Use stripes to add interest

How was it done?

GOOD TO KNOW
Do check that the floor and ceiling is level before you start painting, or else you might have to start all over again.

Use stripes to define a space

Dress up a wall

 

 

Transparent stripes

How to create transparent stripes

Colourful stripes - or not!

 

 

Stripes for the not-so-brave

Believe it or not - you can. As long as the existing floor tiles are in good condition, and the surface is level, you can install new tile over an existing tiled floor. However, it is not recommended that you tile over high-gloss ceramic or other tiles, as there is insufficient bonding between the old and new surfaces.

Here's how:
The existing tiles need to be thoroughly cleaned with a heavy-degreaser or sugar soap to remove all dirt.
Where applying new tile over existing tiled floors, lightly sand the surface of the old tiles to improve the bonding of new adhesive.
When buying tile adhesive you will also need a tile bonding adhesive liquid, which is mixed into the adhesive to create a strong bond between old and new installations.
Apply tile adhesive over the existing tile floor.
Use an adhesive trowel and ensure that you apply equally over the area to be tiled.
Pay particular attention to grout joints or depressions to ensure a consistent level across the entire area.
Butter the back of the tiles with a thin layer of tile adhesive before placing the new tiles over the old tiles.
NOTE: Buttering the back of a tile simply means to spread a thin, even layer of tile adhesive across the entire back area.
DIY Tips:
When tiling over tiles, use only lightweight ceramic tiles to reduce the load factor.
Remove fractured, cracked or uneven tiles and fill in any voids with a self-levelling agent before applying new tiles.
Make sure that you allow for sockets, outlets or switches that are on the wall.
The increased thickness will mean that these will have to be extended or moved forward.
Doors and skirtings will need to be modified or planed to allow for the increased floor height.
In an open-plan arrangement, edging strips will need to be fitted to allow for the differences in height. You will find these at your local hardware store in the tile section.
If you're not sure about applying new tiles over existing tiles, consider vinyl tiles as an option. These can easily be glued over tiles with contact adhesive.

It's often said that small gardens are harder to design than large ones. Because they're viewed so closely, every line and every plant has to be "just right". The first and most important decision is the style of garden you'd like to create. What style will marry best with the architecture of your house? What sort of setting are you happiest in? Formal or informal, perhaps "cottagey" is more your style.

The cool charm of a Woodland garden is beautifully shown in this design, and the clever use of silver birches make the area appear far larger than it actually is.   In total contrast, the French formal garden is precise and strongly structured. It's enclosed in a framework of trellis, and good use has been made of traditional pots. The raised terrace is a perfect setting for the lion's head water feature. Massed planting provides a good balance of colour.   The Romanctic garden - the little lovers' seat-for-two was tucked away amongst a galaxy of flowers, over-looking a small pond. A stepping stone pathway gently trails throughout the garden.   Nothing tastes as special as fresh home-grown Herbs and Vegetables! A large area isn't necessary to produce basketfuls of delicious goodies! As long as it's in full sun, a well-planned proverbial pocket-handkerchief like this will be a culinary delight!   This special little garden has been designed as a place of interest, fun and learning for Children of all ages. The bright, gay colours seem to promise an exciting world of adventure and fantasy!   A great deal of thought went into the creating of this special garden, for the enjoyment of Disabled people. The pathways are easily accessible; the flower beds are raised and filled with fragrant flowers, and the sound of water and wind-chimes fills the air. A variety of paving stones and building material has been used on the Show. The flower beds in the Disabled garden were first constructed of blocks, then "faced' with special "rock" pieces, to give this attractive appearance.     There's an increasing swing towards "back to nature" gardening. This Wildlife garden is designed to attract birds and other small animals. Trees and shrubs provide nesting sites and shelter, and flower and fruiting plants attract insects, butterflies and birds with fruit and nectar. Water is important for both bathing and dri

Soil Should be light, airy and friable - good drainage is essential. A good quality potting soil from any garden centre will do. If possible don't use saucers or drip trays under the pots as this may cause waterlogging of the soil. If saucers are used, empty them out an hour or so after watering.

