Landscaping your yard On a Budget

Is it possible to have a unique look to your yard without investing thousands of dollars to it every year? I truly believe it is. By practicing some basic conservation ideas you can save money and still make your yard look great.

1. The best way to stay within your means when it comes to landscaping is to do the job yourself as with many other areas of budget concern. This would mean doing everything, from picking your plants to weeding and pruning. Now to many of us who really enjoy being out in the yard this is fun. For those of you who question your knowledge and ability, the information age is in full swing and it is not hard to educate yourself well on all the different tasks specific to your yard.

As for the weeds, you are probably going to have to expect a few. If good isn’t good enough when it come to waging a campaign against your weeds (and this is especially true of your lawn) you are going to end up spending a lot of time and money on various chemicals and treatments. These procedures may in the end be doing more harm than good. Be satisfied with some weeds in your lawn, particularly if they have some intrinsic appeal, such as clover.

2. One great new innovation that is all the rage is the art of xeriscaping. Xeriscaping refers to landscaping and gardening in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental watering. It is often promoted in areas that do not have a good supply of fresh water, but it is also catching on in other areas as climate patterns shift. With water becoming an ever more valuable commodity, many homeowners, when it comes to their yard, are seeking to conserve their water costs by choosing plants that do not need as much water to survive. These plants are available in many different varieties, and they will add a splash of color to your yard while still saving you money. Knowing which plants tend to use a lot of water like cedar hedges, for example, is crucial so they can be avoided. You won’t want to plant any of these if you are concerned about your water costs!

Another way to save money on water is to include material that has good water retention qualities when you’re planting new plants. For example, Peat moss is very inexpensive. When you mix it in with the dirt and bone meal while planting your new flowers or hedges, any water that goes near the area will be soaked up and retained for later use as the plant’s needs dictate.

3. Don’t be afraid to skip the nursery and buy your plants at a box store. A lot of the time, the plants you buy at a big store that carries many varieties of items will cost much less than those at the local nursery. These plants will not have been tended as carefully as the nursery plants, but with some care taken when you’re planting and tending them, they will grow just fine and should grow to the same levels as the plants which cost more but took less time initially in tending. Most do-it-yourself gardeners like to maximize their time outside anyway, so the extra attention these plants may need will help to increase the time spent on your hobby.

4. One way to keep a low budget in your landscaping is to limit your green space. Smaller lawns and fewer flowers mean less materials needed for the upkeep. Watch what you use as your replacement, though some types of landscaping rocks (such as lava rock) can be incredibly overpriced. Bark mulch can be a fairly inexpensive option, but again, you have to be willing to invest a little extra time into its containment and maintenance. I personally don’t like this option because I love my flowers too much but it will save you money in the long run.

There are many more ideas for landscaping on a budget but we will have to wait for a different time to discuss them.

Landscaping On a Budget “by the yard”

Ways to Jazz Up Your Outdoor Living Space

One of the easiest ways to jazz up your outdoor deck or patio is by using splashes of color. Sometimes it only means investing in a few accent pieces that make a bold statement and your outdoor living space perks right up. You don't always have to buy new – with a little elbow grease and some creativity you can make second hand items look brand new.

Before you begin though, clear everything off your deck or patio and give it a good wash. I don’t recommend power washing but there are some good washes you can add to your water and then scrub it clean. If it needs staining, all the new patio furniture in the world won't help. Bite the bullet and give it a new coat of stain or paint. This is actually a great place to get started with your colorful accents. Now that your deck is ready here are some colorful ideas to help you get started.

1. Try painting your fence posts a bright, coordinating color such as teal, or. Or paint or stain a pattern or border around the edge of your deck.

2. Your deck is for socializing, so show that you are ready for company. The addition of a new patio table is a great place to start. Place a colorful bar cart in the corner and load it up with bright acrylic glassware.

3. Give your old wicker furniture a facelift. Paint it in bright sunny colors, or if you're feeling adventurous, use a stencil and add flowers or other patterns. Just use acrylic paint, but seal it with varnish to protect your paint job.

4. Add a fancy ice-bucket by getting hold of a galvanized bucket or oblong container. Paint it bright blue or orange and add a vine pattern on the outside. Voila, now you have a fancy ice-bucket for all your coolers. Remember, use a rust inhibiting or food-safe paint, or the surface should not come in direct contact with food.

5. Use themes such as the seashore, by incorporating fish, sea shells and beach balls in your accents or stencils. A citrus theme works well by using pale greens, oranges and yellow as colors for chairs or bistro tables. Try painting a slatted table top with two or three different corresponding shades.

6. Your garden shed doesn’t have to be brown and boring. Add colorful window boxes, gingerbread trim and some wild stripes on the walls.

7. New outdoor lighting goes a long way to perking up a patio area. Colorful lanterns or strings of lights can be hung from overhanging trees or beams providing a fun, economical source of lighting.

8. Now what about that white vinyl furniture that's still in great shape? Don’t worry, with paint specially formulated for vinyl furniture and some new cushions you can make your old chairs look brand new.

9. Use your color wisely though by tying everything together with your accessories. For instance take four chairs each painted in a different primary color and add a cushion in a common color such as red or green, and place them around a neutral table top.

Jazzing up your outdoor living space “by the yard”

New Outdoor Furnishings that Help Create a Relaxing Oasis

Outdoor living is exploding at all levels of interest and price. Even in urban areas (maybe even more so there) where there is precious little outdoor space. People want more than a few potted plants. Consumers are finding stylish and functional designs suited for a compact little place in the sun. Two-seater café sets, small drop-leaf tables and even a mid-height bar with bar stools that elevate a person's sight line just above the typical balcony rail are especially designed for urban outdoor living.

People are increasingly looking to the outdoor spaces around their homes for a tranquil retreat. Research shows, 42 percent of all homeowners think of their outdoor space as "an outdoor room." When asked to list the most important attributes for that space, 86 percent said it should be "relaxing." 60 percent said it should be a place for family and friends to "hang out" and 57 percent wanted "a sanctuary."

The gazebo is one of the most sought-after sanctuaries. They are now more affordable than ever. Today they come with features including removable screens and elegant canopies, plus windows that can be opened and closed.

