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A Brief Guide to Choosing an Outdoor Pergola

Posted in: Garden BuildingsTags: , , , ,

Pergolas are outdoor structures that are used as decorative and practical backyard decorations.  Outdoor pergola structures have been in use for many centuries.  The earliest uses of pergolas were in agricultural communities and used as support structures for plants of edible fruits and vegetables to grow on.  Pergola outdoor living and décor usage did not start until about a century later.  Nowadays pergolas are used as a visually beautiful and useful shelter for backyards and in many public parks.

There are varying types of garden pergola designs.  An entryway pergola provides a shade for incoming visitors and is usually placed at the entrance or before the front door of a home.  Some pergolas have a solid cover that adds an extra level of detail to the design.  The cover also adds more shelter for the area underneath which makes the space more enjoyable especially on a hot summer day.  Aside from the front of a home, pergolas can be added to enhance the appearance and function of any area of your landscape.   An accent gateway pergola can be either arched or square and can be used to create an archway entry into your garden or barbeque area.  Gateway pergolas provide for a decorative and fancy transition from the inside of your home to the outside or between different areas of your backyard.

There is a choice of materials when it comes to what an outdoor pergola can be made of.  The most typical pergolas are made up of wood.  There are further choices to make within that category, such as in what type of wood to use.  Often recommended is cedar but that can be expensive and pricey to maintain.  Pine is also a very common pergola material that is less expensive than cedar.  However rotting is always a possibility with a wooden pergola and if that is a concern for you then you should definitely consider aluminum materials.  Outdoor aluminum pergolas are usually smaller in size than wooden structures but require less maintenance and are typically also cheaper to purchase.

Using Outdoor Rugs to Create a Cozy Patio

Posted in: FurnitureTags: , , ,

Outdoor rugs and carpets are becoming more and more popular when decorating an outdoor living space.  These rugs can be used to add accent colors or tie in decorating themes as well as making your outdoor space more comfortable and inviting.  Before you choose a rug or carpet for your porch or patio, there are a few things to consider to make sure you get an appropriate rug for your area.  You should take into consideration where the rug will be placed and how much weather it will be exposed to, as well as how much traffic it will be subjected to.

There are many outdoor carpeting styles available that will enhance any decorating theme; just be sure to choose a pattern that will complement your existing furniture and accessories.  If your outdoor furniture is neutral in color, you may want to choose a rug that will liven up the décor by providing a splash of color, or a rug with a fun pattern can add interest to an otherwise dull décor.

To get a rug that is just the perfect size for your outdoor area, it is wise to measure the area before shopping.  An ideal fit for a rug is about 3 inches smaller in all directions than the area floor; this gives a finished look to the area and allow for easy cleaning around and under the rug.

The type of rug you choose will depend on where the rug will be located.  Most rugs that are made specifically for outdoor use are made of durable material and will hold up well to the elements.  If the rug is to be used around a swimming pool or hot tub, it must be water resistant; and if it is to be used on an uncovered patio and exposed to rain and sun, it should be moisture, stain and fade resistant.    If the rug is to be used on a covered or screened porch, the durability and moisture resistance are not as important and you can spend more time shopping for a rug that enhances your design scheme.

There are many shapes, colors and patterns of outdoor rugs; and choosing just the right one can be a fun project.  Think again about the furniture and accessories that the rug will be used with and choose a color or pattern to complement the existing décor.  Also, consider using a rug that is different in shape from the standard rectangular or circular rugs; an octagonal or other uniquely shaped rug can give an outdoor space a distinctive style.  An outdoor rug can make any outdoor living area feel more cozy and homey and can add an element of style as well.

Garden Lighting Made Simple

Posted in: LightingTags: , ,

Garden lighting can make a huge difference in any yard.  You don’t have to have a huge fancy garden to get great results from a simple garden lighting plan.

First you need to decide what you would like to accomplish.  Are you just looking to light up a dark path for safety or create a beautiful outdoor landscape? 

