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How to Attract Birds to Your Garden or Yard

Many people love feeding birds and are looking for various types of bird feeders. If you are one of them, you should think of ways to attract as many different species as you can to your garden or yard and make some new winged friends. It is not as difficult as you think. All you have to do is set up your outdoor space in the best possible way to attract these beautiful creatures.

Use Different Feeders and Locations

All birds do not feed in the same way so you should make sure that you use various types of bird feeders. For example, you should consider mixing up open feeders with perches or trays, nectar feeders, mesh socks, jelly feeders, and suet feeders to attract a wide range of different bird species. You should also keep in mind that you will attract more birds by using more natural looking feeders.

Different bird species will also have different preferences when it comes to the placement of bird feeders. There are some birds that prefer feeders that are placed higher up while others prefer them to be placed lower down. So you should make sure that you check the feeding preferences of different birds and place your feeders in the best places.

If you have any doubts, place your feeders in a higher position as this is the preferred feeding place for most birds because it keeps them safe from various predators such as cats and so on.

Use High Quality Bird Seed

You should never use cheap bird seed mixes when it comes to food sources for the birds. Many of them contain milo, which many birds do not find appealing and will probably leave without touching. The end result is that the birds will go to another place to find food and your plan to attract birds to your garden or yard will be unsuccessful.

Therefore, it is a judicious idea to always pay for fantastic bird seed if you have the budget to do so.

Different bird species prefer different types of food.  So when you are considering how to attract birds, you need to think about what type of birds you want to attract. When you have made your choice, use the best seed you can afford to attract them. For example, small birds prefer millet the most while larger birds favor cracked corn as it is a typical food that they eat out in the wild.

Do not Forget Other Sources of Food

You should not forget about natural food sources when feeding birds to attract them to your garden or yard. Apart from having bird feeders, you should also have natural sources of food like fruit trees and other shrubs and plants that attract birds. Shrubs that produce berries in particular are a fabulous natural source of food for many birds.

You should also keep in mind that birds feed on insects, so make sure that you do not remove insects from your outdoors by using pesticides or insecticides. You should consider placing some dead wood in different parts of your garden or yard if there is space.

This will act as a place for insects to thrive and therefore act as a good source of food for birds. You can place the dead logs of wood discreetly and keep them out of sight if you are worried about how your garden or yard looks to people.

Provide Fresh Clean Water

When you are considering how to attract birds to your garden, providing them with a good source of fresh clean water is one of the most important things you could do, after providing food. Water is important as it not only provides birds with something to drink, but also allows them to bathe and remove parasites from their bodies, as well as preen. Additionally, it provides them with a way to cool themselves on hot summer days.

There are a number of different ways to provide water to birds. Bird baths, watering trays, misters, waterfalls, and ponds are all wonderful ways to give birds a source of clean water.

Provide Nesting and Housing Opportunities

Another way to attract birds is to add bird houses and other opportunities for nesting to your garden. Bird houses are not only a standout way to decorate your garden or yard; they also provide a safe roosting and nesting haven for birds. There are many different types of bird houses, so you should think about the type of birds you want to attract and then select the appropriate bird house.

Planting trees, hedges, and bushes and shrubs is also an excellent idea as it gives birds a natural place to nest. If possible, provide a different range of heights, e.g. taller trees at the back with hedges and smaller trees placed after them and then shrubs and bushes.

With these basic tips, you can make sure that you attract the birds you want to your garden and yard and fill your outdoor space with the music they produce. You can enjoy cheery chirpings all day and have the most beautiful creatures flitting about in your garden. You will also be playing a vital conservational role in restoring balance to the ecosystem.

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How to Make Your Backyard Dog Friendly

Would you like to know how to make your backyard dog friendly? As spring and summer draw closer, many pet owners are getting ready for some much-needed lawn maintenance. A lot of problems were probably caused by the dog – jumping, destructive digging, and pooping take their toll on yards with grass. Most homes are not what pet owners would call dog-friendly, with low fences, potentially poisonous plants, and exposed dirt that can easily be dug up to make a mess of things.

And who wants a dog tracking in all that dirt into your home?

It is vital for any pet with high exercise needs to have a dog-friendly backyard. When they spend time outdoors, pets receive mental stimulation which in turn helps in preventing dog depression and other behaviors that can cause problems. There are many ways that you can create a low-maintenance, dog-friendly backyard. Here is a look at some examples to inspire you.

A Personal Fire Hydrant for Your Pup – You can make your backyard perfect for your pup by adding his very own fire hydrant. You can add it to your existing yard. You can replace mud with gravel, as well as cedar chips which are dog-friendly, make for a terrific potty space and brighten up the area!

Doggy Pool – Adding a small water feature for your pooch is fantastic for pets that are aquatically-inclined! You can let your pet dive off the deep end by adding a small jumping area and provide easy access to get in and out of his pool. There are many ways to add this feature, depending on your space and budget. You can get a cheap play pool or dig out a small pool or pond in your backyard.

