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If you prefer, you can view this month's issue online where you can also subscribe if this copy has been forwarded to you by a friend.

If you are reading the text version you will need to go online to see the videos. ***********************************************************

In this issue:

- Letter from the Editor
- Flowers of Japan
- 5 Water Feature Ideas For Your Back Yard
- Building a Hydroponic Garden
- Bonsai Tips
- Special Offers
- Tailpiece

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Hi

Welcome to the May issue of Garden Ramblings. This month I have again included articles by two guest authors.

First S Stadler has some interesting suggestions with her "5 Water Feature Ideas For Your Back Yard".

Our second guest is Thomas Martin who has some helpful tips for growing bonsai trees.

While I was looking for some videos for the intro spot and tailpiece, I came across this one on making a simple hydroponic system. It's just six minutes long and tells you all you need to know.

As usual there is a Special Offers section with all the bargains that I've managed to find this month.

To start off I have included this video of Flowers of Japan. It is rather longer than I would have liked but the first half is well worth watching.

Enjoy the issue.

Hugh

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Flowers of Japan

5 Water Feature Ideas For Your Back Yard
by S Stadler

Looking to add a little bit of nature's serenity to your patio or backyard landscape? What better way than using water, one of the most soothing elements. Here are five water feature ideas for your consideration as you make your plans.

Idea One: Go All Out With A Waterfall

This is your chance to have the ultimate water feature! Build a waterfall out of natural rock that is actually to nature's scale. You decide exactly what size this is for your yard, but try and make it as realistic as possible.

Use rocks and stones of varying dimensions to build the actual structure. Then, pick up a waterfall kit from your home center. This kit will usually consist of a pump and the necessary housing needed to circulate the water

Idea Two: Splashing Bird Bath Fountain

Add an easy bird bath type fountain to your patio. Think of the traditional bird bath, but consider that they now come in many varieties. Many have built in pumps to keep the water moving. All you have to do is fill it up and plug it in. Your feathered friends will thank you too!

Idea Three: Water In The SkyIf you already have a decent sized pond or lake in your yard, why not add a floating water fountain? They come in many varieties and spray patterns, from pulsating or "dancing" water to sky high vertical water jets. Some are even solar powered so there's not much else to do after you set them afloat.

Idea Four: Abstract Wall Fountain

Looking for a water feature that's a little more abstract or artistic? The wall fountain might be the perfect option for you. While flat so they mount easily against a wall, these often give the illusion of being deeper or fuller than they are. Many will have a unique eye catching trick, such as making the water seem to flow upwards.

Idea Five: Peaceful Miniature Serenity

Maybe you just want the easiest and most economical way to experience the peaceful trickle of gently flowing water while relaxing on your patio or deck. If that's the case, you can find all kinds of miniature fountains made from flower pots or other similar décor. Many times, they'll be Asian themed with bamboo accents. These do work nicely and are always a pleasant addition to your outdoor living space!

About the Author Visit http://www.patio-ideas-guide.com for many more free and unique patio ideas.

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Building a Hydroponic Garden

Bonsai Tips
by Thomas Martin

In my view bonsai gardening is the one hobby you can take up and create something which can only be described as a stunning art form, even if, like me, you were born with as much natural flair for painting and drawing as Andre Agassi has for understanding retirement speeches.

There is no doubt that a well kept Bonsai tree is a thing of beauty; a miniature version of a full size tree that replicates the full sized tree but is small enough to fit in a pot on a table. Genuine living art at its best.

So, how easy is it to grow one of these magnificent, miniature plants? There is no doubt that it takes some skill, patience and a little luck but it is not in fact as difficult as it seems. Let's find out a little more about the fascinating hobby of bonsai gardening.

There is not really a limit on what type of trees can be grown as a bonsai although the most popular varieties these days are pine, juniper and maple. The trees are trained into the required shape by wiring, followed by judicious and careful pruning. The idea is that the wiring and pruning will produce a tree that looks like a tiny version of what you would normally see in a park or garden.

Caring for bonsai trees is something which also requires a little knowledge and experience; some trees are hardy and can survive a winter outside whilst others will need a more protected environment. Other important considerations in bonsai gardening relate to the tools that you need to do the work. It is very important that you have the right equipment. Whilst a basic set of tools is not particularly expensive the correct equipment is essential if you are to make your new hobby a success.

With the right tools and a little training you can quickly learn enough to start shaping your own bonsai trees. The shape of the tree is crucial and there are a number of different recognized styles that you can use for your plant. It is always a source of great enjoyment when over time you see your tree slowly but surely taking on the shape you had envisaged for it. A true reward for your developing bonsai gardening skills.

The presentation of a bonsai tree is absolutely vital and to this end you do need to ensure that your tree is displayed in the most suitable container. There are a huge variety of containers available and you should always be searching for something that will complement and enhance your tree; something that will allow your living art to shine.

The scope of this introduction article is obviously very limited and you will need to look into bonsai gardening more deeply to decide if it is really for you. However, I do hope that I have managed to raise some enthusiasm in the reader for at least taking the next step to finding out a little more about Bonsai gardening.

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Special Offers

Although we are in the middle of the peak selling season there are plenty of reductions to be found. At Gardener's Supply Company look down towards the bottom of the menu to the Outlet Section where you will find garden and landscaping supplies at sale prices as well as some items for the home.

Dutch Gardens make it more obvious. The link takes you straight to their Spring Clearance Sale where you can save up to 67% on all their bulbs and perennials.

Nature Hills Nursery have over two hundred varieties of flower bulbs at a 30% discount and, if you are looking for a tree, the saving is 35%. Click the banner for details.

Tailpiece

Please feel free to pass on this newsletter to your gardening friends. Do let me have your feedback and suggestions to: [email protected]

That's all until next month but in the meantime you can always look at my Blog Garden Supplies News