Our outdoor spaces abound with a soothing palette of spa blues and earthy greens and visual references to Asian symbols of serenity. This look is elegant, tranquil, and harmonizes with our desire for a retreat.

Generously sized sun loungers are a more mobile option that can offers a retreat for one or an intimate oasis for two and coupled with a canopy can provide shade and privacy. The cozy corner of a covered porch is a great spot for that nostalgic symbol of tranquility, the porch swing. When a porch isn’t available there are Pergolas with swing to turn any spot in the garden into a place for peaceful repose.


Other Innovations include:

High-tech cushions which retain their plump looks yet provide excellent support. New filling blends that add softness without sacrificing water resistance.

Innovation in outdoor fabrics also includes a new breathable polyurethane that looks and feels like leather. It's anti-fungal and resists mildew, stains, scratches and fading.

Portable propane fireplaces created for the outdoor living space are extending the season for outdoor entertaining and relaxation. Some have slate or marble tops, as well as faux stone materials. With coordinated seating you have the ability to create comfortable relaxed conversation groups around the fireplace.

If the warmth of a fire doesn't draw guests to gather round, perhaps an outdoor bar or a table with an ice bucket full of cool beverages in the center will.

Provide sun protection for your lounge chairs, swings and hammocks with protective awnings or canopies. Some come with canopies attached. As for the umbrella, new designs rotate and pivot to block harmful rays throughout the day.

There may be more innovative products that are new to outdoor furnishings. Some companies use recycled plastic bottles destined for landfills and remake them into amazingly strong and durable polymer products crafted to look and feel like wood. These poly-resin products won't mildew, crack, splinter, rust or fade. Nearly as durable but without a hint of modern plastics are furnishings made using recycled teak wood products collected in Thailand. Old teakwood yokes, plows, sugarcane grinders and wagons are all finding a second life in outdoor accessories for your outdoor living space.

Outdoor Furniture “by the yard”

Small Space Gardening

There are many different reasons for people choosing to garden in a small space like on a balcony, patio, or courtyard. For some they have moved from a large house to smaller accommodation, and some have chosen to live in rental property to avoid the high-cost of owning a home. Whatever the reason, this doesn’t mean we can’t garden. No space is too small for a small space garden. You could say that only one plant in a container is a garden. In fact, many gardening options are available in terms of pots, half-barrels, window boxes, troughs, cast-iron planters, recycled materials – the list is unending with possibilities.

Planning a Small Space Garden

When planning your small space garden several steps are fundamental. The first consideration is to determine what purpose this space will serve. Next what do you want to do in it, grow vegetables, herbs; entertain family and friends; meditate; create a place of peace and healing; have a memorial garden – the list is endless. Now, walk around your space and really look at what you have. Where are the doors, sheds, permanent and planters located? Clear out any clutter and start with a clean slate.
If possible, take a chair and sit down, move it around, and think about where the energy feels best for you. Wherever that is, place your seating such as a park bench, lounger, Adirondack chairs, dining furniture, swing, etc. Do you want a formal or informal setting? Think of what features you may want? Features such as water, flowers, wind chimes, wild life, color, etc. These can add the finishing touches to your small space garden. Finally, have a plan particularly if you are going to use large features such as a half-barrel because once filled with soil you will not want to be moving it.

Creating a Small Space Garden

Containers: Generally speaking natural materials such as wood, clay, stone, or cast iron in all their forms make better companions for plants. Remember that wet soil weighs a lot so if you garden is on a balcony you may have weight restrictions. Containers made from lighter weight materials such as fiberglass are ideal for roof or balcony gardens. The styles of containers include hanging baskets, wirework stands and baskets, wood window boxes, sinks, troughs, galvanized buckets, old shoes or boots, and all manner of recycled objects.

Scale: Scale is extremely important in small space gardening. For example, small plants look more balanced in small containers, large plants in large containers. I especially like the effect of vines growing on trellis in half-barrels with smaller plants edging the container. I have found that the effect of scarlet runner pole beans is really a knockout with their gorgeous red flowers and you can eat them too.

Microclimates: You should choose plants according to the conditions suitable for their optimum growth. Plants such as begonia, coleus, and Fuchsia prefer shaded areas while geraniums, marigolds, and petunia prefer full sun. Also if you are gardening on a balcony wind can be a major factor and damage fragile plants. For this you need to choose plants that are wind tolerant such as many of the grasses; the sound of the rustling of the grasses as the wind blows through them is very pleasing to the ear.

Soil: I buy pre-mixed potting soil from garden centers or department stores. These are generally lighter in weight, are sterilized to prevent weed seeds from germinating, and contain a lot of peat moss that helps loosen the soil so that it doesn’t compact in pots.

Watering: Check daily as container plants often dry out more quickly. This is especially true if you are using clay pots. Make sure your pots have drainage holes though, as roots sitting in water will rot. You may even want to empty saucers that are full after heavy rain fall.

Fertilizer: Due to frequent watering, container plants require fertilizer on a more consistent basis than plants in the ground do. I use only organic fertilizers such as blood meal, bone meal, or fish emulsion, as I add the soil to the garden at the end of the season, and chemical fertilizers harm the wildlife.

Function: When you are creating your small space garden you are actually designing an outdoor room. So keep in mind you may want to color coordinated it so it appears as an extension of your home. I also move my indoor plants outside for the summer (which they love) and design these areas as garden rooms.

Focal point: Create a focal point such as a large pot, tall plant or small tree, color, or a water feature. You can also create a sense of mystery by hiding a plant or ornament behind something else to give the pleasure of discovering it.

Color: In a small space, try using three colors such as pinks, blues, and whites; reds, oranges, and yellows; or reds, whites, and purples that provide continuity rather than too many colors which tend to be distracting. Cool colors can make the space appear bigger and brighter while intense colors tend to shrink spaces. A white and green color theme called a ‘moon garden’ is more formal and particularly at night it’s spectacular.

Lighting: I like the small Xmas lights hidden in plants or interwoven throughout a trellis with climbing vines. Small spotlights can focus attention on a particular area for evening entertaining.

Small space gardening is fun and not that much work as you don’t have that much to take care of. But it can have a huge impact on your outdoor living space.

