by Kent Higgins
Having landscaping and maintaining it, can be a costly endeavor. Even the most perfect yard can end up being a source of aggravation instead of being pleasurable-if it is more expensive than you can maintain and upkeep.
Knowing a few helpful tips, can save you time and headache without sacrificing the beauty and look of your landscaping.
Make A Plan
As with any major purchase, you should plan a budget before you spend any money on landscaping. You could end up with things you do not want or need,and this mistake can be costly.
Start by making a rough sketch of what type of landscape you would like to have. The next thing you need to find out is what you need to make it possible. When you need advice about landscaping, you can look on the Internet for various websites which can give you a host of ideas. Gardening stores and home improvement warehouses have people on hand who can point you in the right direction as well.
Once you have thoroughly researched your ideas, and know what you want, you can begin spending, and not have to worry about wasting money on things you do not want or need.
Buying Things A Little At A Time
Your plan should allow for a time frame, which is needed when you install each phase of your landscape. Many people cannot afford to spend all the money needed at one time. Making a plan, will allow you to work on your project in phases and buy what you need a bit at a time, when you need it. Having the finances worked out in phases lets you avoid make home improvements and purchasing things on credit.
Quality First
It is good to keep in mind that although something may be cheaper, it is not always better. If the quality is not compromised, then buying a cheaper item is a better idea. However, some stores are staffed with experts who will share their knowledge for free. So, it is very important for you to ask a lot of questions. If you are not experienced at landscaping, you can save money over time by spending extra effort getting better service, help and good advice.
Check Your Plants
If you are purchasing your plants at a bigger “box” store, you just need to be especially careful to check your plants. You need to be wary of diseases and insect problems. These stores really do not take notice of their plants and provide the same care as a nursery would. If your plant is diseased, you will have to make another purchase if it dies and that is money you do not need to spend. Furthermore, when diseases or pests are present, they can invade your other landscape plants. Many reputable nurseries will offer a warranty and exchange plants free of charge if you have any problems.
Buy During A Sale
When you plan ahead for your landscaping ahead of time, you can determine which phase needs to be accomplished first. You can get lumber in the wintertime when it is less expensive and store it until you are ready to use it. But as many trees, shrubs, plants and mulch as you can in season, when the prices are lower. In many places if you wait until October, you can make maintenance purchases and still have extra time to winter proof your landscape. Watch out for sales at local nurseries and find great plants at lower prices this way.
Other Alternatives
It can also be a worthwhile endeavor to pursue alternative sources. Stores are not the only place that sell plants and landscaping items. You can order from a catalog service or search online as well. You can even join a gardening club and get a great price on many items and some useful advice in the process.
Try to make a plant exchange in your neighborhood. Certain cities also offer lower priced or free mulch and compost. Check with local construction or demolition sites that may have free stones and bricks available.
Cost Sharing Approach
Your neighbor may also be interested in sharing the costs of making landscaping improvements. If you both network and pool resources, you can find some great deals on items by buying in bulk, and everyone can benefit from the cost savings. At the same time, you can share or split the rental fees for machinery like tillers, chippers and soil aerators. Everyone can chip in a few bucks, and work out a schedule so that everyone has a chance to use the machinery. These are just a few tips to help save money on your landscaping project.
By being creative in your landscaping plan and learning a few money saving tips, you can maintain your costs at a bearable level and create a wonderful, enjoyable, and affordable landscape for your backyard.
by Spencer Wilkins
When it comes to furniture for outdoors in the garden there are many different materials from which it can be made. However, one material that seems to be proving popular although it is also the most expensive is furniture that is made from teak wood. In this article we take a look at some of the reasons why teak outdoor garden furniture is proving so popular these days.
Reason 1 - Teak wood has a large amount of rubber in its structure and this makes it naturally resistant to what the elements are likely to throw at it from wind, water, heat and frost. Also because it has its own natural oils inside the wood this makes it resistant to damage by insects as well. This is a very durable wood and can cope with all kinds of weather and won’t need much maintenance over the years.
Reason 2 - Unlike other types of wooden garden furniture the ones made from teak don’t actually need to have any oils or polishes applied to retain its looks. But as the wood can often turn a grey color in the intervening years many people prefer to apply a good quality teak oil to prevent this.
