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10 Tips To Make The Most Of Your Small Garden

There are a few tips to keep in mind when planning a small garden, courtyard or patio garden to help maximize the feeling of space.

1. Using only what is necessary

Try and limit the functions that are only absolutely necessary for one particular area. For example if a washing line is paramount but so is an entertaining space, then try and make one (the one you don’t use as much) a flexible ‘fold-away’ option, by using a fold away washing line, or seating that doubles as storage etc.

2. Use larger formatting

For paving or tiled areas, always try and use the largest format (size) to reduce the number of grout lines. This will maximize the ground plane and simplify it, echoing the clean lines of the sky above. Use grout in a light shade rather than darker than the tiles/paves.

3. Using specific coloring

Light colored materials like tiles, wall paint and furniture help to increase the feeling of space and draw the eye out of the space rather than in, giving an illusion of more space.

4. Some creative thinking

When positioned correctly, mirrors can be used to reflect light into a small space and reflect key points making the space seem much bigger.

5. Restrictions can work in your favor

Restrict the number of plant varieties to bring cohesion and an illusion of a flowing, rather than bitty, space.

6. Plant selection is important

Choose vertical or narrow foliage plants that allow a lot of light to filter through. Good choices for patios and courtyards are small bamboos, Nandina domestica, grasses, Phormiums, Dietes and Irises.

7. Adding rocks and other stones can give the appearance of a larger setting

A light strip of pebbles around the perimeter of the paving or lighting the perimeter with tube or spot lighting can draw the eye out of the center of the space and so increase the feeling of space.

8. Make sure everything is in it’s proper place in accordance with the space you have

Organize your garden according to the existing space. If your space is confined by the walls, make it up the part of your decor. Paint walls with white or any other bright color. Dress the walls with vines and climbing plants to maximize the space. Growing climbers near the wall also help in reducing the use of a trellis.

9. Don’t be afraid of some redevelopment

Redevelopment to hide unsightly objects like garbage cans or rainwater storage by hiding them behind trellises. Later you can grow beans, flowering vines and other climbers to cover them or simply obscure them by planting bamboos.

10. Ground Appearance

Do not neglect the appearance of the ground: A united, clear and wide material for flooring will enlarge the space. A pavement, white gravel, light wooden tiles, a deck. With blades oriented lengthwise and facing the main light source will bring depth to the scene.

Pick the Best Pet Grooming Hair Dryer Online

One thing that many pet owners are after is getting salon-quality results in the comfort of their own home. Never before has this been a possibility. However, with everyday advancements in electronics, giving a dog or cat top-notch grooming is easier than ever before. This list will highlight some of the top pet grooming hair dryers which will deliver salon quality without the monthly salon price tag.

B-Air Dryers Bear Power 1 High Velocity Dryer

Insulated for a more quiet experience, the B-Air Dryers Bear Power 1 High Velocity Dryer comes equipped with four interchangeable nozzles and replacement filter pack. This dryer has two speeds, giving users the choice between gentle or powerful drying. Because it is lightweight and made of durable plastic, this dryer would be a good choice for users who have rowdy pets.

K-9 III High Velocity Blower / Dryer

Another dryer that does now have a heating element, the K-9 III High Velocity Blower/Dryer is a great choice for drying soaking wet fur. This dryer comes in an array of colors that are sure to appeal to many owners. Two available blower tips and a 10-foot hose make this a solid choice for pet owners who want a powerful machine that can get the job done.

Metrovac’s Air Force Commander Professional Pet Grooming Dryer

Best for short-haired dogs, this variable speed dryer gives its users complete control over the airflow. The Metrovac’s Air Force Commander Professional Pet Grooming Dryer is made of rugged steel and can be used both horizontally and vertically. And because there is no heating element, there is no worry of unintentionally burning your pet’s delicate skin.

Go Pet Club Dog and Cat Pet Grooming Hair Dryer

Bring professional grooming to your home with the Go Pet Club Dog and Cat Pet Grooming Hair Dryer. This dryer has two speeds and a powerful airflow which quickens drying time. With low noise and dual temperature settings, this is a good option for pet owners seeking a simple yet effective grooming device.

Metro Air Force Quick Draw Dryer

Boasting a 70% reduced drying time, the Metro Air Force Quick Draw Dryer is sure to get your pets dry in no time. Constructed from steel and weighing a little over 3 pounds, this dryer is not only efficient but portable as well. The dryer comes with a six-foot flexible hose and five miscellaneous accessories that make using this device a no-fuss process.

 

Although any of these dryers would be an amazing addition to any pet owner’s bag of tricks, as with any list, there are bound to be one or two that stand out from the rest. In this case, there are two: the Metro Air Force Quick Draw Dryer and the B-Air Dryers Bear Power 1 High Velocity Dryer. While the B-Air Dryers Bear Power 1 High Velocity Dryer boasts a more quiet experience and is made of durable plastic, it is hard to pass up Metro Air Force Quick Draw Dryer’s 70% faster claim.

So even though the B-Air Dryers Bear Power 1 High Velocity Dryer comes with lots of attachments and extras, the fact that Metro Air Force Quick Draw Dryer is constructed from steel gives it an automatic advantage. Given the facts, this round will have to go to Metro Air Force Quick Draw Dryer for being lightweight, durable and quick-drying.

How To Pick The Best Power Bank For Your Smartphone

Watching the battery on your smart phone or tablet die is not fun. This is especially true when you are on an urgent phone call or email from your boss. What you need is a power bank that will ensure power for your phone for the whole time you are calling or emailing. With that in mind, below are some criteria you should be paying attention to while buying a power-bank for your favorite gadget.

Size of the Power bank

Yes, size matters! The smaller the power-bank, the easier it is to carry around. However, the bigger the size, the more you will get out of this device. Power-bank capacity is usually measured in terms of milli ampere hours or mah, and various models come in various ranges starting from 2000 mah to 20,000 mah. If you own an iPhone 5, you will need a power-bank with a capacity of about 1600 mah. A device that needs double that charge will need a power-bank with a capacity of 3200 mah.

Quality of the Battery

The quality of the battery is another important element to consider while buying a external battery charger. While a significant mah capacity is a good thing, a sub-standard battery quality will be a huge disappointment. A well-made battery can make a huge difference in the longevity of your gadget, hence quality is very important when it comes to power-bank. One such quality product can be obtained from Sprout that will keep your gadget full of energy and extend its life.

Charging Multiple Devices

Power-banks can be used to charge multiple devices at the same time. This means you will will need one with multiple ports and high capacity battery to ensure that the connected devices are charged simultaneously.

Connectivity

Power-banks can be charged with either USBs or cables. For example, Sprout a power bank charger comes with a micro USB to USB cable for the purpose of charging, and all you need to charge your gadget is a USB cable with connector.

Charge time

How long your gadget is able to sustain before running out of battery also depends on the charge time of the power-bank. This is another area that you want to consider before buying the right portable power bank for your gadgets or devices. As for the power-bank itself, the amount of time it takes to charge depends on its capacity.

For instance, the smaller the capacity of the power-bank, the lesser the time it takes to charge. So, if your gadget’s requirement is to have one full charge from the power-bank, a power-bank with smaller capacity is sufficient. On the other hand, if you are charging multiple gadgets, consider buying a power-bank with larger capacity.

Reputation of the Product

Again, make sure you are buying a power-bank that is popular and well-known for its features. These are from reputable sellers and have been in the market for a long time. Counterfeit power-banks carry a serious safety risk and therefore should be avoided at all cost.