Small Space Gardens “by the yard”

Protecting Exterior Woods Properly is a Growing Challenge

Homeowners have made wood the top choice for exterior surfaces. So keeping it properly protected is important and a growing challenge, it’s not just siding, but decks, furniture and all the other accessories that are part of the extended outdoors lifestyle.

Homeowners are upgrading their outside living and garden areas with a lot of zeal these days. Americans spend $40 billion annually on their terraces, decks, patios, cabanas, pool houses, gazebos, and outdoor kitchens. This means there is a lot of outdoor wood in our yards that needs protecting.

What's necessary to keep all of this wood in tip-top shape as it faces exposure to the deteriorating effects of Mother Nature?

One of the ways to maintain a natural wood look and protect your wood at the same time is to use outdoor wood stains. When it comes to stains performance is the main thing a consumer should look at and the two main things it should protect from are water and UV rays. It needs to stop water from penetrating into the wood where it breaks down the cells, causing the wood to go soft on the inside and eventually rot. UV rays are what changes the color of the wood and they work on the surface of the wood to break it down and cause it to rot.

Responding to this growing focus on the expanded outdoors lifestyle paint companies have developed new technologies that protect and beautify just about every wood surface. These collections offer a multitude of extraordinary hues, often inspired by organic life and the outdoors world. These stains come in solid colors and translucent (which allows the natural beauty of the wood to come through. When choosing the color of the stain that is best for your house the best way is to make sure it blends well with the existing colors around your house. So you should consider things like the color of your roof, siding, trim, driveway, and surrounding plant life.

When it comes to finishes, a clear finish is ideal for new or well-maintained wood. As I said it reveals the natural beauty of the material without obscuring either its grain or texture. With more opacity, the additional pigments provide additional protection and color selection, but mask the grain of the wood while still highlighting the wood's natural texture. Stains with more opacity are a good choice for older wood that is not in pristine condition or when additional color selection is desirable.

For every type of wood no matter its condition-new, worn, or plagued by mildew or mold, there is a preparation coating that is available and recommended. Woods like redwood or cedar have natural wood protectants right in the wood and stay looking good for a long time. Even though this is true they also can use some help from time to time. To ensure your exterior wood assets are protected, they should be coated evenly with a clear finish, relatively soon after installation. Remember, proper preparation is the ultimate determinant of how long the beauty of a staining job will last.

For the best advice on selecting an exterior stain and preparation appropriate for the type of wood on the exterior of your home or other outdoor project, speak to an experienced professional at the paint store you prefer dealing at.

One last tip: Be sure to test your color selections on the surface to be stained to see if it's accurate and exactly what you want. Remember that the natural color or grain pattern of the wood itself can greatly influence the final color.

Protecting exterior woods “by the yard”

A Beautiful and Healthy Lawn

It’s time to start working on that beautiful and healthy lawn in your yard. You don’t have to use chemicals to have a beautiful lawn. In fact, your lawn will be much healthier if you ban the use of chemicals. Many communities have and are in the process of banning the use of lawn chemicals (mine already has). The use of chemicals can poison soil and contaminate our water.

Use the following tips to get your lawn off drugs.

• Start off by testing your lawn’s soil, using a soil test kit. This will tell you how much organic matter is in the soil, the ph balance and what nutrients you need to obtain a perfect soil balance.

• Aerating your lawn at this time of year is always a good idea in order to prevent the soil from becoming compacted. This breaks through heavy thatch and allows nutrients and organic matter to reach your lawn’s root system. If water runs off your lawn easily when watering, it’s a sure sign that you need to aerate. Note: The best aerators in the world are earthworms.

• Check your lawn for thatch and if the thatch layer is more than a half inch thick, it’s time to de-thatch. Thatch prevents air, nutrients and water from getting to the soil which can cause a wide variety of problems. If you aerate and rake your lawn briskly, most of the thatch will be removed. You don’t have to get rid of all the thatch as some thatch is beneficial to your lawn as it promotes decomposition of grass clippings and organic matter.

• If your lawn has some bare spots, you need to reseed with a mixture of grass varieties. Most lawn diseases are very selective. By using a mixture of grasses, you will ensure that your lawn will not be totally wiped out by disease.

• You need to learn to tolerate beneficial weeds, such as clover. Clover is a nitrogen magic plant that will enhance the health and beauty of your lawn.

• The best type of weed control is to remove weeds by hand. Around 80% of all weeds are annuals. If you remove them before they go to seed, you will be rid of them. Some lawn weeds are perennials and you need to dig them out by root. It must be the entire root system to ensure they can’t grow back.

• Grass is always healthier when it is a bit longer. Grass should always be two to three inches high. To prevent it from going into shock you should only cut one third of the height of the grass at one time. Taller grass grows longer roots, shades the soil and prevents weed infiltration. It is also imperative that the mower blade is always sharp to prevent grass damage.

• Do not remove your grass clippings from your lawn. This saves you raking your lawn and also acts as natural fertilizer if they aren’t coated with chemicals. To promote the decomposition process though, you need to make sure the grass clippings are not clumped.

• There are several creatures that are the secret to having a healthy and drug free lawn. Invite beneficial micro organisms and earthworms to your lawn, as well as dragonflies, ladybugs, spiders, toads and frogs.

• Water your lawn thoroughly and deeply but only when it requires it. If you water frequently and lightly, your lawn will have shallow roots, which makes it more susceptible to disease and insects.

• Always use natural fertilizers. Organic fertilizer decomposes thatch and grass clippings quickly. Natural fertilizers release nutrients into the soil better and allow it to retain them longer. Sheep manure is one of the best natural fertilizers available.

• Do not use herbicides or pesticides. Chemicals kill birds, insects and earthworms that are beneficial to your lawn’s health. If you practice natural lawn care, you will discourage pests.

Beautiful Lawns “by the yard”

Designing a Japanese Garden

When designing your Japanese Garden you need to think and act a little different then with other types of designs. You will still need to organize and draw out your garden design, and determine the shape of your landscape and what you desire for your garden. But you should also allow yourself to "go with the flow" and let it "speak to you" as your garden takes shape. Allow for improvisation and ideas to emerge rather than being rigid in sticking to your original design plan.

