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The latest trends in eco-friendly workout wear, tips for living a more
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The Ooni Koda 16 Pizza Oven: Fast, Easy, Delicious!
For all the pizza lovers out there, you know nothing beats a tasty slice of freshly made pizza. There's just something about that perfect combination of a crispy-crunchy crust and melty cheese that's hard to beat. But why go out for pizza when you can make it at home? Enter the Ooni Koda 16 Pizza Oven! This amazing contraption is designed to get you cooking delicious pizzas with no fuss in just 60 seconds. Let’s take a look at why this oven is such a great option for home cooks everywhere. What is better.... Using Cast Iron ware like a Dual-Sided Grizzler Pan by Ooni, you can cook Seafood, Steak, Vegetables, the sky is the limit!
Fast and Easy Set Up The beauty of the Ooni Koda 16 is that it requires no assembly; simply unbox and fire up your oven for fast pizza perfection! The gas-powered design also means you don't need any extra electricity or batteries – just plug in your LPG gas bottle and start cooking. No mess, no fuss. With an easy ignition system and adjustable temperature control, you’ll be making restaurant-quality pizza in no time. Plus, the included stone baking board ensures an even bake every single time.
Beautiful Design As if making amazing pizzas wasn’t enough, the Ooni Koda 16 also looks beautiful! Its sleek exterior fits right in with any modern outdoor kitchen set up and won't take away from your outdoor living space. Whether you’re hosting friends or just having a family dinner night outside, this oven will bring everyone together over some scrumptious homemade pizza.
With its fast set up process, adjustable temperature control, beautiful design and ability to cook mouthwatering pizzas in 60 seconds flat, it's clear that the Ooni Koda 16 Pizza oven offers something special for home cooks everywhere. If you're looking for an easy way to make restaurant-quality pizzas without any mess or fuss then this is definitely the oven for you! So gather around the table with your friends or family and enjoy some delicious homemade pizzas made with love - thanks to the amazing Ooni Koda 16 Pizza Oven!
Lawn maintenance - Best Tools and Tips
Why maintain your lawn?
A well maintained lawn has many benefits from increasing your property's value, provide a pleasant place for kids and adults to play, lower the temperature of the area in summer and as a bonus, it will make your house and garden look more attractive overall.
Here are a few tips for lawn maintenance:
Top Dressing:
You must top dress in the growing season once the weather has warmed, NOT in winter. It is usually best to top dress in spring or as soon as you have reached your regular weekly mow. The earlier in the growing season the better. Generally late spring to early summer is best. Don't apply too thickly or it will tend to kill off patches of grass, depleting areas of light and oxygen. Annual application is best.
When: mid - late Spring
How often: minimum yearly, maximum 6 weekly intervals
How much: thin layer sand or light soil - (5 mm. to 1 cm.).
Tools for Top Dressing:
WOLF GARTEN Lawn Fertilizer Spreader / Seed Drill WE-430
WOLF GARTEN Lawn Fertilizer Spreader / Seed Drill WE-330
WOLF GARTEN Multi-Change Long Span Rake - 58cm - Head Only
BURGON & BALL Garden Ground Rake - RHS Endorsed
Spiking / Aerating:
Why would you want holes in your lawn? Aerating supports deep root growth, which produces a strong and more luscious lawn for you to enjoy. What is ‘aerating’ exactly? It’s the task of perforating the turf and soil with small holes, which allows air, water and nutrients to soak in. When your soil becomes too compacted it tends prevent water and nutrients from being properly absorbed and essentially starve your lawn.
When aerating your lawn, you want to make sure it will have adequate time to heal and fill any holes left in the soil. For this, you will want some moisture, so the peak of summer isn’t ideal. Autumn and spring are the perfect time to aerate and prepare your lawn for a summer of use. Remember to aerate only when the soil has received a good soaking - it's very hard to aerate a dry lawn. The plugs (little bits of dirt cores) will break down over time, just leave them as they are on the top of the lawn.
When: mid - late Spring and/or Autumn
How often: minimum yearly, maximum 6 monthly
How much: Spacing between holes: approx. 10cm
Tools for Aerating:
DRAPER 2 In 1 Lawn Aerator/Scarifier (1500W) 320mm
DRAPER TOOLS Heavy Duty Hollow Tine Lawn Aerator
DRAPER TOOLS Rolling Lawn Aerator (450mm Spiked Drum)
CORONA ComfortGEL® Grip YardBREATHER® Aerator
Raking / Scarifying
If you have anything other than a pure Rye grass lawn (a cool climate grass) it will need dethatching or scarifying at some point. Generally the finer the lawn the more care it will require. These fine lawns can look great with the right care but do build up layers of thatch quite quickly.
