Garden & Patio DIY Guides

What’s Underfoot: Choosing Between a Deck or Patio

kqueen — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:02:00 GMT

What’s Underfoot: Choosing Between a Deck or Patio

Products such as DrySpace allow you to create a covered patio under your deck.

The steaks and corn are on the grill. Your guests are relaxing with cold drinks. The only question: are they sitting on your brand new deck or patio? Here we outline what to consider as you choose a deck or patio.

The first aspect to consider is the topography of your lot. For a patio, the grade should be no more than one-fourth inch per foot.

“If you have a real steep lot, it’s difficult to have a patio unless you build it up to grade,” says James Tucker, general manager of Phoenix Home Services Inc., in Burke, Va. “If you have a real steep lot, it would make more sense to put in a deck.”

Your house plan is another factor.

If your main living areas are three feet above grade, you could build a patio with masonry steps for access. But if your kitchen and other living areas are second-floor level with a reverse floor plan or walkout basement, you’ll probably want a deck off the second level. You don’t want to have to walk downstairs to a ground level patio to grill that steak.

Cost and Other Considerations

Cost is another factor. A middle of the road deck costs about 30 percent more than a patio. And if you opt for a high-end deck, you’ll pay even more.

“What makes a deck more expensive is, most people building a deck want something that is maintenance free,” Tucker says. Instead of using pressure-treated lumber, they prefer composite products such as Trex and Evergrain. Using a composite railing system and wrapping the posts and underpinnings adds even more to the cost. And choosing an exotic wood such as Ipe, a Brazilian hardwood, ramps up the cost to four or five times the cost of a patio.

If you choose a patio, your options include concrete and pavers installed on a concrete base. You have a number of pavers to choose from including pavers designed to look like bricks, travertine marble and Pennsylvania variegated flagstone, to name just a few. Do check to make sure the pavers you like can stand up to the freeze thaw cycle in your area.

Another consideration is permits. For a deck, you’ll need a permit. If your patio doesn’t have steps, you likely won’t need a permit. (Check your local building code first).

If you’re planning an outdoor kitchen down the road, let your deck builder know so the deck can be engineered to hold the extra weight.

Double Down

A deck and patio, like this one built by Phoenix Home Services in Virginia, gives you the best of both worlds.

Finally, you don’t have to limit yourself to a patio or a deck. You can get both. Many homeowners with reverse floor plans add a patio off the first level – perhaps off the rec room – with a deck on top accessible from the kitchen or family room.

And if you like a covered patio, your deck can provide a roof, thanks to products such as DrySpace and DrySnap that are designed to be installed under deck joists. They act as a guttering system to allow water to run off instead of dripping down.

Because of the cost (DrySpace and DrySnap cost about $25 a square foot) many of Tucker’s clients build a deck first and add the covered patio the next year.

If you think you might want to go that route, let your deck builder know. It’s important that the joists be precisely 16 inches apart so the panels will fit, Tucker says. If the joists aren’t exactly 16 inches apart, you may not be able to retrofit with DrySnap or DrySpace. Or you may have get permits, and pay more, to move deck joists.

With a deck covering your patio, you can relax on sunny days and when the rain moves in, move downstairs and listen to the soothing sound of rainfall.

Drip Irrigation for Lawn and Garden

rjax — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:00:00 GMT

Drip Irrigation for Lawn and Garden

One of the greatest advantages of the drip irrigation system is the simplicity of the actual installation. Very few tools are required and, even so, are tools that are kept in every household.

Homeowners, professional landscapers and hobbyist gardeners know the value of time and sweat when it comes to creating and maintaining a healthy garden space or decorative beds of ornamental plantings. While it’s easy to enjoy the visual benefits of a meticulous, well-planned space, the tasks associated with maintaining the health of these plants are real. Living, breathing vegetation is very dependent upon human intervention in order for them to grow and flourish and they rely upon caregivers for food, water, safety (competing, undesirable weed growth), and proactive medical intervention (prevention of common diseases). This dependency dictates responsibilities that must tended to. Integrating a drip irrigation system into the landscaping plans will offset the need for more frequent direct interventions while systematically caring for the natural offspring.