We in the west often feel compelled to try to control and plan all aspects of design when making something. We don't want to make a mistake. Here you need to make your plans loosely to leave more for those ideas that come and the actual design takes shape. This can be liberating for some but intimidating for others. If you work through the questions below it will help you stay on track.

Before any work begins within the yard itself, a basic garden plan should be drawn up to help you formulate your ideas and the placement of elements. Here are several questions you need to address to help with this process:

1. Do you already have an existing garden in the area where you wish to incorporate a Japanese garden style? If so, what type of garden is it (flower garden, English garden, rustic wildflower garden, etc.)?

2. Do you want to try to integrate your current garden into the new Japanese garden plan? What aspects and features do you want to remain and what has to be moved, replaced, or removed entirely?

3. What style of Japanese garden are you most interested in - tea garden, courtyard garden, stroll garden, pond and island garden, Zen rock garden or a combination of them? But for small areas, you will most likely want to stick to only one style. For those who have a large area to landscape, you can have your choice of any of the styles which compliment your yard and suit your desires.

4. Does the area you’re designing have natural hills and valleys? Are there any design elements, such a stream, already present? How large is the area you are considering using? Take a good visual view of your selected site and note down all the details on paper. Take measurements as well, so you know the exact area size you will be working with.

5. Which elements and features are important to you? Would you like one small area to feature a Zen garden? Is a stepping-stone pathway which leads to a gate appealing? Do you wish to add a feature like a waterfall, water basin, or a rock arrangement?

6. Will you be building this garden by yourself or will you have help? The size, design and amount of work to create your Japanese garden will obviously affect this answer. For example, building a very large stroll garden by yourself would take a long time and may be impractical. Then again maybe you can plan and do it in stages.

7. If you plan to use large boulders or plant more mature trees (rather than saplings), how will you get them into your garden? Is there room and access for large machinery to help with placement? Keep in mind boulders and large trees are extremely heavy.

8. Will your garden be formal, semi-formal, or informal (rustic)?

9. Many Japanese gardens are actually built around a theme. Do you have a theme in mind for your garden? Your theme could even revolve around a smaller replica or area of an original famous garden of Japan. Read books and view photographs of existing gardens to get some ideas. An example of a theme would be a miniaturized version of "The Bridge To Heaven", which is a marble and stone bridge that spans the famous Dragon Beard Ditch in China. This bridge was built over 600 years ago to allow the Ming and Qing emperors to cross over on their way to the Temple of Heaven.

10. What do you want to achieve with your garden? Will it be used primarily for meditation? Do you wish to incorporate a strolling pathway with new visual delights beyond each curve? Do you want the invigorating sounds of water, such as a waterfall or fast moving stream? Will it be a place to sit quietly and contemplate nature? Understanding the concept behind the garden design is important.

If you carefully contemplate these questions and answer them before you begin to put your design down on paper, it will really help you know how to design your garden. Otherwise you could end up with a garden that holds no meaning for you or your visitors. A Japanese garden should have a "reason for being." What are your reasons?

Japanese Gardens “by the yard”

Why do people love Cedar Wood?

The Cedar tree is a majestic pyramid-shaped evergreen tree that commonly reaches 130’ in height and 30 to 40’ across. The wood itself is hard and strongly aromatic because of the high percentage of essential oil it contains. Northern White and Western Red Cedar are some of the most sought-after woods that are ideal for many outdoor and indoor uses. It is a fine grained wood that is durable and resistant to rotting and insects. This makes cedar a top choice for carefree living, as it can be left natural or it can be painted or stained to match any decor.

Softwood producing trees such as the Cedar contain just two types of cell and have few water conducting vessels meaning it stays dryer in wet conditions than other conifers such as the Yew or the Cypress tree. In their natural habitat, Cedar trees are found in many different environments and climates. They can be exposed to mountain and monsoon climates, and are adept at surviving snow, drought, heavy rainfall and temperatures as low as -25 degrees C.

Not only are Cedar trees aesthetically beautiful, but they produce wood which is aromatic and looks lovely when crafted into furniture. This type of wood is ideal for outdoor furniture as it is resistant to decay because it is protected by its own natural oils and resins to stand up to harsh weather conditions. If left untreated, Cedar wood gradually ages and develops a grayish-silver colour. Untreated cedar is natural and pleasing; however the wood is porous and over the long term may become discolored if left in damp or shaded areas. It also means that the wood will not last as long as it would if it was treated. Therefore, many people prefer to stain or treat their cedar patio furniture every two to three years in order to give it that little extra protection against the elements in order to gain a few extra years of life.

Additional advantages of Cedar are that its low density helps it equalize the moisture within itself and the air around it helping it not to warp or crack as many other woods do. Cedar wood also contains small pockets of air, which means that it doesn’t conduct heat as well as some other woods. This is ideal in summer when the air is warm, and the cedar lawn furniture remains cool despite the weather.

Cedar wood along with its weatherproof qualities and aesthetic appeal is often chosen by carpenters and furniture manufacturers because of its low density and weight. This makes it is very versatile and easy to transport, which also makes it an ideal wood for outdoor furniture.

Western red Cedar wood is often chosen for furniture because of its attractive look. It has a straight grain and an almost terracotta shade. Unlike ‘white’ Cedar, its natural oils also repel moths and other insect pests such as ticks, fleas and termites which make it well suited for other things as well such as outdoor dog and cat houses and small sheds such as beach or pool houses.

Northern White Cedar and Western Red Cedar are some of the most sought-after woods for many outdoor uses. It’s a fine grained durable wood, naturally pitch-free and resistant to rot and insects. These qualities combine to make cedar a top choice for carefree outdoor living.

Cedar Wood “by the yard”

Hammocks – Making The Right Choice

Hammocks are like furniture used for rest and relaxation. They are like beds that are suspended between two supports like two trees or a manufactured support. Hammocks are often made up of heavy netting or a canvas and are great for spending time in the sun. But not all hammocks give the same level of comfort or length of life.

So what things should we consider when trying to make the right choice when purchasing.

1. Material: There are many different types of hammocks but generally can be thought of in 3 types. These are namely known as fabric or canvas, Mayan (which is woven and can be made of different materials) and rope style hammocks (which also are woven). Most of these can either be used indoors or outdoors. The cotton woven hammocks though are best used indoors as they do not stand up to weather.

