This shaded bed has light green grass and ground cover to add an element of light in the shade. We also brought in some burgundy plants for contrast as well as some winter interest with Julia Jane Boxwoods.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Its cold, its winter, and to Gardeners everywhere, its time to lie back and see in their minds eye all the beautiful Garden Landscape Designs they will achieve in their front and back yards in a few short months when spring turns up. To those with a serious case of the green thumb, every act of mucking about in the Garden, digging, clearing up weeds, and lovingly nurturing their seedlings is about the greatest way to spend a warm afternoon. To these people, winter cant end soon enough. Some of the best Garden Landscape Designs can be the simple ones - the ones that draw on the beauty of nature over the man-made.
Even if nature at its simplest can often be the most beautiful, Gardeners often draw inspiration from an elaborate creation such as is a topiary. The thing about a recognizable animal or other shape that you train an evergreen plant into is that it brings a good deal of interest to everything else in a Garden - and it brings sophistication. A patio completely covered in flowers can be such an inspiration. All you need is a simple stone patio built of intersecting titles. Lay the tiles with a couple of inches between them, and plant little flowering herbs, and pink and violet flowers in the spaces in between. Not only will it help you make the most of the space you have, the effect will be priceless.
Most Garden Landscape Designs dont make enough use of chamomile in their plans. Making an entire lawn path out of chamomile can be especially beautiful. The scent they bring to the atmosphere of your Garden when you walk over these plants can be deeply satisfying. Of course, in areas that will not support chamomile, you could use thyme of one of many different available varieties. Pink is such a fashionable color for a Garden. Many Gardeners try their hand at Garden Landscape Designs using pink flowers to border everything they can find. To make your pink theme work, youd be best off grouping off areas dedicated to different shades of the color. Adding a little definition with green plants in places too can pronounce the beauty in the color of the flowers.
The best Garden Landscape Designs work on the theme of a particular variety of plant. Most Gardeners find that there is a particular species of plant that inspires them to work on an ambitious project to collect every variety that they can get their hands on. Theyre willing to give up a good portion of their space to dedicate to the beauty of this one plant. Of all the Garden Landscape Designs there may be, ones like these may be the most inspired.
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Friday, March 7, 2014
Tropical resorts in the Islands represent some of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. Every year millions of busy, over-stressed people choose to spend their precious vacation time unwinding at tropical locales. Why? What makes these places so irresistible? Could it be the lifestyle ideal they represent, a setting where the pressures of everyday life can just be forgotten, replaced by an attitude of contentment, tranquility, and overall well-being. This slower, more laidback attitude is fueled in no small part by the natural beauty that surrounds you at tropical Island locations.If something has such a positive effect on your attitude and outlook, why should you settle for experiencing it only once a year during vacation? What if it were possible to create a little piece of that Island allure in your everyday life?
While you may not have an ocean handy, you absolutely can create a beautiful, tropical resort style setting right in your own Backyard. Its not only possible, its a lot of fun. And, guess what? It doesnt have to cost a lot of money. With a little creativity, education and guidance, you can turn your boring Backyard landscape into your own exotic, tropical Backyard Resort.
What is a Tropical Look Anyway?
Tropical landscapes are by their very nature very informal. To create your Backyard Resort, your Backyard landscape will capture the wild and untamed mood of a natural tropical landscape. This mood cant be captured with the boring, straight-line plantings of overly manicured shrubs that are so common in residential landscapes. The tropically-inspired garden will be much more casual, with seemingly randomized patterns of trees, shrubs, and foliage.
The exotic, tropical look of your Backyard resort will be achieved by combining a wide variety of shapes, forms, colors, and textures. Banana plants with their large dramatic leaves, beautiful foliage plants like coleus and gingers, open and airy ornamental grasses, beautiful climbing vines, and tropical blooming plants all have a place. What may surprise you is that there is also a place for many of our more cold-hardy and traditional landscape plants. Uniformity and normality are out; randomness and whimsy are in.
