Category Archives:
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
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-august-old-world-look-3-cobble-style-l-paver-tips-from-ep-henry/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
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-august-under-the-deck-a-little-magic-transforms-a-forgotten-space/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,
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-august-paver-porches-for-the-forever-season/3 things to know to keep your pavers looking great
A paver patio is a big investment with huge returns to your home value and life satisfaction. The best part: upkeep is simple. 1. Sweep first Here’s the order of care for pavers: Sweep, hose, soap. Most of the time your pavers won’t need anything but a pass-through with the broom. A good sweeping
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-july-3-things-to-know-to-keep-your-pavers-looking-great/Green screen: Plant a living fence around your patio
Shrubs, trees and ivies can be beautiful privacy borders for your landscape. Robert Frost wondered why “Good fences make good neighbors,” but good fences can turn your yard into a haven made just for you. A “living fence” is a landscape border constructed with greenery. Self-supported woody shrubs and trees add height and shade. Ivies
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-july-green-screen-plant-a-living-fence-around-your-patio/Throwing shade: Patio options for summer sun
Sitting outside in the summer is one of life’s simple pleasures. A few clever and well-placed shade providers can make your patio an even cooler place to hang out. While some people still love to bask for hours in the sun’s hot rays, many of us prefer to enjoy the outdoors in a cooler, shady
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-july-throwing-shade-patio-options-for-summer-sun/Points of interest: Draw the eye to these garden and patio focal points
Walk up to your space as guests would. What is the first thing you see and what is the biggest element? A homeowner’s eye may be drawn to a different object or scene than a guest’s view. People tend to look at the center of things or the biggest thing. If that object is a
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-june-points-of-interest-draw-the-eye-to-these-garden-and-patio-focal-points/Spa and pool designs: the basics
The placement of a backyard spa is more controversial than you may think. When homeowners are beginning to consider buying a home with a pool or installing a pool, the many discussions and articles written about design options may overwhelm them. Spa and pool owners can have strong opinions on which set-up is best. For
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-may-spa-and-pool-designs-the-basics/6 spring landscape design tasks to do now
Just when you thought you could take a rest after shoveling all that snow, spring creeps up and hands you the hoe. Here are a few quick tips for spring landscaping that will give your landscape design plan a good start. 1. Rake. Thatches of clumped dead grass, leaves and debris must be cleared out
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-april-6-spring-landscape-design-tasks-to-do-now/No more working on the railroad – a safer alternative to toxic railroad ties
Raised garden beds and tiered garden walls in older home landscapes were often constructed using cast-offs from the railroads. However, the creosote-treated wood was never legal for residential use. According to the website of the US Government’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), creosote, a chemical wood treatment and pesticide, is not to be used on any
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-april-no-more-working-on-the-railroad-a-safer-alternative-to-toxic-railroad-ties/