Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: outdoor design

  • The Best Solar Lighting for Outdoors

    Solar lighting for outdoors solves a multitude of problems. It brings a warm glow that enhances any outdoor space, and many solar lights packages are easy to install and durable. Whether you are shopping for lights to improve the ambiance of your entertaining area, want to illuminate pathways for your guests, or need motion lights for enhanced security, there are budget-friendly options that you will love. Read on as we reveal some of the best options for solar lighting for outdoors.

    Solar Landscape Path Lighting

    If your primary goal is to brighten your driveway, the walkway to your front steps, or backyard pathways, solar lighting for outdoors can be an affordable and eco-friendly way to illuminate otherwise deeply shadowed areas. While there are many options to choose from, The Spruce are fans of the “Hampton Bay No Voltage Solar Landscape Path Lights.” The editors loved that these path lights were “weather-resistant and produce 10 lumens of light—which is bright enough for hiking and reading—and have an eight-hour run time when fully charged.” They also get high marks for durability, and they arrive with ten lights rather than the standard packs of six to eight.

    Do you have a long pathway that needs brightening? You may want to choose the “GIGALUMI Solar Pathway Lights.” They come with larger solar panels, and, as The Spruce explains, “their height and larger structure make them a strong pick for anyone hoping to brighten a large area with fewer lights.” They look like elegant lanterns, and they act as a perfect complement to traditional home styles.

    Lamp Post Fixtures

    Do you love the idea of having a classic lamp post fixture at the end of your driveway to welcome guests to your home? Now, you can put up a post with a solar lamp, allowing you to fulfill your design goals in an environmentally friendly way. Of the affordable options currently available, the editors at Better Homes & Gardens give the nod to the “Kemeco Solar Post Light Fixture.” The Magazine reveals: “In addition to a 3-inch-diameter post, you can also place the solar light on a flat concrete surface with the included mounting base.” This durable option is made of textured glass and metal and comes in white or black for a classic look.

    Motion Sensor Security Lights

    Unlike solar activated lights used for ambiance, motion sensor lights are primarily used for security. The “Ring Solar Floodlight Outdoor Security Light” caught the attention of the editors at Better Homes & Gardens because of its Smart features. The Magazine advises: “Whenever it detects movement within 45 feet, the weather-resistant floodlight will automatically turn on its bright lights for however many minutes you choose. You can change this setting (as well as set schedules, adjust brightness, and control the device) by using the Ring app on your smartphone.” If you already have an Echo device at home, you can also use that to communicate with the lights.

    The Spruce is also a fan of the “Sunforce Solar Motion-Activated Outdoor Triple Head LED Area Light” for security. It is hard to beat the amount of light that it generates. The Magazine raves: “This area light gives off an impressive 1,000 lumens of illumination”… with a “built-in motion detector [that] identifies movement in a 180-degree range and within 30 feet, and you can adjust its detection distance and light duration.”

    Vintage-Inspired Solar String Lighting

    Few things enhance an outdoor entertainment space’s warm, welcoming feeling more than string lights. Also known as bistro lights, these vintage-inspired bulbs add to the ambient lighting in your backyard or patio in the dreamiest of ways. Better Homes & Gardens is a fan, and the “Brightech Ambience Pro Solar String Lights” are among their favorite ways to add instant character. The Magazine adores this particular set because it “has an antique-looking aesthetic with exposed LED Edison bulbs,” which can be easily installed “over a patio via poles, along a fence, and under a pergola for a magical ambiance under the stars.” The entire strand is charged from a single panel installed in the ground or clipped to a deck, fence, or trellis.

    Floral Pattern Lights

    There are several solar lighting options that cast shapes or patterns, making for an even more intriguing visual display than your standard light. Enter the “BeauJardin 8 Pack Solar Pathway Lights,” which caught the eyes of The Spruce editors. Like the best solar lighting for outdoors, these lights are weather-resistant. As the Magazine reports, “A rustproof stainless steel pole and glass light shade protect the solar battery and lightbulb, and the solar panel charges during the day for eight to 12 hours of illumination.” But what makes this style of light really stand out is its shade. It casts eye-catching floral patterns that are sure to charm.

