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candle in glass

A lot of attention has been focused on gel candle safety in recent years. Most gel candles are container based, meaning decorative materials (called embeds) and a wick are placed inside a container (generally glass) and the container is then filled with molten gel. The gel is mostly mineral oil, blended with a stabilizing polymer, which helps the candle retain fragrance load.

Careless manufacturers assume that gel candles can be made in the same manner as traditional paraffin candles. First, gel candles should not contain flammable materials as embeds. The wick can float in a gel candle and set any of those embeds on fire. Many gel candles have no sustainer base of any kind, which results in wick “float” as it burns.

Second, it is important to inspect all your container candles before lighting – this includes paraffin candles. Make sure that glassware used to house your candle is designed to withstand the heat of the candle inside it. Ask your candle maker. Candle glassware comes in many shapes and sizes and not all are suited to gel.

Never leave a burning candle unattended – and never touch a burning candle!

Another type of container candle is called a “double glassed” gel candle. In this instance, a smaller container with the actual gel candle is placed inside an outer container where the design using gel and embeds has been made. In the last five years a new type of clear candle has emerged – freestanding gel-type candles. Again using a base of mineral oil, candle uses a patented resin as the stabilizer, creating a candle that outshines both traditional paraffin and gel candles. It requires no container like gel candles, burns longer than paraffin and holds more fragrance than either. The flame burns down through the inside of the candle as light radiates through the candle’s side wall. Resin-based candles can be made in traditional paraffin pillar shapes, lending them more decorative appeal than gel candles and more durability than paraffin.

Whatever your candle choice, know what your burning.

Garden Pots

Garden pots help in creating a more aesthetic and more attractive garden. You can find variations in types and makes of garden pots and each of these would bring something different in your desired landscape and garden design. Some ceramic and clay pots are finished with either colorful or plain colored glazes. There are more modern garden pots nowadays. Plastic pots of various shapes, colors and sizes are available in the market. They could also be utilized to produce a more modern garden design.

Some people would consider plant boxes as garden pots. If you are the type who likes to fill even your walls with plants, then you could make use of smaller garden pots designed to be hung. You can make use of these various designs, makes and types of garden pots to your advantage.

Tips For Using Garden Pots As a Container Garden

In some instances there is no other option BUT to use garden pots for a garden such as high-rise or apartment living. The following is a list of considerations if you are thinking of using garden pots in your own garden:

Garden pots are made from a large variety of materials, like clay, plastic and stone.

1. 1. Vary the Pot Sizes

If you vary the sizes of the plants and the pots, you will create a garden with a more eye-catching appearance. Place small pots up close and scale them up as you go back.

1. 2. Place Your Pots in Groups

If you place your pots in groups with smaller and mid-sized pots around a single large pot, you will add a lot of interest and a great focal point at the same time.

1. 3. Group Plants Requiring Similar Watering In Each Pot
2. 4. Group Plants Requiring Similar Sunlight In Each Pot
3. 5. Choose Plants That Require Less Water

Small pots tend to dry up fast since they can’t hold much water. Most garden pots already have a hole in the bottom for drainage.

1. 6. Add a Water Sealant to Terracotta Pots

Left unsealed, terracotta pots soak up the water that is intended for your plants.

1. 7. Potting Soil

For pots, its best to use a good potting soil as they are specially blended for this purpose. Potting soils are lighter in weight than normal soil and they hold water much better.