Puppy Portholes – Is your dog a people-watcher? Does he love to watch the world go by? You can go ahead and indulge his habit by installing a porthole in your fence. All you need to do is insert a panel or bubble made of Plexiglas. It will help in reducing your pup’s separation anxiety and also prevent digging and other destructive behaviors.

Sandbox for Your Pooch – A doggy sandbox is a fantastic addition to your backyard as it can serve one of two purposes – a digging heaven or poop patch. A designated area for potty business helps in protecting your grass and ensures that you walk safely in your yard. If your doggy is a champion digger, you should install a small fence around the sandbox to make sure that dirt is kept in place.

River of Rock – The most destructive dogs are the ones that dig. You can prevent them from making a mess of your yard by placing a border made of bricks or rocks around fences. You can also bury chicken wire in the soil under the fence. This will deter destructive diggers and escape artists from ruining your yard. Rock gardens and stone rivers are attractive ways to keep your pooch from digging under the fence.

Do-it-yourself Dog House – If your pet is an outdoorsy one, what you need is a dog house. You can find custom dog houses to give your pet a place to call his own. There are also a variety of other amazing options for a custom-designed dog house. You can also design and build one from scratch for your favorite furry friend. There are books and blueprints that you can use to get ideas.

Find a suitable carpenter, start cutting and designing away. Make sure it is screwed and glued! The only limit is your imagination.

Backyard Obstacle Course – If you have space to spare in your backyard, you should definitely create an obstacle course for your dog. This is popular among pet owners, and active pooches love them! Think you need expensive equipment for this? Not at all! There are plenty of items that you can use without spending any money – old tires, trash cans, PVC pipes, scrap wood and more can all be used to create your backyard obstacle course. Freshen up the equipment with some paint and your yard will be set to challenge your furry friend.

Social Space – If you have multiple dogs in your household or have a lot of playmates with other dogs, a marvelous idea is to build a small doggy park in your backyard. Your pet can use it to socialize with his friends. A play pool, low maintenance park and shade are the things that pets need to enjoy their time with other doggies. To cut costs, you can build your backyard dog park on an existing fence, like a corner, and you will have an awesome social space for your pet!

As you can see, there are many marvelous ways to make your backyard more dog-friendly. You do not need to spend a lot of money on it either! You also make sure that you protect your backyard or lawn from any destructive habits that your pet may have, such as digging. With a little creativity, the right materials, and tools and a little elbow grease, you can create the outdoor space that your doggy needs to have a stellar time at home.

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How to Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Yard

Do you often host outdoor dinner parties? Tired of pesky mosquitoes always ruining the fun? Well, you can stop stressing over the problem.

There are many ways to keep mosquitoes out of your yard and these methods do not involve buying chemical-filled pesticides or insecticides that do more harm than good in the long run. With a few safe and natural tips, you can make sure that you get rid of these unwanted intruders and enjoy your time outdoors.

Tips to Repel Mosquitoes from Your Yard

Here are some of the best tips to help you keep pesky mosquitoes away from your outdoor space:

Eliminate Stagnant Water: First of all, make sure that there is no standing water anywhere in your yard – check plates under flower pots, toys left outdoors or garbage in an open can. Kiddy pools, ponds, and yards that are not drained properly also attract mosquitoes. No one wants to lose sleep because of mosquitoes buzzing around your ears, that is not fun nor pleasant!

These pests lay their eggs in fresh standing water, so any stagnant sources of water provide them with an opportunity. Getting rid of any stagnant water is the first basic step to ensure that you do not have a mosquito problem in your outdoor space.

Plant Mosquito Repellants: Did you know that there are certain plants that can repel mosquitoes? You should plant them around your yard to naturally keep these pesky bugs away from your yard. Lemon balm, citronella, marigold, lavender, geranium, rosemary, pennyroyal, and many others are excellent choices to plant if you want mosquito-repellant flowers and plants for your garden or yard.

The bonus is that they are all really pretty so you can make your outdoor space visually pleasing while keeping mosquitoes away.

Trim Vegetation: Plant nectar provide a feast for mosquitoes when they are not buzzing around, looking for blood. They spend a great deal of time around bushes and shrubs and in tall grasses. If you have vegetation around your house, it gives these insects a damp and cool place to hang out, especially on these plants’ leafy tissue on the bottom. You can reduce the population of mosquitoes in your yard by trimming the vegetation around your home and making sure that your lawn is always well mowed.

Get Rid of Debris: You should take a look around your yard for areas where debris like piles of leaves and grass clippings collect. Get rid of twigs, branches, and leaves that have piled up against your fence or the corner of your yard. It is important that you do this as they can provide a point source or a place for mosquitoes to breed. Keeping your yard clean and debris-free is one of the most effective ways to prevent mosquitoes from making your outdoor space their home.

If they are outside your home they will eventually come inside. They are easy to kill at times but they are still pests and when they are bothering you when you cook, are lying on the sofa, or trying to fall asleep, this all detracts from your quality of life.

