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nationwide suppliers - Check
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trade and for the home.
Features:
25 HP Briggs & Stratton Twin
Intek engine 54" triple blade cutting deck
Hydrostatic AutoDrive transmission
with cruise control and foot pedal control
PowerSwitch PTO Engagement
Fully welded step through frame
with cast iron front axle extra wide ABS plastic fenders
From the Manufacturer: 25HP Briggs
& Stratton Intek V-Twin cylinder OHV I/C with spin on oil filter, autodrive
with cruise control, 46" cutting deck, step thru ground engaging frame
system, fast attach accessory system, electric PTO, 21" turn radius, hour
meter and systems monitor.
Black & Decker CMM1000 19"
Cordless Mulching/Rear Bag Lawn Mower
Features:
Convertible mulcher/rear bagger
Cuts up to 1/2-acre losts on one
charge One touch height adjustment (1-1/2
to 3-1/2 inches) Lifetime 19-inch 3-in-1 deck
30 day no-risk satisfaction guarantee
and full two-year warranty Editorial Reviews Amazon.com Review:
While mowing the lawn may never
be considered a recreational activity, this rear bag mower from Black &
Decker makes the chore as close to fun as it will ever get. With its 24-volt
battery, which delivers 5-horsepower gas equivalent at peak torque, this
cordless electric mower represents the top of Black & Decker's line
of lawn mowing products. During our field tests, this orange powerhouse
stood out above other mowers for ease of use and performance. Its versatile
operation allowed us to mulch, bag, or expel the debris from its 19-inch
cutting path. Switching between the three methods was as easy as removing
the catch bag and the mulch plug--easily performed tasks when the mower
is not running. The most obvious difference between
the new generation of electric mowers and the heavier gas-powered mowers
of yore is the start-up. The ease with which this mower starts is almost
stupefying. Simply pull and hold the thin handle lever, then pull the ignition
lever, and presto!--the engine is running. To minimize safety risks to
young children, a removable safety key must be inserted prior to starting
the mower. Once started, this mower runs like
a dream and is much quieter than older gas-powered models. In addition
to the lack of noise, vibrations were also dampened by the cushioned handgrips,
a feature that makes mowing a much more comfortable experience. Another
innovation is the method by which the mower is raised and lowered. Where
once it was necessary to adjust each wheel individually, the height of
the mowing platform is now controlled by a single squeeze of a single lever,
which allows for seven positions from 1-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches. While this
mower is much lighter than a gas mower, we did find that this Black &
Decker cordless model, weighing in at 76 pounds, is heavier than its corded
relatives. The only disadvantage this machine
seems to have is in the power department. While there were no serious problems
during our field test, it was necessary to slow down or go back over thicker
sections of grass in order to make a completely clean cut. This cordless
model also requires a substantial charging time when first out of the box:
the manufacturer suggests at least a 16-hour period initially in order
to get peak performance and maximum run time. According to Black &
Decker, the battery will be 70% energized with four hours of charging.
When fully juiced, this mower can be expected to cut between 1/2 and 1/3
of an acre per charge. Though the charge is one aspect that needs to be
considered when deciding whether to purchase a corded or a rechargeable
mower, we found the added maneuverability of the cordless over the corded
model far outweighs the inconvenience of charge times.
When you've finished mowing, the
handles fold back, making it easier to store this mower in a tight garage
or shed. It comes with a 30-day no-risk satisfaction guarantee and a manufacturer's
full two-year warranty. From the Manufacturer: The Rechargeable Cordless Mulching
Mower (CMM1000) is the most powerful and versatile non-gas lawn mower in
the world today. This mower is very quiet, effortless to start, and requires
no gas, oil or tune-ups. The mower offers an 19-inch-diameter cutting path
and a tough lightweight rust-proof polymer deck with cutting heights from
1-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches. This mower will cut an average of up to a 1/3 acre
lot (15,000 sq.ft.) on a single charge. The 24-volt battery recharges up
to 70% in 4
Friendly Robotics RL800 Robomower The Robomower is convenient, easy,
robotic, and clean--and it transforms the world of yard work! Set up (once),
turn on, and the Robomower cuts the grass on almost any surface--all by
itself. Getting the system set up in your yard can take most of an afternoon,
but the well-written manual makes the job easier. The biggest part of the
set-up task is stringing the perimeter wire around your yard, marking the
boundaries the Robomower will stay within. Once you're set, and the mower
is on, the machine simply senses the perimeter wire and uses three mulching
blades to cut down everything inside the wire. Thanks to the onboard computer,
the Robomower can even learn parts of your yard as it mows, making it quicker
next time. The mower is quiet, automatic, and the mulching blades mean
that when it's done you don't need to bag or rake.
