have had up for years when in fact it has been up for less than a year. I would not suggest buying this product. I tried to contact the seller and they would no return my request to discuss the problem. A product has to be really bad for me to write a review like this. Please stay away from this product.

Tricam MH2340 Universal 6-Inch No Flat Tire, Black

2009-12-21T22:03:00.001-08:00

Tricam MH2340 Universal 6-Inch No Flat Tire, Black
From Tricam

6 in. diameterHeavy duty ball bearings1/2 in. BoreNot for highway use
Amazon Sales Rank: #44466 in Home Improvement Size: 6-Inch Color: Black Brand: Tricam Model: MH2340
6-Inch no-flat replacement tire with heavy-duty ball bearings and a 1/2-Inch bore. These tires don't need air and the solid polyurethane design means you will never be stuck with a flat tire. Great as a replacement or an alternative to regular air-filled tires. Universal replacement for all similar sized tires. Not for highway use.
Excellent tire I purchased 2 of these tires to replace the original, plastic, broke-the-first-day tires that came with my Brinkmann 94125 gas grill. I had to make a trip to Lowe's to buy a larger and longer threaded axle rod and wing nuts to secure the ties. The end result is infinitely superior to the original. The tires have a metal frame with metal ball bearings. Awesome! Nice tires but I received wrong bore These tires are of good quality and would definitely work for any outdoor non-motorized to small engine use. The only complaint I have is that it stated that the bore was 1/2" when it was actually 3/4". At least that's what I got in my shipment.

Fiskars PowerTooth 6-Inch Pruning Saw with Belt Clip #9259

2009-12-20T22:03:00.001-08:00

Fiskars PowerTooth 6-Inch Pruning Saw with Belt Clip #9259
From Fiskars

Amazon Sales Rank: #14608 in Home Improvement Brand: Fiskars Model: 9259 Number of items: 1 Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
The Fiskars PowerTooth 6-inch sliding saw comes with a belt clip and features a 6-inch stainless steel retractable blade. The blade includes a patented triple-angle tooth design intended for season-long clean cuts on the push and pull strokes. Ideal for medium-size branches, the saw retracts into the handle for safe storage and easy transportation and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Fiskars PowerTooth 6-Inch Pruning Saw with Belt Clip #9259
SUPER SAW This is the best little saw I have ever used. It is sharp as the dickens and retracts to stash in my hip pocket. Sooo nice. I lost mine so I am buying a couple more befor Fiskars looses its' mind and discontinues it Fiskar Power Tooth 6" Slding Saw Friends and I do a lot of clearing trail in the forest and have tried different small saws, all of us agree this is the best one we have EVER come across. It cuts quickly and smoothly, stays sharp a long time. We have used it not only to cut branches, but downed trees that are wider then the saw is long. Doesn't take long with this little saw. Compact and extremely sharp! I recently came home to several fallen branches. I was able to cut through 4" wide branches with incredible ease and speed. Fantastic!

Pigeon Deterrent Plastic Bird Spike

2009-12-19T22:03:00.001-08:00

Pigeon Deterrent Plastic Bird Spike
From Bird-B-Gone, Inc.

Plastic Bird Spikes: 3 - 2 foot Sections 7" Width Plastic Bird Spikes + 1 - Tube Adhesive (6ft. /Box + 1-tube Adhesive)
Amazon Sales Rank: #312312 in Kitchen & Housewares Size: 3 -2 foot sections (6 linier feet) 7" Bird Spike + One Tube Adhesive Color: Crystal Clear Brand: Bird-B-Gone, Inc. Model: BBG2000-7CLR

Amazing! I have been trying for years to get these pigeons off my roof. I have spent a small fortune in fake owls, snakes, and electronic devices. These actually worked! The only spike that worked! We had pigeons roosting in the eaves of our home. After using the Bird-B-Gone Spike (which was incredibly easy to install!), the birds went away, and so did all their droppings. Our church also used the product on the edges of the Sunday School building with excellent results! Our neighbors had tried spikes from another company, but the birds were able to land between them....don't be fooled by imitations! This product is great - it doesn't harm the birds - it just stops them from landing! Rugged & Easy to Install We had a pigeon problem on our terrace. One of the problems is, since the wooden plank topping the terrace wall is about 9 inches wide, a single row might not have provided adequate coverage. But as Bird-B-Gone plastic bird spikes came in 1 foot long sections, we decided to placed them somewhat diagonally across the rail, parallel to each other about 8.25 inches apart (think herringbone). It works great. Some pigeons decided to test it and things got "poinky" and "ouchy" very quickly. They got the message. We did 40 feet of rail for about $125. One caution: These are strong spikes, and placed at about waist height on a terrace rail, we realized these would be a hazard if anyone tripped coming out of the balcony door. So we used clear push pins instead of screws so we could remove a section of them when guests visited. Works well.

The Gardens of Frank Lloyd Wright

2009-12-18T22:03:00.001-08:00

The Gardens of Frank Lloyd Wright
By Derek Fell

Amazon Sales Rank: #31269 in Books Published on: 2009-03-01 Original language: English Number of items: 1 Binding: Hardcover 160 pages
Review Derek Fell shared his first thoughts about Frank Lloyd Wright's landscapes with Historic Gardens Review. Now here's the book - and a highly interesting one it is, as well as beautifully illustrated, as one would expect from this skilled writer-photographer. --Historic Garden ReviewDid Frank Lloyd Wright design gardens during his long career? This glorious books shows us that he most certainly did. Author Derek Fell has taken all the photographs, which really capture the way the designer's mind was working... One can see echoes of Wright's style in the work of various American landscape designers and his importance in this sphere has been underestimated. This book helps redress that balance. --BBC Gardens IllustratedFell's book is a substantial coffee table editon, lavishly illustrated and carefully crafted so as to give the reader an insight into Wright's work. -- Reckless GardenerSynonymous with great architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright also created beautiful gardens. This is a record of them and is full of inspiration to carry you through the winter till your garden flourishes again. The book will allow you to wander through the awesome Taliesin or exquisite Fallingwater in your mind's eye, and demonstrates the principle that gardeners should complement nature, not engineer her. --Waterstone's Book Quarterly Review The text of The Gardens of Frank Lloyd Wright is both engaging and informative - and the pictures are excellent. ... a book dedicated to his gardens and landscapes is most welcome and there is a brilliant guide at the end with information on visiting them. It is also nice to have the text on the plants he used and to have them identified throughout in the photographs. Review A poetic contemplation on garden history... Most of the book is taken up with photographs by Linda Koolaris Dobbs, who uses many imaginative angles and techniques to describe every corner of the gardens.
Large Gorgeous Photos Throughout Entire Book There are so many LARGE, beautiful and colorful photos of Wright's various homes and gardens throughout this book it is worth the book price just to view them over and over. Looking at them gives ideas for your own home. Frank Lloyd Wright's work is phenomenal and this book explains why in pictures and words. The Creative Beauty of a Master Frank Lloyd Wright is a bank of inspiration for all interested in art, architecture and gardening. One of the best architects of our times (a genius), past and future. This book by reknowned writer (also master gardener) and photographer Derek Fell captures and describes beautifully with incredible sensitivity the art, connection and respect that Write had for nature and the natural beauty of his country. Even if you are not interested in gardening you must read and enjoy this well worth having treasure book. Great publishing and bainding. Check out Glen Fell's other garden books! Edgard Abadia.

Sportsman Series 36-Inch x 18-Inch 600 lb. Load Capacity Steel Flatbed Garden Cart With Pneumatic Wheels #HDTFLATB

2009-12-17T22:03:00.001-08:00

Sportsman Series 36-Inch x 18-Inch 600 lb. Load Capacity Steel Flatbed Garden Cart With Pneumatic Wheels #HDTFLATB
From Sportsman

The Sportsman Series 36" by 18" Flatbed Cart from Buffalo Tools is perfect for shop, home, nurseries, garden, farm or anywhere you need a heavy duty utility cart. * Heavy duty steel mesh deck lets dirt fall through cart bed. * Rolls easy on 4 air tires *
Amazon Sales Rank: #33156 in Home Improvement Brand: Sportsman Model: HDTFLATB Dimensions: 4.00" h x 19.00" w x 37.00" l, 45.00 pounds
The Sportsman Series #HDTFLATB 36-Inch by 18-Inch Flatbed Cart is the perfect product for the home, nurseries and farms. It has a black powder coated steel handle and a trailer hitch for pulling with the lawn tractor. The welded steel mesh deck is strong and allows dirt from plants and other cargo to fall through and not collect in the bed of the cart. Has 600-pound capacity.
Good Price - So-So Quality Supplied instructions were useless, fit of parts was poor (required some bending/forcing to get parts to "align"). Some of the "painted" parts arrived with signs of exposed (and painted-over) rust. It is the only steer-able cart we were able to find with pneumatic tires at this (small) size. The removable handle requires some effort to re-install given the geometry of the receiver and the number of spacers at play. Frequent swaps between towing and hand-operated modes would be very cumbersome. The wheels are attached (capped onto the axles) with large PLASTIC acorn nuts. For a 600lb capacity cart, this seemed a bit of a design oversight. The threads on the axles are not a standard machine thread, so we are still looking for a compatible metal nut to replace the plastic ones. For what it's worth, the tires produce an extremely strong/offensive odor, which is a problem for us since we wanted to store it indoors. It does what it was designed to do, but craftsmanship is less than average. Inadaequate packaging - everything scratched I am usually a person who gives alot of benefit of doubt to someone. Sometimes I end up paying for it. This was the case. I read the previous review, and noted the shortcomings. rust, inferior fit, inadequate hardware, must I go on. I ordered this wagon in hopes that the previous review was a fluke. It wasnt. Many of my parts came with the tailtale signs of beginning rust. In addition, nothing was wrapped in a condition to be shipped. Nothing was packaged or wrapped to protect it from banging around inside. Needless to say, all of the major pieces were scratched up, as if somebody had previously assembled it, used it and returned it to amazon. if that is the case, it wasnt inspected again before it was shipped to me. In the future I shall heed these reviews more carefully. mike

Nelson Six-Piece Flower Watering Combo Set with Long-Neck Nozzle, Multi-Pattern Nozzle and Male/Female Quick Connector Sets #51002

2009-12-16T22:03:00.001-08:00

Nelson Six-Piece Flower Watering Combo Set with Long-Neck Nozzle, Multi-Pattern Nozzle and Male/Female Quick Connector Sets #51002
From Nelson

Amazon Sales Rank: #42753 in Home Improvement Brand: Nelson Model: 51002
The LR Nelson Six-Piece Flower Watering Combo Set is the ultimate watering set for any gardener. The combo set includes: Front Trigger Long Neck Nozzle, Front Trigger Multi-Pattern Nozzle, and four Male/Female Quick Connector Sets.
EXCELLENT!!!! We seem to have a difficult time finding quality watering sets; some have terrible spray patterns while others just seem to fall apart. I don't know why such a simple item tends to be so difficult to find at an affordable price but fortunately, this product beats the trend. It's affordable, has wonderful spray patterns, the quick connect really works and on top of it all...they are very ergonomically correct. A pleasure to use my only regret is that I didn't purchase more when they were on sale. Excellent, ergonomic, well built, very nice spray patterns, affordable...what more can I say? They do the job they were created to do without problem. KUDO's!!! PS - we are in Florida so don't have severe cold winters which could be a problem for this set. Keep in mind when buying. Makes watering so much easier I had to replace a nozzle on my hose and I bought this set. This makes watering more of a pleasure and less of a chore. It is easier as you can click on the trigger and do not have to keep the grip tight and you can adjust the flow very easily. Great product!

Rosemary & Thyme - The Complete Series

2009-12-16T16:03:00.001-08:00

Rosemary & Thyme - The Complete Series
From Acorn Media

The hit British series that combines glorious gardens with classic whodunits

Seattle Times, August, 2007 An engaging "cozy" mystery series Brattleboro Reformer "Lots of fun all around" QuickStop Entertainment "Fresh and well-crafted"
Parsley, sage... Most mystery series have big tough longtime cops or lovably eccentric oddballs as their detectives. So it's a bit refreshing to see a pair of utterly ordinary detectives in the light mystery series "Rosemary and Thyme" -- one a cop-turned-housewife, and one a feisty horticulturist. You won't find any mind-blowing mysteries, just solid whodunnits and likable characters... and plants. Lots and lots of beautiful plants. Laura Thyme (Pam Ferris) has just been dumped by her husband of 27 years, for a "twenty-three-year-old tart!" When visiting an old pal, she encounters plant pathologist Rosemary Boxer (Felicity Kendal) who is promptly fired by her slimy boss. The two wronged women team together to solve a bizarre mystery involving poisonous plants, a car wreck, and a serial killer. After that, Rosemary and Laura go into business together, treating sick lawns and creating picturesque gardens. But like any good detectives, they keep bumping into sinister crimes, both of the past and present: a spa matriarch is strangled at her desk, skeletons are uncovered in a murdered pop star's garden, and a man is killed in a graveyard... with an arrow. Things don't improve much in the following seasons -- Rosemary and Laura end up dealing with wrecked romantic gardens, Parisian theft and murder, school pranks gone wrong, Italian restaurants, ferocious competition at a garden show, murder at a vineyard, sabotaged plays and tennis camps.... and even an abandoned baby that may have something to do with a murder. "Rosemary and Thyme" is notable more for its cozy, cottagey feel than for its intricate mysteries -- but then again, they don't try to be complex or twisty. Instead, the stories focus on our likable horticulturists, and the lovely gardens they create or restore... and the entertaining dialogue ("You've broken the bloody window!" Rosemary yells at a sniper) makes this even more fun. There's a pleasantly old-fashioned flavour to the series -- lots of vine-draped cottages, manorhouses, luxurious resorts, vineyards and herbal skills. Sure, there's laptops, TV shows, drug dealers and myriad cell phones. But those are just the trappings on an ordinary little mystery series, where the plant sicknesses often have something to do with the murders. Of course, the leads make or break a series like this. Fortunately, Kendal and Ferris have excellent chemistry. Laura and Rosemary are an entertaining pair, with just the right mix of similarities and differences. Laura is a sensible ex-cop/housewife who is still dealing with her family tensions, while Laura is a cultured academic ("more a bookworm than an earthworm") with a rough streak. Plant lovers and mystery buffs should enjoy the cozy, vine-covered mysteries of "Rosemary and Thyme." It's just fun and pleasant, all the way through. So glad to see the full collection in one box I really love this series - especially the final series (3). With all the interest in British mysteries and gardening, I am amazed that the show was not developed many, many years ago. Sadly, the Rosemary & Thyme series only lasted for 3 series and was abruptly cancelled. The premise of the story is about two women of middle age who each face life-changing experiences (one, a pending divorce and the other is fired from her position as professor of horticulture from a UK college). Both characters befriend each other and start their own gardening business. This new adventure takes them all over the UK as well as Spain, France, and Italy. While working on gardens, they always seem to stumble upon murders. Both Rosemary & Thyme add their unique skills and gifts to solve these murders all the while designing and planting breath-taking gardens. There are many aspects of the series that I find wonderful, but the thing I appreciate the most is the knowledge, that even those of us in our middle years can find new adventures and create new identities which bring us happiness and fulfillment. Partly due to this show, I had since enrolled in a garden design course to start me on a new adventure as a designer.... Thanks Rosemary & Thyme! Do not have to compare to the book Finally a program exists that was built from scratch and not based on a book or writer. They can not do it wrong because this is it. It looks like there is more horticulture in this series than in the Brother Cadfael series. Two women, each have a Life changing experience just before the series starts. Soon they become friends. One a hands on gardener, with a law enforcement back ground Laura Thyme, (Pam Ferris), the other an academic horticulturist with an old four wheeler vehicle Rosemary Boxer (Felicity Kendal). The programs are of the two trying to find out who dunnit and how. We do not get bogged down in love interests. Each episode is unique in its approach. The only pattern I see is that it is like in the movie "A shot in the dark" where everyone is guilty except the maid. In this series there may not be a lit of murderers, however there are a lot of guilty people. Well sit back and enjoy the view, smell the roses, and buy the series so you can watch again and again.