So, How do You do It?
If you were lucky enough to live in South Florida or on one of the islands, you probably wouldnt be reading this to begin with. You would have a year round growing season with no fear of freezing temperatures, and you could grow whatever you wanted. For most of us, that is not reality so were going to have to get creative if we want to create that exotic, tropical Backyard landscape, our very own little tropical escape.
The approach well use is very simple. Well create our Backyard resort by combining exotic tropical plants with well-adapted plants that either look tropical or look good in a tropical setting. The trick is to learn what plants and how to combine them to create that exotic, tropical look. Were going to use a simple layering approach.
At a high level, heres what were going to do: create a solid foundation, create the tropical landscape effect, and add the finishing touches.
Creating a Solid Foundation
The good news is that this may start with what you already have. Here, were going to use things that are reliably winter hardy. This is the skeleton for your Backyard resort and we want it strong. Large trees, evergreen shrubs and small understory trees, and perennials that return year after year will set your foundation. This is completely specific to your area.
Anything with big, deep green leaves can work, and all the better if it is evergreen. Another great foundation plant is ornamental grasses. They seem to add a care-free feel to the landscape as they move with the wind. You should be able to find several that are adapted to your area. Finally, try to find some color for the foundation. Any shrub or tree that flowers and is well adapted to your area can work.
Remember, the idea here is to set that permanent foundation. We want to use things that are reliable in your area, and will not succumb to winter cold.
Create the Tropical Landscape Effect
Now that you have a foundation, or backdrop, it is time to add the tropical effect plants to turn that normal Backyard or swimming pool landscape into your own tropical paradise. Here, you may use true tropical plants that have to be treated as annuals in your area, unless you are willing to go to great lengths to protect them from winter chill. There are other plants that are tropical or sub-tropical that, with a little protection, will come back from roots each spring (i.e. bananas, elephant ears). Then, there are the interesting, tropical looking plants that may have no problems at all with winter weather.
For the tropical effect, we have to start with palms. Its hard to imagine a tropical landscape without the presence of palms. Why palms arent used more in southern landscapes can only be attributed to lack of information. Plant one and you can be sure youll hear more than one "You cant grow that here!". There a number of palms that can handle very low temps with little or no damage. Windmill, Sable, and needle palms are good examples.
Palms are the tropical foundation, now we need to enhance the tropical effect. Lets throw in some bananas, cannas, and elephant ears with their huge leaves for a start. All are very easy to grow and, with a little work, can be protected so that they come back year over year. Yucca and big ornamental grasses add great tropical effect too. Add some real color sizzle with tropical hibiscus, coleus, and Mandevilla and youre going to start humming Jimmy Buffett or reggae tunes for sure.
Get creative here and have fun. Try crazy things. As an example, Ive grown Papayas, candle trees, and Caster Bean plants from seed for years. Talk about a tropical effect that will turn some heads!
Add the Finishing Touches
The plants you use in the garden go a long way towards creating that tropical, resort-style setting were after, but there are other things as well. The tasteful use of container plants can greatly enhance the overall effect of your Backyard resort. Containers allow you to create lush garden settings in places where it might otherwise be impossible such as patios and decks.
Heres a great tip. Go to your favorite garden centers houseplant section. Of course, there is really no such thing as a houseplant. All plants want to be outside and will perform their best outside. Many of the so-called houseplants are really understory tropicals that will perform beautifully on a covered patio or deck where they have protection from direct sun. Experiment with some of these plants and you are sure to be amazed at the results.
Now, well go even beyond that and get into an area where you can get really creative and let your personality shine through. For lack of a better phrase, well call this garden art. There are no rules whatsoever here. Simple things like adding tiki torches along a path can make a real statement. Want to get more out there, create a faux Mayan ruin surrounded by tropical-looking foliage. If you dont have a pool, build a small pond complete with cascading waterfall. Or, suspend a comfortable hammock between trees, complete with a fake (or real!) parrot watching over you while you relax. Remember, no rules here. This is all about you.