    Modern Farmhouse Lights

    For a modern farmhouse aesthetic, mason jar lights offer a picture-perfect answer to your outdoor lighting needs. Better Homes & Gardens raves about the “Gigalumi Hanging Solar Mason Jar Lights” and named them among the best decorative options for solar lighting for outdoors. Ideal for the drier climates of the Desert Southwest (the lights may not be 100% waterproof), these mason jar solar lights can hold a charge for up to eight hours (there is a small panel on top of the screw-on lids) and give off a warm white glow. Each jar features a wire handle, which means they can be hung in a number of different ways – a real bonus. Better Homes & Gardens suggests: “You can get creative by hanging the jars on tree branches in the backyard or shepherd’s hooks along a pathway. The lighted jars can also be used as lanterns by keeping them flat on a table or patio.”

    Color-Changing LED String Lights

    When My Domaine was reviewing a variety of color-changing lights, they struggled to find multi-colored solar lighting for outdoors that didn’t feel “too novelty.” Pottery Barn to the rescue! The editors at My Domaine were enchanted by the “Pottery Barn’s Color-Changing LED String Lights” because the company puts you in control of the color palette. The Magazine reveals: “Each strand ships with a remote, which you can use to activate 14 different color-changing modes. Toggle between monochromatic and analogous color palettes, and remember that you can default to classic warm white at any time.” Giving you the power to change the atmosphere of your outdoor space is a huge bonus. And you’ll cheer for their durability and the energy savings that these joyful solar lights bring.

  • Hanging String Lights for Outdoors

    One of the best ways to dress up a patio, porch, or backyard is to add the perfect display of string lights for outdoors. It’s a simple and reasonably inexpensive way to bring much-needed illumination to your space and an instant boost of charm. There’s just something about the warm glow of the lights that elevates the ambiance of any area, whether the goal is to create a private spot for entertaining friends, relaxing with family, or adding a hint of romance for date-night drinks. To help you begin the transformation, we reveal some of our favorite ways to create a magical oasis by hanging outdoor string lights. 

    Before You Begin Hanging String Lights for Outdoors

    Before you make any purchases, take a moment to assess your goals for your balcony, yard, or patio. Do you want the lights to highlight an entertaining space? You’ll need to plan your anchor points and determine how far apart each bulb should be to illuminate a long dining table properly. Whereas a small conversation pit or cozy outdoor relaxation nook will have different needs – perhaps something softer with a more intimate glow. Whatever your goals, deciding your priorities before you shop or start to hang the lights is the key to saving money and time.                                                                             

    Choose the Right Style of String Lights

    Today, there are so many different styles of string lights for outdoors. You can choose ones that fit your home’s architectural style or select ones that mirror your personality. If you love vintage-inspired bulbs, you’ll find dozens to choose from, including the Edison, which is among the most popular options for outdoor entertaining. Do you have access to an outdoor outlet? If not, you’ll want to focus on battery-operated lights or solar-powered options. Expert Jeff Manning advises Martha Stewart Living that people opt for “LED lights or light ropes that are resistant to the elements—and that can change colors for occasions.” High-quality lights will stand up to surprise snow, wind, and rain. They can also handle the scorching temperatures that arrive early and stay late into the year in the south and the desert southwest. 

    Find Your Anchor Points

    The easiest approach to hanging outdoor string lights is to use at least one, if not more, existing anchor points. This might be your porch columns, the side of your house, trees, a pergola, or a sturdy privacy fence. The Spruce recommends using existing anchors when possible because “not only does this eliminate the job of making posts, but existing anchor points tend to be solid, permanent, and better integrated into your yard’s footprint.” 

    If you have your heart set on enlivening your space with string lights but don’t have multiple existing anchor points, you do have the option of putting in freestanding posts. The Spruce explains: “Setting an 8- or 10-foot two-by-two in a concrete-filled broad-base container produces an anchor post sufficient to hold one end of a 25-foot run of overhead lights. This can be paired with another anchor post or with a solid existing anchor point.”  