However, if the teak furniture is not cared for over time the natural oils in the wood become depleted and this can lead to the surface of the furniture being damaged. Along with the surface becoming rough, cracks may appear allow the right environment in which fungus can develop. It may be several years before you feel that your teak garden furniture needs maintaining, but if you care for it properly then it will last for years to come. Below in another part of this article we look at the types of things one can do to care for teak outdoor garden furniture.
Reason 3 - As unlike other woods when it comes into contact with metals teak does not allow rust or corrosion to form and which could actually effect the furniture’s stability. Therefore combining teak and metal means that you can opt for a more unique style of garden furniture if you want.
Reason 4 - Caring for teak wood is much easier than any other kinds of wood or metal for that fact. To maintain it one needs to just regularly wash the furniture down using a scrubbing brush (soft) and some warm soapy water that contains a very mild detergent in it. The other tool you can use to clean off the dirt from teak outdoor garden furniture is a high pressure sprayer, but make sure that you use the gentlest setting possible.
Teak wood which has not been properly maintained and becomes weathered and mildew allowed to develop on it can only be returned to its former glory using a specialist cleaning product. These contain chemicals that will not only remove the dirt but kill off the fungus and mildew that has developed on the wood. To use them you need to be wearing a good pair of protective gloves, do the work in a space that is well ventilated and away from areas where it can do damage or where people are like to be.
After you have been able to remove all the dirt etc. and the wood has been able to dry out completely it is advisable to apply a teak sealer to the wood. There are many different ones around that are suitable for using on teak outdoor garden furniture. Some can be applied using a foam brush whilst others come in a spray form, but both types allow the wood to absorb as much of the sealer as they need. Two coats need to be applied and this should be done on the same day and any excess should be removed by wiping with a clean cloth following the second coat being applied.
About the Author:
As one can see there are many advantage to picking
teak outdoor garden furniture instead of other materials such as plastic. one may also want to consider buying a
shed so one have some storage space for oner furniture should it be needed.
Spencer Wilkins on November 28th 2008 in Gardening
by Kent Higgins
Building costs today make large houses prohibitively expensive, but you can extend your living space by making full use of your outdoor space. Even your indoor spaces can look larger when they overlook a beautiful lawn and garden. Using glass walls, decks, and other tricks can help achieve this effect, as can using outdoor terraces to increase the usefulness of the space.
There are many strategies for making your terrace, garden, or lawn more livable. Fences, vines, shrubbery, shade trees, and beautiful flowers can make your outdoor space perfect for entertaining and relaxing. When planning your yard or creating a terraced area, you may want to consider installing an electric outlet, which can be used for running lights, a radio, or other amenities that will make your outdoor space more versatile. Installing the outlet now will be a lot easier than when your yard is well established. A barbecue or fireplace can add the excitement of dining outdoors.
One way to liven up your garden is to install a terraced area with a vine roof grown on a lattice. Grape vines can be an excellent solution, and have the added bonus of providing delicious fruit. Other vines which will grow quickly to fill in the space, like hyacinth or gourd vines, can also work for a lattice roof. These will provide a nice cool area during the hot summer months.
If you decide on a terrace to help make use of your outdoor space, try not to make the terraced area stand out in stark contrast to the rest of your yard. One way to blend the two spaces together is to add greenery near the edges of your terrace. This can be accomplished with a variety of flowers or vines in pots, baskets, or other containers. Growing plants on your terrace can help it seem more a part of your garden.
If the bare walls of your house seem harsh when compared with your lush green yard, soften the lines and disguise the material of your walls with pots of plants, blossoming shrubs, or small trees planted right next to the walls. Create interest by combining items at different heights instead of using only short plants or tall trees. These can help blend your walls with the terrace and surrounding yard.
If your terrace is frequently used by everyone in the family, consider adding a small pool. Add a roof to provide some shade from the summer sun. You can use a variety of materials including wood, corrugated plastic, metal, or glass. Glass is one of the best options because it lets sunlight in, but will keep you dry in case of rain. The “parasol” roof can be an excellent choice in hot climates. This roof extends from the walls of the house 4 feet or more, providing some shade.