Design and Efficacy

The fundamental principles of the drip irrigation system are efficiency of water usage and focal distribution of the same. The system is enabled (typically) from a standard water source, such as an exterior faucet--the same source for use for your garden hose. A filter is installed at this early juncture to ensure that small particles of silt, salt, lime or other foreign matter that exists in your water is kept from infiltrating the system. Next, a modulating valve is installed. This is the device that regulates the pressure and flow in the feed line that follows. From the valve, the feed line carries the water to the garden space where the feed line is then coupled to individual drip lines, or tubing. Each drip line has an ‘emitter’ (a hole or orifice in which the water will be dispensed) spaced evenly along the tubing. The emitters will be spaced at 4”, 6”, 12”, etc., depending upon your own spacing requirements. Each emitter should be assigned to an individual plant so it’s critical that this is represented in the landscape or garden plan. The various assortments of spacing of emitters in the drip lines are diverse, accommodating nearly any common layout. It is also possible to block or obstruct an individual emitter in order to customize the drip line in accordance to the garden’s needs. An electric timer may be integrated into the system (at the modulating valve) to offer a more ‘hands-off’ installation for those plants that don’t require a constant or daily watering regimen.

This design constitutes a low-pressure, low-volume system. With the proper assignment of the emitters at the base, or root, the water used is dedicated to the individual plant. This drip action feeds the individual plant at an optimum and precise rate while aerating the base of the plant, which further establishes and maintains the plant’s health. This frugal means of watering translates into a greater than 90% efficiency of the water usage, compared to 50-70% efficiency of more traditional sprinkler or hand-watering practices. Since the water is directed (and limited) to the individual plant, weed growth—which results from excess watering—is greatly inhibited. This is yet another benefit of the drip irrigation system. The soil is not leached of vital nutrients with a drip system, and, of course, the threat of soil run-off or water pooling is non-existent. That, in and of itself, is a great feature when planting on irregular slopes and berms. Also, the foliage portion of the plant doesn’t receive any water with a drip system, so many of the mold and mildew related diseases, which arise from saturated foliage, are averted.

Traditional irrigation techniques, as indicated in this photo, clearly indicate how random and excessive water usage is unnecessary or simply wasteful.

In more arid climates, a drip system feeds the plant efficiently while a sprinkler system would be subjected to conditions of rapid evaporation. Only the desirable growth is tended to with a drip system. The modulating valve can also be enabled to receive an insertion of liquid fertilizer so that, here again, the accuracy and efficacy of the feeding is pin-pointed to exactly where you want it to go. Leon Springer, co-owner of Dripworks of Willits, CA , is very passionate about the system. “To some the most beneficial effect of having your garden or landscape on drip is that you'll save a lot of money,” says Springer. “Your water bill will decrease by about 50%. Yield and beauty are never sacrificed, as production can increase making for healthy plants and beautiful flowers.”

Drip irrigation systems have significant commercial application benefits as well, says Samir Shah, Drip Marketing Manager for Rainbird of Tucson, AZ. “Because water is being distributed underground, there’s no wet grass or pavement to increase the risk of slipping and falling,” says Shah. “There’s also no overspray that can potentially damage fences, sidewalks, parking lots and buildings.”

Objections and Limitations

While the noted efficiency is inarguable, there exist some drawbacks inherent in the application and usage of drip irrigation systems. Here are a few of the more prominent issues:

Cost: The initial dollar outlay for an irrigation kit can be as high as $2.50 per plant. While this is a one-time, start-up figure, an avid or prolific gardener with hundreds or thousands of plants to tend to will have to ponder or justify the investment.
Maintenance: Regardless of the filtering systems in place, the emitters can become compromised and the system will need to be ‘flushed’ or cleared from any scaling or build-up of lime in the lines.
Visual: Most drip irrigation systems are installed above-ground, so the ‘snake’ of a feed line tracing across the yard can be objectionable. Staking-down the lines and covering them with mulch is a recommended solution to this issue.
Critters: Whether your dog gets overly curious and chews at the feed line or the moles and gophers nibble along the drip lines, repairs will have to be addressed.
Mother Nature: You can’t control the rain; so despite meticulous planning with a garden and drip system, excessive rainfall will compromise many of the elements that were sought to be averted with the system.

The Many Ways to Heat a Patio

rjax — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 18:22:00 GMT

The Many Ways to Heat a Patio

This gas-fired heater is hard at work, taking the chill from the patio air.

The sun is setting earlier these days and, with that, the cooler breezes of autumn are rising. Your patio lays dormant as a solemn reminder of the summer’s passing. You miss those moments of fellowship on that patio with family and friends. What if you could actually heat this outdoor space and continue entertaining as you had months earlier?

