Category Archives: Homes and Garden

(image: pinterest.com)

With summer quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the weather, get outside and give the outside of your home a makeover. It doesn’t have to be expensive, and with these top tips, you never need to look enviously at your neighbours again.

Have a tidy up

The inside of your home is elegant and beautiful, but the path to getting there is overgrown with brambles, weeds and windswept leaves. It is time to declutter the rubbish, dig out your sweeping brush and get to work. Once everything is clear, maybe you should give your driveway a powerwash, replace the dirt ingrained welcome mat and fix or replace your wonky mailbox.

Have a look at your garden too. If the grass is overgrown, it is time to take the mower out of hibernation and manoeuvre your way through the artificial forest. Should the shrubbery be taking on a life of its own, make like Edward Scissorhands and chop away, whatever your skills in topiary.

A fresh lick of paint

A splash of paint can do wonders to your worn down property. Brighten up your front door with an exuberant colour to offset the white on the walls, or paint it a more muted colour for the more subtle effect. Remember Tom Sawyer who swindled his friends into painting his mother’s fence? If you have children, consider the same, though it would be kind of you to treat them afterwards. Have a go at the window and door frames too. A fresh coat will make everything appear brand new, almost!

Pave the way

Cracked tiles on the patio or driveway are a health and safety hazard waiting to happen. You don’t have to wait for your child to cut their knee before doing something about it. Hire a concreter to begin work on replacepaving the tiles and perhaps opt for some creative designs too, with an imprinted diamond or checkered pattern or even a mix of stone and grass. Walking to your front door will never be the same again!

Illumination

You needn’t wait until Christmas to light up the outside of your house. There are a variety of lighting options available, designed to create ambience and offer extra security for your family and friends. For example, solar powered lights don’t need any wiring. Place them in an area guaranteed to attract the sun, and they will stay illuminated after dusk has drawn in. Maybe add some porch lights to show off your freshly painted front door. You could even create a craft activity for your children and buy illuminated paint to use on jars and bottles.

Flower power
Whether your garden is large or small, there is nothing more beautiful than the colour and fragrance of flowers. You can even turn it into a family activity, by planting new flower beds ahead of the season. Window boxes and hanging planters are also a good idea, turning a mundane brick wall into an area of beauty.

Easy Steps for Maintaining a Healthy Lawn

A good well-maintained lawn is not only a beautiful and welcoming view for your home but it is also a fantastic spot for entertaining, and a place where your kids can play. Having a well-kept lawn is a good way to stand out among your neighbors. A green lawn is also essential in keep the heat down around your house. Starting a new lawn can be very hectic especially if you have less knowledge of what is expected of you. However, once you get started the process of maintaining becomes very easy. The article focuses on helping new lawn owners on how to grow and maintain their lawns.

Mowing basics

Did you know not mowing your lawn leaves it at a greater risk of fungal infections, weeds, and insects? Proper and frequent mowing of your lawn gives it vitality and distinguishes it from the unkempt fields. The process of mowing does not require a lot of skill. All you need to have is a lawnmower, a rake, and some mowing basic knowledge. Below is a detailed description on how and when to mow and the correct equipment to use.

• How short to mow?

First, you need to understand the type of grass you have. Different grasses thrive at different cutting heights, so you need to adjust the lawn mower only to cut to the right size. The grass should be cut at a third of the grass height, and this will allow the grass to grow healthier root systems and have their shading that helps them preserve moisture. If the grass is cut more than a third its height, it will become distressed, and the whole lawn will suffer.

• When to mow?

Although lawn experts recommend regular mowing, the time to mow varies mostly on the region and the current weather. Mowing of the lawn should be done on a weekly basis in the spring and once fortnightly in the hot summer. If your grass gets too tall, you should mow a couple of times taking off a small amount each time. Mowing should not be done on wet grass. Mowing should be done early in the morning or late in the evening, avoid mowing during the day.

Choosing the right grass

Planting any grass, you get from your local dealer will not help here. If you plan on having a beautiful lawn that is free from weeds and diseases, then you sow the right grass for your area. It is imperative to test your soil first to know its acidity.

There is two broad categories of grass: cool and hot season grass. Cool season grass thrives between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool grasses include bentgrass, bluegrass, fine fescue, tall fescue and perennial ryegrass. On the other hand, hot grasses grow well in temperature between 80 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Examples of the hot –season grasses are Bahia, Bermuda, Centipede, St. Augustine and Zoysia. Remember that hot grasses will lose the green color once it becomes cool but the cool grasses will keep the beautiful green color even in winter.

With the knowledge of grasses, now you need to be aware of your zone. Below is a  list of the five zones and the type of grass suitable for the area.

