Backyard Inspirations, gardening, How to

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How to Clean and Prepare Your Yard for Spring

How to Clean and Prepare Your Yard for Spring

Now that winter has passed, it’s the perfect time to revive your garden. The best way to do this is by sprucing up your yard, including the lawn grass, shrubs, and yard trees. Here are some tips to help you get your yard looking lovely and vibrant once again:

  1. Have a Landscape Plan: Having the perfect landscape plan before you start is the best way to get what matches your lawn needs and also leaves you with a cool finish.
  2. Clean Up a Little: Start with cleaning up debris like fallen leaves, twigs, and other forms of refuse from your yard. Prepare your flower beds by weeding and removing dirt. Apply pest and weed control options and prune the shrubs.
  3. Prepare the Soil: The best way to do this is by applying fertilizer on your lawn. You should also use a pre-emergent and a weed killer, and if possible, amend the soil at this stage.
  4. Mow Pretty Early: Mowing early and often is a great way to keep the grass roots reproducing properly.
  5. Mulch It Too: Picking good and heavy mulch will be a great decision once your yard is cared for.
  6. Give Trees a Trim: Get a trimmer and prune your trees once every three years, and remember to do this at the beginning of the springtime rather than winter.
  7. Wait Until Fall to Seed: Apply fertilizer to the lawn and allow a few more weeks for the shoots to grow over brown spots. Alternatively, use sod to hide the patches.

Additional tips:

  • Have a routine cleanup
  • Use a tiller to break new lawn ground
  • Building raised beds
  • Make use of landscape berms
  • Planting rabbit-proof grass.

These simple tips will help you prepare your yard for entertaining guests, simple gardening, playing with your loved ones, and enjoying with your family.

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How to

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5 Tips on How to Save Money on Exterior Renovations


5 Tips on How to Save Money on Exterior Renovations

Renovating your home can be costly, and it’s important to remember that exterior renovations can add up quickly. To save money on your project, here are five tips to keep in mind:

  1. Plan ahead to avoid costly mistakes and to ensure that you and your contractor have a clear vision of the finished product.

  2. Get good estimates by doing your research and waiting to hear a few prices before committing to a contractor. Make sure you understand what goes into making an estimate and have adequate knowledge of the subject.

  3. Consider doing some of the demolition work yourself, but be sure to hire a contractor for any structural or electrical work.

  4. Save money on construction costs by using self-assembly kits for outdoor structures like sheds and gazebos.

  5. Be wise about your spending by investing in high-quality materials that will save you money in the long run, such as pre-painted and pre-primed siding.

By following these tips, you can make smart choices and save money on your exterior renovation project without sacrificing quality or style.

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How to, outdoor living

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Designing Outdoor Living Spaces for a Small Yard

Designing Outdoor Living Spaces for a Small Yard

While an expansive yard gives plenty of scope for design ideas, you can plan and design a stellar outdoor living area even if your yard is small by using a few design tricks.

Locating the Outdoor Room

One way to create a sense of spaciousness even if you have a small yard is to carefully locate the outdoor room so that it provides an uninterrupted view. Locate the deck in a place that is not blocked by the fence or house and you will be able to enjoy a sense of space that the outdoors should bring.

Create Different Levels

Another effective way to make the outdoor room feel more spacious is to create different levels. Create a deck with multiple levels in varying shades of the same color to provide both unity and individuality. The only limit is your imagination. Who says you cannot utilize a small yard in this manner? Who says a small yard is boring and lifeless? There are many different directions you can go with a small yard and this is just one of them.

Place a Vista

You should also consider creating an attractive vista that draws the eye away from the limited space. For instance, you can build a trellis or arbor or place a small waterfall or fountain at the farthest end of the view from your outdoor room. A colorful arbor or a trellis that is covered in vines is a stunning way to draw the eye from the fences around your small yard.

Keep the Space Clutter Free

You should also aim to keep the space clutter free. This can mean using a few large containers for plants instead of many small ones. You also need to decide on the function of the outdoor room and keep only the essentials, using cleaver storage to keep books, grills, or firewood hidden but close at hand.