Backyard Resorts - There you have it...
I sincerely hope you find this fun, useful, and at least marginally instructional. This little hobby has been an absolute joy for me. Remember, my intent was never to give you a Backyard Resort in a Box, with step-by-step instructions on exactly what, when, and how to do everything. That just wouldnt be possible in a single article and, even if it were, it would take all the fun out of this little adventure. The idea is to give you a taste of whats possible and hopefully to whet your appetite with a few ideas and tools to get you started. Beyond that, you have all kinds of creative license in creating your own personal Backyard Resort. Now, get started and, most of all, have fun.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Thinking about redesigning or improving your outdoor entertainment space? A fire pit can enhance the atmosphere of your back yard experience. I use the word experience because sitting around a fire is a social event. You chat it up with family and friends, eat, drink and be merry. The ambiance is heightened with the warm glow of the flame, and we as humans have always been attracted to the fascination of fire.
I found a great site which shows how fire pits can be incorporated into the overall landscape design of your backyard. Its not just about plopping a fire pit in the middle of your patio, although weve seen it done, and it works, but these are some examples of how to incorporate fire pits into the overall layout and design of your entertainment experience: www.naturescapedesign.com/photogallery.htm.
Notice how most of the patio designs are built around the fire pits as if they are the center of attention, the meeting ground or the communal focus point. The designs highlight and feature the contours of the fire pits. The stone work of the surrounding patio becomes more expansive as it reflects the entire space, not just the fire pit. These are some great designs to keep in mind if you are planning on building or renovating your outdoor patio.
Remember to check out Warming-Trends.com for all of your custom fire pit kit needs including burning systems, hearths, log kits, accessories and more.
I found a great site which shows how fire pits can be incorporated into the overall landscape design of your backyard. Its not just about plopping a fire pit in the middle of your patio, although weve seen it done, and it works, but these are some examples of how to incorporate fire pits into the overall layout and design of your entertainment experience: www.naturescapedesign.com/photogallery.htm.
Notice how most of the patio designs are built around the fire pits as if they are the center of attention, the meeting ground or the communal focus point. The designs highlight and feature the contours of the fire pits. The stone work of the surrounding patio becomes more expansive as it reflects the entire space, not just the fire pit. These are some great designs to keep in mind if you are planning on building or renovating your outdoor patio.
Remember to check out Warming-Trends.com for all of your custom fire pit kit needs including burning systems, hearths, log kits, accessories and more.
Pteridium
Pteridium aquilinium ( Bracken Fern )
A very attractive but unfortunately very invasive, fast growing, rhizome spreading Fern, reaching a maximum height of 8 ( record is 10 ) feet, though typically under 5 feet. Runners have been known to extend out 20 feet from the parent plant and old clumps as much as 60 feet across have been found. It is an impressive architectual addition to the landscape when planted on a site that allows its massive size. The Bracken Fern is native to cold coniferous and northern hardwood forests in both North America and Eurasia including the British Isles.
The leaves, up to 3 x 3 feet, are bright green and divided into 3 equal subleaves which are triangular in shape and composed of up to 20 leaflets.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in partial to full shade on moist soil. It is easy to grow and is even tolerant of sun though less vigorous. It is not bothered by pests or disease and is not eaten by deer ( in fact the fact that grazing animals do not eat it and that its roots release substances that inhibit the growth of surrounding plants allow it to take over large areas of land ).
Bracken Fern is an excellent source of Potassium and ash from burnt plants can be used as a potash rich fertilizer.
The dried fronds can be flammable and in some regions are best pruned to ground level during late autumn.
* photos taken on May 6 2010 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photo taken on Oct 19 2013 in Columbia, MD
Pteridium aquilinium ( Bracken Fern )
A very attractive but unfortunately very invasive, fast growing, rhizome spreading Fern, reaching a maximum height of 8 ( record is 10 ) feet, though typically under 5 feet. Runners have been known to extend out 20 feet from the parent plant and old clumps as much as 60 feet across have been found. It is an impressive architectual addition to the landscape when planted on a site that allows its massive size. The Bracken Fern is native to cold coniferous and northern hardwood forests in both North America and Eurasia including the British Isles.
