Watch Your Children Play On A Wooden Swing Set

It used to be that metal swing sets were the standard for kids' play areas, both on the playground and in the backyard, but the wooden swing set seems almost to have taken over the field in recent years.

It's not that metal sets have become extinct; they're still available too. But it's the wooden versions of these activity centers that you now see most often, especially in playgrounds. One might wonder why this change occurred, and what the advantages might be that have prompted the change.

Make no mistake; the metal swing set has certainly stood the test of time. If it's made of galvanized steel, it will be rust-resistant, but no matter how they were designed, all of these metal sets have served the public well over the years.

But with an eye to adding a bit more security, people began switching to the specially treated wooden swing set and are gradually replacing those made of the harder material with less give.

Apart from safety concerns, though, the "natural look" may be another reason why the wooden swing set has gained a lot of ground in recent years.

Not only is this play structure made of natural materials, a big plus in a more environmentally conscious world, but the wood can also be stained to match other elements in the yard, like the fence, patio table and chairs, etc.

Combine this with the vast number of kids swing set accessories, and this newer type of swing set can be thoroughly customized. Safe, durable, and fitted to your own decor and style; the swing sets made of wood offer a lot of advantages.

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Members Of National Home Gardening Club

If you are a passionate gardener, then you may be looking to share and receive gardening advice. One of the most popular websites today is the National Home Gardening Club, at www.gardeningclub.com.

Social communities allow individuals the ability to network with others who share their interests, read about new products that interest them and view pictures of other people's beautiful gardens. You'll also be able to read informative newsletters and magazines that provide special tips on gardening.

One of the perks for the National Home Gardening Club is "the ability to test new gardening tools and supplies -- for free!" You may be wondering how often you'll get products to try or what sort of items will arrive.

According to members in the forums, most people test about once a year, although some years multiple products will come. One member says she received seeds, a pair of clogs, bottles of BBQ sauce, mulch, weed eater and a deck protector for the BBQ grill. Another member received cat grass seeds and a seed planter.

A third member says she tested seeds, a seed-starting/mini-greenhouse kit, garden tools and a plant-marking stake. A fourth member got gloves, seeds, plant hangers and mosquito patches for testing.

Of course, what really makes a website, the National Home Gardening Club included, is the people. You'll enjoy sharing photos and stories with other avid gardeners across the country, as well as right in your own backyard. You may find new friends to go on garden walks with or you may find seed trading partners to enhance your planting collection.

You can discuss the latest garden tools with others who've used them before making a purchasing decision and share your advice with others as well. Members who enjoy a sense of community are generally very happy with their decision to join.

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Facing The Challenges Of Growing A Garden

Growing a garden with brilliantly colored, fragrant flowers is a point of pride for many homeowners. As you look down the street and see everyone's nice handiwork, it doesn't take long before you begin to desire a garden of your own. How do they stay so beautiful all year long?

How much work is involved? How do you know which flowers to choose and whether your soil is healthy or not? There are many points to consider, but don't feel overwhelmed. There are many sources of gardening advice available on the web.

Some people enjoy growing a garden that will magically come back each year, without replanting. This is called a perennial garden. You can gather more information and perennial flower gardening tips at www.backyardgardener.com/pren/index.html.

You'll learn about perennials for backgrounds, for edging, for hardy environments, for long blooming seasons, for old-fashioned gardens and for semi-shade gardens. Some popular perennials include peonies, bleeding hearts, columbine, daffodils, crocuses, irises, asters, chrysanthemums, daisies, violets and black eyed Susan.

You'll need to pay special attention to color, height and bloom period are all equally important when dealing with perennials.

Growing a garden successfully usually takes a little bit of trial and error. Over the years, you'll learn where to fill in the bald spots, which plants can't quite survive in your area and which plants really flourish.

During the year, you'll need to water your new plants daily (unless it rains) and occasionally add more mulch or top soil nutrients. Be sure to remain vigilant about weeds and pests that invade your garden.

Also keep an eye out for plants that seem to be choking themselves: a trim at this point is always the best idea. At the end of the season, conventional gardening advice says that you must cover any perennials with 4-5 inches of mulch to keep the roots protected during the frigid winter.

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