Nov 16

Knott’s Berry Farm

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Nestled inside beautiful Southern California; lies an entertainment park that could give any Disney World a run for their money. Knott’s Berry Farm, one of the most popular amusement parks in the country, is a great place to visit if you are looking for something adventurous to do. From scary attractions to live music and theatre, this destination is clearly a hotspot for children and adults alike.

Due to the fact that Knott’s Berry Farm is almost always crowded; it is recommended that you visit the area during off seasons. However, if you have no choice, you should try getting there right when the park opens. As a result, you will not have to wait hours just to get on one ride. This way you can enjoy the entire park, before the rush begins. Although Disney Land is right down the road, Knott’s Berry Farm still acquires a large crowd. While Knott’s Berry Farm is a hot destination, the prices are a bit expensive. Adults are $40 each, whereas children are roughly $30. Although this may sound like quite an increase in price, the majority of amusements parks are rarely ever less than $30. Fortunately, Knott’s Berry Farm only asks for $7 when it comes to parking. This way you can enjoy yourselves from morning to night, without having to worry about taking out a loan just for your car.

Surprisingly, many people feel that Knott’s Berry Farm is much better than Disney Land. This is because the crowds are not as enormous, and there are rides that fit everyone’s needs. From thrilling roller coasters to water rides that plunge you into the dark waters, these rides are for people who are dying to experience adventure. Not a rollercoaster fan? There are also calmer rides, which are great for children and petrified parents alike. If you enjoy Halloween and the creepiness that comes along with it, most would recommend that you try attending Knott’s Berry Farm during late October. They generally turn the entire park into a massive haunted house during the evening. For this reason, older crowds tend to flock to this destination, in hopes of being frightened.

Another unique feature of Knott’s Berry Farm is that there are also restaurants and shops there. This is a wonderful alternative to rides, especially if you are the one person in the family that wants to run away from them. Aside from cuisine and great places to splurge, there are also live shows that are available around the clock. Most travelers like this option, as it gets tiring to go on rides all day. Luckily, you can enjoy a bite to eat, see a bit of entertainment, and continue going on the thrilling coasters.

Regardless of what type of person you are, Knott’s Berry Farm is one of a kind. While Disney Land is another great destination, Knott’s provides more of a unique atmosphere. It has not been overdone and while it is busy, it does not require you to wait hours for one ride. This place caters to all ages – especially those who are in their late teens and early 20’s. With this kept in mind, Knott’s is certainly a fun and distinct place to visit.

Author is the owner of a travel and vacation websites directory at TourismJunction.com. You can also visit his websites on Caribbean Vacation & Cruising and USA Travel at CaribbeanVacationCruising.com and TourismJunction.com.

Oct 21

Throughout New Zealand
Buy the Lord of the Rings location guide, and do some hunting out of familiar scenes from the LOTR trilogy.

North Island
Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach
Swim with the dolphins in Paihia, Bay of Islands
Vertigo Climb, Auckland Skytower – beyond the observation decks, and wear an orange suit to do it.
Take a ferry or kayak from Mission Bay, Auckland to Rangitoto Island & climb to the top.
Waiheke Island – only 35 mins by ferry from Auckland, for some great wineries, maybe spend the night.
Raglan- & catch some wild surf.
Waitomo Haggas Honking Holes and tubing the glow-worm caves
Kayak from Whitianga to Cathedral Cove – then go to Hot Water beach and dig your hole in the sand
Drive from Opotiki to Gisborne then around the East Cape and back to Opotiki
Hawkes Bay- wineries, East Coast, North Island
Whakatane- Take a scenic flight over White Island, an active volcano.
Rotorua – to see the geysers, thermal activity and smell, visit Te Whakawerwera for your Maori cultural experience.
Drive out to Lake Tarawera near Rotorua- check out the Blue and Green lakes on the way
Taupo- Tandem Skydive 12,000ft
Craters of the moon outside of Taupo
Tongariro Crossing- one of the best one-day walks in the world, stunning scenery with volcanoes
Walk up Mount Taranaki- West Coast, North Island
Watch the sun rise at Te Araroa – the eastern most place in NZ
Martinborough- wineries- bottom East Coast, North Island
Te Papa Museum in Wellington- you could spend all day here learning about NZ / Maori -culture

