Backyard Inspirations, garden bed, gardening

0

What to Plant in Your Backyard: Getting the Best Return for Your Effort

Although you may have your own thoughts and preferences about what vegetables would be best to grow in your garden, our backyard garden ideas will help you get the best return for your effort.

You need to make sure that you have enough space in your backyard garden. If space is limited for a vegetable garden in your backyard, you should reconsider which crops are best and easy to grow. You should also know which seeds are expensive to buy. Here is a look at some of the best vegetables to plant in your backyard.

backyard garden ideas
Pictured above is OLT’s 6×3 Raised Garden Bed with Trellis. Click the image to view the product page.

Peas: When spring comes, one of the first crops you should plant is peas. Also, it is one of the first you can harvest with a short season of about 60 days. For this crop, you need well-drained soil and large planters and raised garden beds as they do well in these. You should also have a medium-height trellis of about 3 to 4’ for the peas to climb.

You can sow them directly into the ground from seeds and make sure that you sow them thickly. But you can also sprout peas indoors, which helps in ensuring success when conditions are damp. You can extend the harvest by staggering the planting time every 2 weeks. Peas are a poignant choice as they benefit your soil’s health by fixing nitrogen.

Peas are also delicious with rice. Peas are healthy and scrumptious. There are not too many meals better than a meal with rice, peas and some beef, that is a fantastic and healthy meal.

Broccoli: A member of the Brassica family, broccoli is a highly valued vegetable due to its nutritional value as well as long productivity period. It is also quite expensive to buy. Over winter, broccoli can provide new shoots with smaller-sized clusters of the veggie which is marvelous to have during the cold season. You should sow broccoli into the ground directly from the seed, or you could also sow them in small starter pots, depending on the space you have.

Experts recommend starter pots as they make it easier to protect the seedlings from slugs and birds and you can move them indoors in harsh weather conditions until they become strong enough to be transplanted in the outdoors. You should put brassica crops on different beds every year, meaning you should rotate them each year.

With mayonnaise, broccoli is spectacular.

Lettuce: When it comes to lettuce, there are a number of varieties available. You can plant large, head-forming lettuces like butterhead and iceberg single file in rows, which is marvelous and makes mulching easy. On the other hand, you can plant smaller leafy varieties thickly in 24” wide swaths for a great self-mulching effect. You can also intersperse small lettuce transplants throughout the garden wherever you have space.

‘Bolting’ is a common problem when it comes to lettuce and it takes place when the plant goes to seed and the leaves cease to grow. Bolting occurs when temperatures are consistently too high. If you want to stop bolting from happening in your garden, make sure that you plant your lettuce in a shaded area or plant them next to other crops that can provide shade, such as tomatoes.

Your salads will be scrumptious with your own lettuce. On top of this, your burgers and ham sandwiches and so on will be outstanding with your own lettuce as well.

Tomatoes: Everyone loves tomatoes and there are quite a few varieties that you can choose from such as paste, table, and cherry tomatoes. You will need to provide tall stakes which you should set when you transplant the plant. You can also use small wire cages.

No matter which one you use, you will need to tie the plants gently to the stakes as they slowly grow. If you want your tomatoes to do well, you should keep their leaves dry. You can construct a simple shelter to cover the plants with clear plastic sheeting – you can leave the sides open. You can keep rain from wetting the lower leaves with a layer of mulch. This will also help the upper soil retain moisture.

That turkey sandwich never tasted so good with your own tomatoes making every bite that much more fresh and tantalizing.

Peppers: Peppers are easy to grow and commonly planted early in small pots. You can then transplant them when the weather becomes warm enough outside. If you see any small peppers forming on transplants, make sure that you pick them off or it will stunt the plant growth.

You should also pick the green peppers when they reach size – this will help in stimulating new fruiting and increasing each plant’s yield. Leave a plant or two unpicked if you want the peppers to become sweet and turn yellow or red in color – however, keep in mind that fewer peppers will be produced in such plants.

You can do so much with the pepper it is just incredible. The only limit really is your imagination.

If you want to grow vegetables that give you a hefty yield as a reward for your efforts, the five mentioned above are some of the best choices. Spring is just around the corner and it is time to start thinking about what will go into your backyard veggie garden.

There is nothing like knowing that you are eating the freshest produce that you have planted and grown yourself. With these plants, you can have a fantastic harvest and have the healthiest foods in your kitchen every day. Check out more vegetables that you can grow in your backyard and start planting ASAP!

Read More

gardening, How to

0

How to Add Water Features to Your Backyard Garden

Water is the ultimate source of life and every living being requires it. Water is also very soothing. The sound of falling of water or a standing bowl of water is so peaceful. Adding a water feature in your backyard garden will not only benefit the flora and fauna, but also your soul.

Many people avoid adding a water feature in their backyard because they assume it is difficult and requires a lot of effort and time. On the contrary, there are some simple ways to add water to your garden – here are a few of those ways.