Position It is best to grow your containerised bulbs in a semi-shaded position - away from heat reflecting walls or paving. Once your bulbs are in bloom they can be moved inside to any focal point, where their beauty can be fully appreciated. Watering Special care must be taken to keep the roots of your bulbs moist at all times. The soil in containers tends to dry out quickly, especially if they are in a warm or sunny position. It is best to water every second day, making sure the water is seen to drain out of the bottom. It is essential that the water drains away quickly. Bulbs cannot tolerate submersion in water without air, just as they will not tolerate draught during their growing period. Planting When planting your bulbs in pots place them so that they almost touch one another. This will give you the maximum amount of flowers. If you would like to try something different plant your bulbs so that just their base is covered with soil. This will give you an unusual display even before they have flowered. Aftercare Once your bulbs have finished flowering, you can dig them into a semi-shaded position in your garden, pot and all. This will allow them to receive the regular watering and feeding program of the rest of your garden. Don't disturb the soil or the roots when you dig the pots in.

Small Garden Designs -1 The development of the small garden is probably this centuries greatest contribution to the art of gardening. As residential properties become smaller and smaller, large landscaped gardens are nowadays confined mainly to public parks and botanical gardens. The term "small gardens" means different things to different people. If you live in a flat and your gardening is confined to a tiny balcony, even a small townhouse garden will seem large. On the other hand, a medium-sized country garden will seem small to the owner of a large estate. Generally, though, most small urban properties are about 600 square metres or less, with the house occupying between a third and half of the area.

This Modern garden is geometric in design, with a strong, structural pattern and bold architectural plants, chosen for their shape and form. The colour theme is bright yellow and blue, with just a touch of white. Focal points have been achieved - such as the clever placing of a simple terracotta pot and a pond set into the irregularly paved pathway.   Orange, blue and white are the colours chosen for this Formal garden. Backed by a small Cape Dutch house, the central pathway is flanked by raised flower beds. The planting is repeated on either side of the path, creating an attractive mirrored image. Adding interest to this central axis, is a small circular bird bath, complete with a classical cherub.   A Cactus and Succulent garden is the ultimate for low maintenance. And of course, it's ideal for drought conditions! This garden clearly shows the effect that can be achieved by the use of contrasting plant forms - together with the occasional bright spot of colour! The meandering dry River bed fits well into the overall design.   Even in a tiny garden, it's possible to create totally different moods - purely by the use of colour. Blue and Grey suggests serenity, coolness and tranquility, and gives the effect of distance and spaciousness.   In complete contrast, this Yellow-theme garden suggests warmth, excitement and liveliness. Yellow can be used well to lighten any dark corner and of course as always, the inclusion here of water, adds the final touch!   The relaxed informality of a traditional Cottage garden has been well designed here. Evergreen shrubs form the basic structure, with a profusion of soft-coloured perennials and annuals gently merging together. A pathway of different sized flagstones curves easily through the garden, and a well-placed bench invites you to enjoy the peace and tranquility.   Equally peaceful and tranquil, but in a totally different way, is the Japanese garden. Every plant, rock and pebble has been placed purposefully and all are in harmony with each other. Water is an essential part of the garden - a wooden bridge crosses the pond, leading to the sitting area beyond.