South Island
Abel Tasman- for relaxing walking and kayaking around the National Park
Walk the Queen Charlotte Track, Marlborough Sounds- Top, South Island
Marlborough- wineries, top East Coast, South Island
Kaikoura- for whale watching and swimming with dolphins
4 day hike, Banks Peninsula – East Coast, South Island
Moeraki Boulders – East Coast, South Island for unusual round boulders
Christchurch- Arts Centre
Akaroa- for a bit of French New Zealand history
Dunedin- for historic homes, albatross, yellow eyed penguins and seal colonies
Oamaru- for Old Oamaru Stone buildings and Penguin watching
Pancake Rocks and blowholes- Punakaiki, upper West Coast, South Island
Mount Cook – South Island
Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers- West Coast, South Island
While looking at the glaciers in the Fox/Franz Josef area take a cruise out to Lake Matheson first thing in the morning to take some amazing photos of the reflection of Mount Cook in the water
Wanaka- a relaxing place in Central Otago
Arrowtown- an old Central Otago Goldfields town with an old Chinese village, 20 minutes from Queenstown
Queenstown- for adventure activities and party atmosphere
Pipeline Bungy Jump in Queenstown
Drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy- have a beer at the Glenorchy pub, after stopping and taking plenty of photos whilst on the drive
Queenstown- wineries
5 day trek of Routeburn/Greenstone Track
Walk Milford Track- one of the Worlds best.
Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park- lower West Coast, South Island
Doubtful Sound in the Fiordland National Park- swim with dolphins
The Catlins- for nature East Coast, South Island
Stewart Island- for nature bottom South Island

Once you have done all these things you will have had a great look around beautiful New Zealand

http://www.newzealandatoz.com
New Zealand AtoZ provides useful New Zealand information to travelers, including a full list of all New Zealand car, motorhome and campervan rental companies along with their daily hire rates
Your complete guide to New Zealand.

May 18

Twenty Five Mexican Babies

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When you are doing volunteer work in a third world country, you never know what you are going to see next, but what we did not expect was a woman in labor showing up in the back of a taxi.

The poor Mexican woman was accompanied by her husband and her doctor.The doctor had been taking care of her in her home and determined that she needed to be in the hospital to make sure everything went well with the delivery. So, here they came.

This poor couple not only showed up in an unusual way, but they looked like they had only been to town a few times before. They were obviously very poor. The Mexican people take pride in their clothing and would wear their best for a trip to town. But, these people had well worn clothing that were clean but threadbare.

During the one hour that they were in the hospital we found out more about them. This was to be the woman’s twenty fifth child. She had several sets of twins in the lot. Of those twenty five, sixteen were still alive. No wonder they looked so poor!

When the baby was born, the father pulled out the baby blanket. We felt pretty bad when we saw the four worn cloths that had been sewn together to make a ‘quilt’. Although the baby was obviously loved by her parents, we were distraught at the poverty.

They left as they had come. The family in the back and the doctor in the front with the driver.

My wife was impressed with their visit to the extent that she held a fund drive and raised enough money to get a real nursery. Before, the babies had stayed with the mother who was supposed to care for the baby as she recovered.

Not only did they get a new nursery, but each baby got a new flannel blanket to take home. The parents were thrilled. They were not used to such luxury!

We told the people

Dec 26

1. Go Fly a Kite!

Lincoln City is located at the 45th parallel. What this means is you get steady winds pretty much year round. This makes Lincoln City the self-proclaimed “Kite Capital of the World” There are two kite festivals each year in Lincoln City, one in June and one in October. The beaches, all 7 miles of them, are beautiful and provide plenty of room for kite flying! So go and feel like a kid again!

2. Take in a Show!

The Chinook Winds Casino is a beautiful casino, right on the ocean. It’s a great place to stay, and they always have big name musical acts. Of course there is the gambling that is available. The Casino also offers a restaurant, pool and a sauna to relax in. They also offer child care, with arcades, Nintendo and a playground.

3. Watch the Glass Blow!

The Alderhouse Glassblowing Studio is well worth your time. You can watch masters at the ancient art of glassblowing. You can also purchase some of their beautiful pieces, including something called a Witch Ball. You will be amazed at what they can do with glass.

4. View the Mighty D River?

The D River is not all that mighty. It is the shortest river in the world, traveling 120 feet from Devils Lake to the Pacific Ocean. There is a Oregon State Park wayside there, with plenty of parking and access to several miles of sandy beach. Right next to the wayside is my favorite restaurant, Kylios. Great views of the ocean and wonderful seafood.