Concrete Basins Shaped Like a Leaf

Invest in concrete basins that are shaped like a leaf. This design will blend nicely with your garden. Place the basins strategically amid lush greenery. You can even add fish to the basin if you like, you can get fish that live in stagnant water and eat up any mosquito larvae that thrive in the water. These will keep the water clean as well. You can also add a few floating plants like a lotus.

backyard

Place terracotta pavers under the basin to create a supporting platform. Make the platform large enough to hold the basin as well as other potted plants. You can place ferns and flowering plants around the basin to make your own little oasis.

Don’t be surprised if birds, dragonflies, and frogs make their home around the concrete basin.

Rectangular Pond

If you have the time, create a small rectangular pond in your garden. The pond will become the focal point, so landscape your garden around the pond. You don’t always have to add Koi to the pond, but you can if you wish.

One of the best ways to decorate your pond is by placing a few boulders in it. If you are doing this, aerate the water with a pump so that the boulders or stones do not get mossy. Then add a few turtles. You can sit back and enjoy the turtles basking in the sun while the dragonflies play hide-and-seek with the shimmering and reflecting water.

Be creative with your landscaping. You can create a tropical paradise by planting tropical plants in the backdrop of the pond. Place other green and flowering plants around the pond. If you want to hear the music of flowing water, just add a bubbler to the pond. You will be in heaven each time you hear the tinkling sound that the water makes. You can even add a small pump to create the sound that flowing water makes. If you live on a busy street, this is an excellent idea as it will drown the noise of the traffic.

The pond can function as a reflecting pool where you can sit down and watch the clouds mirrored in the water. Just staring in the water will rejuvenate you and also give you answers you seek.

Backyard Birdbath

If you are not the type to go through the motions of installing a pond, don’t worry. You can press the button for a simple birdbath. You will find birdbaths in any garden store in your neighborhood. Just place it strategically, preferably in a place where you can view it from your windows. It will be soothing to see the shimmering water or watch the birds frolic in the water.

You can frame the birdbath with some contrasting potted plants to add more color and dimension to the area. You can accent the birdbath with some oak-leaf hydrangea, if you like. Or, toss in a few glass balls, they will float in the water and create beautiful reflections each time sun rays hit them.

Place miniature fruit plants around the birdbath so that birds have plenty to eat. Also, these miniature fruit plants will give the area the look and feel of an oasis.

Copper Urn

Place a copper urn in one corner of your garden under the shade of a tree and fill it up with water. If you like, you can grow plants hydroponically in the water. Install a bench near the urn so that you can sit down and read your favorite book in the shade or just enjoy the soothing water and the wildlife it attracts.

Surround the urn with ferns to create a tropical rainforest in your backyard. You will be amazed how something as simple as a water feature can also help keep the temperature down in your garden.

The Bottom Line

Adding a water feature is not that difficult and whether you live in an urban or rural area, it should be an integral part of your outdoor living space. Water has magical qualities and properties, and you will be amazed at how rejuvenated you feel after spending a little time near your water feature. So go ahead and use these simple tips to install your water element.

Read More

DIY, gardening, How to

0

New Ideas for Coffee Grounds in Your Garden!

Coffee Grounds in Your Garden

Your garden is your haven and refuge, a place to escape the humdrum of everyday life. A gazebo or pergola in the garden can make it look stunning and also offers a place to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends. Make sure your garden oasis stays vibrant and alive by using something that you would normally discard – coffee grounds in your garden!

Coffee grounds in your garden

Here are some amazing ways to use coffee grounds in your garden and give your garden a much needed perk-me-up without resorting to chemicals.

  1. Make Your Compost More Nutrient Rich

Coffee grounds are filled with garden-friendly nutrients and properties. They contain nitrogen, lighten and loosen soil, attract earthworms and acts as a deterrent against garden pests. In addition, coffee grounds have a pH anywhere from neutral to acidic and this can prove to be a boon for soils that are alkaline.

  1. Fertilize Your Garden

As coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, you can fertilize your vegetable patch with them. They are an excellent natural fertilizer that replenishes the lost nitrogen in the soil. Sometimes, coffee grounds also contain a high volume of carbon and this too can work wonders with the soil.

  1. Give Acid-Loving Plants a Treat

If you grow tomatoes, azaleas and rhododendrons, they will thrive on coffee grounds. These plants love acidic soil and when you feed them with a coffee ground solution, they will give a better yield. Just soak the coffee grounds in plenty of water and the following morning use the solution to water your acid-loving plants.

Coffee Grounds in Your Garden

  1. Show Some TLC to Roses

If you are a lover of roses, give your rose plants something to feel happy about. Feed them coffee grounds and watch them bloom in abundance. The neutral to acidic pH and nitrogen in the grounds are like a feast for roses.

  1. Make Organic Mulch

Use coffee grounds as an organic mulch. They will prevent weeds from growing, help the soil retain moisture and protect against soil erosion. Just make sure you put a fine layer of coffee grounds on the soil. If you do not, it will attract mold that could wreak havoc with your plants and garden.

  1. Keep Tabby at Bay

While cats are not really pests, they can threaten the birds and other wildlife in your garden and also leave behind a stinking mess. If you want to deter cats from getting comfortable in your garden, putting coffee grounds on the soil is a good way to keep them at bay and prevent them from digging up the soil or eating plants that could be potentially dangerous for them.

