Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: backyard

  • Trend Alert from Outdoor Pro Carson Arthur – The Outdoor Fireplace!

    One of the most popular additions to the backyard is the outdoor fire pit with seating around it. Having an area for entertaining that is separate from the patio table has been featured in magazines, websites and all types of social media. Even the designs that I’ve been doing for homes in downtown areas seem to always include high-end wood or gas burning fixtures.

    Before you go any further in exploring if an outdoor fireplace is right for you, check your municipal bylaws. Some areas ban outdoor burning altogether. Others allow outdoor fireplaces but regulate the smoke to ensure that your neighbors are not disturbed. Some municipalities require that grills be in place so that these fire pits fall under barbeque laws. Just because a store in your area sells you a fireplace doesn’t mean that you can actually use it.

    If, however, you’re like me and love the smell of burning wood, the sound of crackling logs and can spend hours watching flames and coals, then there is nothing like an outdoor wood-burning fireplace. That said, burning wood always comes with lots of risks and rewards. Live fires are unpredictable and as a result, can be dangerous if not handled properly.

    When it comes to fire safety, make sure that you allow for at least 6ft. of space between the edge of the fireplace and the chairs. Sparks can easily fly from natural burning fires. If you don’t have sufficient clearance, choosing a natural gas or propane option would be a safer solution. If you do go with wood burning, then make sure you have either a source of water or a fire extinguisher nearby.

    Also, consider where the best spot is for your fire pit and what surface it is going on. The best surface solution is always stone. Whether its manmade pavers, natural flagstone or even gravel, stone is perfect for dispersing heat or flying sparks. I have created fireplaces on wood decks but I always make sure that the area under and around the fire pit is either gravel or concrete. When it comes to locations, wood-burning fire pits need to be away from the house. Smoke always seems to get into open windows or patio doors. Be sure to choose a spot that is away from large trees or anything that is burnable.

    Having an outdoor fireplace can be an amazing way to spend a summer night or even host an après ski party. Just make sure you do a little research first.

    Want an outdoor fireplace (or fire pit) of your own? Click the banner below and subscribe to the blog to enter to win $1000 during the Fall for Your Home Sweepstakes.

  • 5 Decorating Tips for Your Backyard

    Your backyard is a very important part of your home and deserves to have the same elegance as the interior. It can be the ultimate place to entertain, dine, and lounge under the sun or stars. With these five decorating tips for your backyard, the outdoors is about to be just as beautiful as the inside of your home.

    5 Decorating Tips for Your Backyard - bhgrelife.com1. Create a gathering area

    The best way to get use of your backyard is to create a spot to gather. Whether it’s around a fire pit, fountain, garden, or shady tree, arrange some attractive seating options to create a welcoming hangout spot for friends and family to come together.

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Are Lobelia Plants Poisonous?

    The blue flowering plant looks beautiful, but could it be poisonous? On this week’s installment of Ask a Pro, Dream Team member and Outdoor Design expert Carson Arthur talks about the controversial Lobelia plant and if it’s safe to have in your home.

    Ask a Pro Q&A: Are Lobelia Plants Poisonous? - bhgrelife.com

    Q: I bought some plants at the store today. I later found out it is a Lobelia flowering plant. It’s a beautiful blue color and I am excited to have it, but is it a poisonous plant?

    -Carlene T.

    A: Lobelia is one of those plants that has the experts split. It seems that some varieties are toxic to cats and dogs vs. other ones which have no issues at all. To be safe, plant them only out of reach of pets.

    -Carson A.

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: How To Landscape a Round, Fiberglass Home

    This week on Ask a Pro, Dream Team member and Outdoor Design expert Carson Arthur shares the landscaping possibilities for a round lake home!

    Ask a Pro Q&A: How To Landscape a Round, Fiberglass Home - bhgrelife.com

    Q: I’m in the process of purchasing a round, fiberglass lake home that was built in 1974. I have some safety concerns about the fiberglass. Also, some landscaping ideas would be welcome. There are double doors in front with a circular driveway. Thanks for the help!

    -Carol D.

    A: The Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate team has researched their archives.  While they couldn’t find anything specifically about fiberglass homes, they did find information about using fiberglass materials. Fiberglass is durable and flexible enough to be installed in any climate and is known to be a fantastic insulator. It will not warp or rot and never needs to be painted. It is a low­ maintenance material.

    Round homes are a great inspiration for any outdoor space. I always try to pull form and shape from the house when planning my gardens. As you are at the beginning stages, I’d start doing my research incorporating round forms into design. My personal favorite spot to start is Houzz.com.