Joseph's Studio Saint Joseph & Child Outdoor Garden Statue 20"

2009-12-16T10:03:00.001-08:00

Joseph's Studio Saint Joseph & Child Outdoor Garden Statue 20"
From Roman

Amazon Sales Rank: #225970 in Kitchen & Housewares Brand: Roman Model: 45685 Dimensions: 8.00 pounds

cheap this is about as cheaply made as can be, It could not be made any thinner unless it were made of metal. this is the type of thing found in dollar stores. Exquisite! I made it a point to write a review of this statue because the person before me called it a dollar store statue. I normally read reviews on Amazon and decide through them if I should get the item or not. This time, however, it was different because I promised someone that I would buy a statue of Saint Joseph through Amazon.com using my gift card. There was no other outdoor statue listed on Amazon except this one! But alas, it had a terrible review, which I ALMOST listened to. But after careful consideration and an email from Christmas Central telling me how well made this statue was, I bought it. I am so glad I did because it has to be one of the most beautiful statues of Saint Joseph I have seen. It is gorgeous! It is of course hollow inside, it would cost a fortune to ship if it wasn't! It can be filled with concrete or sand to be weighed down like most outdoor statues. It will find a very special place in my Mary Garden.

8' x 30" Easy Set Pool Set (with Filter pump and DVD)

2009-12-16T04:03:00.001-08:00

8' x 30" Easy Set Pool Set (with Filter pump and DVD)
From Intex

8' x 30", Easy Set Pool Set With Filter Pump & DVD Is Ready For Fun In 10 Minutes, Just Inflate The Top Ring & Fill With Water.
Amazon Sales Rank: #54357 in Toys & Games Size: 8'x30 Color: Blue Brand: Intex Model: 56971EG Dimensions: 11.50" h x 15.00" w x 19.00" l, 25.00 pounds
Get ready for a pool party at a minute's notice with this Wet Set Easy Set Pool, which measures 8 feet in diameter by 30 inches tall. It takes two people approximately 10 minutes to set up and get ready to pump full of water. The pool's liner is supported by an inflatable top ring while the pool goes up by itself as the water level rises. The sidewalls are made of three separate layers of material for extra strength and durability. Two outer layers of heavy gauge PVC are laminated to an inner layer of polyester mesh for extra reinforcement--for a total thickness of 28 gauge (0.71 millimeters). It includes a convenient, easy-to-use drain plug that connects to a garden hose so that water can be drained away from the pool area. It also comes with a 300 gallon-per-hour filter pump, which features a built-in debris surface skimmer and adjustable mounting bracket. 8' x 30" Easy Set Pool Set (with Filter pump and DVD)
A great summer investment...if you make a few modifications I bought this pool after my disasterous experience with the first one I purchased, which was an Intex 90" x 22" Swim Center Color Whirl Pool (please read the review I wrote about it before you consider buying that product). I purchased the pool alone (without the filter or other accessories) after reading several poor reviews about the quality of the filter that comes with the set. Instead of purchasing the 300 gallon/hour filter, I bought the Intex Easy Set 800 GPH pool pump/filter, which has been keeping the water clean without difficulty. If you are considering purchasing this pool, I would recommend that you do the same. In addition, I would also recommend buying the following items (many of these can be found at local stores if you would like to save money on shipping and handling): 1) a ground cloth...you can save some money by purchasing a Southern Camp 10' x 10' Blue Tarp (available at Amazon for a fraction of the price you'll spend on one that's labeled as a "swimming pool ground cloth" and it works just the same); 2) a pool cover...you can also use the tarp mentioned above for this purpose (just make sure you buy 2; one for use as a ground cloth and the other for a cover), but I would recommend buying a round pool cover that's made for this type of pool because it stays in place better (it has drawstrings to help secure it to the inflatable ring); 3) pool chemicals...specifically: chlorine (in granular form), pH increaser (soda ash), pH decreaser (pool acid), algaecide/clarifier, conditioner, and pool shock (many of these chemicals are sold together in pool maintenance kits; just make sure the kit you purchase in suitable for use in inflatable pools)...also, you will need a chemical test kit for measuring pH and chlorine levels (these are usually included in pool maintenance kits, as well); 4) a pool skimmer net, a nylon pool brush, and a pole that can be used with both; 5) a package of spare filter cartridges for use with the pool pump/filter you purchase; 6) an Intex Pool Surface Skimmer/Leaf Basket (this is optional, but it does help keep the pool surface free of leaves and bugs) NOTE: THE SKIMMER CAN ONLY BE USED WITH A 500 GALLON PER HOUR INTEX POOL PUMP/FILTER OR LARGER (IT WILL NOT WORK WITH SMALLER MODELS)...AS I STATED BEFORE, I RECOMMEND BUYING THE 800 GALLON/HOUR MODEL; and 7) a pool ladder (this is also optional; you'll only need it if you have children who are too short to step over the sides of this pool). I bought all of the items mentioned above and I couldn't be any happier with the end result. I haven't had any of the water leakage or air leakage problems that I had with the first pool I purchased, even though I set it up in exactly the same spot. I was also able to set it up the entire system without any assistance. From start to finish, it took about 3 hours until it was ready to swim in. This pool seems to be quite durable; the whole family has been playing and splashing in it almost every day this summer, without any problems arising. It does cost more to buy the extra maintenance supplies and the pool parts separately (rather than buying the set with a filter that won't do the job), but it has been worth the investment. And, unlike the Intex 90" x 22" Swim Center Color Whirl Pool, with a little bit of daily maintenance (checking the pH and chlorine levels, and using the skimmer net when needed), the water has remained clean, clear, and most importantly, IN THE POOL! Kids love it !!! My family and I bought this pool a week ago at our local Target store. The pool comes with everything you see in the picture. The only tools you need are a flat head screw driver to loosen and tighten the clamps for the hoses...other then that it is very simple and fast to set up. This pool is great for anyone who has a small yard, or would just like a small cool, refreshing pool to relax in on hot summer days. For my family...i can't seem to get my three kids out of the pool. They have a great time playing and just simply cooling off on our hot and sunny days. I would defiantly recommened to buy this pool.... Water fun is worth it, especially for the price ! I have had this pool for about a month, so now I can give it a proper review. It took me some time to get the pool chemical situation just right, and work out the kinks (with out city's water, NOT the pool, however !). We have a very uneven backyard, patchy grass, and quite "lumpy," so I was worried about using a quick-set pool. Thus far, I have had no issues, other than yes, you can feel the bumps under the pool, but it doesn't bother me or the kids, so no big deal ! It was much easier to set up with 2 people - stand on opposite sides and stretch the pool out into a GOOD circle, then start filling, and make adjustments to it, moving around the edge, keeping opposite of your helper to ensure a good circle. You will need to get it just right BEFORE the water covers the whole bottom, as it gets to heavy, but I feel some water in it helped it keep the shape better while we made minor adjustments. I've read reviews that the filter doesn't do much - I agree that it doesn't get out the bugs, but from experience, I can tell you how it DID work for me. Our city's water is VERY hard, and we have a softener but it is not connected to our outside spigots, so the pool water is still hard. After setting up the pool, and being gone for 2 days after, I came home to find water the color of RUST ! After trying to "shock" the pool, algaecide, etc. I checked the filter (it said change every 2 weeks, and it had only been a few days) - it looked like a rusty old car ! I figured out that it was catching all the things in the water that make it so hard, but then the water just kept circulating through it, and the "rusty" stuff went back in (so in a sense, it wasn't a GREAT filter, but it can only filter and hold SO much, right ?). So I went out every day and changed the filter (I had 5, at about $2.50 each), and then proceeded to wash the used oned in the washer with detergent and bleach, and they came quite clean and had no damamge. After a week of this process, I came out one morning to find the water crystal clear, the bad parts of the water had finally been filtered. So while it may sound like not a great filtration system, I have my mind set to think it's really 90% the fault of our water issues, and only 10% a not-so-hot filtration system. The good news is, the water has been crystal clear ever since. Now I go out every 2 days, and drop in a new chlorine tablet, and check the levels daily - that one tablet has kept the water clear - no cloudiness and no algae, and I change the filter at least once a week. I am still washing them (3 at a time), and they aren't looking brand new anymore, but still holding up well, and I will replace them as needed. While this isn't a typical "review," I want people to know that paying about $50 for a pool, and "getting what you pay" for don't necessarily apply. I am hard-headed, and think "If I paid for it, it WILL work, I just have to figure out what I'm doing wrong !" So I advise you to stick to it. A pool of ANY size requires maintenance. Kiddie pools you have to dump and refill, and to me, that's maintenance (and water waste) too, so this is no different. I spend about 5 minutes a day on mainting the pool, and that's chemicals AND netting the bugs, so to me it's not much time at all. All in all, I consider it money well-spent, and a welcome break from the scorching summer heat !

Ames True Temper 1986600 Eagle Hand Transplanter

2009-12-15T22:03:00.001-08:00

Ames True Temper 1986600 Eagle Hand Transplanter
From Ames True Temper

Eagle label. Promotional tool. Chrome plated blade and maroon poly handle.
Amazon Sales Rank: #64934 in Home Improvement Brand: Ames True Temper Model: 1986600 Number of items: 1 Dimensions: 11.00" h x 2.50" w x 1.75" l, 1.40 pounds
Eagle Hand Transplanter
It's a transplanter... The handle on mine is black, and the blade isn't as broad as it appears in the product image, it's actually quite narrow. It has markings at 1", 2", 3" and 4". Mine is Made in Taiwan.

Youngstown Glove Co. 05-3080-70-S General Utility lined with KEVLAR Glove Small, Gray

2009-12-15T16:03:00.001-08:00

Youngstown Glove Co. 05-3080-70-S General Utility lined with KEVLAR Glove Small, Gray
From Youngstown Glove Co.

Amazon Sales Rank: #49045 in Home Improvement Size: Small Brand: Youngstown Glove Co. Model: 05-3080-70-S Number of items: 1
The Cut-Resistant Utility is 100% KEVLAR Lined! We took our # 1 selling style and lined every inch of the glove with KEVLAR. This glove rates a Level 4 (of 5) on the EN 388 Standard Cut Test. Compared to other cut resistant gloves in the market, this model is far more durable, very dexterous and offers great protection. It is the world's first Cut Resistant Performance Glove.
Comfortable, yet durable! My husband and I have a weekend wood-cutting business. Typically, we cut about 20 cords of firewood over a 3-month period. With all the chainsawing, chain-sharpening, wood-splitting and wood-stacking we do, I usually have to replace my leather gloves every 2 weeks because I've worn holes in the fingertips. Although I've only been using these Youngstown kevlar gloves for the past few weeks, they are holding up beautifully -- MUCH better than leather, and much more comfortable, too. Another plus with these gloves is that since they're not made of leather, they don't suck all the moisture from my hands, leaving my skin feeling like sandpaper, which leather gloves always do. I LOVE them, and from now on will only buy these gloves.

Chiot's Run 2010 Calendar

2009-12-15T10:03:00.001-08:00

Chiot's Run 2010 Calendar
By Susy Morris

A 12 month calendar featuring photos from my blog: ChiotsRun.com. Many of the photos are of my garden and the interesting things we do (like making maple syrup). I have a blog about my garden and all of these photos have been posted to my blog throughout the year. There is a small version of this calendar available: http://www.lulu.com/product/calendar/2010-chiots-run-calendar-%28small%29/5983331

Beautiful Garden If you need a gift for the gardener in your family or enjoy viewing seasonal artistically taken photos of nature and garden this is a calendar for you! The photos in this calendar are beautiful and the lady who takes then has an incredible artistic eye! You can rest assured that you are buying a one (or rather few) of a kind calendar that wasn't printed in China by the thousands - but by a local photographer and printed on our own soil! So, whether artistic enjoyment, garden enthusiast, or patriotic supporter - I recommend this calendar to you! And while your at it - check out her blog at chiotsrun - I enjoy reading her daily posts! This calendar will be hanging on my wall this coming year! Awesome Calendar for anyone who enjoys gardening I may be a little biased but I think this calendar is beautiful. Anyone who is a gardener will appreciate the images for each month that correspond to the season. If you like the images on the Chiot's Run website you will really enjoy this calendar. Makes a great holiday gift.

Vertex Deluxe Lawn and Leaf Bag #GB751

2009-12-15T04:03:00.001-08:00

Vertex Deluxe Lawn and Leaf Bag #GB751
From Vertex

Quick fold frame snaps open to hold bags in a FULLY open position for easy loading. Use the included mesh bag alone when weeding, composting, etc. or insert paper or plastic bags for easy disposal. Easily acommodates 32 - 55 gallon bags. Folds to just 3 inches thick for compact storage.
Amazon Sales Rank: #2079 in Home Improvement Brand: Vertex Model: GB751 Number of items: 1 Dimensions: 4.00" h x 36.00" w x 4.00" l, 5.00 pounds
Vertex Deluxe Lawn and Leaf Bag #GB752
OK I bought it as I'm weeding my flower bed and wanted to be able to throw the weeds into the bag more easily. When I used a trash can, I could barely pull the bag from the can, so i thought this would be easier to remove the full bag - thought I could just loosen the corners and it would just drop, which was the problem. I tried putting a trash bag inside as suggested and as soon as I had alittle weight in it, the bag fell inside, so not practicle. I also tried clothes pins (4), but again as soon as some weight was in bag, the pins snapped off and the bag fell. I tried the green bag by itself, but it also fell after some weight got in it, plus I then had to dump from the green bag to a trash bag, which defeated the reason why I got it in the 1st place. I finally went back to laying the bag on the ground and stuffing it. Maybe it will work better with dry leaves (not as much weight), but since the leaves have not fell yet, have not got to try it on leaves yet. It is a great idea - just didn't work for what I wanted. Portable trash bin Light, easy to handle for when i need a trash can (party) but don't have room to store it other times. Can be used inside or out. the opening is a bit small for use with leaves, but otherwise have been pleased with the product. Excellent for Fall Cleanup I have no idea why so many reviewers have had such problems using this. I have owned one for about 3 or4 years now and am buying another to use solely out back. My house is a corner lot and surrounded by huge deciduous trees. Every fall the leaves drop and literally cover every surface on our property. I have found that if I use this bag holder and a pair of the Lawn/Leaf Scoops that the job of fall cleanup is much easier. Not to mention much quicker. I can do it alone without having to pull out the leaf blower or my husband. You do need to head for the home store and buy a box of Contractor Grade trash bags though. They are heavy and very tough and worth the extra few bucks. The cheap, every day trash bags won't stand up in this holder and will just puncture and tear when adding waste. Do not use the holder without adding a trash bag.