“It’s the perfect way to extend your backyard entertaining season,” says Kyle Kromidas, E-Commerce Manager at Well Traveled Living of Amelia Island, FL, when speaking in reference to his company’s wide variety of patio heating options. They offer overhead mounted or freestanding electric radiant (IR) models that heat objects directly or freestanding and tabletop models that are fired by liquefied propane gas (LP) which heat the ambient air. In either option, the five-to-ten degree increase in warmth more than adequate enough to ensure a condition of comfort for you and your guests. You have taken charge of this seasonal change and these units will permit you to elongate your summer entertaining well into autumn.

A more traditional or natural means of heating an exterior patio space would be with the inclusion of a decorative stove, fireplace, firepit or chiminea that burns wood or wood pellets. Unlike the LP or electric heaters, these will require intermittent tending to in order to regulate the warmth of your patio space. The exchange of this maintenance is that you receive the radiant warmth and scents associated with an honest, wood fire.

Options of Beauty and Function

The style, design and fuel source will dictate the role to which your heater will play in your patio décor. “I feel they are more of a supporting accessory over a focal point,” says Kromidas. “Our styling/function features are designed around what the average consumer currently has on their patio. We especially take this into consideration with color. Mocha, bronze, brown, black are colors that seem to fall into this patio furniture category.” Here, the decorating strategy is to become more innocuous and supportive of the general décor and not make a statement of its own. When browsing such LP heating units a consumer will note that these products are clearly more contemporary in styling. With long, slender, clean lines and encased in brilliant stainless finish (or other metal finishes), it’s difficult to deny or argue that they tend to make a more modern statement in décor. They are a more stylish rendition of the ‘can’ or ‘torpedo’ heaters typically found on construction sites. An inclusion of tempered glass plating in the styling, decoratively exposing the gas flame, adds a more welcoming visual feature to these units, bridging them into decorating schemes that are more traditional. David Coulson, National Advertising Manager with Napoleon Fireplaces & Grills of Barrie, Ontario has his own opinion on such style transition units. “Up to a four foot natural flame with a 360º view is definitely an inspiring mix of art and design that brings your outdoor living space to life,” he says .

Crafted in the clarity of stainless steel, this freestanding pyramid heater lends itself to an edgy, contemporary flair.

In sharp contrast to the more contemporary designs of LP and electric heaters, the more traditional appearance of wood-burners or wood-burner lookalikes make more of a decorating statement and is typically the centerpiece of your patio décor. A granite-topped fire-pit will be encircled with comfortable patio chairs while a patio dining table and chairs will be romantically situated adjacent to the warming radius of an exterior fireplace or chiminea. These heating options are considered to be a more economical alternative to the LP or electric units. However, while the purchase cost of a well-constructed fire-pit or chiminea will be $200-300, the owner will still have to acquire the fuel (wood). And, depending upon their locale, wood may be expensive or hard to come by. In short, the availability and market cost of the fuel for the chosen unit will factor into the decision of how best to heat the patio. However, it’s also important to note that there’s a broad selection of these styles (fireplaces, fire-pits, chimineas) that are available which utilize natural gas and LP as the fuel source. So, in essence, the decision of style and décor focus becomes the primary variable in choosing a heat source.

Precautions and Safety Considerations

As with any heat or fire-producing appliance, it’s vital to be diligent with regards to respecting the product and understanding the inherent dangers associated with the misuse, abuse or negligence within the application of exterior heat sources. “Common sense plays a key role here. If it’s really storming out, put the unit away. The unit blowing over is the main concern,” says Kromidas. Many of the LP products have automatic shut-offs that inhibit the flow of fuel should the unit be toppled or jostled. He also cautions and routinely recommends that these units have a minimum distance of 3 feet (in any direction) from any flammable source, including wood and vinyl structures. Standard electrical precautions would prevail with regards to wet weather and electrical heating units--don’t use them if there’s an opportunity for them to be rained upon or sprayed via a hose or sprinkler system.

Wood burning units carry their own degree of hazard, as the flame itself is typically exposed or reasonably accessible to the touch. The inherent unpredictability of the fuel (wood) is a concern as flare-ups or flying embers can pose the threat of a direct burn to an individual or igniting whatever flammable item happens to be in the near vicinity. A fireproof matting or platform is required beneath your wood-burner to assist in retarding the accidental or errant mishap of ignited wood (fuel) or embers leaving the firebox. It is also prudent to have a fully-charged fire extinguisher mounted conveniently on, or by, the patio.

Outdoor Kitchen Design

kkrueger — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:55:00 GMT

Outdoor Kitchen Design

Outdoor living spaces have become a natural extension of the home.