    Support the Cords

    Try to avoid hanging your string lights by the cords alone. This can considerably strain the cords, which invites damage, particularly when weather rolls in. Instead, The Spruce recommends using “wire rope and eye bolts to support the cords.” There are also several brands of string lights for outdoor use that include loops as part of the bulb housing, making it easy to screw the bulb directly into an anchor point or run a support wire through it. 

    A Word of Caution

    Always choose safety first. Even when your string lights are certified for outdoor use, the experts warn Martha Stewart Living to never hang them “over recreational water spots, like swimming pools or hot tubs.” Should the lights accidentally fall into the pool, it could pose a potentially serious hazard.  

    Select Your String Light Formation

    You want to make the most out of your bulbs, so choosing the best formation for your space is critical. Southern Living loves using a zigzag design when working with a large backyard or garden. Why? “[This] look covers more ground than a standard linear style. Just know that if you don’t have a fence framing your yard, you’ll need to install multiple anchor points.” For larger yards, Southern Living also applauds the idea of elevating the ambiance by focusing on perimeter lights; “perimeter lighting (coupled with distinctive flooring) can help establish a separate space for dining,” although you will likely need additional table lights for evening meals. 

    Simple crisscross formations are among the most affordable options as they are perfect for illuminating dining tables or square spaces with the fewest number of lights. However, if you have a fence or pergola that can anchor them, creating a waterfall effect with a cascade of string lights will yield a tremendous amount of light as a backdrop to your outdoor entertaining space, and it will dazzle your guests.

    Is your conversation or dining space already beautifully framed by a garden or trees? Rather than loosely draping outdoor string lights, consider wrapping them around the trees instead. The Spruce adores the idea of creating bejeweled trees set aglow by twinkling lights. Light wrapping works on most trees, even palms, as “trunks wrapped with white or red lights show off their vertical, upright forms, drawing the eye upward toward the night sky.” Wrap from the bottom upward and ensure even spacing. Use a ladder to continue the twinkling lights up and over odd-shaped branches and limbs to put the perfect finish on this strikingly magical vision.

  • Cultivating a Pet-Friendly Yard

    The key is to create a pet-friendly yard, where dogs and cats can have their freedom without risk to their well-being or your property. Of course, you wouldn’t want to leave them to their own devices for hours on end, but a well-thought-out plan will save you from having to be a “helicopter” pet owner.

    What Plants are Harmful to Pets?

    Better Homes & Gardens provides a list of plants that are harmful to dogs, including azaleas, rhododendron, tulips, foxglove and lily of the valley. Some of these are also toxic to cats, and others include daffodils, amaryllis and ivy. Plants that have sharp objects like thorns or spines (think rosebushes or cacti) can also harm pets by wounding them. Those wounds can also become infected, which can cause very serious problems for furry friends.

    When planning a pet-friendly yard, it is best to become familiar with all the potentially harmful plants in your yard. It is also wise to have a good look at your cat or dog when they come back inside. If they are drooling, vomiting, twitching, have a strange odor or are acting in an unusual way, a call to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) could be warranted.

    A Pet-Friendly Yard Master Plan

    Continuing along the safety theme, it may be a good idea to install a fence if the pet will be outside on their own for any significant periods of time. Not only does it protect them from escaping into the street, it keeps unwanted predators from getting in. This may not work for cats, who are known to be good climbers. In any case, make sure that your pet is always wearing a collar that includes their name and your contact information.

    Your dog will appreciate having his or her own doghouse, which will provide shelter from the heat and rain, as well as a comfortable place to spend time. Otherwise, be sure that there is plenty of shade for them to rest under when they need to take a break. Dogs also like wide-open spaces, so be sure to leave them enough room to run around.

    Dogs and cats both love to explore, so you might also consider creating a path for your pet to meander down. Smooth rocks, brick, concrete and flagstone are all easy on paws, but rocks or pebbles will make more of a mess. Mulch is another choice, but this can get dug up and kicked around.

    Safe Trees, Safe Plants

    There are many safe trees that dogs like, such as crepe myrtle, red maple and – of course – dogwood. Pups also do well with Gerbera daisies, zinnia and petunias. Dog-friendly shrubs include rose of Sharon, forsythia, lilac and mock orange.

