These kinds of kitchens have been around for about a million years, literally, ever since thehumanoids first learned how to cook with fire. Let us help you bring your kitchen back to its natural place! If you are a master in the kitchen, a fully equiped outdoor kitchen might be an excellent option for you. Do you love to bbq with family and friends? Well, maybe a grill islandalong with some storage compartments would best suit your needs. Or do you prefer to bake? Perhaps an authentic pizza oven sparks your interest? There are many benefits this home addition can provide. If your yard isn't level sometimes an outdoor kitchen can be built at a medium level to combine or connect spaces on your grounds. Is healthy living and well-being a concern of yours? Creating a garden that is easily within reach and at your disposal filled with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs would be a grand idea. This addition could also be a brilliant way to increase your property value. It is a great investment that can potentially have financial gain if you were to sell your home. Whatever the case may be you can turn your backyard into a party pad, family gathering area, or a romantic enclave. The choice is yours! An outdoor kitchen is an exceptional addition to any backyard. Schedule for a free consultation with the Landscape Dr.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Features
Adding an outdoor fireplace, fire pit, fire pot, fire ring, or fire feature is an exceptional way to extend the amount of months you can enjoy outside. These landscape additions are a great way to provide entertainment and bring the party outdoors. Keep your family and friends warm and cozy as you socialize and bond. If you are not into social gatherings you can use a fire to set a romantic tone for stargazing with a loved one. Or create an area for relaxation or meditation. Fire pits are a quick easy installation that radiates warmth and excitement. There are also Recessed Fire Pits that provide a sitting area and an open flame that can be used to roast hot dogs, marshmallows, and kabobs. Fire/Water pots (for manual key valve ignitions) combining these elements are as easy as the turn of a key valve. You can incorporate these in various parts of your landscape by themselves or even in swimming pools, jacuzzi, waterfalls, ponds, and fountains. Fire/Water pots (for spark ignition and remote control ignition) water surrounds the fire which is safely self contained in a dry chamber. You can add color rock to these two types of pots as well as fire pits for a nice pop. Adding an outdoor fireplace is a marvelous way to add ambiance to your home. Have the hottest yard in the neighborhood, literally! Although, don't forget when picking your fireplace or fire feature that you match it to the style of your home. This is an intelligent investment and a superb way to increase your property value.
Call the Dr today to get some FREE ideas 404-205-9335/770-299-1656
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Why Winter May Be The Best Time For BIG Landscape Projects
When it comes to landscaping, most people think about lush green lawns, full color gardens in bloom, and warm sunny days. During the winter months, when trees are bare and gardens bleak, the landscaping industry gears down to a creeping pace. Some companies even shut-down operations altogether. So why on Earth would this be a good time for you to work on your property?!
The natural ebb of the landscaping industry during winter months can prove advantageous to the savvy home owner in several ways. With the right planning you can find yourself with higher quality improvements, huge savings on professional help, and outdoor living areas complete in time for spring. We're not talking about planting flowerbedshere (of course the cold weather will freeze out delicate specimens). This is the right time for big projects. Grading, demolition of unwanted growth, tree removal, retaining wall construction, installing paths or patios. The sort of projects that are built to last, and that add real value to your property.
It's no secret that there is a low demand for landscaping services during winter. Because of the low demand, most landscape service providers have far more flexible schedules. This means they won't be rushing to finish project after project, possibly cutting corners to complete their work for you and move on to another home. If you start a large winter project that requires professional help to complete, you can be confident that they will be able to spend more time and more resources on the details of your project without the distractions that warmer weather will bring them. This isn't to say landscapers won't give you a quality product during the summer, only that then they will not have nearly as much time to spend with you to learn exactly what your vision is and how to bring it to life.
With low demand comes low price. Your macro-economics professor wasn't lying. The landscaping industry is very unpredictable when it comes to the cost of work and materials. What you pay will be entirely dependent upon the company you hire and how much they mark-up their costs, not any larger market trends. Large, corporate companies will generally have more stable prices throughout the year because they can rest on their income generated through lawn maintenance contracts. Small, local companies are forced to under-cut the competition at this time of year unless they have supplemental income through material distribution or diverse maintenance accounts. The best winter deals will always come from local companies that specialize in landscape design and installation. These are the companies that will be the hungriest for work, and will be willing to take jobs at minimal rates (some may even go low enough as to only cover costs and overhead). Because these small companies have such a narrow customer base, they are far more succeptible to damages from negative reviews. So not only will they work with you on a tight budget, they'll do so with an eye to perfection.
If you're living in Tuxedo Park or have a seven figure home value, finding the cheapest deal probably isn't much of a motivator. Even if that's the case, winter is STILL the best time for these projects! The reason for this is simple: why waste warm weather working on your landscape? Nobody wants to step outside in April with the smell of spring in the air and sound of bobcats, powertools, and installation crews toiling rumbling the planks of their deck. Waiting until the good weather comes to improve your outdoor living areas is like waiting until after your wedding day to order your cake. It's already too late to fully appreciate what you've got!