The expansion of the kitchen into a family's outdoor living space began in areas with warmer climates. Now, it has gained popularity in northern states and where the summers are short, like Minnesota and Wisconsin. Outdoor kitchens are found on patios overlooking the north shore of Lake Superior with tall pines as their backdrop, just as they are found in the Arizona desert with cacti casting their shadows across tile and concrete countertops.

Client Trends

As the demand for outdoor kitchens continues to grow, designers are finding specific trends among their customers.

Amanda O'Mahony of Kitchen & Bath Design News says, “Using the appropriate materials to incorporate all indoor kitchen amenities into the outside area allows designers to prosper in the growing outdoor kitchen market.”

What this means is: Homeowners want to have all the same appliances and workspaces in their outdoor kitchen as they do in their indoor kitchen. They want a refrigerator for serving cold beverages to their guests. They want their cooking area to be top of line and big enough to accommodate their entertainment plans. Today's outside kitchens also allow for cleanup with a sink, at minimum, but, more preferably, with a dishwasher.

The incorporation of these appliances into the outdoor kitchen requires strategic planning for the routing of utilities, such as electricity, water and gas lines by the designer. It also means creating a design that is suitable to the elements that will be encountered in that particular climate. The perfect outdoor kitchen design for San Antonio does not transpose itself to a setting in the mountains of Oregon.

Built-in Grill

The grill is the centerpiece to every outdoor kitchen.

All designers agree that the central feature in any outdoor kitchen is the built-in grill. These gas-fired conveyors of burgers and brats are packed with many additional amenities and features. Rotisserie forks with a temperature gauge is one of the favorite features for those who like to take their grilling skills to the next level. Small accessories like built-in cutting boards and ice buckets are not uncommon to find included in built-in grill package, as well.

The finish and styling of the grill is as important as the functionality for a family's outdoor oasis. Napoleon Grills acknowledged this, when they released their Prestige Pro Built-in Series last spring. David Coulson, National Advertising Manager with Napoleon Fireplaces & Grills, explained that the polished chrome trim and accents on the Prestige Pro series were chosen to create a high end, classy look for their new series.

Convenient and Comfortable

Jamie Lipke, Landscape Designer for RemWhirl, LLC in Crosslake, Minnesota agrees with the importance that the grill plays in the outdoor kitchen. However, she has found that most of her clients also want to incorporate an outdoor fireplace into the design. “You'll see a fireplace across the patio from the grill in most of our outdoor kitchen designs,” says Lipke.

This statement demonstrates the primary focus of outdoor living spaces as gathering places. The outdoor kitchen and outdoor fireplace have been added onto patio and deck areas to further facilitate this concept. Bar stools sit next to a stained concrete countertop as guests sip on the drinks being served up by their host from the other side. Adirondack chairs are perched around the fireplace for comfortable seating, while the grill-master works comfortably in his 'kitchen' a few feet away. Convenient and comfortable are the two words that come to mind as a person envisions this scene in their mind. That is the overall goal of an outdoor kitchen design.

Creating a space that allows the client to have a fully functional kitchen attached to their outdoor entertaining and living area is the goal when designing an outdoor kitchen. Today, the products and design concepts are available to make this dream a reality more than ever before.

Organic Gardening 101

pmrockza — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:21:00 GMT

Organic Gardening 101

Organic gardening can create robust and verdant results. Photo courtesy of Sally Scott.

Organic gardening has become very popular. In a way, it is a very direct venture that involves focusing on prevention, feeding the soil and using the simplest solution when a problem arises.

Organic gardening is a term that is laden with a host of preconceptions. Words such as “natural,” “chemical free,” and “earth-friendly” gardening have all become associated with it. Organic gardening is actually all and none of these things.

Although synthetic chemicals are not used, naturally occurring chemicals are . The organic gardening process is as natural as can be but then again, it’s not so natural as to let nature take over entirely. There’s a whole lot of human tending involved. And it is friendly to the earth as long as it’s done properly.

Defining the Term

There are some basic tenants that define organic gardening. Michael at The Home of The Organic Gardener, who is an extremely knowledgeable organic gardener with a site that offers a wealth of information, observes, “Organic gardening relies on natural methods to feed garden plants and control pests. Organic gardeners must value and improve the quality of their garden earth. They must rotate plants to prevent an increase in disease and pests, and they must encourage pest predators for natural control and balance.”

In its simplest form, organic gardening centers around three primary activities.

