How to Grow a Shrub Wall for Privacy

If you are tired of the neighbors looking in on you while you are in your home, why not build a shrub wall? Putting up a block wall is always an option, but why not plant some tall growing shrubs instead? Adding a variety of different shrubs to the perimeter of your yard will give you all the privacy you need. And it will also provide you with beautiful scenery rather than just a bunch of blocks or bricks. If you like the idea and you want some shrub suggestions, read through these steps. It won't take long before all the eyes aren't on you anymore.


Instructions

Things You'll Need

Shovel
Hoe
Big grasses
Redtwig dogwood
Witch hazel
Alaska blue willow
Japanese maple
New Zealand flax
Cotinus obovata
Heavenly bamboo
Rose glow
Pink dawn
Beautyberry
 

1 Tear up the lawn around the perimeter of the yard. Planting a variety of tall growing shrubs means making the necessary space available.

2 Plant a variety of tall growing grasses. Miscanthus sinensis is an excellent choice to grow around the border of your yard.

3 Choose shrubs that not only look great in the summer, but also have some visible beauty in the winter. Redtwig dogwood is covered in green leaves lined in silver during the summer, and enhanced red twigs in winter.

4 Continue planting year round shrubs, one after another, around the outside of the yard, until the edges are completely covered. Witch hazel provides gorgeous yellow flowers in February and plenty of green foliage in summer.

5 Plant shrubs full of color and texture such as Alaska blue willow, Japanese maples, New Zealand flax and Cotinus obovata. These shrubs will entangle themselves into a beautiful wall of privacy guarding your home from viewers passing by.

6 Finish off your foliage wall by adding in some garden accents. Heavenly bamboo, rose glow, pink dawn and beautyberry provides your privacy screen with lacy red, blood red and violet fruits as well as fragrant flowers.

How Was the Great Wall of China Constructed?

Originally, the Great Wall of China was constructed to protect citizens from people of other kingdoms; however, it was later used to keep nomads on horseback from crossing borders with valuable items. The Wall is over 2,000 years old, being built, renovated or added on to during most of this time.

The Seven Powers

Beginning in 5 B.C., the citizens of the seven states that were called "the Seven Powers" stomped earth and gravel between board frames to protect their borders from the soldiers of the other six states.

The Qin Period

In 221 B.C., Qin Shi Huang conquered the Seven Powers, knocked down portions of the wall that divided his empire, and added to the wall along his new imposed borders. Local resources such as stone and earth were used.

The Ming Dynasty

In 1449, Ming once again began construction on the Great Wall to keep nomadic tribes from crossing into his territories. Technology had significantly advanced--bricks were used to construct the wall in addition to stones.

The Liao Tian Ling Section

Just west of Liao Tian Ling, there is a portion of the wall that looks silver. It is believed the stones used to construct this portion came from Shan Xi, where many mines are located, which resulted in the stone having a high metal content.

Number of Workers

Though we don't know exactly how many Chinese it took to build the wall, archaeologists and historians estimate one to three million Chinese died in relation to the Great Wall's construction.

 

From Ming to Qing, Beijing and ferrying

We have been back from Beijing for already two weeks. But the experience was to good to not write anything about it. Highlight this month was definitely the Great Wall. So of course you get to see the pictures.

Beijing is a big big city, but coming from Shanghai that isn't even to obvious. I loved the hutong's that still spread through the city. A couple of alley's built around courtyards. In there you get the community feeling of a little village inside the big city. Our hostel was in a hutong, lot's of the inhabitants of the alleys are sitting outside in the evening drinking tea and playing Mahjong. We really enjoyed walking through these hutong's when we were getting from tourist site to tourist site.

We saw the Forbidden city and the Great Wall so finally got close to China's history and culture. Amazing! I feel that we now have seen more of the real China. It was worth the 5h train ride and the freezing cold weather. We really didn't expect it to be 15C, 15C less than Shanghai. Brrrr!

Last weekend we tried to relax in HongKong. But there are so many beaches in HongKong to relax that we need a holiday from relaxing! It was lovely to splash in the sea and enjoy the green hills.

Two amazing weekends in which we enjoyed every single thing that China has to give. .... Ok maybe not the scorpions on a skewer ..