• Zone 1: Northeast- this area is cold, and you can grow grasses such as Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue or Ryegrass.
• Zone 2: South- this area is hot with high humidity; you can grow grasses such as Bermuda, Zoysia grass, St. Augustine or Centipede grass.
• Zone 3: Midwest- the region is very dry and hot: grow grasses such as Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue, Buffalo grass
• Zone 4: Southwest- the zone is cool, hot and with low humidity. Grow grasses such as Bermuda, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Fescue
• Transition zone- the zone requires a mixture of both hot and cool season grass.

Getting the right tools

Getting the right lawn tool is a very crucial part when maintaining a beautiful green lawn. There is a shedload of companies that store a large number of lawn tools that will meet all your lawn care practices. Try to avoid buying cheap and low-quality tools, if you can spare some more dollars buy good tools that are strong enough for the purpose and will survive heavy use. The task of choosing the best lawn tools may be confusing and time-consuming. Below is a simplified list of some must-have tools for your lawn and their functions.

1. A Lawn Mower

A lawn mower is useful when trimming the lawn to your desired size. There are two types of lawn mowers; the electric or gas- powered lawn mower. A human-powered reel mower easily maintains the small-sized lawns, and an electric mower maintains a medium-sized lawn while a gas-powered mower is used in large sized lawns. Ensure that the lawn mower blades are sharp and clean for a clean, well-manicured look. Using dull blades will tear, shred and bruise the grass. Cutting the grass with dull blades increases water loss and leaves entrances for fungus and diseases.

2. Aeration tools

Aeration is the procedure of getting air into the lawn soil. It involves perforating the soil with small holes that allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate straight to the grass roots. Aeration enables the roots to grow stronger and deeply while producing a more beautiful and vigorous lawn. Aeration can be done suing tools or manually using shoes. Some of the tools include a spiked rolling lawn aerator, forks, scarifier, a hollow tine aerator or lawn aerating shoes. Ensure that the spikes on these tools are sharp for deep aeration.

3. Sprinklers and hoses

You will need watering tools to maintain a healthy and green lawn. You can opt for a traveling sprinkler which is less expensive than an automatic sprinkling system. Watering the lawn should be done early in the morning as it gives time for the water to penetrate the top surface of the soil. A hose reel system is used to contain and organize the long length hose.

4. Garden rake, shovel, and wheelbarrow

A garden rake can be used for gathering leaves and lawn clippings, pressing sown seeds, spreading mulch, leveling the soil and removal of other ground-covering materials. A wheelbarrow comes in handy when performing hard tasks such as fertilizing, planting, hauling soil, weeding, pruning trees and raking leaves.  A shovel is useful when planting trees, shrubs and when mixing large quantities of dirt and compost.

Prevention of diseases and fungus

Lawn diseases and fungus is a very big threat to a beautiful lawn. Signs that your lawn may be infected by fungus include dead-looking brown patches, snow molds, slime molds, visible spots, and rings of dead or affected grass, leaf blight, slimes or threads. Lawn diseases and fungus are caused by factors such as:

• Drought
• Overwatering
• Too much or too little fertilizer
• Choosing the wrong grass
• Lack of soil aeration
• Improper mowing; cutting the grass too low or using blunt blades

Lawn diseases and fungus can be prevented easily by practicing good lawn activities. First ensure that you water your lawn early in the morning so that it can completely dry during the day. Watering should be done at least once a week to avoid dryness. Secondly, it is safe to use organic fertilizers as opposed to using synthetic fertilizers. Thirdly, ensure that you follow the correct instructions when mowing. Also use sharp blades to avoid poor shredding. And lastly, choose the right grass type for your soil and location.

In Conclusion

Having a beautiful lawn is without doubt a very welcoming view for your home. A well-maintained lawn is a representation of nature and a clean and organized individual. Following the above well-outlined steps, you can get yourself a beautiful lawn that is easy to maintain.

Image source

Not all of us can afford to live in the countryside or have an apartment with a rooftop terrace or a terraced house with a far-reaching front and back lawn. Some of us have to manage with small courtyards. But small doesn’t mean boring. Small means fun. Small means getting to explore space-saving ideas, and space-saving ideas are usually always creative, innovative and gorgeous. Don’t believe us, have a look for yourself.

