Archive for August, 2010
Gardening and Caring for Your Rose Types
Gardening and Caring for Your Rose Types
Gardening and caring for the different rose types
WATERING
Roses are deep rooted and once they are well established are more capable than most plants of surviving mild drought spells. The first spring and summer directly after planting your rose is very important. During this period if the soil around your rose seems to be drying out give your roses a good soaking. Each rose could get about 2 gallons of water. In following years you will only need to water them if drought seems iminent.
FEEDING YOUR ROSES
As with all plants that provide us with beautiful blooms they need plenty of the correct nutrients. Give roses a good helping of blood, bone and fishmeal in early April, about two handfuls to each rose. In June a handful of specially prepared rose fertilizer will give your roses a huge lift. The magnesium and potash gives the rose a great kick. Just work the fertilizer in gently around the soil at the base of the plant.
MULCHING YOUR ROSES.
Mulching is a very simple task with great benefits. Mulching retains moisture, smothers weeds and generally boosts the health of your roses. Well rotted manure is best but garden compost or bark mulch can also be used.
DEADHEADING YOUR ROSES.
Deadheading spent blooms not only tidys up the rose but actually saves the plants energy and thereby encourages more bloom flushes. A light pruning of hybrid teas will encourage a second flush.
WATCH OUT FOR ROSE SUCKERS.
Shoots that emerge from rootstocks are known as suckers. These will be different in coloring and often by the amount of leaves, than what grows from the stems over ground. Gently scrape away the soil until you can see where the sucker is growing from the rootstock, tear the sucker away cleanly.
CONTROL OF WEEDS.
Mulching is the most effective method of controlling weeds and also the less back breaking.
Hoeing is not as effective and you must take care not to damage the stems.
Sowing other plants underneath the rose is also an option. The least favored option is the application of a rose-bed weedkiller. This will eventually damage the soil and thus your rose.
ROSE DISEASES AND PESTS.
This is an area that turns people off growing roses and really it shouldn’t. Roses have diseases and pests particular to them and as such regular treatment is very effective. The main problems are greenfly, mildew and blackspot.
There are plenty of products that treat these main three problems in one treatment. Performing a regular maintenance schedule starting in April will leave you with very few problems. Do make sure to follow exactly the manufacturers recommendations.
Your roses will respond brilliantly to a little regular maintenance and once you have started your routine there will be very little work attached. Issues will only arise once you neglect your routine and this is what often deters people from growing roses.
7 Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid
7 Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid
If you are just beginning a new project, invest a moment to read about “The 7 Interior Design Mistakes”. Here we discuss 7 common mistakes that can prevent your project from reaching your design goals.
1. Don’t Forget… “The Wow Effect”
We have all seen it before. At times it is almost impossible to describe. Everyone is trying to create this dramatic effect in their home or business, but it is very elusive. There truly is an art to creating “The Wow Effect”. Most Architects and Interior Designers will look back on their careers, and reflect on one or two projects that they are most proud of. On those occasions, they were able to bring all of the elements together and create… “The Wow Effect”.
When you are just beginning your next project, set the visual and effect goals for the project very high. If members of your design team can see that you are not passionate about the project, they will follow your lead, resulting in a less than dramatic effect.
There will be many days, when it seems like every idea that is presented, falls short of creating the drama. When this happens, sleep on it, and take your ideas with you to bed. Think about the emotion and sense the completed vision of your project. The next day, you will be amazed at the variety of ideas that will present themselves. Not sure why this works… just know that it does.
2. Oops… Clearly Identify The Vision Of Your Project
Often times when we are beginning a new project, we are so eager to get started, we will hurry out, choose our favorite wall color, and start painting. Next, we will begin our search for the other layers of the project. Unfortunately, many times the effect does not always create the drama we had hoped for.
Important – At the very beginning of any project, and before anything is purchased, painted, or papered, you must visualize the entire project from beginning to end. You may find a dramatic finish, texture, or fabric, which would require a different shade of paint or change the direction of the project completely.