Read more: http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jaapenmiriam/1/1316890312/tpod.html#ixzz1hcCIawbw

Baiwangshan Forest Park

The Fragrant Hills Park is of great renown for the scarlet splendor of its trees during the fall. Also, Baiwangshan Forest Park, 3 kilometers north of the famous Summer Palace, offers an excellent view of enchanting red leaves in autumn. Situated in Haidian District, this park occupies an area of more than 130 hectares (320 acres), with some 95 percent covered by various plants and trees.

Each autumn the mountain is beautifully decorated with splendid red foliage. The common smoke tree is the main species, while the intoxicating red leaves on the torch trees resemble countless burning torches on the mountain. Here, the autumnal shades are special for several reasons. The park has a great variety of trees, including a large quantity of mature maples. Besides, the geographical location of the park offers a superb habitat for these trees.

Along the slope of the mountain, vast stone forests come into view with stele pavilions, stele corridors, and poetry walls. Roaming on this land of rich artistic features, one can appreciate over 1,000 pieces of work by Chinese leaders, reputed public figures and noted artists. Among them, a stele pavilion was built in 1993 in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of Chairman Mao. The white marble tablet in the pavilion bears Chairman Mao's inscriptions on both sides.

After the first frost in September, the red leaves will be even more charming. Sauntering through the enchanting park, you will feel as if you are wreathed in a red mist. While seen from a pavilion located on the mountain peak, the red leaves look like numerous unfolding umbrellas. If you come just at sunset, the bewitching red leaves make a fine contrast with the glow of the setting sun.

A memorial hall in the park tells the story of over 200 revolutionary martyrs, and has a collection of precious photos, and letters of the forerunners. Besides, there are other places of historical interest, as a Sh'e Temple, which is in memory of an outstanding heroine in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).

The park also offers tourists various activities, like rock-climbing, orienteering, and a music bar on the top of the mountain. Twelve different rock-climbing routes, ranging from easy to difficult, provide for the enjoyment of those who love this sport.

Admission Fee:	CNY 6
Opening Hours:	08:00-17:00
Bus Route:	330, 633, 716, 718, 752, 909, 968, Te 4 (特4), Te 6 (特6) directly to the Baiwangshan Forest Park (百望山森林公园)

Pearl Lake

In the north of Mentougou District, lies the Pearl Lake, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Beijing. The long narrow lake is named for the large quantities of oysters in its waters. Sited in the middle section of Guanting Gorge, this typical high-water lake has an elevation of 400 meters (1,312 feet). Covering an area of over 8,500 hectares (21,004 acres), this pleasant area is blessed with beautiful lakes and magnificent mountains. The most famous railway arch bridge in Asia is stretched across the lake, providing an extraordinary sight.

Enclosed by the Taihang Mountains, the scenic area has a temperate climate and picturesque waters. Seen from mid-air, the stunning and sparkling Pearl Lake is like a bright pearl in the lofty mountains. The graceful water is pellucid green, smooth as glass. If a puff of breeze comes, the lake ripples gently with sparkles of light on the surface. On both banks, the innumerable peaks assume various fanciful shapes, giving a splendid view of the canyon.

The scenic area is delightfully cool in summer. Either rowing or splashing in the water will entrance you in this beautiful scenery. Numerous fish and shrimp in the lake afford a splendid opportunity to fishing lovers to fully display their skills. A good catch cooked on the spot serves you an excellent meal.

Along the lake, many wonderful natural scenery spots display the lake and its banks, with numerous islands of remarkable shape. A part of the ancient Great Wall commands a glimpse of the world-famous wonder. Some bridgeheads built by the Japanese during the War of Resistance against Japan still remain. A nearby village with more than 100 almond trees presents enchanting flowers in spring.

Fees:	Entrance Charge	CNY 20
	The fees for boating vary between CNY 30 to 50 per person according to the types of boats.
Opening Hours:	08:00-17:30
Bus Route:	929 Zhi (929支) from the west of Pingguoyuan Subway Staytion (地铁苹果园西), and get off at Zhenzhuhu Lukou (珍珠湖路口), and then you could walk to the Pearl Lake (珍珠湖).

FAQ about Mutianyu Great Wall

Frequently Asked Questions about Mutianyu Great Wall - Questions answered to people who want to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing.

Which is the best season to vist Mutianyu?
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall. The scenery is beautiful and it is not too hot nor too cold. In winter, the workers will sweep the snow away, but still it could be slippery on the wall.

