Category Archives: Yard & Outdoors

Landscaping Around a Patio

February 17, 2024   Matt

Landscaping Around a Patio

If you want your garden to look good, you have to do a little landscaping. The same goes when you landscape around a patio so there is always something new to show to your guests.

The materials that you will use for your patio will include both soft and hard materials. The soft ones are namely the plants, the shrubs and the trees. They can be placed on the exterior perimeter of the patio while you use hard materials such as brick, concrete, rock, stone and tiles inside.

So you have an idea what plants to buy later on, it is best to check the condition of the soil since this will determine what type of flowers will survive these conditions.

A general rule when landscaping around a patio is that you have to work on the inside first then work outwards.

When choosing an area for the patio, make sure that this will be done on a flat area of land. Once you have found it, you must first build forms to be able to add height to the patio perimeter. This is important to achieve the foundational support you will need later on. This should be done evenly up to your doorway.

To prevent any incidents of tripping, you should smoothen the edges and make sure that there are no nails sticking out from the sides of the patio.

Once the forms have been completed for the patio, this is the time that you can add curves by using a bender board made from plastic so it can be moved very easily. To keep these in place, you will have to add stakes every 12 to 18 inches.

When it is ready, this is time that you put the stones in. These should be placed one by one so everything will fit nicely into place.

Since the patio is now ready, those of you who want to make it look colorful should add flowers and shrubs along the walkway. You can use one color or mix this with several. The important thing is that it looks good.

Those who don’t want to plant flowers around the patio can still add color by using potted plants. You can buy these pots in different colors and designs from the store. The advantage of using this is that you can move them to different locations and during the winter, they can be placed indoors then brought out again during the spring.

Either way, you can choose plants that bloom during different times of the year so there is always something that stands out all season long. Don’t forget to consider the amount of sun that is required for each of them.

You should also get plants of different heights so there is a smooth transition from the patio all the way up to the house. If there are budget constraints, get the smaller ones since these are cheaper. It will just some time before they mature unlike the older plants that are almost ready to bloom.

Landscaping around the patio is no different than fixing one section of the house. Once you have a plan, it will be very easy to implement. If you are not happy, don’t be afraid to make some changes so it will look better than it did before.

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Landscape Plans / Planning For Success

February 12, 2024   Matt

Landscape Plans / Planning For Success

One thing you will quickly find out when landscaping your property is that the landscape plans are the most important part of the whole process. A well laid out design on paper really helps, and is a necessary step to do before you start digging and planting. The last thing you want to do is have to move any plants after you finish, so a little upfront designing can help eliminate headaches later on. Just try to be creative and take your time, but also don’t feel like you are locked into anything after you start the work. You can alter your designs anytime throughout the project.
If you are struggling with ideas for your landscape project, try looking through some magazines or books. And also use the internet as a resource. There are alot of good websites devoted solely to landscaping design. Try to plan something that fits your personality so you can have the most enjoyment out of it when you finish. And even experiment a little to find things that work perfectly for your property.
Once you’re happy with your plans, it’s time to get all the materials you need. You’ll need at least a good shovel and landscape rake, plus all the plants and trees you decided on. Place them around the yard to get a good idea of what the finished project will look like. Move the items around until you are satisfied, then start breaking ground. It is recommended to start any work in the spring, so you can enjoy your hard work in the nicer summer months.
Plants And Flowers Can Make Your Design Stand Out
You will want to create a list of the plants and flowers that are candidates for your landscaping project so that you can easily get pricing and availability of them. Make sure you research the soil conditions and general weather of your location so the ones you pick have a good chance for survival. If you buy them locally you usually are ok, but when buying a plant or flower online it’s necessary to do this. Plus some will do better in full sunlight while others need shade, so where you place them has a big effect on their chances. You also want species that will compliment each other, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for your visitors.
Get Some Help With Your Landscape
When you start the physical work, make sure you enlist the help of friends and family members with any of the heavy lifting that may be required. Some examples are removing larger trees or raking a large area flat. Doing this can be back-breaking work, especially if you don’t have heavy equipment. The last thing you want to do is injure yourself, as this is supposed to be a recreational activity.
Now that you have all your landscape plans designed, selected the necessary materials, scoped out your property, and enlisted the help of others you are well on your way. Landscaping is a wonderful way to not only improve the value of your home, but also show off your creative side to everyone who views it. You and your family will enjoy fruits of your labor for many years to come.