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You may be wandering what the difference is between playscapes and playgrounds? Well, they are actually quite similar. Although, the minute differences make an impact. Playscapes are simply integrated playground equipment. Most homeowners have a small amount of area to work with but want to provide a lot of fun for their children. Playscapes are the answer.
There are many benefits that come from installing a playscape. Not only is it important to keep your children happy but it aslo very important to keep them healthy as well. American children ages 6-11 went from a 7% obesity rate in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2012. Making sure children are active now and in the years to come is a sure fire way to reduce these odds. You can even make a playscape accesible for adults as well. Why not enjoy the experience with your children by adding a small outdoor gym area? A station for push ups, sit ups, and pull ups for parents and teens would be an easy installation.
There are many equipment addition options. Swings, slides, monkey bars, tunnels, laders, camper areas, plus much more are all possible! There are even natural playscapes that include earth shapes (sculptures), environmental art, indigenous vegetation (trees, shrubs, grasses, flowers, lichens, mosses), boulders or other rock structures, dirt and sand, natural fences (stone, willow, wooden), textured pathways, and natural water features. The natural playscape (or natural playground) is defined as a space with as little man made components as possible. With all the technology available, children are going outside to play less and less. Playscapes are designed with the intent of bringing children and people back to nature.
As you see there are many possibilities and you can bring all of them home. It would be very convienent not to go through the hassal of getting yourself and the kids ready to go to a public park. For a child the public park is indeed an exciting place but as a parent it can be a bit of a scare, constantly worrying if your child is lost, hurt, or in danger. A major benefit of backyard playscapes is a stronger sense of safety for your child.
Let us help you and your family's needs. Call the Dr. today to schedule a free playscape design consultation.
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Organic Systems
The demand for organic lawns is driven by the concerns for human health and the environment. Organic management is beneficial to both humans and the environment in many ways. There is considerable evidence that associates cancers, birth defects, hormonal disruption and neurological effects with the pesticides used today. There is also evidence of damage to wildlife and ecological systems. To change this we as a community need to eliminate the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, build diverse robust ecological systems that hold nutrients and water, reduce pollution due to leaching and run-off, and recharge groundwater and streams with clean fresh water. All of these processes help increase overall soil health. By doing this we can also improve the health and wellbeing of the people and nature in our care. If we give to Mother Earth she will give back. Here are a list of benefits to be gained from organic gardening and landscaping:
- SAVE MONEY at the grocery store
- Based on average American household income and average purchase of produce it has been estimated that organic gardeners can save approximately $796 for one single growing season.
- In most of the United States it is very possible to grow your very own organic garden for at least six months of the year.
- Eating healthy food. The ability to eat the most nutritious healthiest food is one of the main advantages to having an organic garden.
- Vegetables and fruit grown in your garden will taste better than purchased grocery store items simply because you eat your garden food soon after you pick it. Your organic garden will also have no chemicals applied to them to enhance their growth.
- Not only will your food taste better but it will be more nutritious as well. Chemicals applied to store bought food kill most soil dwelling bacteria, many of which enhance the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients. Accordingly these chemicals used on vegetable plants actually reduce the amount of nutrients available in plants after application. The nutrients most often affected are Vitamin C, beta carotene, and the B vitamins, which are vitally necessary for the body to withstand the onslaught of chemical toxins.
- In addition to these chemicals, a main benefit to organic gardening is that there are no pesticide residues on your food. For years, American farmers apply over a billion pounds of pesticides to food crops.
- Being outdoors
- Sunshine. More than 90 of most people’s vitamin D comes from casual exposure to sunlight
- Strengthened immunity. Being exposed to micro-organisms while gardening builds a strong and healthy immune system.
- Exercise
Gardening is generally inexpensive, especially when you consider all of the rewards. However creating and maintaining a successful garden is not free. There are certain costs that cannot be surpassed. You can be frugal, or you can spend a ton. The decision is yours, but it is helpful to know what to expect to spend and where it makes most sense to think economically. The most expensive items in your garden are architectural elements, tools, fertilizers, plants and seeds. Architectural elements include fences, trellis, raised bed borders, and path materials. The cost and need for these items depend entirely on your garden design and your wants. Let the Landscape DR help you with this. Call (404) 205-9335 or (770) 299-1656 to receive a FREE Organic Systems/Landscape Design Consultation. We want to hear your ideas and hopes as well as provide you with ideas, hope, and the installation of your dream organic garden.