Install Bug Lights: Bug lights are a sensational option for keeping mosquitoes away. These yellow, opaque bulbs work wonders in keeping these insects away. They are effective because insects and humans perceive lights in different wavelengths – insects see shorter wavelengths from ultraviolet and blue while humans see longer wavelengths that go from blue to red. This is why insects are attracted to black lights and conventional light sources.

A bulb coated with a yellow, opaque finish is invisible to bugs. Since they cannot see the light, they are unable to swarm there. The only problem you have is that everything that you have in your yard now has a yellow tint.

Tent Your Patio: If your patio is where everyone likes to relax and congregate, tenting it up may help in keeping mosquitoes from biting you and your guests. This way, you do not have to worry about having to spray repellent over food to keep mosquitoes and other bugs away when you are entertaining. You will find a wide array of canopy tents that come with mosquito net accessories – these are available in different styles, colors and fabrics, so you will find one that complements your home perfectly. You can even go for nets that can be attached to outdoor umbrellas.

Hire a Professional: If you can, you should hire a professional exterminator to check hidden areas like gutters, etc. where water can collect and become a prime breeding spot for mosquitoes. Professionals are terrific as they know secret spots where mosquitoes can breed or hide. They also provide treatments to eliminate these bugs, and prevent them from multiplying in your yard. If you want a non-toxic treatment, they will be able to provide it for you so you do have chemicals on your property that can harm you and your family.

As you can see, making your outdoor space mosquito-free is quite easy. You do not need to buy expensive equipment or get dangerous chemical treatments. You can relax or play in your yard and entertain guests any time without having to worry about everyone slapping mosquitoes and getting bitten. You can comfortably enjoy your outdoor space any time you want to.

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10 Golden Ways to Make Your Garden Stunning and Cozy


In an urban setting, gardens are an escape that allows you to forget the daily stresses of life and lose yourself to the beauty of vibrant flowers, chirping birds and colorful butterflies. However, many homeowners are bereft of landscaping ideas for their gardens. If you want some simple yet effective ways to landscape your garden to add value to your home and make it the pride of the neighborhood, here are 10 great ways to transform your garden.

1. Focus on Growing Nativars

Rather than growing exotic species of plants and flowering shrubs, focus on growing plants that are native to your geographical region. These Nativars, as the plants are called, are already adapted and acclimatized to the climate and growing conditions, so will not need as much care as plants that are grown in strange growing conditions.

2. Create a Living Wall

Living walls are not just beautiful, they also are functional. They can keep your nosy neighbors at bay and create a private green sanctuary for you. You can build a living wall instead of fence. Remember the plants you grow on the wall will clean the air around your home by removing toxins and other airborne pollutants.

3. Build a Pergola

Every garden needs a focal point. While some homeowners opt to install a fountain, others want something unique and different. If you fall in the latter group, a pergola is just what you need. No, you don’t have to empty out your bank balance to build a pergola from scratch. You can easily get DIY pergola kits. Focus on kits that use Western Red Cedar wood.


This wood is strong, durable and beautiful. It is naturally resistant to rot and decay and the fragrance acts as a deterrent to pests. DIY pergola kits come with illustrated instructions, pre-cut and pre-drilled wood pieces and all the necessary hardware to make sure you don’t have to do anything but the assembling. If you have the foundation ready, it will take two people a single afternoon to get the pergola up and ready. Then you can place outdoor furniture and your entertaining and leisure area is ready for use.

4. Throw in Some Adventure

Create trails and pathways in your garden that lead to a small hideaway where you can sit with your family and friends enjoy a picnic. If you intend using the hideaways at night, string lighting along the pathways or you can let creativity take over and use tiki torches instead. Use old bottles, such as wine bottles, to make your torches. Just ensure the hideaway is far from the main house for it to be really effective.

5. Build a Desert-Like Landscape

If your garden is really huge, the last thing you need is growing grass and spending your whole weekend tending to it. You can get away from all the mowing and lawn maintenance by press the button for desert-like garden with rocks, sand, and succulents. This will require minimal maintenance and also cut down the use of water. Use a drip irrigation system to water your succulents.

6. Enjoy Color Throughout the Year

If you love flowers and their natural fragrance and beauty, you are can keep your garden vibrant and alive throughout the year. Flip the switch for seasonal flowers that are native to British Columbia. Clemantis, Spider Flower, Japanese Anemone, Dahlia, Hibiscus, Lobelia, Peony, Allium, Aster, Salvia, Spiderwort, Begonia, Dianthus, and Spotted Laurel are some of the plants that you can grow seasonally and ensure your garden has color even during cold winter months.

7. Use Planters and Baskets

You can add dimension to your garden by opening the door towards hanging baskets and elevated planters. It will give your garden some character and also ensure your plants enjoy excellent drainage. You can grow a variety of spillers, fillers, and thrillers in these planters and baskets and make your garden stand out.