Thatch layers of 1 inch or more become barriers instead of benefits. Thick thatch blocks water and fertilizer, and grass roots get trapped in thatch, where they're vulnerable to heat, drought and stress. When this happens the lawn starts to feel spongy underfoot. Water from irrigation can accumulate in the thatch layer, too, so grass roots suffocate from lack of air.
When: mid - late Spring and/or Autumn
How often: annually
How much: 2mm - 4mm
Tools for Scarifying:
DRAPER 2 In 1 Lawn Aerator/Scarifier (1500W) 320mm
WOLF GARTEN Multi-Change Scarifying Roller Rake - Head Only
WOLF GARTEN Multi-Change Scarifying Rake - Head Only
Watering
This is a tricky one as all lawns have different moisture needs so there is not a one sizes fits all answer to this question. Very often our lawn watering schedule in Australia is dictated by local water regulations especially during a drought. Sometimes this can also include being allowed to only water 'by a hand held hose'
There are however, some universal tips for all lawn watering to remember:
Water in the early morning or evening. This limits water wastage due to excessive evaporation
If the above maintenance tips are followed, whatever watering schedule you choose will be more effective.
If possible set up a sprinkler system or pulsating sprinkler if your local regulations allow it. This is more time-efficient than hand held watering and obtains a better coverage.
Do not overwater during cooler months
Apply a wetting agent. This assist in water absorption into the soil, so water is absorbed properly into the waxy layer of the soil.
Tools for Watering:
DRAMM ColourStorm Oscillating Garden Sprinkler
DRAMM ColourStorm Spinning Monarch Garden Sprinkler
DRAMM ColourStorm Whirling 3 arm Garden Sprinkler
See Botanex's best lawn watering Tools from Dramm HERE
Mowing & Edging:
Now this is probably the most universally enjoyed tasks in the garden, surveying a freshly mowed lawn always seems to make it all worthwhile! There's nothing like getting out there on a balmy summer morning mowing your lawn and enjoying the scent of fresh cut grass!
Even though a fresh mowed lawn makes your garden look instantly neater this is where the devil is in the details...Don't forget the edges! Leaving the edges messy on a lawn is a bit like vacuuming your carpet but leaving crumbs and dead flies next to the skirting boards!
Here are out top edging tools:
Tools for Edging:
BURGON & BALL Lawn Edging Shears - Long Handled
CORONA ComfortGEL® Grip EdgeMASTER® Lawn Edger
BURGON & BALL Half Moon Lawn Edger - RHS Endorsed
BURGON & BALL Single Handed Grass Shear
WOLF GARTEN Battery Powered Grass Shear - 100mm
WOLF GARTEN Multi-Change Lawn Edger - Star Wheel - Head Only
Weeding:
ALL WEEDING TOOLS HERE
Ahh. weeding. Either you find it a chore or relaxing. either way, its got to be done if you want a spikey free, weed free outdoor oasis. If you dislike chemicals, or just come across a pesky patch of dandelions, we have the gear for back saving de-weeding!
BURGON & BALL Lawn Weeding Knife
CORONA ComfortGEL® Grip WeedDESTROYER® Weeding Tool
WOLF GARTEN Ergo Garden Weeder Tool
WOLF GARTEN Multi-Change Weed Extractor - Head Only
Fertilizing:
The very best time for lawn fertilization is in the spring, when the soil temperature—not the air temperature—reaches 12º C. You’ll know when the soil warms up to 12ºC because the lilacs and rhododendrons will begin to blossom and the grass will start growing. One aspect of successful fertilization is to spread your choice of fertilizer correctly. this can be done with the assistance of a fertilizer spreader.
When: mid - late Spring and/or Autumn
How often: during growing season every 6-8 weeks
How much: use a slow release complete lawn fertilizer granule type, spread using a lawn spreader
WOLF GARTEN Hand Held Lawn Fertilizer Spreader / Seed Drill WE-B
WOLF GARTEN Lawn Fertilizer Spreader / Seed Drill WE-430
WOLF GARTEN Lawn Fertilizer Spreader / Seed Drill WE-330
Re-Planting:
If you want to fill grassless areas without the expense of buying and installing turf you van use a nifty soil. This is suiter to runner grasses.
a soil plugger creates properly sized holes to accept standard 3-in. grass and sod plugs and the quick release plunger efficiently removes sod plugs.
CORONA ComfortGEL® Grip Lawn & SodPLUGGER™
WHAT TRUG IS BEST FOR ME?
Trugs are a must-have accessory for any gardener. They are used for harvesting your homegrown fruit, veg and herbs, as well as collecting cut flowers and plant cuttings. They also make the wonderful gardening gift.
Trugs were thought to be first used in Anglo Saxon times, when they were made from a hollowed out piece of wood called a ‘trog’ meaning boat like vessel. Over time this evolved into a more practical lightweight willow version. This design endures today as the most popular trug.