  1. Protect Your Plants from Fungi

Coffee grounds can protect your plants from fungal diseases, such as wilts and rots. According to some experts, coffee grounds have the ability to create their own type of fungus, which is extremely helpful to the common gardener. So, use the grounds in your garden and enjoy healthy and disease-free plants.

  1. Alter the Color of Your Hydrangea

As weird as it may sound, coffee grounds have the ability to change the color of hydrangeas. If the soil is alkaline, you will get pink blooms. However, most gardeners yearn for and desire blue blooms, which only grow in acidic soil. Add coffee grounds to the soil and watch a miracle happen – change in the color of your hydrangeas.

  1. Boost the Yield of Carrots

Just like coffee stimulates you, the grounds can stimulate carrots to increase their yield. When you plant carrot seeds in your vegetable patch, mix dried coffee ground with the seeds. Not only will the yield increase, you also will be able to protect the seedlings from pests.

  1. Keep Nasty Pests as Bay

There is nothing more disturbing and frustrating than finding pests gnawing away at your plants after all the hard work you have put in. Instead of using chemicals to keep away those creepy crawlies from your garden, use coffee grounds. Just place the grounds around the plants that are favored by snails and slugs. You also can put the grounds around ant holes to prevent them from invading your garden.

That’s right, coffee grounds in your garden ward off bugs too!

  1. Give Your Vermicomposting a Nutrient Boost

Gardeners who vermicompost claim adding coffee grounds can give the compost a nice dose of nitrogen and other soil-friendly nutrients. However, there is a lot of debate over this addition. Anecdotal evidence shows adding a little bit of coffee grounds into the vermicomposting pit does not harm the worms. So go ahead and try it, give your compost an injection of nutrients like never before.

Can coffee grounds paint your house? No, sorry, they cannot do that.

Garden Coffee Grounds

Now you know of some weird but helpful ways to enrich your garden soil using coffee grounds. Use these tips so that the next time you are sitting in your gazebo or pergola, you will feel thrilled at the vibrantly colored blossoms thriving and flourishing around your yard.

Read More

backyard, How to

0

10 Golden Ways to Make Your Garden Stunning and Cozy


In an urban setting, gardens are an escape that allows you to forget the daily stresses of life and lose yourself to the beauty of vibrant flowers, chirping birds and colorful butterflies. However, many homeowners are bereft of landscaping ideas for their gardens. If you want some simple yet effective ways to landscape your garden to add value to your home and make it the pride of the neighborhood, here are 10 great ways to transform your garden.

1. Focus on Growing Nativars

Rather than growing exotic species of plants and flowering shrubs, focus on growing plants that are native to your geographical region. These Nativars, as the plants are called, are already adapted and acclimatized to the climate and growing conditions, so will not need as much care as plants that are grown in strange growing conditions.

2. Create a Living Wall

Living walls are not just beautiful, they also are functional. They can keep your nosy neighbors at bay and create a private green sanctuary for you. You can build a living wall instead of fence. Remember the plants you grow on the wall will clean the air around your home by removing toxins and other airborne pollutants.

3. Build a Pergola

Every garden needs a focal point. While some homeowners opt to install a fountain, others want something unique and different. If you fall in the latter group, a pergola is just what you need. No, you don’t have to empty out your bank balance to build a pergola from scratch. You can easily get DIY pergola kits. Focus on kits that use Western Red Cedar wood.


This wood is strong, durable and beautiful. It is naturally resistant to rot and decay and the fragrance acts as a deterrent to pests. DIY pergola kits come with illustrated instructions, pre-cut and pre-drilled wood pieces and all the necessary hardware to make sure you don’t have to do anything but the assembling. If you have the foundation ready, it will take two people a single afternoon to get the pergola up and ready. Then you can place outdoor furniture and your entertaining and leisure area is ready for use.

4. Throw in Some Adventure

Create trails and pathways in your garden that lead to a small hideaway where you can sit with your family and friends enjoy a picnic. If you intend using the hideaways at night, string lighting along the pathways or you can let creativity take over and use tiki torches instead. Use old bottles, such as wine bottles, to make your torches. Just ensure the hideaway is far from the main house for it to be really effective.

5. Build a Desert-Like Landscape

If your garden is really huge, the last thing you need is growing grass and spending your whole weekend tending to it. You can get away from all the mowing and lawn maintenance by press the button for desert-like garden with rocks, sand, and succulents. This will require minimal maintenance and also cut down the use of water. Use a drip irrigation system to water your succulents.

6. Enjoy Color Throughout the Year

If you love flowers and their natural fragrance and beauty, you are can keep your garden vibrant and alive throughout the year. Flip the switch for seasonal flowers that are native to British Columbia. Clemantis, Spider Flower, Japanese Anemone, Dahlia, Hibiscus, Lobelia, Peony, Allium, Aster, Salvia, Spiderwort, Begonia, Dianthus, and Spotted Laurel are some of the plants that you can grow seasonally and ensure your garden has color even during cold winter months.