"L" is for Ladybug Nursery Decor Art Print

2009-12-14T22:03:00.001-08:00

"L" is for Ladybug Nursery Decor Art Print
From Kathleen Nutter Designs

This original nursery/room design by Kathleen Nutter Designs features lots of vibrant adybugs and the phrase "L is for Ladybug". The grassy background was originally created in watercolor. The green border is part of the print. This purchase does not include a matte or frame.
Amazon Sales Rank: #67917 in Single Detail Page Misc Brand: Fat Crab Shop

1 Pound of Oak Wood Ash (Ashes Natural Fertilizer, Change PH Levels in Soil, Ward Off Slugs, Protect Plants Over Winter, Control Pond Algae, Boost Your Organic Tomato Plants, Compost, Make Soap, Shine Silver)

2009-12-14T16:03:00.001-08:00

1 Pound of Oak Wood Ash (Ashes Natural Fertilizer, Change PH Levels in Soil, Ward Off Slugs, Protect Plants Over Winter, Control Pond Algae, Boost Your Organic Tomato Plants, Compost, Make Soap, Shine Silver)

There are 10 great ways to use wood ash around your garden and your home: 1) Fertilizer: Wood ash is packed with potassium, phosphorus and calcium! Don't miss out on this great fertilizer! Ads potassium to your compost pile for complete nutrition. 2) Change PH levels in Soil: Wood ash reduces soil acidity as it is strongly alkaline. 3) Ward Off Slugs: Place a ring of ash around plants being destroyed by slugs and sit back and relax! The slugs who pass over the ring of ash are coated in the fine, dry particles. The ash acts just like salt on a slug and will dry that little guy up faster than you can say Bob's your uncle! 4) Protect Plants Over Winter: Heap wood ashes around fragile plants stumps like rhubarb, fuchsias, and ferns to protect them over the winter. Over the course of the winter nutrients from the ash will seep down to the roots of the plants as well. 5) Use as a Chicken Dust Bath: Wood ash in a box or crate makes an excellent dust bath for poultry. 6) Make soap: Soaking ashes in water makes lye, which can be mixed with animal fat and then boiled to produce soap. Salt makes it harden as it cools. 7) Control Pond Algae: One tablespoon per 1,000 gallons adds enough potassium to strengthen other aquatic plants that compete with algae, slowing its growth. 8) Boost Your Tomato Plants: To give your tomato's and other calcium loving plants a shot in the arm add 1/4 cup in the hole when planting! 9) Shine silver: A paste of ash and water makes a dandy nontoxic metal polisher. 10) Enrich compost: Before the organic compound get applied to soil, enhance its nutrients by sprinkling in a few ashes.
Amazon Sales Rank: #15144 in Lawn & Patio Brand: Natural Oak Ash

Pretty amazing fertilizer. After I started using this Ash my tomato plants are twice as tall, really lush and my harvest was almost 3 times more than year before. I also used it for quite other things. It works on slugs very well. I always add Ash to my compost pile. And have used it to polish silver which worked, to my surprise, very well. All in all what a simple, eco friendly product with many uses. And as I do not have wood burning stove being able to buy it on amazon is simply great. The product was of good quality and arrived very fast. Recommended! 1 Pound of Oak Wood Ash (Ashes Natural Fertilizer, Change PH Levels in Soil, Ward Off Slugs, Protect Plants Over Winter, Control Pond Algae, Boost Your Organic Tomato Plants, Compost, Make Soap, Shine Silver)

Precision Products 18-by-36-Inch Lawn Roller #PLR1836

2009-12-14T10:03:00.001-08:00

Precision Products 18-by-36-Inch Lawn Roller #PLR1836
From Precision Products Inc

18" x 36", Poly Lawn Roller, 41 Gallons Capacity, Steel Tow Bar Frame, Poly Drum Body Design, 331 LB Weight When Full, Yellow Dichromate Hardware, 30 Minutes Assembly Time, Side Molded Spokes.
Amazon Sales Rank: #46029 in Home Improvement Brand: Precision Model: PLR1836 Number of items: 1
The Precision Products PLR1824 lawn roller is a handy item for smoothing uneven ground from moles or frost heaving, packing down newly laid sod, smoothing dirt, or other rolling needs that require the heaviest weights. The poly roller drum measures 18-by-36 inches, holds 40 gallons-a hefty 331 pounds-and attaches to most trailers or tractors with a universal hitch. Fill roller with water or sand; the drum is designed to resist dents, scratches, and rust. The roller is covered by a 90-day limited warranty.--Jeffrey Dalto Poly Push Pull Lawn Roller 18-by 36-inch
Precision Products 18 * 36 Lawn Roller Today I am reviewing the Precision Products 18 * 36 Lawn Roller. I bought this a few months back because I needed something to repair the damage done to my yard due to undergrown moles. If you are somebody like me who takes pride in their lawn, then you would understand my frustrations when you wake up in the morning to find your yard turned into a battlefied. I decided sometime ago that it was time to sign up to the army faction against mole infestations. Little did I know that I would be up against a little varment who would make my life hell trying to take it out! Seriously, I have tried shooting water down the tunnles, mole traps, and mole bombs. In WWII, that last one would have been effective, but these little varments are tricky little critters I tell ya. FYI, as it turns out, the ultimate weapon against the moles are the grubs. The moles like to eat the grubs, so the simple solution is to lay down a insect killer. If you kill the grubs, you get rid of the moles! Once I started using this secret weapon, the moles began to dissapear and would show up in the neighbors vegitable garden. HAHA, take that you sneaky little varments, oh yeah, my neighbor really loves me.......NOT So, I got rid of the beasty moles right, but I am left with a problem. My used to be level and even lawn has now become an uneven mess. Another contributing factor to your lawn being uneven is the frost and dethaws we have each winter. What you want to fix this issue is one of these handy dandy lawn rollers. Keep in mind that this model is for towing behind tractors, NOT FOR PUSHING. I own a Husqvara 23HP V-Twin with a hydrostatic drive and some people think that the hydrostatic drive transmitions are not strong enough to pull all the weight of a fully filled roller. After experiancing the use of my lawn roller, they could not be more wrong. When fully filled with water, the roller will weigh roughly 400 pounds. Yes the site claims 331 pounds but every other brand of same sise roller states 400 pounds. Simple math, a gallon of water weighs 10 pounds. So, take 40 gallons of water times 10 and you get 400. Another thing to keep in mind is that this is a polly roller, hence it is plastic. So when this roller is fully filled, you really don't want to role over concrete too much as this will scratch up the roller and possibly damage it. Incase you are wondering, the roller only weighs 50 pounds when empty, so it is easy to put in storage with both hands. I found that assembly was super easy and all parts were there. All you need is some simple tools to put this together. Such as a pair of pliers and a socket wrench or open ended wrenches. And don't worry about weather or not the roller will fit your tractor, its designed to be universal and will fit any tractor with a standard hitch. And yes, it does come with its own hitch pin if you do not have one. Now, one thing you want to keep in mind when using a lawn roller, is that you can do a better job when the lawn is wet. You don't want it to be soaking wet where your just going to fall into mud, but you do want it wet. So following this technique, and moving no faster then 3MPH, I was able to role my lawn and it came out pretty darn level. And some spots which were really bad, I had to go over twice. Main thing to remember here is that this is not a steem roller, so please don't expect it to smooth out tractor or truck ruts. Again, this is a roller to smooth out the bumps and uneven land caused by the moles from hell. And for its intended purpose, I think it does really well. I do want to point out however that it uses a expansion plug to plug the water filler hole in the roller. As such, if you do not tighten the wing nut enough, it could fall out of the hole as it did for me, keep it tight, just don't overtighten it is all. Another thing I should mention is, knowing the sise of this thing, don't expect it to get through a small fence gate, its 36 inches long, it won't make it through unless you have a double gate. But if this is not a problem for you, then by all means pick this model because I find that the larger the roller is, the more weight it can put down to the ground, and the faster you get the job done. I have a lawncare service and I also got this attachment so that I can role other people's lawns. If I ever felt that the durability of this attachment would not hold up under such conditions, I would not use it for such. So in other words, I feel that the framing is strong enough and the roller is strong, what more can you ask for such a good price? Don't get me wrong, any proffesional can spend 250 bucks for a 24 * 48 steel lawn roller to get the job done, but if you feel that a 18 * 36 roller can meet your needs just fine without spending the higher price tag, you would be a fool not to do it. In conclusion, I have not really had any problems with this roller itself besides learning that you can't just tighten the expansion plug snug. I felt that this roller was able to do all that I was asking of it and was well worth the money. Just don't forget that you can't take really tight turns with it, be gradual. And that its better to role when the yard is wet. Furthermore, this roller could also be used after seeding in a new lawn, or rolling an area of dirt to get it level. And if you have tractor or truck ruts in your yard, don't expect this roller to help you, you would need a steem roller. This attachment is your best bang for buck, what more could you ask for? For I am a happy customer and would buy again! PS: I won the battle against the little varments and I am a retired general. Date Purchased: 05/08/09 [...] Where Purchased: Amazon Recomended: YES Good deal for the money The product arrived promptly, even though I used the free mail. Easy to assemble and works well. I use it to level mole tunnels and it does the job. I have used it both by hand and with a lawn tractor. Pretty hard going by hand when full but can be done.

Heritage Farms Butterfly House

2009-12-14T04:03:00.001-08:00

Heritage Farms Butterfly House
From Century Tools

Natural wood house.
Amazon Sales Rank: #134533 in Lawn & Patio Color: Natural Brand: Heritage Farms Model: 64008FLY Dimensions: 24.50" h x 5.00" w x 4.12" l, 1.05 pounds

Needs more glue but still cute My butterfly house arrived in good condition except for the roof. I plan to paint it bright colors and display in my garden. It's nice to find something cute that is not plastic. I would recommend this product.

Envirocycle Composter-Black

2009-12-13T22:03:00.001-08:00

Envirocycle Composter-Black
From Envirocycle Systems

With the EnviroCycle drum/turning bins compost may be finished in 4 - 6 weeks in a rotating drum composter! Easier to handle and easier to turn the drum for effortless rotation. Turning is simple. You need no mixing tools. . To dump compost directly onto your soil or garden just latch the door and roll the drum off the base and into your garden. Remove the door so you can dump the compost right where you want it.. Approximate 120 to 156 degrees interior temperature.. Ideal for garden lawn and kitchen refuse.. Comes with composting instructions to help get you started.. Specifications: 7 cubic foot capacityDrum: Dimension: H 25.5 x W 25.5 x D 20 Base: Dimension: H 5.5 x W 21.5 x D 20.25 . Made of Virgin Plastic 50%/Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic 50%. Envirocycle Warranty: 5 years for the drum 2 years for the base and 1 year for the wheels/axles/caps

No Problems Yet I bought the Envirocycle Composter a few weeks ago after extensive web research. I wanted a self-rotating composter as my major concern was the possiblity of rodents, flys and other pests. I simply did not want to hand-turn a compost pile. The Envirocycle Composter is not as durable as I would have expected. I think the plastic is on the thin side, and I'm convinced the door latch will break some day. The product does come with a decent warranty, which you can register online at www.envirocyclesystems.com. You can also read more about the product at that website. The cylinder drum and door are covered for five years; the base is covered for two years; and the wheels, axles, and caps for one year. Right now, my Envirocycle is about 1/4 full with an equal mix of brown yard waste and green kitchen waste. I have it sitting outside on a concrete slab in a dog pen (to deter curious racoons). It is still winter here in St. Louis. So far, I do not notice any odor and I have not had any tampering from neighborhood animals. I don't think I'm anywhere near having compost. I am amazed to see how much kitchen waste we generate now that it is not going into the garbage. I feel good about keeping it out of a landfill. I do have a handy trick for gathering kitchen waste. Rather than use a countertop container, I keep an ordinary plastic container in the freezer. This keeps odors down and eliminates the need to purchase a special container with charcoal filters. Freezing actually aids the decomposition process. If you want to batch compost, you can accumulate a large quantity of kitchen waste in a deep freezer. I'll update this review periodically to fill readers in on the progress of the composting process. Well made, solid, clean, bug and rodent resistant. In a prior home we had a larger compost bin which had problems with bugs and rodents getting into the compost, and run-off from the compost sliming the patio. The Envirocycle solves those problems with its enclosed design, which has no access for rodents, and limited access for bugs. The fluid trap below is perfect for catching the liquid which drains from the compost. This is a very solid product which will last for a long time. The rollers are very solid, designed to support a considerable load of compost. The door, which is removable, is also very solid and should handle the expected banging. We have a smaller house and the compost bin is more visible. The Envirocycle looks much better. Most people will have no idea that it is a composter. No problems yet I bought the Envirocycle Composter a few weeks ago after extensive web research. I wanted a self-rotating composter as my major concern was the possiblity of rodents, flys and other pests. I simply did not want to hand-turn a compost pile. The Envirocycle Composter is not as durable as I would have expected. I think the plastic is on the thin side, and I'm convinced the door latch will break some day. [...] . You can also read more about the product at that website. The cylinder drum and door are covered for five years; the base is covered for two years; and the wheels, axles, and caps for one year. Right now, my Envirocycle is about 1/4 full with an equal mix of brown yard waste and green kitchen waste. I have it sitting outside on a concrete slab in a dog pen (to deter curious racoons). It is still winter here in St. Louis. So far, I do not notice any odor and I have not had any tampering from neighborhood animals. I don't think I'm anywhere near having compost. I am amazed to see how much kitchen waste we generate now that it is not going into the garbage. I feel good about keeping it out of a landfill. I do have a handy trick for gathering kitchen waste. Rather than use a countertop container, I keep an ordinary plastic container in the freezer. This keeps odors down and eliminates the need to purchase a special container with charcoal filters. Freezing actually aids the decomposition process. If you want to batch compost, you can accumulate a large quantity of kitchen waste in a deep freezer. I'll update this review periodically to fill readers in on the progress of the composting process. Update #1: After about 3 months of use and headed into 80 degree weather, the Envirocycle (from about six feet away) smells like the monkey house at the zoo and has a few fruit flies inside. I've got a 50/50 mix of green and brown and hope the odor is due to a week of sitting without rotation while we were on vacation. I can tell that decomposition is occurring. I've ceased adding new materials (am compiling more scrap in the deep freeze) because I really want some compost for the herb garden.

