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Keeping stains off the patio: Tips from EP Henry READ NOW
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Introducing Cast Stone Wall Ledgestone
The warm weather is just about here, and there’s never been a better time to upgrade your outdoor entertaining space. An ordinary backyard can easily be transformed into an oasis with the use of some great products. It just takes a little bit of inspiration and some beautiful landscaping and hardscaping to take your outdoor
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Keeping stains off the patio: Tips from EP Henry
As homeowners extend the enjoyment of their outdoor spaces well into fall, it likewise extends the season of wear and tear for surfaces like patios, driveways and walkways. That includes more potential for stains to mar the look of those surfaces — especially for families with kids and pets, and those who enjoy outdoor dining.
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How To Modernize Your Pool Area With Functional Updates
More people are looking ahead to a summer spent at home than ever before. And for many, that means making the most of their yards and outdoor spaces. If you already have a pool, then you know that the pool area is often the focus of nearly all outdoor activity. For this reason, if you
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Cleaning your patio
Cleaning your patio-DIY or Call in a Pro? With so many of us spending more time at home these days, getting the patio in tip-top shape has become a priority. While pavers are known for being easy to care for, occasional maintenance is needed to keep them looking their best. Some patios may just need
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Landscaping Ideas to Add Character to Your Backyard
Spring is here – the perfect time to do your outdoor remodel projects. Now that most of the world’s population is quarantined due to the current pandemic, here are a few ideas as to how to make good use of your time to spruce up your backyard. Whether you’re looking to boost your home value,
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Why pavers are better for landscaping
There’s no denying that trees and large shrubs are the fastest way to update a landscape or add drama to a new property. They add visual interest; they help lower home temperatures by providing shade, invite and shelter wildlife, and increase property value. While the benefits of adding trees to your landscaping far outweigh away
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Cozy up with some Brunswick stew and other winter soups on the grill
Cooking outdoors doesn’t have to be a solely sunny-weather activity. Many backyard chefs enjoy grilling and cooking over an open fire all year round. One of the well-heeled secrets of winter grilling is to cook comfort foods that don’t require constant flipping. A hearty soup, stew or chili cooked in a cast-iron dutch oven over
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Winter simmer pots of potpourri freshens our homes in the new year
Using herbs and spices to clean the air, disinfect rooms, improve moods and boost health has been a tradition for centuries. Scent is the sense most closely linked to memory. An unexpected whiff of a familiar aroma can whisk us back to our childhoods. The effect is immediate and at times, overwhelming. The right scents
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A nice hot tub soak staves off the winter blues
Luxuriating in an outdoor hot tub as snow falls on the landscape is a lovely winter dream, but it has its practical side too. It’s good for our health as hot tub soaks are known to relieve pain, calm itchy skin and reduce stress. Using your hot tub (or spa – the terms are interchangeable)
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Exterior Bi-fold doors make a versatile patio
An outdoor room is a wonderful extension of the home. Access to that room is usually found via a standard back door or sliding glass doors. Bi-fold doors that stack away to the sides opens up the indoor room and provides free, open access to the patio. This staple in Hawaiian and Californian outdoor design
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Yule logs of all kinds for the holidays
Nothing says Christmas like a traditional yule log. But what kind? There are yule logs to put in the fireplace, others to eat, and even some to watch! Here we bring you all the yule log information that’s fit to blog. “Yule” comes to us from the Old Norse language’s word, ylir, for the month
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Ever loving evergreens: know the difference between the trees
Not all “pine” trees are the same – some aren’t pines at all but are fir, cypress, cedar and spruce trees! The aromas, needles and cones differ between them. Here’s a quick rundown to help you get to know the varieties of Christmas trees that you may come across this holiday season. Conifers A conifer
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Pining for more: Pine branch decor keeps the season fresh
A pine tree’s branches, with their rich aroma and deep seasonal symbolism, add beauty and meaning to your home’s winter decor. You don’t need to celebrate Christmas to enjoy the comforting scent and beauty of pine. All around the world the pine evergreen has special meaning, including wisdom, longevity, power, and virtue. A winter staple
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Paver Planning Series: Textures
A new patio, outdoor kitchen or outdoor living area is an exciting and valuable addition to your home. But like building a home, building a Hardscape comes with a lot of decisions. In this short series of articles, we are looking at how the patterns, colors and textures in concrete paving stones can influence the
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Paver Planning Series: Colors
Choosing pavers for your hardscaping project can be overwhelming at first. It helps to break it down into smaller choices, like product attributes, because all will play a part in the overall finished look. We’ve already talked about paver patterns, so let’s look at how the color choices in pavers can influence the look and
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Paver Planning Series: Patterns
When planning a new Hardscape, there are lots of choices and decisions to make. In this short series of articles, we’re going to talk about the patterns, colors and textures available with concrete paving stones. Masonry is artistry. Laying brick and stone is an ancient practice that has been handed down throughout millennia. Pavers benefit
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Getting to know your indoor fireplace
It’s fire season again! The warm glow of a fire is one of the finest comforts of the colder months. To keep everything in working order, it’s good to become familiar with all the parts and workings of your home’s fireplace. Don’t have a fireplace? No problem. Adding one has become cost effective with the
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Host a Casino Night on the Patio
Gaming for fun at home puts a party on the patio over the top. Kids parties can be a blast, but sometimes adults just want some time to themselves. A casino night is an exciting twist on milestone birthdays, team meetings or holiday parties. A private party at home is also typically free from the
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Choosing a Fire Pit: Points to consider
Patios should be designed like rooms, with attention paid to elements like shape and height, color and function. Fire pits add a wealth of choices for the space. Design is basically drawing with shapes. A cohesive and useful patio design considers how patio furniture and Hardscape elements combine to make a room. Fire pits are
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Halloween Patio Pizza Party
Delight your little monsters with homemade pizzas topped with creepy crawlies. With a long night of trick-or-treating ahead of them, kids need a meal to keep that energy up and prevent goodie bag snacking. Fire up that outdoor pizza oven and give them ingredients to make their own personal pizzas with “creepy crawly” toppings. One
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Another way to binge on the patio: An outdoor TV
Football season and binge watching are elevated to another level when you include an outdoor TV in your patio design. A long weekend filled with snacks and an unwatched season of your favorite TV show. A Sunday with fellow fans watching the game. A movie just released for streaming. These are banner weekend plans! But
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Mums the word! Mum sale plants and 2 purple fall favorites
See a mum sale? Go ahead and get the mums! Then add these 2 companion plants for drama and height in your landscape. It seems like every weekend we see school teams holding up signs to hawk colorful, fall-friendly chrysanthemums. Don’t pass them up. Mums look great in the garden and work well indoor and
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Rosh Hashanah: Traditions and planning for an outdoor celebration
Celebrating outside brings us back to time-honored customs. This month is Elul, a time of repentance in preparation for the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah (the New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). At sundown on the Gregorian calendar day of September 29, 2019, and on the Hebrew calendar day 1 Tishrei 5780,
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Fire Pit or Fireplace? Things to Consider When Planning your Outdoor Living Space
If you are planning a fire feature for your patio, you may ask yourself “Should we get a fire pit or fireplace?” Both give off light and warmth and help create a cozy, welcome atmosphere. While cost is typically a question (and can sometimes be the deciding factor) here are some other differences that you
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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, beginning this week!
