Category: Garden Design

Everything You Never Knew About Aerating Your Lawn

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

A green lawn is a beautiful thing, but as you likely already know by now, it takes way more work than you expect to keep it green!

Photos Via: Style Blueprint

Even if you are watering 1.5 inches every week (in the mornings, so your lawn doesn’t become a mildewed swamp), mowing to the exact height of 2.5 inches (with razor-sharp mowing blades, you might add) and sprinkling nitrogen-rich fertilizer every fall, you still probably aren’t doing enough to guarantee a healthy lawn.

That’s because you aren’t aerating, or ensuring that air is getting to your grass’s crown and roots. If this is the first you’re hearing about lawn aeration, read on for all the info you need to know about this mandatory chore.

What Aeration Does

Grass is a plant, and plants don’t have lungs — so why would your lawn need better access to air? The truth is that even though plants don’t have lungs, they do take in nutrients from the air. Most notably, grass (and all plants) use carbon dioxide and produce oxygen through photosynthesis; in fact, a 25-square-foot lawn creates enough oxygen to support one person for an entire day, and a 50-square-foot lawn can support a family of four. Thus, it is critical that lawns have sufficient exposure to air, so they can take in enough CO2 to grow healthily and emit the oxygen you need to breathe.

However, aeration provides another crucial function: loosening compacted soil. Over time, the dirt around your lawn’s roots becomes tightly compressed, due to constant use (i.e. you and your family walking on the lawn) or things falling onto it, like tree litter and snow. When this happens, your grass’s roots have a harder time growing through the soil, and water, air and other nutrients are less likely to get absorbed. Thus, it is imperative that you aerate your lawn to ensure your grass has space and access to vital components for health.

What Aeration Is

By now you might accept that aeration is important, but that doesn’t get you any closer to performing it properly on your own lawn. First, you need to understand what the process of aeration entails. At its most basic, aeration is poking holes into your lawn. This will give the soil space to expand, which in turn relieves pressure around the roots. Additionally, the holes allow moisture and air to flow into the soil, improving the grass’s health.

You don’t want the holes to be too big; this will damage your lawn and leave unsightly patches of bare dirt. However, you also don’t want the holes to be too small, or else the effort won’t successfully help your lawn. Also, just a few holes won’t do. Experts say that aeration holes should be between 2 and 3 inches deep, .5 to .75 inches in diameter and 2 to 3 inches apart. It is typical to aerate once per year during the active growing season, which falls in late spring and early summer for most lawns. Still, you want the soil to be plenty moist when you aerate, or your job of punching holes and pulling out plugs will be much more difficult.

What Aeration Needs

Larger lawns generally require more expert care because they have a greater chance of developing unsightly problems. When it comes to aeration, larger lawns usually necessitate the use of large and expensive machines, like core aerators, which can seriously damage your lawn if used improperly. Thus, if you do have a larger patch of grass — and if you are uncomfortable using bulky, noisy machinery — you might want to hire professionals to aerate your lawn for you. Since this task only occurs once per year, it isn’t too costly, and it could save you big on repairs to your lawn in the long term.

If you have a small lawn, you can probably aerate yourself using smaller and more manageable tools. Manual aeration tools include things like pitchforks and shoe spikes; these allow you to walk around your lawn and drive holes where you see fit. You can also rent machinery from your local hardware store, but you should real the manual before operation to prevent harm to your lawn or you.

Aeration is one of those tasks that most homeowners don’t talk about, which means you might not have learned about it before you gained a lawn of your own. Fortunately, it isn’t too late to start aerating your lawn and ensuring the lushest, greenest grass in the neighborhood.

How to Care for Stamped Concrete Pool Deck

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

Do you have stamped concrete around your home? Here is the right way to care for it to keep it looking its best for years to come!


Photo: CustomCrete Inc.