Most people will minimize the importance of this step. You will invest a lot of time working this process. But, if you truly wish to create a dramatic project, you must visually complete your project from beginning to end. There is no easy way to do this. The more detailed the specifics, the greater the chance for a dramatic effect.
3. Funding… Establish an Interior Design Budget
It is so important to identify a budget for your Interior Design Project. The cost for ideas can swing dramatically in price. Once you have established your budget, this will provide the needed structure, and will ensure your project is completed on time.
Through the design process, new ideas will be introduced, which may raise your budget. Many Interior Design projects are completed in phases. Most of us do not have unlimited funds.
Clearly identifying the approximate cost of the entire project, will give you the needed structure for this process.
At this point you can make the decision whether to divide your project into phases. Breaking your project into Interior Design phases ensures that your Interior Design Project will have funding, without settling for a collection of design effects that may fall short of your initial vision.
You can now focus on creating the vision and the drama, without becoming overwhelmed with the financial numbers of the project. Do not begin your Interior Design project, until you have established an Interior Design budget for the entire project. This will become the foundation for the project, and will release your energy to focus on … Creative and Dramatic Interior Design.
4. Capturing Your Ideas, Always Begin with a …”Design Board”
Dramatic Interior Design ideas are like the wind. You need to capture all new ideas as they appear. Most people do not do this, but this is such an important step.
When you are creating your design project, put all of your ideas on a presentation board or design board. These are often called concept boards or mood boards.
It is much easier to test new colors, fabrics, textures, or ideas. You will sense when “The Wow Effect” magic is beginning to happen and your Interior Design project is taking form.
Focusing your creative energy is critical to creating “The Wow Effect”. There are no short cuts or easy ways to create dramatic design. We have all seen Interior Design Projects, where an investment of a little more thought, and creative focus, may have produced a more dramatic effect.
When all of your ideas are placed on a design board, visually, you will be able to sense what is creating drama and what is not working. Introducing new ideas is much easier and the process will start to flow.
Finally, you will never forget the moment, when everything is working, and your design project is taking form. It is almost like a “Runners High”. All of the elements are finally coming together, creating the dramatic vision of your project.
If you truly wish to create “The Wow Effect”, do not skip this critical step. Your investment is too great, not to ensure a final dramatic effect. Always use a design board or concept board on any Interior Design project.
5. Understanding … The Principles of Layering Color, Texture, and Effect
Think about it, almost everything that is appealing to the eye, was created with layers of Color, Texture, and Effect. Visually, we love to admire things that incorporate the “Principles of Layering”.
Color and Texture are the tools you work with, and Effect is that intangible that is generated when you bring the layers together.
Think of the seasons, how in the Fall, the colors naturally compliment each other. If the wrong colors were introduced, the final effect would be much different.
Your layers will include, your Floor Plan or Unique Spaces of Opportunity, Paint, Italian Venetian Plaster, Faux Finish, Wallpaper, Ceiling Finish, Flooring, Fabrics, Furniture, Drapery, Lighting, Accessories, and Plants.
There truly is an art to layering. On your design board you will learn first hand about the principles of layering. Your senses will tell you immediately what is working and what is not creating drama.
Invest some time to learn more about “The Principles of Layering”. There are many good books on this interesting subject. Dramatic Interior Design can only be created in layers.
6. You are the Director … “The Importance of Staging”
Staging is the process of creating the mood, ambiance, and feelings, for a designated are. This is such an important step to learn.
Correctly staging the area that… precedes your next area of opportunity, is critical to creating “The Wow Effect”.
If you have too many colors, decorative items, or visual confusion going on in the staging area, this can and will distract from your unique spaces of opportunity.
Staging will create the maximum effect and control the visual emotion as you move through your home. Drama and effect are rarely created by accident.
Remember, “You Are The Director”. How you set the stage, light the room, choose yours colors and texture, will determine the success of your Interior Design Project.
Learn more about the “Importance of Staging” and “How to Stage you Home”. If this is done correctly, walking through your home will be like reading a great novel. You cannot wait to get to the next room or chapter.
7. Looking for Ideas? … Share a Coffee with an Interior Designer
Everyone is always interested in a good idea. If you feel you would like to discuss your ideas and your project with someone else, I would strongly encourage you to meet with an Interior Designer or Interior Decorator.