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Transform Landscaping with Outdoor Lighting

February 07, 2024   Matt

Transform Landscaping with Outdoor Lighting

Your enjoyment of your home increases exponentially when you have a beautifully landscaped yard. Whether you’ve nurtured your home’s landscaping with your own hands or hired a landscaper to create your slice of paradise, you no doubt experience pride and pleasure when you see dappled sunlight peeking through the trees or the riot of colors your perennials lend to your garden in the morning light.
Increasingly, homeowners are going to the next level with landscaping, and are investing time and money in outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting enhances both the appearance of your home and your landscaping, as well as the enjoyment you and your guests experience when you entertain outdoors.
Typically, outdoor lighting focuses on focal points in the yard, though it can also be used as security lighting. Bill Locklin, owner of Nightscaping, the preeminent outdoor lighting company, suggests using 12-volt outdoor lighting to bring out the features of large trees, specimen plants, architecture, and water features. His suggestions include the following:
Large Trees: If the tree has open growth, let the light spill down through the leaves and branches, creating interesting shapes and contrasts in highlight and shadow. If the tree has full foliage, like some pines, try cross lighting or using a grazing light. If your focal point tree has an interesting bark texture, try grazing it to accent this feature and add a greater element of visual interest.
Specimen Plants: Consider hanging plants as well as ground plantings for focal point lighting. Try to throw shadows of smaller plants on walls and other surfaces for added effect. Bonsai plants are very effective when silhouetted to accent their unique shapes.
Architecture: Look at decorative construction techniques in masonry and wood facades. For example, place fixtures at the bottom of the gables and project the light up from each side so that it meets at the tip of the peak, or place two fixtures under the peak and aim them down to the lower edges. A home’s door can be a focal point, as in the case of hand-carved wood, raised wood panels, pr artistic metal designs. Draw attention to the door from overhead, being careful not to cast glare in the eyes of those entering and exiting the building. Likewise, objects in the atrium, such as columns, arches, breezeways, ledges, shutters, cupolas, weather vanes, and seasonal and holiday flags can all be architectural focal points that can have attention drawn by professionally designed outdoor lighting.
Water Features: Fountains, fishponds, and moving streams all lend themselves to the introduction of landscape outdoor lighting. Filtered, crystal clean water can be lighted either from within or from above. Dirty water is usually best lighted from above or used as a reflecting surface to accent surrounding features. Designer fountain lighting can add drama to a yard’s fountain.
Outdoor path lighting is also important, both for aesthetic and safety reasons. You, your family, and your guests should be able to safely move around your property after dark. Walkways should always be lighted both as a directional guide and prevent people from tripping on obstacles.
Outdoor lighting – whether it is path lighting, designer fountain lighting, or security lighting – gives your home another dimension, one to be enjoyed for years to come.

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Pick The Best Home Improvement Supplies And Other Great Tips (2)

February 02, 2024   Matt

Pick The Best Home Improvement Supplies And Other Great Tips

Home improvement! Those endless tasks end up making your house into a comfortable, beautiful home. They also help you keep in shape. Here are some words of wisdom on how to do those tasks successfully and as economically as possible. If you read these tips before you pick up the hammer or the pipe wrench, we think you will be glad.

If you live in an older home with a wooden floor that is beyond sanding and staining, add a few coats of oil-based paint over the planks. Choose a paint that is intended for outdoor use on decks or porches; this ensures that it will be able to withstand the occasional wet spill and light traffic. It can also hold you over until you have the resources to replace the floor altogether.