    -Carson A.

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Treating Weeds without Killing Flowers

    Never ruin your flowerbed again! On this installment of Ask a Pro, Dream Team member and Outdoor Design expert Carson Arthur reveals his trick to get rid of the weeds without killing your flowers!

    Ask a Pro: Treating Weeds without Killing the Flowers - bhgrelife.com

    Q: There are weeds in my flowerbed and I would like to know how to eliminate them, without killing my beautiful flowers. Can you help?

    -Lisa T.

    A. Best is to lay newspaper around the plants, covering the weeds. 7 layers of newspaper covered with 3 inches of mulch will get rid of the weeds for 2­ to 3 years! It’s really that easy.

    -Carson A.

     

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Getting Started with a Backyard Makeover

    Want to makeover your backyard but not sure where to start? In this week’s installment of Ask a Pro, we’re chatting with Dream Team member and outdoor design expert Carson Arthur about taking the first step to achieve a beautiful and organized backyard.

    BHGRELife_AskAPro_organizedyard

    Q: Our yard feels so disorganized. How can we easily and cheaply help it?

    -Linda N.

    A: Always start with a plan. If you don’t know what the finished product will look like, how do you know how to get there! I’d start with getting a reputable designer. It’s worth every penny even if the project takes a few years to save up for it.

    -Carson A.

     

  • Five Unexpected Garden Design Ideas

    You’ve no doubt felt the urge to get your hands dirty by gardening and creating an attractive garden area for your yard. But, you don’t have to limit your design to just the fun of the mill planter box or lush green lawn. With a little work and some easy DIY projects, you can make your garden one-of-a-kind.

    Five Unexpected Garden Design Ideas - bhgrelife.comFirst Consider Your Environment

    Your garden’s environment should be the starting point for your ideas. If your climate is rainy or dry, rather than a combination of the two, choose plants suited for local weather conditions. By choosing native plants, you’ll create a sustainable garden that’s even budget-friendly to boot, since you won’t be paying for increased water or energy usage. Native plants are also easier to maintain, which make them an easy choice for boosting the curb appeal of your home.

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Townhouse Backyard Makeover

    Welcome to another installment of Ask a Pro! Today Dream Team member and outdoor design expert Carson Arthur shows us how to transform a small townhouse backyard to a cozy space for dining and entertaining!

    AskAPro_1.20_TownhouseBackyard

     

    Q: How would you set up a small townhouse backyard that is approximately 16 feet wide and 11 feet deep? The fence on the far side is wrought iron fence with bushes in 2-foot border (not included in measurement). We would like this area to be cozy and inviting, and have space to eat outside. Lots of squirrels in neighborhood!

    -Marcia A.

     

    A: Pave it or deck it! The whole back space! If you try to section the space into areas, it will be too small to really make any kind of impact. By making the whole backyard into a beautiful patio, you will have lots of useable space. Invest in some big planters to add lots of greenery so that it doesn’t feel like a parking pad. Take advantage of the rod iron fence and put some vines in the planters which will climb on the fence and give you a little privacy. And the best part… useable space is a fantastic way to increase your home’s value! Check out the backyard I did. It was 18×18 and I decked the entire space. Do you miss the grass? Me neither!

    AskAPro_1.20_TownhouseBackyard_beforeafter

    -Carson A.

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Sloped Yard Solution

    Welcome to another installment of Ask a Pro! Today we are talking to Dream Team member and outdoor design expert Carson Arthur! Let’s see what he has to say about adding a terrace to a sloped backyard!

    Sloped_Yard_Solutions

    Q: How would you terrace a downsloped back yard?

    -Abigail M.

    A: It all comes down to your budget!  They best way to create a terraced slope is to use a series of retaining walls to add level spaces down the slope for plants and shrubs.  Of course this is the most expensive! If you are on a budget, collect large stones to create planting pockets behind them, working your way down the hill.

    -Carson A.

     

     

  • Housewarming Party How-To’s

    Hosting your first housewarming party? It can seem a little intimidating at first, but with a few party planning tricks and tips you will be on your way to throwing a stress-free housewarming party!

    Entertaining Space

    Outdoor_partyA casual, outdoor party is a great way to inaugurate your new home, and an even better excuse to meet new neighbors and catch up with old friends. The key is to make it as stress free as possible, because you’ve already been through a closing, moving, and an unpacking marathon. A little socialization and some good food are certainly in order.