2. Comfort: As has already been said rope hammocks are woven with small spaces in between them. They don’t conform to your body as well as the Mayan and there is usually an imprint visible in ones back when you first get off the hammock. Canvas hammocks also don’t conform to your body well during use; on the other hand they don’t leave any imprints. The most comfortable hammock of the 3 is the Mayan since this type of hammock conforms to the shape of anyone who uses it and the weave is tight and comfortable.

3. Strength: The strength of the hammock is dependent on the material used in making it. A rope hammock is made out of quite thick rope and can take a beating and hold a lot of weight, up to 450 lbs or more depending on the manufacturer. A hammock made out of canvas on the other hand is not typically going to hold as much weight though it should have no problem holding the average adult. A Mayan style hammock is a little more sensitive but again the weight it can carry often is determined by the quality of the manufacturer and typically should not have any problem holding an average adult.

4. Portability: The material used in the manufacture of a hammock also will determine its weight. For instance rope hammocks are weaved by hand and are usually made of heavier material making it weigh more than the rest and therefore not as easy to move from one place to another. Canvas hammocks are lighter and therefore easy to relocate. They also usually repel water well and therefore stand up to the outdoor conditions. Mayan hammocks like canvas are also lightweight making it easy to transfer from place to place.

5. Durability & Maintenance: A rope hammock made out of thick rope as mentioned before requires a fair amount of maintenance since it is susceptible to mildew especially in a fairly wet climate. A canvas hammock on the other hand, because its material is very durable, requires a lot less maintenance. A Mayan hammock is like a rope hammock in the sense that it can be very sensitive and can tear more easily which would require more maintenance in order to keep this kind of hammock in top shape.

6. Price: The price of the hammock one wishes to purchase also depends greatly on the type of material used and the manufacturer. And like a lot of things we buy the saying is true “you get what you pay for”. A quick check and you can find hammocks starting around $20 and going up to $200 or more and then if you want a support for it as well it could be a lot more. Similar looking hammocks made with similar material have remarkably different prices. This makes purchasing one difficult. My suggestion, deal with someone you know and you can trust if you want quality. If price is important then shop well. For myself I don’t like cheap and I also don’t have the money to spend top dollar so I try and find a middle road.

Hammocks are a great way to relax outdoors in your back yard or private outdoor living space. They are great for the whole family and a lot of fun.

Hammocks “by the yard”

How to Help Your Lawn Survive a Drought

With temperatures rising and rain fall decreasing (though there has been more than usual rainfall where I live so far this summer), summer time drought seems inevitable and it putts a serious strain on your lawn. With little rain fall and water restrictions it makes things really hard on your lawn and your ability to take care of it. If you are not careful, your lawn could end up dead.

The summer of 2007 was a very bad year for drought in many parts of the country, particularly the Southeast, which suffered a historic drought. There were widespread mandatory water restrictions, and most lawns in these areas suffered extensive damage as a result.

Work done about a month before a drought period can have a real impact on your lawn's ability to survive. The primary objective is to make the lawn as strong and healthy as possible before a drought hits in order to survive a drought with little or no supplemental irrigation (watering by hose or sprinkler system). A lawn properly prepared to survive a drought will have a deep and extensive root system.

Here are some tips that are sure to help you beat the summer heat and take care of your lawn.

1. Raise the blades on your mower. Taller grass provides more protection from sun and grows deeper roots, which makes it more resilient. Remove only one third of the grass length at each mowing, cutting too much at once stresses the grass.

2. Resist the temptation to bag your lawn and use a mulching mower instead or go over your lawn twice. The clippings will provide a barrier that keeps moisture in your lawn longer. They also provide free fertilizer (at least ¼ of your lawn’s needs) and help your lawn grow greener and denser, and it doesn’t cause thatch buildup.

3. Sharpen your lawnmower blade. Dull blades put your grass under lots of undue stress. Stressed grass needs more water.

4. Most lawns require only 1 inch of water per week, some grasses even less. If you water your lawn every day, you are encouraging shallow roots. By spreading out your watering you can help your lawn to establish deeper roots that will help it survive drought periods. Generally watering deeper, less days per week will encourage deeper root growth and a more healthy lawn.
Water early in the morning and when it is not windy to avoid unnecessary evaporation of your rationed water and remember, that long watering sessions are preferred to short watering sessions for grass.
Watering techniques should be adjusted during the growing season to compensate for precipitation and lengthy hot and dry periods. The amount of water and the duration of each watering period should be adjusted according to soil types and grass types.
Avoid watering in the afternoon because a large percentage of the water is lost to evaporation. Avoid evening watering because the lawn will remain wet for 12 to 15 hours, until the following morning sun dries off the lawn. This prolonged wet period can increase fungal disease incidence.
Use an alternative type watering or irrigation system like a soaker hose. It puts the water in the ground, where it is needed, more efficiently.

5. Use drought-resistant grass. The lawn care industry is filled with innovative products and solutions, including drought-resistant grasses. If you live in a region where summers are long and rainfall is minimal, this is an excellent idea. Rhizomatous grasses like Bermudas have best drought tolerance followed by Zoysias (though these can be invasive), St. Augstines, then Centipedes, Seashore Paspalum and Fescue. Which one of these is best for you depends on where you live. Ask your local garden center.

6. Aerate your lawn twice a year (fall and spring) to keep out thatch and help the roots grow deeper.

7. Do not fertilize in the summer. Experts will tell you that fertilized lawns are more sensitive to heat and require more water.

A green lawn is definitely something to envy in the heart of the summer. Do yourself and your lawn a favor and follow these tips to keep it looking green. Your green lawn will cause your neighbors to be filled with wonder and envy.

Lawns “by the yard”

Gardening with Containers is for Everyone

Container gardening is fun, fabulous and festive. A terracotta pot on its own is just a container and summer bedding plants are just colorful plants. However, by planting the summer bedding plants in a container, you can create miniature garden-scapes of all shapes and colors. Each container is effectively a miniature garden all of its own. If you put a number of them together you can create a garden that will impress even the most avid gardener. Some people refer to this as container design planting, I just say WOW.

