Many of us never experience a sauna unless we visit a spa or a nice hotel. But once there, you find yourself imagining how nice it would be to use a sauna more often. And you can! Backyard saunas are becoming more popular, because you can enjoy the luxurious feeling of a spa without ever…
Renovating your home can be an exciting time. Finally, you’ll be getting that dream kitchen, luxurious bathroom, or backyard oasis… But first, you have to survive the chaos. While you’re busy picking out color schemes and finishing touches, take a moment to prepare yourself for the upheaval. Plan for practical matters. If your kitchen is…
Topiaries. Perhaps due to the extra time we all spent around the house during the pandemic, hobbies such as topiary design have grown in popularity. We’ve also seen a shift toward more organic shapes within topiary enthusiast circles. Water gardens and other water features. What did everyone do while spending more time at home in…
There’s just nothing like a lush carpet of rich green grass. From the curb appeal it provides, to the soft play surface that kids enjoy, Fescue grass fits the bill for many homeowners. But are there other options available to you? And what do they have to provide? St Augustine. As a semi-dwarf grass, St…
Now that fall has arrived, you might have noticed something a bit strange going on. You expect for leaves to change color and drop off of deciduous trees, and for flowers to stop blooming as we head toward the cooler part of the year. And yet, suddenly you’re noticing what looks like a second spring….
You’ve probably heard that your concrete surfaces must be sealed and resealed on a regular basis. But actually, there are quite a few arguments against this procedure, too! What’s the big debate about, and what are the reasons for not sealing concrete? You could seal too soon. This might go against your instincts, but you…
We all learned about the types of trees in fifth grade science class. Evergreen trees, like pine trees, stay green all year long, while deciduous trees change color in the fall before the leaves drop. But most of us didn’t learn why this occurs, or maybe you’ve forgotten and now you feel curious. First, let’s…
If you’ve suffered through a fire, replacing your home is probably top of mind. But your landscape has suffered, too, and will likely need some rejuvenation. Here’s what you need to know about repairing your landscape after a wildfire or house fire. Consider erosion control. If your landscape has been devastated by fire, you might…
Visiting a nearby pumpkin patch has become a fall tradition for many families. But wouldn’t it be fun to grow your own? All you need is a little garden space, and you can grow your own pumpkin patch to enjoy next autumn! Consider varieties carefully. There are over 100 different varieties of pumpkins, and you…
We all hope to enjoy a landscape that complements our homes, adds curb appeal, and provides for our outdoor living needs But as we get older, we confront other considerations. It’s common to renovate the inside of homes in order to accommodate age and disability, but what about the outside? Yes, in fact, this is…
Do you ever dream of living in a vineyard? Or perhaps you just enjoy learning to grow new foods. If grapes are next on your list of gardening skills to explore, check out the following guide to get started. Build a support structure. Grape vines need support as they grow, so your first task is…
Outdoor kitchens have exploded in popularity over recent years. But if you’re growing tired of the same old grilling menu, why not branch out to explore other options? A pizza oven allows you to serve up a time-tested party favorite from your outdoor kitchen. As with other aspects of designing an outdoor kitchen, choosing a…
After pouring a concrete driveway, patio, or sidewalk, the work is done, right? The durable surface will last for decades, and you don’t need to do anything else? Well, not quite. Concrete hardscape does require some care and maintenance. Once your concrete has been poured, the first thing to remember is that it must cure…
In 2016, California voters passed Proposition 64 to legalize home growth and use of marijuana. But that doesn’t mean you can set up a pot farm in your backyard! Research the law first, and then spend a bit of time learning how to grow these plants correctly for the best results. Regulations do restrict who…
Hopefully you’ve enjoyed plenty of time with friends and family over the summer, enjoying backyard barbecues. But by now, you might have noticed that things are getting a bit stale. If the same old hot dogs, burgers, and chicken just aren’t all that exciting anymore, try these ideas to take your barbecues to the next…