For simple path lighting, low voltage lighting kits can be found at just about any home center.  They usually come with a set of lights, wire and a transformer to step the electric power down to 12 volts.  The advantage to this type of system is that it is easy and safe to set up.  The downside is that you have to bury wires and have a convenient place to plug it all in. 

Solar systems look very similar except they have a small solar panel on the top.  They collect energy all day long and when the sun goes down they turn on.  Some advantages are that you don’t have to bury or hide wires, you don’t need access to a power source and you can move them anytime you like just by pulling them out and placing them somewhere else.  The downside is that they rely on sun for power and tend not to be the brightest lights in the garden. 

More ambitious designs may require spotlights and other specialty lights.  These may require more power and have more complicated installation requirements.  If you are going with higher power lights, you may want to contact an electrician or landscaper.

Garden lighting has many benefits.  It makes your property safer by lighting walkways and can help prevent crime as a lighted area is harder to sneak across than a dark area.  It can also add value to your home and increase curb appeal.

If you decide to do more than simple path lighting, we highly recommend that you design a plan on paper and map out every light ahead of time.  That way will know exactly what you need ahead of time and will have a good idea of what the final outcome will be.

Garden lighting can add much enjoyment to your outdoor lifestyle.

How to Make the Best Enclosed Patio

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If you desire to utilize your outdoors fully, but you are afraid of some other factors such as burning from the heat of the sun or allergies from dust, and other allergens from nature, try to build an enclosed patio. This is a style in modern living in which you can still appreciate the same things you can appreciate with the usual patio; it’s just that you are protected. Say for instance you place a screen so that sunlight won’t fully penetrate as well as these allergens. Yet, amidst the protection, still you can see clearly the outside and breathe the same air people outside breathe.

This idea has been very appealing to several people already, thus they really find ways to build their own enclosed patio. If you are also interested in this idea, you can make one at your home too! Get your papers and pens, and take note of these essentials;

First of all, if you have no idea about construction, the best thing you can do is to hire an expert. You can ask people to help you out and just pay them. With this, you just have to tell them how you want things to happen and they will do it for you.

Now if you really want to go hands on, the first thing that you will do is to measure the entire are you will enclose. Create a general concept that you want to be achieved at the end of the day. When you’re done, you can now start buying the essential materials and equipment. It will be better if you also read to know more information before working. Ask people who have already done the same thing or check out testimonies of people in the internet.

When you’re done with all these, you can now start decorating the interior. Buy new tables, cushions, chairs and whatever is it that you feel are needed. Then, the last thing you have to do is to enjoy and be proud of what you have done.

How to Select Your Outdoor Candle Lanterns

Posted in: LightingTags: , , ,

Before you start purchasing your outdoor candle lanterns, you may want to decide on what shapes and sizes would be a perfect fit for your home. First things first, you may want to visualize or imagine what outdoor lanterns can be considered appropriate for your home. Your home can be your most essential possession and of course, it is where your heart truly belongs that is why making it beautiful and stunning can be rewarding.

There are various shapes, sizes, and designs you can probably think of including cylindrical, circular, square, octagonal, and rectangular. The size should be just right where you want to position your lanterns. You can arrange them near your porch, pool area, stairways, sidewalk, garden, deck, and yard.

After thinking about the size and shape, you can start looking at a variety of designs. The sides of the lantern can look very stylish and decorative. Some are designed with frosted, tinted or etched glass. Some also include stained glass, punched metallic scrollwork, and metal silhouettes of birds, dragonflies, leaves, and assorted patterns. For the overall ornamentation, there are lanterns designed with Moroccan, Asian, Victorian, and other motifs.

If safety is another one of your priorities, some of the most common misconception is that candle lanterns are a fire hazard. Now, you need not worry about this since you can opt for lanterns that are built with fireproof materials such as bronze, copper, iron, glass, and nickel. Most lanterns are built with metal frames with slides made out of glass that allows enhanced lighting.

