If you’ve ever shopped for a garden arbor or pergola, you’ve probably noticed that the two words are often used interchangeably. Is there a difference between an arbor and a pergola? How do you know which is which? Here is the most basic explanation…
By design, the top of an arbor is generally curved, like an arch. A pergola, on the other hand, typically has flat top that sits perpendicular to (and rests upon) the two straight side pieces. While arbors are usually just large enough for you to walk through (they are often used over gates, paths, and other entryways), pergolas can range in size. Some pergolas are “arbor-sized”, thus the reason why the two words are sometimes used interchangeably; however, very large pergolas can be built big enough to span an entire deck or patio.
Essentially arbors and pergolas serve the same purposes. They add an architectural element to a yard or garden, can mark or distinguish an entryway or passage from one area to another, and serve as an excellent support for climbing plants and vines. Arbors and pergolas can also be used to cast shade, or when paired with a bench underneath, can make a nice seating area in a garden. Both arbors and pergolas can be built from scratch as a DIY project, or can be purchased as ready-to-assemble kits to make the job quick and easy. Material choices range from UV treated vinyl to wood and even painted metal for extreme durability.
We’ve all got a few of those people in our lives… the ones that are hard to buy for. So what do you do when their birthday rolls around, or Christmas, or Father’s Day, or any other occasion that calls for buying them a gift? Particularly in this tough economy, it’s hard to find a unique and interesting gift without breaking the bank. So without further ado, here are a few ideas fresh from our website that are very unique or unusual gifts for the hard-to-buy-for person in your life. And the best part, they’re all under $50.
- The DuraCenter Tool Organiztion System - $44.95 - This unique pegboard kit is designed to hold a multitude of tools, crafting supplies, or any other group of items you need to organize. The polypropylene pegboard is virtually indestructible and the hooks screw into the holes, so they do not fall off when you remove a tool.
- The Pouch Painter - $29.95 - This special apron is designed with a small paint bucket on the front for easy, hands-free painting.
- Holiday Wreath Kit - $19.95 - This is the perfect gift for someone who is slightly decorating-challenged. Everything you need to create a beautiful holiday wreath, except the wreath. Give them this easy and inexpensive kit, along with a fresh evergreen wreath that they can enjoy during the holiday season.
- EZ Leaf Hauler 7′ x 5′ - $38.95 - Think of this as a giant dustpan for leaves! Much easier than using a tarp, the EZ Leaf Hauler has sides, so the leaves and lawn clippings won’t blow away.
- 1/2 Lb. bag of Gourmet Flavored Coffee - $12.95 - Any coffee lover is sure to appreciate this gift. Choose from gourmet flavors like Chocolate Macadamia Cream, Buttered Southern Pecan, Pina Colada, Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, Vanilla Mocha, Cinnamon Sticky Buns, and more…
Visit Home Products ‘N’ More for more unique gift ideas.икони
For anyone who is actively engaged in garden composting, or who is thinking about buying their first compost bin, it’s important to understand that there are two different ways that organic matter breaks down: aerobic composting and anaerobic composting. In this post, we’ll explain the differences between these two methods.
When something sits in a pile, untouched, and breaks down, this is anaerobic composting. Essentially, when something decomposes anaerobically, it rots. It’s a fairly smelly and unpleasant process. You see, anaerobic bacteria produce methane and sulfate gasses as a byproduct of breaking down the organic matter, and these are gasses that smell very offensive to we humans. Furthermore, anaerobic bacteria are very inefficient, often times taking 6 months (or in less than optimum conditions, as long as a couple years) to fully break down the items being composted. So in short, anaerobic composting is slow and stinky.
Aerobic composting, on the other hand, is a process that requires oxygen. This means that the organic matter being composting must be regularly aerated. There are many ways to accomplish this. If you have a compost pile, you can take a pitchfork and turn the contents every few days. Another easier way woule be to use a compost tumbler, which is similar to a large barrel that spins on an axis, much like a wheel on an automobile. The two major benefits to aerobic composting are #1: it’s fast. Under optimal conditions, aerobic bacteria can break down organic matter in as little as 3 or 4 weeks. And the other big benefit, #2: it doesn’t smell. Unlike anaerobic microbes, aerobic bacteria do not produce any smelly gasses as a byproduct of the composting process, meaning that you don’t have to relegate your compost bin to the farthest corner of your backyard. It can sit near a deck, porch, or patio, and you won’t be disturbed by any unpleasant odors.
For more information on composting, please visit Home Products ‘N’ More’s Composer FAQ Page.
