Using a “Herb Spiral” garden design

A Herb Spiral is a visually elegant, exceedingly productive, and energy efficient garden design. It allows the gardener to stack plants in order to maximize space, which is both a practical and attractive solution for urban gardeners - as well as for cooks anywhere who just want to dash to the kitchen garden for some thyme. The spiral is typically 5 – 6 ½ feet wide in diameter at the base, ascending to approximately 3 – 4 feet, with the centre of the spiral being the highest point. The resulting spiral ramp creates a planting area large enough to include all the most common culinary herbs.

 

image:pinterest.com

How the features of the design help with landscaping

This design, using permaculture principles, maximizes the natural force of gravity, allowing water to drain freely and seep down through all layers – leaving a drier zone at the top (perfect for herbs like rosemary or sage) and a moist area at the bottom for thirstier plants. The design also creates microclimates, allowing the gardener to plant a wide range of herbs in a variety of spots (sunny, sheltered and shady). In a more traditional garden, all plants are grown on one level, where the growing conditions are the same. This design offers you many options in a compact space.

We find this design is often used by Leicester landscaping company Groby Landscapes, you can see examples where they have planted around the design of a herb spiral with their planting services and portfolio images. Often this is a popular choice amongst their customers who enjoy gardening. They show some great examples around how this is put together from scratch.

The spiral is typically built with stone, bricks, or blocks, etc., in order to retain heat absorbed during the day and insulate the garden at night, allowing it to stay warm when temperatures drop. These materials form the backbone of the spiral structure, which is filled with soil, organic matter, and nutrients to in which the herbs are planted. The spiral is watered from the top and moisture filters down to the bottom, creating different moisture zones. The bottom of the spiral can be closed off with the same backbone materials, or the water can be directed into a small pond or bog garden at the bottom, which would be a great place for frogs or edible water plants that prefer a wet environment. Herb Spirals can be laid out so they are built in the same direction that water flows down a drain – which is clockwise in the Northern hemisphere, and counterclockwise in the Southern hemisphere.

Be creative with planting

A big advantage to this design is the fact that the gardener can fit a great many herbs into a much smaller space than a conventional garden, where the need for multiple paths spreads plantings out further. Also, in urban neighborhoods with draconian homeowner’s association rules, such a design allows the gardener to be creative, while satisfying the landscaping aesthetic of the development.

Read this also : Secret garden designs
 

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Tips From Reputed air conditioning service in Akron Company to keep AC In Great Condition

There was a time when it came to the most commonly used household electronic unit, television would have been rated as the topper. But, in the present day scenario an air conditioner might not have any match. Therefore, one must also know to keep it running in stellar condition for as long as possible. The best way to do this is by just following some simple checks over the period of time one is using an air conditioner.

Despite how much change the world sees, caring for anything still results in great output. So one needs to check an air conditioner on a periodical basis so as to gain decent results form the appliance. And in order to do it in the right way, just follow these simple checks. If you are not ready for this job, then get in touch with a company offering air conditioning service in Akron for the job.

1.      Perhaps the most important thing is to contact your air conditioning repair service in Akron, for at least once a year to perform a service on the air conditioner and to see whether something is wrong with it or not. Not only does this service lets you know if there is any problem in the air conditioner but also it takes care of the dust which gets coated in the ac unit over a long period of 12 months. Servicing rejuvenates the air conditioner and empowers it with the capability to serve the cooling needs seamlessly.

2.     The filters of an air conditioner might be something which you would want to get replaced from time to time. Despite being one of the easiest service task, it is vitally important and determines whether the ac will have a long life or a short one. This is because a filter which is full of dirt restricts the air flow and therefore causes the motor to run even harder. And this results in an increased electricity consumption which is not a desired thing for any air conditioner owner. The frequency of the filter change mainly depends on whether you live in a dusty place or if you have a pet. 