Before you begin your next home improvement project, make sure to secure any permits that you might need. Anything dealing with electricity, plumbing or structural work will require a permit. If you aren’t sure how to get the proper paperwork, it may be helpful to hire a general contractor to assist you.

When using a contractor for your home improvement needs, be honest with him about how much money you have in your budget. It gives him a limit on spending as he’ll know that you literally don’t have a penny more to spend, but it also allows him to upgrade the quality of items he uses instead of scrimping on product.

A great home improvement tip is to call local repair services and shop around for the best deal. By shopping around, you’ll have more of an awareness of who you’re doing business with, and you’ll be more likely to find the right person for the job. This can be a great way to make sure you’re getting quality work done.

If you are a handy man, then you can do a lot of work on your home on your own. One of the easiest and most rewarding projects that you can do yourself is to add a deck made of wood to your back entrance for events.

You can never go wrong by increasing the storage space available in your home. Installing shelving is an excellent way to do this and is an easy beginner project any homeowner can tackle. Everything from wire shelving to complete closet makeover kits, is widely available at most home improvement stores.

If you have a lot of dirt in your backyard or garden, you can easily make your own pathways using pavers and stones. You don’t need to use any concrete, just lay your stones in a nice design or pattern in the area you need it to cover. This can provide a nice and balanced look to your garden, as well as keeping your shoes dirt free.

Your head may be spinning from all the advice and expertise you have just read. But take these tasks one at a time. Step by step, you can transform the problems and shortcomings of your home, into reasons for pride. Yes, you fixed those things. Better yet, when the tasks are finished, you can sit back in your favorite chair with a feeling of pride.

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Tips To Enhance Your Home 3

January 28, 2024   Matt

Tips To Enhance Your Home

Home improvement can be a great endeavor to begin, no matter how much knowledge or skill you have associated with it. Don’t be fooled by home improvement shows that are on T.V. There is more to home improvement than really big jobs. Read through these tips to see the fun that can be had with this endeavor.

Make changes as you go. If you are doing a home improvement project yourself, there is no reason why you should keep moving forward on something you dislike. Changing it up can add to expenses, but it is much better to spend a little more now, than to have to re-do something you hated in the beginning.

A great home improvement project that will save you a bundle is to install a programmable thermostat. These thermostats can allow you to program in a variety of different settings so that you are using your heating and cooling system only when you need it and without having to monitor it constantly.

Hire a qualified contractor. If you decide to hire someone to do your home improvements for you, make sure they are qualified. Check with the city to make sure that the contractor is licensed and bonded, and ask for references. Most reputable contractors will also have a portfolio of their previous work. Get a written estimate and projected timeline for completion of the job.

You don’t have to throw out your old wicker patio furniture. Sure, it may be weathered, but you can make them good as new. Replace your old cushions, or sew a new cover for them. Buy some cheap spray paint in shocking black or elegant white and spray your wicker set in the chosen color. Make sure to wear a protective mask over your mouth for safety. This can make your patio set look good as new and give you a reason to spend the day outdoors.

In order to increase the energy efficiency of a hot water heater, consider insulating it by wrapping it in a hot water heater blanket. This special blanket can be purchased at most hardware stores for around twenty dollars, which is a small amount to invest considering the savings you’ll see in your heating bill.

Watch your weather. If you have constant blustery or rainy days, having an outdoor patio or backyard barbecue may not be such a sound investment. Adding a covering to the patio, or some wind-breaking equipment may help to alleviate the issue, but if you are not willing to spend on these extras, you may want to skip it altogether.

On the rare chance that you find water leaking from under the sink or from under the tap, do not attempt to fix the leak yourself. Simply catch any leaking water with a container large enough to hold any excess liquid for a period of time and contact a plumbing professional.