Nowadays trugs are available in a range of different shapes, sizes and materials – sturdy wire, silicone or traditional timber. Initially made in the UK, they are now manufactured by craftsmen across the world.
So, whether you’re after the timeless timber classic or a modern masterpiece, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste and budget, in our carefully curated selection.
1. THE SUSSEX TRADITIONAL TIMBER TRUG
Widely known as the Sussex trug due the area in England where they were made, this traditional trug is handmade from strips of Cyprus pine formed and nailed into a basket. Ideal for collecting fruit, vegetables, flowers and cuttings. They can also be used to make decorative indoor displays.
The Sussex Traditional Trug available here
2. BURGON & BALL HIP TRUG
This hip trug clips simply into a snug neoprene sleeve then onto your waistband for hands-free access while working in the garden. A 3L capacity, it’s the ideal size for storing small to medium harvested garden produce and can be easily removed, tipped out and ready to be refilled. It’s even easy to clean - safe for dishwasher and microwave use. Ideal for small to medium fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs and weeds.
The Burgon and Ball Clip on Hip Trug available here
3. OPEN FLOWER TRUG
Made from lightweight timber or woven cane, the open flower trug has a distinctive open ended design which allows cut flowers to lie flat. The Esschert Design flower trug is handmade from lightweight FSC pine. It also has the additional design feature of folding handles, making loading and storage easy. Sustainably sourced, this makes the perfect gift for an eco conscious gardener. Ideal for cut flowers, it can also be filled and used as an indoor display.
Esschert Design Timber Open Flower Trug available here
4. FRENCH METAL WIRE TRUG
A more modern design, the metal wire basket trug borrows its shape from the traditional Sussex design. Constructed from steel wire mesh, it is lightweight and easy to use. They are particularly useful for root vegetables or produce that needs washing as the produce can be rinsed under the garden tap. Ideal for medium to large produce or cut flowers, smaller items or herbs may fall through the mesh. They also are very popular for indoor decoration.
Martha's Vineyard French Style Wire Harvesting Basket available here
Sophie Conran UK Cream Wire Harvesting Basket Trug available here
5. STEEL METAL TRUG
Made in the UK from galvanized steel, Sophie Conran sets the bar for design. This trug is useful for carrying heavy hand tools around the yard, as well as plant cuttings or harvest. It has separate compartments and a smooth wooden handle for ease of use.
Sophie Conran Metal Tool and Harvest Trug available here
6. WAXED CANVAS HARVESTING AND GATHERING BAG
Barebones Gathering Bag offers versatility in use, wearing, emptying and care. It’s convertible straps allow for comfortable chest or back carrying, while its drop-out bottom makes quick work of emptying the harvest. Constructed of weather- and water-resistant waxed canvas and complete with a water-tight removable liner, the Gathering Bag is the essential foraging and harvesting partner. Ideal for cut flowers and foliage, medium to large harvest and plant cuttings.
Barebones Waxed Canvas Harvesting and Gathering Bag available here
7. METAL WIRE EGG GATHERING CAULDRON
Technically not a trug, the egg cauldron is the perfect companion for chicken keepers. Not limited to eggs, this cauldron can be used for medium to large fruit and vegetables, cut flowers or used indoor for a harvest display.
Martha's Vineyard Metal Wire Egg Collecting Basket available here
ABOUT BLUE LIGHT FILTER SCREEN GLASSES
On average we spend more than 50 hours per week using smartphones, tablets, looking at our computer screens, our television or playing video games. But all of these modern generation “LED backlit” screens emit a “blue” light, which is also known as HEV (High Visible Energy). The consequences ?
TIME TO SPRING INTO ACTION
Now that winter has ended, spring is here and it is time to “spring-up” to the activities that we were so reluctant to do. The entrance of spring brings more daylight and so, it’s time to live life to the full - there;s never a better time than Spring!
WHICH DRY BAG SHOULD I CHOOSE?
Botanex carries an extensive range of dry bags with a range of Adventure focused bags from Sea to Summit to a range of Lifestyle bags for beach outings from Lifestyle brand Annabel Trends.
7 TIPS TO STAYING COOL WHILE CAMPING
Being uncomfortably hot, and no prospect of getting cool anytime soon isn't an enjoyable experience. We bring you the top 7 tips for staying cool on your camping holiday this summer.
Nobody says "hey, let's go camping now that its unbearably hot", but a camping holiday planned for weeks might just have to go ahead, so you need to adapt to the weather conditions. And the plus side of summer is the beautiful balmy nights it can give us, with perfectly clear evening skies!
But what can we do to stop the heat ruining the experience? Read on…
Perfect Autumn - How to get ready for the Spring
It’s May! The last month of Autumn and the trees will soon be bare. The rain comes more frequent, as the cold winter is ushered in.