3.     The air conditioner ducts are not something which will stay clean forever. So if you want the air conditioner to serve you longer, it is wise to have these cleaned every 5 years or so. This not only makes the ac unit long lasting but also ensures that it performs with perfect efficiency. Any reputed company offering air conditioning service in Akron can take care of this matter. All you have to do this choose a right company to do the job.

4.     Another thing to be checked for in the ducts are leakage. Though this might not happen frequently, but then again unless and until you get it checked, you won’t ever know even if there is a leakage. So it is mandatory to get the ducts checked for any leakage.

Just by following these simple checks one can ensure that an air conditioner lasts for long and that it still runs great. 

Author Bio: Reba Linker is a freelance writer and has previous experience of working with an expert in the field of air conditioning repair service in Akron. In his recent article he gives a couple of tips on keeping one’s air conditioner in stellar condition or call a reputed air conditioning service in Akron company to run the checks.

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Your Comprehensive Guide To Selecting Highly Functional Storage Sheds

Most of the home maintenance tasks revolve around your gardens and yards. Quite inevitably, your lawn devices and tools will need a place of their own. Investing in outdoor storage sheds will prove to be the most judicious move in this context. It is here that the need for choosing appropriate sheds pops up. Selecting the perfect shed will not only maximize your convenience but it will also enhance the curb appeal of your dream abode. Therefore, you will need to look into various aspects, and consider several factors while finalizing your choice of sheds. Design, appearance, features, and performance are some of the most crucial considerations to be made. Have a look at the article for some more information on the topic.

Nail down designs

Nailing down the design is the first step towards selecting the best shed. Remember, your choice of designs will directly affect your convenience. Hence, storage shed design must comply with your specific needs.

• Gable-style shed: If the shed requirement is for your yard, playhouse, or a small workplace, you can opt for the gable-style sheds. However, these sheds will fail to offer you enough storage space on its roof. 

• Salt-box style: With this particular shed design, you will get the opportunity of storing small stuff. As the roof extends outwards and creates an overhang area, you will have a lot of space for your garden essentials. 

• Gambrel or Barn-styled: Those wishing for a spacious storage solution can invest in this particular shed design. It will offer enough room to storage essentials within the available square foot area.

Give importance to appearance    

Although it is known that appearances can be deceiving, that is the first thing catching your attention and captivating your mind. Things are not different while selecting your storage sheds. As the style and appearance of these sheds add significant value to your dream dwelling, you simply cannot choose sheds with unattractive and sluggish appearance. Moreover, the style determines the functionality of the sheds to a great extent. So, if you are settling for unappealing sheds, you are compromising on the performance of the object. Other than that, you must also consider the durability and resistance capacity of these sheds. That will be a significant step to perform, for achieving optimum output even in harsh climatic conditions.

Additional aspects to note

Apart from the design and appearance, quality is another significant factor that you need to consider.  And there are several aspects that are worth checking here.

• Construction materials: The construction materials will determine the strength and also the performance of these sheds. If the material is stronger, the shed will be durable too. The relationship is directly proportional, in this case. 

• Construction professionals: The ingenuity, skill and expertise of the constructors will inevitably affect the quality of the sheds. Associate with top constructors, whenever you wish to purchase these sheds. 

• Support: While choosing or purchasing outdoor sheds, expert assistance will prove to be highly beneficial. Search for suppliers offering proper customer service.

Delivery options and discount offers

If you have already considered these aspects and nailed down your decision, you will definitely wish to have your storage sheds within the shortest time span. And that is another consideration to make while choosing these sheds. Plan your purchase with efficient suppliers offering minimum delivery time. Your product will reach you within the shortest period, thus maximizing your convenience. Another crucial consideration will be the pricing standards. There are suppliers offering lucrative discounts on their sheds. Some of the most renowned sellers are also ready to offer almost 50% off. Planning your purchase with them will fetch you amazing returns at affordable prices. You can easily acquire the finest storage sheds in most economical prices. As a result, you will enjoy astounding functionality along with superior performance by your sheds, in the most cost-effective manner.

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