Archive for the 'Landscaping' Category

Jul 28 2011

How To Design Good Water Options

Whether or not or not you are a corporate millionaire, or simply someone with a yard to brighten, designing water choices can do an entire world of wonderful for the format of your land. In spite of everything, there is nothing more soothing than flowing water. A lot of people take a reasonably simplistic strategy to ornament, in order that they miss the point. In any case, whilst you design water options, it’s essential to place some effort and time into it, along with some money.

Water choices aren’t cheap. Establishing a water fountain in your yard, significantly a customized one, can price a lot of and even one thousand’s of dollars. For a large company water characteristic, the vary might be tons of and even tens of thousands. Nonetheless, it is worth it. Indoor water options normally become centers of gathering inside malls, firm headquarters, or public buildings. Exterior custom-made water fountains are numerous essentially the most beautiful, serene locations to ponder the great thing about nature, even if you’re in the midst of a bustling city setting. As long as you may find one factor inside your worth range, I guarantee the expense may be worth it.

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There are all types of learn how to design water features. Many people not at all take into accounts what variety of designs incorporate components of water in them. Customized indoor waterfalls, for instance, hardly ever have a naturalistic look. As a substitute, they often have water flowing over a transparent, glowing surface. When the businesses design water options of this type, delicate performs as much of a job within the design as water, as does the properties of water flowing over a surface. With easy glass, you can present the water a shimmering, sluggish-moving look even when it is shifting down a vertical surface. This may be good for contemplation, in addition to for diffusing mild into the room.

In fact, a great deal of the water characteristic design software program available on the market today is for the easier types. There’s a good motive for this. In case you are an newbie, you’d be increased to make a fountain on your own than one in all these extra formidable designs. Working with glass could possibly be troublesome, and the price of failure will likely be pretty pricey. If you end up working with rocks, tubing, and pumps, it’s simpler to succeed, and almost unimaginable to interrupt your instruments with a mistake. That’s the explanation a lot of the amateurs who design water features go for one thing that seems prefer it could possibly be effervescent from an underground spring.

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Jul 27 2011

Ideas For Glass Tiles

Through the use of low-cost glass tile you can easily achieve a glimpse that is each timeless and classic. Installation is swift and easy if you possess simply the suitable overall amount of know-how and the outcomes can be nicely really worth it if carried out properly. These tiles can be appreciated all through your household although they are most frequently located as kitchen backsplashes or as tiles in the bathroom. Even so you can still discover them in areas or surfaces similar to the pool, shower, table, wall, art or even fireplace.

There are countless suggestions once it comes to glass tiles in the rest room. With this distinct part of the dwelling experiencing a change in standpoint from being simply a useful area and turning into a room that calls for aesthetic appeal. There are a wide variety of employs that go past just the rest room floor. You can intermix them with tiles produced from other supplies such as natural natural stone, and you can even perform approximately with the designs even though targeting within a selected motif. You can use recycled mirrors that has a greenish tinge and wrap them them with white colored ceramics to accent a jungle motif or you can combine glass tiles with steel tiles collectively and perform nearly with an industrial glance. In all instances your inventiveness should often be the only limiting factor so prolonged as you can find the money for it. And frosted glass floor tile isn’t that high-priced at all.

Glass tiles are additionally discovered in places beyond the rest room. Cooking area backsplashes are typically applied as a regular 4-inch large protection from dampness and grease. While beforehand only becoming acknowledged for their functionality and not often their beauty, they can now turn into the layout key attraction of your household kitchen area. Products that you would commonly locate in backsplashes are concrete, normal jewel, metals, mosaics, goblet and ceramics. Nevertheless with translucent glass you can attain a timeless look for your cooking area, all at a cost that will most likely be a portion of what you would commonly expect.