5. Catch Your Dinner!

There is a lot of fishing fun available in Lincoln City. Whether it’s on Devils Lake (fish for trout, perch, catfish, crappie, large mouth bass), the Siletz River and the Salmon River (fish for chinook, steelhead, trout), Siletz Bay (fish for perch, crab, flounder) or deep sea fishing in the Pacific Ocean. Charters are available.

6. Shop Till You Drop!

If you need to get away from nature a bit, head to the Tanger Outlet Center.
Tanger outlet center has over 60 stores, including Reebok, Eddie Bauer, Old Navy and Pendelton Woolen Mills, an Oregon favorite.

Lincoln City is easy to get to from Portland and by driving the famous Pacific Coast Highway (US Route 101). Come visit Lincoln City, I know you’ll love it.

Barbara Pfieffer lives in beautiful Oregon State. http://www.vacation-in-oregon.com tells you all the fun things to do on vacation in Oregon, whether on the coast or visiting a casino. If you’d like discounts in Lincoln City, click

Oct 9

Coastal North Carolina – Area Information

The North Carolina coast – it’s adventure, romance, history, and a whole lot more! This is the perfect location for retirement or vacationing, and the good news is, properties are ready and waiting right now for the retiree, a second vacation home, or an investment in your future. Come for a few days and you’ll be certain to fall in love with this recreational paradise.

People love to come home to the Carolina Coast because it’s easily accessible from many East Coast locations, there are activities galore, and the area is simply stunning, there’s no other way to describe it. Fishing, boating, golf, beaches, museums, the area is rich in all these things and more. When you discover the Carolina Coast, you discover a wealth of outdoor and indoor delights for the entire family. You’ll also find upscale dining, marinas just waiting for that boat you’ve always wanted, hiking and biking trails, and just about any kind of recreational activity you can think of.

Brunswick County has been rated one of the top 10 beach vacation spots for families. Why? Because there’s something for everyone here! The Intercoastal Waterway abounds in family activities, Holden Beach is a great family beach waiting for discovery, and the area is chock full of parks, museums, shopping, and outdoor activities for every member of the family. Visit just once and you’ll be drawn back again and again. There are still great opportunities to buy vacation property in the area, so the entire family can retreat, regroup, and relax any time you choose.

Nearby Wilmington and the Cape Fear coast offer even more recreational opportunities. Enjoy a round of golf? You’re in luck. With nearly 50 public courses in the area, Wilmington’s courses are rated the eighth best metro golfing area in the nation because these area courses offer value, accessibility, and quality all rolled into one. Even if you’re not a golfer, you’ll find an overabundance of outdoor and indoor activities in the area. Tour historic districts, museums, and a Civil War battlefield if you’re a history buff. Shop ’til you drop at the many stores, boutiques, galleries, and craft shops in the area. Take in a show, cruise the river, rent a kayak, bike, hike, or just kick back and relax. You can do it all on the North Carolina Coast!

Now, picture yourself retiring to this glorious area. The golf, the sun, the beaches, and the cities beckon. You’ll never run out of activities here, and it’s becoming a favorite spot for baby boomers looking for the perfect retirement location. You’ll be close to all the services you desire, but still have room to breathe in the salt air. What could be better? In addition, Brunswick County has the highest price appreciation in the Carolinas, so your investment today will reap even more rewards in the years to come.

Why invest in real estate in this area? First, it’s an investment that will last a lifetime. Whether you choose to retire to the Carolina Coast or use your home as a second vacation destination, your investment will grow with time. Real estate prices have increased all over the country, but they are still reasonable in this area. In addition, the second home marketplace is actually even healthier than the primary home marketplace. People are investing in second homes; it’s as simple as that. In addition, the Carolina Coast is a baby boomers paradise, which is why more people are choosing this area to celebrate their golden years. If you buy now, your second home could turn into your retirement paradise in a few years. Top that off with one of the top five second home markets in the nation and you’ve found the perfect location to enjoy for years to come, and you can be assured your investment will only grow with time.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out the Carolina Coast! You may find your dream vacation home just waiting for you, and you’re certain to enjoy the activities, surroundings, and adventures that await every time you return.