The Walls

A great way to make your space look more wow is to use the walls to great effect. You are an artist and they are your canvases. So why not dress them up a little. Have a wall where you install a vertical herb garden, by which we really do mean vertical. Just get yourself a trellis, some small plant pots – either with handles or buy some hangers – and voila, you have a herb garden. Or why not make your wall a feature wall with serious depth, one that makes your space seem both magical and bigger. A great way to do this is with mirrors. Frame some mirrors and stick them up. Maybe even tilt them slightly upward so they reflect any surrounding trees, or even the stars (fairy-lights will do). Or why not create some wall art out of bright plants and little flowers. There are loads of ways to get creative.

Water Feature

These don’t have to be big. In fact, smaller is better. Build yourself a little pond or rock pool, use it as a centrepiece or even make a rock waterfall in one of the corners. The great thing about having a small space is, any water feature will have a massive effect on your peace and tranquility. How? Well, the trickling water from your corner-fall will be heard, and there is nothing more relaxing than trickling water.

Floor space

Grass is probably not an option. It’s a hassle to get a lawn-mower into a compact garden and a real pain to try and cut grass with nail-scissors. As such, why not get your place decked. Or better yet, lay some fake grass. This will give off that green vibe we all love. Looking out your window as you wash up, your grass lawn looking fresh and clean. What’s more kids and dad will love it just as much. They will be able to kick a ball about. Or listen here, even better than football, they will be able to practice their putting game before the weekend round of golf.

Image source

Pots

Go over the top with pots. Big, small, oversized; chuck them into your small space and fill them with all sorts, an array of things from tomatoes to wildflowers to roses and palms. Then put a nice relaxing chair in their and a side table and you’ve created your own little escape from the life’s stresses. Your own little tranquillity garden. Mmmmmmm.

Hide and Seek

A great way to obscure the size of your garden is to hide the boundaries. Through some creepers at the fence, some ivy or something. Because my hiding your boundaries you are obscuring the true size which leads to your space appearing bigger than it is. The way this works is gorgeously simple. You can’t see it all from any one vantage point which means you can’t see where it ends. Bingo. Bigger garden. Sort of.

Image source

If you love summer like mice like cheese, you will not doubt be counting down the months until the best season comes calling, but instead of waiting and wishing that the weather was better, why not put the months before summer to good use by getting your home reading for the season?

It might seem a bit premature, but if you want your summer to be one of the best for you and your family, there are so many things you can do now to ensure you all have a fantastic time, without having to worry about many of the usual summer chores, when the hottest month finally shows its face.

Check out these summer organising tips that you can do any time of the year:

Shop for Summer Staples

Image source

If your summer wardrobe is starting to look a little threadbare, why not take the time to shop for some new summer outfits right now? When you shop for your summer wardrobe out of season, you can often getter better deals, and you won’t have to worry about shuffling around clothes stores when things heat up, and you’d rather be sipping a cocktail by the pool.

Check Your Air Conditioning

Image source

At least a couple of months before summer hits, you should check that your air conditioning is working correctly, and get in touch with an air conditioning repair company if you find anything wrong. Even if your air conditioning seems to be in good working order, it might still be worth calling in a professional to have it serviced, so that it doesn’t fail when you need it most.

Spring Clean Your Freezer

Image source

Summer is the perfect time for ice cream and popsicles, so if you don’t want to disappoint your kids with their favourite frozen treats, and help them keep cool in the heat, you will want to empty, defrost and declutter your fridge before summer time comes rolling.

Spruce Up the Garden

Image source

If you plan to spend a lot of time in your garden this summer and your garden isn’t in the best shape, now is the time to do something about it. Buy some flower boxes, mow the lawn, and when spring comes around, do some planting to ensure that your garden looks great when you want to use it most.

Start a Summer Stockpile

Image source

There are lots of things that you need for summer that you rarely have any use for the rest of the year, but if you don’t want to waste your pressure summertime shopping for the likes of sunscreen, picnic baskets and barbeque charcoal, it would be smart to stock up on them now. Every time you visit the store, buy something for the summer until you have everything you need.

Clean the Barbeque

Image source

If you don’t already have a barbeque, get one before the summer rush. If you do have a barbeque, chances are it hasn’t been cleaned in a while, so get some soapy water and a wire brush and get cleaning. Your summer visitors will thank you for it!

Now you’ve got all that sorted; you can start looking forward to summer again, safe in the knowledge that you’ll barely have to lift a finger when it comes.

When you think of gardening, you may assume that it’s all about planting bulbs and sowing seeds. However, you’d be wrong. Increasingly, the backyard has become a versatile area, which can act as extra living and entertaining space. If you’re keen to revive or refresh a tired-looking backyard, here are some key trends and features to consider adding in 2017.

Image taken from https://www.flickr.com/photos/wonderlane/10579100973

Al fresco cooking, dining, and entertaining

This is one of the most popular trends of the last few years. More and more of us are embracing the concept of dining, cooking, and entertaining outdoors. Gone are the days of gatherings around the dining room table. Now, it’s all about getting outside and enjoying good food and good company in the open air.