The Robomower is outfitted with
safety features. It won't run at all if it's flipped over with the blades
exposed. Likewise, it turns tail and backs off if its soft 360-degree bumpers
encounter any foreign object (like a pet or toy or favorite rose bush).
A theft deterrent system keeps the unit safe. The Robomower is very quiet
compared to other lawn mowers, although because it takes longer to get
the job done than a human with a walk-behind mower, what noise there is
lasts longer. The mower works best on level yards smaller than 3,200 square
feet, with the grass reasonably tame to begin with. It does not work well
on hilly or overgrown yards. While it takes a full day to recharge the
battery, a full charge is enough to mow most lawns. (The mower is definitely
no lightweight, either; it takes two people to remove the machine from
the box when it arrives.) The Robomower is definitely a smart idea for
folks with physical conditions that make strenuous activities like mowing
difficult, but it's also a great product for anyone who feels like there's
always something better to do with a weekend afternoon than lawn mowing.
Rechargeable power pack comes included.--Brian Trinen From the Manufacturer: Mowing
has never been so easy. This robotic lawnmower is designed to replace your
walk/push mower. It operates safely, quietly and automatically. Designed
for one-time setup, it works in almost any lawn or garden environment,
with wire sensors that prevent it from crossing the lawn perimeter. It
even recycles clippings into nutrient-rich mulch for healthier grass. For
hard-to-mow corners, switch to the optional manual mode with child-safety
lock. Perfect for anyone who lacks the time or physical..
Ryobi 825R 4-Cycle Curved Shaft
TrimmerPlus A 4-cycle, 26cc variable speed engine
powers this dynamo around your borders, trees, and against foundations.
Ryobi’s eliminated the need to mix messy oil and gas with this unit, which
runs on straight gas, saving you time and trouble. It’s fuel-efficient
and environmentally friendly and runs quieter than its 2-stroke competition.
Easy
starts are assured, too, because of a primer bulb. The bump feed advances
more line whenever you need it, and the SpeedSpool Line Replacement lets
you put in a new line without taking the head apart--a great idea. In hand,
it’s well-balanced, relatively light, and very comfortable, thanks to the
D-shaped handle and its ergonomic soft grip. If it were only a trimmer,
it would be a great purchase, but add to it the capability to attach a
range of different heads, and you’ve got a highly versatile, multi-purpose
yard tool. The Trimmer Plus attachments (sold separately) turn the trimmer
into an edger, hedge trimmer, tree pruner, leaf blower/vac, garden cultivator,
and snow thrower. The attachments connect in a second with a solid "click,"
and you’re off on a new task. It’s an ingenious system that will bring
professional-type lawn tools to the average homeowner. Bravo, Ryobi!--Kris
Jensen-Van Heste From the Manufacturer: This
4-cycle curved shaft grass trimmer with TrimmerPlus and SpeedSpool requires
no mixing of gas and oil, makes less noise and is environmentally friendly.
The state-of-the-art overhead valve 4-cycle technology gives heavy-duty
performance. The TrimmerPlus feature allows the grass trimmer to accept
optional add-on tools and turns it into a lawn and garden system in seconds
and without tools. Add-on tools like an edger, blower/vac, blower, cultivator,
hedge trimmer, pruner, and snow thrower...
Ryobi 890R 4-Cycle Straight Shaft
TrimmerPlus/Brushcutter This 4-cycle straight shaft grass
trimmer/brushcutter with TrimmerPlus requires no mixing of gas and oil,
makes
less noise and is environmentally friendly. The state-of-the-art overhead
valve 4-cycle technology gives heavy-duty performance. The TrimmerPlus
feature allows the grass trimmer to accept optional add-on tools and turns
it into a lawn and garden system in seconds and without tools. Add-on tools
like an edger, blower/vac, blower, cultivator, hedge trimmer, pruner, and
snowthrower are sold separately. Variable speed throttle cuts a 15 inch
path and the adjustable J-handle and shoulder strap allows for comfortable
right or left-handed use. Easily converts to a brushcutter with the 8"
reversible steel blade that is included. Two year warranty.