September 15, 2019 to October 15, 2019 is Hispanic (or Latino/Latinx) Heritage Month. Hispanic heritage is wide and deep, and holds within it the incredible flavors, colors, music and more that have become an essential part of American culture. With almost 60 million Americans reporting Hispanic heritage in the 2018 US Census, it’s important to
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Friluftsliv: Get a Norwegian breath of fresh air for a boost to mental health
Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better. -Albert Einstein While other cultures have emphasized the role of mental wellness in overall health for centuries, in the US it has only been relatively recently that more attention is being given to developing our mental, not just physical, strength. Increased urbanization takes us further
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Grand ideas to celebrate Grandparents Day
Shower the grandparents with love this weekend on Grandparents Day. In The United States, the first Sunday after Labor Day is designated as Grandparents Day. Celebrated in many countries on varying days, this holiday is meant to honor the big role grandparents play in the nurturing of the nation’s children. Here are some ideas to
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Spot and destroy the spotted lantern fly this fall
The spotted lantern fly (SLF) is an invasive, destructive insect that is native to China. Over 70 species of trees in southeastern Pennsylvania and surrounding areas are in danger of disease and death because of these sap-sucking pests. It’s imperative to seek out and destroy the SLF, as they are predicted to cause a billion
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Send off your student with a trunk party on the patio
Skipped a grad party or took a gap year? A trunk party can be the perfect send-off for your student. Back in the day, luggage was a traditional gift for the high school graduate. Bags of one’s own were deemed necessary for a young person’s life ahead. Now we pack up the minivan with storage
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Don’t let the “crider” sit down beside ya: Give the spider cricket a ticket out of the house
Called by many names like camel crickets, sprickets, cave weta, or just plain “AAAACK!,” these crawling, hopping insects are found all over the world. They scare us with their creepy moves and high jumps. Spider crickets lunge at threats to frighten them (apparently a very effective strategy against grown men), but other than giving an
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Paint the patio with colorful accessories
Pops of color bring some excitement and a personal touch to a patio. Many times, we end up settling for the typical neutral fare offered in patio furniture. Stores and manufacturers cater to the widest audience possible, leaving us with few bold choices. Fortunately, a neutral palette is a great starting point for adding statement
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Celebrate the best melon of them all! National Watermelon Day is here!
A day to laud the watermelon should be spent enjoying its refreshing recipes and delicious dishes. August 3rd, 2019 is National Watermelon Day. A staple of summer, watermelon has been a favorite of people everywhere for millennia. Scientists surmise that the plant and its fruit were cultivated first in the South African deserts, and tombs
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How to be a hipster gardener
If you think vintage accessories, old traditions and careful tending are the bee’s knees, you may be a garden hipster. The hipster aesthetic is marked by an obsession with independence, eco-friendly living and vintage style. This group has its own style in clothes, food and yes, gardening. Aside from the new urban chickens movement, hipsters
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Planning a new patio? Consider installing an automatic sprinkler system
“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” -Cicero, Roman orator Moving water from its source to where it is needed is an ancient craft. Aqueducts helped cities flourish in ancient times. Today, various water sprinklers help maintain the lawn’s lush look. Homeowners use everything from a simple watering can
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Pool apps add another level of function and fun
Lighting tricks, temperature adjustments and more, all on your phone There’s an app for that is the newest cliché, but in terms of pool features it’s true. Many new mobile applications make life for the pool owner easier and much more fun. Pool maintenance used to be the sole realm of the professional, but now
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Cool looks for a hot patio
Oppressive heat and humidity can put a damper on outdoor living space enjoyment. Fear not, mid-summer heat can be beat. Unless you have a pool that you can jump into, July and August’s soaring heat and humidity can sometimes stifle outdoor fun. While inexpensive, portable water bottles are easy to come by, they’re not ideal
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Firework fear is very real for some pets
Our furry, feathery and leathery pets can get mildly upset or have full panic attacks during 4th of July celebrations. Here are a few tips to keep them calm. The loud booms of fireworks and thunder can cause anxiety in our pets. Astraphobia is the fear of thunder and lightning, and dogs, cats, birds, reptiles
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Chilling on the patio: How to keep those drinks cold
The Fourth of July is coming. It’s time to kickback with a cool drink. Here’s how to keep the chill in your chilled drinks. A moment of warm sun and a cool drink make for a mini vacation on the patio. We have many suggestions for what to mix up, from frozen fabulousness to marvelous
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Herringbone: this classic paver pattern is trending
Timeless features make a home distinctive. The brickwork pattern for your outdoor walkways or driveways is a place to express the home’s unique character. While there are many layouts and pavers to choose from, the classic herringbone pattern stands the test of time. It looks equally impressive in walkways, patios and driveways. According to lifestyle
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Keep your pool area serene and cool while you’re away
If destination weddings, family reunions or vacations take you away from your backyard oasis, follow these pool care tips before you go. Coming home after a nice vacation to a clean house is a relief. Don’t leave out the deck, patio and pool from your pre-trip cleaning and care regimen. You’ll want to set down
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Fresh Father’s Day ideas for dads who like to cook
We love the hamburgers and hot dogs, but grills aren’t just for the standards anymore. This Father’s Day help Dad expand his repertoire with these creative outdoor grilling ideas. Innovative pans Whether it is gas, charcoal, or wood, Dad’s existing grill is perfect for these kitchen accessories. New cuisines can be unlocked with the right
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Duraface, ArmorTec, HD-2. What’s it all mean?