After you decided what design satisfies your expectations, you can start checking the nearest shops that put up lanterns for sale. Another convenient way to look for them is by shopping for outdoor candle lanterns online, where you can choose among a selection of lantern designs and motifs. You can purchase as many as you want, you may have to wait a short while for the company to deliver them but this is definitely trouble-free especially if you do not have the luxury of time to visit other stores. Be wise and choose the superlative outdoor candle lanterns that will serve your needs perfectly.

Choosing and Caring for Rattan Garden Furniture

Posted in: FurnitureTags: , , ,

There are many different brands of garden furniture available to adorn the outdoor area of your home. Out of these, rattan garden furniture is always a popular choice.

Garden furniture can be bought either as individual pieces or as a set, in a whole variety or colours. As always, buying quality is the key. Whilst cheap rattan garden furniture sets may cost less in the short term, typically they may not last for more than one season, meaning you have to purchase a new set the following year. Higher quality versions will have a greater durability, as evidenced in a tighter weave pattern without loose fibres.

When you purchase such furniture, be careful to consider the environment into which you are going to place the, be aware of existing colors and patterns in your home so that your new garden furniture does not clash awfully with it! You might even want to consider the colors of your garden flowers! Also don’t forget that you will also want to buy cushions for your furniture. Again, ensure that their colors and patterns fit well with the furniture frames and surrounding décor.

Another way to ensure a level of longevity in your furniture is to look after it well. Furniture that is outside is exposed to all sorts of weather and the effects that it can produce. For example, a chair may not be waterproof and hence susceptible to mildewing if left out in the rain. Prevent this by drying pads and cushions as soon as possible, should they get wet during an impromptu downpour. Even better, always cover the furniture when not in use.

As your garden furniture has most likely been in storage or out of use for a great part of the year, ensure that it is still fit for use at the start of the next season. Although replacing some pieces will incur a cost, it’s better than a chair collapsing because it has weakened, causing injury to some unsuspecting soul!

Humidity Control In The Greenhouse With A Mister

Posted in: GreenhousesTags: , ,

The controlled environment of the greenhouse has proven to be the best way to ensure the strong growth of plants through the early growing stages. The big advantage of growing plants inside a greenhouse is the fact that you can control the conditions in which they grow. This doesn’t only mean controlling the temperature, which is an important factor, but also the humidity.

The humidity inside a greenhouse can be a very important part of ensuring the health of the plants. Some types of types of plants require a very high humidity to survive while others prefer conditions to be on the dry side. The humidity level can be altered through the operation of greenhouse misting systems.

Greenhouse misting systems are set up throughout a greenhouse by installing water hoses around the ceiling. At regular intervals along these water hoses are misting nozzles that allow an extremely fine spray of water to be released into the air. This frequency with which the spray is released can be controlled in either of two ways.

The first way to control how often the misting spray is deployed is with a timer. You might set the timer to allow the misting system to operate in the early morning and late afternoon each day. The other method for controlling when the misting system operates is with a sensor that detects the humidity level in the greenhouse. When the humidity level drops below 70 per cent it might trigger the misting system into operation.

Either of these methods should ensure that the level of humidity is kept at a level that will provide the plants with the optimum conditions for growing. As long as the misting system is properly maintained and kept clear of impediments the greenhouse misting system can be used to control the environment, the temperature and can even be used to feed the plants when required.

Folding Chairs Ideal for Indoor and Outdoor Use

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Youll find several types of folding chairs for a number of end uses. They can be used for both, indoor and outdoor occasions such as performances, meetings and seminars. The choice of folding chairs is a flexible option, in that they are ideal to accommodate a few or a large number of people.

These chairs are portable and hence, perfect for gatherings in churches, town halls, restaurants, conventions, auditoriums, school libraries and in homes, as well. They are great space savers and can be stored or stacked away conveniently. These kinds of chairs are not only durable and inexpensive but also light in weight to carry around easily.

One can choose from the different types of folded chairs available such as steel, plastic, wooden, padded, decorative and standard. However, steel and plastic chairs are the ones most commonly used. Standard steel chairs are durable and come in many colors. Being very durable and economical, they make an excellent choice. If you require extra seating in the dining or living room, then wooden chairs make an ideal option for indoor purposes.