Black Plants: 75 Striking Choices for the Garden

2009-12-12T22:03:00.001-08:00

Black Plants: 75 Striking Choices for the Garden
By Paul Bonine

Amazon Sales Rank: #12552 in Books Published on: 2009-09-16 Original language: English Number of items: 1 Binding: Paperback 160 pages
Review "Black is not the first color that comes to mind when you think of plants. But as this beautiful guide makes clear, dark-hued leaves and flowers, from perennials to tropicals, have enormous appeal in a garden." (Martha Stewart Living )"This little gem of a book packs a planter's punch … If you never grow a single plant highlighted, it's still a fascinating read." (Our Little Acre blog )"Someday, I shall create the black-and-white themed garden I have been dreaming of; when I do, Black Plants will become muddy and dog-eared." (Pacific Horticulture )"This whimsical collection … is beautiful to behold." (Canada Style at Home )"Something that strange and surreal has to be a part of Halloween. Enjoy the celebration and think about adding some black plants to your garden." (Deseret News )"Black works great for cocktail dresses and luxury cars, but in the flower garden? Absolutely." (San Francisco Chronicle )"Despite some highly evocative names, this haunting book isn't just a Halloween treat. Dark foliage and flowers offer great opportunities for contrast, depth and focal points in the garden." (Hartford Courant )"I wish I could say I was always intrigued by the dozens of gardening books publishers send our way … but every once in a while, I'll get a gardening book that I read cover to cover, such as Paul Bonine's little book called Black Plants." (Tulsa World )"If you want to add dark blooms for contrast in your garden, grow some very novel plants, or plant an entire garden with a dark color theme, Black Plants is a great resource to have on hand." (May Dreams Gardens Blog )"Every once in a while a book is published that fills an empty niche. With Black Plants, finding dark leaved and dark flowering examples doesn’t need to be a mystery anymore." (Anchorage Daily News )"Your garden might never be the same." (Akron Beacon Journal )"Black generally has a negative connotation, a signal that all is not well with a plant. Paul Bonine has set out to salvage black’s horticultural reputation with Black Plants." (Chicago Tribune )"Some of the names are frightening, but their stories are enlightening." (Indianapolis Star )"Bonine is making the point that these deeply pigmented plants are striking additions to the ordinary run of garden bed and container choices, but the creepy factor is irresistible." (Star-Ledger )"Go ahead, open the cover, creep through the screeching gate. The plants inside are no nightmare. More like a dream." (Oregonian )"Rather than cast gloom, these plants can add mystery, depth, and sophistication to the garden." (Houston Chronicle )"Gardeners and plant lovers looking for ideas for distinct color schemes and exciting plant suggestions will appreciate this." (Library Journal ) About the Author Paul Bonine is co-owner of the wholesale nursery Xera Plants Inc. and has worked in the nursery industry in Oregon for almost two decades. In addition to consulting for NPR, various newspapers, radio, and television, Paul has written for several national gardening publications. Black Plants is his first book.
Needs more plants This is a nice book for someone who's thinking of creating a black garden or looking for a few really interesting accent plants. It lost one star because there's no index & I'd have like another 25 plants. The author gives the mature size of some plants, but not all. Light & water requirements are represented by 4 & 3 pictographs respectively. It's a bit like reading an international clothing care tag, but you get used to it. The plant photos tend towards macro shots, so you'll need to find find more pictures elsewhere if you want to see the plant structure. This little book packs a planter's punch! A few years ago, it became fashionable to create a Chocolate Garden, a trend that continues to be popular. Plants grown in a Chocolate Garden have a chocolate fragrance and/or have very dark blooms or foliage in tones of deep purple, brown, burgundy, maroon, or near-black. A great resource book for planning such a garden is the newly-published Black Plants: 75 Striking Choices for the Garden by Paul Bonine. (Timber Press, September 2009) This little gem of a book packs a planter's punch by giving essential information on 75 stunning plants that would be appropriate for creating either a themed garden or a smaller pocket of attraction. With each plant description, characteristics are provided that aid in making choices for the garden: soil conditions, hardiness zones, growth habits and light requirements. Suggestions are given for companion plantings that show off each plant's unique traits. On the page facing each description is a beautiful photograph of the plant. Growing plants with such dark colors could be seen as gloomy and unexciting, but when paired with contrasting colors such as lime green, a very dramatic effect can be obtained. Black Plants provides the necessary information to create such drama, but if you never grow a single plant highlighted in this book, it's still a fascinating read. first book I've returned in years. I'm sorry, I really am, but this book is a major disappointment. There are hundreds more plants than these out in the world if you are really interested in dark or black foliage, and the images in this book are almost exclusively closeups of the flowers or foliage with zero examples of those plants in action in a planting. You'd get better results googling "black plants" or "black flowers" or "balck foliage" than by buying this book. I expected better from Timber Press, I usually drool all over their books! I haven't returned a book to amazon or any other seller for many years, but this one didn't last 10 minutes out of the box before I printed the return label. I kid you not. If all you want are a few closeup photos and some less-than-useful nomenclature. For example, Helleborus x hybridus is a large group of cultivars and colors - many more than than the disappointing black specimen in the photo. Good luck finding the dark flowering plant shown using the name "Helleborus x. hybridus").

Gardena 13.5-Inch Gardener's Folding Saw (30663)

2009-12-11T22:03:00.001-08:00

Gardena 13.5-Inch Gardener's Folding Saw (30663)
From Gardena

Amazon Sales Rank: #113506 in Home Improvement Brand: Gardena Model: 30663-5 Dimensions: 1.00" h x 13.50" w x 3.50" l, .10 pounds
The Gardena gardener's folding saw features a curved, rust-proof blade, which optimizes cutting and easy of use. Its specially-hardened crossed-toothing design ensures for long-lasting wear; each tooth is triple-ground to cut both fresh and dry wood up to 27 inches in diameter. The hard chrome blade locks into an ergonomically-shaped grip handle, and the whole unit folds neatly. An innovative hook easily removes cut-off branches. The 13-1/2-inch saw can be used as a hand saw or extended with the Gardena telescopic handle. It comes with a blade cover and includes a lifetime warranty. Robust. Safe. Handy. The kind of tool you don't think you need until you face that challenging cleanup project, Gardena's pocket saw folds neatly into a secure handle, making it safe to carry. Each sharp tooth is triple-ground to cut both fresh and dry wood. The hard chrome blade locks into an ergonomically shaped grip handle. Get ready to cut a big pile of kindling with this convenient saw.
Great tool to have around Gardena 13.5-Inch Gardener's Folding Saw (30663) This is a real bargain compared to the Fiskars or Stihl small branch saws, which cost USD 30-40. Yes it is made in Germany not China. You can keep it in your pocket if you are on a ladder and it is spring loaded so you can use one hand. It does not flex like the Fiskars it replaced - the Fiskars bent permanently. For 18 bucks it a nice little thing to have around.

Flower Shop for PC

2009-12-10T22:03:00.001-08:00

Flower Shop for PC
From Elephant

Amazon Sales Rank: #1246 in Software Brand: PC Platform: Windows Format: CD

Flower Power I was hesitant to get this game at first since I couldn't find reviews for it; however, after playing a level online I forgot my hesitations. This is a great game especially if you're a fan of Diner Dash or Cake Mania and looking for something new. The levels are fairly easy to beat so it's not a high stress game. The graphics are good, the flowers look great. The background music is enjoyable and never gets too annoying. Basically, the gamer plants flowers (sometimes watering them to grow), wraps them in a bouquet, and gives it to customers before they get tired of waiting. There are bonus levels where you kill bugs before they can ruin your flowers. This is a lot like Cake Mania with flowers and without worrying about upgrading. My problems with this game were that it's only availible for the PC (it would make a great DS game) and there were some pictures of Meg (the main character in the game) where her clothes looked more like colored skin. These are on the title menu and at the end of each level, but it's a minor graphic problem and has no real effect on game play. That might just be me though. My inner artist keeps repeating that clothes should hang off the body not be attached to it. There is not any voice acting in it, though the intro could have used it.

Fiskars 94216974 Large Ultra Light Kneeling Cushion

2009-12-09T22:06:00.001-08:00

Fiskars 94216974 Large Ultra Light Kneeling Cushion
From Fiskars

Fiskars Ultralite Kneeling Cushion protects your knees from hard, rough, cold or damp surfaces. The dense EVA foam won't absorb moisture and provides a comfortable cushioned kneeling surface. Features a convenient carrying handle. Perfect for gardening tasks and also useful for houshold projects and sporting events. Large 10" x 18" x 3/4" for kneeling or sitting.

Amazon Sales Rank: #1069 in Home Improvement
Brand: Fiskars
Model: 9421
Number of items: 1
Dimensions: 1.00 pounds

The Fiskars 94216974 Large Ultra Light Kneeling Cushion is a light, tough, resilient cushion and a perfect example of how Fiskars puts more thought, more quality and more performance into every item they offer. While most foam cushions collapse with little use and soak up water like a sponge, Fiskars uses durable EVA foam that protects knees from hard, rough, cold or damp surfaces. Plus, it won't absorb moisture, resists rips and withstands abrasions for seasons of comfortable use. Ideal for gardening, it's also handy for refinishing floors, cleaning out the fireplace, organizing under the kitchen sink, and any other job that brings you to your knees. Sized at 11 inches wide by 18 inches long by 3/4-inch thick, it fits handily in a garden tool caddy or hangs neatly on the wall via the convenient carrying handle.

Buy two - they are thin
These things work well but you will need two. They are inexpensive so buy them in pairs. I bought 6 (garage, shed, house). They are wide enough and the length is good too.

Excellent Product for tired knees
Had one before. Left it out for the whole year. Winter climate changes made it crack. Bought two this time and will keep tham in the garage when not in use.

a little light weight
I am a lineman. I visit a lot of underground pedestals. I purchased this item to throw on the ground to kneel on. I have had it for a few months now. It has held up pretty well. I wish it would have been a little beefier for the price tag. All in all a pretty nice item but wish it was tougher.

Poodle and Hound

2009-12-08T22:06:00.001-08:00

Poodle and Hound
By Kathryn Lasky

Acclaimed author Kathryn Lasky explores the nature of friendship in three delightful stories for beginning readers. Creative, impulsive Poodle and loyal, dependable Hound are an unexpected pair. Together they star gaze, plant a garden and prove that two very different individuals can not only be compatible, they can complement and help one another.

Amazon Sales Rank: #401658 in Books
Published on: 2009-07-01
Original language: English
Number of items: 1
Binding: Hardcover
48 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4–This early chapter book consists of three stories. In the first, Poodle goes to the beauty salon to have her fur done and is pleased with the results. She does not think Hound will appreciate her beauty, so she has a lonely tea at the Ritz and waits to be admired. When she returns home, Hound does notice and wisely tells her, Nothing is ever wasted on a friend. Next, Hound is counting the stars and comparing the brightness of the planets when Poodle appears and distracts him. Finally, he puts aside his telescope and listens to her story of snakes and monsters on the moon. They spend the rest of the night whispering of stars and moons and planets with strange rings. In the final story, Hound is planting a vegetable garden. They learn about bugs from Poodle's library book, and by planting flowers that attract the good ones, Hound has the best garden ever. If Poodle is bossy, often bored, and more than a little vain, Hound makes allowances. Illustrations in watercolor and pen show a feminine poufy white poodle and a not exactly pretty Hound going about their activities and clearly enjoying one another's company. Reluctant readers will be part of the larger audience who will enjoy these adventures.–Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review
Although they re best friends, Poodle and Hound are also very different. Poodle thinks Hound is more interested in reading newspapers than in admiring her fancy, beribboned new salon do. Studious Hound is annoyed when Poodle interrupts his stargazing. And neither agrees on what to plant in their new garden. In three scenarios, however, each friend discovers new things to appreciate about the other. The lively prose, in large, well-spaced print, provides an entertaining, accessible celebration of friendship. While illustrating how individual differences sometimes bring conflict, the stories ultimately show how sharing others interests can bring mutual enjoyment and enhance relationships. The colorful, watercolor-and-ink illustrations incorporate word balloons and amusing, whimsical details and show fluffy Poodle and longeared, bow-tied Hound in everyday activities, from eating cookies to planting a garden. A warm story for beginning chapter-book readers to tackle on their own, or for reading aloud with preschoolers. --Booklist

About the Author
Kathryn Lasky is the acclaimed author of dozens of books for young readers, including Tumble Bunnies (Candlewick), Hatchling (Scholastic), and Sugaring Time (Macmillan), a Newbery Honor Book. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

cute beginning reader
This beginning reader by Kathryn Lasky is very much in the tradition of Frog and Toad, George and Martha, and other series. Poodle and Hound have very different personalities--Poodle loves to look beautiful and grow flowers; Hound is more prosaic and likes to grow vegetables. However, despite their differences (or perhaps because of them!) they are great friends. The book consists of three chapters, each of which is a separate story that can be read on its own. The book uses a gentle sense of humor and could appeal to both boys and girls.

Tea for Two
From the beauty salon and the Ritz alone, to tea for two and a cookie or two, the dynamic duo of Poodle and Hound dance across the pages with their devotion. Hound introduces Poodle to the stars and planets, and Poodle tells stories. Hound plans a garden of vegetables, which grows to include Poodles' "fabulous flowers." Together, they celebrate with a "fabulous feast."

FRIENDSHIP IS A BLENDSHIP

Most of us remember the line "Friendship, friendship, just the perfect blendship." And, quite often blending, compromising even when two are quite different, is what friendship is all about. That's the case with Poodle and Hound who are the best of pals.

Poodle is the epitome of femininity; she loves pom-poms in her hair, a fluffy topknot, and to have her ears and feet prettified at the beauty salon. In fact, she's so pleased with the her appearance after a treatment that she stops in at the Ritz for tea. She wants to be seen and just knows Hound will never notice how nice she looks. Well, the tea is fine and the cookies are yummy but she misses Hound, so she goes on home. Once there, she's in for a surprise.

The two also differ when it comes to what to do at night. Hound loves to study the starry sky and Poodle is a bit miffed that there's only one telescope so she could see the planets, too. Hound really, really doesn't want to be distracted, but Poodle wants to be with him, so what does she do?

One thing they agree on is having a garden. But, wouldn't you know - Poodle want flowers and Hound wants vegetables. How can they reach a compromise? True friendship always finds a way. And that's the lesson young readers will learn as they smile at the conversations the two pals have and laugh at Mitch Vane's comical illustrations.

- Gail Cooke

Copper Tulip Rain Chain, 8.5 Foot

2009-12-07T22:07:00.001-08:00

Copper Tulip Rain Chain, 8.5 Foot
From Monarch Int'l Inc.

Classic copper tulip rainchain found in Japanese gardens. An alternate to traditional downsputs.

Amazon Sales Rank: #4332 in Lawn & Patio
Brand: Monarch Int'l Inc.
Model: 266001
Released on: 2005-10-13
Dimensions: 2.50" h x 8.50" w x 8.50" l,

A great alternative to that unsightly gutter system downspout, this Japanese-style rain chain features tulip-shape copper cups that capture runoff and turn it into a soothing, trickling water feature on the porch, deck or garden. Handmade by skilled artisans, installation of this 8-1/2-inch décor is easy with the included gutter clip. The copper finish shines in the sun and adds color to any outdoor setting.

5 Star look, 2 Star performance.....
Once again Amazon shipping exceeded my expectations, the rain chains arrived earlier than I had originally thought.

Fairly good packaging. The chains arrived in a plastic "sock" to minimize scratching during shipment.

Very easy to adjust the length and to install. They have been up for 6 weeks and the patina process is beginning to take place.

They look great, many compliments, just do not expect them to handle more than a light rain, because once it starts to come down, the spray is significant.

They look beautiful, but a little tricky to install
I love these gutter chains, they look so much better than a downspout.

I had this mounted in a new gutter, and hung them as directed from a 2" hole in the bottom of the gutter. However, that was not sufficient to direct the water into the first cup. Water runs out in all directions from the hole and much of it missed the first cup. What would be best would be a short down tube from the gutter to better direct the water. Since I couldn't find anything suitable, I purchase the larger collector cup that is sold separately. That does a better job of catching water. However, in light rain water still wants to follow the bottom of the gutter and miss the first collector cup. My next solution will be to put a small putty lip around the bottom of the gutter hole in the hope that water will fall off the lip a little better. Since it is working pretty good right now, it may be a while before I get to adding the putty.

Beautiful and functional
We bought the adaptor that goes between the gutter and the chain and this seems to be useful. The chain is beautiful and all the neighborhood kids love to come to my house and watch "the rain chain" in action. I am very happy with the look, sound (pleasant sound of water) and practicality of our rain chain.