The leaves, up to 3 x 3 feet, are bright green and divided into 3 equal subleaves which are triangular in shape and composed of up to 20 leaflets.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in partial to full shade on moist soil. It is easy to grow and is even tolerant of sun though less vigorous. It is not bothered by pests or disease and is not eaten by deer ( in fact the fact that grazing animals do not eat it and that its roots release substances that inhibit the growth of surrounding plants allow it to take over large areas of land ).
Bracken Fern is an excellent source of Potassium and ash from burnt plants can be used as a potash rich fertilizer.
The dried fronds can be flammable and in some regions are best pruned to ground level during late autumn.
* photos taken on May 6 2010 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photo taken on Oct 19 2013 in Columbia, MD
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Thanks to Mike Holmes, Citizen Special, for coming up with that one-liner. He posted a great article in the Ottawa Citizen about fire pits and how they need to be assembled in the proper manner for safety reasons.
He suggests to start building from below the ground up, recessed if you will, to ensure proper drainage. He also mentions how important it is to select the right brick or stone so that they dont explode on you. He also mentions, as we have in previous postings, the importance of selecting a safe location for your fire pit being careful to avoid building it underneath trees or overhangs that could catch on fire.
Mike emphasizes the importance of working with a contractor to ensure that you build the pit in a safe manner that will avoid injury and not set your house (or your neighbors house) on fire. For more information, check out the article here.
And apparently, Mike is in a new HGTV show called "Holmes Inspection." For more information on his show, you can visit www.hgtv.ca.
He suggests to start building from below the ground up, recessed if you will, to ensure proper drainage. He also mentions how important it is to select the right brick or stone so that they dont explode on you. He also mentions, as we have in previous postings, the importance of selecting a safe location for your fire pit being careful to avoid building it underneath trees or overhangs that could catch on fire.
Mike emphasizes the importance of working with a contractor to ensure that you build the pit in a safe manner that will avoid injury and not set your house (or your neighbors house) on fire. For more information, check out the article here.
And apparently, Mike is in a new HGTV show called "Holmes Inspection." For more information on his show, you can visit www.hgtv.ca.
July Garden Foliage
Foliage variation is an extremely important element in the garden and Pam at Digging hosts Foliage Follow-up each month on the 16th as a way to remind ourselves of the importance of foliage in the garden on the day after Bloom Day. This is my first time joining in on this meme and I am very excited about sharing some of the foliage I have in my gardens. Come along with me to take a look!
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| Heuchera, Sedge and Euonymus |
One of my favorite combinations of texture is in the shade garden. Here are Heuchera Palace Purple, Japanese Golden Sedge and Euonymus Gold Spot.
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| Heuchera (Coral Bells) Palace Purple |
The Palace Purple Heuchera has a unique foliage of its own and is used for just that. Heuchera develops delicate blooms later in summer but is mainly known for its deep burgundy leaves that last throughout the summer and into winter.
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Dwarf Fountain Grass and Euonymus Emerald Gaiety |
Grasses always add grace and movement to the landscape. I like to combine them with evergreens. Seen here is Dwarf Fountain Grass Hameln and Euonymus Emerald Gaiety by my patio area.
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| Hosta and Juniper |
Here I have hosta and Juniper next to one another...
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| Hosta and Sedge |
and Hosta and a Variegated Sedge. I enjoy combining broad darker leaves with lighter colored, wispy grass-like foliage.
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| Hosta Maui Buttercup |
My new Hosta Maui Buttercup made its debut in Garden Bloggers Bloom Day and is here again for its bright yellow foliage...
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| Heuchera Combination with Juniper |
and here is Heuchera Caramel (my favorite) combined with Heuchera Palace Purple and Juniperus Gold Lace for a little color contrast.