Use Multifunctional Furniture

If you plan to use the outdoor room for multiple functions, use multi-functional furniture. For instance, trunks can hold playthings out of sight and also double up as side tables or seating. A short wall can be utilized as a bench while also adding a level to the room, and so on.

Designing Outdoor Living Spaces

Add Table Top Features

If your outdoor room is small, but you want to add a few outdoor features, you can consider installing table top features such as a fire bowl or table top fountain. A fire bowl will make the outdoor room feel cozy even if you do not have space for a fire pit and a table top fountain will provide the soothing sound of water without taking up the space of a regular fountain or waterfall.

Play with Light and Color

Another way to make the outdoor room in a small yard feel more spacious is by playing with light and color. Stick to a couple of bright colors for furniture and containers for a cheerful outdoor space that does not seem cramped. In the evenings add muted lights from candles and solar lights to create the right ambience for your needs.

Designing Outdoor Living Spaces for a Small Yard

Use Foldable or Retractable Awnings and Umbrellas

Instead of putting up a permanent roof or cover over your outdoor room if it is small, you could use retractable awnings or foldable sun umbrellas for shade during the hottest parts of the day. This will enable you to open up the space in the evenings and at night.

Think Vertical

Just as you would look up for storage space when designing a small indoor room, you should think vertical when designing an outdoor room in a small yard. You can install a vertical garden on one fence or hang colorful lanterns and outdoor lights on a tall tree to make the room feel spacious by drawing the eye upwards. There is plenty of space upward to exploit.

Use Nested Furniture

Another way to keep the outdoor room from feeling cluttered and confined is by keeping stackable, nested, or foldable furniture at hand. Stools that can be nested will increase seating or double up as side tables, stackable chairs can be spread out as needed, and foldable furniture can be put away when not needed, to open up the space in a small yard.

Use Minimalist Furniture

Another way to make the most of a small yard is to use minimalistic furniture. Choose tables and chairs that have sleek lines and are functional. You can also add a hammock or swing in your yard to create an informal nook that can double up as seating if needed.

A small yard is no reason to not enjoy the sun and the outdoors. With careful planning and design, you can convert it into an attractive outdoor room that suits your needs. For this, use the same principles you would use when designing a small room and make use of the feeling of openness that a view of the sky and the horizon can provide. Using portable equipment such as grills and barbeques will enable you to host a gathering even in a small outdoor room.

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gazebos, How to

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Gazebo Lighting Ideas

4 Creative Gazebo Lighting Ideas

The only thing more wonderful than a gazebo, that little open-air house found at the bottom of many gardens and lawns, at pool-sides or even attached to the house, is a gazebo that can be lit up at night. This means it can serve as a spot for an outdoor evening party, a late-night supper or another way to show off the property at night. A lighted gazebo can also be part of the security system. Here are some marvelous ways to light up a gazebo in ways that are memorable. The good news is that not all of them require the services of an electrician.

Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are also called Christmas lights, but they can be hung on a gazebo all year. Twine them around the posts and handrails or outline the entire building for a beautiful display. Drape them from the roof of the gazebo to nearby trees and bushes for a dramatic effect. Old fashioned incandescent lights are fine, but the newer LED lights are better. These light emitting diodes give off very little heat and are not fire hazards. They may be pricey at first but they last for years, even if they are on 24 hours a day.

Chandeliers and Pendants
What could be more delightfully surprising than to find a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling of a lovely cedar gazebo in the middle of the garden? Of course, the chandelier doesn’t need to be made of crystal, but can be made of brass with frosted glass shades, wood or even re-purposed antlers for a more rustic look. Some homemakers add matching wall sconces to the posts. Other types of pendant lights with shades made of hammered glass, wire or round rice paper are also good ideas when it comes to lighting up a gazebo.

Gazebo Lighting Ideas

LED Ribbons or Tape Lights
Tape lights are a step up from fairy lights. These are LEDs embedded in ribbons that can be attached to the gazebo via an adhesive backing. They can even be cut to order, though carefully. Like LED fairy lights, LED tape lights come in a rainbow of colors, are cool to the touch and can last for years.

