In days gone by, outdoor furniture was cast from iron. Today, cast aluminum furniture is used more often. Cast aluminum carries all of the grace and charm of cast furniture, but avoids the blight of rust and peeling paint.
The process by which this gorgeous furniture is created begins with a model carved from wood. This wooden model is then used to create a metal mold. A mold is formed by pressing the wooden replica into casting sand, and then pouring molten lava into the impression created. As the molten metal cools it forms a cast which is used to create the beautifully ornate cast aluminum furniture that we often see gracing outdoor settings.
Cast aluminum furniture sets traditionally European scene. Bistro sets consisting of small tables and two chairs evoke the picture of an outdoor French scene. These graceful settings are perfect accents for balconies, gardens, or any small nook.
Cast aluminum furniture is available in a wide variety of furniture pieces. Armchairs, sofas, side tables, love seats and loungers all carry the intricate designs of the cast aluminum furniture. These settings make picturesque arrangements that carry an old world charm.
Cast aluminum furniture is known for its durability. It is a top choice for outdoor use. This hearty furniture can be left outdoors during the cold winter months. The low maintenance feature of these metallic beauties has a charm of its own.
Are you looking for an outdoor set that can transport you to another era? You can turn your balcony into a vine-covered escape surrounded by flowers that transports you to the yesteryears of Europe with an ornate bistro set. For a larger seating arrangement a flag stone backyard patio can also be turned into an old world setting that provides room for the entire family to gather for a time of “old fashioned” family time.
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Hans is author of http://www.patio-furniture-ideas.com and http://www.gardening-guides.com
News and tips for outdoor living, gardening and barbequing.
Bonsai, pronounced “bone-sigh” (singular and plural) are dwarfed plants or trees grown in shallow pots or trays. The Japanese developed the art of Bonsai many hundreds of years ago. They tried to capture the beauty of oddly dwarfed trees that managed to grow under the most adverse conditions. Today, the beauty of these trees can be replicated indoors by pruning the roots and top growth, restricting the pot size and shaping the plant by wiring it. Plants used for Bonsai vary from traditional trees such as junipers and cypresses to flowering and fruiting shrubs and trees such as azaleas and camellias to tropical plants such as jade and ficus. With a little special care, The Bonsai can bring a little taste of the Orient into your home.
The basic care requirements are as follows:
1) Light - an unobstructed west, east or south window is preferred, south being the best in the winter. Grow lights can also be used successfully with Bonsai.
2) Water and Fertilizer - the small pots require regular watering, typically once a day. The frequent watering depletes nutrients quickly so fertilizing is recommended (at half strength) monthly.
3) Temperature - average house temperatures of 68-72 degrees are fine, although plants typically like nights to drop 10-15 degrees below the average daytime temperature. Placing the plant between the window and curtain usually satisfies this requirement. Some trees need a dormant cold period during the winter and can weather outdoors for 2 - 3 months in a protected spot.
4) Humidity - to increase humidity indoors, group plants together, and mist daily. You can also use a room humidifier or place plants on a tray of moistened pebbles.
To learn more about growing Bonsai, you may want to read the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s excellent handbook entitled Bonsai for Indoors.
In 1985, Briscoe White opened The Growers Exchange in an abandoned Texaco station on a busy urban street corner in Richmond, Virginia. The facility has grown over the years, and is now 5 distinct growing environments with 5 acres under cover. Briscoe has over 25 years of gardening experience. For further information on indoor and outdoor gardening plants or gardening tips please contact Briscoe White at bwhite@thegrowersexchange.com.