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| Japanese Forest Grass Hakonechloa macra Aureola |
These Japanese Forest Grasses that I purchased years ago have matured into two foot wide clumps and are in front of a backdrop of the darker leaved Rainbow Leucothoe. This area is mostly in shade with a little bit of dappled sun.
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| Japanese Painted Fern |
Painted Fern is another plant that I purchased strictly for its beautiful blue-green foliage. It took some time for this to get established but once it did it formed a nice mass transitioning from the pool area to the shade area.
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| Miniature Fountain Grass and Blue Star Juniper Combination |
Now into the sunnier section of the property there is Miniature Bunny Grass with Blue Star Juniper for a combination of blues and greens...
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| Stachys (Lambs Ear) |
and Lambs Ear which is known for its soft white foliage.
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| Sedum Foliage |
Sedum, even though is known for its bright pink blooms in August, exhibits an unusual succulent-like foliage that forms perfectly symmetrical clumps...
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| Lily Foliage and I just could not leave out the July lilies. Their grass-like foliage adds yet another variation of texture as well as movement to the garden. I hope you enjoyed the foliage combinations in my July garden. Thank you to Pam@Digging for hosting Foliage Follow-Up and be sure to check out what foliage others have in their gardens. Also be sure to check out July Bloom Day. As Always...Happy Gardening! Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2013. All rights reserved |
This Friday December 2, I will be speaking at the fourth annual "Turning a New Leaf Conference" in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. My talk is entitled "Hot or Not: How Making Sustainable Landscapes Fashionable will Revolutionize the Movement." The talk was inspired by my original post found here.
Here is the abstract:
The sustainable landscape movement has advanced significantly over the last decade, gaining in acceptance among homeowners and designers. But many remain skeptical of sustainable practices, and there is even evidence of a backlash against using native plants. Has the push to make landscapes more sustainable hit a rut? Is the message being drowned out? How do we reach a broader audience?
The single best way to expand the appeal of sustainable landscapes is to make them fashionable. Until sustainable landscapes are shown to be beautiful, they will never be fully embraced by the American public. This talk will explore how to create a new aesthetic for sustainable landscapes that will make them more desirable. We will examine model projects that are not only ecologically productive, but strikingly original, cutting-edge designs. We will look at how the European garden scene has blended sustainability with an artistic ethos. Most importantly, we will examine strategies that CCLC members can use to create more beautiful, original, and ecologically-rich landscapes.
Theres still time to register. For more on the conference, including other fascinating speakers and discussions, please visit the sites homepage: http://www.chesapeakelandscape.org/2011leaf.htm
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Ocean inspiration living room interior design
Living room Ocean Decor
Every summer, when you get back from the beach holiday you want to redecorate your living room vacation to bring you home aesthetic. And every year is something you are diverting attention from the performance of his official term. I finally got time, and although six months has elapsed since your vacation, you are ready to bring the beach to your living room.
You can add a nautical mood for your living room more quickly by simply adding a few pieces of wall art with the beach covered. You can find many different styles and media wall art, and is also available in many different sizes and price ranges.
Candle lanterns and metal wall Sculptures
A nautical theme is the perfect place to include metal wall art to your living room interior, as some of the most amazing works of metal art are centered around the ocean theme. They include everything from colorful schools of fish to beautiful blue-gray seagulls. When youre adorning the walls with metal art, you can go and create a great focal wall with a single piece or artwork, or may spread through your choices and room to create 3D seascape around you. Coupled with candles to add a warm light to design your living room is starting to feel like a holiday every day.
Ocean Decor Living room
Add Ocean to your Desktop
You can create a display on your coffee table, by simply using the elements that are collected on your last vacation. Start with a small wicker basket, and then fill it with your treasures as sea dried seaweed, starfish, sand dollars and shells. If you do not have any treasure recovered from the last vacation, you can visit a craft store and get everything you need.