Here’s a short video that demystifies what goes into making a paver.
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Enjoying starry nights on the patio
Summer breezes and night skies on the patio are the best to share with friends and family. A basic understanding of your local astronomy and a few patio tricks can help make a magical night. Turn off the lights Light travels far and fast, but it’s difficult to see light from billions of miles away
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Here they come! Getting the pool ready for kids
When the schools close their doors for the summer, our backyard gates open up. Take these last few days to prepare your patio for the fun-seeking, towel-snapping, sticky-faced (but loveable!) throngs. Summer is a celebration of all things outdoors. Picnics and parties, pools and patios are at the center of the activities. A little planning
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Beyond the Flintstones: concrete pieces for the patio
Want something that’s sturdy and will stand up to all kinds of weather? Concrete furniture has come a long way since the yabba-dabba-doo days. A concrete couch may be a fun patio accessory to a die-hard Flintstone fan, but its heavy look and feel isn’t likely to start trending. Concrete furniture can be harsh. Municipalities
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The look of wood with none of the worry
Capture the natural beauty of wood in a paver tile that is extremely durable and long lasting with Lastra Wood-look Porcelain Tiles. These porcelain tiles bring the stunning look of wood but are without wood’s inherent problems. Wood, especially when used outdoors, can quickly turn into a high-maintenance surface. Lastra tiles offer an alternative that
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Every garden old is new again: Nostalgia plants for now
The small, dainty flowers of the foxglove plant, the wispy peony blooms and the lovely drops of the bleeding hearts all bring back the sights and scents of the gardens from years past. Recreating a garden of yore is the newest trend in home landscaping. Before the overly accessorized 1950s yards and the victory gardens
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From dreaming it to living it: The Hardscape decision process, step-by-step
Want to transform your outdoor space but don’t know where to start? Here is a step-by-step guide for bringing your dreams into a reality. All decisions you make goes through steps. Some decisions are instant. They feel as though they went through no process at all. Other decisions (where the stakes are usually higher) require
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The beauty of Kentucky Derby Roses in your own backyard
The most famous race of the Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby, is usually held on the first Saturday in May. The winning horse is draped with a blanket of beautiful red roses. The luxury of the velvet-like petals, the depth of the red, and the dream of the heady scents get us itching to have
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5 Ways to add Color to your Backyard
Any gardener with a beautiful landscape design will tell you that they didn’t just get lucky when they decided what to plant. You can bet that careful planning went into making sure that their backyard garden “performed” throughout the seasons. With the exception of wildflower gardens (where color is purposefully sprinkled throughout) it is generally
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8 big ideas for a tiny patio
Urban and dense suburban spaces can be a bit forgotten in the design world. But don’t give up on the dream of an outdoor lifestyle. A tiny patio can be a great space. Whether it is a fire escape, a roof terrace or a tiny back porch patio, every space can become something more. With
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How Paver Patterns Help Define Outdoor Living Spaces
If you’ve decided to have a patio, pool deck or walkway installed using pavers, you probably read it over and over again while you were researching your options: ‘The possibilities are endless” and “Limited only by your imagination”. While not quite infinite, when you consider color, texture, and pattern options, there are quite a lot-
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Have a mocktail party on the patio
No alcohol? No problem! You can still party in the back with little umbrellas, fancy drinks and a festive atmosphere. Stir up a few “mocktails” (mock cocktails) on the patio. Spring begins the season for outdoor parties. Easter, high school proms, college graduations, weddings, baby showers and more dot the calendar from April until August.