When working with tiles of any size, shape or materials there is often a tendency to remain to conventional styles and types. However with the wide variety of available hues and styles that glass tile happens in, it is impossible not to be capable to play around with layout suggestions once laying them out in your home. Iridescent floor tile on your shower tiles can create a shimmering impact if you have overhead lighting that can recreate that water slide look. You can also stay with impartial tones when employing them in your dwelling to develop a more timeless glance that can last for years.

There are a few essential things to keep in mind just before determining to buy and set up glass mosaic tiles. They can be cheap compared to other flooring or walls supplies, even so porcelain tiles are even now cheaper. Make sure that your choice stays inside of your budget. There are additionally specific kinds of mortar or grout that do not stick adequately to that distinct material so it’s constantly best to seek the advice of with a sales consultant at your nearby household improvement retailer for tips on which form or model brings together nicely with this variety of tile

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Dec 13 2010

Planting A Lawn – 4 Tips For A Great New Lawn

Published by under Landscaping

Planting a lawn can be a daunting task! However, if you take it a step at a time, you can get the job done without feeling overwhelmed. There are four key steps to get your new lawn planted and looking great. Let’s get started!


1. Check your soil


The pH levels of the soil are critical for laying a good foundation for your new yard. You can get soil tester kits from garden supply stores, or you can seek out an experienced landscape company to help you. The key for a great lawn is to have a mildly acid pH level of 6.0 to 7.5


For highly acidic lawns, ground limestone should be added. To increase a point in pH level, 50-100 pounds of limestone should be added per 1000 square feet.


For highly alkaline lawns, sulfur needs to be added at a rate of 20 pounds per 1000 square feet.


Your soil test may indicate the need for additional elements, such as iron or nitrogen. Use standard fertilizers to add the needed level of these nutrients.


All of these additions need to be worked into the soil with rakes or tillers until all clumps and concentrations have been broken down and smoothed out.


2. Decide what kind of grass to grow


Your climate is the major factor for selecting the type of grass for your yard. If your area has cool fall and spring weather, then cool season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue would be a good selection. These grasses can be grown from seed, with a germination period of 14 to 28 days depending on variety.


For areas with warm spring and fall weather, as well as hot summers, consider a warm season grass such as Bermuda or St. Augustine. These grasses grow well throughout the year in warm climates.


3. Decide whether to use seed, sod or plugs


The major factor in choosing seed, sod or plugs is time. If you have lots of time and patience, then planting a lawn with seed is the most economical way to get your lawn started. If you need to get your yard in quickly, sod is the quickest, followed by plugs.


Cool season grasses are best started by seed. Planting in the fall takes advantage of the fall growing season, and allows the new growth to take off in the spring.


Warm season grasses like Bermuda can be started by seed or sod. St. Augustine and Zoysia need to be started by sod or plugs for best results. These grasses need plenty of water to start, but have adapted well to moderate climates that are sometimes quite hot.


4. Water as required based on seed, sod and plugs


For a lawn started by seed, do not over water. Care must be taken not to drown the seeds or wash them away. Once the lawn is established, then watering at the rate of one inch a week will maintain the lawn in good shape.


For a lawn started by sod or plugs, water every other day, particularly in the early weeks. Once the sod has taken root, watering two to three times a week should be enough during the growing season.


Planting a lawn can be a rewarding outlet for you as you landscape your home and property. Follow these tips, and you will find the task straightforward and doable!

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Oct 26 2010

Gardeners Gone Wild: Planting a Wild Flower Garden – Part 2

Published by under Landscaping

I imagine it would be a very nice design to have a wild-flower garden growing a succession of flowers from early spring to late autumn; so let us begin with March, the hepatica, spring beauty and saxifrage. Then we get to April that blooms the lovely columbine, the tiny bluets and wild geranium. Then in May there are the dog-tooth violet and the wood anemone, false Solomon’s seal, Jack-in-the-pulpit, wake robin, blood root and violets. June will find the bell flower, mullein, bee balm and foxglove. I would select the butterfly weed in July. Then turtle head, aster, Joe Pye weed, and Queen Anne’s lace make the other parts of the season beautiful until winter.


