The benefits of installing a pergola in your garden
You’ve probably heard about pergolas and seen pictures of them, thinking they are only meant for the rich and powerful. That is not true! Pergolas are a very affordable and amazing solution for any outdoor area! In this article, we will take a look at all the benefits you will get from installing one, possible applications and the different kinds so you can make the best possible choice for your property. What is a pergola? They are an outdoor roof structure having four open sides supported on vertical pillars with climbing plants, wood or leaves, and are ideal to be used for unenclosed dining spaces or small kitty parties. They beautifully form a shaded walkway, a passageway, or a sitting area. The concept of pergolas is unique with the ability to add spark to your backyard or your garden. They can also be installed on your entrance. Many people use them when they want to organise an open marriage ceremony in their own home or even an outdoor birthday party. Similar to decks, pergolas are a great way of utilising the outdoor spaces effectively and even provide shelter from the scorching heat and heavy rains. Efficient application and uses of pergolas in today’s houses The concept of having a deck and pergolas go hand in hand. This shed looks perfect if placed on a wooden deck which you can transform into your private Jacuzzi or a bar. These new-age shelters have several applications which are as follows: These shelters have immense potential in providing the perfect comfort. As all its side are open, you can place them around a swimming room. Enjoy the splashes of water during hot summers with your family and loved ones. Placing these pergolas will certainly give your refreshments a sidekick.If you’re planning to have your private outdoor lounge, then having these wooden shades is a must for you. They come in various types and designs to suit your taste.Round arch designs of these shades made up of plants and vines give a natural touch. These natural sheds can be placed at the entrance and you can have a hallway of flowers and berries right above your head.Most of these shades are open on the four sides, but if you want, you can also go in for those that can be enclosed. This will make your dinner dates with your loved ones bent towards being perfectly romantic.These shades can be installed if you want to have an outdoor kitchen or barbecue party. These shades are mostly used while creating landscapes. As they come in different colours and materials, you’ll never run out of choices.If privacy is your main concern, then you can install a curtain on the side of these shades with the best part being that you can always change these curtains to add variation in the ambience of the outdoor settings. These six innovative applications of pergolas should strike a chord with everyone leaving them agape with awe and wonder. Types of pergolas to have in your garden and backyard Who doesn’t want to own a house that will be complemented by all? Well, pergolas can help you get all the attention you always wanted your house to get. Apart from the applications, these shades are available in various types such as: If you live in a country where you face extremes of summer and winter, then installing a hot tub cover is recommended. Here the shades are kept partially open to let the breeze flow during the summers and also provide shelter during snowfall.If you have little space in your backyard then...
Read MoreThe Benefits Availed By The Installation Of The Deck
Every house owner is looking for a bit of extra place in their backyards where they can chill out or spend a quiet evening. Backyards of any house are supposed to be meant for enjoying a personal space or as they say ‘me time’. Wooden decks are fun, and they are lightweight and do not get broken or soddy due to moisture accumulation or heavy rains. A few of the creative ideas for extension of the home are adding a deck or a patio to the house. They can be installed in front or back yards and can offer that extra space where the kids in the house can play. It is also the right way to carry on the refurbishment of your home. In this article, a few benefits are mentioned which one can gain by adding a deck to their front or back yards. Also, some points on what can you expect from a good decking company are highlighted. What Are The Advantages Of Decking? Adds attractiveness to the house- deck elevates the external beauty of the house. The right deck has a proper seating arrangement area and it also has the best possible way to give a more elegant appeal to your home.Increases valuation of the house- as a deck is an addition to the house it will increase the value of the house in the market.Additional storage place- adding a deck to the house also can help to provide an extra place. Many decking contractors create the deck at some height from the ground.Best for hosting the guests or even parties and get-togethers- a deck can be the perfect place to hold parties or get-togethers. Such deck get-togethers can have a nice homely vibe without disturbing or messing with the interiors of the house.Best place for relaxing, meditating, etc. – while sitting on the deck one can keep a watch on their kids playing on the lawn. Also, the owner can meditate or do yoga on the deck along with enjoying the external environment.No matter which material a house owner chooses for decking, the benefits availed from them are the same. For the best deck construction, the most important thing is finding a decking contractor. Many house owners even flaunt on making their own deck, which can be a good idea, but it is better to hire a contractor for doing the work. Mainainting your deck area clean Decks are indeed an amazing add-on to your garden area but their good look may easily become compromised without appropriate maintenance. There are many ways to take care of your patio and similar areas, so let’s put those into two separate groups and see the available options. Cleaning With Chemicals A lot of reasons exist that can explain why some decks get dirty in a very short time. Sometimes it’s just too many people going through your garden – especially if you’re known for your generous hospitality and have a lot of family friends. Or contamination can simply occur because of the change of seasons. However, the area should be thoroughly cleaned and washing soda remains one of the most helpful substances for that purpose. If your deck is not too filthy, you can mix soda with warm water and apply it as a cleaning solution. Remember to rinse well with plenty of water in the end. Alternatively, other stain removers are also available for deck, walkway and patio cleaning. Such products are mostly placed in washing machines but you can always experiment on a small area to see the result. If you’re satisfied – go on...