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Busting the rumors of great grass care
Homeowners pining for gorgeous lawns sometimes fall for old tricks that just don’t work. A beautiful lawn is well within your reach. A little TLC goes a long way when it comes to a grass landscape. Seeing other lawns that seem greener or healthier than yours may have you seeking out solutions. Beware of false
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When to use stones or mulch in your landscape
It’s gardening season again! If you haven’t already, it’s time to take out that digging tool and break ground. April showers bring May flowers, but they also bring weeds. You can drastically cut down on weeds in your garden by adding mulch or pebbles. Mulch and stone coverings make flower colors “pop” by adding a
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Take your landscape to the next level with columns
Add visual and architectural interest to your landscape by incorporating different height columns and bases. You are not alone if you’ve forgotten the differences between the Greek Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns from your 4th grade social studies class. Unless you’re planning a Parthenon replica as part of your landscape, remembering the ancient styles isn’t
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Grow a dream: Imagining your best garden
In search of my mother’s garden, I found my own. -Alice Walker All great things begin with a spark. Imagining a garden that attracts and inspires, soothes and excites the soul is the first step to landscape planning. Endless day dreaming isn’t always the best path. A little bit of focus can help you take
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Why Hardscaping distributors are worth the trip
When it comes to sprucing up the backyard or adding some curb appeal, most homeowners think of the nearest big home improvement store as a place to get ideas and materials. While a big box store can help with smaller quick fixes, Hardscaping distributors are a better choice for major project inspiration and supplies. Many
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Cooking with kids outdoors
As parents, we want to arm our kids with the skills they need to succeed. Preparing food is one of the most basic life skills, but it often is put off until it’s too late. Learning to cook is a source of pride for many kids and teens who live in a processed-food world. Studies
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Varied Vege: Grow something different this year
Tip toe away from the tomatoes and dig into other delicious digestibles. We love tomatoes. They grow so easily and abundantly, we end up having plenty to share. But their convenience can also root us in our gardening ruts. Stirring up the soil with some new veggies can add some life to your summer and
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What you really need in your car emergency kit
We’ve all seen the scenario: a lone car spins off a remote mountain road and lands in a ravine; the passengers must fight to stay alive. Car emergency kits are a good idea. Jumper cables, flares, a distress flag, Fix-a-Flat, etc. are the car kit standards. These are all good things to have if you
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Hardy yet beautiful plants for your landscape, Part II: Garden Ideas
In Part I, we went over the basics of sedum plants. Often referred to by landscapers as stonecrops, sedum succulents have great appeal for gardeners for their hardiness, low maintenance needs and colorful foliage. Here we go over some different ideas for using stonecrops in your landscape. Borders Borders can pose different challenges. Some borders
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Hardy yet beautiful plants for your landscape, Part I: Sedum basics.
Succulents are the hottest trend in plants. Miniature succulents in cute pots grace many a dorm or office window. Many Millennials, 37% of whom grow indoor plants (as opposed to only 28% of Baby Boomers), have embraced and fueled the succulent fervor. Instagram’s “#succulents” hashtag alone has over 6.5 million posts. Related hashtags, like #succulent,
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8 Ways to maximize your Home and Garden show trip
Spring is around the corner. You know what that means: It’s home and garden show season! From little township shows to huge, multi-acre extravaganzas, home and garden shows bring us dreams and inspiration for our own landscapes. All the new things to see and do can be a bit overwhelming. Without proper preparation, you may
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Taking the mud out of mudroom: designing a mudroom that works
Pinterest-worthy mudrooms score high on the looks scale but often get failing marks for practicality. Designing a better, more efficient space can help the area stay clean and welcoming. Family members often enter through the mudroom area. Encountering – or encouraging – a mess when first returning home can be disheartening. Keeping it organized and
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A Welcoming, Rustic Christmas
Almost any style of decor can incorporate a few down-home, rustic elements for the holidays. Adding a bit of rustic elements to your holidays will charm guests and lend a touch of warmth to your decor. Farmhouse decor gives us that cozy feeling we love for the holidays. Concentrating on three key spaces will help
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Skinny spaces: Games and ideas for narrow outdoor areas
We all have those little strips of yard or patio that are too small to be decked out but too big to be ignored. Don’t despair. There’s hope for those skinny spaces. Here are a few ideas to turn those neglected spaces into destination spots. A shuffleboard court is a fun addition to any outdoor
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Knowing standard measurements for patio features helps with planning
Dreaming up designs for a new kitchen or patio is the fun part of the home improvement project. But spending hours with our heads in the clouds without knowing what is actually possible can set us up for disappointment. Getting familiar with some basic standard measurements can help you dream efficiently and plan accordingly. Contractors
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Embrace a new color for 2019
A trendy new hue for your outdoor decor has been named. Here’s how to welcome it into your summer patio plans. Living Coral, 2019 The Pantone Color of the Year for 2019 is called “Living Coral.” The Pantone Color Institute is a color-matching and trend forecasting company that caters to the fashion, marketing and branding
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4 ways a creative garden wall can make a cookie-cutter landscape unique
A new home in a new development is an exciting prospect. But in a neighborhood of similar home models, how does a homeowner make their house stand out? With a little creativity and perhaps the help of a landscape designer, adding a simple garden wall to your front landscape can change the entire look of
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Cold weather worth-its: Fun activities to get the family outdoors.