Sparkle Balls
If a family does not want to buy sparkle balls, they can make their own as a project. Take clear plastic cups and LED fairy lights. Make holes in the bottoms of the cups, then staple them together until they create two half-domes. Lace the fairy lights through the holes, then join and staple the half-spheres. Hang them from the ceiling of the gazebo, plug them in and watch them sparkle. Use white lights or colored lights for this one.

These are only four of many ways to lit up a gazebo. They will make it even more beautiful and welcoming.

Gazebo Lighting Ideas

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backyard, How to

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Yard Cleanup this Fall – 15 Must-Dos

It’s time for yard cleanup this fall! When autumn comes, it means that it is time to start preparing your garden for winter. Preparing it right now will help in saving time and energy when spring comes, and it will also keep you and your family safe in the yard throughout the year.

Follow this checklist of must-dos for your fall yard cleanup and make sure that your yard is ready so that you can get the most out of it when the new year comes rolling in.

  • Get Rid of Debris: Weeds and fallen leaves are the ideal place for pests to settle in when winter sets in. By clearing out flower beds, you can keep all types of critters away. You should pay special attention to rose beds because the disease can be fostered by their foliage over the winter.
  • Till Your Veggie Garden: After the final harvest, make sure that you pull out all old veggie plants, get rid of debris and till the entire plot completely. If you compost, this is the perfect time to add a layer of compost. This will help in nurturing your soil for next spring’s planting.
  • Trim Branches: If you see any out-of-place or large branches, trim them up so that they do not cause any trouble during the winter. You want to make sure that branches do not fall or break during the snowfall that will be coming.

 

  • Clean the Gutters Out: The yard is not the only place for a fall cleanup. This is the perfect time to clear out debris like leaves, etc. from rain gutters. Check and make sure that there is proper drainage, use a small garden trowel to clear out any blockages and finally, rinse with a hose.
  • Dry Your Equipment Out: Make sure that you drain all water from drip irrigation systems, fountains and hoses and store them in a dry place, like your garden shed. Your equipment may get damaged if you leave water standing over the winter.
  • Aerate: You need to break up your soil to prevent water pooling and make sure that nutrients reach the roots during the cold season. If you have a small yard, all you need is a garden fork, but if you have a larger yard, you may need a walk-behind aerator – you should be able to rent one at an affordable rate.
  • Keep Your Lawn Fed: Make sure that your lawn is fed with the nutrients it needs to survive the long and harsh winter cold. An autumn lawn fertilizer that contains a lot of phosphorus is a fantastic choice as it will encourage the growth of roots and give you a lush, green lawn when spring arrives.
  • Rake Fallen Leaves for Mulch: Fallen leaves can get the best of you – do not let them. If you leave them unattended, the grass can get suffocated. You need to rake and shred them up and make use of them as mulch for flower beds, shrubs, and young trees. You might even skip raking the leaves by using a lawn mower to mulch them instead.
  • Prune Your Shrubs and Trees: Fall is the time to cut back overgrown bushes and trees and trim any dead branches. If your garden has blooming perennials like roses or clematis, this is the perfect time to train the branches and prune them.
  • Mow It: This is a fabulous time to mow your lawn one last time before winter comes. Get your mower on a low setting and give your yard a close shave. This will help the soil in drying out faster when spring sets in, and this will give you a lusher lawn.
  • Divide Perennials: If you had fantastic perennials this year, divide them up and put them in other flower beds where they are bound to grow well. This will save you both time and money in the spring. But do not divide perennials that bloom in the fall like chrysanthemums just yet – you should do this in the spring.
  • Protect Plants Sensitive to Cold: You can keep sensitive roses, shrubs, and perennials in superb condition through the cold winter days. First is adding mulch to the base and then wrapping the plants in cloth barriers so that you prevent any damage from freezing. Depending on your climate and the plant’s hardiness, you can use a single blanket or sheet or wrap them in a combination of plastic and cloth.

