Category Archives: Yard & Outdoors

Pergola Shade Solutions for Hot Climates A pergola is a beautiful addition to any outdoor space, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits

June 20, 2025   Shane

However, in hot climates, an uncovered pergola may not provide enough relief from the intense sun. Fortunately, there are several effective shade solutions that can enhance comfort while maintaining the pergola’s stylish design.

1. Retractable Canopies

Retractable canopies offer adjustable shade, allowing you to control sunlight exposure throughout the day. These can be made from durable, UV-resistant fabrics that block harmful rays while allowing airflow. Motorized options provide convenience with remote or smart-home control.

2. Shade Sails

Shade sails are a modern and versatile option, available in various colors and shapes. Made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyester, they provide excellent UV protection while adding a contemporary look. They can be easily attached to pergola beams or nearby structures.

3. Climbing Plants & Vines

For a natural cooling effect, train climbing plants like wisteria, bougainvillea, or grapevines over the pergola. These plants create a living canopy that filters sunlight and lowers ambient temperatures. However, they require time to grow and regular maintenance.

4. Pergola Roof Panels

Solid or louvered roof panels can be installed to provide permanent shade. Polycarbonate panels are lightweight, durable, and block UV rays while allowing diffused light. Louvered systems allow adjustable ventilation, making them ideal for hot climates.

5. Outdoor Curtains & Drapes

Sheer or heavy-duty outdoor curtains add elegance while offering flexible shade. They can be drawn during peak sun hours and tied back when more light is desired. Choose weather-resistant fabrics to ensure longevity.

6. Bamboo or Reed Mats

For a rustic, eco-friendly solution, bamboo or reed mats can be laid across the pergola’s top. These materials provide natural shade and allow gentle breezes to pass through, keeping the area cool.

7. Pergola with a Built-In Pergola Shade Cloth

Shade cloths, typically made from woven polyethylene, are an affordable and effective way to reduce heat. They come in different densities (measured in UV-blocking percentages) and can be easily attached using hooks or grommets.

Choosing the Right Solution

When selecting a pergola shade solution, consider factors such as durability, maintenance, and aesthetic preference. Combining multiple methods—such as a retractable canopy with climbing vines—can maximize comfort and visual appeal.

By integrating these shade solutions, your pergola can become a cool, inviting retreat even in the hottest climates. Whether you prefer modern technology or natural elements, there’s an option to suit every need and style.

Would you like recommendations for specific materials or brands?

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Best Mulch for Vegetable Gardens in 2025

June 14, 2025   Michelle

As gardening trends evolve, choosing the right mulch for your vegetable garden remains crucial for soil health, moisture retention, and weed suppression. In 2025, sustainable and organic options continue to dominate, with innovative alternatives gaining popularity. Here’s a breakdown of the best mulch choices for thriving vegetable gardens this year.

1. Straw or Hay

Best for: Moisture retention, weed control, and cool-season crops.

Straw (not hay, which may contain weed seeds) is a classic mulch for vegetable gardens. It keeps soil cool, retains moisture, and decomposes slowly, enriching the soil. Ideal for tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens.

2. Compost

Best for: Nutrient-rich soil amendment.

Well-aged compost acts as both mulch and fertilizer, improving soil structure and microbial activity. Spread a 2-3 inch layer around plants for a slow-release nutrient boost.

3. Wood Chips or Bark

Best for: Long-lasting mulch, perennial beds, and pathways.

Wood chips are excellent for pathways and around fruit trees but should be used cautiously in annual vegetable beds as they can temporarily tie up nitrogen. Opt for partially decomposed chips for better results.

4. Grass Clippings

Best for: Quick decomposition, nitrogen boost.

Fresh grass clippings (from chemical-free lawns) make a great mulch for nitrogen-loving plants like corn and squash. Apply in thin layers to prevent matting.

5. Leaves (Leaf Mold or Shredded Leaves)

Best for: Improving soil structure, moisture retention.

Shredded leaves decompose faster than whole leaves, enriching the soil with organic matter. Great for root vegetables like carrots and beets.

6. Living Mulch (Cover Crops)

Best for: Erosion control, nitrogen fixation.

Clover, vetch, or buckwheat planted between rows suppresses weeds and improves soil fertility. Best used in off-season or as an interplanting strategy.