Bon-Aire Original Ultimate Hose Nozzle (Aluminum) with Soft Grip Handle

2009-12-07T10:07:00.001-08:00

Bon-Aire Original Ultimate Hose Nozzle (Aluminum) with Soft Grip Handle
From Bon-Aire

Bon-Aire Original Ultimate Hose Nozzle with Soft Grip Handle features a heavy duty handle on a nozzle with fire hose construction that can withstand abuse. The comfort grip soft touch rubber handle provides an excellent and non-fatiguing gripping area. The nozzle has a patented 2-way shut-off that saves water and provides multiple spray patterns, from a 50 foot jet stream pattern to a gentle trickle that is soft enough to fill your pets water bowl. The only hose nozzle you’ll ever need.

Amazon Sales Rank: #205 in Automotive
Brand: Bon-Aire
Model: HN-10ALWH

Tired of garden hose spray nozzles that leak, clog, or soak you with unpredictable sputters? Step up to professional quality with the Original Ultimate Hose Nozzle from Bon-Aire. Built tough for a lifetime of use, this spray nozzle is virtually indestructible and leak-proof. The patented two-way shutoff system, ergonomically designed control knob and soft grip handle make it easy for everyone to use. With five different spray patterns, the Original Ultimate Hose Nozzle provides you with the perfect stream of water for virtually any task.

Use the high-pressure setting to tackle tough jobs.

Solid and surprisingly useful
Full disclosure right off:
- I work for Amazon, for the automotive team
- The unit I tested was provided by the manufacturer for review

Notwithstanding those two facts, my intent is to be as fair and straightforward as possible.

I'm not exactly the car-washing type; I wash my car a few times a year, and that's about it. Because I'm not the kind of guy to clean my wheels with a toothbrush, I was pretty skeptical that a different hose nozzle would make a difference for me - I have a cheapie gun-style nozzle at home, and it seems to do the job just fine. After all, the job is simply to transfer water from the hose to the car, right?

Well, for some reason, this nozzle seems to transfer exponentially more water than my cheapie gun - I'm not sure how that's possible, but the sheer volume of water coming out was startling. The array of different patterns is pretty cool - you can have a sharp, small, targeted jet that wreaks havoc, a variety of gentle sprays, and even a high-volume low-power spray that I found pretty useful. I didn't miss not having all of the various sprays before I tried this nozzle, but now I think it would be difficult to go back.

For example - I washed the car and began drying it, only to find that I had missed the section on the passenger's side of the car below the beltline. Curses ensued; normally it's hard to get that part wet and washed without having to get the rest of the car wet again. But in this case I just switched to the low-power, high-volume setting, got just that section wet, and subsequently washed and dried it. The power of this nozzle is nice, but it's really the control that gets you.

This product is essentially a version of Bon-Aire Original Ultimate Hose Nozzle (Aluminum) but with a handle. I haven't tried the version without the handle, but it was nice to have a handle; seems like it's more convenient that way than holding the hose or the nozzle itself (which is big). On the more powerful sprays I found myself holding the handle with one hand and the hose with the other.

Build quality seemed excellent - especially with the handle, it's tempting to use this thing as a weapon. The whole thing feels solid, and the soft rubber feels nice. It's not like you're going to display it on your coffee table when guests come over, but it feels like it's going to last.

Downsides vs. the cheapie gun - at first I was annoyed at the need to turn the nozzle to turn the flow on and off. You can turn the flow off at either end of the turning action, so that helps, but if you need a flow in the middle and just short intermittent squirts you'll be doing lots of twisting. It's not bad, and I got used to it by the time I finished washing the car, but it's not quite as quick or convenient as just squeezing a gun and regulating the flow that way. The upside to the twist is that when you have the flow you need, it's easier and more consistent - you don't need to keep the pressure on, you can concentrate on the job at hand. A best-of-both-worlds solution might be a switch on the handle that cuts water flow so you can leave the nozzle open to the desired spray pattern but just cut the water on and off.

Overall, I liked the nozzle. It's not something I felt like I needed - I don't spend a lot of time thinking about hose nozzles - but now that I've tried it it definitely is a really nice upgrade.

Bon-Aire Ultimate Hose Nozzle Review
I am a 58 year old woman with 2 acres of gardens and sometimes I just didn't have enough hose to reach until I got this nozzle. I like the design, even though it does take a little time to get use to it. I love the amount of pressure that comes through, hard or soft. I will purchase 5 more of these to put on all my hoses around the yard.

Worth the Price!
I used it this weekend to water the plants, wash the car, the driveway and the dog. Powerful enough to clean the drive way but also gentle enough for the delicate plants. Great nozzle and the handle is a really good addition to this nozzle.

The Bon-Aire Ultimate Nozzle is very strong and reliable as they claim it to be. I plan on buying this as gift for a few people.

Love it!

32 Foot Outdoor Patio Mist Cooling System by MistyMate 17 Nozzle Mister - Water Misting Hose System

2009-12-07T04:07:00.001-08:00

32 Foot Outdoor Patio Mist Cooling System by MistyMate 17 Nozzle Mister - Water Misting Hose System
From Misty Mate

Excellent for Outdoor Patio, Garden, Pool, and Pet Areas Cools air by as much as 25° Installation is about this easy... Hammer clamps to top edge of your house. Run the Mist Line thru the clamps. Adjust Nozzles. Attach to garden hose or faucet.

Amazon Sales Rank: #286247 in Lawn & Patio
Brand: Misty MATE
Model: 1700

Cooling System Affordable!!
I would give this 100 stars. It is the best product I have ever bought and the price was unbelievable. I am 59 years old, and female. I put the system up in about half an hour, turned it on and within fifteen minutes the temperature on my patio dropped at least 10 degrees!! It was during the hottest part of our summer and I would have done and paid anything to be able to survive the heat. I was really concerned about my Mother's health in the heat. Not only were we able to go out on the patio during the day but my living room windows were open and it cooled my living room where it was more than just bareable! I have bought their umberellas with the cooling system built in for around the chairs under the gazebo for next year. We love our backyard and these systems make if possible for us to go out in the Summer. We cannot say enough good about the system, the cost or the durability of the product. Also I contacted the company with my gratitude for their product and met some very nice people who were also very happy that we enjoyed their product. My sincere thanks for this product.

The Complete Garderner

2009-12-06T22:07:00.001-08:00

The Complete Garderner
By Lois Wilson

The truly comprehensive book for gardening wherever the gardener lives. Books contains gardening maps of the contiguous 48 states along with 76 color drawings, 115 black & white drawings, and 12 color photographs, It begins with how to basically plan the garden in any setting -- rural, urban, on even on a balcony for year round beauty. It covers year round upkeep of trees, shrubs & lawns and present full discussions of bulbs, annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, pruning, fertilizing, pests, & disease control.

Evaporative Mist Cooling System: Ocean Breeze

2009-12-06T16:07:00.001-08:00

Evaporative Mist Cooling System: Ocean Breeze
From Dig

The Ocean Breeze Evaporative Mist Cooling System is an outdoor cooling system that lowers outside temperature 20 or more degrees. Comes complete with-50 ft of line-UV inhibitors-.375 in misting line-faucet connector-screen-C clamps-line connector-line end punch and instructions. This product has 10 nozzles in a 3/8 of an inch of beige tubing. Self assembly- parts and tools included for assembly.

Patio Mister
I installed this with my kids under a pergola. Wonderful addition to this outdoor living space. Initially we placed it too close to the verandah and the upholstered furniture was getting damp. With a few modifications we ended up with a great place to cool off and relax with a glass of lemonade on a hot day. I am going to buy another one now to take to a new location. Great value!

Works perfectly
I wanted an inexpensive misting set to get my mom on mothers day and this was perfect. I searched around and other sets were either poorly rated or far too expensive for my tastes.

I followed the directions for these misters (which were sparse, but enough). It contains 50 feet of hose but recommends 30-40 feet of usable coverage (the remaining ten for scaling up/around a wall). I ended up using about 32 feet which was all I needed, with the ten misters spaced about 2.5 feet apart (with small gaps near the corners and support posts of the patio). The set even comes with a line connector which you could use if you happened to cut the line too short. We like them so much, we are already thinking about extending the line, but we would want to buy some more nozzle heads ( http://www.digcorp.com/DIY/226-Cooling_Mist_Kits_&_Accessories/diy_products ).

I bought some other supplies at Home Depot and got to see the sets they sell in action (Orbit). They are more expensive and the lines looked a little more difficult to assemble. Their spray pattern also seemed to have heavier drops to me, because the streams didn't spread and dissipate quite like these. The Orbit misting nozzles had metal tips on those while these are plastic. That worried me a little until I saw how easy the Ocean Breeze heads are to remove. I didn't have any problems with clogging when they were installed, but they should be very easy to clean. Furniture within about 1-1.5 feet of the misters can get wet, but this was not a problem for us.

UNBELIEVABLE
So easy to install. I could not believe how cool it made it on a 93 degree hot and humid day. So pleasurable to sit out on my deck and enjoy the day in a cool breeze. I highly recommend!

Through the Garden Gate: The Gardens of Historic Hunstville

2009-12-06T10:07:00.001-08:00

Through the Garden Gate: The Gardens of Historic Hunstville
By Donna McPherson Castellano

Paper Empire

2009-12-06T04:07:00.001-08:00

Paper Empire
Better Than Ezra

Full of the great hooks and melodies that the band is famous for, Paper Empire marks yet another step forward in main BTE songwriter Kevin Griffin s evolution as a master tunesmith and builds on the great work Kevin has done writing with and for artists like Howie Day, David Cook, Train and Missy Higgins. Features ABSOLUTELY STILL, which is already getting spun at radio!

Longtime BTE fan, a bit disappointed...
First off, let me start by saying I am a true-blue diehard Ezralite. Their music is the soundtrack to my life as far as I'm concerned. I will never get tired of DELUXE and FRICTION BABY no matter how many thousands of times I've heard them already.

That said, it truly pains me to admit PAPER EMPIRE is not the kind of album I'll be wearing out any time soon. I get the feeling that they boys recognized the success of A LIFETIME and decided to make an entire album of A LIFETIMEs. Don't get me wrong, when Kevin Griffen writes a weepy introspective love song, they're some of the best out there. But a whole album's worth? They try to mix things up with BLACK LIGHT and NIGHTCLUBBING, but to be perfectly honest those songs come across as just plain... silly. They've gone from post-grunge rockers to something you'd hear on Dawson's Creek. I keep waiting to look up and see the end credits rolling on some chick-flick and see "Starring Bette Midler and Meryl Streep" every time I listen to this album.

On previous albums, BTE has been venturing more into the world of electronica and I gotta admit that's never been my favorite stuff of theirs, but it always worked because they had songs like BURNED and I DO to balance out JUICY and EXTRAORDINARY. Not this time, this whole album sounds like it was done on a computer. Look, I don't want an album that sounds like it was made in 1995 or anything, but there's not a single GOOD or KING OF NEW ORLEANS on this album.

I'm sorry BTE, I have always loved you and I will continue to play your other albums until my CD player won't read them anymore, but PAPER EMPIRE is going on the shelf. You've changed in a way that, while it may get you more play on the WB Network, it sells out your core fanbase. Sorry.

Survivors
First off, I have to say that I breathed a sigh of relief when I woke up Tuesday morning to the All-Music Guide's review having given the album 3.5 stars out of 5. The reviewer, well familiar with BTE's catalog, referred to them as being "survivors" in the music industry. I couldn't agree more with that statement, seeing as they've always been regional stars but not well-known nationwide. And it should go without saying that the changes in band members and record labels only perpetuate this feeling.

That being said, four years after BEFORE THE ROBOTS, the band has unveiled a mixed-bag in the form of PAPER EMPIRE (or PLAYS PAPER EMPIRE, as some retailers and reviewers have improperly listed it). When first listening to the album, I felt as though the band had lost a lot of its humor and fun...that is, until I got to track 5, "All In." From there the album delves into dance-rock ala The Killers for several tracks, then lovelorn mid-tempo songs and ballads, and then keeps bouncing between the extremes. This kind of inconsistency dizzies the listener and makes one ask, "What just hit me?" when the whole thing finishes.

It doesn't help that nothing is so catchy that it sticks with you when each new track begins. It also makes the album feel shorter than it actually is, which, in this day of age of playlists and portable music players, isn't so much of a problem, but what is an issue is the lack of hooks. Plus, let's face it, the band is heading into middle-age territory, so why the radio gloss and pandering to youth with tracks like "Nightclubbing" and "Black Light"? While the ultimate recent midlife crisis is owned by Ben Folds' WAY TO NORMAL, this album is thankfully a tinge more self-aware and not as immature.

Those who have seen the band live know that Kevin Griffin likes to engage the crowd and his playfulness is raw. It was that rawness that made CLOSER such a great album, stripped to rock's bare essentials and (mostly) free of big orchestrations, which have become so overused in music nowadays. If Griffin could channel more of his older musical tastes, he could have a looser, less-forceful album that would showcase his songwriting skills, instead of dressing them up in the wrong clothes. Sure, HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW was experimental, but overtly so, and it worked because it never let up. Whereas "Juicy" from the previous album was delicious (no pun intended) because the style change was so drastic from the other tracks. Griffin just needs to figure out how to walk these lines properly and realize that middle-of-the-road just doesn't suit him.

Fortunately, Griffin does always sing with passion, which makes the album's best track, "Turn Up The Bright Lights", really soar. It also assures the listener that the album wasn't just a toss-off; a lot of thought was clearly put into the production, even if it didn't get executed as well as it could have been. I already look forward to adding it to my Better Than Ezra queue and hearing these new songs mixed in with the old ones, which I know will better the songs themselves. And the bottom line is this: ANY new music from Better Than Ezra is better than having no new music from them at all.

Better Than Nothing
"Letdown" is a good word for this album. For me, "Paper Empire" was going to go one of two ways: 1. It was going to build on "Closer" and "Before the Robots" by successfully balancing pop, rock and experimental songs that blend well on the same album...and maybe (hopefully) even take it to the next level. 2. It was going to reveal that BTE is no longer a band and is instead now at the mercy of Kevin Griffin's ever-decreasing ability to craft songs that BTE fans actually want to hear. Unfortunately, it went with #2. That's not to say that this album doesn't contain some good songs, because it does. Several of the songs are very good, but there is a "B-side" feeling to almost all of them which make you wonder where all of their GREAT ideas went.
There isn't a single song that made me want to push "rewind" and hear it again before I moved onto the next one (that happened a LOT during their last two offerings). With each song, I listened eagerly and closely, desperately wanting (no pun intended) to hear something that would make me say, "THIS is my new jam!" Didn't happen. One of my favorite things about this band has always been that they never seemed to get comfortable or lazy within any given album. This one feels comfortable and lazy. The songs that try to "mix things up" ("All In", "Nightclubbing", etc.) just aren't that good. I was left with the feeling of "what was THAT???" after those songs instead of the feeling of "well THAT was an interesting song to put on the album...I think I like it!" I think that if this is their best effort, they're done. It pains me to say it, but it's true.
I love BTE and getting this CD at this point in their career is a gift, period...but I'm afraid I won't have very high expectations for them from now on. Please prove me wrong next time, guys.

Fiskars Garden Kneelers Knee Pads #9431

2009-12-05T22:07:00.001-08:00

Fiskars Garden Kneelers Knee Pads #9431
From Fiskars

Amazon Sales Rank: #1507 in Home Improvement
Brand: Fiskars
Model: 9431
Number of items: 1
Dimensions: 1.00 pounds

Fiskars Garden Kneelers Knee Pads #9432

Fiskars garden kneelers knee pads protect your knees from water, cold, and rough terrain. The soft cushion is comfortable to wear and will not absorb water; the double-adjustable straps with hook-and-loop closure adjust for a perfect fit. They are ideal for using all over your yard for gardening as well as a wide variety of other household tasks, both inside and out.