7. Use Planters and Baskets

You can add dimension to your garden by opening the door towards hanging baskets and elevated planters. It will give your garden some character and also ensure your plants enjoy excellent drainage. You can grow a variety of spillers, fillers, and thrillers in these planters and baskets and make your garden stand out.

8. Forget Grass and Choose Ornamental Grass

If you think lawn maintenance is a back-breaking job, skip planting sod. Instead, go with ornamental grasses. You need to cut them just once every season and this will keep your garden neat and tidy.

 

9. Recycle Household Containers

You can even turn into an eco-friendly homeowner and gardener by recycling old containers, such as paint cans and milk cartons. You can use them to grow succulents, herbs, and flower. In fact, if you are creative enough, even tires and old Wellingtons can be put to good use in your garden. You are limited by your creativity. So, set it free and go berserk to create a unique but beautiful garden.

10. Create a Focal Point with a Sculpture

Scour antique stores and other shop to pick up a sculpture that you can place in the middle of your garden. It should be an attractive sculpture that draws your eyes and then pushes them to check out other aspects of the landscape. Surround the sculpture with your homemade plant containers that have colorful flowers and plants.

Use these 10 tips to easily create a beautiful garden that you will be proud of. These tips are cheap and simple to incorporate into a garden of any size.

Read More

outdoor living, pergolas

0

Attractive Additions for Your Backyard

backyard additions
Your backyard is a sensational place to entertain friends and family, especially during spring and summer. Barbecues and pool parties are awesome ways to enjoy the beautiful climate with people you love. But first you need to make sure that your backyard is incredible enough to be a venue for entertainment and fun.

If it is not, transform it and create a new outdoor living space with a few simple yet beautiful additions. Apart from giving you extra space to entertain and relax, a few easy additions can give you a little extra privacy and make your outdoor space your favorite spot at home.

What is an Outdoor Living Space?

Any form of outdoor space that that helps in bringing out indoor comforts to the outdoors, such as a deck, gazebo, outdoor kitchen, patio, pergola, or a screened porch. With these spaces, you can enjoy the incredible outdoors while still getting the protection you need from the elements.

Think about it – the new pergola that you install will prevent the occasional rainstorm from ruining your BBQ party. With a screen porch, you can enjoy cool summer nights without worrying about mosquitoes.

Get a Pergola

For decades, gazebos and sunrooms have been popular backyard structures, but they often lack functionality and are expensive to build. A pergola is a marvelous alternative as it is easier and cheaper to construct. It is an open-air frame that typically has latticework roofing, offering a simple design that can accommodate almost any function and any budget.

Pergolas are traditionally shade structures that have mostly open roofs and sides. However, many modern designs incorporate canvas-covered or solid elements that offer better protection from the rain, sun, and wind. This means that your outdoor entertaining season can be extended into the fall and winter.

Design and Placement Tips for Pergolas

A number of factors need to be kept in mind when you choose where your pergola will go. Apart from accommodating the shape and size you desire, you will have to decide if you want a partial-cover or solid roof and whether you prefer a structure that is attached or separate.

pergola placement
When a pergola is situated within your yard landscape, it will be visible from your indoors and provides a visual element that draws attention to the landscape. For the placement of a separate structure, consider where you will spend the most time, where the view would be best and whether there are any areas that are naturally sheltered.

An attached pergola is a terrific option if you want to extend your indoor space onto an outdoor patio or ensure that your dinner parties are kept close to the kitchen. However, keep in mind that attached structures may block outdoor light, darkening interior spaces.

Add Fire to Your Backyard

Whether it is covered or uncovered, concrete, stone or metal, stately or simple, nothing adds a little something-extra to a backyard space than a touch of fire. In addition to adding ambience, light and warmth, fire pits can make entertaining easy and cooking fun.

Fire has a quality that brings people together and makes everyone feel at home. Plus, a fire pit can be a stellar focal point of your backyard’s design even when you do not use it.

Design Consideration for Fire Pits

You can make installing a fire pit as simple as you want. You can purchase a portable unit or construct an elaborate built-in living space with incorporated seating. A wide range of materials are available for built-in fire pits, including brick, concrete, stone, and tile. While most pits have a circular design, you can easily design an L-shaped, square, or triangular space.

fire pit
In general, keeping the pit as centralized as you can is a wonderful idea with seats that envelope the fire. That way, you ensure that everyone has a terrific view and faces each other while they enjoy the fire.

Sink Your Patio

In recent years, sunken patios have become popular in backyard landscape design. If you have a small yard, you can get visual interest and depth by having a sunken area and also, the overall space will seem larger than it actually is. In an expansive yard, you can better delineate the architectural scheme of your outdoors with a sunken patio and create a slightly “separate” space for entertainment or relaxation.

Design Options for Patios

You can add dimension to a flat yard with a recessed patio as well as incorporate them into irregular and sloping landscapes. An inset patio can be circular or semicircular or square or simply blend naturally with the existing landscape.

