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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
https://ephenry.com/get-the-most-from-your-patio-string-lights/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
https://ephenry.com/dip-into-different-types-of-in-ground-pools/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
https://ephenry.com/blog-2016-august-rain-rain-go-away-dealing-with-storm-water-run-off/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
https://ephenry.com/choose-patio-furniture-works/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,
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-december-pave-the-way-using-pavers-to-side-step-a-common-pitfall/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
https://ephenry.com/blog-2014-november-welcome-to-the-stone-age/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
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-october-walled-gardens-curb-appeal-elements-with-curves/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
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-october-spa-retreat-integrate-a-hot-tub-into-your-hardscape/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
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-october-build-another-kind-of-fire-in-the-backyard-a-blazing-swath-of-fall-leaves/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
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-september-rock-the-garden-whimsical-stone-displays-to-add-fun-to-your-outdoor-decor/