Feeding the soil
Focusing on prevention
Relying on the simplest solution

It Starts with Earth

Smart, productive gardening starts and ends with the earth in which the plants are grown. That’s right—it is all about the soil. If the soil is compressed, nutrient deprived or lacking those important microorganisms that will create the right environment for plant growth, then there’s little chance for the garden to produce healthy fruits, vegetables and flowers. But if the soil is loose, laced with growth encouraging nutrients and replete with an array of enriching microorganisms, then the most important elements needed for successful gardening is in place.

The methods used for creating rich soil, as Michael from The Home of The Organic Gardener points out, involve “improving garden earth with garden compost, well-rotted manure and leaf mold.” The chemical reactions and natural interactions encouraged by these substances create the perfect soil to promote a healthy garden.

Thus, if you’re considering starting an organic garden, you won’t be using synthetic fertilizers and chemicals. You will be utilizing products produced by the natural interaction of earth’s elements.

Crop rotation is important in replenishing the soil. Photo courtesy of Alexey Stiop.

Maintaining Garden Health

It is true that when it comes to organic gardening that an “ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” In a nonorganic setting, pests are dispatched with chemical compounds such as insecticides and a garden’s health is often given a boost through the use of chemical fertilizers.

The interesting thing is that good preventive gardening, whether it is organic or non-organic, starts with careful observation. The organic gardener is going to use natural predators, proper maintenance, crop rotation and ongoing vigilance to ensure the health of their garden.

Michael notes the importance of relying on nature when he says, “Encouraging natural pest predators such as frogs, newts, hedgehogs, birds, ladybirds, hoverflies, praying mantis, spiders, and the like. These are important for controlling pests. It is therefore important to include the types of plants, habitats and cover that they need in your garden. Gardeners should also encourage plant pollinators such as bees to ensure fertility.”

Proper policing of the area and the removal of any diseased, rotting or dying vegetation is essential. Maintaining the right level of moisture and watering gardens at the right time of the day will encourage growth while dissuading the establishment of harmful fungi. Also, making sure your plants have enough breathing room will help prevent harmful mold from taking over.

Simplicity in Solving a Problem

Pest control can be a challenge and requires diligence. Photo courtesy of Youths.

With organic gardening, the simplest, most direct approach is encouraged. If you’re tending to your garden every day and notice a problem, it can usually be addressed and solved quickly.

As an example, if aphids are noticed, the first thing to do is to use water to spray them off the plants. If that doesn’t work, then there are various natural sprays that can be made simply, such as garlic oil spray, which includes garlic, mineral oil and a small amount of soap. Larger bugs, such as caterpillars and beetles, may be taken care of by encouraging natural predators and by picking any you see in your garden off plants and out of the garden area and then destroying them. Again, as it is with any type of pest or disease, the sooner and faster you attend to it, the better your chances are of ridding your garden of the problem quickly.

Doing Things Right

Organic gardening is not complicated. It does take patience, knowledge and attentiveness. The fact is gardens need to be tended and tending involves diligence, commitment and care. Careful planning is also important. The best gardeners learn from their mistakes and adjust to changing conditions. With organic gardening, it is as simple as nature intended it to be.

Basic Grill Maintenance

gtimmerman — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:10:00 GMT

Basic Grill Maintenance

Barbecue grills are a great way to enjoy your favorite foods cooked over glowing embers or hot grates. Keeping the grill in top shape and working order requires routine maintenance and cleaning. Failure to follow these important steps can greatly reduce the lifespan of the grill and in some cases result in safety concerns.

Safety is always recommended when cooking with a barbecue grill. Severe burns and fires may result in units that are defective and operated by those unfamiliar with cooking on open fires. Always use the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when cooking with a barbecue grill.

Grill Inspection

Grill maintenance basics include a thorough inspection of your grill before use at the beginning of the season. Cleaning is of the grill is recommended after every use.

Upon initial start-up any gas or propane fired barbecue grill that has been sitting for a period of time, especially throughout the winter months, a careful and full inspection of all components of the grill should be fully conducted for proper operation. With close attention to all gas and propane fittings, check for possible frayed lines and corroded connections that may leak explosive vapors during normal operation. Questionable lines or connections should be replaced before ignition to prevent possible explosions and serious burns. Consult the applicable owners’ manual on any given model or style for additional suggestions and recommendations.

According to Rich Kalsi, CEO of Capital Cooking, a manufacturer of custom designed built barbecue grills, a homeowner should be cleaned after every use and a complete detailed check up should be performed at least once a month. “A check up means adjusting the burners, checking orifices for deterioration, ensuring the valves turn smoothly and making sure there are no loose connections in the wiring,” says Kalsi.

