Adding A Firepit To Your Outdoor Space
For those who love the ambiance of a fireplace during the colder months of the year, spring temperatures can force them to say goodbye to those crackling flames. However, now you can simply move that fire from inside to your outdoor space, by adding a gas firepit to your yard area. A number of reasons may be implied for adding a firepit in your backyard such as, adding warmth, cooking, or simply just to relax. And with the many types of pits that are available today, you can rest assured that you will be able to find the perfect design for your outdoor space that will provide every possible function that you might need. But before you run out and purchase a firepit for your yard, there are a few factors that you will want to consider.
Safety First
Just like that hearth that graces your family room, your outdoor firepit will have safety concerns as well. However, if you follow a few basic guidelines, you will be able to enjoy your outdoor fire without worrying about possible risks that might be lurking. First, it is important to consider the location of your pit. These units are not appropriate for use on decks or outside apartment buildings. You should always make sure that you have enough distance between your house and firepit to make burning fires completely safe. The retailer that you purchase your pit from should be able to advise you as to the recommended requirements here. It is also important to check with your local municipality in regards to building codes that might apply to your firepit.
Function
What is your reason for a propane firepit in your backyard? Are you looking for a way to keep warm so that you can enjoy the great outdoors well into the fall season? Are you interested in doing some cooking over an open fire? It could be that the reason for adding a firepit was due to the ambiance of the great outdoors. It is important to determine what function this pit will fill so that you know what type of fire pit will work the best for you. Take into consideration how many others will be occupying this space. If you are looking for an atmosphere that is conducive to socializing outdoors, a larger pit might be more appropriate. On the other hand, intimate, romantic setting might just call for a pit large enough for a small fire that will work for marshmallow roasting.
A firepit can be a great addition to an outdoor space, particularly when evening temperatures begin to drop. You can continue to enjoy the brisk, fresh outdoors, while keeping warm and cozy.
Keeping cool in the City – make a roof garden!
During the hot summer months a busy city can become unbearably hot. The concrete and tarmac just seem to bounce back the suns rays and the air temperature can be considerably hotter than in the countryside. You see people start to flock to the parks and fountains, the ice creams come out along with the frisbees and generally the whole pace of life starts to slow down.
So if you live in the city but want somewhere private to cool down what are the options?
Well you could build your own roof garden as a starter. The following comes from artificial lawn blog which rather neatly summarises it as follows.
Although there are examples from the earlier part of the 20th century, it was not until the 1960’s that the use of roof gardens began to literally grow upwards. As well as having an amenity value, a roof garden offers substantial environmental benefits - for instance:
- It can lower the temperature above a building, often substantially. Basically a city can raise the atmospheric temperature by reflecting sunlight - a phenomenon sometimes referred to as 'the urban heat island effect'. Having a green roof helps counteract this.
- Insulation - a roof garden can help keep a building cool in summer and warm in winter, so fuel bills are reduced.
- Wildlife - even on high rise apartment blocks a green garden can provide a stopover for tired birds and attract insects with plants.
So you can see that not only can you keep cool but you can also help the environment and wildlife.
The article goes on to describe 2 ways to prepare a roof garden
The “Heavyweight” Route
This involves layers of waterproof membrane, constructing drainage channels if needed and then laying natural turf over the top. Of course, you could venture into hydroponics to try and minimise the weight and there are special soil mixtures available to help but basically you are looking at a lot of weight , a lot of installation work and possibly even strengthening the roof.
and
The "Lightweight" Route
Use planter pots, tubs and bedding to carry your plants and lay astroturf. This way you will have less maintenance and the whole project will be easier to construct. Not only that, but all the worries about how you compost grass cuttings 10 stories up won't even cross your mind!
So next time you are in the City wondering how to keep cool, look up and see the roof gardens above your head!
The Pleasant Surroundings Of A Japanese Landscape
The Beauty of Bamboo Landscaping
Bamboo landscaping is actually quite attractive. For one thing, bamboo has long been a popular product used in gardening and landscaping but currently with so many folks concentrating on ecology, bamboo landscaping has skyrocketed.The explanation is that bamboo is more like a grass than a tree. Consequently, when bamboo is cut, it grows back fast opposed to forests being cut down and destroyed.