If you chose to go for stamped concrete out of all the pool deck options, what an excellent choice! Not only does stamped concrete give off the look and feel of traditional elegance, it also provides traction and is an easy update that increases your home’s value. This keeps your pool deck from being a slipping hazard. Like other pool decking options, stamped concrete requires maintenance to keep it in excellent condition. Here’s a guide on how to care for your stamped concrete pool deck.

Keep it Clean

Occasionally sweep and wash off debris build-up. Stamped concrete doesn’t need to be constantly cleaned but it helps to avoid stains by spending some time off to give it a light scrubbing. Use a push broom and some mild detergent to scrub off dirt and stains. Rinse off the soap residue with a garden hose or pressure washes to keep it clean and pristine. Give your pool a break for a day to allow the deck to dry after cleaning.


Photo: CustomCrete Inc.

Remember to Reseal

A stamped concrete pool deck is a great pool deck upgrade, but it also needs regular maintenance. It requires resealing every 2-3 years. The sealant provides a barrier that protects it against damage and maintains its color. You can either do this yourself or have it done by a professional. Either way, neglecting to reseal will turn your pool deck against you. If you don’t want to cash out on costly restorations, keep that in mind!

Minor damages still call for repairs

If you’re thinking of passing up on repairing services for chipping and small cracks, now is the time to change your mind. You might think that these are just as minor as skin scratches but these can cause major problems when left unattended. Save yourself from costly major repairs by getting the minor ones done early.


Photo: Houzz

Ditch the harsh cleansers

There’s a reason why only gentle detergents are advised for cleaning stamped concrete. If you don’t want to see patchiness on the color of your pool deck, avoid acid-based cleansers. If you live in an area where it snows, avoid de-icing salts at all costs when trying to clear out snow. The compounds of de-icing salts can destabilize the surface of the stamped concrete.

How To Enjoy Your Garden During Winter Time

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

Enjoy your home’s garden even in the cold winter months. Here are some easy and super affordable ideas on how on how to turn winter gardens into a reality.


Photo: AJF Design

When the cold winds come knocking, most of us take a step back from our outdoors and start to spend our leisure time on the inside instead. It’s easy to see why – the temperatures start dropping quickly and spending time outside comfortably gets increasingly more difficult – and even though it can leave you wishing for summer back, you don’t have to worry any longer – there are ways to fight the cold back. Out of the dozens of options out there, today we’ll be taking a look at only the very best steps you can take in order to enjoy our outdoors all year round! They’re simple to put into practice, inexpensive and mightily effective so without further ado, let’s begin.

Heat It Up

The most obvious and popular counter-measure – heat. By getting yourself a good looking and potent fire pit or a versatile patio heater, you’ll instantly be on the right track to beat the cold. While a simple patio heater is great and allows you to enjoy your outdoors more easily, a fire pit is another experience altogether. It combines the usefulness of a heat source with the comfortable look of real flames and packages it all up in a gorgeous looking decorative piece that’ll bring everyone together in a warm, cozy and happy atmosphere. Choosing the best fire pit is fairly easy and comes down to one major differentiating trait – is it a propane unit or a wood burning one? Depending on your personal preference and available space, the best choice will differ but you can rest assured that both of them will do the job extremely well. Heat sources like these are the pillar of any winter-proof garden or patio as it will be around them that every other piece such as chairs, sofas, tables and the likes, will stand in order to benefit from the blanket of warmth that is created.

Get Some Cover


Photo: Artemesia Landscape Architecture

Getting some sort of cover from the direct wind is a great upgrade to your garden and cold open-air and even some rain is essential in order to properly use your outdoors during autumn and winter. There are two ways to go about this – either go big or go small. Going small means setting up some windbreakers – either acrylic, glass or simply fabric – which generally is an inexpensive but effective way to protect yourself from the elements. Going big means setting up some large, permanent structures instead such as a pergola or a gazebo which effectively create a season-proof area, allowing you to comfortably use those spaces all year-round be it hot or cold. While windbreakers typically only cover you from the sides (even though you can pair them with a few sturdy wind-resistant umbrellas to get some top coverage), these larger structures give you protection from all sides which is much appreciated not only during the cold seasons to fight off wind and rain but also during the hot ones to get some cool shade. They’re also incredibly good looking, super impactful decorative pieces and last a lifetime but that’s just the cherry on top.