Standard charcoal grill. Charcoal grills need thorough cleaning as well to maintain condition and overall cooking of food to desired flavors.

Charcoal grills also require annual maintenance for safe and secure operation. With relatively few connections, charcoal grills should be fully inspected for signs of deterioration of the burning chamber including cracks and rust build-up. F ires of charcoal grills reach high temperatures in short periods of time exceeding hundreds of degrees in a matter of a few minutes. Severe burns may result from a charcoal grill that is lacking in a proper and adequate maintenance program.

A well designed, implemented and adhered- to barbecue grill maintenance program is comprised of not only basic, common practical knowledge of barbecue grills but entails a rigorous frequent cleaning of the grill for overall effective operation.

Cleaning

Cleaning of all barbecue grills coincides closely with an annual maintenance . Barbecue grills with deposits of grease, grime and foreign material presents a serious hazard not only to the operation of the grill but also to the health of the owner as well. Improperly cleaned grills can contain bacteria, which may result in food poisoning , regardless of the degree of preparation. Burners of gas or fired barbecue grills should be cleaned before and after each use in order to keep all gas ports open allowing for even temperature disbursement during cooking. Blocked burners or gas ports waste gas resulting in food that is cooked un-evenly and not adequately prepared.

Depending on mechanical ability, barbecue grills should be completely disassembled for thorough cleaning on an annual basis. Removing all components of the grill, including burners and igniters, allows access to areas that are often avoided due to inadequate clearance for cleaning tools. Complete disassembly also provides an opportunity to further inspect all associated parts closely while discovering potential problems not seen during previous visual inspections. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions for disassembly of the barbecue grill as well as proper reassembly to ensure proper operation once the unit has been thoroughly cleaned.

Cleaning Tips

Cleaning of the cooking grates is of vital importance in safe food preparation. Inadequate cleaning of these surfaces will reduce desired flavor of food and lead to possible contamination. Rusted or pitted grates should be replaced before use.

Clean all barbecue grates with appropriate cleaning tool shown. Rusted or damaged grates should be replaced as needed.

Always consult the owners’ manual of the particular model of barbecue grill in use before application of any harsh cleaning agents. Harsh cleaning agents not designed for barbecue grills may damage components and surfaces of the grill. Cleaning agents containing acids or abrasive substances should never be used on any barbecue grill and may void current warranties on newer units. Always follow manufacturers’ recommendations located in the owners’ manual for the particular grill in use for additional information.

Cleaning Tools

All home improvement, hardware or retailers of barbecue grills offer an assortment of cleaning tools specifically designed for cleaning of barbecue grills. Barbecue cleaning kits include all associated tools necessary to properly clean any barbecue grill. The wire brush is the most common cleaning tool, but owners should consult the owner’s manual for recommendations as cooking grate materials can vary. Barbecue kits, available in hard-backed carrying cases, keep all tools free of potential contamination and eliminate the loss of frequently used tools. Pricing for barbecue cleaning kits vary from retailer to retailer.

How to Create a Beautiful Flower Garden

pmrockza — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:32:00 GMT

How to Create a Beautiful Flower Garden

A layered flowerbed can be a beautiful centerpiece for your lawn.
Photo courtesy of 1000words

No matter what size your yard may be if you want to create a beautiful flower garden you can do so. A flower garden has no specific size requirements. But there are keys to planting a flowerbed that looks great and fits perfectly with the look of your home and the size of your yard.

There are four basic steps in creating a flower garden. These are:

Planning
Preparing
Planting
Patient Caring

If each is followed properly, even first-time gardeners will realize fine results.

Planning Your Flower Garden

There are no strict rules for where you put your flower garden. It can be planted in an area where the land is sprawling or where it’s limited and compact. It’s best to leave enough depth so that you can layer your plants, creating a lush look. And although many people think you need a sunny area, the truth is there are plenty of flowers that do well in shady areas or places that get less light.

“Planting the right plant in the right place is important,” says Yvonne Cunnington, owner of the website Flower Gardening Made Easy. “There are plants for sun and shade, and dry and moist conditions. One of the keys to success is to seek out the plants that best suit your conditions.”

In planning your garden, place it in an area that will be aesthetically pleasing, complementing your home and land. You need an area that will be conducive to plant growth, which means primarily soil and not rock. If the composition of the soil is not good, it can always be amended and improved.

Once the area is determined, decide on the shape and size of your flower garden and start planning what types of flowers you’ll be growing, taking into consideration how much and what type of light the plants will be exposed to.

