1. Natural Access Control guides people entering & leaving a space through the placement of entrances, exits, fences, landscaping & lighting. Access control can decrease opportunities for criminal activity by denying criminals access to potential targets & creating a perception of risk for would-be offenders. Walkways & landscaping should direct visitors to the proper entrance & away from private areas. The design should create a perception of risk for would-be offenders. Walkways should be installed in locations safe for pedestrians & keep them unobscured.

2. Natural Surveillance is the placement of physical features, activities & people in a way that maximizes visibility. A potential criminal is less likely to attempt a crime if he or she is at risk of being observed. At the same time, we are likely to feel safer when we can see & be seen. The landscaping should be selected and installed to allow unobstructed views of doors & windows. The front door should be at least partially visible from the street. Shrubs & bushes near windows should not restrict full visibility of the property. Sidewalks & all areas of the yard should be well lit.

3. Territorial Reinforcement is use of physical attributes that express ownership such as fences, signage, landscaping, lighting, pavement designs, etc. Defined property lines and clear distinctions between private & public spaces are examples of the application of territoriality. Front porches or stoops should create a transitional area between the street & the home. Property lines & private areas should be defined with plantings, fences or retaining walls. Use thorny plants along fence lines and under windows to deter access by intruders.

4. Maintenance is a well maintained home, building or community, and creates a sense of ownership. A well kept area tends to make someone feel like they will be observed by neighbors or business owners as it is obvious people care about the area. Keep trees & shrubs trimmed back from windows, doors & walkways. Keep shrubs trimmed to 3 feet & prune the lower branches of trees up to 7 feet. Use exterior lighting at night & keep it in working order. Keep litter & trash picked up & the yard neat & free of items that might attract theft.

The article was cited from the blog of a dealer of handmade jewellery and other supplements. He was an orthodontist once.

If you like to relax and enjoy in the nature, the backyard ponds are perfect for that. They used to be a bigger headache than they are today, because the new technology associated with backyard ponds offer an environment that is more ecologically balanced, look completely natural, are very low maintenance, and make for an excellent habitat for fish, turtles and other wildlife. Many of them are crystal clear and clean, and algae growth is controlled and not a problem.

It is possible to find a professional who would design your backyard pond as well as creating a low maintenance fish pond or a water garden. Or you could go with the do it yourself route and buy each piece individually. As an extra convenience there are even pond kits that come with everything you need (except the place to put it!) All the hassles aside, backyard ponds are a source of great tranquility in the garden and place to just sit and think.

Usually, backyard ponds are placed in such a way that they can be seen from patio or a window and most of them are smaller in size. Having one will provide a relaxing and pleasing view of the nature for the whole family. In addition to the pond you will likely see a lot more wildlife which can be educational for your children.

My favorite ponds use a flexible liner for unique designs and have a small beach built into the edge. You will need this small graduation so that the critters could get inside and outside while the birds will be able to dip into the water, just how they love it. That is just one out of many ways to make something special at your backyard and create a wonderful atmosphere.