Let us talk a bit about the pro’s and cons’s of these plants. Once you start you will keep on increasing to this wild-flower list.


There are not many people that don’t like the hepatica. Prior to the spring has really setting in well, this small bloom puts its head through the soil and puts all others to envy. Placed under a blanket of dry leaves the flowers await rays of good sunshine to bring them out. These sprouting flowers are again guarded by a fuzzy layer. This brings to mind a similar guarding blanket which fresh fern leaves use. In the springtime a hepatica plant leaves no time on growing a new crop of leaves. It keeps its fading ones do until the flower has had its time. Then the fresh leaves, begun to be sure prior to this, have a opportunity to grow. These deferred, are able to assist in the next season. You will locate hepaticas growing in groups, kind of family clusters. They are commonly to be located in very open spaces in the woods. The soil is known to be rich and aired. Therefore these should be planted only in semi shaded spots and under good soil situations. If planted with other types of woods growth give them the advantage of a nicely open spot, that they can gather the early spring sunshine. You should protect hepaticas plants with a light spray of leaves in the autumn. During the ending days of February, unless the weather is immoderate, remove this leaf covering altogether. You will see the hepatica flowers all set to push up their heads.


The loveliness of spring rarely lets the hepatica to get ahead of it. With a white bloom which has fine traces of pink, a narrow, wiry stem, and thin, grass like foliage, this spring bloom won’t be mistaken. You will see spring blooms growing in large areas in very spaced out places. Plant an amount of the roots and let the sun have a good possibility to shine on them. For this plant adores the sunshine.


The next March bloom spoken of is the saxifrage. This requires a very a different type of surrounding. It is a plant which thrives in dry and rocky areas. Sometimes you can locate it in cracks of a rock.

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Oct 23 2010

Using Iron As Your Metal Of Choice In Your Garden

Published by under Landscaping

If you are looking to decorate your patio in style you should opt for an iron umbrella stand. The type and style of furniture you choose will set the tone for your garden. Not only that but you will have chosen a material that is very resistant to adverse weather and is easy to maintain. A little bit of maintenance on a regular basis is all that is needed to keep your furniture looking fantastic.


When you choose iron as your material of choice it means you can add to your garden furniture collection at your leisure. You do not need to buy all the pieces at once as each individual piece will blend in when it is made of the same material. So in addition to your iron umbrella stand you can also choose some chairs, a table and perhaps even a sun dial.


If you don’t like the modern look you can find reproductions of antiques as well as the actual antique pieces themselves if you are willing to travel around various auction houses. You can paint the pieces black, white or perhaps even a color. Most modern furniture manufacturers can reproduce the intricate designs of by gone eras and it is often hard to tell the difference. Often you can only tell when you pick up the actual piece as the weight gives it away.


No matter whether you go for a bistro look or the full table and six chairs, an iron umbrella stand will blend in with either a wood or iron suite. Just make sure that the base you buy can support the umbrella size as you don’t want it toppling over onto your guests. You want them to talk about your evening’s entertainment because they had a fantastic time not because they were nearly crushed by a falling patio umbrella!

To find out what else you may be missing, or don’t know about the iron umbrella stand and other types of umbrella stands, join us on our website, http://www.outdoorumbrellastand.org/iron-umbrella-stand-19/