While bamboo can be used in any garden, it is most frequent incorporated in the making of a Japanese garden. For this type of garden, there are very particular elements and materials used. In addition, there are different styles that can be created. With the dry garden, sand is used, raked carefully into patterns that reflect the rippling of waves. In the center of the “pond”, a rock is placed, which represents an island.
Moreover, the most incredible styles for building making a Japanese garden are plant life and water. This type of garden would generally have a small water feature, which could have a waterfall, pond, or stream. As a part of the body of water you would consider adding a small bridge, a deer chaser, post light, and various styles of plants such as floating lilies.
Then, Japanese garden fences are also a common dynamic, which are made from bamboo. These fences are used to create a sense of seclusion. The whole concept of the Japanese garden is balance of beauty and harmony. This is the one place where after a hectic day, you should be able to sit and relax, finding tranquility for the body, mind and soul.
In Japan and even some of the bigger Japanese gardens in the US, a teahouse will be erected. Now, in making Japanese landscaping, the teahouse doesn’t need to be big and elaborate, just a small space where you can relax and take in the beautiful nature of the garden. In fact, many home improvement companies and gardening stores actually have kits for the do-it-yourselfer.
The bottom line is that while there are many types of gardens, it is hard to beat the charm found with a well planned Japanese garden. Incorporating bamboo landscaping, Japanese garden fences, lots of trees, shrubs, and flowers, as well as the other elements mentioned, the look would be complete. With the garden being finished, you are certainly to be the envy of every other person in your neighborhood and for good reason.
So, to gain a better understanding as to the making of a Japanese garden, you will find hundreds of fine books that can be used for reference.
Also, the internet is an abundance of information. While scanning, you can look at the various pictures, taking the different elements you like best and planning a garden based on personal preference, yard size, yard configuration, and budget.
Landscaping Ideas to Beautify Your Outdoor Space
by Sarah Duke
No matter the size, if your home has a yard you are certain to get a lot more enjoyment from it if you undertake some interesting landscaping ideas. You can add a water feature or a rock garden, or create a secluded nook shaded by trees and shrubs. You can probably come up with even more own ideas of your to make your yard more pleasant and attractive.
One of the more popular landscaping ideas today is to create a walkthrough garden. Carefully select the perfect flowers to lend color and charm to your outdoor space. A mix of annuals and perennials is ideal because it reduces your labor and cost while still allowing for the more colorful show that annuals provide. Investigate various kinds of shrubs and trees to provide contrast and balance. And place some stepping stones throughout the garden to encourage easy enjoyment of the surroundings.
Another great landscaping idea is to create different sections in your yard, each with a distinct feature, then unify the entire space by repeating certain aspects of each section in other parts of the yard. You don't have to have a large yard to pull this off, either.
If children will be making use of your yard, designate a section of it as a play area for them to enjoy. A wooden play set will look more natural and blend in with the surrounding landscaping features. Adding a tree house lends even more interest to your outdoor space.
A lawn is frequently a big part of any landscaping effort. Choose a variety of grass that's appropriate for your soil conditions and climate so you'll have a luxurious expanse of green to set off your other natural features. Surrounded by trees, shrubs and flowers, a lawn can be an attractive showpiece.
Many people like to include a water feature in their yard. Ponds and waterfalls add a dramatic touch to your outdoor decor, and the sound of water is considered very soothing by many people. There's a huge variety of designs and products from which you can choose. Your only limits are your budget and available space.
A rock garden is a perfect solution for problem areas of your yard where it's difficult for many plants to thrive. Maybe it's a spot that's too dry or the soil conditions won't support plant growth. Or perhaps it's an area that doesn't drain well and is always wet and soggy. Putting in a rock garden that includes a few exceptionally hardy plants can be ideal for these problem areas. But it's also an attractive and low maintenance feature for any area of your yard.
There's no doubt that landscaping can provide you with great enjoyment, both in the process and the final result. Do your research, get some professional advice if necessary, make a plan, and get going! That's all it takes to turn your landscaping ideas into reality.