 

  • Plant Shrubs, Bulbs, and Fall Annuals: There are certain plants that do very well when planted in autumn. If you want to add new spring bulbs like hyacinth or shrubs, this is the ideal time to plant them. Fall annuals, such as pansies, are another fantastic plant to add a little color to your yard while other plants hide away from the cold.
  • Protect the Deck: You should give your deck a terrific power wash to prevent the growth of mildew and mold. You can rent a pressure washer from a garden store if you do not own one. Once you have a clean and dry deck, make sure that you add a weatherproofing stain to keep the wood protected from moisture damage during the cold season.
  • Clean and Store Tools Away: Make sure that you do not just throw your gardening tools into the garden shed and forget about them until spring returns. Take a little time to get them cleaned up well. Make sure that you give them a light coat of oil so that they do not rust during the winter.

This is a salient checklist to follow. With it, you are sure to have a superbly winterized yard that is prepared to give you a lush, green outdoor space when the warm weather comes back. And we know many of you cannot wait for that!

Yard Cleanup This Fall

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gardening, How to

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Water Feature Ideas for Your Garden – Creative and Beautiful

Looking for water feature ideas in your garden? The sound of running water has a relaxing and tranquil effect that calms anyone when they hear it. That is why you see artificial waterfalls in restaurants, hotel lobbies, and so on. No one really knows why it has that soothing effect, but everyone wants to feel it. And you can, by installing a premade fountain or building one on your own.

No matter which you press the button for, you will find an array of beautiful water feature ideas to create these gorgeous features in your yard and make a focal point in your outdoor space that highlights one of the most important elements of nature.

Urn Fountain: A simple urn can make a beautiful, attention-grabbing feature in your garden. It is not overbearingly fancy, so if you want something that is elegant and understated, this is the perfect fountain for you. All you need to do is make sure that the urn or pot that you choose is designed to withstand the elements and last in the outdoors so that it makes it through the year despite whatever Mother Nature has up her sleeves.

Wall Waterfall: If you want decorative water feature ideas, there is nothing quite as stunning as a water wall. It is more modern than a conventional water fountain, so if you are looking something a little more contemporary, this is the one for you. You can get it professionally done, or if you are good with your hands, you can make it a DIY project for your garden and get a striking water fall for your outdoor space.

Stone Pond and Fountain: You can create a lovely water feature in your garden by building a water pond that comes with a little fountain. This is not a difficult DIY project, and you can definitely finish it over a weekend. A pond will make a sweet addition to your garden and add to its visual appeal.

Tiered Pot Fountain: Simply, easy and amazing-looking, a tired pot fountain is a wonderful water feature for your garden. The salient thing about this garden water feature is that you do not need too many materials and tools to build it. You can use two or three pots depending on the size of your garden. Make sure that you take your time looking through gardening stores to find the perfect pots for this project.

water feature ideas

Teapot Fountain: Are you wondering how you can use a teapot to make a fountain? It is really easy and looks adorable. Get a rustic vintage teapot and a wine or whisky barrel and you can create an eye-catching water feature for your outdoor space. The result will be a rustic, charming look that will make your garden look even better, especially when your flowers are in full bloom.

Pond and Waterfall: If you want water feature ideas in your outdoor space but want to save money, you can build a pond with a fountain without spending thousands of dollars. This is an easy DIY project and you will easily find the materials and tools you need at your local stores. Place plants around this feature to enhance its looks and get a stunning water feature in your garden.

water feature ideas

Container Water Garden: Do you want a water feature but do not have the space for it? Well, then this is the perfect one for you. If you do not have the money, space, or time to build a pond for your garden, no worries – you can make a simple mini pond with a container and some water lilies and lettuce. With just a little imaginative effort, you can have something in your backyard that is much more impressive than the 2015 Jurassic World movie which was tired and dull but that is another topic!

Get a large container and fill it with water and a few pretty stones and then add your plants. There you have it – your very own mini pond that beautifies your garden or porch!

Flower Pot Fountain: This feature is all about the pots, so you need to make sure that you find some stunning ones. Forget about regular terra cotta pots if you want something that really catches the eye. Nowadays, you will find a wide array of pots so take your time in picking a couple for this fountain. You can also add some decorative stones in varying sizes to enhance its appeal.