Waterproof and Rugged
I have had the rubberized pads in the past. They were uncomfortable and eventually craked or the straps broke. The Fiskars Kneelers are a waterproof fabric covering a thick padding. After a recent rain I did some weeding and they are waterproof. They are so much more comfortable to wear and to walk around in. I am happy so far with the Kneelers.

Great knee pads
I am a landscape designer but also do garden maintenance. I have bought other kinds of knee pads but they didn't fit snugly. The Fiskars Knee Pads fit securely, are very thick and don't ride up or down. I think they will last a long time.

Fiskars Garden Kneeler Knee Pads ARE THE BEST! SAVED MY BACK!!!
Well, I can't believe I had not purchased this item before now (about 6 months ago)! These pads fit securely around your legs, and they have two heavy duty straps that wrap above and below your knees. They are left and right, as well. Didn't know that at first, but I just put an L and an R on the appropriate knee pad so I wouldn't have to examine them before each use. They are thick and save your knees and back, because you do not have to stoop any more.

I bought two pairs. One for outdoor use and one for indoor use. I, now, can work faster in the yard, AND in the house. I used them while weeding, and they allowed me to just move aound on my knees. They are really durable and comfortable/excellent padding. I used them indoors while doing a thorough cleaning of my kitchen floor. They let you slide a bit! I was thrilled when I was able to move quickly around the floor. No getting up and down in order to get under the cabnets.

THIS IS A MUST PRODUCT IF YOU DO YOUR OWN HOUSE AND YARD WORK!!! SAVE YOUR KNEES AND YOUR BACK!!!

The Japanese House: A Tradition for Contemporary Architecture

2009-12-05T16:07:00.001-08:00

The Japanese House: A Tradition for Contemporary Architecture
By Heinrich Engel

required reading
This is the definitive text (in english) on the subject of simple single-residence Japanese construction into the early post WW2 era. Mr. Engels treats the subject with clarity and reverence. I have been reading books on this subject for years and have yet to find its equal.
This edition is a far cry from the much abridged paper bound edition first issued in the 1980's and is far more comprehensive. As costly as it is, like the chisel you buy that seems so expensive at the time, as the years go by the superior value of that better tool displays itself more clearly with every use. Buy this one. You won't regret it.
One flaw exists; all copies I have seen have cracked their binding somewhere between the 50th and 120th pages. Otherwise a perfect book for the carpenter, woodworker or architect.
Enjoy

already reviewed this FABULOUS book. We are lucky to have it.
This is a truly beautiful book, and the architects in my office find it extremely useful.

Stronger Than Dirt: How One Urban Couple Grew a Business, a Family, and a New Way of Life from the Ground Up

2009-12-05T10:07:00.001-08:00

Stronger Than Dirt: How One Urban Couple Grew a Business, a Family, and a New Way of Life from the Ground Up
By Kim Schaye, Chris Losee

A Dream Takes Root

From Publishers Weekly
In 1995, lured by a friend's enthusiasm for the pleasures of market gardening and his tales of the money to be made selling produce at greenmarkets, the authors, who lived in Brooklyn, decided to buy 30 acres of land in upstate New York. Schaye, who was an editorial writer for the New York Daily News, got herself reassigned as a reporter in the paper's Albany bureau so she could be close to the farm, and Losee gave up his failing construction business. In lively alternating essays, husband and wife tell the story of their venture. He recounts the details of building a house, tilling the land, constructing a deer fence; she, bemused at her husband's grandiose plans and his unfailing confidence, goes along with everything, including spending the first winter with thousands of tomato and pepper seedlings growing in the bedroom of their temporary apartment in Albany. Increasingly dissatisfied with her job covering the static New York State government, Schaye finally gave it up and entered wholeheartedly into farm work. After the first summer, they sold their house in Brooklyn, took part-time jobs, and through backbreaking labor, made their farm work. Now they have a successful business selling flowers and fresh produce at greenmarkets. Without playing down the hardships of the endeavor-though they're vague about financial details-the authors have written an engaging and unfailingly optimistic book. 16 b&w photos.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Schaye was an editorial writer for the New York Daily News, and her husband, Losee, was facing the failure of a construction business begun by his father when they decided to make a leap of faith. They bought land in the Hudson Valley and started a farm, with little previous experience other than some rooftop gardening. In this engaging account of their transition from urbanites to farmers, Schaye and Losee alternate, providing his-and-her perspectives on the joys and travails of starting Silverpetals Farm and marketing flowers and produce to city dwellers. They endured the skepticism of their friends and family, as well as the locals in their new surroundings, and the challenges of weather, bugs, and their own steep learning curve. Looking back over seven years, the birth of two children, the creation of a successful business, and the personal journey to more fulfilling lives, Schaye and Losee offer insights into both farming and the pursuit of dreams. Vanessa Bush
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author
KIMBERLY SCHAYE and CHRISTOPHER LOSEE live and farm in Columbia County, New York. In the summer and autumn, you’ll find them selling their beautiful wildflower bouquets and fresh produce in greenmarkets in New York City and the Hudson Valley region of New York State.

Beyond Gardening
What a fun book! Stronger than Dirt is a funny, fun, interesting look into the world of farming -- through formerly non-farmers' eyes. Told in a "he says, she says" format, you're able to see both sides of a funny -- and true -- story. Ms. Schaye's descriptions of the heat, sweat, labor, and truly beautiful countryside contrast with Mr. Losee's idealistic, optimistic, and realistic descriptions of the -- heat, sweat, and labor -- that went into starting their farm in Upstate New York. Their "truthful" and "no-holds-barred" writing style lets you feel their pains, triumphs, and successes almost first-hand. Even though my thumb is beyond black and I am not really into gardening, I enjoyed this book for the unusual and charming story that it is. I found myself laughing with their humor, and wincing with their setbacks, and I loved hearing about their families' reactions.

I read it and loved it
I picked this book up at the library over the summer when I was looking for a gardening book. I wasn't looking for a STORY about gardening but after starting the book, I was pleasantly surprised at how interesting their journey was. A young couple wants to start a new business that is very different from what they are use to. I am actually thinking of looking for it again (at the library) just to re-read it.
It was almost a step by step guide to starting up a family farming business.

Commercial Industrial Heavy Duty Hose Reel Cart

2009-12-05T04:07:00.001-08:00

Commercial Industrial Heavy Duty Hose Reel Cart
From MAJOR COMPANION

Powder Coated Finish 300 Feet (5/8") Hose Capacity 10" Pneumatic Wheels Steel Tube Design--Heavy Duty 6' Leader Hose Included Swivel Steering for Easy Transport Brass Water Inlet/Outlet

Amazon Sales Rank: #354099 in Lawn & Patio
Brand: MAJOR COMPANION

JUNK

MY RUSTED AS WELL IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR. SAVE YOUR MONEY, THIS IS JUNK!!

Best reel at any price.
I reserarched many, many garden hose reels. They ranged from plastic, lightweight "harry homeowner" units to very expensive metal, industrial-grade reels. This reel is the best I have seen at any price. This cart is true "industrial" quality at a "homeowner" price. Furthermore, delivery was prompt and shipping charges were less than one-third those of reels of similar weight.

Rustbucket
I had the same problem as above. The cart started rusting immediately. It was completely rusted out in a year.

Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Skin Therapy Hand Recovery 3.5 oz (100 g)

2009-12-04T22:07:00.001-08:00

Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Skin Therapy Hand Recovery 3.5 oz (100 g)
From NAP, INC

Our 60-second intensive hand recovery treatment cleanses, exfoliates and moisturizes with a blend of sea salt, algae, shea butter and lavender oil. Your hands will feel noticeably softer and smoother immediately.

best hand cream
I received this product as a gift. It took a while before I actually used the product but I must say, it really helped my extremely dry hands. I noticed the difference after the 1st use. It's a very good product.

Yeoman Steel Daisy Grubber Hand Held #CYE267

2009-12-04T16:07:00.001-08:00

Yeoman Steel Daisy Grubber Hand Held #CYE267
From Yeoman

Amazon Sales Rank: #141944 in Home Improvement
Brand: Yeoman
Model: CYE267

Yeoman's Steel Daisy Grubber is a durable hand tool that features rust resistant, stainless steel construction. Built to be ergonomic, the 6-inch handle provides extra comfort and a hole for hanging.

Great for bermuda grass removal: could be more rigid
I had a similar tool from Smith & Hawken (now gone under) but lost it after moving some dirt around. It was so great at pulling out that nasty bermuda grass (often confused with crab grass). This was the closest tool I could find to the original piece. It works great: my only reserve is that it could be a bit sturdier as I'm always afraid to bend it when I press hard. I never had that concern with the Smith & Hawken tool as it had a stronger build.

Dalen #BN-3 28x28Protec GDN Netting

2009-12-04T10:07:00.001-08:00

Dalen #BN-3 28x28Protec GDN Netting
From DALEN PRODUCTS CO INC

Dalen Bird-X, 28' x 28', Anti-Bird Protective Garden Netting, Protects Fruit Trees, Berry Bushes & Vegetables From Thieving Birds & Other Garden Pests, This Tough & Durable Polypropylene Netting Is Considered The Ideal Method Of Protection By Gardening Authorities, 3/4" Mesh Provides Total Protection Without Harming Birds & Small Animals, Packed In Displayer Case.

Amazon Sales Rank: #87376 in Kitchen & Housewares
Brand: DALEN PRODUCTS CO INC
Dimensions: 15.14 pounds

Great Netting, Large and Tough
This netting was big enough to cover my chicken pen, but a little bit too stretchy, so we had to put a bunch of ties on it. It was a little difficult to unravel, but not really a problem. Overall good netting. Hasn't broken at all.

great product
This netting was used for a peach tree that yielded about 150 peaches. None went to the birds so the netting did a great job.

Tripping Hazard
This stuff works, don't get me wrong, but if someone had a video camera on me when I was trying to install it I would've been on bloopers and practical jokes. I tried to install it on a pear tree, but it wasn't happening. The netting kept getting stuck on branches. To work properly I think the tree would have needed to be the perfect shape. So, instead I used the netting over the top of my 4 foot garden fence. Works like a charm and the birds can't get to my tomatoes and peppers. I've had a bumper crop because of this netting.

Hybrid: The History and Science of Plant Breeding

2009-12-04T04:07:00.001-08:00

Hybrid: The History and Science of Plant Breeding
By Noel Kingsbury

Amazon Sales Rank: #44920 in Books
Published on: 2009-10-15
Original language: English
Number of items: 1
Binding: Hardcover
512 pages

Review
"The reason you and billions of other people will eat today is a century-long effort to increase the yield of crop plants. Hybrid tells the story of the quiet heroes behind this triumph. Noel Kingsbury has written a fantastic history of a subject that should become much better known."ï¿½Gregg Easterbrook, author, Sonic Boom (Gregg Easterbrook, author of Sonic Boom )

ï¿½I will never look at a slice of bread or grain of rice the same way, having read Hybrid. By recounting the history of plant breeding, the author has revealed the many choices made in creating the crops of today and yesterday, and challenges us to think about our choices for tomorrow.ï¿½ï¿½Cathy Maloney, author of Chicago Gardens (Cathy Maloney, author of Chicago Gardens )

ï¿½In plant breeding, just as in evolution, genetic variety is the raw material of success. Hybrid is the story of how the genes that make a fat corn cob, a luscious apple, a brilliantly orange carrot or a high yielding strain of rice have traveled by serpentine paths to reach the genomes of the crops that we so depend on and yet so take for granted. In Hybrid we learn that there was a green revolution in eleventh-century China when a visionary emperor imported new strains of rice from Indochina; how working men in nineteenth-century Britain made a sport of competitive gooseberry breeding, and how a German doctor discovered hybrid vigor in plants. Hybrid the book displays, like hybrids themselves, all the marvelous fruit of miscellany.ï¿½ï¿½Jonathan Silvertown, author of An Orchard Invisible: A Natural History of Seeds (Jonathan Silvertown )

ï¿½A magnificent achievementï¿½Kingsbury tells this gripping story, with a large cast of characters across the entire span of human civilization, with wit, passion, and erudition.ï¿½ï¿½Tim Richardson, author of The Arcadian Friends: Inventing the English Landscape Garden (Tim Richardson, author of The Arcadian Friends )

ï¿½Thoughtful, well researched and refreshingly broad in scope, Noel Kingsburyï¿½s Hybrid took me out of my immediate area of expertise (plants and garden history) and opened my eyes to the way previously unsung plant breeders have transformed societies. Accessible to specialists and non-specialists, it should be essential reading for anyone wishing to take an informed view on the future direction of biotechnology.ï¿½ï¿½Jennifer Potter, author of Strange Blooms: The Curious Lives and Adventures of the John Tradescants (Jennifer Potter, author of Strange Blooms )

About the Author

Noel Kingsbury is a horticulturalist and writer, the author of many books, including Designing with Plants, Natural Gardening in Small Spaces, and coeditor of Vista—the Culture and Politics of Gardens.

is something missing?
somewhat puzzled that such an in depth study could be written about the history of hybrids and not once is there a mention of apomixis.

Birds and Blooms Magazine Feb/Mar 2009 (Birds & Blooms Magazine, Volume 15 Number 1)

2009-12-03T22:07:00.001-08:00

Birds and Blooms Magazine Feb/Mar 2009 (Birds & Blooms Magazine, Volume 15 Number 1)
From Reiman Publications

This is Feb-March Spring 2009 issue. Contains 65 pages of informative articles, Q&As, and How To Do plus great color illustrations. Available by subscription only.

Just Smoked Salmon Western Red Alder Wood Smoking Chunks (8lbs.)

2009-12-03T16:07:00.001-08:00

Just Smoked Salmon Western Red Alder Wood Smoking Chunks (8lbs.)
From Just Smoked Salmon

Whether you're smoking salmon, fish, meats, or, barbequing a turkey, nothing compares to the naturally sweet smoked flavor of Western Red Alder wood chunks. The Western Red Alder, unlike its shrub-like eastern cousins (Speckled, Common, etc.), is a hardwood tree often exceeding 75 ft. in height. Indigenous west of the Cascade mountain range of the Pacific Northwest, Western Red Alder wood has become a favorite wood smoking flavor. Made famous throughout the world by Northwest native's seafood and salmon smoking, the Western Red Alder's natural sugars provide a truly unique smoked flavor. Great for BBQ smokers & meat smokers alike, Western Red Alder wood's delightful smoke flavor enriches all fish, seafood, meats, and even vegetables.

Amazon Sales Rank: #134289 in Lawn & Patio
Brand: Just Smoked Salmon
Model: WCC1

Wonderful flavor
My husband and I love the taste this wood imparts. It is great for chicken, fish and any light flavored meat that you wish to smoke. It gives the meat a delicate smoked flavor unlike mesquite or hickory. Definitely try it if you like smoked salmon or chicken.

Gilmour 17 Twin Shut-Off Valves Hose Connector, Teal/Black

2009-12-03T10:08:00.001-08:00

Gilmour 17 Twin Shut-Off Valves Hose Connector, Teal/Black
From Gilmour

Non-corrosive, high impact polymer with twin shut-off valves. Not recommended for hot water usage.

Amazon Sales Rank: #75264 in Home Improvement
Brand: Gilmour
Model: 17
Number of items: 1
Dimensions: .14 pounds

Gilmour's assortment of quality-made shut-off valves offer flows to match any watering need.