The exciting thing is that the planting of containers allows people who may just have a balcony to enjoy a chance to get their fingers dirty and enjoy a bit of God’s creation up close and personal. Container planting also brings the garden within the reach of a disabled person and is a size that even the youngest child can manage. So it is a type of gardening that everyone can do and enjoy.

Here are a few things that will help you have a successful garden.

Start by cleaning your containers:

If you intend on replanting any containers you used last year and why not, you should get rid of all traces of the soil from the previous year. Wash them thoroughly as particles of previous year’s compost can contain pests, diseases and mould spores. Use a hose to get the bulk off then wash them in water containing a garden disinfectant, scrubbing off any stubborn soil with a scrubbing brush, using this same disinfectant water. Then you need to rinse the containers well under running water and leave them to dry. Use this method on any container you plan to use no mater what they are made of. Not taking care of this properly can cause your planting to finish flowering far too early.

Check your containers’ drainage:

Check to make sure your containers drainage holes are adequate or have not become plugged. Having too few or no drainage holes causes your plants to suffer from oxygen starvation due to excess water. To prevent drainage points becoming blocked with potting soil, use some broken terracotta or polystyrene bedding plant trays over the drainage holes. Broken polystyrene or bedding plant trays crumpled up can also be used to fill the bottom of larger containers therefore reducing the amount of potting soil needed to fill the container.

Don’t overfill your containers with potting soil:

You should fill your container with quality container potting soil which you should be able to find at any garden center then firm it lightly. Your soil should stop about 1 inch below the lip of the container; so there will be room for watering. Some people with more experience have their own or have acquired a good formula for mixing the right amounts of peat and loam-based soil and if you have such a formula that is great but my suggestion if you’re just starting is go for the bought mix. It often comes with some fertilizer mixed in as well.

Getting them in the ground:

Before planting make sure your plants have been thoroughly watered. A good way of doing this is by soaking them in a bucket of water. Watering like this will prevent shock when they are replanted and it will also help merge the plants existing soil with the new soil. To help get a sense of what the container will look like try positioning the plants on top of the container before actually planting them. If you need to make an adjustment now is the time before you get them in the dirt. Plant them from the centre of the container outwards. Create a hole big enough for the root ball of the central plant (It should be the tallest plant). After removing it from its pot place the plant into the hole firming the soil around it. Then, insert the rest of the plants similarly around the edges. You should make sure all the plants end up at the same depth as they were in their original containers.

Watering:

After the complete container is potted water it thoroughly until water starts to flow from the containers base. If after an hour the soil has settled a bit, you top it up. Typically containers need a lot of water Wooden and unglazed terracotta containers usually require much more water due to their porous and absorbent nature. I suggest you apply a mulch of mini-chip bark or gravel to the composts surface, as well as being decorative this will lessen the containers loss of water through evaporation.

Gardening with Containers “by the yard”

Tips For Keeping Your Teak Furniture Looking Its Best

Outdoor furniture has to be tough to survive wind, rain and sun and no material is as desired for its rugged beauty and durability then teak. Teak wood patio furniture is known to last for decades with absolutely no maintenance. Upkeep is more a matter of personal preference than a requirement. While some people prefer the golden color of new teak, others prefer the distinguished silver-grey that teak becomes as it weathers.

Regardless of your preference, here are a few steps that will help you make sure your teak furniture stays in tip-top shape for decades.

1: The first and most important step is to make sure you have a top quality product to begin with. Pay attention to the wood quality and construction techniques used in the furniture, as this can affect furniture's longevity. The fittings are also important. They need to be solid brass fittings if you want them to hold up outdoors.

2: When you are looking for teak products, make sure they really are teak, not a "teak-like" or "as good as teak product." If you are buying over the internet this may be hard to figure out. Look at the content and see where it is from and/or where it is made. Finally only buy from reputable companies and companies that have stood the test of time.

3: The grade of teak is also very important. We see every day similar products at quite different prices and we wonder why. Well sometimes the reason is the quality of materials they are using. First European Quality (FEQ) is the top grade without knots, cracks or pits and certainly can be trusted.

4: If you prefer the silver-gray color, natural look of weathered teak, you can look forward to virtually no maintenance. If you leave your teak patio furniture outside though, you will want to clean it at least annually of any mildew, sap and pollen that has accumulated or stuck to it. One product that is really good for helping to do this is Olympic® Deck Wash. Just scrub them down with it and you’re all set for another year.

5: On the other hand if you prefer the original rich honey color of teak, there are several steps you can take to preserve its golden color. After you have thoroughly washed the teak you can treat it with specialized teak cleaners and restoration products. Using these products however can be very time-intensive. I usually suggest that people either allow the teak to age naturally clean it with a deck wash or hire a professional teak maintenance service to apply the more specialized products.

6: However if you are going to be using your patio furniture indoors, you may want to consider finishing it to protect it from stains with some sealer or varnish.

7: Finally, if you're going to be using it outside (which most of us will be doing) DON”T use teak oil, varnishes or sealers on your furniture, since this may cause it to turn black with mildew.

Keeping Your Teak Furniture Looking Its Best “by the yard”

Backyard Landscaping is Important

While the front yard is important because it’s more visible to neighbors and others who drive by, the backyard is no less important. For homeowners around the world, a big part of owning a home is getting the yard just the way they want it. The backyard is important because that is where family and friends gather for barbeques, birthday parties and a place for the family to have fun and play. Special consideration should be given to the placement of the flower beds and the different species of flowers that beautify a backyard as well as the position of the patio or deck and any decorative features in the yard.

The theme of your yard will depend on your hobbies, interests and goals. Flowers, stones and grass are just some of the ways to landscape a backyard. Large shade trees, waterfalls and herbal gardens are some other ways. Whatever your preference, you should make your backyard landscaping fun for the whole family. Actually working on your backyard landscape can be a lot of fun too, especially when you make it personal.

Your yard should reflect your personality and the personality of your home.
1: If you and your family like to entertain, add a bar to your back patio. Clean up the barbeque grill and don’t forget adding some way to keep the bugs away like citronella candles.
2: If you want more fun then maybe you want to build a croquet course, mini golf course, put in a sand lot for some sand volleyball or the favorite of a lot of people a pool.
3: If you are the type who would rather keep your backyard to yourself, then maybe you don’t need to worry about the huge, green lawn. Perhaps you’d rather have a quaint yard with basic backyard landscaping. You can put in some grass, strategically place some shade trees and plant some of your favorite flowers. You may want to include some bigger bushes, if space allows as they will add some gorgeous green to your colorful backyard.