Canoe Water Pond: Do you have an old canoe lying around? Great! You can use it to make a stunning water feature for your garden. Fill it with water and add plants and add other decorative items. You can also have a small submersible filter so you can add some goldfish in it too if you like! This is a fantastic DIY water feature project that you can have loads of fun with.

If you are looking for ways to add a little something extra to your garden or backyard, fabulous water feature ideas will do the trick. In most projects, you will not have to spend too much money and still get a beautiful feature. All you need is a little imagination and creativity and you can create a beautiful pond or fountain for your outdoor space.

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backyard, How to, sheds, Uncategorized

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How to Secure Your Shed

Do you want to know how to secure your shed? Many people assume that their shed does not need protection. After all, it is nothing more than a storage shack where you keep out-of-season items. But while that lawn mower that you have been storing in your shed for many years may not be of much value on its own, have you considered the accumulated worth of the other contents in your shed – gardening gear, power tools, bikes, electrical cord, portable lights, rope, and lots more.

Despite many valuable items such as these stored in them, sheds are rarely secured properly. Whether or not your shed is attached to your home, you should make sure that the same level of security is provided to it as the rest of your property.

Here are a few tips to help ensure that your shed is as safe and secure as the rest of your home and the surrounding property.

Minimize the Risk of Structural Weaknesses: When there are obvious loose slats and patches of rot, your old shed will be able to provide very minimal defense against thieves. The first thing you need to do is identify the problem areas in the shed. Use new panels to reinforce the internal structure and make sure that you fix loose slats as well.

Replace rotten doors and windows and also patch up holes that you see on your roof. Secondly, make sure that your shed is difficult to for criminals to access. Always keep fence openings closed and secure that are around your yard, use thorny plants as a deterrent, by planting them around the shed and if you have overgrown shrubs surrounding your shed, trim them regularly so that they cannot be used as hiding places.

How to Secure Your Shed

Replace Old Locks: Because many homeowners do not give importance to the security of their sheds, they use old locks. If traditional security is your preferred option, you should replace the old fastener with the strongest hasp and staple you can find with coach bolts. Next, add a strong padlock – preferable one that is rust-resistant or weatherproof – and make sure that you use it each time you close your shed.

Always remember that the harder you make it for a thief to enter your shed, the less likely they will be to try intruding in the first place, because it increases their chances of getting caught. If you prefer a more high-tech option, you should consider investing in an electronic door lock.

Secure Window AC Units: If the window AC units in your shed are not properly secured, burglars looking for access can quickly and easily remove them. You can make sure that it is much more difficult to remove your AC unit by installing a support mechanism that attaches to the exterior wall of your shed.

Although it may take a little more work, you should make sure that you also add a support bracket that can be securely screwed into the wall. This will make it extremely tough for any burglar to move the AC. Once the bracket has been installed, you should also invest in a window security bar. These are affordable improvements that can effectively prevent potential intruders from opening the window above the unit.

Replace Old Hinges: When the hinges of your shed door are exposed and loose, it makes them easy for criminals to unscrew. When this happens, the first thing you should do is replace those old hinges with a set that comes with a non-removable pin. You should look for carriage screws or coach bolts to install the hinges as well, because these types of fasteners come with smooth heads and cannot be removed from the outside once they are screwed in. This will make your shed door stronger and more secure, deterring potential intruders from trying to break in.

secure your shed

Poor Lighting: If your shed is situated in a corner of your yard where it cannot be reached by the porch light, it will make it difficult to see what is going on during the night. The best solution is to invest in motion detector lighting and have it installed. No criminal wants the spotlight on them so this will keep them away for sure. Depending on the strength and range of your lighting, it may also help in deterring intruders from the rest of your property.

There are many effective ways to make sure that your garden shed is properly secured and the items inside are safe. While some are expensive, you will find many affordable and easy ways to secure this structure. They will ensure that potential criminals have a hard time accessing your shed and getting their hands on your hard-earned property.

You can make sure that the equipment, tools, and other items that you store in your shed are safe from the hands of burglars and thieves. So do not neglect your shed and find ways to ensure that it is secure at all times.

