Building DIY Gardening

Research by HTA – actually a sponsored Phd – shows that planting against external walls increases insulation by a big factor.
The vegetation ‘buffers’ the wall environment against cooling, and behind the plants it can be anything up to 6 degrees higher.
Of course, in the summer, vegetation will also shade the walls, making them [...]

Today we look at biochar, which could change the way organic waste is got rid of – and also provide useful by products. When I was a child, I used to take potato and vegetable peelings to a big box for the local pigs – this was in a small English town. Nowadays of course [...]

I get asked this – hire a builder for building jobs, or try do it yourself – DIY?
Some jobs are too big for DIY because

too skilled or large scale – needs many builders to do it
needs special equipment – diggers, scaffolding, etc
needs builders professional insurance or professional sign-off – safety is most important

But most [...]

We have finally put our Article Directory live >
It is easy to join – just create an account by registering your basic details, then add articles with images, videos, text, and links.

There are many sections including
* Architecture & Design
* Building & Construction, Plant equipment, Tools, Lease, Hire & Buy
* Building Advice
* Green advice & Info
* [...]

Today had fun planting 12 sakura cherry blossom at Miami Green Condos Penang Malaysia for Earth Day. This is the ‘watering ceremony’.

The gardeners got there first and put them in, which was not the plan, but keeps people employed.
These are around the main entrance with the waterfalls, and a few other places.
See also Building DIY [...]

The UK’s biggest and most extensively supported show for DIY, building, self-build, renovation, remodeling and home improvement.
All the services, products, advice, and ideas to help you improve your home, office, garden or business. There are over 450 specialised companies for plot finding, finance, energy saving, wooden frame, gardens, lofts etc.
All in one easy to [...]

Reminder – Fri 23rd – Sun 25th Oct – The National Self Build & Renovation Centre, Swindon
Great show in Swindon centre off the M4 junction 16. See main blog about this
Free tickets >

Interbuild 18-21 October 2009, NEC, Birmingham
Big show for the construction industry – trade but of some interest to serious DIY people – you can get a free ticket by registering.
Eco Modular Living have a special display – they recycle old buildings. This is the big deal now as only 1% of housing stock in UK [...]

Many exhibitors and advice sessions at this great exhibition in Swindon off the M4.
It is an eco and green show for self builders, DIY fans, and small scale developers.
Get more info and tickets at The National Self Build & Renovation Centre, Swindon – The Big Green Home Show >

Go see Spider babies running around video >
Just saw these on the shed – very cute. They are all hugging together in a ball, about 2 cm, each spider is about 1.5 mm, if you disturb them at all, they all run off, ie the ball expands and the spiders descend downwards. Then they take [...]