Outdoor backyard spaces will get much more use if it is more accessible from inside your home. Adding a door from inside can make it easier to use this outdoor space, instead of walking around the outside of your house. Adding a terrace off a porch, or a pathway surrounded by landscaping plants leading to the terrace, can increase its usefulness. Hard flooring or a serving counter on the terrace can also increase the amount of time you will use it.
An attractive terrace with a roof, fireplace, and low wall can be quite useful. In fact, as a replacement for plain grass, terraces are an excellent idea. Providing shelter from the elements can help make your outdoor space much more useful. Shelter can increase the season for outdoor living into the early spring and late fall.
by Percy J Mower
Here are some tips on gardening which have worked for me very well. There is a wide range of information available on the internet, gardening clubs, books, magazines and the local nursery which could provide you with valuable guidance on your first attempt at gardening. Some of the most important things to consider are,how much sunlight can you expect for your plot,what type of fertilizers you should use, the mulch and the type of soil. You would also want to know the kind of tools that you require plus the type of tiller and watering system which are required to give you best results.
It willl save you time in the long run if you write out a plan of your garden before you start. Discuss it with a friend and see if they have any ideas you can add.
The way you have prepared your soil can decide whether you succeed in your gardening efforts. Remember that different plants need different types of soil. Using organic fertilizers for vegetables and herbs can help greatly and contributes towards the natural flavor of the food. A good compost or even wood chip mulch is preferred over the ordinary fertilizer.
Having a backyard compost heap is a great idea. Though fresh home brew compost is an excellent source of nutrition for your vegetable and herb garden, it may not always be possible. Mulch is a good substitute for a home compost mixture but make sure to use the softer woods like redwood or pine because the faster it breaks down the better. Whatever you use, mulch, compost or fertilizer, just make sure that they are mixed well.
Lay the plants on top of the soil to check once and for all how your garden would ultimately look like. I believe that plants having similar characteristics should be planted together. For example, any plant with a large girth should be clubbed with other plants with similar characteristics. Then have the taller plants in the back and the shorter ones in the front to maximize space; this makes it easy to see everything.
Depending on the size of your garden watering can be hard work. An automatic watering system is a wise alternative, if you want your garden to grow on its own. Your automatic watering system can either be a huge sprinkling system to a small timer which is attached to the hose. Gardening can be an engaging and rewarding pastime which gives you pleasure, beauty and of course, food.
Sam Kelly on November 26th 2008 in Gardening
by Wayne Powell
So you require a outdoor shed to keep your outdoor items decently protected. You have browsed around to see whats available, but you just cant ascertain one that suits your needs. Well, thats no problem. You can establish one yourself ,even if you’re not a carpenter. All that is involved is ,for you to follow some quick and simple step by step plans, and you will have it constructed in no time.
Part One
Is to control where you want to build it. You require to have a indicated region projected out before you start out. What space you have open will ensure the maximum size you can establish it.
Step two
Once you know your exact size its a respectable idea to raw sketch what you want. There are many home improvement stores that you can take your outline to. They will outline up your storage shed plan for you, matching to the specs you provide them with. They will also supply you with a list of materials that you will require. So now, your shed plans will be ready and they will provide you with a guide on how to perform each step.
Part Three
Buy the materials you will need as well-defined in your plan. its a great idea to have everything at hand so you dont have to keep going to you local store for supply materials once you start building.
Part Four
You are now ready to commence. Level your ground and prepare to lay the foundation. You would have already decided whether you are going to have a wood plank floor or concrete slab type.
Step Five
Next comes the side walls. Set Up your items away that you are going to use for this. It is advisable to build the walls on the ground then lift them into place once they are together. Just follow your guide for the how to directions.
Step Six
Now its time to begin work the roof. Start constructing by building your trusses. So make one and then use it as a template for the rest. Remember to double check with your instructional guide on how to build the trusses.
Step Seven
Your garden shed should be taking on some shape. Its time to establish the end walls. How you do this will count on what you have picked out in your plans. Be sure to stay with your original plans.
Step Eight
Now you are getting down to the closing steps. The trim is just as critical as the rest of your construction. Its what gives it that dressed look so dont scrimp here.