How To Secure Your Shed

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How to, sheds

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How to Level and Install Your Shed’s Foundation

Want to know how to level a shed? Install the foundation? Sheds are a magnificent structure to have if you have the space on your property. You can use it for many things – from storing gardening tools to a private space where you can work.

Nowadays, many homeowners are building sheds to use for a range of purposes. If you want a long-lasting shed, you will need to make sure that its foundation is sturdy so that it stays level and is protected from moisture. It needs to be able to withstand the fury that Mother Nature enjoys hurling once in a while.

Your shed can preserve your tools for many years, decades in fact, if it is built right. It can also increase the value of your home.

Here are steps you should follow to build the foundation of your shed.

Step 1: Choose a spot for your shed that is almost level and does not collect water. It is also good to have a 3 foot clearance around the perimeter from things like structures and fences. Larger sheds, i.e. 160 square and above, require 4 feet of clearance. Having this area ensures that you have room to build the shed.

Step 2: To make sure that there is ample space in your backyard to build a shed, use batter boards and mason’s string to mark the area. For some installation, like the ones with runners, the shed tends to overhang the runners by quite a few inches. Use batter boards and mason’s string in order to easily mark the perimeter of the posts supporting the runners.

Step 3: To square the area, measure 3 feet along one string and 4 feet along the adjacent string. Keep in mind that the distance between the points should be at least five feet. Adjust the string as you need to along the batter boards and mark the string’s location on the batter boards. Also make sure to check the other corners.

Building the Foundation

You can build your foundation in a number of ways. The following instructions are for a shed that uses posts that are set in concrete footers.

Step 1: Make sure that the post holes are roughly 4 feet apart. Set up a mason’s string and batter boards to mark the points. The intersections of the string are indicators of a post corner’s location. Follow the 3-4-5 principle provided above to check for square at each intersection. Adjust the mason’s string alongside the batter boards as you need to and mark the string location on the batter board.

Step 2: Dig the post holes with a diameter of 12 inches and also 12 inches below the frost line. Pour roughly 4 to 6 inches of gravel into the hole, compact it and add concrete – make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s directions for mixing. If you move the string, use marks on the batter boards to get it back to the correct location.

Step 3: Once the concrete has cured, set a post on the footer’s top. To set the post square, use the mason’s string’s intersection. Make sure that the post is plumb and hold it straight, and then compact concrete around the sides and cover it up with soil. Keep each post in position by bracing it while the concrete sets.

Step 4: Once all the posts have been set, it is time to ascertain the height for the shed floor and then mark one post. Now, make use of this as a guide to mark other posts and cut them with a saw.

Step 5: This is when you need to attach post base brackets as well as 4×4 runners.

Step 6: You can now build the frame of the floor with treated 2x4s and nails according to the directions given for your shed. Make sure you follow instructions, you want this to work right and not turn out like the ACA’s website.

Step 7: Now, set the frame on the 4×4 runners, making sure that you leave an overhang at the ends and attach a side to each 4×4 with a screw.

Step 8: Measure the diagonals of the frame to check for square. First, measure the distance between two opposite corners and then, between the remaining corners. You should get the same measurements. If you need to, make adjustments and then secure the other side of the frame to the 4x4s. Next, secure the frame at each point contacting the 4x4s with screws.

Step 9: Now, set a floor panel at the frame’s corner, flush to the edges. Nail down the edge that is short and check the frame for square once more. Many any required adjustments. Nail down the rest of the plywood. Attach the other panels of the floor, according to the directions. Do not forget to check for level.

how to level a shed

Step 10: Now that your foundation is set, you are ready to build the shed. There are kits that come with detailed instructions so you can build a DIY shed, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.

Installing your shed’s foundation is critical since it is what determines how long your shed will last. Without a sturdy foundation, your shed will not stand firm. So make sure that you install your shed’s foundation properly and that it is level. This is the best way to make sure that you have a strong shed that stays with you for years. You want this shed to last many hockey seasons, decades of them in fact.

how to level a shed

How To Level a Shed

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backyard, Backyard Inspirations, How to

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How to Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Yard

Do you often host outdoor dinner parties? Tired of pesky mosquitoes always ruining the fun? Well, you can stop stressing over the problem.