Many of us have a table and chairs and a barbecue primed and ready for the summer months. But al fresco dining has gone up a notch, and there are all kinds of innovative concepts and design ideas you can embrace. One idea is to set up a dedicated eating, drinking and grilling area. You can do this by sectioning off an area using different levels or garden structures. You can create a sunken table or seating area or use a pergola, gazebo or outdoor screens. If you have a modern garden, nothing works better than walls made from glass bricks. If you’re going for a more traditional look, solid wood is an excellent option. Bamboo screens are a simple, affordable way of creating distinguished zones in low maintenance spaces.

When it comes to cooking, you’ll find a growing range of options for the garden. The barbecue is a summer staple. But there are other options if you’re a food lover, or you’re keen to try something new. A pizza oven is a novel but useful addition to any garden space, especially for those who are keen on hosting gatherings for friends and family.

When you’re designing an entertaining area, consider the flow and layout. The point of having people over is to be sociable, so make sure you promote interaction. Round tables make talking in a group easier than long tables. It’s also a great idea to position individual chairs at an angle so that guests can see each other properly when they’re chatting.

Image sourced from https://pixabay.com/en/photos/sofa/

A productive garden

For many, the aim of designing a new garden is not just for it to look incredible. Gardening has hit a new high in terms of its appeal, and a growing number of people are keen to use their backyard as a productive space. The best way to do this is to incorporate a vegetable patch. If you’re lucky enough to live in a hot country, you could also consider harvesting fruit or growing produce such as olives and grapes.

If you are interested in honing your green-fingered skills, you’ll find a host of growing guides online. They’ll give you an idea of what to grow, and when to plant. Some vegetables are much easier to grow than others. If you’re a beginner, you may be best starting with salad leaves, beans, and marrows. Once you’re more confident, and you’ve got your patch in order, you can progress to trickier customers. Take a look at http://lifehacker.com/the-seven-easiest-vegetables-to-grow-for-beginner-garde-1562176780 for some ideas to get you started.

Before you start planning what kinds of vegetables you want to grow, you’ll need to prepare the ground. If you’re not a seasoned gardener or you’re pushed for time, the team from AtkinsInc.com can help. To ensure the best possible conditions, you’ll need to clear the area, remove weeds, fertilize the soil and ensure the seeds have access to sunlight.

Image credit https://pixabay.com/en/vegetable-garden-medieval-garden-890625/

Outdoor partying

If you’re fortunate enough to enjoy sunshine and long days throughout the year, there’s no better party space than your backyard. Nowadays, there are all kinds of weird and wonderful features you can add to get the party started and ensure your reputation as an outstanding host. Once you’ve got your entertaining area established, consider adding a hot tub, pool, outdoor games area, and the latest audiovisual technology.

If you don’t have space for a pool, this doesn’t mean you have to forgo aquatic fun.  A hot tub takes up very little space, and it adds an instant talking point when you have friends over. It’s also a versatile addition. When you’re not in party mode, you can kick back in the tub and let your troubles drift away after a long day at work. There are several different brands and varied price points. You can choose from fixed or portable tubs, and they can be fitted below the surface of the turf or in a decking area if you’re keen to hide the sides. If you do have plans to add a pool, look at unique designs. You don’t have to go for a standard rectangular shape. You can choose a freeform design or even an infinity pool if you so desire.

Games are an easy way to break the ice and get everyone in the mood at the start of a party. You can stick with popular drinking games like Beer Pong, or go for options like pool, table tennis or air hockey. Giant chess, draughts, and Jenga always go down a treat too.

Image via https://www.flickr.com/photos/alan-light/1919038682/

When you hear the word party, you usually think of music straight away. To make your bash a success, you’ll need an outdoor speaker system. You can set up a separate system outside, or link external speakers to an internal hub. In the days before your party, create a playlist. When your friends arrive, all you have to do is hit play, and enjoy the tunes.

Another key feature for a party house is a bar. Some people have an indoor bar, but there’s no rule that says that you can’t have one outside. You can go for a simple, small-scale model or something more elaborate. For inspiration, check out https://uk.pinterest.com/explore/outdoor-bars/. If you’re keen to take your design to the next level, why not add a personal touch? You could customize a neon sign or create your own old-fashioned pub sign.

If you’re intent on hosting a more sedate affair, why not set up an outdoor cinema? You can fit seats into the ground or simply lay out blankets and cushions on the ground. You can install a television, which can be housed in a protective case when not in use, or use a projector. Stock up on popcorn, drinks, and chips, and choose a movie everyone will love.