How many hours I should spend on Mutianyu?
Unless you book a private car to the Mutianyu Great Wall, that takes 2.0-2.5hours(each way) form Beijing city to get there by public transportation. Mutianyu is actually the easiest of all to climb (0.5hour) - if you are not fit, you can take a cable car for a round trip. and 4 hours hiking is enough, even the all 22 turreted-fortresses.

What's the best way to traveling in Mutianyu?
Mutianyu is the favorite section to go, especially when you travel with kids. Try to take the cable car up to Fortress No 14, walk to No 6, and then take the lift chair or slide down from there. The kids like it a lot. It's always a pleasant experience.

Would it be feasible to cover both the Ming Tombs and Mutianyu in the same day?
Yes, Most people would to visit the two places in one day. Mutianyu is located in Huairou District and the Ming Tomb is located in Changping District, the Huairou is next to Changping in north part of Beijing, that about 1 hour driving.
What's the Best Season to Enjoy the Beautiful Leaves?
Oct.16 - 30, every year.

What is the cable car for and is it necessary to use?
The Mutianyu's cable car is used to help visitors ascend to the wall and go down from the wall. It depends on your plan and energy. If you have plenty time and energy, it is not necessary to use it. But if your time and energy are limited, you can choose the cable car to help you ascend the wall or go down from it. It is all up to you!

How much for a taxi to Mutianyu and back to Beijing city center?
A taxi would cost you about 800-900 RMB by the meter on(this is for a whole day). but haggling for that, they usually accept CNY 600-700 for this trip.

How to reach mutianyu by Bus?
Firstly, you should get to the Dongzhimen bus station(It close to Dongzhimen Subway Station), and take bus no.916 or no.936 to Huairou bus terminal station. and then you have to change a local bus or hire a taxi to Mutianyu Great Wall(17 km)!

Beijing - Day 2 - The Adventures Continue.......

(written on Tuesday night) And here we go - a full day in Beijing under our belt (or, our shoes, actually, LOL!) -

Had a fabulous breakfast at the hotel and then we were off for a great day of sight-seeing. Weather was absolutely perfect (by my standards, anyway) - sunny, about 21 degrees celsius (roughly 70 degrees F. ), no humidity - couldn't ask for better than that.

It's so interesting to visit the places where so much history has taken place (is that an oxymoron?) - first stop - Tiananmen Square - holy smokes, Batman - the number of people there - Wow!!!! The pictures show it all. (be sure to click below and see ALL the pictures I post, too, ok?) -

We then spent a fair bit of time visiting the Forbidden City - be sure to click on the different tabs on this site because all of the historical information is available to you, right here - that's why I don't go into a lot of detail about that in my notes. I'm sure we spent 2 hours there - some of my photos depict the inner court where the concubines lived -

where the Emperor slept, the guest room, etc. Very interesting! As we were wandering around the Forbidden City (we're a very friendly group!), we had an amazing experience. Brenda, our Tour Director, was standing next to a young man who seemed to be Canadian. She started chatting with him and, lo and behold, turns out he is from Peterborough, ON (her home town!) and is studying in Boston - here on a school assignment for a few weeks. Small world! Brenda got the Jameson's, from my group - who are also from Peterborough - and they all had a really nice visit with this young man, Cameron Jacox (see photo below). Just a few degrees of separation - even over here in China.

(continued on Wednesday morning - had difficulties getting into/staying in Travel Blog last night - sorry for the delay, folks!)

Then, off to lunch and it was a fabulous, authentic Chinese meal which I loved - the menu is in a photo below. This was a great time to relax and get to know each other even a little better.

Then, on to a silk factory - now, that was an eye-opener. I had

NO idea how silk was made - what an education. Then, we got to tour the factory, make some purchases - from comforters, to pillows to a huge variety of clothing. Beautiful. There was 'red' everywhere - my favorite, as many of you know. (No, I didn't buy anything, though.......) From there, it was time for a quick visit to the Temple of Heaven (don't you just love that name!!????) - and then back to the hotel for a buffet dinner - YUM!!!!

All in all, a very full and great day. Will share more tonight, once we've returned from the Great Wall and the panda viewing.......wait for it :)

Thanks for being with us. (Good night, Mom - I love you!)

Happy Pat