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Oct 14 2010

Garden – Prep for Next Year

Published by under Landscaping

Flower Garden and Rose Garden




  • Be consistent with what you do in the garden – watering, weeding & cutting. Using Blood Meal sprinkled around the edge of the garden has deterred rabbits from eating the plants in the garden each year.
  • After spring rains, we seem to have had a dry spell. I watered daily the backyard Flower Garden and side Rose Garden. Some days morning and night due to the heat of high 80′s. In hotter temperatures, “It becomes even more important that plants get one inch of water a week. If thy don’t get it from Mother Nature, they need to get it from your hose.”
  • On the Rose Garden had to use Rose Defense for insects. Still had problems with the Japanese Beetle. A previous neighbor told me that the Japanese Beetle is attracted to the Birch trees that are next door. Sprayed but not sure if it detracted the Beetle. For fertilizer I used Bayer Rose Food, per a local florist suggestion.
  • The back Flower Garden: Geraniums did very well. A dahlia sort of petered out in September. Begonias did very well. Although I tried to start 3 Begonias from scratch(from a bulb). Only one grew to flower. Squirrels seem to like the bulb. Even though 2 had grown all most medium in size, the squirrel dug it out of the pot. Impatiens did very well but in the fall are the first of the plants to die due to frost.
  • Planting of a tomato plant grew and yielded 8 big sized and 4 small tomatoes. Verified with a florist that you have to plant a tomato plant in a different spot each due to the plant draws out of the soil the minerals. Need to fertilize each year.
  • In October, I still have 2 green tomatoes. Whether it’s vegetables or flowers, you have to keep the dead parts cut off. Insects should be picked off plants also.
  • Plant in the fall daffodil bulbs into the garden where you want them.. Also, be sure to plant the Casablanca Lily and any Oriental Lily bulbs. I was told by a Garden store that both daffodil and lily bulbs like the freeze and thaw of winter and spring for blooming. All 10 Lily bulbs bloomed this (the second) year a pretty pink color.


I choose different kinds of annual plants each year in a variety of colors. With weather conditions gardening is always a challenge.

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Oct 13 2010

How To Buy Cheap Garden Furniture

Published by under Landscaping

If you like being in your garden and want a set of garden furniture in order to take advantage of the beautiful summer weather, it can be quite depressing when you go out to look at the prices of garden furniture, particularly if you are on a budget. And who is not on a budget these days? However, there is a way to obtain cheap garden furniture and still end up with something that you can be proud of.


I would like you to be very wary of lies. I have just finished reading an advert offering an ‘authentic teak (garden furniture) set’ that normally sells for about $4,500 for $29.97! Anybody that believes this sort of rubbish is a sad individual indeed. Later on in the advert, they admit that the timber is not teak, but is ‘constructed of hardwoods similar to teak’.


In fact, I do not believe that either. The writer has already told one lie and so is of course deceitful. If ever you find a hole in someone’s advertising you ought to look elsewhere, especially on the Internet and particularly if the shop is not in your town so that you cannot go and verify it.


Regrettably, there are lots of liars on the Internet and they are giving the honest merchants a bad reputation. Many of them live in poor countries which have little or no Internet or business regulation. Places like Eastern Europe, China, Africa, South America and South-Eastern Asia.


If the level of English in the advertisement is poor, go elsewhere. It is a pity for the honest person who does not speak English well, but safer for you. Another check would be to send the owner an email.


If they do not reply, give them a wide birth. If they do respond, check their Internet Provider’s (IP) address. The IP address is a group of four numbers and the first group gives the country of origin of the email.


Be very careful of offers that appear to be too good to be true. Rich people buy teak patio furniture at $4,500. Why do they pay that much? Because the best teak furniture costs that much. How can rich people afford that much? Because they have decent jobs. How do they get good jobs? Because they are not stupid. If you could buy genuine teak furniture for $29.97, they would have it too.


So, if you can only afford to buy cheap garden furniture, buy the best quality plastic furniture that you can afford and do not get sucked in by these thieves that are trying to con you that you can have a top of the range hardwood garden furniture set for $30. You cannot; and never will be able to; and probably never have been able to either.

Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on a variety of subjects, but is now involved with large dining tables. If you would like to know more, please visit our website at Solid Oak Dining Tables.