8. Forget Grass and Choose Ornamental Grass

If you think lawn maintenance is a back-breaking job, skip planting sod. Instead, go with ornamental grasses. You need to cut them just once every season and this will keep your garden neat and tidy.

ornamental grasses

9. Recycle Household Containers

You can even turn into an eco-friendly homeowner and gardener by recycling old containers, such as paint cans and milk cartons. You can use them to grow succulents, herbs, and flower. In fact, if you are creative enough, even tires and old Wellingtons can be put to good use in your garden. You are limited by your creativity. So, set it free and go berserk to create a unique but beautiful garden.

10. Create a Focal Point with a Sculpture

Scour antique stores and other shop to pick up a sculpture that you can place in the middle of your garden. It should be an attractive sculpture that draws your eyes and then pushes them to check out other aspects of the landscape. Surround the sculpture with your homemade plant containers that have colorful flowers and plants.

Use these 10 tips to easily create a beautiful garden that you will be proud of. These tips are cheap and simple to incorporate into a garden of any size.

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10 Tips to Improve Your Garden

improve your garden As soon as winter arrives, you should start thinking about your outdoor space and what you can do to improve your garden for better next year. This is the time to think about getting rid of old furniture and flower pots that have seen better days and what new plants and flowers will look best in your garden. Your outdoor space is an extension of your home, which is why you need to make sure that it looks picture-perfect. With the right tips, you can improve your garden and make sure that it looks breathtaking next year. Here are 10 things to do to improve your garden and give it a whole new look:

1. Decorate Your Boundaries

Now, the first thing to think about: how do your boundaries look? By looking out of your windows and considering what is out there, you can decide if your boundaries look good as they are or can be made to look more pleasing. If it is a boring old fence or wall, you can use imagination and give it a makeover with wood treatment or spraying it with some paint to give it a nice color.

2. Plan Your Garden Borders

This is another good time to start thinking about garden borders. Did you really think they looked good this summer or did you keep them around for sentimental reasons? If you are not sure, it is best to start anew and freshen up the soil and get in some new bulbs too. Look around for ideas on how to plant a garden border.

3. Prune Your Trees and Shrub

prune trees and shrubs You can create a new look for your garden without spending a fortune by pruning and training your trees and shrubs. Keep in mind that these plants should be compatible, so that the look you create has coherence. You should consider the options you have for seasonal changes such as color, leaf textures and shape, blossoming flowers as well as fruits and berries and then create the new look.

4. Choose Pots and Containers Carefully

Every garden needs pots and containers and make sure that you always choose big ones for yours. Plants need a lot of space for roots as well as water and wind stability. There are many options when it comes to pots and containers; you can go for galvanized ones or coopered wooden ones that have steel banks. Italian terracotta also looks great. High-quality pots and containers are worth the money you spend as they can last years.

5. Make a Veggie or Herb Beds

herb garden There is nothing like picking food from your own garden and it is quite easy to make veggie or herb table beds. They are also manageable and easy to move when you need to. Remember to use netting to protect your table beds. You may also consider building an outdoor kitchen. A pizza oven is a great option as it can also be used as a fireplace when you are not cooking.

6. Include Things for Wildlife

Birds, butterflies, squirrels, bees and other wildlife are always a part of gardens and there are many things on the market that will encourage these creatures to come to your garden. However, remember that there is nothing like a great design and clever planting to encourage wildlife. Birds, butterflies, bees, and other creatures, not only pretty up a garden, but also eliminate pests and do other good stuff for it.

7.Think About Surfaces

The surfaces in a garden play a role in how it looks, so it is important to think about them. It may be easy to get cheap concrete paving but getting good surface is important as it can alter the quality completely. Decking is a poignant option and you can also go for patterned concrete tiles or encaustic ones. Gravel is another top option, especially if you have uneven ground and want to avoid large amounts of leveling.

8. Create Beautiful Views

There are always parts of a garden that do not have a great view but you can create one by using a little imagination and creativity. Boundaries, as mentioned earlier, are connected to views. Do not try to block a bad view; it is a better idea to fade it out by using a few tricks. Consider a gauzy shrub like Genista aetnensis that can help soften and eliminate an ugly view or make a good one even more intense.

9.Add Structures

garden structure pergola A pergola or gazebo is a fantastic way to improve a garden and create a space where you can unwind after a long day. Such structures add beauty and purpose, so having one, even if it is not too big, is a great idea. Garden sheds too add a little something extra to a garden and you can find one at a DIY store, ready to be dressed up as you like.

10. Add a Pond or Fountain

Water is an essential in every garden and you need to make sure that you have it in your garden. A Japanese pond with stones of different sizes will look amazing. You can also make a little pool with an old washing-up bowl. Fountains add beauty while giving your garden the water, it always needs. It is important to make sure that your garden has water features, so think of a great way to get one that looks beautiful and works at the same time. It does not have to be a grueling task to improve your garden . A few simple ideas can help you obtain a wonderful garden that looks beautiful. With intelligent planning and a bit of creativity, you can have an outdoor space that you can be proud of.
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Planning a Flower Garden

Planning a flower garden Flowers in your garden ensure color especially in the summer and the fall. However, a marvelous flower garden does not develop by just ordering flowering plants and planting them wherever there is space.

