Category: Garden Design

Landscaping Tips for the Ultimate in Curb Appeal

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

Increase your home’s curb appeal and value with some of these easy and budget friendly ideas!


Photo: Gray Malin

You don’t need to list your home for sale to want it to look as appealing on the outside as it does on the inside but, unfortunately, too many homeowners wait until they are ready to sell to focus much on curb appeal. Wouldn’t you like to drive up to a stunning front lawn and garden when you come home after a long, hard day at work? It might not take much to get your landscaping up to par, and with a little extra effort, you can have the most stunning home on the block. Check out these landscaping tips for the ultimate in curb appeal.

Take Control of Those Hard to Manage Weeds

Have you ever wondered why the ‘hardscape trend’ has taken hold of yards all over the nation? Although they are lovely additions to landscape designs, they also serve a few functional purposes. Hardscapes, where there is no grass growing, can mean that you have less to mow every week during the spring and summer months.


Photo: Via Pinterest

Also, hardscapes can stop those ugly weeds from marring a perfectly lush lawn. They can also be used as a kids’ play area so that your little people have a mud-free area to romp in without fear of traipsing in mud after its rained or you’ve watered your lawn. Choose an interlocking paver ground covering and you have it all! No more weeds, no more mud, no more mowing, and a beautifully seamless addition to your lawn.

Decorative Lighting for Form and Function

Many homeowners choose the lighting on their property for safety and security. They want to be reassured that no one will take a nasty fall during the nighttime hours, but they also want to see if anyone who shouldn’t be there isn’t out there. Why not take advantage of the amazingly decorative outdoor lighting which has come into vogue in recent years? Use ambient lighting to showcase some of your prized plants, add solar lights to line walkways while lighting up that birdbath with rotating colors at night.


Photo: Studio McGee

[su_note note_color=”#dbc997″ text_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]Tip: Lighting up your landscaping and home will make a huge difference to your home’s overall curb appeal. Not only will it make your home look twice it’s size come night time, it will also make your home a lot more safer![/su_note]

You don’t need to use those hideous spotlights either! Some homes have taken to antique light posts which resemble gas lanterns of days gone by to add a bit of character to their grounds. Others have stayed contemporary but have set all their spotlights on a motion sensor. In other words, play around a bit with your lighting so that it doesn’t look like some kind of government facility, even if you need that lighting for security. There are ways to make even the strongest of spotlights less offensive to the neighbors.

If you want to totally remake the look of your landscape, you can always hire a landscaping design house to draw up the diagram. Simply tell them which elements you’d like to eliminate, which elements you want to include, and then have a rough idea of where you envision major changes. With the latest in 3D CAD software, you can even get a visual representation of what the finished product will be. Make a few modifications here and there, and before you know it, you certainly will enjoy driving up to your home any hour of the day.

Are You Sure You Want a Home Pool: The Ups and Downs of Owning a Pool

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

You know all those hot summer days when you just wish you could somehow make it all go away and find a way to stay cool and fresh without too much effort, because what’s the point if you have to try too hard? The first thing that comes to your mind is a pool in your backyard, and you are right on track.


Photo: Simple Pool Tips

It is a great recreational place for your entire family, and it’s literally just a few feet away from the bedroom. No need to make tons of sandwiches and basically migrate your family to a local public swimming resort like river or lake if you could just enjoy all that in the privacy of your home. If privacy does not really bother you, then your friends and neighbors could also join the party and appreciate that sweet privilege of having a pool in your backyard.

It is also a great place for kids to keep them active during summer breaks. It is known that swimming is healthy and that it improves heart and lung capacity. It also helps alleviate back pain and lowers blood pressure. Certainly a great activity for kids because it keeps them away from passive hours in front of a monitor during summer heats and you don’t really have to reinvent new activities for them every single day, and it’s right there in your home. There really are plenty of uses and it’s so convenient and easy, the entire family can benefit.


Photo: Road to Murray Hill

Are You Sure You Want a Pool?

We’ve been talking about all the pros so far, and they all sound pretty awesome. But in reality, there are some things you need to consider before making the final decision. If you are a homeowner you are probably thinking that pool will increase the value of the property and that buyers will be more interested in your home in particular because of it.

[su_note note_color=”#5cc9a2″ text_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]Tip: Having a swimming pool does not mean your property will increase in value. Additionally, some parents with small children might even consider pool a safety hazard. It is known that in warmer parts, like Florida or Arizona, pools are somewhat considered an essential part of any property. But in other, less warm parts, they can be looked upon as a burden since there are not as many hot days as you would want.[/su_note]

Have you ever researched how much an installation can cost? Prices can range from 20 to 50 thousand dollars for an in-ground pool, while those above-ground are significantly cheaper. Unfortunately, your wallet will remain open just as the pool you want to build; after you pay for the initial installation and setup, you also need to pay for accessories, insurance and regular maintenance and cleaning, so this is a year-round expense and obligation. It’s not just a burden for your wallet but also for you personally as you would also have to invest your time and effort to keep the pool in shape.