The cold weather is no reason to stay indoors. This season holds lots of fun adventures for all ages. Dress for success As the people of Norway say, there is no bad weather, only bad clothes. Having the right gear is the secret to enjoying the outdoors in winter. Outdoor experts REI tell us the
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Dealing With a Winter Wonderland
It looks like the Northeast is going to get treated to yet another long, cold, wet winter this year. While no one can deny that the first snowfall of the season is somehow always magical, once the reality of icy sidewalks, snow covered driveways, and slippery roadways hits, some of us start to consider a
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Wood burning facts you need to know
Often overlooked, the quality and material of what you burn is just as important as the quality and material the fireplace is made from. In 1930, Celia Congreve, a World War I era poet and author, penned the Firewood Poem, In it, she lists different types of wood and their burn qualities. Unfortunately, lovely rhymes
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Patio styles from the 1950s to today
Everything from hemlines and haircuts, architecture and art are subject to the whims of fashion. Patios are no exception. A few distinct styles have emerged over the years, but some parts of patio design will always be timeless. Let’s look at different patio styles over the past few decades. The 1950s “mid-century” look was popular
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Patio fun for fall: fires, caramel apples and more
The crisp fall days are here. Relish the four seasons by getting outside to enjoy that patio. Here are a few fall favorites to get your ideas churning for a dreamy autumn patio day. Cozy blankets There’s something comforting in being covered up. Keep several wool throw blankets handy out on the patio. Have one
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Patio product hunt – shop the Fall sales
The outdoor season for us at EP Henry is all year round, but many stores have no choice but to clear out their patio items in order to make room for the holiday merchandise. As the leaves fall, so do prices. Shop your favorite stores for outdoor furniture and accessories you can use now and
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Outdoor living spaces as home additions
When someone mentions home addition, you may think of a game or TV room, a bigger kitchen, or maybe a home office. But there’s one more space that should pop into your head: an outdoor room. More and more homeowners are realizing the advantages of opting for the addition of an outdoor living space over
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Customize your cooler! How to make a matching accessory for your patio
With a little elbow grease and ingenuity, you can have a cooler that matches your outdoor decor. You most likely spent a lot of thought when deciding on decor for your outdoor space. Patios are no longer just “out back” and are thought of and outfitted as an extension of your home. A well-coordinated tailgate
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Dry your garden herbs
As leaves change colors and gardens begin hibernating, harvesting and drying herbs is a time-honored tradition for the fall months We all recognize the little bundles, hung with twine from our grandmother’s shed or pot rack. In a language all their own, spices and herbs convey so much about our lives and our loves. We
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4 non-pizza ideas for your wood-fired outdoor pizza oven
You may love the crispy crusts and perfect pies from our pizza oven – but if you’re only using it for pizza, you’re missing out. Wood-fired outdoor ovens bake pizza perfectly. The gooey cheese, the warm doughy crusts with exactly the right amount of crisp on the outside. It really can’t be beat. But if
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Hardscape project timelines: What’s realistic?
Hint: once you come up with the idea, it’s never too early to contact a contractor When we decide to move forward on a major upgrade to our Hardscape, we can’t get started quickly enough. Dreams of lounging by the new pool or grilling in the outdoor kitchen are so close to becoming real that
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Fireplace and fire pit accessories you didn’t know you needed
The crackle, the woodsy aroma, the flickering light. Nothing is quite the same as an open wood fire. All of a sudden, it’s September. Where did the summer go? No worries. A lot of outdoor enjoyment is still in your future. It’s time to get cracking on upping your fireplace game. Here are a few
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Elements of Industrial Design
Exposed brick, concrete countertops, tile and stone floors are chic decor elements with a hardened past. The first factories of the industrial revolution were built in the late 1700s. Forging steel, laundering fabrics, or glass-making involved very hot and often unwieldy fire. By the early 1900s the onset of unreliable electrical wiring added to the
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Let it rain: A garden for the good of the planet
A rain garden helps nature help itself by capturing and filtering rain water. Landscapes bring us some of the simplest but purest pleasures: feeling our bare toes in lush green grass; picking fresh peas from growing gardens; eating blueberries straight from the bush. Our backyards give us the long summer nights around a fire or
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Containing the colonies: Keeping ants out of your pavers and outdoor kitchen
Beautiful walks and an outdoor food prep/eating space are the most welcoming elements of an outdoor living space. The last guests a homeowner wants to invite over is a colony of ants. A few preventative steps and treatments can help you keep your pavers and kitchen clear of these uninvited pests. Wipe down the surfaces
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What’s the difference between a retaining wall and a garden wall?
A number of landscaping elements have similar terms but mean very different things. Getting them mixed up can cost you time and money. We all know what a house’s walls do: they divide rooms and perhaps support the roof and upper floors of the home. Indoor walls receive pressure from above, i.e. vertical pressure. Walls
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Love the look of natural stone? Here’s why porcelain may be the better choice.
Outdoor flooring has to be hearty. Many homeowners like the look of a natural stone like Travertine (a limestone deposit) but beside the sky-high price tag, they discover it can tend to crack and split from repeated exposure to very high and very low temperatures. Originating from mild-climate Italy, Travertine is a porous rock. Water
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Cast Veneer Stone: A modern answer to an old problem
Stone surfaces aren’t what they used to be, and that can be a good thing. All along farming hills and valleys are fieldstone walls that were piled by the land workers as they tilled the earth. The low walls would stretch far and wide, sometimes acting to prevent livestock from grazing the crops, other times
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Sweet Mid-Atlantic states: potluck desserts from NC to NY
Every family has that one dessert that disappears first from the patio table. The favorites are often eaten before the burgers are served. But what is sweet in one state can be an unknown in another. Here are some interesting desserts from North Carolina to New York. North Carolina Sonker is a rectangular, deep dish
Read More Drawing the eye: paver borders bring beauty to your Hardscape
Walkways, steps and garden walls work together to define the purpose of each architectural element in the landscape. Breaking up a swath of color with an accent color creates beauty, interest and purpose. This is where the border paver shines. Professional hardscapers use color, texture, lines, and a combination of materials to bring more function
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Pets on the patio: Summer tips for dogs and cats
We love our pets. We want them to participate in our summer fun on the patio, but sometimes we forget our pets have special needs. For example, did you know that some dogs need sunscreen? Read on for more tips to keep your furry kids happy this summer. Pools Swimming in pools is one of
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Power on the patio
Here’s how to juice up your patio for family and friends. Patios and pool decks aren’t simply for sunbathing. Parties, family meals, work sessions, movies and more all happen out there, too. These days, outdoor electrical outlets, charging stations, wifi, sound and media devices are must-haves for many homeowners. Unfortunately, most houses were built well
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How to do an authentic spa day party on the patio
Bring in professionals for an evening of pampering right on the patio. Summer is here and it’s time to relax. Work loads, family obligations and volunteer work, although rewarding, can usurp our down time. Why not pave the way to relaxation with a private occasion meant to renew and rejuvenate? We asked licensed massage
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Points of interest: Draw the eye to these garden and patio focal points
Gardens can tend to be pieced together bit by bit. One year a raised bed may be the new project, the next year vegetable stakes line the back fence. A year-by-year approach is a great way to add on to your landscape and patio, but a few elements can help the space feel more cohesive.