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Jul 20 2010

Hiring Tree Trimming Services For Your Lawn

Published by under Landscaping

Trees found all around your house and property could be dangerous to you and your family if they grow next to the electric lines. You might not even realize that the tree in your backyard has engulfed the high power chords, entering your home. If there happen to be a storm or heavy rains, then it could be lethal to the life of the people in that house. The possible short circuit could cause terrible explosions and fires. In this case, the companies offering tree trimming services become very important and valuable.


Why trim trees?: There are various reasons for trimming trees. Firstly, well-trimmed trees add to the beauty of the landscape. If you have unwanted growth of trees all over, then the garden does not look aesthetically beautiful. Trimming trees also improve the health of the trees. It is important to cut off the dead and decaying branches. The tree could be causing an obstruction in the driveway or pathway to your house. Thus, you will need to trim it down so that there is free passage.


Why hire services: Some people take up such jobs on themselves. They hire some equipment, which they know nothing about. With half-baked knowledge, they feel they can handle the situation in their backyard and deal with all kinds of tree problem. What they do not realize is that it is a specialized function and not everyone can trim trees. You need to have some basic skill and knowledge to prune trees. Following the safety measures is very important too. Tree trimming services has not become a business just for the thrill of it. They mean serious work.


Professional services: If you face any kind of tree related problems, it is best to look to experts for help. With their professional services, your problems will be over in the best possible way. There are plenty of companies providing such services. It will not be difficult for you to find one near your house. If not, then you can just search for companies that offer trimming services over the Internet. I assure you that you will get a list of companies with their contacts that will be happy to help you.


Services offered: The services offered by such companies include tree pruning or trimming, cutting, lumber removal, stump removal, landscaping, etc. Some of them even undertake to clear off the mess after a storm. The companies could also provide advice on landscaping and tree grooming.


Several such companies provide services in mountainous regions or areas that are highly prone to tornadoes, hurricanes or storms. They have their own specialized equipment like saws and chain saws and ropes. Apart from that, such companies have their trucks and cranes needed to pick the lumber and tree branches.


They train people to work in different weather conditions, and give them knowledge about how to handle different issues related to trees. People working with such tree trimming services companies know how to handle emergencies due to storms and hurricanes. Companies that offer services to maintain and protect trees provide professional services. They are experts in handling all issues related to trees and their services are valuable.

G. Smitty is a writer who loves to discuss many topics ranging from tree trimming equipment to professional basketball. Thanks for reading!

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Jul 05 2010

Retaining Walls For Residential and Commercial Property

Published by under Landscaping

A retaining wall is an artificial structure which serves to resist the pressure of soil when a change in ground elevation exceeds the angle of repose. Not only will a well-constructed wall properly support sloping earth, it will also serve as an effective means of draining water runoff and reducing hydrostatic pressure.


The most common of these structures is a cantilever wall, which is a freestanding barrier with no lateral support at the top. Normally, retaining walls are cantilevered from a footing extending up past the grade on one side and holding back a higher level grade on the opposite side. They must be planned and constructed to resist pressures from both soil and water. Another notable type of wall is an anchored retaining wall, which is supported by anchors deep in the earth behind the wall (into the slope). Soil nailing is a technique that can be employed to further reinforce a retaining wall. Soil nailing is an economical technique for stabilizing slopes and for constructing retaining walls from the top down. This ground reinforcement process uses steel tendons which are drilled and grouted into the soil to create a composite mass similar to a gravity wall.


Planning and design is essential when placing retaining walls, recognizing that their sole purpose is to restrict the natural movement of soil down slope due to gravity. Pressures are lowest at the top of the wall and dramatically increase toward the base. Improper installation of a retaining wall can lead to tipping or complete collapse due to the differences in force on the wall’s surface.