7. Plastic or Landscape Fabric (Synthetic Mulch)

Best for: Weed suppression, soil warming.

Black plastic warms soil for heat-loving crops like melons and peppers. However, it doesn’t improve soil health and should be removed after the season.

8. Cocoa Hulls

Best for: Aesthetic appeal, moisture retention.

Lightweight and aromatic, cocoa hulls are great for small gardens but should be used sparingly (toxic to pets if ingested in large amounts).

9. Pine Needles

Best for: Acid-loving plants (e.g., blueberries, potatoes).

Pine needles decompose slowly and help maintain slightly acidic soil conditions.

10. Cardboard or Newspaper

Best for: Weed suppression, biodegradable option.

Layered cardboard or newspaper (covered with compost or straw) blocks weeds effectively and breaks down over time.

Final Tips for Mulching in 2025

  • Replenish mulch:

    • as it decomposes.

  • Avoid over-mulching:

    • (2-4 inches is ideal).

  • Match mulch to crop needs:

    • (e.g., straw for moisture, compost for nutrients).

    By selecting the right mulch, you can boost yields, conserve water, and maintain a healthy garden ecosystem in 2025. Happy gardening!

    —
    Would you like any modifications or additional details on specific mulch types?

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    How to Modify Your Landscaping to Protect Your House from Burglars

    May 12, 2025   Matt

    How to Modify Your Landscaping to Protect Your House from Burglars

    Believe it or not, landscaping can be an important part of a good home security plan. A burglar who is “casing the joint” from the street will choose the house with tall shrubs and trees that provide hiding places. Homes with little or no outdoor lighting are preferred targets as well.
    So, how can you landscape to protect against burglars while still creating an aesthetically pleasing yard? Here are a few tips:
    You don’t need to eliminate trees, but keep them trimmed back from your house; tree branches can be used as a ladder if they are next to a window or skylight.
    Mow your lawn regularly; an unkempt lawn can suggest to a thief that the owners are away on a trip.
    Store ladders, lawn chairs, and picnic tables out of sight lest they be used as a means to reach high windows.
    Trim back shrubs growing near doors and walkways, keeping them 3 feet or shorter in height. Also, don’t allow shrubs to block any of your windows.
    Adding gravel under windows makes for noisy footing for would-be thieves.
    Consider planting thorny bushes (of the low growing variety) around windows. Some examples are: Hawthorne, Rose Shrub, and Barberry.
    Forgo privacy and keep your trees and shrubs trimmed back in order to allow a clear view of the outside of your house. Having neighbors that can see your doors and windows can help deter thieves even if you happen to be out of town.
    Keep your yard well lit. Motion-detecting lights make decent choices; body heat-triggered sensors are even better (less likely to be triggered by a waving branch or a passing animal).
    Dogs are not a complete home security plan, but can make good home protectors because they have keener hearing than humans, along with a propensity for barking at strangers. Dogs training can help your dog learn exactly what you want him to do.

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    You Need To Hire A Real Estate Agent That Is Not Afraid To Negotiate When You Are Buying A Home

    May 07, 2025   Matt

    You Need To Hire A Real Estate Agent That Is Not Afraid To Negotiate When You Are Buying A Home

    Buying a new home or other type of real estate for the first time can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Pour over this information, including the many tips, to help you understand the process and what to watch out for when making your real estate purchase, and you’ll be a pro in no time.

    When buying a house, the best time to do that is when houses are selling at a low cost. Now would be an excellent time to buy, as houses are at a record low price. Home ownership is still something that makes complete sense for many people, and knowing when to buy is one of the most important things.

    Beware of homes that are priced at a premium because of fancy landscaping. Fancy landscaping does not have good resale value, which means you will not recover the premium that you paid for when it comes time for you to resell. Instead, opt for a lower-priced home with moderate landscaping which you can always upgrade at a fraction of the premium price.

    Your real estate agent is almost certainly concerned with making you happy, but they are also concerned with making as much possible on commission given the state of the housing market. Look online and do your own research, and if you find a house that meets your qualifications at the low end of your budget that the agent doesn’t present to you, then you know they aren’t looking out for your best interest.

    Buying real estate to own it outright isn’t always a great deal, so you should check for rent-to-own properties where you can find them. Rent-to-own also means that you’re probably dealing with a legitimate homeowner and not someone looking to flip a profit, so you can come away saving big money.