    Cat owners will be happy to know that some of the best-known cat-safe plants are snapdragon, sunflower and bamboo. Herbs like basil, mint and dill are thought to benefit cat health, so go ahead and plant those, as well, along with some catnip.  Again, if  you are unsure about a plant or tree’s toxicity to your pets, check with the ASPCA website.

    Think Like Your Pet

    To create a truly pet-friendly yard, you have to think like a cat or a dog. They love to explore, dig, hunt and hide, and they tend to get into more trouble when they do not have any opportunities for structured play. You might want to build a dog run if you have enough room; this can be done by enclosing part of the yard with a fence and lining the ground there with artificial turf. If you have a cat, Martha Stewart likes the Kittywalk outdoor cat run.

    Cats need to scratch and stretch their claws, so you can install some vertical logs or scratching posts to save your trees. Kitties also love to perch in high-up places, so try building them a safe spot they can access easily that is no more than 8 feet from the ground. The landing area should be soft – avoid putting perches above concrete or asphalt.

    Canines and felines will all appreciate a selection of well-chosen pet toys in the yard, too. They might also enjoy an obstacle course, tunnels to run through and other equipment that can turn your yard into a pet-friendly playground. Use your imagination!

  • Planning Your Spring Vegetable Garden

    The key to a successful spring vegetable garden lies in the planning stage.  Once you have the spot picked out, you have to prepare the ground, create a layout, get vegetable ideas and buy supplies and plants. For the best chance of success, choose easy-to-grow vegetables like lettuce and zucchini. You can expand your horizons by adding some herbs and fruit plants, as well.

    If you are starting the plants from seeds, you will have to have the right containers to start them indoors. Otherwise, buy young plants with established root systems. Depending on what USDA plant hardiness zone you live in, certain vegetable plants will be recommended for spring planting.  Martha Stewart explains that warm-season crops like beans, tomatoes and eggplants do best in the heat, and some vegetable plants have longer growing seasons than others.

    planting seedsGrowing Plants From Seeds

    Martha Stewart also advises gardeners to check the plant-by dates when purchasing high-quality seed packets to ensure that they are for the current year. You can use any type of container for planting seeds, but it must have drainage holes. You may wish to plant several seeds in larger pots, which is a convenient way to start them. Another choice is to use planting trays, which are divided into smaller sections.

    Use regular potting soil, a sterile, soilless mix, a seed-starting mix or make your own if you are a skilled gardener or growing plants with specific requirements. Do not add compost or topsoil into the containers at this stage, because either can ruin your seeds.

    Put your potting mix in a large bucket and add some water until it is moist. Place the containers on newspaper, fill them up with the mix and tamp down gently. Dig out the seed holes with a pencil, making them twice as deep as the seeds are thick.

    The containers can be covered with clear plastic wrap to encourage germination, though you may wish to poke a few holes in the plastic to avoid mold growth. Place the containers or trays in a warm room by a sunny window. You can also use grow lights, provide the full UV spectrum of light to your seedlings. Mark the containers with labels so you don’t mix up the plants. Check them daily and water as needed – you can also add some diluted fertilizer when they begin to sprout.

    Making a Garden Blueprint

    Take some graph paper to draw out your garden plan before you do any digging. Vegetable plants like tomatoes and corn can grow quite tall, and you don’t want them to block the sunlight from their companions. You do not have to start with a large number of plants, because you can also add more later if you have the space.

    The number of inches required between the same kinds of vegetable plants varies, and you can find vegetable spacing guides online. Zucchini needs about 24 to 28 inches, while spinach only needs 2 to 4. If you are planting multiple rows of vegetables, these distances also vary; check the guide or your seed packet for this information, as well. You will need room to walk back and forth between your plants if planting in a traditional rowed garden.

    You can dig stakes into the ground at the ends of your garden rows, and connect each one with string. This will help you dig the plant holes in a straighter line. If any of the plants came with information tags, stick those in the ground alongside them.