As was previously stated, home improvement can be a great endeavor for nearly anyone to start. It takes a little knowledge to learn the basics so that you can start improving correctly, but you don’t have to become a pro if you don’t want to. Just keep those tips in mind and start improving your home!

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Backyard Landscaping Ideas

January 23, 2024   Matt

Backyard Landscaping Ideas

No matter where you live, there’s nothing better than relaxing outdoors on a warm summer night watching your backyard landscaping ideas come to life.

Unfortunately, re-landscaping your entire backyard during the course of one growing season can be back breaking, expensive and requires major planning.

Here’s a simple solution: Break up your backyard into “rooms” and remodel one room each year. This is especially helpful if you’re on a budget. You’re results will be much better if you spend as much time and money as you can on one project, rather than trying to revamp the entire backyard all at once for the same amount of money.

Although you’re landscaping only one section of the yard at a time, you still need an overall plan. Using graph paper, sketch out the permanent structures on your property including the house, out buildings, deck and trees.

This is also a good time to consider which existing plants and shrubs won’t be a part of the new landscape.

Make copies of your sketch and experiment with different designs. Incorporate ideas you like from magazines or gardens you’ve visited.

If you host frequent cook outs you’ll probably want to keep the yard open and plant along the borders. If you don’t need the space, you could create real drama with an island bed, walkways, solar lighting and cutouts for comfortable furniture to relax on.

Here are some ideas you’ll dig:

Screening with Plants

If your yard doesn’t have a fence, you might want to consider planting a row of hawthorn, juniper, arborvitae, or a combination of these bushes to create privacy and provide a backdrop for future flower beds. A strategically place evergreen screen will also provide a windbreak from winter winds and drifting snow.

Planning a Border Flower Bed

The hardest part of designing a border is choosing flowers that complement each other both in color and height. The list of perennials I suggest here is for a six foot wide bed in a mainly sunny situation. Wide, in this case, means outward from the plant screen or fence, not the length of the bed.

Use 3 or 5 plants for each kind of flower and allow 16”–18” between each plant. Allow 20”–22” between the different plant groups. Planting an odd number of plants is more visually appealing than an even number.

Allow sufficient space at the rear of the bed for access. This will also prevent choking off necessary air and light from the plants in back.

These are my suggestions for a perennial border. They were chosen to give a long display, with the first flowers appearing in April and the last in October.

Tall plants for the back row: SEDUM ‘Autumn Joy’; RUDBECKIA Goldsturm; PHLOX White; IRIS light blue or yellow; VERONICA Blue; SOLIDAGO ‘Golden Shower’; and HOSTA fortunei ‘Picta’.

Shorter plants for the front row: GERANIUM grandiflorum; POTENTILLA ‘Firedance’; HUECHERA Pink; ASTER Dwarf Blue; SEDUM Dragons Blood; ACHILLEA ‘Moonshine’; and ERIGERON ‘Prosperity’.

Obviously, these plants won’t be the best choice for every climate. A worthwhile book to help you choose plants native to your climate zone is The Comfortable Lazy Garden. It’s also an excellent reference for beginning gardeners.

Island Bed

An island bed, as the name implies, is planted in the middle of the yard surrounded by a sea of grass. It can vary in shape and size according to your imagination and available space. Scale the plants from tallest in the center to shortest at the edges.

Preplanned Gardens

I understand all of this Latin mumbo jumbo can be daunting for first time gardeners, it was for me. If you would like a ready made solution, Direct Gardening offers a wide selection of preplanned gardens designed to take all the guess work out of plant selection and placement.

Water Feature

Imagine the reflective beauty of a pond or the gentle splashing of a man made waterfall. How about a 100 foot high waterslide? Maybe next year.

Do Your Yard a Favor

Before you buy any vegetation, visit a real garden center for advice on drainage and soil preparation. Also, bring a copy of your plan; a soil sample and an extra credit card just in case you can’t wait years to make your backyard landscaping ideas come true.

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