Ocean Decor Living room
To gather the display, simply ensure that all items in your basket, and have interesting marine component to add to your living room design. One of the greatest things about this display is that it does not cost you anything because you can gather all the materials you need for this display when you are on holiday at the seaside.
Ocean Decor Living room
Three-dimensional wall art
If there are some elements of the sea, youre fascinated by, like a fish, you can design a whole living room around them. Use of fish wall art to create your theme is not only a colorful way to decorate your living room, but also a great way to enjoy something you love. You can use pictures and 3D metal art to add colorful shows marine fish for your living room decor.
Ocean Decor Living room
Seashell Candles
Another project, funny that you can plug in your living room design is the pillar candles that are decorated with seashells. You can use almost any kind of candles for your project, and pillar candles are the easiest to decorate. All you will need is a candle and some small shells, and other candle wax to melt. Together with mussels may also want to use some little stars or seahorses, as well-enhanced. I have a lighter and a fine tipped paintbrush and convenient.
A genus of only 4 species that are related to the larger Rose family that are native to the Himalayas and China.
They are thorny and arching in habit and have attractive glossy foliage.
All species prefer moist well drained soil in partial to full sun.
Propagated from seed in autumn or softwood cuttings taken in summer.
Prinsepia sinensis ( Cherry Prinsepia )
A rare, moderate growing, long lived, spiny, dense spreading shrub reaching up to 10 x 10 feet in size, that is native to northeast China.
The alternately arranged, lance shaped, bright green foliage is up to 3.5 x 0.5 inches in size.
The Cherry Prinsepia is one of the first shrubs to leaf out in spring ( as early as mid March in Boston )
The fragrant flowers are 5 petalled, bright yellow, around 0.5 inches in width and are produced in spring along the entire stem length.
Tasty, edible, red cherry-like fruits up to 0.5 inches in length follow. Up to 5 pounds of fruit per year can be borne on a shrub.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 tolerating as low as - 40 F. Extremely hardy and drought tolerant.
Pest free. It makes an excellent dense hedge.
* photos taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario
Prinsepia uniflora ( Hedge Prinsepia )
An rare, moderate growing, arching, sharp spined shrub up to 10 x 10 ( averaging half that ) feet that is native to mountain valleys in northwest China.
The narrow, oblong, very shiny, deep green leaves are up to 2.5 x 0.5 inches in size.
It is one of the first shrubs to leaf out in spring and among the last to drop their leaves in the fall.
The small, fragrant, white flowers are borne along the stems through the spring and are followed by edible, cherry-like fruits, up to 0.5 inches, that can either be red or purple-black.
Hardy zones 2 to 5 in full sun on any fertile soil. Very pest free.
Requires a hot sunny site to fruit well.
Prinsepia utilis
Another Asian native, similar to the above, but reaching up to 9 x 12 feet. Foliage is up to 4 inches in length. This species is only hardy north to zone 8 but is likely much better adapted to the Deep South than the previous however I am not aware of any plants yet growing in the U.S.
They are thorny and arching in habit and have attractive glossy foliage.
All species prefer moist well drained soil in partial to full sun.
Propagated from seed in autumn or softwood cuttings taken in summer.
Prinsepia sinensis ( Cherry Prinsepia )
A rare, moderate growing, long lived, spiny, dense spreading shrub reaching up to 10 x 10 feet in size, that is native to northeast China.
The alternately arranged, lance shaped, bright green foliage is up to 3.5 x 0.5 inches in size.
The Cherry Prinsepia is one of the first shrubs to leaf out in spring ( as early as mid March in Boston )
The fragrant flowers are 5 petalled, bright yellow, around 0.5 inches in width and are produced in spring along the entire stem length.
Tasty, edible, red cherry-like fruits up to 0.5 inches in length follow. Up to 5 pounds of fruit per year can be borne on a shrub.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 tolerating as low as - 40 F. Extremely hardy and drought tolerant.
Pest free. It makes an excellent dense hedge.