Not for use with a timer
I had one of these put ahead of a Gilmour 9400 timer on a hose bib connection. BAD IDEA. The timer shut-off causes a lot of water hammer and this broke the tee. That is, the hammer, after about a month, caused a crack in the tee that allowed a LOT of water leakage.

If you're just looking for a tee for convience then this is a nice one. The knobs on the valve are big and easy to use.

Just DO NOT use it in a constant supply situation where there will be any sort of hard shut off as the plastic WILL crack.

Great way to attach two hoses to one outlet
It was so simple to install and works like a charm. Doesn't leak at all and when one or both sides are switched to off, not a drop of water is allowed through.

Great for ordinary use
I don't use this with a timer, like the previous reviewer. It's attached to a hose bib and two hoses (with quick connects.) It works.

Better yet, it's held up under the hot south Florida sun for quite a long time, with no obvious deterioration and no bleaching. I wish I could say that about my hoses and other hardware.

Amazon's pricing is a bit startling. Right now the price is listed as $66.99 with a significant discount which makes the price slightly better than the $5 and change I paid at Lowe's. I'd pick another one up if I thought I'd need one anytime soon, but I expect this to last a long time.

Marathon Industries 70103 500-Pound Capacity Steel Flat Bed Garden Cart With Cushion Grip Handle, Flat Free Tires

2009-12-03T04:08:00.001-08:00

Marathon Industries 70103 500-Pound Capacity Steel Flat Bed Garden Cart With Cushion Grip Handle, Flat Free Tires
From Marathon Industries

Amazon Sales Rank: #104927 in Home Improvement
Brand: Marathon
Model: 70103
Number of items: 1

Steel frame, Cushioned handle, Flat-free tires, 750 square inch, 37.5" x 20"

Sturdy Cart for Clever Buyers
This cart is very strudy, well engineered and works beautifuly, once assembled. Ah, there's the rub....you will need a good socket set and an even better set of mechanical skills to assemble it. There are no instructions, not even a parts list, so if you are not mechanically inclined you might struggle. Even the manufacturer's web site provides no help (eventually I worked it out looking at the website photos). Assembly is not difficult, it's just not obvious when you stand looking at the pile of parts. I would have given this item 5 stars if not for the lack of assembly instructions.

Good design and quality
Multi-functional, sturdy but not heavy or bulky, comfortable and easy to maneuver. Now my neighbors want one...it will hold 1000 lb. so I promised to take them for rides on it if they can't buy their own.

Veranda (2-year)

2009-12-02T22:07:00.001-08:00

Veranda (2-year)

Visit the world's most fascinating interiors and view the work of leading designers in stunningly beautiful pages filled with the latest and best home furnishings, table settings, garden ideas and cuisine.

lavish living
For a look at luxurious items, sumptuous homes, beautiful gardens, and food that could pass for art, this magazine has it all. Published 6 times a year, it has exquisite photography, and brilliantly colored, thick glossy pages. The layout is coordinated so well with the ads (which are thankfully unscented), that I sometimes confuse them with the articles, and the topics range from art, antiques, and travel, but the bulk of the publicatation is devoted to elegant homes and gardens.

Among the many articles in The July-August 2003 issue for instance, there is "Masterworks: The Late Seascapes of Turner", with some little known works by this great English artist; "Coral, Beyond the Reef", fabulous jewelry from the coastal region of Naples, Italy, and floral designs from Bella Flora in Dallas, where celebrities buy their gorgeous bouquets. There are no prices listed for any items in this magazine, because I imagine that if one has to ask, one can't afford it.
Five homes are featured, all different, all in their own way marvelous, from an old Atlanta mansion filled with curious antiques, to a bright and modern, sparsely furnished London home with pistachio walls and lots of light.
As Editor-in Chief Lisa Newson says in "The View from Veranda", "Color is magic", and this magazine serves up a lot of it...a feast for the eyes, and a glimpse of lavish living.

Fabulous Magazine, highly recommended!!!!!!
A woman that is passionate about beautiful things writes this review. I am an avid do-it-yourselfer and love to do things around the house. This magazine has been one of my favorites for years. I look forward to each new issue and the decorating ideas that it will provide.

This magazine concentrates on upscale decorating, architecture and landscapes. Many of the articles feature European country looks. The photographs in this magazine are absolutely beautiful.

The July / August 2006 edition contained the following:

1. Venetian Villa (Adrienne Vittadini in Sarasota Florida)
2. Nantucket Renewal (Enlarging a Classic Cottage)
3. Blooming Intensity (Saturated with Color)
4. Coastal Hues (Seaside Radiance Captured)
5. British Accent (This side of the Pond)
6. The Art of Dining
7. The View from Veranda (Summer Place)
8. Tableaux (Staged Elegance)
9. Personal Luxury (Cool Coral)
10. On Exhibit (Jungles in Paris)
11. Trade Secrets (Summertime: Fabrics, Rugs, Lighting)
12. Passions (Birds of Paradise: Home Aviary Design)
13. Showcase (Summer Seating: For Pool and Porch)
14. Verdant Paths (Annevoie: Belgium's Water Garden)
15. The Last Word (Vanity Flair: Adrienne Vittadini Sketchbook)

There are many photographs of this magazine of both house interiors and exteriors that I find to be very inspirational from a decorating perspective. If you are looking for either painting or decorating ideas this magazine has much to offer. I have replicated some of the interiors in my own home.

The exterior photographs of this magazine are always very appealing. I have been slowing changing the landscaping on my property to reflect a more Italian way of life. I think you will be inspired to create an alfresco dining space after you have seen some of the beautiful landscape photographs.

The merchants that advertise in this magazine are fabulous. I have purchased many items from them and have always been happy with my purchases.

I highly recommend this magazine to anyone that loves interior design, or just likes nice things. This magazine is top notch all the way.

Classic European interior design & upscale living
Veranda is one of my favorite interior design magazines. Yes, there is quite a bit of advertising. Tho, most of the advertisements are beautifully done and are more like art than adverts.

Anyone could get decorating ideas from Veranda. Many times I have used Veranda to get ideas for garden design, floral design, home furnishing, art, textures and for choosing my home's color palette. If you shop in local antique shops, flea markets or even Ebay you can find similar antiques and art to recreate the designer looks in Veranda for much less money.

Each month in Veranda there's usually a pictorial feature on jewelry. I love the way the jewels are so beautifully arranged, then skillfully photographed.

As other reviewers have mentioned Veranda's paper stock is thick and glossy. Veranda will survive repeated reading.

The Essential Garden Book

2009-12-02T10:08:00.001-08:00

The Essential Garden Book
By Terence Conran

"The Essential Garden Book" inspires readers to create both beautiful and realistic gardens that are ideally suited to the way they live. 650 full-color photos National publicity. 30.000. .

Great Garden Designs with Excellant Information
This is, without a doubt, one of the finest gardening design books I have come across. It shows many different styles of gardens with distinct flair. If you want to be inspired by innovative ideas, buy it. It is one of my two favorite gardening books---and I have many.

Inspirational Garden Book
One of the most useful and innovative garden books. If you are looking for inspiration, this is a good one to buy.

Inspirational!
My new favorite garden book! The photos and concepts are inspirational to a plant lover and Landscape Designer, such as myself. Very interesting combinations of plant groupings, breaks the mold of Sunset's books.

The Secret Garden

2009-12-01T22:07:00.001-08:00

The Secret Garden
By Frances Hodgson Burnett

Frightened orphan Mary discovers the joyful wonders of life on the Yorkshire Moors with the help of two local boys and a mysterious, abandoned garden...where all things seem possible.

Amazon Sales Rank: #4723 in Books
Published on: 2003-07-01
Released on: 2003-07-01
Original language: English
Number of items: 1
Binding: Paperback
288 pages

Review
If this is magic, it is good magic. -- The New York Times

Review
If this is magic, it is good magic. (The New York Times)

Mistress Mary, quite contrary...
The Secret Garden - my mum gave me this book when I was about eight and in the front it says: "for Kate, who will stay up reading until the wee hours of the morning." and it is true. I've read this book many times since then and I discover something new each time.

The characters are wonderful, especially Mary, Colin, Ben Weatherstaff and the "Yorkshire angel" Dickon. The changes that happen to both Mary and Colin throughout the book are a delight to observe.

I feel protected and happy once I've finished this book, things turn out happily, for the best and the image I have in my head of the Secret Garden surpasses anything I have ever seen in real life - and that is fine, for this is literature.

Read it.

Still a favorite
Mary is a sour nine-year old girl whose neglectful parents die in India and she is taken to an even more neglectful uncle in a gothic castle in a remote part of England. Interest in something outside herself is sparked when Martha, the servant assigned to look after her, is shocked that Mary never learned how to dress herself. There had been no need. Martha has other duties so Mary is left alone. Her explorations lead her out in the late winter air and to an obsession with finding "the secret garden." She discovers an even bigger secret of another child in the house.

Through magic and exercise, both children are transformed. This highly entertaining book is a wonderful read for all ages.

The Secret Garden
I am an urban, public school teacher with a fifth grade reading group. The girls, as well as the boys, found this book to be spellbinding. I had students trying to smuggle copies of the book out of the room at the end of our period - just so they could read the next few chapters!!!

Vegetable Gardening for the Average Person: A guide to vegetable gardening for the rest of us

2009-11-30T22:07:00.001-08:00

Vegetable Gardening for the Average Person: A guide to vegetable gardening for the rest of us
By Michael Podlesny

Vegetable Gardening for the Average Person is the perfect resource for beginning and aspiring vegetable gardeners. This book covers composting techniques, to choosing the right seeds and how to avoid frost. If you are new to vegetable gardening, then this is the book for you.

Thank you!
As the autor of this book I want to thank all who have decided to purchase it and of course write a review. I also encourage you to not only post a review of the book here on Amazon, but visit my Facebook fan page and let me know what you thought could have been explained better or what could be added to the book. I am always looking for both positive and negative feedback. Without it, there is no way to know how to improve on something :)

Sorry about the 5 stars...there was no way to add this comment without clicking on the stars option.

Smart Solar Sun Jet 150 Fountain Pump

2009-11-29T22:07:00.001-08:00

Smart Solar Sun Jet 150 Fountain Pump
From Smart Solar

Your own outdoor oasis! Sunjet 150 Solar Water Fountain... SUN power! Quickly and easily add a decorative fountain to your landscaping with the Sunjet 150 Solar Fountain. The Sunjet's pump is powered by clean, "green" solar power, so there's no extra wiring needed. Simply install the solar panel to receive direct sunlight, and you'll never run out of "juice"! Ideal for fountains, small ponds... anywhere you'd like to add motion, and the relaxing sounds of flowing water! Comes with 3 different fountain heads for maximum versatility. Fountain water height up to 14"; Needs no hardwiring or batteries; 3 heads included; Solar panel can be mounted or staked into ground; All hardware included; Pump: 1 7/8 x 1 3/8 x 2 1/4"h., weighs 1 lb. 10' cable from pump to solar panel; UL-listed; Act Now! Sunjet 150 Solar Water Fountain

Amazon Sales Rank: #75101 in Kitchen & Housewares
Brand: Smart Solar
Model: 21410M01

Solar fountain pump
Received the first pump. Set it up per instructions in full sunlight and it worked perfectly for 5 minutes. Contacted the seller/company and received a full replacement pump and solar panel in a few days. Prompt, courteous customer service! Apparently, the solar panel was defective on the first shipment.

The pump and solar panel are working great for weeks now. I recommend the solar pump and seller/company to all. Am sitting in my patio now, enjoying the flowing fountain powered by solar energy.

Wonderful
I have owned a SunJet solar fountain pump for 3 years. It is a great product and remarkably easy to use and maintain. I did have the filter wear out on me. I made a replacement from a green scrubby used for washing pots and pans. I love my fountain and enjoy the ability to create it however I choose. I bought one for my parents and they enjoy it on their patio surrounded by plants.

Poor instructions, pump dead after 3 days
I bought one of these a year ago and hooked it up inside a new birdbath just last week. It was cloudy all weekend and the fountain ran on and off. I noticed it was overshooting water outside of the birdbath and adjusted it as best I could. But, Monday, when I got home after a super sunny day, the bath was bone dry and the pump destroyed--it had shot all the water out of the bath.

The instructions are poor and said nothing about which fountain head did what or how to restrict the flow. I did find one site that said your bowl should be 12 or more inches across--mine is.

I'm disappointed. The picture makes it look like a nice contained spray, but it's not.

Unless you've got a big bowl, steer clear.

Hello Kitty - Garden Floral Shoe Lace

2009-11-28T22:07:00.001-08:00

Hello Kitty - Garden Floral Shoe Lace
From Sanrio

How does you garden grow? with Hello Kitty it grow in pink and blue. This pair of Hello kitty laces has scrolling vines of pink and blue and of course hello Kitty.

Amazon Sales Rank: #170319 in Toys & Games
Brand: Hello Kitty

Roses for Dummies

2009-11-27T22:07:00.001-08:00

Roses for Dummies
By Lance Walheim, The Editors of the National Gardening Association

“American Beauty,” “Dublin Bay,” “Rocketeer,” “Betty Boop,” “High Noon,” “Pearly Gates”…with a distinctive name for each of hundreds of varieties, the array of roses that could adorn your garden is both dazzling and daunting. So which ones survive hardily on their own for weeks on end, and which ones wither and die without constant attention? How do you tell a climber from a shrub, and how does each thrive? And don’t even start with pruning!

Amazon Sales Rank: #74629 in Books
Published on: 2000-01-24
Original language: English
Number of items: 1
Binding: Paperback
416 pages

Is there any flower more sensuous and romantic than the rose? Roses aren't just fragrant and beautiful; they're also easy to grow and come in hundreds of varieties and colors. Roses for Dummies covers the various types of roses--hybrid teas, grandifloras, floribundas, miniatures, climbers, shrub roses, and antique roses--helping would-be rose gardeners select the best variety for their conditions and pocketbooks. Planting, watering, mulching, and pruning are covered in enough detail to suit any arboretum and, speaking of arboretums, the book's appendix gives the locations of the best public rose gardens in the U.S. Roses for Dummies is a friendly guide to what may become a blooming passion.

From the Back Cover
"Rose growers will find advice that is abundant and extremely helpful." —Bill Marken, eHow.com

"Easy solutions ... answers to all my puzzling questions." —Jan Weverka, The Rose Garden Newsletter

Praise for Roses For Dummies
"One of my favorite books on roses." ÂJoan Franson, American Rose

"Thorough, easy-to-read ...well-researched and well-organized." ÂPortland Oregonian

"Packed with modern techniques for cultivating roses in almost any space and climate." ÂCountry Decorating Ideas

"Even experienced gardeners will find this book a handy reference." ÂOrange County Register

With new color photos and coverage of 75 additional roses

A rose book by any other name wouldn't spell things out as sweet! Now updated with coverage of more roses Â including the new English roses Â plus new illustrations, new zone maps, and more, this bestselling guide shows you step-by-step how to create the rose garden of your dreams.

About the Author
;

Lance Walheim has been gardening most of his life. He got his start when his father forced him to turn the soil and plant tomatoes in the family vegetable garden as punishment for a deed he can't recall. Funny thing was, he found that he enjoyed working in the soil and has been doing it ever since. In 1975, he graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in botany. Shortly after, he started writing and researching books on gardening and since has written or contributed to more than 40 gardening books on subject ranging from citrus to roses (including Roses For Dummies®). He has also written extensively about lawns and lawn care -- check out his book, Lawn Care For Dummies®. He also has served as a writer for Sunset and National Gardening magazines and is part owner of California Citrus Specialties, marketers of specialty citrus fruit. But his true loves are family and gardening, the "composts" that enrich his heart and soul.