    Gardening toolsPreparing The Garden Soil

    If you want to transplant seedlings outdoors, plan ahead by placing them outside two weeks before the planting. Leave them out for a few hours at first, and gradually build this up to strengthen them. Your plants will need a sunny garden that gets from six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.  Do not choose a spot that gets a lot of wind, because this could damage the plants and keep pollinators like bees away.

    The best kind of soil for vegetable plants is packed with nutrients. The best way to ensure this is to mix in organic matter like compost or manure when the soil is moist (not wet). Check the soil for rocks and weeds, and rake them off and away. Then, use a shovel to loosen up the soil, digging down to 8 to 12 inches.

    Spread at least 2 to 3 inches of compost or manure onto the soil. You can work it into the earth if you like, but this is not necessary. You can level out the soil with a rake, or build up the beds slightly. Now you can dig the holes and start getting those plants in the ground. Before you know it, you will have plenty of fresh produce to bring to the table.

  • Ask a Pro – Backyard Privacy Options

    Question:

    We are looking for a hedge or tree to create privacy from our neighbors. There is already a chain links fence separating us but would like to put something in the ground that is approximately 8’ high and 4’ to 6’ wide that is not too expansive and would grow well in both sun and partial shade. Any advice?

    Answer:

    For many years, that 5-foot fence with the piece of lattice on top combined with a few strategically placed trees was the default method for creating privacy from the neighbours. Then houses started to change. Bigger houses on smaller lots became the norm. More square footage on the inside meant that houses were being built taller and wider, closer to the property lines. As a result, the traditional fence was no longer enough when it came to backyard privacy.

    I love using any of the poplar family like aspens or Tulip tree with my evergreens. Here is how I add great privacy using a row of trees.

    • Create a line with landscape paint, string or even a hose on the ground.
    • Start at one end of your row by placing an evergreen on the backside of your line.
    • The next evergreen is planted 2-3’ down the row on the front side of the line.
    • Third tree in the row is deciduous, again on the backside of the line. 2 more evergreens on the front, followed by another poplar on the backside and so on for the length of your privacy hedge.
    • The leaf trees fill in the empty spaces around the top of the conifers and by alternating types of trees along the row, it looks visually appealing in your yard.

    Not sure where you need the most privacy…try standing on your deck or patio and really take a good look around you. Who do you see? If you can see your neighbours, then your neighbours can see you! Try some of my suggestions at creating privacy in your space and enjoy this summer in your private sanctuary

    ~ Carson

  • Creating Patios that Serve as Gathering Spaces

    Spring is well underway, and summer is just around the corner: How does your patio shape up? If it looks a bit rough around the edges, sparse or outdated, you may want to make it more welcoming. It does not have to cost you a small fortune, as there are many exciting, inexpensive backyard patio ideas that will refresh your outdoor patio and turn it into a fabulous gathering space.

    How Can I Perk Up a Small Patio?

    If you have a smaller space, you can start by adding a trellis around it for an attractive border. Choose some well-made, well-priced patio furniture that will fit in the area. A charming bistro table set and a matching umbrella could create a romantic little nook for you and your loved ones. Just make sure you leave enough room to move about comfortably.

    If you want to be even more creative, you can paint the patio floor, if it is made out of concrete. Older patio furniture can be given new life with a can of spray paint as long as you buy the right kind. You may also need primer and paint brushes for a project like this. Also remember to put some thought into the outdoor lighting and sound setup on your patio. Candle lanterns and string lights will make things look more inviting, and Wi-Fi speakers can add background music.

    Small patios can also be given new life by adding water features. Small patio fountains can go a long way toward creating ambiance. Buy a fountain pump from a garden center and place it in an urn. Surround it with some pretty flowering plants, and voila! –you have created a miniature, relaxing oasis.

    More Backyard Patio Ideas

    Midwest Living also suggests adding flowering plants to outdoor patios. You can shop for standing planters and colorful outdoor vases to place them in. Midwest Living also recommends UV-protected outdoor rugs. These can make patios feel homey and comfortable, as long as you remember to keep them clean and maintained according to the manufacturer’s directions. For an extra dose of coziness, you can also tuck a chiminea into one corner; these take up little space and provide warmth.

