Landscaping Decor

For people who like to entertain, there is no better place to have your get-together than in the comfort of your own backyard. If your yard looks less than perfect, though, there are many options available that can freshen up the style of your landscape or add a whole different vibe. Whether you are looking for some serious party space, a place where kids and adults can play together, or a quiet oasis just beyond the back door, these simple tips will have you well on your way to the backyard entertaining space you’ve always hoped for.

The Patio 

If you have a deck or patio space, clean it off and repair any damage it has taken over time. Power washing is a great way to quickly blast away any dirt or old paint that is bringing down the look of the space. (more…)

It is becoming harder and harder for farms to remain profitable in today`s economy. Almost half of all of the farms operating within the United States report negative income each year. Much of this is attributed to households that operate smaller farms, as they struggle to remain profitable in the midst of a tech-driven society with fancy, expensive equipment helping large farms succeed. Rising costs in livestock, fuel, farm services, and even labor are also making it harder to get the profit they need to operate.

The Labor Numbers

During the year 2016, the typical American farmer spends an average of $16,600 on labor. Only a year later, that average increase of about $1200. If a farm is in the right location, (more…)

Your home’s curb appeal is important if you decide to put it on the market, but it can also affect your own enjoyment and quality of life if you’re not selling. There are several ways to improve the appearance of your home’s exterior. Most improvement projects have additional benefits, such as helping reduce your energy consumption and making your home more secure.

1. Painting the Exterior

Painting your home’s siding is a project that can have a significant impact on the overall appearance of your home. If you like the current color of your home, you may simply want to refresh the paint and add an accent color on the trim. You could also choose to paint in an entirely new color scheme. Most professional painters fairfax county va can give you suggestions about colors that would work well with your home’s architecture. (more…)

A healthy, sparkling pond can provide a family or neighborhood with unlimited enjoyment. Water offers aesthetic and recreational benefits that enhance the overall value of your property. Until recently, ponds were rarely actively managed unless an unpleasant condition arose. By the time an issue is noticeable, there are quite often invisible imbalances underlying it. Understanding this, pond owners are now tending more toward planned pond management, versus a more reactive approach.

The Reactive Management Model

You are taking a walk around your pond one evening, and you notice a ripe odor and some green algae on the surface. You pick up some algaecide to apply to the problem. This reflects the reactive model of pond care; you respond as problems emerge. (more…)

Your back yard is not just for letting the kids run around in – it can also be a prime piece of real estate when it comes to entertaining family and friends. You can create an oasis that can be enjoyed by all ages and every hour of the day.

Garden Gates

Set off the entrance to your garden or yard with a beautifully wrought gate. You can order custom-designed Corten steel gates with any motif from birds to flowers, or from mountains to undersea themes.

Curbing

Concrete or cement curbing sets off the edges of your lawn with a clean line and creates a border that is easy to mow and trim around, even around trees. You can tint the concrete a shade of brown if you like to make it blend in better. (more…)