This book's definitely a keeper for rose growers
I have almost 40 rose books in my collection and I've read them all cover to cover, some many times. I didn't expect what I got from this book - new information that that wasn't included in weighty books for serious rose growers. This book demystifies the culture of roses, gives good advice in an easily read style. Its a great read and a painless way to learn enough to go right into rose growing - whether its just a couple of roses or major rose beds!

Great. Clear, informative and useful.
Obviously written by an expert, this book lets you zero in on exactly the information you want, or read page-by-page for a constantly interesting flow of information. A great section of tables help you narrow down your selection to fit your region and and amount of effort you feel like putting in. Makes you feel that you, too, can grow your own beautiful rose bushes!

I'm no Dummy, anymore....
I've been growing roses for a few years and my mother and grandmother are avid rose gardeners. I thought I knew a fair amount on the subject, but I learned SO MUCH from this book. Great for the beginner and experienced rose grower. And the photos are beautiful (would have liked more). This book can make anyone feel comfortable growing roses and will help ensure their success!

Ice Cubed Rolling Softside Cooler (Blue)

2009-11-26T22:07:00.001-08:00

Ice Cubed Rolling Softside Cooler (Blue)
From MerchSource, LLC.

Make your next party portable with this insulated softside rolling cooler by Ice Cubed. The cooler folds down flat for easy storage and travel while a telescopic handle and durable roller wheels provide smooth and easy portability. With a leak-proof lining that is also tear resistant and double heat sealed, this fun and practical party accessory will last for many barbecues and picnics to come.

Amazon Sales Rank: #92248 in Sports & Outdoors
Brand: Ice Cubed
Model: 1218010

Very Happy, Thanks Amazon
This cooler is great and multi-functional. When I received the item, it was more than I expected. The cooler really works well and the rolling wheels are really convenient when you need to move your drinks from one location to another. I even used this at a family outing and forgot about the sodas and sandwhiches that were still in it and the next morning the sodas and the sandwhiches were still cold.

No way
Have used it a several times with no problem with the zipper, but doesn't hold shape and the water leaks out of it. If you use maybe the fozen ice packs and don't put ice in it, it would be okay for some stuff but much better coolers out there on the market. Don't waste your money on this one.

cooler
Sounds like a great product? Wrong. The first time I used it, the zipper pull, came off, followed by the actual zipper breaking. Until they make the product more sturdy, do not purchase!

Gilmour 10 Series 8 Ply Flexogen Hose 3/4 Inch x 100 Feet #10-34100 Green

2009-11-25T22:07:00.001-08:00

Gilmour 10 Series 8 Ply Flexogen Hose 3/4 Inch x 100 Feet #10-34100 Green
From Gilmour

Glossy smooth cover is rugged and abrasion resistant. Its polished surface staysclean and is easier to coil and handle. Lifetime replacement guarantee. 500 lb. burst strength. Kink and pressure twist resistant. Rugged six layer constructionfor extra service.

Amazon Sales Rank: #9629 in Home Improvement
Size: 3/4" x 100'
Brand: Gilmour
Model: 10-34100
Released on: 2004-07-01
Number of items: 1
Dimensions: 26.00 pounds

Exceptionally strong, durable, flexible, and lightweight, this Flexogen hose is built to last. Designed to withstand 500 PSI water pressure without bursting, its patented eight-layer, tire cord-reinforced construction provides outstanding strength and endurance. A special sealed compound--flexible even in the harshest cold weather--coats and protects the hose from rain, snow, mildew, cuts, and abrasions. The Flow Guard Plus collar keeps the hose extended and kink-free, so no matter how much you tug and stretch it, water flow is never interrupted. An O-ring seal prevents leaks, and crush-resistant, brass couplings keep their shape impeccably even after years of use. The hose also winds and stows easily. It even floats for trouble-free retrieval from pool or pond. Measuring a hefty, larger-than-standard 3/4 inches in diameter and 100 feet long, this sturdy garden tool is made in the USA, and comes backed by a full, lifetime-replacement guarantee.

Gilmour's Flexogen is the hose that has long set the standard for quality in garden hoses. Recognized by consumers and trade allike, it offers the ultimate in quality and value. It is the last hose you'll ever buy!

About the best you can get
I have a small farm and use lots of hoses. Of all I've tried, Gilmour hoses have been the best by far. They have superior, solid fittings; resist kinking the best (of hoses not specifically designed to avoid kinking); and have remained the most pliable with weathering. Best of all is Gilmour's lifetime warranty: should the hose ever fail to perform, just cut off the ends and send them to Gilmour and they'll send you a new hose. I've done this a couple times with no hassle. Other hoses want you to have saved the receipt, original packaging, etc. Who does that?

This really is "the last hose you'll ever buy."

Early review - will likely modify later.
Giving this 4 stars because I was pleased with an older version of this product from Gilmour. The Amazon description is correct, but the picture is wrong. It's the older 6-ply version. The new one, which I recieved today, is their latest 8-ply. Go to the manufacturer's website to read more about that if interested. My hose does not have the blue sleeve pictured in Amazon's pic. The 8-ply does not have a sleeve.

Looks to be a good product. Lifetime replacement guarantee. This hose is 1/8" larger than the typical 5/8" size you see in stores; and it is noticeably bigger. Looks like something you'd see at golf courses or in commercial settings.

The free shipping is quite a deal - $9.99 subtracted. Other garden hoses at Amazon, even some from same manufacturer, have shipping charges because it's done through a 2nd/3rd seller. So, I'd take advantage of this while you can!

Best Garden Hose on the Market
This is easily the best garden hose I've ever owned. Very flexible but strong, almost never kinks, I can see getting years of use out of this one. Also note that Amazon's pricing is about $30-40 less than you'll see in many catalogs carrying the same hose.

Heirloom Tomato Garden - Seed Kit

2009-11-24T22:07:00.001-08:00

Heirloom Tomato Garden - Seed Kit
From Windowbox.com

Farmers and gardeners of long ago selected the produce they continued to grow on the basis of flavor and texture. Large scale commercial growing, consistency of size and shape and the demand for year-round availability shaped the development of different characteristics in food crops. Now you can grow your own heirloom varieties carefully selected once again for their unique colors, shapes and most importantly delectable flavor and texture. Remember the garden your grandmother used to grow? Your Heirloom Tomato Garden Kit contains seeds for Caspian Pink, Brandywine, Tigerella, Green Zebra, and Big Rainbow Tomatoes, stakes, pencil and growing booklet.

Amazon Sales Rank: #254515 in Lawn & Patio
Brand: Windowbox.com

Body Glove 90105 Economy Wrist Wrap

2009-11-23T19:29:00.001-08:00

Body Glove 90105 Economy Wrist Wrap
From Body Glove

Amazon Sales Rank: #8855 in Home Improvement
Brand: Body Glove
Model: 90105
Number of items: 1

Moderate support encourages healthy, neutral wrist position with complete finger and thumb mobility and dexterity. Low profile design allows wear under sleeves or gloves. Easy, one-hand donning. Custom adjustment allows for individualized compression requirements. Closes easily with hook-and-loop. Thumb loop keeps wrap in place. Fits right or left wrist; one size fits all. Breathable Tradewinds open-cell neoprene construction is ideal for hot weather.

Stay away
Shoddy product. The velcro started coming off after only two trips to the gym. Has fine wrist support actually, but you'll get too little use out of this product to make it worthwhile.

Good for the price.
For the price, it is very good. It is worth buying. Why spend more when you don't have to.

Wrist brace
I have arthritis in my wrists and when I carve it is agitated. I find that wearing this wrist wrap helps greatly. I looked at all the expensive braces and wraps and none seemed to support the wrist while allowing general movement. This one does and is quick and easy to put on and take off.

Plastair SpringJet PUJ250B93OT-AMZ 50-Foot 3/8-Inch Coil Garden Hose Wand Set - Blue

2009-11-23T06:35:00.001-08:00

Plastair SpringJet PUJ250B93OT-AMZ 50-Foot 3/8-Inch Coil Garden Hose Wand Set - Blue
From Plastair

Why waste time filling up a watering can to water your houseplants when you can easily bring water straight from the faucet? A few quick twists onto a nearby interior faucet and the watering can begin. The 50-foot-long SpringJet is a coiled 1/4-inch hose made of extremely flexible, lightweight material. Merely attach the SpringJet to a water source with the included faucet-to-sink adapter, trek to your preferred garden or planting area, and water away with the 20-inch watering wand. The wand includes an adjustable nozzle (from fine mist to stream) and brass swivel fittings that ensure long life. The coiled hose will not kink or tangle, and the wand is long enough to reach hanging baskets and window flower boxes with little effort. The SpringJet is perfect for home, garden, and greenhouse watering--especially those chores for which a single watering can isn't nearly enough.

Amazon Sales Rank: #2135 in Home Improvement
Brand: Plastair
Model: PUJ250B93OT-AMZ
Dimensions: 3.00" h x 3.00" w x 20.00" l, 1.50 pounds

Why waste time filling up a watering can to water your houseplants when you can easily bring water straight from the faucet? A few quick twists onto a nearby interior faucet and the watering can begin. The 50-foot-long SpringJet is a coiled 1/4-inch hose made of extremely flexible, lightweight material. Merely attach the SpringJet to a water source with the included faucet-to-sink adapter, trek to your preferred garden or planting area, and water away with the 20-inch watering wand. The wand includes an adjustable nozzle (from fine mist to stream) and brass swivel fittings that ensure long life. The coiled hose will not kink or tangle, and the wand is long enough to reach hanging baskets and window flower boxes with little effort. The SpringJet is perfect for home, garden, and greenhouse watering--especially those chores for which a single watering can isn't nearly enough. --Rivers Janssen

Convenient, but a couple quirks
This is a very nice product for its intended use (albeit one that is rather similar to many others marketed elsewhere). However, please bear in mind a couple of subtleties that may not be obvious from the item description:

(1) The length of the hose is measured at its theoretically full extension. However, the hose never actually reaches this full extension because of elastic resistance (i.e. the very same "spring" effect which is the reason you presumably bought the hose) and torsion along the length of the hose as it is stretched. My experience is that you lose approximately 25% of the hose's length to these two effects. The only way to beat this is by making sure that the hose's rated length is that much LONGER than you need.

(2) Make sure that you have the appropriate adapter permitting you to attach the hose to your faucet. Designer faucets, faucets with hose attachments, imported faucets, and outdoor faucets all may have trouble working with this hose out of the box.

Perfect for apartment-dwellers
This is a fabulous product--let me count the ways:

1) Attractive and nicely designed, nice color, convenient trigger-mechanism to turn on water, easily adjustable spray, and the cord never gets tangled.

2) Easily attaches to kitchen or bathroom sinks--it comes with an adapter with both male and female threads, so it will hook up to almost all sinks. But, the adapter is a little difficult to unscrew, so I bought (for about $1.50 from Home Depot) a different adaptor to leave on my sink all the time, complete with an aerator, so that I can just screw on the hose when I want to use it. I leave the whole hose in the cabinet under my bathroom sink so that it's handy when I want to use it.

3) Perfect for apartment-dwellers: I live in a fifth-floor brownstone walkup, but I have a lot of plants inside and a balcony with lots of plants outside. The hose easily stretches the 30 feet from my bathroom sink to the balcony, and I can water my tomato plants and pea plants without carrying pitcher after pitcher of water outside. Furthermore, it's great for washing windows from the outside, cleaning off the balcony after a storm, and filling up tubs for apple-ducking or other activities.

Perfect for any place without a real faucet
My only trouble with this item is that I had to go track down an adapter to make it fit my sink. Other than that, it's been perfect: we can water all of our patio and indoor plants with very little trouble. It works MUCH better than hauling 8-10 pails of water outside every few days! Surprisingly enough, the water pressure is pretty high, too.

Leaf Men & the Brave Good Bugs 1ST Edition

2009-11-22T10:00:00.001-08:00

Leaf Men & the Brave Good Bugs 1ST Edition
By William Joyce

Moonrays 96127 Solar Powered Hanging Path Light, Black Finish

2009-11-21T21:48:00.001-08:00

Moonrays 96127 Solar Powered Hanging Path Light, Black Finish
From Coleman Cable

CAMBRIDGE HANGING PATH LIGHT - Squared metal shepherd's solar hook light ~ Durable stamped metal construction ~ Clear glass lens ~ Black finish with White LED ~ Rechargeable AA NiCd battery included ~ 23.62" above ground height

Amazon Sales Rank: #43722 in Home Improvement
Size: Cambridge Style
Color: Black Finish
Brand: Moonrays
Model: 96127
Dimensions: 8.75" h x 6.75" w x 5.63" l, 1.54 pounds

CCI Moonrays 96127 Solar Powered metal hanging path light, 1-Pack, black Finish. This hanging path light will add style and grace to your pathway. The unique squared shepherd's hook is very detailed. The light features a white LED and glass lens.

Excellent light
I have had this solar light for 2 years. Very bright light. I have not had any problems with it. Lights even in the cold & short Wisconsin days of Winter . I am a solar light freak so I have tried every solar light out there. I recommend any of the solar lights by moonrays. They are excellent quality.

Veganesse
I've only had them for about a week but I absolutely love them. I didnt have the unrealistic expectation that they would shine as bright as an electric light so I was not disappointed. They cast a really, really pretty design on the ground around them. They are accent lights, dont expect halogen spotlights. You can adjust them to stand at different heights with the three piece metal stand. I will be purchasing more.

I was not paid to post this review, I am a real customer :)

solar lite
the light itself is great but the standard that holds the lite is plastic and is already bending in the hot sunlight .hade to replace with metal standard.

Indoor Small Stainless Steel Planter - Fine Stainless Steel Gardening Product to Beautify Your Home

2009-11-21T10:00:00.001-08:00

Indoor Small Stainless Steel Planter - Fine Stainless Steel Gardening Product to Beautify Your Home
From StainlessLUX

Bring the beauty of the outdoors in with this sleek, contemporary stainless steel planter. A great way to showcase your flowers and plants any time of year. Works well with the pots of most 3 - 4 inch plants. No drain hole so no spills or leakage. Also great for silk flowers, floral arrangement and holiday centerpiece. Elegant Two-Tone Harmony design and made of heavy-gauge 18/8 stainless steel with quality craftsmanship. Each planter is shipped in a protective non-woven pouch-your assurance that you are receiving an authentic StainlessLUX product. Also available in a bigger size, so combine shipping and save! One year limited warranty.

Amazon Sales Rank: #127884 in Kitchen & Housewares
Brand: StainlessLUX
Model: 72102
Dimensions: 5.12" h x 7.28" w x 7.28" l, .78 pounds

Bond 6909 Pink 15-Inch Bypass Lopper

2009-11-20T20:39:00.001-08:00

Bond 6909 Pink 15-Inch Bypass Lopper
From Bond

Perfect size for small hands and close work. Cuts with a clean scissor like action. Heat-treated blades stay sharp longer.

Amazon Sales Rank: #121449 in Home Improvement
Brand: Bond
Model: 6909

Bond Manufacturing is proud to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). A portion of all sales will go directly to the NBCF, one of the most respected foundations in the fight against breast cancer. Garden For The Cause. Perfect size for small hands and close work, Cuts with a clean scissor like action, heat-treated blades to stay sharp longer