One of the pleasurable spin-offs
in organic gardening is finding alternative ways of coming up with the
same, if not better, end result.....
Household throwaways can be valuable
to the alternate enthusiast. Here are ten recyclable ideas to make gardening
a little less hard on the pocket!
1. Hedge clippings: Instead of burning
or direct composting, beg, borrow or even buy, if the quantity justifies
the price, an electric garden muncher.
Branches up to an inch in diameter
are posted into a slot and the machine munches them up into small chips.
Spread these chips thickly around shrubs or fruit trees to help keep moisture
in, and control the temperature of the soil.
2. Food Waste: All food waste must
be composted. Composting is becoming quite an art form, and special composting
bins can be bought, or very simply made.
There are many different theories
and each gardener will find his or her preferred way. Keeping the compost
fairly warm is the overall key to a good result. Or, if you're in no hurry,
simply keep adding to a heap, and dig out the bottom when required. Sieve
before using and the compost will be ready for planting small plants and
even seeds.
3. Old carpets, large damaged cardboard
boxes; and similar materials can be laid over the vegetable plot in autumn
to help prevent those early spring weeds appearing. Spread over a whole
patch and weigh down with stones or logs. Lift off on a sunny day in early
spring a few days before digging.
4. Paint trays: Keep old roller painting
trays and similar containers for seed trays. Punch a few holes in the bottom
for drainage. Add a little fine gravel before filling with seed compost.
Seed trays shouldn't be deeper than 15cm.
5. Yoghurt pots: All plastic yoghurt
or dessert pots can be washed and saved for re-potting seedlings. Make
a hole in the bottom of each and add a little fine gravel before filling
with compost or soil..
6. Glass jars: Glass jars with sealable
lids are excellent for storing seeds, beans and peas for planting next
year. (Safe from mice as well) After washing the jars, dry in the oven
to remove all traces of moisture before storing your seeds. Collect dark
glass jars, or wrap paper round clear jars to prevent seeds being damaged
by light.
7. Ice Lolly sticks: Make perfect
row markers in your seed trays or greenhouse beds. The wooden ones won't
last for ever but you can at least write on them with pen, pencil or crayons!
8. Wire coat hangers: Make mini-cloches
with discarded or broken wire coat hangers. Pull into a square shape. Place
the hook in the soil and push down gently until the natural bend in the
wire rests on top of the soil. Place another a short distance away in your
seed bed to create two ends of a cloche. Now throw over a sheet of plastic
and hold down with logs or stones.
Note: this will work only when creating
very small cloches.
9. Clear plastic: Keep any clear
plastic containers that could be placed upside down over a plant. Cut a
mineral water bottle in half to make two handy individual cloches. Large
sheets of clear plastic from packaged household items are fine for throwing
over mini coat hanger cloches.
10. Aluminium bottle tops: Keep aluminium
tops from milk or juice bottles, and also coloured foil around beer or
wine bottles. Thread together to maka bird scarer. Simply thread with thick
cotton and hang on your fruit bushes before the birds find the new fruits.
Look out for other tools for the
garden from kitchen throwaways such as: old kitchen spoons and forks for
transplanting tiny plants in the greenhouse. Leaky buckets for harvesting
small quantities of potatoes, carrots etc; light wooden boxes for harvesting
salads through the summer, and transporting pots etc;
Keep an eye on that rubbish bag and
turn today's throwaways into tomorrow's tools!
About The Author
Linda Gray is a freelance writer
and, with her partner, has spent ten years renovating an acre of neglected
woodland. With a growing family to feed 'off the land', frugal gardening
has become second nature! Drop in at http://www.flower-and-garden-tips.com
for pots of gardening inspiration!
Courtesy of http://www.ArticleCity.com/
Seeds
and more Seeds...What your Garden Needs by: Mike Yeager
Seeds are the most important ingredient
in all gardening. Without quality seeds it would be impossible to have
a beautiful garden. True seeds vary in size from the dust-like seeds of
some orchids to the large seed contained in the coconut. The period of
dormancy undergone by many seeds before germination also varies. The seeds
may lie dormant for a short period of time before you see growth sprouting
above the soil, or they may be dormant for a long time. For some seeds
a long dormancy is a result of the extremely hard outer coating of the
seeds. Flower seeds, vegetable seeds and garden seeds all germinate very
quickly and are therefore perfect for home use.
