10 Tips for Insulating Walls

Get the most energy efficiency from your insulation by filling all gaps, avoiding compression, sealing holes in framing and other expert tips......read more

Try These Five Tips for Making Your Yard Beautiful

If your tired old yard is making you feel bored and depressed, it’s time to liven things up a bit. There are many amazing ideas in the world of landscaping, and a huge array of materials available, so now is the time to be creative in your yard. Try one of these five tips to get you started.

Consider replacing your grass lawn. If lack of irrigation water is a concern for your area, do your part to conserve by replacing your lawn with pebbles or sand. Choose two or three different sizes and colors of pebbles, and create an artful display in your front yard. Use sand to fill in small areas and add visual interest. If you find that you miss mowing your lawn, you can take a rake to your rocks and do some large-scale Zen therapy.

If your yard is multi-leveled, build a retaining wall from natural stone. Rock walls have a history that spans the ages, and they add beauty and interest to your yard by creating a visual break that divides two areas. Walls can vary in size, but are commonly 18 to 36 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide.

Get in touch with your inner caveman by adding a fire pit. Humans may have changed a bit over the eons, but people everywhere still love sitting around an outdoor fire, cooking and telling stories. Thanks to the Internet, you can check out hundreds of ideas for creating a fire pit that will help you tune in to the universe.

Everyone loves the sight and sound of moving water. If you’ve always wanted a water feature in your yard, now is the time to make your dream come true. Create a small fish pond with a gurgling fountain in the middle, a miniature brook that babbles over real stone, or a funky, new-age rusted-metal shower fountain. Be sure to use a pump system that reuses the water, so that waste and conservation won’t become an issue.

Don’t forget food and fragrance when beautifying your yard. Tuck drought-tolerant herbs and flowers such as rosemary and nasturtiums into small beds around your porch and patio. Grow mixed salad greens in containers near the kitchen door, and hang flower baskets by the front entry. These small spots of color and greenery will liven up your yard considerably.

There are many ways to add beauty to your yard. For more ideas, browse the Internet and create a bulletin board of your favorites.Available materials may vary by area, so visit this website to learn more about landscaping materials in Santa Cruz.

Create a Stunning Backyard Fire Pit

Fire pits are commonly placed near the house for easy access. For a stunning and unique setting, place your fire pit in an area far removed from the back patio. Link the pit to your home with a whimsical walkway.

Pave the Way With Pavestones

Pavestones are a natural paving material that are easy to install and replace. If the bland permanence of concrete and asphalt doesn’t appeal to you, chances are that you can find a style of pavestone that does. Available in many sizes, shapes and colors, pavestones are an artful solution to your paving needs. Here are a few reasons why.

1. Pavestones can be installed by you.

Do-it-yourself projects are a fun way to express your creative side, get exercise and save money. One of the great things about pavestones is they can be easily installed by one or two people in a weekend.

2. Pavestones are not permanent.

When you need to replace a pavestone, simply pick it up and plop down a new one. There’s no need for a jackhammer, dump truck and crew of sweaty men.

3.Pavestones are beautiful.

While there’s nothing lovely about cement, you’ll find that pavestones are very easy on the eyes. Colors range from soft gray to pink, and shapes include circles, squares, rectangles and more. Choose a simple design, or mix and match your palette for more visual intrigue.

When you’re ready to get busy with pavestones, check out the endless ideas available online. Print out your favorites and visit your local landscaping supply store. Visit this website for more information about pavestone in Santa Cruz.