A retaining wall can be constructed using a variety of materials, from stones and concrete blocks, to wood planks and logs. The height and materials of the wall are determined based on a number of conditions. Among the most important factors when considering materials and placement are: the proposed height of the wall, the type of soil to retain behind the wall, the angle of the slope, and whether any objects of significant weight are located on the slope (structures, vehicles, etc). It is also very important to make sure a drainage solution is in place for the soil above the wall. When the soil absorbs moisture from watering or rainfall, the stress on the retaining wall increase dramatically. Without proper drainage, the wall will be more susceptible to collapse, sliding or tipping, which can be a very costly and potentially hazardous situation.


By far, the most common uses for these walls are parking lots and driveways, but they can also be used to support outdoor patios or border an in-ground pool. Whether the property is residential or commercial, sometimes the contours of the landscape limit the options for the path of a driveway, or the elevation and size of a parking lot. The use of these walls allow driveways and parking lots to exist where it would ordinarily not be possible.


As we all know, functionality doesn’t always mean appearance has to suffer. Stone, concrete and wood (the most common materials for construction of a retaining wall) can nicely accent a property, and also can serve as a foundation for a variety of unique landscaping opportunities that ordinarily would not present themselves. A wall can be constructed in a series of steps or levels, allowing a unique creative outlet for planting shrubs, flowers, and other decorative elements that will add depth and attractiveness. Stepped walls have also proven to be a more effective form of erosion control.

Landscapes R Us, a local residential and commercial landscaping service provider in High Point, NC, specializes in retaining wall design and placement.

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Jun 13 2010

Landscaping Ideas to Maximize Space in a Small Yard

Published by under Landscaping

Create a schematic design for your yard. Even if you are not artistically inclined, a good way to visualize your end project is to plan ahead. The scale and design of your plan may be simple or elaborate, keep in mind the overall dimension of your landscape and existing plant or hardscape material. You may already have outdoor furniture, equipment, or sitting spaces. Creating an entirely new landscape is one option or incorporating existing elements into your plan is a second option.


Design elements. There are seven design elements, but the five most important are: texture, color, size, shape, and direction. Consider theses elements when choosing plant species. Plantings can be grouped together or provide a nice border path. Purchasing plants that are dwarf varieties or have moderate growth would also benefit a smaller landscape.


Design principles. A few design principles are also helpful when planning your final design. These include: balance, rhythm/harmony, unity, contrast, focal points, and repetition. All of the natural and synthetic materials in your landscape should work together in a cohesive manner. You may want a specimen tree as the main focal point or create plant groupings throughout, leading your eye around a smaller space. In any case, plant height and placement are vital factors within your plan. Any hardscape materials used should compliment your new plantings.


What activities will be going on in the space? If you answer only one question this would be the most important. This will determine how the space will be utilized. Will it be a place for entertaining, gardening, relaxing, playing, or all the above? Keep in mind square footage and how much space is adequate for running around or how a 20′ x 20′ entertaining patio would be incorporated into the final scheme. Whatever the reasoning, plot out specific dimensions and leave at least a few feet along lot lines for future plantings or fencing.


Which plants would you like to see here? You may consider planting a fruit tree or shade tree in your yard. Another option would be seasonal gardens with evergreen borders. You may also consider an all native landscape. Whichever plants you choose keep in mind the light, water, maintenance, and growth requirements. You should also think about grouping similar plants with each other, maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing your maintenance routine. Sunlight, shade requirements, and drainage will also be determining factors in the final placement of plant species. Consider where each plant grows best and will thrive once planted.


Which plants should be kept in your landscape? You may have specimen trees, shrubs, or gardens in your yard. If they are in the way of your final design scheme, consider moving them to an alternate location in your yard. All because they were in one location to begin with doesn’t mean you have to keep them there or completely remove them from your landscape.

Charlie Allen
BS Horticultural Science, NC State University
Operations Manager
Green Biz Nursery and Landscaping, Inc
3769 Wilmington Hwy.
Fayetteville, NC 28306
(910) 323-8811
http://www.greenbiznursery.com

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