For additional Information:
http://www.buyvacationcondos.com/CoastalCarolinaInfo

Doug Lasley
Real Estate Broker-Associate
http://www.LANDDepo.com
407-876-5771

Jun 27

Hitchhiking is not without risk in any country and the same applies in New Zealand. New Zealand has crime like any other western country. New Zealand only has 4 million people, so the number of criminals is lower than the USA or the UK. Use the same discretion getting into a car with a stranger in NZ as you would anywhere in the world.

Don’t try to hitch hike in Auckland, the main way out is the motorway, and it is illegal to walk or stop on any motorway (except in case of emergency).

In the country outside of the main centres you are more likely to have luck getting lifts, especially in the South Island.

Wear your pack (to make it obvious you are a tourist)

Look clean and tidy – try to avoid the wild-mountain man look

Let people know where you are planning to go.

Don’t accept lifts from anyone you don’t feel comfortable with.

Handle things in the car (to leave your fingerprints in case something does go wrong).

If you are staying in hostels, you may well get lifts from there anyway – some hostels have a ‘carpool list’ where people with free space in the car write down their destination and departure date/time.

Hitch hiking can be a great way of learning about New Zealand and meeting new people. If you get lucky you can find out about great local “treasures” from the local people or you could be told of the cheapest and/or best place to stay at the town you re heading too.

Be careful, take note of the points above and your trip should be entertaining and enjoyable.

http://www.newzealandatoz.com

New Zealand AtoZ provides useful New Zealand information to travelers, including a full list of all New Zealand car, motorhome and campervan rental companies along with their daily hire rates.
Your complete guide to New Zealand

Apr 10

Thanks to a fairly temperate climate that keeps the Outer Banks pleasant all year long, this strip of the Mid-Atlantic shoreline is a great place to stay no matter the month. Currituck and Outer Banks locals and businesses thrive on the continuous tourism coming into the area, and the festive spirit stretches for months as various annual festivals are planned. All are invited to participate and enjoy in the celebration of the best the North Carolina shores and Outer Banks have to offer.

Bird watchers and birding enthusiasts will want to take note of two particular events. The annual Wings Over Water weekend is designed to educate visitors on the natural preserves in the Outer Banks. Thought the area was just beach…think again! The Carolina coast is home to a number of marshes and wildlife refuges. At Wings Over Water and at the annual Purple Martin Roost Festival people can learn how to preserve this fragile environment while also enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Wings Over Water is held normally in early May, while the Purple Martin festival, celebrating the delightful little birds of the same name, happens in Manteo in August.

Another favorite natural attraction of the Outer Banks are the wild mustangs that roam the shores of Currituck. Unstabled and unmarked, these horses fend for themselves and frolic on the beaches. If you stay in Currituck you may embark on a guided Jeep tour to see these horses in their natural habit, and if you happen to be here in June you can celebrate Wild Horse Days with the family. Proceeds from the festival benefit the horses, preserving the remaining herds for future generations.

June is also roughly the time of the Dare Days Festival, a days long celebration of Dare County heritage. As one of the first counties founded in North Carolina, Dare Days bring to light the colonial history of the area and its importance in the shaping of our nation. Later in August, the story of Virginia Dare, the first English settler born in the New World in reenacted in a special presentation of The Lost Colony, the longest running outdoor drama in the Carolinas.

And, if you have a taste for best of the Outer Banks, summer’s end bring the annual Knotts Island Peach Festival. For two days the island is alive with music and fun, and everything peachy! Guests may pick from the orchards or sample baked goods, maybe even a sip of peach wine. Speaking of wine, stay into October and you can enjoy the annual Currituck Food and Wine Festival. Here the local vineyards come together to share the year’s harvest and wine lovers can try sweet muscadine wines, fruity dessert wines, and local cuisine.

The Outer Banks is a festive place to visit, no matter the time. Plan your vacation to the northern shore accordingly and you will find more than just beach and sunshine, but many opportunities to learn, have fun, and celebrate!

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer whose specializes in travel writing content for many websites, including VisitCurrituck.com (http://www.visitcurrituck.com), the official site of the Currituck County Department of Travel and Tourism.

Mar 2

Tipping in New Zealand

Posted by admin

Minimum wages in New Zealand are $10.25 an hour for a worker over 18 and $8.20 for under 18, so they are not dependent on tips to subsidize their income, as is the case in the United States.

Most New Zealanders would not like tipping to become the normal procedure. This could factor into your wages when negotiating for a job.
With a non-tipping society it also gives a better feeling when you have finished your transaction. You do not feel guilty about leaving the right tip, and do not feel like being held captive at a restaurant or cafe until the tip is paid.