* photos taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario
Prinsepia uniflora ( Hedge Prinsepia )
An rare, moderate growing, arching, sharp spined shrub up to 10 x 10 ( averaging half that ) feet that is native to mountain valleys in northwest China.
The narrow, oblong, very shiny, deep green leaves are up to 2.5 x 0.5 inches in size.
It is one of the first shrubs to leaf out in spring and among the last to drop their leaves in the fall.
The small, fragrant, white flowers are borne along the stems through the spring and are followed by edible, cherry-like fruits, up to 0.5 inches, that can either be red or purple-black.
Hardy zones 2 to 5 in full sun on any fertile soil. Very pest free.
Requires a hot sunny site to fruit well.
Prinsepia utilis
Another Asian native, similar to the above, but reaching up to 9 x 12 feet. Foliage is up to 4 inches in length. This species is only hardy north to zone 8 but is likely much better adapted to the Deep South than the previous however I am not aware of any plants yet growing in the U.S.
Monday, March 3, 2014
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| ~Guide To Northeastern Gardening 100th Post~ |
Welcome to A Guide to Northeastern Gardenings 100th post! Well it certainly has been a journey. When I first started blogging exactly three years ago today I never knew how long I would be pursuing it and couldnt even imagine reaching a 100th post. Garden blogging has become an important part of who I am...sort of a life diary. I get to share my experiences with other gardeners who share the same passion so I thank you all for visiting, commenting and sharing your knowledge, experiences and passion of gardening with me.
I have had a passion for gardening ever since I was at the age of five when I planted marigolds in pretty planters along the back of the old brick fireplace and gathered daisies for my mom...her favorite flower. I still reside today in the home I grew up in on the south shore of Long Island with my husband and plan to never leave. The property has evolved over the years into our own little sanctuary and hopefully we will be able to age gracefully there.
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| ~Through the Years 1995 to Present~ |
So where does the blogging come in? We decided to do something with our barren property in 1996 and put in an in ground pool. At the time I was just starting a landscape design business and with the pool project everything just started falling into place. I knew this was meant to be. As the years have passed I have added and added gardens everywhere on the property and of course...it is never finished because a garden constantly changes and well...isnt that half the joy of it? Its funny how life works. One thing led to another and after having a conversation about the infamous blogging movie Julie and Julia I decided to pursue the world of blogging and started up A Guide to Northeastern Gardening.
Now writing for three years I strive to make my posts informative and interesting. I enjoy visiting other gardening blogs and leaving a comment or little note so the owner knows Ive been there. I just wish there was more time in a day so that I could visit everyone! I am working on the photography end of things which has become a second passion that came out of this blog. I am looking forward to where this blogging journey will continue to take me. I thank each and every one of you for making this such a pleasurable experience and appreciate your dropping by once in a while and taking the time to leave a comment which I so enjoy reading.
So there you have it, three years and 100 posts. Thanks for helping me celebrate and the best to all of you.
As Always...Happy Gardening!
Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2013. All rights reserved
A while back, I had the pleasure to work in the business of concrete thanks to a good buddy of mine that needed a summer labourer for his construction company. The work is not fun and can be very hard on your body over many years. I developed a huge respect for the men I worked with that do this job for a living.
The picture above gives a great example of a concrete pad that was just poured and set in place. The forms have been pulled off and the saw cuts have been made to help control any cracks that will form. Cracks you ask? Yes! When you live in a climate that experiences cold winters that go below freezing, chances are your concrete will shift slightly and crack....The saw cuts are important to a concrete pad. In our North Eastern climate, we experience frost! Sometimes the soils are poorly drained as well and that makes frost an even more important issue to deal with.
We see in these photos a gravel base under the concrete which allows for water to flow away from the pad but it is not always perfect! Water can pool under the pad once the soil is graded back to the top finish layer of the concrete pad.