Overall Considerations when Planning a Flower Garden

You need to begin with a plan that should include large deciduous trees, evergreen hedges, perennial flowering shrubs, and finally seasonal plants that add color. Following this scheme when planning a flower garden will ensure that your garden has structure as well as color.

Plant the Trees First

If you are starting a garden from scratch, plant the trees first. The deciduous trees will grow to be large and cast a shade over a large section of your garden, so locate them with care. The trees should be located at spots where you would like to place a bench or similar seating and away from where you want a lawn or flower bed that will require plenty of sunlight.

Hedges

Once the trees have been planted, decide on the location of hedges to create paths and alleys. These should be planted next.

Perennials

After you have planted the hedges, decide where you want to locate the perennial flowering plants. These will grow to be tall and need sunlight as well.

Flower Beds

After all of these have been located, make flower beds that can border the lawn or line the paths. Plant these with flowers that will add color to the garden. By planting a mix of flowering plants that bloom in the summer as well as those that bloom in the fall, you will be able to have a colorful garden for a longer period of time.

Different Flower Garden Styles

While the basics of a flower garden design are the same, each garden should be unique and reflect your particular style. Before you begin planting the trees and the hedges, consider what sort of flower garden appeals to you. A flower garden can have curved paths and a profusion of blooms in an informal array, straight alleys and more formal design, easy to grow flowers or a group of exotic orchids or cacti. Additionally, you need to keep in mind the flowers that will grow best in the climate conditions of your locality.

Width of Flower Beds

When planning your flower beds aim for a broader bed that will accommodate multiple layers of flowers. A minimum of five feet width is needed to ensure that the flower bed has at least three layers of flowers, giving it a colorful and lush appearance. If your garden is larger, you can even make the flower bed 10 feet wide and plant multiple layers of flowers of varying heights and colors.

Borders vs Islands

Again, the decision to have flower bed borders or a flower island depends on both your tastes and the space available. Plant flower borders along hedges and close to the fence or wall of the house. If you have a large lawn, you can also include an island flower bed. While border flower beds have the large plants away from the path and toward the house or hedge, island flower beds should have the taller plants at the center and gradually taper off to the shortest plants.

Sunshine, Climate, and Soil Types

When planning a flower garden and choosing the plants for it, you need to take into account the amount of sunshine the garden receives, the climate, and the soil type. Of these the soil type is the easiest to fix. Just get the soil tested and add fertilizer, manure, and compost to the soil to improve its health and ability to sustain various flowering plants. However, your choice of flowering plants should also take into account the sunlight the garden receives and the climate of the locality. Consult with the local horticultural organization to find out which flowering plants grow best in your area and select your plants from them. This is especially a marvelous idea for new gardeners, as local plants are more likely to thrive even under an inexperienced gardener. Some plants require shade, so these can be planted in areas of the garden that receive less sunlight, ensuring that most of the garden has colorful plants that will add vibrancy to the outdoors.

Leave Space for Growing

When planning a flower garden, keep in mind the final size of the plants. This will help you space out the flowering plants at an adequate distance so that they do not crowd each other or leave the flower beds looking sparse. Each plant has its own space needs and you need to learn about them before you begin planting the seeds, seedlings, or cuttings.

Creepers

Apart from flower beds, a garden can also have creepers and climbers that flower. Planting a climber that flowers in the fall close to the trellis will provide a colorful and shady arbor for the summer and the fall.
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What’s Hot Now: Backyard Design Trends for 2016

backyard design trends Guest Post by Lana Hawkins Taking care of one’s own garden brings relaxation and there is nothing more rewarding than enjoying it after it is all done. That is reason enough to reinvent your garden this year. The 2016 backyard design trends bring us new ideas and styles and redefine gardening. Here are some innovations to help get you started.

Mainstream Sustainability

More and more homeowners are looking for gardens that are aesthetically pleasing yet require low maintenance. The reasons are both economic and environmental. Sustainable gardening revolves around functionality primarily. Thoughtful plant selection, meaning fewer plants and choosing plants that serve a purpose, has become a norm in landscape design. The plants are picked out for their easy-care blooms, multi-season appeal, or edibility, rather than decorativeness. Also, less turfgrass is present and a more natural looking lawns are being grown. This look implies less herbicides since weeds are seen as a natural part of a garden. There are less concrete pavers. Pavers are now made from recycled plastic and rubber. Given that water is considered an expensive resource, its conservation has become a major concern. Stormwater management solutions are taking a new turn. Instead of simple rain gardens, we are now seeing rain harvesting features, such as catchment ponds, that serve as an auxiliary water source. Xeriscaping is another emerging trend that concerns the conservation of water. As a way to conserve it, gardeners are opting for plants that take little water. Glasshouses have a functional quality and look stunning. Fill the glasshouse with fragrant plants, like jasmine or gardenia, and create a divine and confined Zen space.