One of the more common New Zealand tipping practices in New Zealand is to round up taxi fares to the nearest couple of dollars.
Restaurants, hotels or bars do charge an extra service charge on public holidays around 10%-20%. This is now a common public holiday levy.
If you get great service feel free to leave a tip, $5 would be a good tip and a nice way of saying thanks for going out of your way. It will be much appreciated, it is not expected.
Do not feel “cheap” if you don’t leave a tip, think “when in Rome”.

http://www.newzealandatoz.com
New Zealand AtoZ provides useful New Zealand information to travelers, including a full list of all New Zealand car, motorhome and campervan rental companies along with their daily hire rates
Your complete guide to New Zealand.

Feb 18

Located in the North West of the Australian state of Victoria, Swan Hill got its name from the famous explorer Thomas Mitchell. He named it so after experiencing a sleepless night when camping very close to a flock of noisy swans.

Swan Hill is one of the most prominent and fast-growing cities of Australia. With a population of around 16,000 people, the city is primarily focused on production and supply to the needs of people and businesses around the city.

Swan Hill gives you a unique experience with the combination of the relaxed lifestyle of the rural side and the modern, thriving facilities of the urban side.

Visitors throng to this city to enjoy its beautiful Mediterranean climate and take a scenic trip on the mighty Murray River aboard the historic Paddle Steamer (PS) Pyap. Its atmosphere is one that blends history with modernity. Major tourist attractions are the historic Pioneer Settlement, regional art gallery, and historic homesteads.

Swan Hill city has been an important tourist destination because of its proximity to the Murray River. The number of visitors to the city has been steadily increasing as this region plays host to a number of large-scale events.

Major tourist attractions in Swan Hill are the Hilltop Fauna Park, Tyntyndyer Homestead, Murray Downs Homestead, Raymer’s Lakeside Nursery and Gardens, and the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement. The city offers entertainment though its theatres and cinemas, and has state-of-the-art recreational clubs and sports centres. You will find its restaurants offering a range of delicious cuisines from local food to exotic Chinese and Italian style dishes at a price that suits any budget.

Enjoy the magnificent wide open spaces and the tranquillity of inland Australia while you visit an award-winning winery, or a fine restaurant featuring fresh Murray Cod, yabbies, avocado, citrus, stone fruits or vine fruits. Take in the beautiful surroundings at a golf course or explore nature’s remarkable features in one of many reserves and parks. Enjoy a river cruise or a houseboat holiday, or discover the fantastic festivals and events, arts and many unique family attractions.

If you’re looking for luxury accommodation in Victoria, then visit Simply Lush (http://www.simplylush.com) to check out our free reviews of only the very best accommodation in Victoria.

Feb 5

For many of us avid gardeners the thought of a summer vacation is both a delight and a source of great anxiety. Whether we are going up to the cottage or camping in the great Canadian wilderness, we want to ensure the continued health and beauty of our gardens. By following my prescribed garden tips you will not only “vacation proof” your garden but enjoy your summer holiday even more.

Your Lawn

To ensure a lush and healthy lawn upon your arrival home, make sure to deeply water your lawn on the evening before your departure. The soil should be moist to a minimum depth of 7.5 cm or 3 inches. Wait a couple of hours until your lawn has thoroughly dried, and then mow the grass to a slightly shorter length than usual. Make sure not to cut the lawn too short, or you will burn your grass. Generally speaking, never remove more than 1/3 of the grass’ length in a mowing. On the day of your departure, give your lawn a second deep watering, once again, to a depth of 7.5 cm – 10 cm or 3 to 4 inches. You should also arrange with a neighbour to water your lawn in case of a heat wave or severely dry period. Of course, you can’t predict what Mother Nature will bring, but assuming that there are brief dry periods, these precautions will insure a healthy and green lawn for up to 2 weeks.

Vegetable Gardens

Your vegetable garden needs special attention prior to your departure, as it can suffer the most and quickest with neglect. On the day prior to your departure, thoroughly check your vegetable patch for pests (insects), rot and disease. All ripe and nearly ripe vegetables must be picked. Over-ripe fruit not only encourages rot and disease, it will also attract every insect on the block.

Make sure to thoroughly weed your vegetable garden and then mulch with a mixture of well-rotted compost, grass clippings and shredded twigs. This mulch mixture will not only prevent weed growth, it will retain soil moisture and naturally fertilize your plants. The final step in this process is to deeply water your vegetable patch to a depth of 7.5 cm – 10 cm or 3 to 4 inches.