That is why the saw cuts are made in the smooth surface. I like to call it stress cutting... these photos show an example of flat-walk sidewalks. The cuts are done about every 5 feet (shown as white dust in the picture below created by the saw as it cuts the material) The idea is to control where the cracks will occur and actually lay out a cut pattern with geometry so that it looks like a design was followed.
Another thing you will notice in these photos is that the pad has been poured with a consistent thickness. You want a uniform thickness in the concrete to ensure no weak points should the pad be subject to frost or vehicle weight.
Generally for a patio in a residential application, 4 inches of concrete is acceptable...if it is a driveway, you may need a thicker pad and deeper gravel base to handle vehicle loads.
If you intend to have concrete installed around your home, make sure you ask the crucial questions to your contractor...ask about proper drainage, frost & saw cuts, surface finishes and thickness. See that the sub-base is properly compacted and that the concrete is of good quality.
How to tell about quality?... It should have a thick consistency like a cake batter... workable enough to shape it, but not runny and loose to where it flows like water. Also, if having coloured patterned concrete installed...make sure the concrete colour dye is mixed into the entire load of concrete.
Nothing is worse then a surface application of colour and experiencing a crack that exposes the plain colour under the surface. If you use salt to control ice build up in winter, make sure you seal your concrete to help protect its finish!
Ok, so todays blog is about artistic design with fire pits. Now, the drawback here is that we dont usually build these types of fire pits, however, we can fit our crossfire burning systems into these designs. So I guess its six in one, half a dozen in the other. We just want your business, so thats why I bring this up.
Anyway, we are always interested in whats on the market in terms of outdoor fire pits and I came across a site that has some interesting art deco designs that would look good in a contemporary and modern outdoor living space. Some of these fire pit designs burn wood and others natural gas or propane. I hope you enjoy these various designs.
The Meridian Firebowl
The Firefly Firebowl
Rollfire
The King Isosceles
Bel Air Residence
EcoSmart Outdoor Lantern
I hope you found these designs interesting and if you did and are in the market for a more traditional custom fire pit, please check us out online or call today! 1-877-556-5255.
Anyway, we are always interested in whats on the market in terms of outdoor fire pits and I came across a site that has some interesting art deco designs that would look good in a contemporary and modern outdoor living space. Some of these fire pit designs burn wood and others natural gas or propane. I hope you enjoy these various designs.
The Meridian Firebowl
The Firefly Firebowl
Rollfire
The King Isosceles
Bel Air Residence
EcoSmart Outdoor Lantern
I hope you found these designs interesting and if you did and are in the market for a more traditional custom fire pit, please check us out online or call today! 1-877-556-5255.
I cam across a great article from HGTV.com offering some helpful tips on how to create and install a successful hardscape design.
From considering the overall space of the landscape, to drainage issues, to developing a focal point in your backyard, HGTVs article is helpful to those getting ready to re-create their outdoor living space.
Other tips offered include choosing the right materials for your hardscape, choosing balanced elements and maintaining natural linear curves in the design.
And of course, we here at Warming Trends know that a custom fire pit is always a fantastic centerpiece in landscape design. Outdoor fire pits offer a location to gather with friends and family and act as a natural conversation started. On top of that, fire pits allow you to enjoy time spent outdoors all year round.
So for more information on hardscapes, please check out this article from HGTV.com. And for all of your fire pit and landscaping needs, please visit us online or call today. 1-877-556-5255
From considering the overall space of the landscape, to drainage issues, to developing a focal point in your backyard, HGTVs article is helpful to those getting ready to re-create their outdoor living space.
Other tips offered include choosing the right materials for your hardscape, choosing balanced elements and maintaining natural linear curves in the design.
And of course, we here at Warming Trends know that a custom fire pit is always a fantastic centerpiece in landscape design. Outdoor fire pits offer a location to gather with friends and family and act as a natural conversation started. On top of that, fire pits allow you to enjoy time spent outdoors all year round.
So for more information on hardscapes, please check out this article from HGTV.com. And for all of your fire pit and landscaping needs, please visit us online or call today. 1-877-556-5255
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