Looking to give your house a much-needed facelift? Most homeowners don't know this, but amping up your curb appeal doesn't have to cost more than a few hundred dollars. In fact, it shouldn’t. Here are some tips on how to make small changes now to improve those first impressions later.
Touch-Up that Chipped Paint
Most people tend to neglect their home's exterior paint until it’s time for an all-over paint job. But this is harmful for two reasons. One, let’s be real, chipped paint is just unattractive. And two, it can expose the structure to moisture and damaging ultra-violet light.
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Although most of us still sadly have a month to go before the days of sandals and swimming pools, at least we can enjoy the brilliant blooms that spring and early summer are famous for. These flowering shrubs are so breathtakingly beautiful they might just make you want to kick-start the season by planting a garden of your own.
#1 - Endless Summer Hydrangea
This pretty-as-a-picture bloom, named the “endless summer” hydrangea, will last all the way from early spring to late summer. Even its leaves look amazing.
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Every year, we toss over thirty billion glass bottles into the trash. That staggering amount of discarded glass is creating an environmental problem nearly beyond control.
EnviroGLAS is one of those rare companies that had an idea and turned it into an innovation to benefit the environment. EnviroSCAPE is one such innovation. The product turns trashed glass into something useful and eco-friendly. It can also contribute seven or more LEED points to your building project.
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September 28th, 2009 in Landscaping
Green thumb or not, remembering to water your plant can be the most difficult of horticultural tasks. There's the when, how much and at what frequency - and believe me, all plants are not created equal.
But thanks to modern medicine (and a funky UK design company), you can order an I.V. drip for your dehydrated vegetation. The Vitamin I.V. Plant Pot is a whole watering system complete with a sleek and stylish planter, a metal stand and refillable hydrating bag. The pot itself comes in either black or white and is made from lightweight fiberglass. Its shape is unique, somewhat like a space shuttle capsule, but much shinier.
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September 17th, 2009 in Landscaping
Most people consider their backyards green enough already, but just because you see vibrant patches doesn't necessarily mean your yard is eco-friendly. One of the greenest things you can do is to actually cut back on the green - lawn, that is. Less grass means less mowing and maintenance, which means less energy to keep your backyard looking nice. One of the ways you can do this is with masonry. By installing a stone, brick or paver patio in the backyard, you give yourself and your family an oasis for relaxation and entertainment that barely needs any upkeep at all.
Another great backyard idea is to incorporate a natural sitting area, a place where you and others can sit and chat in a place that seems totally immersed in nature and not manufactured at all. This area may include some natural stone masonry walls, a walkway with grass or weeds growing between, stone or wooden furniture, a fire pit and more. The idea, though, is to make it look inconspicuous, while offering peaceful, low-maintenance comfort.
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