More Quality, Less Bling

Over-the-top gardens are out. Now, homeowners turn to quality and subtlety. They prefer natural materials and mild colours. Instead of showy decorative elements, interesting edging, colourful spring or summer flower displays, grasses that flower late season, and intricate branching patterns on shrubs are more appreciated. Also, feature walls act as outdoor art. A bring colour wall that catches the eye is a simple yet effective statement. A red or pink wall brings warmth and adds energy, and goes really well with the abundant greenery.

Water Features

The sound of water in the garden is so soothing. Water features are popular across all budgets. However, there has been a change from whimsical fountains, to self-contained systems and earthy ponds and streams. The quiet ponds are decorated with small pebbles, medium rock and large boulders to get a more natural appearance. Also, natural water courses are left to spill over the garden.

Edibles

In 2016, the focus shifted from hardscaping to planting. ‘Gardening with a purpose’ should be your motto this year. Gardens that do double duty, giving you food and enhancing the look of your backyard, are the hottest trend. After all, plants are easier to move and replace, and bring softness and peace that homeowners are looking for. Blended gardens combine fruits, vegetables and herbs, with ornamentals. There is an increased interest in natives and plants that attract pollinators. Younger generations are especially interested in growing their own food and composting. We have people growing hops and grapes to make their own beer and wine. People are taking advantage of the medicinal benefits of certain plants. They plant feverfew, greenthread, catnip, and alfalfa for their natural healing properties. Calendula is also a popular choice. It is used to produce soaps and lotions. Creating hues for clothes and Easter eggs is also a part of the shift towards natural. Botanical dyes can be made from marigolds and onions.

Indoors Ventures Outside

All the furniture you have inside, you can now have outside. Thanks to new technologies, contemporary outdoor furniture is made of fabrics that are fade-resistant and waterproof. You can create a permanent living room outdoors with all the comfort of the indoor living space, such as deep seating with cushions. Outdoor accessories are as plentiful as interior ones moving toward the personalization of the gardens. You can be very specific and picky.

The Birds and the Bees

Besides veggies and fruits, more and more homeowners are adding chickens and bees to their gardens. This backyard design trend has been largely influenced by the grow-your-own-food movement. Chickens are kept for eggs and meat. Bees might not be what you consider standard pets, but the popularity of beekeeping is still rising. We find many city-dwellers labelling their own homemade honey these days. It is no longer something that is exclusively reserved for country folk. Another reason for the growing interest in beekeeping is related to the struggle to maintain the population of these insect, which has become a global concern. Then there is also the renewed interest in the health-promoting properties of honey.

Bottom Line for Backyard Design Trends in 2016

Keep it simple, functional and sustainable. Author Bio: Lana Hawkins is a student of architecture and a nature lover from Sydney, Australia. She enjoys writing about landscaping and indoor gardens. Lana is a proper foodie and loves to cook for her family and friends.
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Small Outdoor Space Ideas for You

Small outdoor space ideas Almost everybody would like to enjoy some time in the outdoors each day. Many people are looking for small outdoor space ideas to make the most out of their backyard. With some clever techniques, it is possible to maximize your small yard and still have a magnificent garden to enjoy.

Go Vertical

Just as you would go vertical when you lack space indoors, you can go vertical outdoors as well to create a garden and surround yourself with some greenery. A vertical garden can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you want it to be. Select a sturdy wall or fence for your vertical garden. If the wall or fence is not strong enough to bear the weight of your vertical garden, the first step should be to reinforce it using marine ply or similar weather and water proof material. Next, attach a series of small pots to the wall using galvanized screws. It is now possible to get pots for a vertical garden with a hose system that will deliver water to the pots. When selecting plants for the vertical garden, keep in mind that pots dry out faster than a garden plot. Choose plants that will thrive in dry soils and you will soon have a glorious vertical garden. Select plants that require plenty of sunlight if your vertical garden receives a lot of exposure to the sun. Plants such as succulents are ideal for this. On the other hand, if your vertical garden will not receive sunlight for more than a couple of hours, select tropical plants with large leaves, and colorful flowers. Add layers and texture to the vertical garden by selecting a combination of plants to add visual interest. You can have a mix of plants in your vertical garden as long as they are placed to receive the right amount of sunlight and shade. A key requirement for a thriving vertical garden is adequate soil nutrients. As the plants are potted, you need to ensure that they receive all the nutrients they require by adding compost, mulch, and fertilizers are more frequent intervals than for a garden plot.

Build in the Seating

If your yard is small, flip the switch for built-in seating that can also double up as storage areas, dividers, and so on. This will keep your yard free of the movable furniture that takes up more space. When building this type of seating, select materials such as natural woods or stone that will withstand the effects of water and sunlight.

Multitasking Counters and Spaces

Another way of maximizing the small yard is to ensure that every space can be used for multiple purposes. Depending on your needs, you should be able to convert the space into a play area for your children or a place to entertain guests. This is possible by designing seating and counters that can be used by both adults and children. For instance, a counter top that children use as a work surface during the day for their art material should be usable as a counter to place drinks and snacks in the evening. Choosing colors and materials that will appeal to both children and adults is key to this.