With a sunken patio that has broad, paved steps, you can easily add plenty of built-in seating for your guests while a graduated border can give you extra room for terraced plantings so that you have added privacy.

In areas where fences would be obtrusive, you can get some isolation minus the eyesore with a below-grade patio. You can take in the scenery in your backyard and enjoy some much-needed isolation at the same time.

You can start enjoying your backyard area, fully without worrying about privacy issues, lack of space to entertain and the elements. All you need to do is create an outdoor living space by adding a few awesome additions.

With a simple design, the right materials, and solid construction, you can transform your backyard into your own private oasis.

Read More

How to, outdoor living

0

9 Tips to Create the Ultimate Backyard Getaway

ultimate backyard getaway
Backyards are no longer just a home’s exterior. They have become an important part of any home. They are outdoor living spaces that many people use to entertain friends and family and also a place where they can unwind and relax after a hectic week.

There are many ways to create a backyard getaway. Whether you are looking to create a space where you can escape to find peace and quiet or throw fabulous parties, there are many incredible ideas that you can use to create a backyard that you love.

The Best Ideas for a Great Backyard

Here is a look at 9 of the best ways to create the ultimate backyard for your home:

  • Deck up your deck – Define different activity zones within your deck to make it a destination. With multiple levels, you can carve out separate spaces for relaxing and dining. You can cover a pergola with beautiful vines and abundant potted plants to bring your garden up onto the deck so that the structure blends into the landscape.
  • Create the perfect patio – With the perfect design, you can make your patio a welcoming extension of your house where you can enjoy fresh air and cool breezes. With fantastic planning, you can turn your patio into a seasonal room that gives you comfort and relaxation. The surfaces of a patio are usually brick or stone. If you choose concrete, consider adding color and texture to give it a natural look. Add container gardens, planting beds and weather-proof furniture to add style to the outdoor space.
  • Add an outdoor kitchen – If you love eating outdoors or grill at least two times a week from spring through fall, an outdoor kitchen is a must. You do not need to get a fancy grill. All you need is a countertop for food prep as well as a separate side burner, closed storage, and other conveniences to ensure that you have a fantastic outdoor cooking experience. To make pre and cleaning even easier, you should definitely add a fridge and sink. Now you can make food that will leave your guests salivating for more. Now you will have guests bring their own food over just so you can cook it in your incredible set up. You may even have the nearby barbecue restaurant asking you to cook for them!
  • Get the privacy you want – You can make your outdoor space feel more like an oasis by adding an enclosure. For patios, garden walls, and fences are a salient way to ensure privacy. However, you can also use pergolas, lattice, and landscaping to define outdoor spaces and screen the views of houses around you.
  • Create a shady hideaway – A little shade is always welcome, especially during the summer months. Your deck or patio will be even more enjoyable if it can provide you relief from the sun. You can create shade spots with the help of umbrellas, retractable awnings, mature trees, or even arbors and pergolas that have beautiful vines growing on them.
  • Get the perfect furniture – When it comes to outdoor furniture, there are more choices than ever. Traditional wood, cast or wrought iron and cast or wrought aluminum are classics that always appeal. You will find new weatherproof, synthetic outdoor furniture in today’s market and they offer the same comfort, style and durability of anything that you may have in your home.
  • Use outdoor structures to define spaces – You can add another level of luxury to your outdoor oasis with a gazebo. Whether it is built on the landscape, set near a pool or attached to the deck, it is an outdoor room that offers a protected space for relaxing, cooking or dining. You can define activity zones in your outdoor space with arbors, trellises, or pergolas. They offer a marvelous way to create focal points, transition from one area to another or divide areas based on their function.
  • Add a spa or hot tub – To make your backyard your luxurious retreat, you can add a spa or hot tub and enjoy long, relaxing soak at the end of a hectic and stressful day. There are many things you need to consider before adding one of these – privacy, the best location for the tub or spa, access to the house and whether you want the spa in a sunny or shaded area. Once you figure all this out, you can enjoy the luxury of a spa in your backyard.
  • Plan your outdoor lighting – To make sure that you get to enjoy your backyard paradise even after the sun goes down, outdoor lighting is vital. The most basic is porch lights that illuminate the way to your house and provide ambient lighting. Low-voltage lights and solar-powered accent lights are wonderful options to add drama and interest to your backyard landscape and to highlight paths.

Creating your personal oasis in your backyard is not difficult as long as you have a sparkling design and concrete planning. Your backyard can be the space that you cherish the most when you make it a place where you can entertain loved ones and relax and unwind in solitude whenever you want to.

Read More

sheds

0

Garden Sheds Add to Your Backyard Design

garden sheds backyard design
Having a beautiful garden is something that every home owner would like to indulge in. A well-tended garden has the potential to add beauty, color, and joy to a person’s life. However, to have such a beautiful garden a lot of care is needed and constantly running in and out of the house to get the right gardening tools to assist you in pruning, cutting, and watering your plants can be a bit of a burden. This is where the need for a garden shed comes in.