Get Nice and Comfy


Photo: Meridian Estate Greenhouses

With the other steps covering the structural basis, now you only need to take care of the details. When you’re sitting around the fire pit, joyously relaxing, having a nice conversation and sipping on some hot cocoa, there’s only one thing missing – a blanket. If you’re still feeling a little chilly despite all, a blanket will be the finishing touch of heat and comfort, making you impervious to the cold as well as feeling fantastic. There are other little steps that you can apply to create a warmer, more comfortable aura such as placing a couple of rugs outdoors, a set of comfy pillows and even a couple of warm lights as well, all of which work together to create a real sense of hearth and true comfort that not even the harsh elements can disturb.

Bonus tip

Drinking a hot beverage is a classic and surprisingly effective way to warm up. Keep a hot pot of coffee, tea or cocoa nearby and sip away while you relax! Enjoying your outdoors during the colder months is a bit trickier but just as fun, if not more, than during the hot ones. The comfy ambiance, warm flames and cozy conversations are quite unique and make for excellent, long lasting memories so don’t hesitate and let the cold win again this year – roll up your sleeves and fight back by following the 3 simple steps shown above!

7 Ways to Upgrade Your Garden with Bamboo

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

Give your backyard garden a little exotic flair by using bamboo in your landscaping. Keep reading to find out how to design your garden with bamboo and what works best. We promise you, it’s super easy!


Photo: Landscape Images Ltd

With the different varieties of bamboo, it won’t be difficult to find the one that’s perfect for your garden. Moreover, it is versatile enough to be used for a range of purposes. So if you are planning to upgrade your garden with bamboo, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list that provides a range of options to make sure that you won’t run out of ideas when upgrading your space. Check out our clever tips to use bamboo in your garden:

Use Bamboo to Keep Your Garden Secluded

Let’s face it, as much as you want to show off your beautiful home, you wouldn’t want strangers and even wildlife to find easy access to your place. Good thing, you can ensure your privacy by using bamboo as a privacy fence. But while there is an option to grow bamboo around your area to keep it secluded, a more convenient choice would be to find a ready-made bamboo fence that would just be perfect for your requirements.

Create a Wall Accent Out of Bamboo

This would be a clever idea if you want to add life to one corner of your garden and completely get rid of the coldness of your walls. Want a better idea? Add wooden decor in your corner to complement the green bamboo that is designed to grow against your wall.


Photo: Zulufish

Add Bamboo Edging

While a ready-made bamboo fence can keep your garden free from intruders, you may want to add some warmth to the place where you’ll most likely seek relaxation. If you’re still clueless on how to do that without affecting your privacy, the answer would be as easy as lining the edge of the fence with real bamboo plants. This way you can keep some parts of the fence hidden while adding a comforting feel to your space at the same time.

Create a Place to Relax with Bamboo Furniture

What would be better than to have a nice garden design and lounge around whenever you want? Outdoor furniture is a must to upgrade your garden this summer and while metal furniture is a popular choice, you cannot deny the fact that in the long run, it will no longer look the same — or worst, you’ll spend a large sum for its repair. A better choice would be to use bamboo furniture instead as it can withstand changes in weather and even costs 20% cheaper than wooden furnishings.


Photo: DDB Design Development and Building

Revive Your Deck’s Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is a great way to update your flooring and give your home a whole new look. Bamboo flooring may reflect wear and tear as time goes by. If you’re worried that you don’t have enough budget to replace your flooring along with the upgrade, no worries. You can actually restore bamboo flooring back to its old shape through a range of methods, including the use of damp cloth, sanding down the bamboo, and using varnish and liquid wax for added protection and a layer of shine.