Remove Excess Plants, Furniture

If the yard is small, too many plants can create visual clutter. Instead, you need to work to reduce this effect by pruning the plants and rotating the pots. An easy way of keeping only the seasonal plants in the yard is to use the two-pot method. Simply, place an empty pot in the hole you have dug in your yard and place the potted seasonal into this. As the seasons change, you will be able to remove the potted plant and replace it with ease. This will enable you to have a beautiful garden and seating area while resting the other pots in out of sight places.

Select Larger Pavers

When paving the seating area of a small yard, select larger, plan pavers that enlarge the space visually. Leave intricate designs and dark colors for a larger yard.

Install a Bird Feeder or Bird Bath

Even a small yard can be made more welcoming not just to the residents but birds, by installing a bird feeder and bird bath. This will encourage birds to visit your garden and add to the harmony of the place. A hanging birdfeeder and a small bird bath can easily be fitted into most small yards. The bird bath can also be installed in the vertical garden with ease, ensuring that your winged visitors feel more at home. By taking these steps it is possible to convert even a small yard into a gorgeous garden that is an oasis of nature. The greenery and flowers are sure to make the garden an inviting spot for all.
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backyard, DIY, How to

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How to Create a Kid-Friendly Backyard

how-to-create-a-kid-friendly-backyardWhen you have kids, you want to ensure they spend sufficient time outdoors to exercise and expend surplus energy. Your backyard can turn into a thrilling and fun adventure for your kids if you incorporate the right elements. Of course, you can do this without disturbing your flowerbeds or landscaping. There are simple and affordable ways to make your backyard kid-friendly.

Jungle Exploration

Plant tall grasses and weeping trees in one corner of your backyard. Lay stepping stones to create a winding pathway through this “jungle” where kids can let their imagination run wild. You can even plant giant sunflowers and place a large boulder for your kids to climb on. This inviting and fun jungle will definitely get your kids outdoors, away from their computers and TVs. This can also create some hiding spots for dangerous critters so you keep the grass short and the plants to a minimum.

Scribbling Area

Screw a large outdoor chalkboard to your fence and you are done. That way, you can easily let the kids use the chalkboard to scribble and draw. If you’ve ever tried to remove chalk from cedar fencing, you know it can be a pain. This way, your fence will not be sullied with their artwork and the kids will still have a place to get their creativity out.

Bring the Beach to Your Backyard

It can be fun to recreate the beach in your backyard. Instead of going for the ubiquitous sandpit, dig a shallow undulating pit in your backyard. Cover it with landscaping plastic and then fill it with sand. Even out the sand and in the middle place bricks to make a bonfire in the evenings. It will be a place for the kids to roast their marshmallows in the evening while you sit on your bench and sip a glass of wine or some iced tea.

Haven for Creatures

haven-for-creaturesKids are fascinated with those colorful butterflies, bees, squirrels and birds. They can spend hours looking at them and laughing at their antics. So, make your garden creature-friendly by planting colorful flowers and hanging a birdfeed to a tree branch. You can easily use a terracotta flat-bottomed container and use jute ropes to hang it securely to a branch to create a homemade birdfeed. Then watch your kids improve their power of observation!

A Place to Rest and Recoup

After all the running around, exploration and playing, kids need a shaded area to catch their breath, sip a cool glass of lemonade and get their energy back. You can easily install a gazebo. No, you don’t have to spend a lot of money. Just press the button for a DIY gazebo kit. It is affordable and comes with precut pieces that you can join to erect the most beautiful cedar gazebo. If you like, you can even go in for a three-season or all-season DIY gazebo kit. This way, the gazebo can be used by your kids and you even when the weather outdoors is cold. Place outdoor comfortable outdoor furniture in the gazebo and a few potted plants and you will have a wonderful sanctuary to rest and rejuvenate. gazebo-kit

Bring Out the Beethoven in Your Kids

Music can make you feel happy and also let you be creative. Encourage this in your kids by creating a music wall in your backyard. Use a portion of your fence and fix pots, pans, xylophone, and wind chimes that kids can use to make sweet (and sometimes not so sweet) music.

A Marvelous Way to Push Kids to Eat their Veggies

All parents know what an ordeal it is to get kids to eat their vegetables. But this could be a thing of the past if you teach your kids to grow their own vegetables. Designate a patch in the garden for your kids to grow the veggies they like. Help them with the sowing, caring, and watering and watch the delight on their faces when they see first veggie appearing. Pick easy vegetables that require minimal care and maintenance and also ones that grow quickly.

Fun Splash Area

Forget those expensive splash pads that you get in stores. You can create your own for a fraction of the price. Lay out a tarpaulin in the middle of your backyard and wet it with the garden sprinkler and your splash pad is ready. Just be around to supervise the kids, so that they don’t fall and hurt themselves.