When it comes time to maintain the backyard landscaping then taking care of the yard can be a nice family activity. Large yards will require a lot more maintenance and grooming. There is mowing the lawn, pulling weeds and the kids can help even if they are young. They love water so get them involved in watering the plants. If you have a fruit tree in your backyard, then they can spend some time picking up the fallen apples or cherries. You’ll also need to reserve some time to tend to your garden. It can be surprisingly rewarding growing your own vegetables and herbs and then using them in special recipes that you cook when you’re entertaining friends and neighbors. A smaller more intimate backyard may require as much maintenance as a large backyard, but because of scale not nearly the time commitment.

No matter what your personality says about your backyard landscaping. One thing’s for sure don’t let people tell you how to create your backyard, do it just the way you want to and have fun both creating it and enjoying it.

Backyard Landscaping “by the yard”

A Beautiful Garden is a Work of the Heart

The satisfaction in creating your own garden plan is immense. You get the satisfaction that comes from a job well done as well as being able to relax or entertain in your garden. Planning and developing a design unique to you, will add to the enjoyment your garden provides for years to come.

But where do you begin in creating the garden of your dreams and one that is unique to you?

Here are some easy steps that will help you work your way through the process.

1. Identify the reason for your garden.
Who will enjoy the garden? How will you use it? Getting input from the whole family on how they would like to use your outdoor space is a great place to start.

2. Don’t forget to do a little dreaming.
Let your imagination have fun with all the possible features in your special space now that you understand why you want it and how you intend to use it. This will help you put your personal touches on the garden. Also decide whether you want a formal or an informal garden. Formal gardens are divided by a strong central axis and cross axes while informal gardens have a more natural look with wonderful flowing curves.

3. Evaluate your yard.
What is the climate? How large is your space? What type of soil do you have? The lay of the land, is it flat or sloping? What are the predominate views and where are your quiet spots? It helps to know your starting point in order to get where you want to go.

4. What are your non-negotiables?
Listing your essentials up front helps ensure important things won't be forgotten. Then walk around your property and take note of everything that is essential. Your final design should balance between dream features and "must haves". Do children need a place to play? What about pets? What about a privacy fence or retaining wall? Where will you need a path?

5. Identify your focal points.
Every garden needs an eye-catching spot that causes you to pause a moment. Understand that when you choose a focal point, you are choosing the direction you want visitors to look and move when they enter your garden. If your list of "wants" included a waterfall or fountain, an arbor or even a special tree then you’re well on your way to identifying your focal point.

6. Choose your plants and hardscape.
What you choose to put in your garden will create the character of your garden, adding interest, movement and visual appeal. Mixing different colors and materials and textures will give your garden a strong sense of space. You may want harmonious colors or strong contrasting colors and different hues, warm or cool.

Though plants comprise a significant part of your garden, hardscape materials contribute variety and texture -- wood arbors, brick borders, gravel paths, bronze statuary, and outdoor benches. Keep in mind that each element needs to fit with and compliment the whole.

7. Draw you plan to scale.
Thus far, you have created a list of your needs and wants and of the trees, shrubs and plants you want in your garden. Now you need to create a scale drawing that shows exactly where each feature will go so you can use this drawing to help lay out the walkways, plant the trees, shrubs and flowers and set the arbors and trellises in place.
You will need a basic map of property lines and your house as well as an overlay sheet that shows focal points, "rooms" and pathways. Using a pad of graph paper will really help you with this and let each square equal one foot.

8. Create a budget.
Once you know what you want and what you need, it's time to consider what you are willing to spend. This dollar figure will influence what features you are able to include in the final garden plan -- trees, plants, hardscape materials and architectural elements such as arbors, fountains, ponds and benches.

Budgets comprise two elements: money and time. In terms of time, can you create your garden over time or does it need to be finished by a certain date? As you develop and refine your plan, you may need to balance time and cash costs. If you can’t afford your wants you may need to spend more time to balance things off.

9. Execute your plan.
With your scale drawing as a blueprint, use a tape measure to position all structures, walkways and plants. Be sure to measure accurately so each element in your design fits its assigned space. Be aware that structures such as decks, patios and retaining walls may require a permit from the local city authority.

You CAN do this. It may sound a bit intimidating but if you follow these steps and let your space unfold you will end up with a space that is right for you.

Arbors Add Beauty to Your Yard

Garden Arbors are a great way to create a welcoming entry to the home or garden. These simple wooden structures can also be both functional and decorative. They can be used to provide an excellent place to sit and enjoy a pleasant garden view on a garden bench or a couple of chairs underneath the shaded canopy of the garden arbor.

Garden arbors are often set up as shaded places in home gardens or public parks where you can relax and rest. The open frameworks are typically made of latticework or rustic work, functioning also as a trellis for climbing or creeping plants like climbing vines, roses or wisteria. In this way you can blend a useful garden accent into your landscaping plan. As has already been said numerous trailing plants such as morning glory, honeysuckle and grape vines will make use of a cleverly placed garden accent such as an arbor. They can be also used near or on decks or patios to expand your entertainment space.

Arbor designs can also be built using different types of materials but I prefer the wooden garden arbors which give you that stately feel and yet blend well with most garden decor. By using woods like western red Cedar that stands up well to our climates harshness because of its natural oils, you can have an arbor that really lasts a long time. You can choose to leave them as is and let them weather to a faded gray or opt to paint or stain it in the color of your choice.

You might want to create your own unique, eye-catching conversation piece that will be the envy of all your neighbors! You can add a unique and personal touch to your garden that you can admire and enjoy for years to come and save a little money.

Creating a small garden arbor is a fairly easy task. The costs can also be reduced if you are patient enough to shop around and compare prices on the materials you use (The wood, deck screws, crushed stone or gravel, washers, bolts and nuts etc.). No Matter which size you plan the same principles apply, although as the size increases so will the scale and the cost. As an example, using two posts for a small arbor may mean using four posts for a large one, as a bigger arbor would need greater support for strength and stability. The scale or size of materials may also need to increase so that it has proper balance.