Flower Beds

Carefully scour your flowerbeds and remove (pinch back) every spent flower, full bloom and seedpod in sight. While you are at it, remove any weeds you come across as well. This will not only insure a bounty of blossoms upon your arrival home but also reduce the chance of disease.

Next, carefully mulch your flowerbeds with a mixture of finely shredded bark, twigs and well-rotted compost. This natural mulch will retain soil moisture, repress weed development and increase the soil’s fertility. Then make sure to give your beds a deep watering, once again to a minimum depth of 7.5 cm – 10 cm or 3 to 4 inches. These steps will insure your flowerbed’s vitality for up to 2 weeks in normal weather conditions.

For longer periods or for episodes of drought, weave a soaker hose through your flowerbeds and put them on a water release timer. Installing the system can be a weekend project or you can hire someone to come in and install a sprinkler system complete with a timer. This is particularly good if you repeatedly spend time away from your garden. Be careful not to put the watering frequency too high, as you will drown your garden if there is rain during the same period. A safe bet is to set the timer to release every 3 to 5 days for a deep watering.

Houseplants

Before leaving on your vacation, make sure to take all your houseplants out of direct sunlight and place them in an area of indirect light. By cutting back their supply of light you will minimize their growth and decrease the amount of water that they will require during your absence. Make sure to deeply water every plant (until water comes out of the bottom of their drainage holes). Where possible, water the plant in the bathtub or shower. This avoids the chance that water will sit in the tray below causing rot. Remember as well to remove all of its “unhealthy” greenery with a pair of clean sharp pruners. Another option would be to “board” your plants with a reliable friend, particularly one with a green thumb and similar light conditions; this is especially worthwhile for higher maintenance plants.

Hanging Baskets and Container Plants

Outdoor container plants and baskets require a more hands-on approach for their preservation. The best solution for their care is to collect all your baskets and container plants and “board” them at your neighbour’s or a close friend’s home. This eliminates the problem of both your neighbour/friend being entirely put out, and your nagging fear that “they will forget to go over and water”.
Place your plants in an area easily accessible to a water source, in a morning sun – afternoon shade location. This will prevent them from drying out in the summer heat.

Xeriscaping – a vacationer’s best friend

If you are lucky enough to have a plot of land that you haven’t planted yet, or the desire to re-design your garden to accommodate your lifestyle, then xeriscaping is the way to go. Xeriscaping is the type of gardening that encourages very little supplement of water, other than the natural snow and rain that your garden receives. In other words, it is self-sufficient.

This form of landscape does not mean lack of water, rather managing water use. It is low-maintenance landscaping that requires some homework, on your part, to find plants specific to your region and climate.

A xeriscaped garden can be both dramatic and colourful. Plants that fit into this category include: Bearded Iris, Blanket Flower, Coral Bells, Daylily, Evening Primrose, Gold Dust Alyssum, Iceland Poppy, Maiden Pinks, Moss Phlox, Peonies, Pink Pussytoes, Ribbon Grass, Variegated Goutweed, Wooly Mountain Thyme, Purple Coneflower, Rudbeckia, Wooly Yarrow, Ground Cover, Snow in Summer, Clematis, Juniper, Manitoba Grape, Moon Flower, Morning Glory, Nasturtium, Silver Mound, Stonecrop and Virginia Creeper.

Worry-Free Vacationing

By implementing these gardening strategies and incorporating a wider variety of Xeriscape plantings, not only will your plants, vegetables and lawn thank you, you will be able to go away and relax. You see, “Post-Garden Vacation Syndrome” can be a thing of the past.

Great Design in essence is about the creation of an exquisite stage for the beauty and quality of life we all desire. From ultra urban to ornate opulence, Robin and his team have passionately and successfully designed it all. Robin’s interiors have graced the pages of magazines Worldwide. Robin has designed interiors for feature films, major retailers such as Home Depot (Style Ideas Magazine) and the Designer Showhouse. From smaller scale interior projects to full scale restorations and developments, Robin’s passionate and creative eye overseas all aspects. While fluent in all design trends and philosophies, Robin is most passionate about historic preservation and the creation of elegant, functional and memorable spaces that convey the best attributes of each owner while respecting and celebrating the architecture that encompasses them. Visit http://www.robindegroot.ca.