There is no obligation for this meeting, but you will be surprised how your project will become focused almost immediately. Ask around to your friends for referrals, to view some of there previous projects, and also discuss their fees.
Everyone will not need an Interior Designer. But there may be times, when the layers of your Interior Design project are not coming together. When this happens, meeting with an Interior Designer may be one of the best decisions you ever make.
Finally, creating “Dramatic Interior Design” is a challenging process. You will spend many days of struggle and effort. At times the tension and difficulty of the process, will make you want to surrender. But I am here to tell you, if you stay with it, and invest the time…
“Someday in the still of your home, you may hear your friends or family members quietly whisper … Wow!
“At that moment, no words need to be spoken, you know in your heart, … You Did It!”
Mark Nordgren
Take Advantage of Quality Gold Coast Interior Design Services
Take Advantage of Quality Gold Coast Interior Design Services
Red Door Interiors is a personally run company specializing in all aspects of interior design and decorating (refer to our Services page for a list of services) in the residential as well as the commercial areas of interior design. Red Door Interiors has been offering Interior Design services in the Gold Coast Area of Australia.
Any one or all of the following services are offered by Red Door Interiors:
Design and Planning: Making the most of your space by planning your interiors and solving your design problems. We design bathrooms, kitchens, plan office layouts and design custom cabinetry for bars, libraries, studies, reception counters and anything that needs to be custom made. We supply plans and drawings.
Design Concept: Forming the overall concept for the whole project, this is presented in a visual form that shows fabrics, furniture, colours and finishes. This will be the master plan for the project and future work to follow.
Interior Decorating Consultation: we can provide you with decorating advice on a once off or hourly basis if you need some guidance or expert assistance in the choice of colours, finishes or selection and placement of furniture.
Selection and co-ordination of finishes for investment properties or new homes: together with paint colours these items will form the shell of the interior and need to be coordinated with the overall concept to create the best background for the furnishings and help to sell your new investment. Elements included in this service are the specification of wall finishes – paint, paneling, wallpaper- floor coverings – tiles, carpet, stone, timber – light fittings and bathroom tiles and fittings.
Quoting, supply and installation of furnishings: creating a budget by obtaining prices and quotes on the items required for the interior and then managing the ordering and installation process. Red Door Interiors has access to wholesalers in all areas of soft furnishing, furniture, fabric and interior products, so the client is not limited to one retail supplier but rather has the choice of the best supplier for their requirement. These items include:
• Window finishes: roller blinds (motorized or chain operated), external awnings, timber shutters, roman blinds, curtains, pelmets, swags and tails.
• Soft furnishings: bed covers, bed heads, cushions, bed valances.
• Upholstered couches and chairs: reupholstered or new.
• Furniture: dining tables, chairs, occasional chairs, entertainment units, coffee tables.
• Accessories: artwork, mirrors, rugs, lamps, plants, decorative objects
Colour consultancy: by selecting the best paint colours to suit your architecture, your lifestyle and your outlook we can create or change your image. We select and specify paint for all aspects of the project, both internally and externally. A full colour consultation will result in a colour board and specification list.
Furniture packages and styling: complete turnkey packages to suit various budgets can be supplied for the investment unit or presale presentation. All the furniture, bedding, electrical and white goods, artwork, kitchenware and accessories are supplied as a complete, stylishly designed package and within a set time frame to allow the investor total piece of mind that his investment will attract the best clientele without his having to furnish the property himself.
Corporate Design: Good interior planning and interior design of your office space can instantly upgrade your professional image and has been shown to improve staff morale and increase productivity.
Red Door Interiors has been offering Gold Coast Interior Design Services for 25 years and has vast experience in planning office layouts and decorating corporate interiors. We can provide you with a proposal to revamp your existing interior or design a totally new one. We handle all aspects from planning and layouts, designing receptions and boardrooms, colour schemes to suit or change your image, selecting office furniture, and supplying blinds, artwork and accessories. We can work in conjunction with your builders or can provide our own sub contractors for the interior construction and fitout.