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Tie the knot: Macrame decor for your patio
Tie the knot: Macrame decor for your patio This time-honored craft is a perfect decor accent to outdoor living spaces. Macrame, the art of knotting cord in geometrical patterns, is thought to be an ancient practice dating back a few thousand years to the Arab world. Merriam-Webster says the first known English use of the
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Using Walls, Paths and Patios to Reshape Your Backyard
No matter how large or small your backyard is, there are ways you can partition and redesign your space to fit your outdoor living lifestyle. Depending on the complexity of the project and the space you have to cover, you can phase the project to fit your budget and timeline as needed. By using pavers
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Making the Most of Your Fire Pit
Ever since humans mastered the controlled use of fire we have been fascinated by it. The domestication of fire allowed mankind to add light to evening hours, cook plants and animals for food, clear land for planting, and help keep predators at bay. Maintaining a campfire became so important to prehistoric man’s survival that
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DIY concrete planters for the patio
Making your own planters is easier than you think. Serene, modern, and beautiful don’t seem like words that go with “concrete,” but fine concrete mixes are the favorites of artisans across the country. You can make planters for your patio, steps and walkways for just a few dollars, some patience and a bit of creativity.
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Patio Planning: Tips from your area expert
Planning an outdoor space begins with an idea. A fun picnic on a friend’s Hardscape or a relaxing time at a poolside bar on vacation inspires us to recreate those feelings in our own backyards. So you want an outdoor space. What’s the next step in the planning process? “We tell our customers to look
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Get the most from your patio string lights
Stringing lights over the patio adds whimsy and a warm glow. Follow these planning tips to get the most out of your efforts. String lights are the new tiki torches. People love the county fair or outdoor Parisian cafe feel of a string of bulbs draped over a patio. Many kinds of string lights
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Make your summer memorable with major watermelon mojo
Cookie cutters and a carving knife are all you need to elevate your watermelon to monumental status. According to National Geographic, watermelons have been around for 5000 years. Seeds and paintings of the fruit were found in King Tut’s tomb. By the year 500, the watermelon had migrated into the Mediterranean countries. It’s been modified
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Finding Swedish-style balance on the patio
Learn how the Swedish lifestyle of Lagom can help you live your best outdoor life. Loosely translated, Lagom means “just right.” It is the feeling when something hits the perfect balance between two extremes. In her new book, Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life, British
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Punch up those patches with grass seed
Whether your lawn is in need of a total reset or if you are reclaiming forgotten spaces in the landscape, grass seeding is a cost-effective DIY project. Compared to professionally-installed sod, seeding your lawn is something most everyone can do. Clear out any existing vegetation. Brown patches may still have ground cover plants in the
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Dip into different types of in-ground pools
When we think of pools, we picture large, blue swimming holes in the backyard. But like everything in outdoor living, pools are evolving and now come in all shapes and sizes. New pool designs on the market allow homeowners to tailor their pool for specific uses. Diving, dipping, soaking, exercising or relaxing, each activity has
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Rain, Rain, Go Away- Dealing with Storm Water Run Off
As we move into a more sustainable future nationally, homeowners are looking for ways to improve their land use locally. Very locally. As in, in their backyards. The most helpful impact your property can make on the local environment comes from the proper handling of rainwater. There are a few different things you can do
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Cool outdoor bar accessories to make your summer outdoors chill
Add a little style to your summer sips and snacks We all do it – make a cold drink and a snack inside to enjoy outside. More times than not, we’ll carry it out with a plastic tumbler and paper plate. That’s not exactly the image of relaxing luxury you want. Punch up the patio
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Patio party with a purpose: Combine a celebration with helpful giving
Spring is the time to break out the patio party gear. Graduation, wedding showers, and birthday parties all are more fun outside. A garden party is a great time to share and give back. Why not combine your celebration with an activity that gives back? Here are a few events you can host during your
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Tip-Top Patio: Declutter your outdoor rooms
Don’t forget your patios and pool decks in your decluttering efforts People are sweeping out their rooms as a home-organization trend sweeps the nation. Popular books like Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and the latest book in the trend, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson, cover closets, bedrooms,
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Aromatherapy garden: grow your own spa
The luxury and leisure of a spa sanctuary can be steps away in your own garden. Soft textures, whispered voices, soothing scents. That’s the spa difference. Everything is designed to bring on calmness and serenity. Your garden can adopt some of these design techniques. Muted colors, attention to small details, comfortable seating and ample warmth
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Choose the patio furniture that works for you
It’s officially spring, and patio furniture ads are in full force. Here are some things to consider to help you choose patio furniture that works for you and your budget. Outdoor rooms are an extension of your home’s living space. Comfortable furniture and beautiful accessories are the necessities that make any patio space usable and
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Cast Veneer fireplace design tips
The key in designing an outdoor hearth is choosing the stone that makes it sing. A fire pit has its place, but an outdoor hearth makes an outdoor home. If you’re looking to add a fireplace to your hardscape, a few tips from the design world can help you choose the Cast Veneer Stone (CVS)
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Old Irish Inspiration: A look at the ancient stonework of Ireland
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we ask an Irish stone artist what he loves about Ireland’s legendary stonework St. Patrick’s Day falls on a weekend this year, giving the holiday some special attention. Revelers and traditionalists alike will be breaking out their most unique and notable activities. Big cities like Boston and Philadelphia have
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St. Patrick’s on the Patio: Donning of the green and other party ideas
When St. Patrick’s Day falls on a weekend, you know it will be a blast. Here are some fun facts and traditions to add to your party. There will be parades and pub crawls, but your patio can be the neighborhood spot for the post-party party. The key is comfort and contentment. And green. Lots
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Herb appeal: Add an indoor herb garden to your window sill
Fresh herbs are the flourish of flavor for any meal. Start with a few easier-to-grow herbs. Indoor herb gardens aren’t just for the gardeners or foodies among us. Anyone can add a few pots of herbs to a lonely windowsill to instantly add form and function to the home. Some herbs are kinder to
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Get outdoors during Daylight Savings Time