    If you have an unattractive wall or fence bordering the patio, you can purchase some screening that will look much more appealing. This is also referred to as “outdoor wallpaper,” and it is often sold at home and garden centers. Should that idea not be suitable, try camouflaging the wall or fence with tall potted plants.

    The ground can also be revamped with some pea gravel. Before laying it down, you will have to install landscaping fabric (also inexpensive) – this prevents mud and weeds from coming through. You can use this gravel for the whole patio, or to accent focal points like planter arrangements.

    An Outdoor Mini-Bar and Seating

    Your guests will love an outdoor patio bar. You can actually make this yourself, out of cement blocks, cedar boards, screws and concrete glue. The base is made from the cement blocks and cement glue, and the top is made from the boards. This easy DIY project from Better Homes and Gardens takes about three hours and only requires about five different tools.

    You may want to add a few outdoor bar stools to use as seating here. Also take a good look at any chairs and couches you may already have. Patio cushions do not last forever, as they are outside in the sun and rain (if you forget to bring them inside). Replacing the cushions is much more affordable than buying new furniture.

    Look for patio cushions that are designed to withstand the elements, and feel free to mix solid colors with patterns. You can also invest in a waterproof outdoor storage box. Take off the cushions before it rains and store them inside, then simply pull them back out when ready to use again. Your cushions (and your wallet) will thank you for it!

    A Few Final Touches

    Many homeowners understand that the best way to encourage outdoor gathering is to bring some of the inside out. As mentioned, rugs can add decorative interest and comfort. You can also get some cozy blankets and drape them over your seating. Mix-and-match outdoor pillows are another decorative touch that will make your guests feel right at home.

    To make guests want to linger longer, treat them to real tablecloths and dishware. Cloth napkins and light stoneware dishes are not expensive, and they can be tossed in the laundry or dishwasher afterwards. When all is said and done, you, your friends and family will want to spend more time outside on the patio than in your house.

  • How to Outfit your Outdoor Living Area for Summer

    Whether you’re lucky enough to live in a home with a wraparound porch and a huge backyard that backs on a bird sanctuary or you live in a modern condo with a small but lovely patio, outfitting your outdoor living area for summer is a fun challenge. Decorating a patio is sure to make you appreciate your home more, regardless of its size.

    Principles of Outdoor Home Decor

    There aren’t really many rules about outdoor home decor other than those imposed by HOAs and condo associations. Within those bounds though, the first principle of outdoor home decor is to define how you want to use the space. If it’s your escape from the chaos that reigns within, your design choices should reflect that secret garden approach to make it your own personal sanctuary.

    If, however, you want your outdoor space to be the place you do all your summer entertaining, you’ll want to emphasize the openness of the space and create gathering points within it.

    Remember not to try to make a small space serve too many purposes at once. Your small patio can’t be a children’s play area and a quiet reading space simultaneously. If you want to use the patio primarily for entertaining, decide whether you want the space to be formal, with a sit-down table, or informal, with guests eating on their laps or small side tables.

    Here are some other tips for outfitting your outdoor living area for the summer.

    Backyard patio area with table, chairs and umbrella

    Scale Your Furnishings

    No matter how comfortable an overstuffed chair is, if you’ve got a small patio, you’ll want to make sure it isn’t overwhelmed by décor. Try choosing chairs without arms and, if possible, use stackable chairs so they take up less space when not in use. Consider using benches as seating, since their backless nature means they take up less room visually and allow unobstructed views when not occupied.

    If you’ve got a huge backyard, consider creating several different outdoor spaces: one for entertaining, one for getting away from it all, and one for making mud pies or playing tag.

    Pillows on hammock on terrace with round rug and rattan sofa in the garden

    Take Lounging Seriously

    Whether you want to sit outside for 10 minutes every morning with a cup of coffee or retreat to your backyard sanctuary after a hard day at the office, don’t forget that the whole point of this outdoor space is to help you relax while you feel the breeze and can admire the trees and flowers comfortably.

    Invest in a hammock, a really comfortable lounge chair, or a swing. It’s up to you whether you want to control the sounds you hear while enjoying your outdoor space, but if you find water features or wind chimes soothing, indulge yourself. Both items lend themselves to individualization, and there are lots of DIY water feature and wind chime projects you can create that won’t break the bank and will give you a sense of satisfaction every time you see and hear them.