Preparing the Area

The first thing to do is to outline the area using spray paint, loose chalk or flour. Any grass and weeds need to be removed. There are various ways to do this, the most common one being a solution of glyphosphate, such as Roundup or Killzall, which is sprayed over the area. If using chemicals, be sure to wear protective gear, including goggles, a respirator and proper clothing and gloves.

There are also natural, organic ways to rid the area of unwanted vegetation. Boiling water is one of the most effective and easiest ways to do this. Like chemical killers, it is nonselective, which means it will literally cook any plant or root it comes into contact with.

Once the area is cleared of unwanted vegetation, outline it a second time but now by digging a trench about six inches deep, defining the perimeter. Any soil from this excavation should be placed in the center of the garden. A pointed shovel works best. Next it’s time to prepare the soil.

Soil Prep

Proper soil preparation is key to planting a successful flower garden. If you don’t have rich topsoil, then your garden will not thrive.

Cunnington notes, “Number one: take care of soil preparation first. Gardeners should amend their garden bed soil with organic matter before planting. This is especially important in new home areas, where builders typically strip the topsoil, and then replace very little of it. If that's your case, you should bring in some quality topsoil before planting your garden.”

The process is fairly standard but it does vary depending upon the amount of good topsoil that is in place, the overall condition of the soil and the size of the area. Smaller gardens benefit from a mixture of professional planting mix and soil conditioner or compost. Composted cow manure or mushroom compost both work well.

If your garden lacks good, screened topsoil, you’ll need to add it. There may be a source on your property. If not, then it may be purchased at a nursery or garden store. The minimum depth for topsoil is six inches in the center of the bed. It should taper very gradually to the edge of the perimeter. Other nutrients and elements may be added to help enrich the soil, such as fish emulsion, vermiculite or cottonseed meal.

Using a hard, open tooth rake, thoroughly mix and combine the various soil amendments with the screened and native topsoil by raking from the trench area to the center of the bed. Once it is mixed, rake out the soil making sure you have at least six inches in the center. Allow it to become shallower the closer you get to the perimeter. Make sure the grade is gradual. Utilize a leaf rake to finish the grading process and to create a uniform bed and grade.

Planting

Flower gardens can be placed just about anywhere, including in longer beds.
Photo courtesy of Cao Hai

Plant selection is also very important. Choosing plants that look right in the space, that will grow in the given conditions and will bloom at various times are all essential. Often first time gardeners won’t consider what their garden will look like throughout the growing season.

“A big mistake that people make is only purchasing plants that are in flower in the spring, and then they don't have any color in the garden during the latter part of the season,” says Cunnington. “It's a good idea to research plants that bloom in July and into August and September, and make sure to include those as well as spring and early summer bloomers.”

If you are creating an organic flower garden for the first time, Michael at The Home of The Organic Gardener warns, “Patience is very important in organic gardening. Beginner flower growers should avoid choosing plants that need a lot of attention and are difficult to grow.”

When planting flowers be sure to read the instructions regarding placement and spacing on the tag. Before planting, first remove the plants from their containers, and, starting with a perimeter row, place them in the bed. In this way, gardeners can arrange and rearrange plants until they are happy with the placement. Stagger plants to create interest and to leave enough room for growth.

Planting should be done using a hand shovel or trowel and the soil needs to be loose enough so that you’re pushing it out of the way to create the hole and not actually digging. Before planting, loosen the soil around the rootball. Drop the rootball into the hole and gently push soil around it, making sure the plant is straight. Then place your next plant in the bed. Continue in this manner until your flower garden is planted.

Patient Caring of Your Garden

Proper care is essential. “Give your new plants TLC,” says Cunnington. “Watering is especially important in the first few weeks. All new plants can easily dry out because their roots don't go any further than they did when they were growing in a nursery pot. It usually takes four to six weeks for roots to grow and spread into the soil where they can to take up more moisture (trees and shrubs and perennials take longer than annuals). Also, don't forget to water when it gets hot and dry in summer.”

The other aspect that is especially important to your flower garden’s health is weed control. Weeds can take over quickly and attending to them by removing them as soon as you see them is the best thing to do. Cunnington suggests placing mulch in open areas of the bed to help retain moisture and control weeds.

Beauty Abounds

A flower garden that is properly situated with an array of flowers that bloom at various times can create a wonderful atmosphere. Planting and maintaining a flower garden is also extremely fulfilling and a good way to get away from a hectic life filled with daily pressures. It can be a rewarding hobby for the individual or a time for sharing between a couple or amongst family members. The end result of your labor is the creation of natural beauty and a garnering of individual enrichment.