Photo: Zsazsa Bellagio

Still Want to Add a Pool?

Owning a pool is a serious decision because it brings a lot of responsibility and dedication. Cleaning your pool when you’re not using it, and also getting your pool for winter is a huge job. You need to ask yourself if you can financially see it through and will you have enough time or will to actively work on it and maintain it. Alternatively, you can hire a pool cleaning service to take care of the pool for you, but that also means additional expenses.

You also need to think ahead and understand how much time you actually want to spend there swimming and bathing. Is it something you are sure you want to turn into your oasis or will it have something like a ‘’new toy’’ effect on you which last very brief as it often happens? If you thought this all through, and put pros and cons on a paper, if you carefully counted your budget then and only then are you ready to seriously consider building a pool.

Can Your Pool Stay Open Year Round?

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

If you are fortunate enough to have a pool in your back yard, you know how much time and effort goes into maintaining it during the swimming season. But at the same time, you know how much it helps you relax and cool down during the hot summers.


Photo: Via Pinterest

But now that the summer is over, most people are looking on how to get their pool ready for winter. However, is it possible to keep your pool open for the whole year and not deal with the long and tedious process of closing the pool?

As it turns out, you can have your pool all year round, provided that you live in the right part of the country. If the area where you live doesn’t freeze over, you have a good chance to realize this dream.

Have Pool Heaters Installed

Your main goal is to keep your water warm enough not to freeze over and to have it comfortable enough to be able to swim in it. So, the most obvious solution are pool heaters. If you are designing and building your own custom pool, you can instruct your designer to install them right from the start. Companies like http://www.socalcustompoolsandspas.com/ will be more than glad to make all your pool requests a reality.

If you already have a pool without these water heaters, you can still have them put in retroactively. They may not be able to be hidden and subtle as they would be in the first case, but you will achieve the goal – your pool water will be warm enough.


Photo: Landscape Genius

Thermal Blankets Can Help Too

The problem with pool heaters is that they are quite costly to run all day every day. In the end, they may cost you so much that you will be forced to look for an alternative. Fortunately, thermal blankets are what you are looking for. These films are able to harness the heat of the sun to warm the water. They are not as effective as the water heaters and they only work for the daytime, but they are significantly cheaper.

The best option is probably to use the combination of these two methods. You can use the thermal blankets at times you don’t want to use your pool for swimming, and only turn on the pool heaters when you decide to swim.

Keep Your Pool Equally Clean

Cleaning the pool is a tedious job with no end, but if you want it to be clean and enjoyable, you have to do it or pay someone else to do it. The same goes for the winter. If you wish to have your pool open even during the cold part of the year, you have to extend your maintenance to these months as well. You need to keep your pool clean even when you’re not using it to manage bacteria growth that can be harmful in the long run.

The fall is probably the critical time, when a lot of fallen leaves can find their way into your pool, and the wind isn’t helping either. However, if you don’t clean them regularly, they will clog your pipes and cause you a lot of headaches.


Photo: My Pool Guide

Turn On Your Pump

The water pump should be turned on from time to time in order to prevent the freezing of the water. Water is far less likely to freeze when it is moving. Just make sure that you don’t forget to do this since frozen water can cause a lot of damage to the pool.

If you are unsure that you will remember to do this in a timely manner, you can always install an automatic system which will do that for you.

Keeping a pool running throughout the winter is not impossible, but it does require a lot of attention. However, the prestige which comes with having a pool open in the winter cannot be topped.

Things to Put on Your Fall Maintenance List

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

Spruce up your home this fall season with some of our easy tips to make your home more cozy, beautiful and welcoming for the long holiday season to come! Plus learn some simple maintenance tips that will make a huge impact for your home!


Photo: Harold Leidner Landscape Architects

Fall is officially here, which means that the leaves are turning, people are gearing up for the holiday season, and it’s time to complete some last minute to do items before the temperature drops and fall turns to winter. Here are some chores you may want to include on your list to keep your home in beautiful condition as we ease into cooler weather.

Look Up

People often forget about their home’s roof, loft insulation, chimney, and gutters because they’re not at eye level. However, keeping these important pieces of your home is vital for its infrastructure and can help prevent water, ice, and other damage to your home. Start by cleaning your gutters of any leaves, twigs, or other debris that may have built up over the summer months. Gutters with a clear pathway allow water to flow freely away from your home, which protects your foundation from water damage. You should also spot check your roof for any cracks, holes, or tears that may be present. If you notice anything, have it repaired right away so winter weather doesn’t make it worse and cause leaks inside your home. A lot of repairs you can do on your own, and you can even order supplies online from stores like build4less.  If you plan to use your chimney throughout the winter, you may want to have someone come clean it out to keep it clear of debris, which can cause a chimney fire.