    Beautiful landscape design for backyard garden and patio area on walkout deck

    Create Some Shade

    Whether you’re a sun worshipper or not, you and your guests are going to want some shelter on hot days. There are so many ways to achieve this, whether it’s buying a patio umbrella, building an open-air gazebo, or just placing large potted plants at strategic intervals outside.

    You can also attach a sun-resistant fabric canopy to your deck railings to keep the sun from beating down. If you start early enough in the season, add posts to your deck and create a pergola or lattice canopy by building an overhead frame with chicken wire and growing scarlet runner beans to provide shade (and color, since they have beautiful scarlet blooms).

    A sail shade is also a quick, cheap and easy sun deflector. Cut a piece of fade-resistant fabric into a triangle, punch eyelets in the corners, and attach the shade to nearby trees, poles, or the side of the house.

    Alternatively, you can enclose your entire deck in canvas shades for shelter from the sun and enhanced privacy (sort of like being inside a four-poster bed with the curtains closed).

    However you decide to decorate your outdoor living area for the summer, make sure you create a space you and your guests will be able to use comfortably. You’ll probably need more small tables than you realize so guests have somewhere to put their drinks.

    Additionally, you’ll want to pace out the furniture placement so the traffic flow makes sense—if you’ve decided on a formal dining area, track the way you move from kitchen to barbeque area and from barbeque area to table to make sure you’re not going to trip over either guests or furniture. But most importantly, make your outdoor space comfortable so you can enjoy the lazy, hazy days of summer while they’re here.

  • Ask a Pro Q&A – Copy Thy Neighbor: Learn how to take inspiration from the Joneses for an ideal yard

    Neighbors can inspire exteriors and landscaping. They may also help decipher growing conditions that will make your yard thrive. Outdoor pro Carson Arthur shares how to seamlessly change outdoor plants with help from the Joneses.

    Question: We are about to change some of the plants in the front of our home. Fifteen were planted about 28 years ago, but are now dying. We have nine plants left that are grouped in threes.  We are planning an 8′ x 15′ stone patio in front of a bay window for morning coffee with neighbors. We currently have a mini-Japanese maple in the front corner and various bushes scattered around the yard.  We plan to take drawings to our local nursery for advice on filler pieces. Do you have any suggestions?

    Bringing drawings of your garden to a local garden center is an excellent plan. In addition, present pictures of plants you like that are growing in your neighbor’s yard. This will give workers an idea of growing conditions. Ideally, if the plants you like thrive in their yard, they should do the same in yours. Happy growing!

    -Carson Arthur

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Head Over Hills

    Navigating your outdoor space can bring many challenges, some not always easy to navigate. Dream Team member and Outdoor pro Carson Arthur explains how to solve for some of nature’s problems with ease.

     

    What can I do to a hill with a tree and no grass? It’s too expensive to cut the tree and the dirt is eroding away.

    -Janice K.

     

     

    Sounds like you will need to get a good ground cover in place that will survive living under a tree, as well as help hold the soil in place. I recommend looking into a Sweet Woodruff ground cover or maybe a periwinkle. Both do well in dry shade and will solve your erosion problem with their roots. Hope this helps, and good luck.

    -Carson Arthur

     

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Are You Considering Pave Stones for Your Backyard?

    Hardscapes entice the senses and offer concrete accents to the natural world. Pave stones integrate a backbone into the design landscape. Dream Team member and Outdoor pro Carson Arthur explains how to incorporate structure into your slice of paradise by laying pave stones.

    Question: How do you lay pave stones for a backyard garden?

    – James S.

    Laying stones is more than a weekend project. If you live in an area that has snow, then it is crucial that you install a proper base of crushed gravel to allow for proper drainage that prevents ice from forming under the stone and heaving it. No one wants an unlevelled patio. Whether you have snowy winters or not, you also have to plan for drainage during heavy rains. Whatever you do… do it well and make sure to use a level. NEVER try to build a base by eyeballing it!

    – Carson Arthur