Benefits of Having a Garden Shed

Building a garden shed may not have been in the previously planned architectural design of your home. However, there are many reasons why doing this can benefit you. Some of the benefits of building a shed would include:

  • It facilitates quicker access to tools – A garden shed will speed up the whole gardening process by making all your tools available at arm’s length. When it comes to these kind of tasks, saving time can be quite a motivating factor for building a garden shed.
  • Facilitates better and more simpler gardening – With a garden shed, organizing your equipment is made easier, thereby making selection of the right tools fast and more efficient. The thing about a garden shed is that it contains shelves and storage areas that are meant for particular tools. Without a garden shed, you will have to figure out in which temporary storage place you last placed these tools. However, with a garden shed, all you need to do is open the door, go to the area designated for those tools and put them to use.
  • Helps avoid clutter – Keeping all your gardening equipment in a shed will take away the unsightly clutter that would have otherwise been there in your garden. Having a bag of unused tools, manure, and pots scattered around your beautiful garden can be an eyesore and unappealing.

This is why building a shed in your backyard can be beneficial and its construction is not that hard if you follow the instructions accordingly. A well-designed garden shed will not only declutter your garden, it will also provide a comfortable work space as well as an attractive backdrop for prized plants.

It will also allow you to keep try and still perhaps accomplish some tasks during inclement weather. Even when Mother Nature disagrees with you, you do not want to be inside your home all day. A shed gives you the opportunity to keep the water off of you while still taking care of some things outside.

Different Kinds of Garden Sheds

With a garden shed you have the ability to extend your outdoor experience greatly ― organizing items used for gardening, sports activities, or outdoor hobbies in it. The current trend favors the use of plastic and wooden sheds to decorate the garden area.

types of sheds
A shed can vary in terms of complexity, size, and price of construction. Right from sheds with small, tin-roofed structures to large wood framed sheds to sheds with shingled roofs and windows – the types and styles of wood sheds for you to select are numerous.

Given that a garden shed can have a multiplicity of uses, choosing the type that suits you best can become a hard task. Some of the more common types include:

  • Wooden sheds – Wood is the traditional material used for making garden sheds. If you choose wood, Western Red Cedar should be on the top of your list.
  • Eco-sheds – With people concerned about saving the environment, they are moving toward creating eco-friendly garden buildings.
  • Metal sheds – Gable and metal sheds are the easiest in terms of construction and are also economically feasible.
  • Plastic sheds – Plastic tool sheds seem apt for storage of small items.

Things to keep in Mind when Building Your Garden Shed

There are a large variety of sizes that you can get your garden shed in but more than that, there are certain features that can make your garden shed have an aesthetic appeal of its own. Some of the things to keep in mind when building a garden shed are:

  • Press the button to make use of pre-cut wooden wall panels that come in different shapes adds a unique touch to your shed.
  • You can choose to go with a gable roof design which is bound to make your shed look comfortable and charming.
  • Wooden sheds are a popular trend as they blend well with the surrounding greenery and pull off a nice natural look, though they do need regular maintenance.
  • If you are looking for economic feasibility, aluminum and wood sheds are the best option.
  • A metal shed will guarantee durability and stability, however, they have a very industrial look that can be unappealing.
  • Choosing a plastic shed can be a smart decision since they do not require regular maintenance and they are capable of sporting varied designs and patterns.
  • By adding flowers, vibrant lighting, some furniture and decoration, your garden shed can be converted into an eye-catching part of your backyard design.

By keeping these pointers in mind, making sure you construct the right kind of garden shed will no longer be an issue.

Read More

gazebos

0

How to Beautify Your Garden with a Gazebo

beautify garden with gazebo
Landscaping your garden can be a fun task, particularly if you are the type of person who loves being outdoors even when the weather conditions may be against you. Perhaps one way of doing this is building a gazebo in your garden. Situated right in the midst of a bunch of beautiful, colorful flowers, and shrubs, this shaded area will be an ideal place to head to when the noise at home gets too much or if you are just craving some outside, fresh air.

Adding a Classy Touch with a Gazebo

A gazebo is a perfect finishing touch to add to your home. It becomes the focal point of your landscaping work while at the same time, the slight elevation can give you a fantastic view of your blooming garden. Providing shade from the sun during the hot summer days, shelter from the rain and snow as well as allowing you to enjoy the breeze of a cool autumn evening, there really isn’t much that goes against having a gazebo. The only aspect that would require some amount of time and dedication is its maintenance.

You don’t have to worry about installation, as you can easily invest in a DIY wooden gazebo kit that comes with pre-cut Western Red Cedar panels, illustrated instructions, and the necessary hardware to set up the gazebo in a few hours.

Caring for Your Gazebo

Internal and external care is needed to keep your gazebo looking appealing. There are a lot of factors that can affect the proper maintenance of your gazebo. Some of the things that you need to keep an eye out for are:

  • Unwanted and harmful plants that can affect the structure and therefore should not be allowed to grow around it.
  • Formation of mold and mildew that may cause damage at the microscopic level.

Due to such problems, regular repair and maintenance is important to keep your gazebo stable and prevent it from falling apart.