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Drainage
Red clay based soils usually have poor drainage due to silt build up in the clay. Therefore, it is easy for yards in Georgia to hold water and these yards need proper drainage systems. Problem areas usually include run offs from your home, driveway, and other hardscapes. If not properly handled water can flood yards, patios, storage sheds, basements, and cause damage to fences. As we know turf grass likes water but too much of it can cause root rot. On the other hand, moss loves water and can almost never get enough of it. This means moss will continue to thrive as your poor grass dies. Most plants don’t do well in sitting water either. Another problem is the annoyance of having a wet or soggy yard that cannot be enjoyed up to days after a large storm or heavy rain. The long term effects of improper yard drainage can cause erosion and completely ruin ongoing/existing landscape projects. Sitting water can also slowly seep into a home’s foundation, causing problems such as mildew and cracks.
The main priority in drainage is to make sure all water is driven away from the home. Another, is to drain from higher ground to lower ground. There are many ways to divert rain water. Here are some ideas to help prevent sitting rain water in your yard:
- Roof Gutters can divert rain successfully as long as the water doesn't end up where it will create new problem areas for you or your neighbors.
- French Drains are very efficient when properly installed and connected to the sewer system. They protect a home’s foundation from water seeping in and causing damage.
- Yard Drains work well when the pipes are sloped allowing the water to flow towards the escape route. They can be connect to French drain systems.
- Wet Plants soak up a lot of water, hence the name. This is an easy and natural solution. Over time they even improve the health of soil, making it more permeable.
Another thing to keep in mind is what type of pipes there are and which is best for your yard.Perforated pipes are usually made of thick light weight plastic. Flexibility is essential because they are buried underground. When the ground expands and contracts through the seasons, more rigid pipes can crack, but perforated pipes flex with the movement and stays in one piece. The main characteristic of perforated pipes are holes or slots in the pipe so that it can fill with water when the ground becomes saturated. Corrugated pipes are manufactured from high density polyethylene (HDPE) which are noted for their flexibility and durability. They can change directions and adapt more easily to underground obstacles. Keep in mind that due to their design they tend to collect residue deposits that can easily clog the pipe and cause blockage. They will need to be cleaned at some point. There are also smooth wall sewer and drain pipe which are much more rigid than corrugated pipe and can more easily maintain a continuous slope in critical areas.
***Fun Fact: The name of the French Pipe isn't derived from the country France. It’s from Henry French, a judge and farmer in Concord, Massachusetts, who promoted the idea in an 1869 book about farm drainage.
If you have a drainage issue please contact the DR to rescue your yard! (404) 205-9335
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Fall Compost
What is compost? Compost is organic matter that has been
decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment. Organic matter is
transformed into compost through the work of microorganisms, soil fauna,
enzymes and fungi. Now that you know what compost is you may be wondering how
it works and what the benefits are. Compost provides soil structure, a balanced
source of plant nutrients, and garden insurance by stimulation of beneficial
organisms. The success factor in composting is maintaining a balance between Carbon
(brown) materials and Nitrogen (green) materials. A productive compost pile
should have roughly two-thirds Carbon materials and one-third Nitrogen
materials. A few examples of Nitrogen materials are freshly pulled weeds, fresh
grass clippings, over-ripe fruits and vegetables, kitchen scraps (coffee grounds
are a popular choice), and other moist green matter. Some examples of Carbon
materials are dry leaves, straw, rotted hay, sawdust, shredded paper,
cornstalks, and ash from wood fires. The Carbon-rich materials provide aeration
speeding up the process while eliminating foul odors, producing a fluffy
finished product. By not providing the optimum environment decomposition will
still occur, but it may take several months to several years. To produce an
abundance of compost in a short amount of time (about two weeks), the key is to
balance the following four things:
- Carbon. Materials rich in Carbon are the energy food for microorganisms.
- Nitrogen. Materials rich in Nitrogen provide protein-rich components that microorganisms use to grow and multiply.
- Water. Moisture is very important in the composting process but be sure not to allow your compost to become soggy. A rule of thumb for compost moisture is to keep your material as moist as a well-wrung sponge. Covering your pile will help maintain the correct moisture level.
- Oxygen. Microorganisms need a lot of oxygen to work most efficiently. The combination of Nitrogen and Carbon in your pile is like a fire and fires need oxygen to keep burning. You can achieve this by turning your pile so that it does not become sluggish. This can be strenuous manual labor but there are aeration tools that can be bought to easily get the job done.
Compost is the perfect product to spread when creating a new
garden, seeding a new lawn area, or planting a new tree. Unlike fertilizers,
which need to be applied at certain times in certain amounts, compost can be
applied at any time and in any amount. You cannot over-apply compost because
plants use what they need, when they need it. Most gardeners don’t start with
the best soil and even if they are lucky enough to have great soil, it cannot
be expected to stay rich without replenishing the nutrients absorbed by plants.
If you are interested in starting your own compost pile call the DR for help.
(404) 205-9335
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