Category Archives:
Pizza Perfection: Add an outdoor pizza oven to your patio
In modern culture, we have a plethora of food and cooking options. Instead of simply roasting a piece of meat over a crude fire, we can bake, sauté, deep fry or flambé. With each new method comes more dining options. Cooking standards that were acceptable before fall out of favor as we reach for new
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-april-pizza-perfection-add-an-outdoor-pizza-oven-to-your-patio/Invasion of the yard snatchers: Clear your landscape of creepers
Invasive plants aren’t just weeds you pull up and forget about. Invasive plants are quick-spreading species that edge out your garden’s flowers and any native plants. Pulling some of these species up is actually the worst thing you can do, as it is an excellent method for distributing the invasive plant’s spores. Expert gardeners know
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-march-invasion-of-the-yard-snatchers-clear-your-landscape-of-creepers/Turn your patio into an outdoor living room with a patio conversation set
Sitting in a quiet outdoor space is a great stress reliever. Visiting with friends on the patio can be even more relaxing. Having the right outdoor furniture helps in creating the right environment for serene experiences. A table and chairs is the typical choice for seating, but the latest trend is to create an outdoor
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-march-turn-your-patio-into-an-outdoor-living-room-with-a-patio-conversation-set/Use the force: Shortening the season for spring and summer blooms
Avid gardeners will plant spring bulbs starting in October. The bulbs need to experience colder temperatures in order to begin the biochemical process that allows them to flower in the spring. But that doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance. Some spring plantings can be tricked and still bloom right on schedule. While it may be
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-february-use-the-force-shortening-the-season-for-spring-and-summer-blooms/Portico: A stately entrance or a small place to pause
A portico is an area with a roof by the front door of a home. Either columned or roof-only, porticos are places to prepare for going out or coming in from the elements. The roof allows one to open an umbrella before stepping into the rain. It gives a guest a place to brush off
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-february-portico-a-stately-entrance-or-a-small-place-to-pause/Dream of Sunnier Plains: Southwestern inspiration for the patio
Many stone traditions are available to emulate in your patio design. The architecture of the Italian Renaissance or an American Colonial theme inspire many homeowners. But what about a little taste of the American Southwest? When visiting the Southwest, you understand why the ancients worshipped the sun. The light is bright and the heat is
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-january-dream-of-sunnier-plains-southwestern-inspiration-for-the-patio/You in stone: Personalize your patio design
A new patio is a fantastic home improvement. It will likely increase the value of your property. A new Hardscape is an entirely new living space and most importantly, contributes to your overall enjoyment of being outside. Installing a Hardscape is like adding another room to your house. We don’t call them “outdoor rooms” for
https://ephenry.com/blog-2017-january-you-in-stone-personalize-your-patio-design/Salt and your pavers – what you need to know
Winter is here. Snow and sleet are coming. Before you scatter the de-icing salt on your Hardscape, read up on how to best care for your pavers during these cold months. The most important thing to do for Hardscape throughout the winter is to quickly clear it of as much snow as possible using gentle
https://ephenry.com/blog-2016-december-salt-and-your-pavers-what-you-need-to-know/A Fun Fireplace: 3 traditional accessories and their new twists
The apple spice and pine scented days are upon us. Along with your fuzzy blanket and mug of hot cider, add some unique accessories to your hearth to welcome the winter season. In days gone by, the fireplace, whether indoor or outdoor, was a central feature in any room. Being the primary and sometimes only
https://ephenry.com/blog-2016-november-a-fun-fireplace-3-traditional-accessories-and-their-new-twists/Environmentally-Friendly Lighting Design for the Patio
As the days get shorter but the weather stays mild, some relaxing time outside is in our future. The evening can be a peaceful time to unwind and get some fresh air after a long day spent indoors. Getting extended-hour use out of your patio is one of the main reasons to install an outdoor
https://ephenry.com/blog-2016-november-environmentally-friendly-lighting-design-for-the-patio/