Maintaining Your Gazebo the Right Way

When you decide to build a gazebo in your backyard, you will have to make sure some precautions are taken to keep it in decent shape.

maintain gazebo
Some of the most important things that you need to focus on include:

  • Indulge in a regular maintenance check – You need to do a thorough inspection of your gazebo at least once a month to make sure everything is in proper shape. Tighten up joints, drive in nail heads that seem loose, replace all damaged sections of the structure. The need for immediate attention is because having damaged or chipped wood compromises the finish, thereby making way for the possibility of rot or termites.
  • Controlling growth of weeds around it – The gazebo should have a periphery of three to ten feet of cleared area around it. You need to make sure that all unwanted plants, brambles, creepers, climbing vines, and common weeds such as crabgrass are cleared from this area. You could say the reason for this is two-fold. On the one hand, it will protect the gazebo from severe damage that the plants will cause as they grow and secondly, you won’t have to trample through these plants and bushes to reach your place of relaxation.
  • Using paints to brighten the setting – Using paints on your gazebo is certainly not a bad idea if you are looking to give it a brighter look. However, when it comes to painting, you must remember to repaint it, at least within three to five years. However, before engaging in this project, make sure that cracks or holes are filled up with painter’s caulk, only then can you pull out the brushes, rollers or spray paints. Use of latex paints is recommended as it is found to affect the growth of plants.
  • Make sure the roof is sturdy – Any roof is susceptible to damage from wind, falling branches or storms, therefore you should inspect your roof at least once in six months. Make sure your drainpipes are aimed in the right direction, ensure that shingles and gutters are in suitable condition. Protecting your roof is important as it is the first line of defense against adverse weather.
  • Stay clear of mold and mildew – If your gazebo is made of vinyl or canvas, staying away from mold will be your number one priority. Getting rid of mold or mildew may not be as hard as you imagined. An easy way of doing it would be by making a mixture of bleach, liquid laundry detergent, and hot water. Leave this mixture to soak in before wiping the surfaces thoroughly. Then spray the place down with water. Using diluted bleach will not harm your gazebo in any way, thus it is a better alternative to chemical cleaners.

This routine maintenance care is needed to keep your gazebo in the best shape possible. Your garden will always look stunning and your gazebo will provide you a lifetime of comfort and relaxation amid lush greenery.

Read More

pergolas

0

Choosing the Best Pergola Design for Your Garden

best pergola design
Pergolas have become quite the DIY projects for homes across the US, and why shouldn’t they? They create an ambient space to relax in and spend more time outside, while adding value to your home. Not only are they an attractive garden feature, you don’t have to pay through your nose to be a proud owner of a pergola. You can easily get a DIY pergola kit that comes with illustrated instructions, pre-cut panels, and the necessary hardware to fix the panels together.

Here are some things you have to consider before you rush off about your garden building one.

The Purpose of Your Pergola

One of the initial things you have to think about is what will you use your pergola for? This will give you a clearer picture as to the kind of space you require, the amount of shade you might receive, access to it and how private you want it to be. A pergola may be used to highlight a walkway, give shade to fernery or act as an extended outdoor living space to have barbeques or entertain guests.

When choosing the best Pergola design for your garden the size and shape of your pergola entirely depend on the space you have at hand. Some prefer to have it attached to their homes, while others prefer a freestanding structure. Whichever structure you choose, keep in mind that it should also be compatible with the size and architecture of your home to give it a more authentic and aesthetic look and feel.

The Shape and Design of Your Pergola

While a basic pergola in itself is enough to add flair to your garden or backyard, an additional design or two with a splash of color helps give it a more aesthetic feel. There is an array of shapes to choose from – hexagonal, circular, square, and rectangular. The square and rectangular shapes are more common in homes.

In the case of an attached pergola, be mindful of using a circular shape, as it will not fix properly. It is best to go with a semicircle, since it attaches perfectly to your home.

We live in interesting times, times where you can enter the store and purchase a do-it-yourself kit to build your own pergola with a specified design. Today, DIY kits offer a range of shapes and designs, so you are never restricted.

pergola shape

The Right Material for Your Pergola

Wood: This is the most conventional and common material used to build a pergola. Since wood is available in a wide variety, individual choices differ, and help in creating a fresher design.

Hardwoods are costly, but more durable and add an appeal to older homes. Softwood, on the other hand, is cheaper and comes treated. It can be made use of in building posts and beams. Wood stains can be used with softwood to give it a rich texture. Just remember the wood has to be planed if you intend using wood stain. No worries, most wood comes so you can stain it quite easily.

You may want to stain the wood before assembly or before you begin forming the pergola. This way you will know you stained all the spots and there will be no hard to reach areas if you do it this way.

Timber can give the pergola a more organic or rustic feel, but it does require adequate maintenance to protect the wood from fungi, moisture and/or termites. So use a good wood coating and wood preservatives. Oil-based preservatives are ideal for wood, being used outdoors. In case of rot, you need a remedial treatment of wood. Alternatively, you can opt for Western Red Cedar that is naturally resistant to pests and moisture.