Here are some ideas on adjusting to the change. A little look back This weekend, we jump the clocks forward for Spring. Daylight Savings time (DST). The tradition of turning clocks ahead for the spring and summer months is often thought to be an agricultural push, but the roots of the practice took hold for
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New snow removal tools and tricks
Whether its manual labor or with a machine of some sort, snow removal is a winter necessity for many of us. The “why” is pretty obvious: Life and work must go on. The “how” tends to get highly personal. It’s the age-old problem with a severe-weather twist: how to clear the walkway, the cars, and
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Drip, drip: Drop an efficient, money-saving watering system into your landscape
Lush gardens are a wonder to behold. We all love seeing those rows of plants spring up and watch veggies grow big, not to mention seeing the joyous colors of the season in the delicate flower petals we’re lucky enough to enjoy. All of this takes work, of course, but for many gardening is a
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3 hot bourbon recipes to warm your winter
The recent subzero temperatures have kept us all inside. Why not make the best of it? Here are some warm, spiked drinks you may have yet to try. There’s an old tale that a shot of whiskey will warm you up. Indeed, a sip of straight bourbon or whiskey can feel like swallowing embers from
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Winter grilling: roasted tomato soup and crispy cheese sandwiches
We often think of grilling out on the patio as a summertime activity, but cold weather grilling brings its own unique benefits. Try roasting some ingredients on the grill while a big sourdough loaf or a maple pecan pie warms in the oven inside. Roasted tomato soup paired with crunchy, warm sandwiches warms up the
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Pave the way: using pavers to side step a common pitfall
Footworn paths in the grass don’t have to be an eyesore. Here’s how pavers can help. We’ve all seen them and we’ve all helped make them: shortcuts across lawns that leave ruts in the grass. They are called “desire lines” or “desire paths” in civil engineering circles. Usually found on college campuses, in amusement parks,
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Wonderful wood storage: Dress up your stack
The warmth and crackling goodness of a cozy fire doesn’t have to come with an eyesore of a log pile. Storing wood has never before been so fashionable. One amazing thing about having an outdoor room are the impromptu gatherings around the fire. A night spent out in the cold air is good for our
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Holiday traditions: Roasted Chestnuts
We’ve all heard the lyrics but few of us have tried actually roasting chestnuts on an open fire. It’s easier than you may think. Each family has their own traditions with strong roots, some perhaps going back generations. Introducing new rituals into the holidays can seem a bit odd at first, but when friends and
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Rumble under the patio: outside earthquake damage to look for
On November 30, 2017, an earthquake shook the area of Dover, Delaware. Rumblings of the quake, which measured 4.1 on the Richter scale, were felt in a very large radius from the epicenter. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), even a “light” earthquake warrants a check of your home, landscape and patio for
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Bonfire leaf-burning things to know
One of the best aromas of the fall season is an outdoor fire. The smell of burning leaves is so distinct and memorable, some people report sensing it in the crisp fall air even when no leaves or fires are burning nearby. As November comes to a close, now is the time for bonfires. Here
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Welcome to the Stone Age
A very, very long time ago, during the pre-historic age, humans figured out that stone had many uses in their world. This abundant natural resource was used for many things, such as: furniture, cutting tools, and weapons. Not only did they use it to build walls for shelter and fortification, they used smaller stones (like
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Throw a Friendsgiving feast
Friendsgiving is a usually casual Thanksgiving feast with those who you consider family. But it’s casual designation doesn’t mean no rules exist. Here’s a guide for the host and guest that will help your Friendsgiving be fabulous. Host A Friendsgiving is meant to be a fun gathering of your closest mates, but the term can
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Fall mantle decor – celebrate the harvest
The winter holidays may be fast approaching, but we can give thanks for the harvest season with these fall decor ideas. Between the frightening fun of Halloween and the cozy, candied Christmas seasons, it’s easy to lose the best season of the year: Autumn. Thanksgiving is the culmination of the fall season where we celebrate
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Thanksgiving desserts and decor
Don’t let Christmas recipes or decorations take over your Thanksgiving. Keep the focus on fall with these treats and tricks. We’ve all noticed it – the Christmas Creep. September 21 rolls around and the stores start selling winter holiday decor. It’s as if we jump out of the pool and into our parkas! Don’t let
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Fall fondue fun on the patio
From cheesy dips to mini s’mores, a ton of delicious fondue fun awaits. Fondue legend says the tradition started in the 1600s Switzerland. The practice grew in popularity in Switzerland in the 1800s, when the Swiss government promoted it as a nutrition strategy and a use for aged cheeses. A pot with its own heat
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Punctuate your patio with texture: Add visual and tactile interest to your Hardscape
There are many elements to interior design. Color, light, lines, shapes (forms) and texture are all applied principles of design that are immediately noticeable in a room. These principles also apply when building and decorating exterior rooms. One design element that is often overlooked on the patio is texture. “Texture” is a visual as well
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Modern Halloween Tricks and Tips
Bobbing for apples is a scary prospect. Here are some updated party tips and outdoor decor tricks to bring your All Hallow’s Eve into the 21st century. Outdoor Halloween decor ranges from the scary to the sweet. Whatever your preference, good decor puts everyone in the party mood. Here are some of the latest trends
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Walled gardens: curb appeal elements with curves
A walled front garden helps your curb appeal strike the right balance between architectural and natural elements. We are all familiar with the natural elements recommended for basic curb appeal: manicured lawns, trimmed and healthy trees and plants, and seasonal and colorful additions to the landscape. A lot of visual interest is left on the
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Spa Retreat: Integrate a hot tub into your Hardscape
The benefits of hot tubs are widely known. Incorporating a hot tub addition to an established Hardscape may be easier than you think. You’ve seen the glossy pictures of luxurious retreats, of steaming-hot baths enjoyed outside, and you’ve decided it’s time to build the dream in your own backyard. A nice long soak in a
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The Beauty of Birch: Decorate inside and out with this joyful pattern
A birch tree has a bark full of happy colors. Get closer to this wonder of nature by decorating your home inside and out with a combination of this natural element and some new tech. Incorporating a birch color scheme into your decor gives you that natural wood feeling without the heaviness of traditional wood
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Scorn for acorns: 3 new ways to clean up the mess
Sure, little baby oak trees are cute when they sprout, but we don’t need thousands of them popping up on our lawns. Here are three methods to use on all those acorns. Massachusetts non-profit environmental group Mass Audubon tells us large oaks can drop up to10,000 acorns in one year. A 10,000 acorn year is
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Build another kind of fire in the backyard: a blazing swath of fall leaves.
