Landscaping Decor

It’s really astonishing to me what a single plant can do. This plant is a great example of a ground cover. Do you have an area in your yard where maybe something doesn’t grow on the ground, like grass, because there’s too much shade because of trees or because the shade of your house? Or that it’s such a highly trafficked area, grass won’t grow. Or you’ve got a slope that just keeps washing away and you need something to stabilize it.

A ground cover like this is ideal. This little plant is called Winter Creeper, and it’s a tough, hard working plant. It can solve a lot of problems in your landscape. For instance, this plant will take full, hot sun or some shade. In the South, I think it does better with some partial shade, although it will take full sun. In the North, well, it probably needs full sun. And, hey, it’s not finicky. It can take just about any kind of soil as long as the soil doesn’t hold water and stays wet and boggy. (more…)

Installing any type of fence can add security, value, and style to your home. Those are just some of the many reasons a fence is a good idea for your house. Here are the top five reasons you should build a privacy fence.

Animals Confinement

If you have pets, they need a place that is safe and confined in order to play outdoors without your constant supervision. A fence can allow them that freedom. It can also keep your pets safe from wandering neighborhood pets.

Family Security

In some areas, a security fence is seen as such an important addition to your home’s security that erecting one can lower your homeowner’s insurance. Also, there are studies that suggest a security fence inhibits break-ins and robberies and can increase your home’s value when you resell the property. (more…)

Everyone’s home has fixtures, knobs, doors, and shelves that serve a purpose. While you may not think about them often, they all offer something more than their surface role. They are opportunities to display functional fine art! Here are some examples of common household staples that can be modeled to reflect your tastes.

Doors

Doors are a perfect blank canvas for functional fine art, Think of a plain wooden front door. (more…)

Now there’s lots of information out there on the internet about how to grow things in clay soil. people either tell you to till it up or they tell you to add some more compost or potting soil into the clay but my theory is don’t grow into the clay soil build raised beds above and that’s the only way that you can grow in clay soil.

You’ve got to cover it up with potting soil or compost. There’s really no other way to grow in clay soil so the materials that you’re going to need are a wheelbarrow, some potting soil or composted material anything that’s really organic and good drainage. You know he does add sand even or for clippings or grass clippings. (more…)

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…)