Is it time to build that shed you’ve always talked about? Are your backyard toys and paraphernalia multiplying like mushrooms and becoming an eyesore for your neighbors?
Whether you decide to assemble a precut kit or choose a backyard shed plan from any number of sales locations, the addition of this small structure will definitely add value to your home. Continue reading ‘Build a Storage Shed – The perfect outdoor organizer’ »
The presence of pests goes far beyond ordinary annoyance. They damage homes, landscaped gardens, and chip away at our most priced possessions. Choosing the right methods to fight these unwanted creatures needs careful consideration with an aim toward using safe and tested products.
Our initial reaction might be to use sprays an easy solution to a difficult problem. This is faulty thinking. Sprays, the most common option, normally work for a short period of time and its chemical base can be severely hazardorous to your health. Hiring trained specialists in pest management who use integrated techniques to control pests is a top priority. They will recommend professional products or equipment and help to pinpoint the main source that allows pests wide access to your home or garden. Continue reading ‘Pest Management for a Healthier Home’ »
Garden Decks are perfect for adding class to your garden by transforming your out-door sanctuary into a lovely place to eat, drink and unwind. Decking is also a great way to make practical use of slopes in garden by creating different levels and steps. Some even go a step beyond just landscaping and use decking to cover up unwanted surfaces making them a very practical choice for troubleshooting garden imperfections. Garden timber decks are constructed using a wide range of materials like western red cedar, lumber, composite material, teak, mahogany, and other hardwoods as well as recycled planks. Each type of decking has a slightly different look and recommended use to it.
Here are 3 popular styles of garden decking compared:
Ipe Decking – Ipe decking originates from South America and is a very popular choice for decking on a budget without compromising on the look. Considered be the one of the hardest woods in the world (strength is three times harder than oak) it is recommended for all types of gardens and extremely popular for patios. Dark brownish olive to dark olive in appearance its interlocked installation means it makes a great candidate wood for a do it yourself project. Continue reading ‘3 Styles Of Garden Decking Compared’ »
Solar lighting is an excellent alternative to lighting the outside of your home at night. They make a beautiful decorative touch and they are environmentally responsible. Depending on the brand, they are easy to install and require little if any maintenance.
Easy Installation – To install your solar lighting unit, simply put the lamp in the desired spot around your sidewalk, patio, or deck. The lamp will charge throughout the day and provide a beautiful ambiance at night. Continue reading ‘Illuminating Your Deck with Solar Lighting’ »
Fountains come in all shapes and sizes based on the desired water pattern. Perhaps the most common fountain pattern is that which is called the “umbrella” pattern. By its name alone you can guess the ultimate water pattern created by this design as it mimics the appearance of a rain umbrella. Basically it is a circular area that is populated by water droplets primarily around its outside perimeter. The inside of the circle area also gets activity but less than the outside perimeter edge. In essence the “umbrella” pattern or style is beautiful to view and it has outstanding functionality in breaking down any floating debris in its path.
Another type of fountain nozzle creates a “rocket” expression. Basically this specific display shoots a great deal of water straight up into the air and is quite a visual site. The”rocket” pattern is not as effective as its counterpart the “umbrella” in breaking down surface matter, yet its height and acoustical sounds are truly outstanding. Many fountain enthusiasts choose the “rocket” because of how impressive it looks and because it becomes a magnet for all passers by. Continue reading ‘Fountains and Waterfalls’ »
Everyone loves the relaxing glow of a fireplace, whether it is in your living room or at a camping spot in the woods. One trend that has come on strong in recent years is the outdoor fireplace – either stand-alone, portable units (fire pits) or a brick structure that is in itself, a decorative addition to the home.
One of the key advantages to having an outdoor fireplace is being able to extend the use of your patio into the cooler months. If you build your fireplace within a covered porch area, it can even be used on rainy days, or for the very hearty souls, when the snow flies. Continue reading ‘Outdoor Fireplaces – Adding Flair with Flame’ »
Rock salt has been used for decades to help with de-icing sidewalks and driveways but did you know that rock salt actually has harmful environmental impacts? Scientific research has found that excess salt builds up in soil making it more acidic, salt residue can prevent plants from absorbing moisture and nutrients, salts can leach heavy metals which make their way into water supplies and salt can burn your pets paws. Now that you know this you may be thinking it’s time to get rid of the de-ice rock salt, well lucky for you there are actually some eco-friendly ways that work just as well.
The first way you can prevent ice is to shovel right after a snow fall. The less time the snow has to bond with the sidewalk the less ice there will be. A snow blower has the same effect but at the same time releases pollution into the air. Continue reading ‘Eco-friendly Ways to De-Ice Your Driveway’ »
There are many different types of grass and when it comes to picking the right one for your lawn or wherever it is that you need it, it can be somewhat confusing as to which type of grass is perfect for your situation. The type of grass that you choose will depend on a number of factors and knowing a little about the different types will also help in making that decision.
There are a number of factors that have to be aware of when deciding which type of grass seed to plant. Perhaps one of the most important factors that you should focus heavily on is the amount of sunlight that is present in the area that you wish to plant. Grass seed is classified into a few different categories based on the amount of sunlight or shade that it is made to grown in. The three main classifications are sunny, sun/shade, and shade classifications. Before making your decision, monitor the area where you’ll be planting the grass. Is there a lot of sunlight present throughout the day? If so, you’ll want to purchase grass seed that is more adapted to directly sunlight. Do you have partial sunlight and partial shade throughout the day? You’ll want to buy the sun/shade mixture which is made to grown in a mix of conditions when it comes to lighting. If you have complete shade in the area where you plan on growing, then you’ll want to purchase the shade mix. You wouldn’t want to buy the shade mix if you’re going to be planting the seed in an area that gets total sunlight throughout the day. The shade mix grass seed would not grow well in this scenario. Continue reading ‘Planting The Right Type Of Grass’ »
Purchasing the right fish pond pump is necessary if you need to ensure the beauty and health of your pond. Oftentimes, pond keepers purchase pool pumps for needs of filtration. The most vital consideration is the GPH.
The power of the pump will depend upon the kind of pool you have. For example, water gardens can make use of GPH that equals half of the size of the pool in gallons. For koi pools, you need to determine how much the koi eats and their wastes also. In this example, you’ll need powerful pond pumps. Get the pump with two times the pond’s size in gallons ; it should also have biological and perfect mechanical filtration. Continue reading ‘Considerations in Buying a Fish Pond Pump’ »
Any time we see a deer or two, most of us just want to say, “Aw, look at the pretty deer,” particularly if there is a fawn in the group.
But homeowners who have tried to keep a garden looking beautiful in a neighborhood often visited by deer has a few other choice words for these animals. Most of the time, the reason they are in our yards is that housing developments have encroached on their natural habitat. How can we find a way to co-exist? Continue reading ‘Deer-Proofing Your Garden – Don’t serve their favorites’ »