Whether you make it yourself or buy one make sure it’s made with wood that will stand up well outdoors like western Red cedar as mentioned before or other cedars or Teak.

Make sure also that you strategically place your wood arbor in your yard so as to accentuate your yard's appearance. You can accomplish this by buying a beautiful one that harmonizes with both your outdoor furniture and your outdoor living space.

Garden arbors are not only lovely to look at, they promise to give you a lifetime of enjoyment. Just picture that upcoming wedding underneath your arbor, with the lovely bride and groom holding hands and smiling.

Arbors “by the yard”

Making your Patio Charming and Beautiful

After a long cold winter and as days grow warmer and longer, more and more time will be spent out on your patio. A comfortable patio environment will make sitting outdoors even more enjoyable. Whether you are on a budget or shopping higher end there are endless possibilities.

Here are a few ideas on ways to set up your patio to make it charming and beautiful.

For the small patio or balcony: The first thing is the furniture. You need to choose patio furniture that fits the size of the patio area. Café tables or a bistro set are great idea for a small area. A bar table and patio bar chairs are another great idea for saving space and having a comfortable patio. You need to also add a few potted plants and other favorite outdoor design elements like wind chimes and birdhouses for a perfectly quaint patio.

For larger patio setting: There are many great options. Here we are going to break it down to a covered patio or one without a cover.

In a covered patio a few chairs of differing styles, including comfortable chairs like a chair and ottoman as well as a chaise lounge chair or two for lying down and relaxing. Another great idea is a hammock. They can be hung from the corner of the patio and covered with blankets and pillows to make it a truly comfortable outdoor seating. Here you could have some hanging plants around the perimeter as well as some larger pots of plants or even small trees to give the space a sense of walls and its own space.

For an outdoor patio without cover there are many great choices for patio umbrellas that will coordinate with your outdoor patio furniture and theme. Chaise lounge chairs on an uncovered patio are great too for soaking up some sun. An outdoor grill can be incorporated into the outdoor patio and will provide hours of entertaining. Here as well you need some color to add interest and life. This could be done with flowers planted in a surrounding flower bed as well as the potted and hanging flowers as before. Enjoying the outdoors is so much more pleasant when surrounded by beautiful flower beds.

When choosing your patio furniture there are many types to choose from. Some of the decisions will depend on personal preference and how the furniture will be used. For patio furniture that will cost the least, resin or aluminum patio furniture is a great idea. This furniture however breaks down over time and does not stand up well. For less durable but still elegant options, wicker patio furniture is a great option. It looks great but can be fairly expensive. If you take care of it and bring it in during the winter and cover it when it is not being used it can give you years of use. Wood patio furniture is my favorite and here the two top choices for durability and longevity are cedar and teak. Cedar has natural resins that make it great for standing up to the weather and last a long time and is very cost effective. Teak is the premium wood for outdoor furniture. Because of its natural resins it stands up the longest and stays looking great for years. It too is a little more expensive but because it lasts so long it may cost the least in the long run. When you add cushions to your patio furniture it gives you added comfort which is important if you are using your furniture frequently. Cushions can also add color and style to your patio.

Whenever you purchase anything and patio furniture is no different, choose what you want. Spending your money on something that you quickly will be dissatisfied with will only cost you more in the long run. Make sure it fits your personality and style. With a little design savvy and a few personal touches, your patio will be an area you never want to leave.

Charming Patios “by the yard”

A Simple Solution for Bringing your Landscaping Ideas to Life

There’s nothing better than relaxing outdoors on a warm summer night enjoying your backyard. It is often when I’m doing this that I get ideas of what I would like to do with my yard. Having ideas is great but when it come to doing the work well that can be a lot of effort. Especially if you try re-landscaping your entire backyard during the course of one growing season which can be back breaking, very expensive and requires major planning.

Want a simple solution for bringing your landscaping ideas to life?

Try breaking up your backyard into “rooms” and remodel one room each year. If you’re on a budget this can be especially helpful and you’re results will be much better. Because you will more easily be able to spend the time and money you need to on each project.

This will be much easier than trying to revamp the entire backyard all at once. Although you still should have an overall plan even though you’re landscaping only one section of the yard at a time.

Start by using some graph paper and sketch out the permanent structures on your property including the house, out buildings, deck and trees. Make copies of your sketch and experiment with different designs. Incorporate ideas you like from magazines or gardens you’ve visited. This is also a good time to consider which existing plants and shrubs won’t be a part of the new landscape.

If you like hosting BBQ’s with friends you’ll probably want to keep the center of your yard open with flower beds along the borders. For a more intimate space, you could create island flower beds with walkways in between. Make sure you leave cutouts for a place to relax on some comfortable lawn furniture, and add an accent along the borders with some solar lighting.

Here are some more ideas you may like:

Screening with Plants:
If your yard doesn’t have a fence, you might want to consider planting a row of cedars, juniper, yews, or a combination of these bushes to create privacy. They can also provide a backdrop for future flower beds. You could also use a strategically placed evergreen screen to provide a windbreak from winds or drifting snow in the winter.

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 is huge and it’s hard to know where to start. If you have the room a six foot wide bed in a mainly sunny situation makes a great border garden.

Use 3 or 5 plants for each kind of flower and allow 16”–18” between each plant. Planting an odd number of plants is more visually appealing than an even number. Allow 20”–22” between the different plant groups. Plant flowers that bloom at different times of the year, with the first flowers appearing in April and the last in October. This will keep your border in bloom all summer. Don’t forget to plant them with the tallest ones at the back of the border and 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.

Island Beds:
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.

Water Feature:
Imagine the reflective beauty of a pond or the gentle splashing of a man made waterfall. A pond really adds a lot to a yard and it may be where you want to start but it can cost a fair amount with the liner and pump and stone etc. Make it part of the plan but I would leave it to step two at lest.

Do Your Yard a Favor:
Before you buy any plants, visit your local garden center for advice on drainage and soil preparation. Also, bring a copy of your plan.

Don’t forget by breaking up your backyard into “rooms” and remodeling one room each year you will save yourself some time and energy to enjoy your yard and have something to look forward to next summer.

Bringing Landscaping Ideas to Life “by the yard”