October is well underway and parts of the country are seeing the colorful goodness of the season. Indeed, fall leaves are a tourist draw for many of the northeastern states. You can have your own bright show every year if you choose the right species of tree. Here are 4 for the northeastern corridor as
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Apple season’s as easy as pie
Now is the time to harvest your own bushel of apples for a whole cart of fall fun. Right around now is the best time to get outdoors and go apple picking. Whether you’re lucky enough to have your apple trees in your own backyard or you have an age-old (or new!) family tradition of
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Grass tech fills in the gaps: Synthetic turf and patio pavers
Artificial grass has come a long way. It’s not the fake grass made of sharp bright green plastic found in the cheesy store displays of yore. If you are looking for a great-looking, low-to-no maintenance solution for your landscape, you may want to give synthetic grass another look. The new artificial grasses can fool the
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Building Blocks for Grownups: A DIY guide to building your own fire pit
If you spent time as a kid creating structures with Legos, you may have the skills to build a permanent fire pit in your backyard. We’ve laid it all out for the home hardscaper. Getting something done on your own brings a unique and cherished sense of accomplishment. Don’t shy away from a fire pit
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Rock the garden: whimsical stone displays to add fun to your outdoor decor
Add some impromptu sculptures and spots of color to your garden and patio with these simple projects. Decorating the patio with small details brings a sense of wonder and serenity to your outdoor space. Fortunately, there are some very easy and inexpensive ways to do it. Here are a few ideas to try. Mood-lifting Messages
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Renew, refresh or replace? Paver answers for a perfect patio
Time heals all wounds, but time and Mother Nature can leave their marks on your pavers. There are handy tricks to freshen up the look of your sturdy, steady patio pavers. Many of the questions we get about pavers have to do with cleaning them. Usually a gentle rinse down with a hose will be
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Team Day: Show your spirit on the patio
Football season is here. Is your patio ready? Across the country and perhaps the world, folks have gathered online and in person to painstakingly draft together their fantasy teams. College football fans have kicked off their semester, full of hope and anticipation for a winning record. Football season is back! It’s time to get excited
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Old World look: 3 Cobble Styles to consider
Traditional style homes can be challenging to landscape. Fortunately there are pavers designed specifically to complement centuries-old structures. The trick to updating the landscape and hardscape of an older home is using the right paving stones. Many original streets in the New England territories are often said to have been paved with leftover ballast from
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Late summer spread: 4 Grass seeding facts to know
Seeding now can be the key to a lush lawn come spring. Here’s what you need to know about this essential lawn task. Like all things worth doing, a lovely landscape takes time. Great grass is a year-round project, and mid-to-late August until the end of September brings another round of important lawn care activities.
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Getting creative and clever with outdoor decor for the patio
Patio furniture and accessories don’t have to be expensive, and these crafty DIYs will keep things interesting. Outdoor decor is somewhat of an enigma. We’ve spent years building up a collection of furniture and accessories for the interior of the house, but sometimes our instincts and wallets don’t stand up to the challenge of decorating
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Under the deck: A little magic transforms a forgotten space
Under-porch patios are making a splash as homeowners look to enhance their existing homes by gaining more living space. A little paver planning can transform that weedy, moldy area under an elevated deck into a room of many uses. When a raised deck is more than 8 feet off the ground, the space underneath may
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Paver porches: For the forever season
Wiling away the wistful summer evenings on the porch is one of the best relaxation methods around. But that peace and quiet can be disturbed when old wood porches have seen too many seasons. Instead of replacing worn and warped wood again, think about using pavers. Pavers come in a variety of styles and colors,
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Make their night: Host a movie marathon on the patio
You may already have the makings for an amazing movie night right outside your door. Start a tradition of stars under the stars. Outdoor movies have been popular ever since the drive-in days. Drive-ins are hard to find now but almost all major cities host a movie-in-the-park series. A picnic dinner, a blanket and little
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Lazy days make for a slow cooker summer
Think your slow cooker is just for the cold months? Think again. Summer’s hot days have us searching for meals that don’t require a lot of oven time. Dust off the your slow cooker, because it may just be the answer you’re looking for. Slow cookers don’t emit a lot of heat into the kitchen
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Hardscape hand-me-downs: How to integrate inherited pieces into your outdoor decor
Family members pass down their favorite furniture to the next generation. But what if those pieces don’t match your style? Newspapers like the Washington Post, the Boston Globe and USA Today are noting the trend of adult children and grandchildren rebuffing offers for antique furniture and other decor. The time-honored tradition of divvying up Grandpop’s
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