Step Nine
Your last 2 steps are applying the shingles for the roof then treating the wood. This is a very crucial step so listen up: The wood must have some kind of protective coating on it to protect it from the weather and rotting. This can be varnish, stains or paints whatever is your preference.
Part Ten
Finally you have fulfilled the basic outline All thats left is to sit back and admire your completed storage shed. If you hadnt built it yourself you might actually think it was a professional store bought shed kit.
Wayne Powell on November 25th 2008 in Gardening
by Kent Higgins
The walkways you install into your landscape can make your garden more accessible, retain its beauty, and ad to the overall design. They are an integral part of your garden’s look and feel. Functionally, walkways offer a path through your garden that allow people to traverse them without disturbing the plants, grass, and other things you’ve set out for them to enjoy. It doesn’t take long for the places where people often tread to start to look trampled and faded if there are no walkways to protect it.
The beauty of walkways comes from the aesthetic mix of both the materials used and the shapes they and the walkway’s path take. Just as color can make them match or clash with the overall ambiance of your garden, their shape can either cut through the design or flow with it beautifully.
There are a variety of materials to make walkways from, each with its own design elements and functional properties. Interlocking concrete blocks and cobble-stone style bricks are the most popular choices. A bed of either heavy sand or small-pebbled gravel is usually laid and then the interlocking bricks are hammered into place using a wooden or rubber mallet. Bricks are laid in a similar fashion, being pressed together and tamped into place to firmly set them. This “floating” foundation allows the ground to heave with frost or moisture without dislocating the pathway.
Walkways are so integral to the design of a well-made garden than they are usually planned right from the beginning sketches and drawings before work even begins. Elements like bordering flowerbeds, concrete or rock edges, or bark strips are common walkway enhancers, defining the path’s edges for the eye.
Well-made walkways will have a slope or “crown” to them (a hump in the middle) that allows water to drain off so that it does not puddle on the walkway. This makes the walkway safer to traverse, cleaner, and keeps puddles from forming for mosquitoes to congregate in. The bricks and stones used are usually well-textured so that they have a good frictional quality to give a good grip when walking on them, minimizing slipping and dangerous falls.
Other common elements that are included in walkways are casual seating areas (benches, platforms, etc.), handrails for bridges or raised areas, or lighting elements for nighttime ambiance, and perhaps a great pool background to enhance the whole area. Other additions such as bird baths, feeders, squirrel hutches, pet-friendly plants, and other additions can make lively animals move in and around the walkway to give great entertainment and life to the gardens around the walkway.
by Kent Higgins
Climbing vines can make a beautiful, not to mention useful, addition to your garden. They can help screen areas that need more privacy. If you have close neighbors, you can grow vines along a fence to block the view. This also works near the street, where flowering vines can help block some of the traffic noise, and provide you with a little privacy in your yard.
Flowering vines are also a beautiful feature for your garden. You can train them to grow up a trellis or arbor, or use the rain gutters of your home. They will grow up porch or carport supports, mailbox posts, or other vertical pots. Around your doorway, try growing beautiful trailing vines, which will add a romantic touch to your home.
There are many different climbing and flowering vines to choose from. Each creates its own display of flower blooms and colors. Some will grow to be thirty or even forty feet long, while others stay at a five or six foot height. Consider where you will be growing the vine before choosing one to suit your needs. Some grow very aggressively, and they can overwhelm your garden or topple a flimsy trellis. Others are quite content in a small area, to decide where you plant to grow the vine before choosing one.
There are both annual and perennial types of flowering vines. However, keep in mind that even the annual vines drop seeds in the fall and resprout from these seeds in the spring, so you will have beautiful vines growing year after year.
Planting beautiful vines does not need much maintenance or care. Don’t be surprised if they suffer from transplant shock for a week or two after you plant them, but they should recover quickly and begin climbing right away. If you’re growing young vines, you may need to train them to figure out where they should be climbing. Once they begin growing, though, they should be able to figure it out on their own. You’ll need to water them if you don’t receive enough rainfall, and occasionally remove old flower blooms or prune the vines to get the shape you’d like. Other than that, your beautiful flowering vines do not require much from you.
If you’d like to try flowering vines in your yard, you might want to take a look at Morning Glories, Jasmine, Clematis, Hydrangea, or Bougainvillea.