When your ready to start choosing
your seeds here’s an important point to keep in mind; You can greatly increase
your odds for having a great gardening year by buying from a seed company
that's involved in continuous trial programs. In other words, they are
always on the look out for better and better seeds. Remember, whether its
grass seeds, tomato seeds or flax seed, the plant will only be as good
as the original seed.
Quality soil rich in nutrients will
help insure that the seeds you planted will reach their full potential.
Of course an attentive, caring gardener such as yourself will provide that
little extra ingredient that will insure the seeds you plant will experience
beautiful growth.
Spend some time as your do research
on the web and choose quality merchants that you believe will provide great
seeds so you can plant your garden with full confidence that your efforts
will be rewarded.
Gardening is a rewarding hobby for
anyone and producing beautiful flowers and plants from health seeds will
greatly enrich your experience.
Gardening can be one of the most
rewarding and relaxing hobbies that you can engage in. Picture a beautiful
spring day, the sweet smell of grass in the air and you get to go out and
work the soil and prepare your garden. One of the fascinating things about
gardening is that you can start with a small seed and grow anything you
want.
Whether you’re interested in gardening
to grow flowers and plants or fruit and vegetables, every gardener knows
the excitement and satisfaction of seeing their work and effort pay off
with a beautiful harvest. Not only are you producing nature’s products
for yourself but from mid-summer through winter, dozens of plants share
their berries with wild creatures, which in turn, helps wildlife build
fat storage for winter survival.
Have you every seen an attractive
garden and over in the corner there’s statue of a gnome? Well, according
to legend, house and garden gnomes help with chores around the home, like
sweeping the floor or planting. This is the reason many statues of gnomes
hold hammers, axes or shovels, or are pushing wheelbarrows. Find out more
about these delightful garden creatures.
Whether you’re interested in flowers
and shrubs or organic gardening, you’re sure to derive much relaxation
and happiness from spending time in your own garden.
If you love herbal teas, as I do,
you know they are just a little bit pricey. However, growing your own herbs
is easy and so much fun!
Here are just a few of the herbs
you might want to consider for a tea garden:
Chamomile: Remember the favorite
tea of Peter Rabbit? Only the flowers of this fragrant herb are used when
making tea. Chamomile tea can be enjoyed by itself or you might enjoy adding
mint or lemon verbena.
Lemon Balm: This herb is lemony with
a touch of mint and makes a soothing cup of tea. It's easy to grow (almost
too easy) so remember to keep it clipped back.
Lemon Verbena: An excellent herb
to grow in a sunny spot, it makes a delicious tea. You might try combining
it with orange mint or spearmint.
Mints: There are many mints available.
Generally, they are aromatic plants and they are aggressive. It may be
a good idea to plant mint in a pot and then put the pot in the ground so
it doesn't take over your herb garden. Spearmint, peppermint, orange mint
all make wonderful teas, alone or along with chamomile or any of the lemon
herbs.
Herb teas can be made with fresh
or dried herbs and can be enjoyed either hot or cold.
For one cup of hot tea, use one teaspoon
of dry herbs or up to 3 teaspoons of fresh herbs. Bruising the leaves of
fresh herbs will help release the flavor. Pour boiling water over the herbs
in a glass or china pot. Metal pots can sometimes leave a metallic taste.
Let steep for 5 or so minutes. Strain and enjoy with a little honey to
sweeten.
Sun tea can be made simply by filling
a jar with water, throw in a handful of crushed fresh herbs, and set in
the sun for 3 or 4 hours. Stir in a little honey to sweeten, pour over
ice and enjoy.
Trying different combinations of
herbs is fun. Remember you can also add spices you have on hand, such as
cinnamon, cloves, etc.
There are many benefits to growing
and making your own herbal teas. Gardening itself is very relaxing and
rewarding. With herbs from your garden you can soothe away your troubles
with a cup of chamomile tea or make yourself a refreshing cup of peppermint
tea after a hard day at work.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Look in the perfumes of flowers
and nature for peace of mind and joy of life. --Wang Wei
