A fence extension can keep your dog safely in your yard without you having to increase the height of the fence or resort to chains or shock collars. Fence extensions are not unattractive and many are easily removed and transported to a new fence if the owner needs to move. This is a great solution to the problem of dogs climbing or jumping fences.
Here is a list of some of the tropical fruit trees you're most likely to have success with in the South Florida climate. In an effort to inspire you, we've, also included some of the more exotic varieties you may never have heard of.
Brick Path: Bricks are relatively inexpensive and provide freedom to create a path in a variety of shapes and sizes. Those set in sand are not as stable as bricks with a concrete base, but a bit of movement can be expected in a brick path.
In most of the U.S. and parts of Canada, winter vegetables can thrive, given a little thought as to the location and preparation of the garden. Hardy vegetables can thus be produced in the winter and spring with relatively little effort. The winter months are also a good time to grow vegetables with less effort, as weeds are less likely to compete with your vegetables for the soil and are easy to remove.
Now that the sun is shining, we'll be spending more time on the deck. Devote some time to cleaning your outdoor furniture and it will be all set for another season. Practice some of these simple tips every year to keep your furniture looking great.
If your yard is very steep, it is best if you don't have to trim grass or weed flower beds on the slope; try to choose plants that can survive well without outside interference. If your yard has marshy soil, you can plant water-loving plants or increase the drainage around the perimeter of your home or yard.
Otherwise known as "karesansui" or "dry garden", this is a landscaping feature commonly found in homes, temples, and many public places in Japan. It wasn't until the 1930's that the western cultures began to understand the principles of the Zen garden and its application was used in various architecture, landscaping and art forms.
Visit the neighbors and ask them what they think if the tree house will be within their sight. Many people won't care at all what you do in your own yard, but will appreciate the gesture. If they do object, see what you can do to alleviate their concerns or the problems that they have. If you have a plan for an attractive, planned structure, it will be a lot easier to pass by the neighbors than a haphazard collection of boards and nails.
The water found in salt-water pools is not the same as you would find at your local beach, if you even have a beach nearby. Initially, pools are filled with regular water, often trucked in, and salt is added at a rate of 2500 to 4000 PPM (parts per million), which is insignificant compared with the salt concentration of 35,000 PPM typically found in ocean water.
People who have chosen to xeriscape their lawns have been the subject of complaints, served with fines for defying ordinances that support a water-wasteful lawn environment and even the victims of vandalism - their drought-resistant plants uprooted, cut down or mowed. Despite this, more and more communities are waking up to the fact that xeriscaping saves water, lowers pesticide use and makes use of the beautiful natural plant life that thrives in arid climates.
Your fountain runs off of electricity, so choose a location within reach of an outlet. Begin with a waterproof container or hole with plastic liner. This could also be as simple as a large, decorative, waterproof planter, an old cast urn or a plastic tote dug into the ground and placed on a light bed of gravel. Also dig a small trench to the nearest outlet to run some PVC pipe to carry your electrical cord to the outlet.
It doesn't matter what size your home is – from an apartment to a luxury seaside retreat – having a place to step outside and enjoy the fresh air is a must for most people. It is not surprising that interior designers are seeing more requests for a piece of outdoor tranquility, and they are delivering.
Are you a visual person? Are you able to plan a new garden layout or color scheme for your home without lifting a finger? Can you take a paint chip, tape it to your wall, and instantly visualize the whole room washed in that color? If so, you're one of the lucky few who have strong visual-spatial skills. For the rest of us, breathing new life into a home or garden can be an extremely challenging task.
You've cleaned and repainted your deck, maybe added a couple planters, but somehow, it still lacks pizzazz. Deck styles and accessories have changed considerably in the last few years. Think back to the last time you bought your table or umbrella; if it was more than 5 years ago, it could be, your deck needs some updating.
The warmer months are fast approaching, so now's an excellent time to focus your attention on your outdoor living space. One thing that can be a true godsend in the middle of summer is to have covered area outside that provides inviting shade and protection from the sun's rays.
Plants can be an easy way to create privacy in your yard; there are lots of kinds of tree and bushes that make for good privacy screening and look pretty while they do it. Be aware that plants can be a little pricey, depending on what kinds you’re looking at planting in your yard. They do require care; some plants require a lot of taking care of while some just need regular watering. Make sure that you know what kind of maintenance a particular tree or shrub is going to require so that you know what sort of time investment you’re making.
Many of these plants, being tropical, require a lot of heat to thrive. If you don’t have a greenhouse, you may have to content yourself with a plant that only produces leaves and never flowers. If you want to try your hand at serious tropical plant gardening, it’s wise to have a dedicated building to retain heat and humidity.
With the addition of a wood fired oven, there's no need to order out; you can have your own backyard pizzeria. Along with backyard kitchens, wood fired ovens have grown in popularity, becoming the latest "must have" item with people who love good food and enjoy entertaining.
There are two main things to consider when staging the outside of your home, one is the outside of the house itself and the second is the yard. Both of these elements need to collectively present an attractive welcome to any prospective buyers. Ideally, you should give yourself time to do any repairs or upkeep before your house goes on the market so that it looks its best before it is shown.
In the late fall, early winter, apply a well screened compost to your lawn to protect and nourish your grass in the spring months. Spread the compost using the back of a rake until the compost is about 1/3 of an inch in depth (any deeper and you may smother your grass). It should settle on the soil between the blades throughout the winter, and once spring comes, the rains will spread the nutrients throughout your grass, fertilizing it in the coming months.
Play sets will vary depending on the size of the yards, but whether it is a single swing, a deluxe fort or a zip line from tall trees, there is something for everyone.
There are many problems that can literally be dug up in your yard when you’re looking at renovating in your new backyard. Some of the backyard hazards are from utilities and city services while some will be from previous home owners.
It is the ultimate in curb appeal for the front of a home, or a secret garden addition for serenity in the back yard. Waterscapes, or water features in landscaping, have become exceedingly popular in the last 10 years, with no end in sight as homeowners strive to beat the stress of everyday life.
One of the key advantages to having an outdoor fireplace is being able to extend the use of your patio into the cooler months. If you build your fireplace within a covered porch area, it can even be used on rainy days, or for the very hearty souls, when the snow flies.
Hydrangeas: This delicate looking plant is actually a pretty tough cookie and doesn't mind wind and salt. It's wise to plant it in a partially shaded area where it will get the morning sun and afternoon shade. Set up an irrigation drip for this one, hydrangeas don't tolerate drought very well. To keep it blooming, trim off the old flowers as soon as they start to fade.
If you don't have the luxury of time, then get out your spade and start digging up the grass. Also, remove any rocks or debris, add compost (mushroom compost works great) and work the earth. A rototiller works great for this stage.
Provide a variety of vegetation to provide not only a food source, but nesting area, and protection from predators or the elements. Have some ground cover, flower vines, trees and shrubs. Make sure there are lots of nooks and crannies for quick getaways.
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