    Even if you and the seller agree on a price, there could be an issue with the price once an appraisal is done. Depending on the market, short sales and foreclosures can drastically bring down the price of a property if no other comparable sales have taken place. A mortgage company will not loan you the money for an amount that is lower then the appraisal, so something will have to be done to make adjustments.

    If you are a commissioned employee or your potential job’s income will be based a lot on a bonus, you should wait to change jobs until after you purchase your home. The reason for this is that for these types of jobs the lender can not accurately calculate out your income, and since they can not do that, they will not be able to approve a mortgage.

    If you need first months rent, last months rent and a deposit, in order to rent a property, ask the landlord about possibly paying the last months rent over time. By adding a couple hundred dollars to each month’s payment, you can get that new place, without having to have all of the money up front.

    Now that you know how the process works, you can methodically and carefully plan your first real estate purchase. Whether you hurriedly go house hunting this weekend, look for apartment buildings to manage or scout for retail-business buildings, your newly found confidence will help you to make the right purchasing decisions.

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    Growing Hibiscus

    April 27, 2025   Matt

    Growing Hibiscus

    Before growing Hibiscus, a fair amount of planning is required. Do you want to grow them in your garden, use them for landscaping or hedging or keep them pots that can be kept indoors or out? What size and type of plant do you want?

    Potted culturing has to be confined to the smaller varieties. For outdoors, the size is dependent on the use. Large types are ideal for landscaping. Those used as hedges can be medium in size. If you want the Hibiscus to blend with other plants in the garden, smaller ones are ideal. For bonsai, use old, compact plants with small leaves.

    Check with nurseries or other growers in your area to ascertain which species is best suited for you. You cannot be sure of the color of the flowers unless a plant you purchase is in bloom. There are plants that give common but romantic five petal singles or ones with double layers.

    First time gardeners should purchase the right gardening tools, accessories, and perhaps a book on the subject of “growing Hibiscus”.

    When growing Hibiscus, choose a sunny spot. The plant is tolerant to many conditions, but thrives in sandy soil with some organic content and slight acidity. Planting materials can be obtained from a nursery.

    The propagation is through cuttings, hybrid-grafting and, in the case of certain species, through germinated seeds. Germinated seeds might not have all the characteristics of the mother plant.

    The plant has to be watered until it establishes. Moisture retention is important, and mulching helps this. Water the potted plants from the top and not at the base. Proper fertilizing is important, but remember that excessive nitrogen will promote vegetative growth and may not help the flowering. Pesticides, insecticides and fungicides may have to be used depending on the need. It is best to opt for organic products including fertilizers. Make sure that you follow the label instructions.

    Hibiscus growing is highly relaxing and satisfying.

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    Sprucing Up Your Garden With Solar

    April 17, 2025   Matt

    Sprucing Up Your Garden With Solar

    Fountains are a popular addition to most landscaped yards. Solar fountains give you the benefit of traditional fountains without running up your electrical bill every month.

    Sprucing Up Your Garden With Solar

    Mention solar power and people get an image of large, bulky solar panels on the roof of a home. This stereotypical view is really incorrect as large panel systems are now going the way of the dodo bird. Current solar technology is all about small size and unique applications. Heck, they even make them for kayaks now.

    Solar fountains may sound like a fairly complex landscape addition. They really aren’t. Solar technology has advanced to the point where most landscaping items are now best run on solar technology. This includes solar lighting used for paths, overhead lighting, bird deterrents and general ambience.

    At their root, solar fountains are incredibly simple pieces of machinery. The solar aspect of the piece is simple the power generation for the pump. Practically all solar fountains look the same as regular fountains. The energy source is simply a small panel system either connected directly to the fountain or placed in a location that gets plenty of sun. The type of system is dependent upon the amount of flow you want to move with the pump.

    Solar fountains range from incredibly simple to complex applications. You can buy floating solar pads that you simply put in a pool. The panels look like black pads and power a small pump that sucks content out of the pool. More sophisticated solar fountains include entirely contained systems as well as systems that move massive amounts of the pool from low points on your property to higher areas where gravity takes over. There really is something for everyone in this area.

    Much like solar lighting, solar fountains are a cost saving addition to your landscaping and provide soothing ambience. Plenty of quality models exist, so give them a look.

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