Steel: Unlike wood, steel does not decay. Using chemically treated steel will also prevent oxidation of the material that results in rusting. You can install steel quicker than wood and it also is more convenient to install, as it has lower volume and needs less support. Steel is, hence, a more contemporary choice.

Aluminum: This alloy is lightweight and easy to maintain. It is the perfect choice of material for pergolas if you live near the sea because humidity and salty air can give way to corrosion. For extra protection and color options you can choose to go for a powder-coated aluminum.

pergola shade

The Roof & Lighting of Your Pergola

You can press the button to put a roof over your pergola to get protection from the sun and rain. If you’re looking to completely block off the sun, wind, and rain, you can point your finger towards a steel or thatched roof. This is also more viable if you particularly live in a storm- or rain-prone part of the country.

If you want partial protection and a little bit of sunshine coming in, transparent panels or sails are just the thing for you. You can also choose to hang vines, as they’re lightweight and attractive. A few majestic options are honeysuckle, trumpet vine, wisteria, and clematis.

Installing lighting in your pergola allows you to enjoy your outdoor living space after sunset. It could be a sensational way to spend time with family and friends when it is dark. Make sure you get a licensed electrician to install the lighting.

Pergolas are turning into more of a trend and will continue to do so. And, if you are the kind of person who loves being outdoors – reading a book or having a barbecue – amidst nature, a pergola just may be what you’re missing in your garden.

Read More

pergolas

0

Top 10 Reasons for Owning a Pergola

why own a pergola
Are you looking for a way to enhance the quality of your outdoor living experience? Do you want to make a change to your deck or patio to give it more visual appeal? Do you need a place where you can store those extra potted plants you have? Well, there is one easy solution to achieve all three – add a pergola!

A pergola is a simple structure that can transform your backyard and turn it into an outdoor living space that you love. To some people, pergolas may look like uncompleted structures as they are typically built with roof beams and vertical beams without a solid roof or walls. But they come with benefits and can help change the entire look of your outdoor space. There are many reasons why you should get a pergola for your home.

Why You Should Own a Pergola

Here are 10 reasons why you should consider going down the pergola avenue for your own home:

  • They create a definite space: A pergola can add definition to your backyard. You can create an entertainment lounge or a dining area, which is profound, especially if you do not have a deck or patio. If you want a definite purpose in your outdoor area, a pergola is the perfect solution.
  • You get privacy: If you do not like being on display when you are enjoying your outdoor space, you should get a pergola. Although it is an open structure, you can create privacy by adding drapes, latticework, or screens to one side of the pergola.
  • They create additional space for plants: You can add additional garden space in your outdoor area with a pergola. You can hang plants from the boards and create a gorgeous garden in the air. A pergola is also appropriate for plants like clematis, honeysuckle, ivy, wisteria, and grape vines as they grow from the ground up and can create a beautiful natural ceiling as they intertwine themselves in the boards.
  • They give protection and shade from the elements: A pergola can give you a beautiful shaded area where you can enjoy the summer day without worrying about sunburn. If you have a natural roof made of climbing flowers, you instantly get an outdoor lounge where you can relax. There are also pergolas that have an optional canopy that you can open and close as needed.

own a pergola

  • They add value: According to experts, you can add as much as 20 percent to your home with attractive landscaping. Unlike gazebos, pergolas are extremely affordable, but can add immense value to your home. It adds a lot of beauty and interest to your outdoor area, making it a poignant asset if you decide to sell your home.
  • You can combine it with other structures: One of the best things about a pergola is that it can be used as a lead-in to other structures like verandas or gazebos. You could also use your pergola as a lead to a solitary gazebo from your back door, creating an eye-catching outdoor living area. No matter what you choose, remember that this versatile structure does not have to be on its own. In fact, it often works best when combined with other backyard designs.
  • They can be made with different materials: A pergola is an affordable structure that can be built with a variety of materials like metal, cedar, and even vinyl. You can build one that suits your taste, budget, or style of your home. The fact that you have multiple choices means that you can find the perfect one for your home.
  • You can install it easily: If you love DIY projects, a pergola is perfect for you. You will find many pergola kits that come with pre-cut wood and all the required hardware. They are quite easy to install, as long as you have the proper tools and help to get the posts and rafters up. If you prefer getting a professional, there are many landscaping companies that can help you design and build the perfect one for your home.

pergola entertainment

  • They create a place to entertain outside: Everyone loves outdoor parties and a pergola gives you an outdoor entertainment area that is attractive and versatile. There are many superlative ideas that you can use to create a space where you can get loved ones together, whether it is a dining area or a lounge to sit and share a bottle of wine or sip coffee while gossiping!
  • They are beautiful: It has been mentioned that a pergola is an attractive addition to any backyard. You can make them even more beautiful by adding accessories like hanging pots, lights, curtains, and much more. You can create an outdoor living space that you love by adding elements that suit your personality and style.

A pergola is an easy yet gorgeous structure that adds a lot of appeal to backyards. You can transform your outdoor area and create a living space where you can entertain friends and family or relax and unwind after a long day. No matter what you use it for, you can be sure that you will love owning a pergola!

Read More