There are many ways to keep mosquitoes out of your yard and these methods do not involve buying chemical-filled pesticides or insecticides that do more harm than good in the long run. With a few safe and natural tips, you can make sure that you get rid of these unwanted intruders and enjoy your time outdoors.

Tips to Repel Mosquitoes from Your Yard

Here are some of the best tips to help you keep pesky mosquitoes away from your outdoor space:

Eliminate Stagnant Water: First of all, make sure that there is no standing water anywhere in your yard – check plates under flower pots, toys left outdoors or garbage in an open can. Kiddy pools, ponds, and yards that are not drained properly also attract mosquitoes. No one wants to lose sleep because of mosquitoes buzzing around your ears, that is not fun nor pleasant!

These pests lay their eggs in fresh standing water, so any stagnant sources of water provide them with an opportunity. Getting rid of any stagnant water is the first basic step to ensure that you do not have a mosquito problem in your outdoor space.

Plant Mosquito Repellants: Did you know that there are certain plants that can repel mosquitoes? You should plant them around your yard to naturally keep these pesky bugs away from your yard. Lemon balm, citronella, marigold, lavender, geranium, rosemary, pennyroyal, and many others are excellent choices to plant if you want mosquito-repellant flowers and plants for your garden or yard.

lavender plant

The bonus is that they are all really pretty so you can make your outdoor space visually pleasing while keeping mosquitoes away.

Trim Vegetation: Plant nectar provide a feast for mosquitoes when they are not buzzing around, looking for blood. They spend a great deal of time around bushes and shrubs and in tall grasses. If you have vegetation around your house, it gives these insects a damp and cool place to hang out, especially on these plants’ leafy tissue on the bottom. You can reduce the population of mosquitoes in your yard by trimming the vegetation around your home and making sure that your lawn is always well mowed.

Get Rid of Debris: You should take a look around your yard for areas where debris like piles of leaves and grass clippings collect. Get rid of twigs, branches, and leaves that have piled up against your fence or the corner of your yard. It is important that you do this as they can provide a point source or a place for mosquitoes to breed. Keeping your yard clean and debris-free is one of the most effective ways to prevent mosquitoes from making your outdoor space their home.

If they are outside your home they will eventually come inside. They are easy to kill at times but they are still pests and when they are bothering you when you cook, are lying on the sofa, or trying to fall asleep, this all detracts from your quality of life.

Install Bug Lights: Bug lights are a sensational option for keeping mosquitoes away. These yellow, opaque bulbs work wonders in keeping these insects away. They are effective because insects and humans perceive lights in different wavelengths – insects see shorter wavelengths from ultraviolet and blue while humans see longer wavelengths that go from blue to red. This is why insects are attracted to black lights and conventional light sources.

A bulb coated with a yellow, opaque finish is invisible to bugs. Since they cannot see the light, they are unable to swarm there. The only problem you have is that everything that you have in your yard now has a yellow tint.

Tent Your Patio: If your patio is where everyone likes to relax and congregate, tenting it up may help in keeping mosquitoes from biting you and your guests. This way, you do not have to worry about having to spray repellent over food to keep mosquitoes and other bugs away when you are entertaining. You will find a wide array of canopy tents that come with mosquito net accessories – these are available in different styles, colors and fabrics, so you will find one that complements your home perfectly. You can even go for nets that can be attached to outdoor umbrellas.

outdoor bbq

Hire a Professional: If you can, you should hire a professional exterminator to check hidden areas like gutters, etc. where water can collect and become a prime breeding spot for mosquitoes. Professionals are terrific as they know secret spots where mosquitoes can breed or hide. They also provide treatments to eliminate these bugs, and prevent them from multiplying in your yard. If you want a non-toxic treatment, they will be able to provide it for you so you do have chemicals on your property that can harm you and your family.

As you can see, making your outdoor space mosquito-free is quite easy. You do not need to buy expensive equipment or get dangerous chemical treatments. You can relax or play in your yard and entertain guests any time without having to worry about everyone slapping mosquitoes and getting bitten. You can comfortably enjoy your outdoor space any time you want to.

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gardening, How to

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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.

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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.

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