Stick to Pruning to Maintain a Nice Bamboo Landscape

Even without a green thumb, you can maintain a nice bamboo landscape by keeping it pruned regularly. You’ll be amazed to see how a bamboo landscape can add height to walls and of course, bring natural beauty to your space.


Photo: Kikuchi+Kankel Design Group

Line Your Walkway with Bamboo

With proper positioning, your bamboo plant would make the perfect pathway towards a corner of your garden that you want enhanced. It will also work perfectly as a pathway to your home. Just keep in mind to arrange the bamboo plants in such a way that it will be placed in one line on both sides. Keep it trimmed and even add garden lights along the path for added design.

Ready to upgrade your garden? Keep in mind the tips mentioned above to ensure that you’ll get plausible results, just the way you want.

Did you love what you read? Let us know by commenting below!

Author Bio:

George Katsoudas is a Digital Marketing Professional. He works as the Managing Director of Low Cost SEO, a digital marketing firm in Sydney and a Digital Media Manager for House of Bamboo, offering Australia the most varied collection of classic and new natural materials.

Company Bio:

House of Bamboo is Australia’s trusted source of eco-friendly and high quality natural materials that can be integrated into contemporary setting. Our range encompasses high quality bamboo fencing, timber screens, privacy screens, decorative screens, ceiling panels, rattan cane webbing, fence panels, and pool certification.

3 Reasons Hardscapes Are Trending in Today’s Landscaping Design

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

Hardscapes are a low maintenance way of achieving a beautiful landscaping design without the up-keep! Keep reading to find out why we are in love with hardscapes!


Photo: Thompson Custom Homes

If you are looking to undergo a total renovation to your landscaping design this year, have you considered just what a hardscape could do to totally change the look of your lawn and garden? Just browse the Internet and you will see that hardscapes are trending in 2018. There are some lovely examples of Architectural Landscape Design with the inclusion of hardscapes you can get ideas from.

No, you don’t need to live in Minnesota to employ ideas from that site, but if you do, that may be one company you could consult with if you live in or around Minneapolis and are looking for someone to take your project from design to completion. Nevertheless, here are three reasons hardscapes are trending this year.

1. Little-to-No Maintenance

Many homeowners find that they simply don’t have the time to keep up with lawn care as it should be. While working long hours and having many family responsibilities, it’s hard to find time more than once a month to get out there long enough to mow the lawn. Forget about planting and caring for decorative flowers, shrubs, and other plants because there wouldn’t be time for that. Therefore, the most common reasons why so many homeowners are leaning towards hardscapes is the minimal care they require.

Photo: K&D Landscape Management

2. Outdoor Living Space at Its Finest

Hardscapes can be used for anything from a peaceful place to rest after a long day at work to the backdrop for an outdoor kitchen. Whether covered or open to the blue sky above you, you will begin to discover multiple ways in which a hardscape area of the lawn can serve as extra space outside the home. These are especially useful if you often entertain outdoors in the summer. Enjoy friends and the fresh outdoors without adding mess and clutter to your home.


Photo: Van Puette Lanscape

3. Well Suited for Small Lawns

Even homes in suburbia are often situated on small postage stamp-sized lots. When this is the case, hardscapes come in handy. With a natural stone floor, a fire pit for warmth and beauty, and a chair or two to rest in, you can appreciate nature even more when you know you need to do nothing more than hose it off a few times to keep it fresh and clean. Why buy a lawn mower when your backyard is hardscaped? Don’t forget, you can add potted plants for a bit of color if you so desire.

Along with those leading reasons why hardscapes are trending, you will find homeowners saying that it is also easier to keep their homes clean because dirt and mud aren’t getting traipsed into the house after a heavy rain. On the flip side, hardscapes can help to keep dust down during dry months when there has been little rain. With a few potted plants, you can enjoy the same natural beauty as you would in a traditional softscaped garden and some of those plants can even be used for vegetables and herbs.

Hardscapes are a major trend in landscaping that is growing by the day. Now you know why