For those who love spending time outdoors, a set of plastic folding tables and chairs can be very useful, particularly when one would like to host a function outside in the garden or backyard. They are sturdy unbreakable to a certain extent waterproof convenient and can be cleaned easily. Moreover, they are specifically designed to withstand almost all weather conditions.

Folding camping chairs would be a practical option for camping out in any outdoor environment, as they are made from metal, have a canvas inset and a metal frame. You can even find a kids camping chair from the various options available for your child. When it comes to a special occasion like a get together or a wedding, a more appropriate choice would be those chairs made from teak wood or wrought iron, as they are not only comfortable but are very elegant in appearance, too. Keep in mind the wedding theme and dcor when selecting the color and type of chairs, so that they will match well.

Improve Your Garden with Solar String Lights

Posted in: LightingTags: , , , ,

If you are looking for extra light outside your home and a way to illuminate certain features of your garden without the hassle of getting an electrician to install permanent lighting, solar string lights are a great idea.

These lights do use electricity, however it comes from rechargeable batteries which are powered by daylight. The power built up during the day is used at night, making solar powered lights a great choice for those who are mindful of the environment. Of course, the more sun you have, the more energy the batteries can use after dark to light up your garden but you don’t need brilliant sunshine for them to work. Just make sure that the solar panels are facing the sun as much as possible to get the most from your lights.

Solar string lights have several LED light bulbs joined together in a long line. You can get plain bulbs or bulbs with beautiful decorative lamp shades or covers in the shape of anything from stars to butterflies. These bulbs can be draped over many areas of your garden to light up and enhance particular areas. If you love a particular tree, light it up. If you spent good money having a pergola installed. Drape it with lights. There is no need for walls or fences to be dull. You can brighten them up with a garland of light. And of course, they are great for and parties and celebrations, and not just during the festive season when we are so used to trees having lights!

Luckily solar string lights are not expensive so they are within the reach of most of us. There are few things which can enhance the garden so much for so little cash. Look for low cost lights online (where you will get the best choice in designs) or at your local discount store. Once you get them out of the box all you need to do is position your solar panel so it faces the sun as much as possible and arrange the lights where you want them. A very simple way to decorate your garden!

Recipes for homemade organic pesticide

Posted in: Garden PestsTags:

You don’t necessarily have to spend lots of money on the latest organic pesticides for vegetables in your garden. Who knows if they will work 100% anyway. There are ways you can make homemade organic pesticides at home. These are some of the same formulas that you buy at your local nursery or garden center. Organic farming pesticides are often homemade by the farmers themselves because it often gets expensive buying the latest organic pesticide.

Garlic has been used for years by vegetable farmers and by people who have a home grown vegetable garden in their back yard. Insects don’t like the smell of garlic. You can buy an organic garlic spray in a bottle, but it is so much more economical planting a couple of cloves of garlic to help get rid of unwanted pests. All you need are a few cloves that will multiply into many bulbs so it is really worthwhile.

Here are a couple of recipes I have used which helps get rid of nasty insects and the results turned out really well.

Soap

Just add dishwashing liquid and mix it with some water. Shake this up and spray over plants like lettuce and cabbage.  This will get rid of slugs. It won’t kill them, but they won’t enjoy the taste of the soap and they won’t be back for more.

Garlic and Chili Spray

This is an incredibly strong spray so don’t get too close! It will get rid of slugs as well.

  • Add a bulb of garlic, 4 red chilis, 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons of  dish washing liquid, 1 onion and 2 glasses of water
  • Crush everything up
  • Blend all the ingredients together and shake it up in a spray bottle
  • This is safe for all plants, except close to harvest it might leave a slight peppery taste

Buttermilk and Flour Spray

This is great for worms.

You will need:

  • 1 glass of water
  • 2 tablespoons of dish washing liquid
  • 1 tablespoon of paraffin
  • 1 bulb garlic, chopped

Soak the garlic in the paraffin overnight.

Blend everything together and shake up in a spray bottle.

How to use organic pesticides to get rid of pests in your vegetable garden

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