3 Winter Tips for Your Natural Stone Pavers
Hardscapes endure a good deal of wear and tear throughout the year. It’s easy to think of maintaining them during the spring storms or the heavy summer traffic. But in the winter, we are happily basking in the warmth of our homes, and thoughts of our outdoor spaces are relegated to dreams of the summer past or planning for future gatherings. This is the time when Nature’s beastly weather takes its toll on our natural stones. Here are three tips for natural stone care and maintenance through the winter. 1. Keep it Clear Remove snow from deck pavers before it has a chance to [...]
Prepare Your Outdoor Kitchen For Winter
Winter is coming! Thankfully here in Southern Virginia, we don’t get the harsh winters that our friends up North do, but it’s still important to prep your outdoor kitchen equipment for cold weather and the occasional freezes. Generally, December thru March are the months that have the highest likelihood of a freeze in the coastal Mid-Atlantic area. (https://climate.usurf.usu.edu/reports/freezeDates.php?ntwk=GHCN&sSubmit=Select&acronym=US&sSubmit=Select&g_state=VA) Taking these steps in mid to late fall will ensure the longevity of your outdoor appliances, grills, counters, cabinets, and cooktops and reduce the need for costly springtime repairs. Clean it! Thoroughly scrape, clean, buff, and polish your grill, outdoor refrigerator, cabinets, countertops, and other appliances. Remove stains, crumbs, and spills with the appropriate cleaner, [...]
Make Your Outdoor Spaces Cozy
The patio is finished and your outdoor kitchen is ready for your first al fresco meal. But where will your guests sit? It’s time to furnish your outdoor space. When it comes to finding the right outdoor furniture, you start indoors. What’s your style for your indoor living room, dining room, and kitchen? Do you want that style to flow from the indoors to the outdoors, or do you want a more relaxed atmosphere for summertime entertaining? Here are six ideas for making your outdoor spaces cozy this fall: Pick outdoor furniture that’s weather-resistant. Keep in mind though, that some materials such as wood, wrought iron, and aluminum will need periodic cleaning or [...]
Plants for Outdoor Living
Plants for outdoor living Much of the joy that comes with having an outdoor living space comes from mixing the comfort of your house and the beauty of nature. Adding a splash of color can be as easy as adding a few potted plants to your deck, or as large as framing your deck with a border of shrubbery. Container plants are versatile, easy to maintain and work well to soften the hard corners of your patio design. Mix and match these elements to create your unique outdoor garden room. Container plants Adding a few flowerpots to your patio can give it a warm and welcoming look. Pots are [...]
Liven Up Your Landscaping: Use Color
Landscaping is not just the placement of gardens, waterscapes, and hardscapes; it is also the color. Working the right hues into your accessories and décor, as well as your garden plants can accent your landscape and create a flowing and beautiful place to enjoy your time outside. 1. GO BRIGHT! Reds and oranges tend to be real eye-catchers. Using brightly colored plants can not only highlight your favorite parts of your landscape but also drawing attention away from areas such as trash can storage or air conditioner units. Bright colors remind us of warm tropical places and excite our imagination. Do not be afraid to go a little bold! [...]
Improving Outdoor Living Spaces with a Fireplace
For the last million years, our human ancestors have distinguished ourselves from other animals by our mastery of fire. We have used it for light, warmth, to keep predators at bay, and of course, for cooking. From primitive fire pits dug into the ground to grand and glorious marble fireplaces, humans still appreciate fire. Modern fireplaces and firepits have a variety of compositions, purposes and fuels. What fire feature is best suited for your landscape? Choosing a location Choosing a location is probably the first thing you will do. Fire pit placement is a decision that must be made very carefully. Ensure that sparks and flames will not be able [...]
FB #2882
15 Methods to Pet-Proof Your Garden Every gardener battles to protect their prized plants from their curious pets. The softness of newly turned soil is so inviting they often can’t refuse to investigate. Then some cats and dogs just like to munch on your plants. Here are some methods to make portions of your backyard less attractive to your pet, and other critters, without affecting visual appeal. Start with Scent Your pets navigate their world with their nose. You can to set up a scent boundary to stop them in their tracks. Add Spice Many of these you can source from your pantry this afternoon. Pet owners have excellent results [...]
Petscaping 101: Plants to Protect your Pets
We protect our cats and dogs from ticks and fleas with collars, topical preventives, and even chewable tablets, but here in Virginia, it still might not be enough. After taking precautions and still finding one of these creatures on your darling pet, you might want to consider some landscape options to deter these unwanted visitors from coming into your backyard. Use these plants we are providing you to keep pests away from your pets and help protect them! First, keep your lawn relatively short as ticks and fleas love to hide out in tall grass. Next, consider planting one of these pet-safe garden herbs around your foundation and where your pets hang out. Also, [...]
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