Easy Living in the Great Outdoors

kqueen — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 20:53:00 GMT

Easy Living in the Great Outdoors

For luxurious, enjoyable entertaining and every day living, open your back door and invite friends and family to step … outside.

Whether you want to cook, entertain, relax or bird-watch, today’s products often do double duty as you expand your living space to encompass the great outdoors. New options in a variety of products also make storage easier.

More good news: as retailers look ahead to fall, many products are on sale. You can buy now and enjoy for two more months.

The Roar of the Fire

This Turkish copper fire pit/chiminea combination from Plow & Hearth is both beautiful and portable. Bring out the hotdogs and marshmallows.

Whatever the season, nothing beats a roaring fire. You don’t have to be camping to enjoy roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. You have plenty of choices at a range of prices to sit by an open fire right in your own backyard.

Your least expensive option—starting at less than $100-- is a metal fire ring that allows any spot on the ground to become a fire pit, says Miles Elliott, director of merchandising at Plow and Hearth in Madison, Va.

A slight upgrade is an open fire pit—a metal basin you can light a fire in, Elliott says. Some fire pits also come with a grill top so you can cook burgers, too.

Another option is a chiminea—no that’s not a misspelling of chimney. A chiminea is a fire pit with a chimney, which is detachable on some models, so smoke can escape out the top. Chimineas cost more, but some people prefer them because they direct the smoke up and away.

But a simple fire pit offers more room to work and is more portable. “They’re flexible,” says Elliot. “They’re easy to move around to another area.”

The company’s most popular fire pit, the Dancing Bears, sells for $170. A Turkish copper combination fire pit/chiminea sells for about $300. Prices range up to $800 for a table with a built in fire pit.

As you extend your outdoor living into fall and winter, consider patio heaters. According to Elliot, many older patio heaters were unattractive. Some new heaters are designed to resemble table and floor lamps. These will heat a circle of about 10 feet.

This bird feeder from Plow& Hearth helps keep pesky squirrels away—plus it’s easy to raise and lower on its pole.

For the Birds

You can bird watch from the comfort of your deck or patio, thanks to plenty of options in bird feeders and birdbaths. “We have a recycled glass hummingbird feeder that you can enjoy year round even with the hummingbirds aren’t there,” says Elliott. “They’re functional and great to give as gifts.”

Birdfeeders designed to tilt and keep squirrels out also are popular items.

Deck as Dining Room or Living Room

The right furniture can transform your deck into a dining room or living room. Today’s popular options include Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified eucalyptus and authentic looking plastic wicker .

The eucalyptus is fine to leave outdoors year round—a great idea for people with limited storage . Eucalyptus weathers and turns gray much like teak does, but costs less. Or, you can sand it and oil it every year to maintain the original color and extend its lifespan.

For a different look, some people opt for plastic wicker, which also comes in a variety of styles . Some chaise lounges come in two pieces with a clip-on ottoman for easier (and less expensive) shipping and easier storage. “People who have limited space need things that are smart,” says Elliott.

This Prospect Hill plastic wicker chaise and ottoman from Plow & Hearth comes in two pieces to save on shipping and make storage easier.

To personalize and update your furniture, you can choose among numerous cushions and pillows designed for outdoor ease. “You can mix and match fabrics and personalize your space,” Elliott adds. “If you get tired of what you have, you can completely change your look from one season to the next.”

For example, you might choose cushions in shades of red, white and blue to bring out for Memorial Day and 4th of July. Polyester cushions are less expensive and ideal for switching out to change the look, he says. Sunbrella ® fabrics last longer even when left outside.

For shade, you can choose umbrellas at seven, nine and 11 feet high from less than $100 to about $330.

Don’t have room to store your furniture and umbrella? You can buy covers to protect them outside and you’ll be ready to enjoy the outdoors on the first warm day of spring or even an unseasonably warm winter day.

Finally, consider lighting to illuminate your landscaping, deck and exterior of your home. Think subtle and avoid the airport runway look, says Alan Hissem of Moonlight by Design in Hampton, Va.

LEDs are evolving quickly, but most homeowners are still opting for halogen (more efficient incandescent) lighting outside, Hissem says. One popular outdoor light Hissem likes is The Islander tiki torch by Unique Lighting in Escondido, Calif. “It illuminates your pool deck and keeps bugs away,” says Hissem. “Your property is like a palette – you’re drawing a night scene on it.”

So don’t wait till next spring. Enjoy the rest of summer—and, if you’re lucky, Indian Summer—and expand your living room out the door.