Well, Autumn is a great time for planting. The air is cool, the soil is still warm and the frequent rain has increased the moisture in the soil. All these factors help new plants establish good root growth, and then slows down in winter. So, pick up your garden gloves, trowels, buffwear etc. and let's get dirty.
Autumn is also the best time to start transplanting any shrubs or trees to make new plants from cuttings. Plants can only be safely transplanted during late autumn and winter when no longer in active growth.
For cuttings, cut approximately 10 cm from hardwood herbs or shrubs and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut stem about an inch into hormone powder - this will stimulate root growth. Now prepare a pot with moist planting medium and plant the dipped stem cutting into the pot.
Keep moist at all times (not wet) and sheltered from strong wind and the sun by covering the pot with a clear plastic bag, then see the results in Spring!
Autumn produces a lot of leaf matter which can be used as compost, nature's process of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil. For good garden hygiene, clear a little way around the base of shrubs and trees to limit the build-up of mulch and matter around the stem or trunk area, especially in high rainfall areas, it will help prevent collar rot and other fungal attacks.
Pruning stimulates new growth so it’s not a good idea to prune around this time of year, as plants are trying to go dormant. So as a general rule, do not prune if it's wet out there, as it spreads a lot of diseases. The best time to prune would be towards the last month of winter.
Now after preparing the soil, it’s time to decide what fruits, veggies, flowers and herbs you would like to see in spring. Have you got your pots? The soil? The tools?
Talking about pots and tools - here are some fantastic garden tools, pots and other items that I think you will find rather delightful.
Get the kiddies on the weekend to join you, it’ll be fun. Oh yes, there are also some products featured that’ll keep you warm and comfortable while you're out there hanging around or having a Barbie
DEPRESSED? 4 Good Reasons To Take A Hike!
Relief yourselves from stress, anxiety and all the symptoms that contributes to being confined or caged in. It is a well known fact that caged animals show symptoms of anxiety and depression as opposed to the ones that are free to run in the wild.
Well it is the same for us, and most of us don’t even realize that we are caged 24/7. We are confined in the office for at least 10 hours a day, if not more. When we finally leave the office, we head straight home and seclude ourselves for rest of the day. A daily ritual for most of us and many of us often find ourselves consumed by negative thoughts. We fail to enjoy "The moment" at it's best, whatever the moment has to offer and we slowly but surely slide down the path to depression and anxiety.
Depression is a common mental disorder which is suffered by more than 300 million people of all ages, globally. No doubt there are effective treatments available for moderate and severe depression such as psychological treatments or antidepressant medication, but do keep in mind the possible adverse effects associated with antidepressant medications.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that spending time in nature decreases these obsessive, negative thoughts by a significant margin.
Researchers compared the reported rumination of two groups of participants.
The first group hiked through an urban environment
The second hiked through a natural environment
The result was to no surprise, they found those who walked for 90 minutes in a natural environment reported lower levels of rumination and had reduced neural activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex. (an area of the brain related to mental illness). Those who walked through the urban environment however, did not report decreased rumination.
In another study conducted by psychologists Ruth Ann Atchley and David L. Strayer, it was found that creative problem solving can be drastically improved by both disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with nature. Participants in this study went backpacking through nature for about 4 days, during which time they were refrained from using any technology whatsoever. They were asked to perform tasks which required creative thinking and complex problem solving. The researchers found that performance on problem solving tasks improved by 50% for those who took part in this tech-free hiking excursion. This study shows that both technology and urban noise are incredibly disruptive. It constantly demands our attention, this distracts us and prevents us from staying focused.
It is evident that a nice long hike can reduce mental fatigue, relax the mind, and stimulate creative thinking. All these benefits can be tapped on easily, and inexpensively. Australians are truly a lucky bunch. We have walking trails, reserves, parks, the outback etc., and all in close proximity.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather a group of friends or even the family and start living. Go on . . . get your good pair of sturdy hiking boots. Having a buffwear will be ideal for the hike, and don't forget the water bottle to revitalize yourself. Next, be sure wear a couple of layers of clothing, so you’ll be rugged up when it’s cool and can easily take it off when it’s warm. If there is room in your haversack then you might want to throw in a GERBER BEAR GRYLLS - Basic Kit, just in case it takes a little longer to get back. A GERBER BEAR GRYLLS Ultimate Multi-Tool will also be a very handy tool to have when hiking. Depending on how dense the bush land you are exploring is, a GERBER BEAR GRYLLS Survival Series Parang should clear any obstacles in your path very easily. It is great for the little stopover breaks where you need to gather firewood.
Bringing your mobile may be wise but just turn your signal off so that you can use it when you really have to.
There are so many more items you can bring along for your comfort and safety. Just visit www.botanex.com.au. There’s More . . . To Life