Photo: Rikki Snyder

Complete Final Lawn Maintenance

Once winter weather arrives, chances are you won’t be doing much lawn maintenance. Making one last lawn care effort should be on everyone’s fall home maintenance list, as it prepares your landscaping for the winter months. Decide what you want to do with your leaves. Some people rake and bag them while others choose to mulch them, which can provide your soil with extra nutrients.

[su_note note_color=”#b9e6a0″ text_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]Tip: If you have trees or other plants with special lawn care needs, you may want to wrap them to keep them in good condition during the long winter months. You should also get rid of any weeds or other debris that may have built up in your yard, since they can serve as a home to many unwanted pests seeking shelter during colder months. Put away any yard furniture and lawn equipment so it isn’t exposed to the elements.[/su_note]


Photo: Mary Prince Photography

Insulate

Having a well-insulated home can not only help keep you and your family warm during cold weather months, but it can also save you money on your monthly utility bills by reducing the amount of energy you need to heat your home. Caulk and use weather stripping around your windows and doors to block out drafts. If you have energy-efficient windows, inspect them to ensure they’re still in good condition and don’t have any gaps. Head up to your attic to inspect your insulation. If you can see the joists in your attic, chances are you don’t have enough insulation and should add more.


Photo: Gil Walsh Interiors

Service Your Furnace

Fall is a great time to have your furnace inspected before you turn it on for the winter. Call an HVAC professional and request an inspection and cleaning. Regular servicing can keep your furnace running efficiently and help reduce your monthly heating bill and even help prolong the life of your unit.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”#eb8d09″ class=”” size=””]Tip: Make sure you have your filters replaced regularly as well to improve airflow, keep energy costs low, and keep your system running efficiently.[/perfectpullquote]

Check Your Plumbing

The last thing you want to happen is to have a water line freeze or burst in the middle of winter. Prep your pipes by wrapping them in insulation, which can not only provide peace of mind knowing your plumbing is protected, but can keep your plumbing running efficiently. If you have any hoses outside, detach and drain them so they don’t freeze and cause damage.

Maintaining a thorough fall maintenance checklist can help keep your home in great shape. Most of the tasks take a weekend to complete and can save you a lot of money in the long run in costly repairs.

Most Popular Summer Garden Ideas: Choosing The Best Plants

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

When it comes for us to decide how to decorate our gardens, we take no risk to choose the beautiful decorative plants. During the summer season, you are better to assemble flowers and shrubs in a way that they give attractive and charming look to your gardens. For example, if you don’t like species that require a lot of shade and moisture, give preference to the ones which can grow well in intense climate and under the sunlight.

Summer Garden Ideas

If you have just started thinking how to decorate your garden summers, speak to a gardener or a nursery owner about the most suitable plants.

Plants of Tomatoes

Tomatoes certainly give a wonderful and remarkable look to your gardens. Bring home plants of tomatoes as these can grow nicely even when the temperature is 50 degrees C. Tomatoes thrive with six to eight hours of full sunlight, so it is better to not plant them in heavy rainfall climate. The tomato plants will add beauty to your garden. Of course, when the tomatoes ripe you can use them as a meal. Allow to grow to a maximum length and keep on cutting the harsh and dead bushes to create freshness.

Witch Hazel

The American species of witch hazel are good to use during the months of November and December. On the other hand, the Asian species of this plant bloom during January and February. Witch hazel is drought tolerant, so this will be ideal to have in your garden when the climate is too hot and there is no rainfall. This plant not only looks beautiful but also gives you cool and calm shade in the hot sunny days. It is hardy against disease and insects. Once plants bloom, you can see vibrating colors and fragrance added to your lovely garden.

Okra Plants

The okra plants thrive in hot weather with great ease. As a tradition, these plants are a part of many Asian and Australian gardens. It is a delicious southern vegetable plant that gives cooling effects in the warm areas. Just like tomatoes, start okra plants indoor and then transplant them outside during the summer season. The best time for these plants to grow is the end of June till August. Treat the roots gently and carefully when you decide to replant them. Pick off the okra pods the time when their length is over four inches, otherwise they are likely to become too mature and weak.

Autumn and Winter Squash

If you want squash varieties to give your garden color and appealing look, then there are multiple varieties to consider such as acorn, bananas, butternuts, buttercup, carnival, gold nuggets, pumpkins, and turban etc. All of these squash types need fun sun and dry environment as well as well-drained soil for proper growth. Their vines require lots of room because they can grow up to a length of 5-10 square feet.

Ninebark

Ninebark is an easy to grow shrub that needs to be handles with keen attention and great care. Due to its vast array of colors, this will add nice look to your garden. It requires little maintenance, but be aware powdery mildew that comes from peeling bark during the winter season.

Summer Garden Ideas

All of these plants are suitable for summer season, with some nice to grow in winters. You need not to spend a fortune to give your gardens exceptional look. What your plants need is regular maintenance and proper watering.