http://www.isnare.com/?s=author&a=Joel+Stephens Gardening Joel Stephens Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=733931&ca=Gardening No one looks forward to seeing a green pond out their back window. The reason most of us put in our pond is to enjoy the ecosystem that's created. We want to watch the fish swim, nurture the plants to grow and maybe even hear the bubbling of the water fall as it cascades gently over the rocks into t... Gardening Joel Stephens Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=733615&ca=Gardening There's nothing more unattractive than a pond full of plants and fish, when you can't see the plants or fish. There are many factors that contribute to murky water in a garden pond. What are some of these? It seems like a question that should have a fairly simple answer, but unfortunately, nothing i... Gardening Joel Stephens Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=733650&ca=Gardening In order to determine how important pH can be to our ponds, we need to first remember what pH is. This means we have to go all the way back to high school chemistry class. Stick with me for a minute...I promise it will not be that painful! According to the Carlsberg Laboratory, pH stands for the pow... Home Management Joel Stephens Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=399644&ca=Home+Management The design of ponds, or garden ponds as they are often called, can seem a little bit daunting at first. A myriad of questions can arise that may confuse or discourage a homeowner from even beginning the project. How big should the pond be? Should it be a garden pond, a koi pond or a swimming pond? C... Home Management Joel Stephens Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=314941&ca=Home+Management Since before time began, as the first “rosy fingers of dawn” touched the lands in which we live, the earth was found saturated in color. Imagine being there, before civilizations were formed… before industry took hold of the world… before the cold steel and hard concrete of progress infested much of... Home Management Joel Stephens Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=250458&ca=Home+Management It is thought that at one time, man roamed the earth struggling for survival in a world full of obstacles and dangers that threatened his very existence. Some believe life was lived on a day to day basis. Food was gathered. Shelter was found. But as man adapted and evolved to better suite his surrou... Home Management Joel Stephens Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=247246&ca=Home+Management It seems as though the eternal battle in the family dwelling is not between siblings or spouses, but rather between Design and Functionality. We all desire a space to be visually appealing, but at what cost? Can a Minimalist dwelling be adequate for 4 children who own every Spongebob Squarepants toy... Gardening Joel Stephens Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=245078&ca=Gardening Believe it or not, a well-constructed pond should take less maintenance than a lawn that is aerated, fertilized and mowed with any semblance of consistency. Why? Because the whole idea behind creating a great pond is the formation of an independent ecosystem...a self-sustaining habitat for both flor... Gardening Joel Stephens Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.isnare.com/?aid=245103&ca=Gardening What makes a great outdoor space? Is it the furniture, the flora or the accessories? Is it the location or the size? Or is it something a bit more intangible...something possibly unrecognizable! Great outdoor spaces are not just defined by what is purchased and placed, but also by what is felt. How...