Image by https://pixabay.com/en/backyard-pool-backyard-pool-1715876/

A versatile space

If you long for more room indoors, you can make use of your backyard to give you extra living space. One way of doing this is to add a conservatory or an orangery. This gives you an extra room, which you could use for all kinds of purposes. You could create a study or a playroom. You may crave a quiet spot to read or do puzzles. Or you may need a studio for work. The options are endless. In many cases, this kind of project also adds significant value to your home. If you’re thinking about adding a conservatory, take a look around some showrooms and compare styles and prices. Go for something, which fits in with the design of your home.

Another option is to create a sheltered living space outdoors, which can be used throughout the year. You can do this by fitting an awning or adding a retractable roof over a patio or decking area. Invest in a rattan sofa set and use a fire pit or outdoor heaters to keep you warm.

Image courtesy of https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aluminium_Conservatory_Peterborough.jpg

A tranquil retreat

Stress is an incredibly common problem in modern society. Being outdoors is proven to reduce stress, and many of us retreat to the garden after a tough day. You can convert your backyard into a heavenly haven by hanging hammocks or adding an egg chair or reclining seats to your decking. Water features are renowned for their calming influence, and they look fantastic. If you have space to create a chillout area, there’s nothing better than curling up with a blanket and a good book. All you need is some oversized floor cushions and some candles or lanterns. If you’ve hooked up a sound system, you can also put on some soothing tunes.

Image from http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=96555&picture=swinging-hammock-backyard

Is your backyard in need of some TLC? Are you keen to make the most of the space you have available? There is so much you can do, even in a small garden. Nowadays, we tend to use our gardens for a range of purposes, and there are so many ways you can utilize outdoor space. Get your friends and family around and enjoy a feast in a dedicated entertaining area. Throw a party and let your hair down. Or enjoy relaxing in a hammock after a long day. Create distinguished areas with screens and structures, and don’t be afraid to try and make your garden grow if you’re a novice. Once you’ve mastered the art of growing vegetables, you’ll have fresh produce on tap.

Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kassandrabay/7745237528

For a lot of people, their garden is just a dumping ground of random tools with an old barbeque setup. That’s the wrong way to go about it! Your garden shouldn’t be an afterthought, it should be a prized area that you take care of and show off to friends and family. It’s an area to relax, let the kids play, and host social events. No one likes to step into their back garden to see unkempt grass or wilting flowers. Take control of your garden now and give it some more personality with these improvement tips.

Credit: Pexels

Tidy up the Fence

Your fence is the border of your home. It’s there to prevent unwanted intruders getting into your home, and to keep out wild animals or your neighbour’s dog from stomping on your plants. If your garden has been left alone for a while, then your fencing has probably suffered a beating. If they can be repaired, then do it. Re-paint the fence, jet wash any dirt and debris that’s clogging up the fence, and sand down any splinters and cracks in the wood. If it’s a little tough to manage, then consider replacing all your fencing instead.

Jet Wash the Flooring

Your patio can get disgusting with all the bugs and plant matter. A simple scrub isn’t going to cut it—you’ll need a jet washer. A jet wash will help you blast away dirt, mud, moss, and pretty much any other rubbish with ease. If your paths are beyond repair, cracked, or just don’t look very nice, then consider replacing them with new concrete slabs. You’ll be surprised at how refreshing your garden can look from a simple clean of the patio or by replacing the floors.

Credit: Pexels

Get New Garden Furniture

Garden furniture is usually left out to brave the elements. They can get dirty if you haven’t been using them very often, and it’s possible that insects have taken up residence inside the cracks of chairs or underneath tables. If the thought of exterminating the pests churns your stomach, then consider getting a new set of furniture to furnish your dream garden. If you’re fine with your current setup, then give them a good scrub and clean off any dirt and invading bugs. If you have wooden furniture, then use a polish or oil to make them shine.

Upgrade Your Barbeque

You don’t want to be cooking on a rusty grill that’s clogged with grime and dirt. Give your outdoor cooking equipment an upgrade so that your food tastes better and cooks more easily. Your barbeque is like that main attraction to your garden parties, so make sure it meets expectations and doesn’t disappoint your guests. Don your chef hat, grab a pair of tongs, and start cooking!

Credit: Pexels

Plant Some Flowers!

And of course, we can’t forget new flowers. After mowing the grass and tidying up the rest of the garden, the only thing left is to plant some flowers to replace the old and wilting ones you have. If you’re unsure about what plants are in style, then consider looking online for some inspiration, chatting with other users about gardens, or hiring a professional to assist.