Gardening month by month - October

Water shrubs deeply to encourage downward root growth. They will become stronger and more drought-tolerant. Shallow watering encourages roots to turn upwards, and so weakens the plant. Hydrangeas and fuchsias need lots of water. Try to group your water-loving plants together. It saves water and makes watering much easier. Pinch back fuchsias regularly to encourage more branches. This ultimately leads to more flowers. Feed camellias and gardenias with ammonium sulphate, 30g (two tablespoons) per bush. Mix in 5 litres of water. Water the bushes well before feeding. Fertiliser should never be applied to dry soil. Perennials will be growing strongly - make sure they get enough water. Feed with a high potassium fertiliser such as 3:1:5(26)(SR). Weeds will be flourishing. Cut annual weeds before they set seed. Pinch back the growing tips of argyranthemums (you may know them as chrysanthemums) and pelargoniums to encourage bushy growth. In the Western Cape, water regularly, particularly plants that are native to summer-rainfall regions. And remember to mulch well. If your bunches of grapes are over-crowded, cut out some of the berries.Guavas should be fed with 2:3:2(22) fertiliser. Start fertlising your container plants, and do so regularly throughout the summer. Use a liquid fertiliser such as Nitrosol. Always wet the soil before applying the fertiliser. Summer bulbs can be planted now, up to late November. It's a good time to plant hedges in summer rainfall regions, or any other region if water is plentiful. Final sowing of in-situ seeds of summer-flowering annuals by the middle of October. Plant out summer-flowering seedlings. See what's available at your local nursery. Rotate annuals - don't sow the same species in the same place every year. FRUIT Fruit fly and coddling moth larvae will be after your ripening fruit now. Try using a herbal insecticide before resorting to the chemicals.

sierra club

• Regularly check and maintain the structural integrity of buildings. For example, making sure doors, window frames, sills and roofs are waterproof.  "We see quite a few claims where water leaks into the house under a sliding door that has no lip for example," says Dombo.
  
• If you suspect or have uncovered a leak in your home, contact a reliable maintenance company to repair the leak immediately. "Never take small cracks or leaks for granted, they may cause major damages to a home and its contents if ignored," warns Dombo.
  
• Inspect the screws on fiber cement and iron roofs regularly. Screws on these roofs loosen over time and need to be repaired, replaced or re-sealed as necessary.
  
• Turn off the main water supply in your home if you are going on holiday. If a pipe leaks while you are away it may flow unchecked for weeks damaging your home and destroying most of your household contents.
  
• Check the gutters, valleys and roof flashing for blockages before each rainy season and clear these of leaves and debris. Anything that impedes the flow of water is likely to cause leaks and consequential damage. Consequential damage resulting from blocked gutters or valleys or perished flashing will not necessarily be covered by your insurer. Both galvanized zinc and membrane flashing become brittle and porous over time. Paint these regularly, preferably every year. Similarly, malthoid underlay used on some slate roofs becomes brittle with time allowing water to penetrate. Inspect this annually and replace if necessary.
  
• Locate the source of and fix damp issues without delay. "Damp resulting in damage due to poor maintenance will not be covered by your insurer," warns Dombo.
  
• Turn off the main water supply if your water has been cut off for municipal repairs. When the municipal main is open, air may enter the system causing airlocks and blockages that could damage geysers and pipes. The mains should only be turned on again after the municipal repairs have been completed. When the municipal supply is interrupted, "you also run the risk of leaving taps on, coming back to find your home flooded if the municipal system was switched on in your absence," warns Dombo.
  
• Have the seals and valves on your geyser looked at from time to time. "When you get the plumber in for routine maintenance, get him to give your geyser a once over, while he’s there. It may prevent a lot of damage and expense in the long run," advises Dombo.
  
• Always check and know where the stop cocks are situated for the toilet, sink, geyser, washing machine, shower, etc. If your toilet suddenly starts leaking in the middle of the night you can switch off the toilet valve and call a plumber in the morning.
  
• Building or buying above the flood line and thoroughly scoping how water drainage affects your property in bad weather or during a natural disaster is very important. If there is a natural water flow path through your property, "build a drain to help control the flow in wet times and be sure to build structures in such a way that the water can flow freely around them without building up or causing damage," advises Dombo. 

GOOD TO KNOW
Some air tub manufacturers call for the air controls to be fully opened, so it’s best to read the manual first to confirm which method is best for your specific bathtub.

GOOD TO KNOW
Shake some baking soda into the tub and use a slightly damp rag to lightly rub around the inside to clean away built up grime.