Read MoreGarden Nutrition
Feeding your garden is obviously an important part of garden maintenance if you want it to thrive. As with any living organism, nutrition is vital. Knowing what you put down when you fertilize and what your plants need can make all the difference. There are 16 essential nutrients that your plants need to grow optimally. If even one of these is in short supply your garden is not thriving. This is not to say you will be killing it. Just not giving it the full range of elements that support plant growth. Plant food is the fertilizers we apply to the soil to enrich the content of mineral nutrients in it. Plants absorb these minerals from the soil, so when you think about fertilizing, think more about feeding the soil rather than the plant itself. It’s about ratio and relationship. A mineral-rich soil is sure to produce healthy plants. Mineral nutrients are divided into macronutrients and micronutrients. The former are most important and are needed in the largest quantities, while the latter is essential in smaller doses. Primary Macronutrients Nitrogen – Vital for the growth rate and chlorophyll production.Phosphorus – Important for energy transfer on a cellular levelPotassium – Regulates plant tissue and adaptability Secondary Macronutrients Secondary Macronutrients Sulfur – Essential for the plant’s metabolismCalcium – Regulates the transport of nutrients and is structurally importantMagnesium – Plays a major role in chlorophyll as a componen Micronutrients Iron / Molybdenum / Boron / Copper / Manganese / Sodium / Zinc / Aluminum / Silicon / Vanadium / Selenium Synthetic fertilizers typically contain only nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which while very important are not enough to provide a full palette of nutrients for your plant. This is why using organic feed for your garden is a much preferable and eco-friendly alternative. Making your own compost will provide your plants with not only rich food but also beneficial microbial life that supports the nutrient...
Read MoreIrrigation Systems – Watering Your Lawn The Easy Way
Irrigation systems or sprinkles are one of those life hacks that make your work at home a lot more enjoyable. You know how hard it is to do it all by hand and it’s definitely not fun, that’s for sure. So, a sprinkler system at home? Here are the few things you have to know if installing one at your property. First of all, why is the irrigation system preferable? Because it requires an exact amount of water. This way you’ll be sure that your lawn will get the right amount of water and will decrease your costs in the long run. Irrigation systems also ensure that the water is distributed evenly across your yard and all the plants get the moisture they need. Something which is impossible to achieve by hand. How Does A Sprinkler System Operate? Well, first of all, we will start with the basic components of a system like this. You have the electric controller which turns the system on and off and it’s basically the brains of the whole thing. It also tells the system which part of the property needs watering and when. The watering itself is done through pipes placed underground and nozzles which are near the surface. When the system is turned on, the pipes fill with pressure and the nozzles simply pop-out. Knowing this will help you understand just how complex a system like this actually is. And that is why a contractor should be consulted. There are numerous things which need consideration before installing garden irrigation in Melbourne. Things such as local authority permission, what material is required for the pipes, what type of valves are needed… The list goes on. Irrigation Essentials Probably, the most important thing when setting up a sprinkler system is zoning. Zoning is used to determine which part of your lawn should get the proper amount of water. For example – the corner of your property is under a tree. This usually means that it requires a smaller quantity of water. That is why your sprinkler should be set up to distribute the right amount or you could flood your lawn and damage the turf. How To Conserve Water With a Sprinkler System? How many of you know, a sprinkler system can save a household a lot of money? This of course doesn’t mean any irrigation system is like that. But the ones which are properly planned, installed and maintained will sure decrease the water usage while at the same time your lawn will remain greener than ever and your landscape will be blooming. So here are the seven essential tips for keeping your backyard healthy without actually breaking the bank. Number One: Don’t Overdo It Too much water is not good even in the hot summer days. That’s because your soil can absorb just the right amount depending on its type. This will not only make your lawn muddy but eventually ruin the turf. As an alternative, split your watering sessions into smaller portions with a pause of at least an hour between them. The good thing is that modern irrigation systems come with a built-in controller which can do everything stated above for you with just a push of a button. Number Two: Climate and Hours As you may know, here in Australia the climate is different and temperatures vary between 15 and 20 degrees in the winter and 30-35 degrees in the summer. With the winter coming, you should know what are the most suitable hours for watering – from 9 in the morning until noon. During this period the turf...
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