Swinging for the Skies

If you have kids, you definitely need to have a swing in your backyard. Use an old car tire to make a swing. It will upcycle the tire and also serve the purpose. Alternatively, you can saw off the legs of an old chair and use it to create a swing with armrests and backrest. Paint the chair in colorful oil paint to make it attractive and vibrant. Just make sure the swing is securely tied to tree branch and is sturdy enough to take the weight of your kids. These are some ways to make your backyard kid-friendly and these ideas quite inexpensive. So, even if you are on a tight budget, you can still get your kids moving and being physically active regardless of the weather outdoors. And off those machines!
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backyard, How to, outdoor living

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How to Prepare Your Garden for Autumn

how-to-prepare-your-garden-for-autumn While spring is the time to plant new plants and seedlings and summer the right time to watch them grow, your garden needs care during fall as well. As the weather cools the plants mature and move towards hibernating during winter. However, preparing your garden during the fall will make your spring garden much better.

Examine the Garden

To prepare your garden for fall, first walk around it and examine it with care. Look for bald patches of soil that require soil amendments, over grown plants that need to be divided, note down which bulbs need to be removed before winter, and which herbs need to be moved indoors.

Remove Herbs Indoors

Rosemary, mint, lavender and other herbs in the pot
Rosemary, mint, lavender and other herbs in the pot
Remove potted herbs indoors before the weather becomes cooler and you will be able to enjoy fresh herbs for a longer period of time. Simply move the pots to a warm corner of the porch that gets some sunlight and is not exposed to the snow or frost.

Add Soil Amendments

Fall is the best time to add soil amendments as the slow releasing fertilizer will enhance soil quality throughout the winter months. During spring and summer, the nutrients in the soil are depleted by the growing plants. Add soil amendments and turn them into the soil using a gardening fork. Ensure that you cover all areas where there are no plants either because you have removed spring and summer flowers, or bulbs, or because some plants did not thrive during the growing season. While chemical fertilizers work for feeding the plant directly, organic fertilizer works by enriching the soil. Mulch, manure, and compost are all organic fertilizers that release nutrients slowly into the soil. By working them into the soil in fall, you will reduce the number of gardening chores you have to perform in spring. When it comes to a large patch of ground such as a kitchen garden, you should begin by first tilling and soil and removing roots and weeds. Next add the mulch or soil amendment to the soil and till it again, working the nutrients into the soil. This step is easier to perform in fall before the ground becomes hard during winter frost or soggy after the spring thaw. The soil is also warmer, letting the microorganisms thrive. By tilling the soil in fall, you will be introducing oxygen into the soil when it is still warm, ensuring a healthier soil for spring planting.

Apply Weed Killer on the Lawn

Most gardeners recommend that weed killer be applied twice on the lawn each year. In fall you need to apply weed killer to get rid of the seeds that have landed in the summer. This will mean the emergence of fewer weeds in the spring when the lawn revives. golden-retriever-on-porchIf you have pets be careful how you distribute the poison. You may want to keep your dog(s) inside your home for a couple or hours to allow the poison to penetrate the weeds before you allow your dog to run around in your backyard. If you are only worried about weeds in your front lawn then you should not have too much to worry about. While the poison is being absorbed by the weeds, you can walk your dog during this time so they are not too restless inside your home waiting for the poison to seep inside the plant.

Collect Seeds

If you have been growing heirloom plants from seeds, fall is the time to collect seeds from both flowering and kitchen garden plants. For this you need to avoid harvesting a few fruits and flowers and instead let them ripen or dry out on the plant. Fruits that over ripen on the plant will have mature seeds that can be collected by soaking the fruit in water and removing the pulp. The weaker seeds will float to the top and can be discarded and the heavier seeds collected and dried before being labeled and stored in a clean, cool, and dry environment.

Empty the Rain Water Barrel

rain-water-barrelIf you have been collecting rain water in a barrel for your gardening needs, you need to drain it completely before the onset of the first frost. Drain the barrel and clean it after removing pipes and tubes. This will reduce the chances of damaging it by frozen water.

Remove Mulch from Stems and Trunks

As you go around your garden in fall, remove mulch from stems and trunks of trees and perennial shrubs. This will help prevent the formation of mold or mildew as there is no moisture trap on the shrubs.

Examine Perennials

You should also examine all the perennials in your garden for signs of disease. Look for spotted leaves or rotting stems and either apply treatment, prune the branch, or remove the plant before the disease spreads to healthy plants in the vicinity.

Check Trees for Damaged Branches

To make sure that people and property are not damaged by rotting branches, check all of them for signs of damaged branches. This is easier in fall when some of the trees shed their leaves, leaving the branches bare and easier to inspect. If you spot signs of danger, get the branches removed. Preparing your garden in fall can help you have a better garden in spring and summer. Many of the fall garden chores will ensure that the soil is healthy and ready for spring planting. By doing this you will be able to plant your spring crops after minimal soil preparation, getting a head start on your fantastic and enlightening garden.
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