Adorning your home with a classy front porch or a comfortable back patio can be as important to your home as frosting on a cake. Not sure where to start? Try adopting a certain theme for your front porch. One option is the Vintage... Read More »
A courtyard is defined by open space surrounded by walls or buildings. If you are planning the design of such a space, the possibilities are endless. No matter how large of an area you have to work with, your courtyard can become your... Read More »
Spring is in the air and many people get antsy about gardening and beautifying their property. Be creative and with a little careful planning, you can develop a garden that is both beautiful and sustainable for many years to come.... Read More »
Outdoor kitchens are becoming quite popular, especially for those who love to entertain. Many of us avoid cooking on hot summer days and the thought of escaping the stuffy confines of the house to the great outdoors is a welcome... Read More »
1. Adding a water feature to your landscape promotes meditation and relaxation. 2. Solar powered lighting is a great way to illuminate a walkway without wiring.Spring is in the air and many people get antsy about gardening and beautifying... Read More »
Many cities are beginning to require contractors to landscape at least the front of a property, but many older neighborhoods still suffer with that one neighbor who never seems to notice his overgrown, weed-infested yard. It... Read More »
The entrance to your home is the threshold over which you welcome friends and family. Street appeal is also important, so why not make a strong statement with a stunning entrance into your home? Stand at the front of your property... Read More »
There’s nothing more refreshing than a cool swimming pool to quench the scorching summer heat. What better way to spend your lazy summer afternoons than lounging beside the pool with a cold drink? With summer quickly approaching,... Read More »
One of the most soothing, relaxing sounds on earth is the sound of trickling water. Not many of us get the opportunity very often to hike up a mountain stream to find that illusive waterfall gushing over the rocks. Although it would... Read More »
A small yard can present some landscaping limitations, but there is no reason why you can’t still enjoy your own backyard paradise. Assuming you are starting from scratch, it helps to sketch out your design ahead of time. Your... Read More »
Nothing quite hits the spot like a relaxing soak in a hot tub for weary, aching muscles. But is an occasional soak worth the high investment and heavy maintenance? The Pros. The hot water, pulsating jets, and relaxing ambiance after... Read More »
Whether you just want to get a jump on the growing season, or you live in a cold climate, a greenhouse becomes the gardener’s dream come true. Imagine hot-house flowers and fresh vegetables year round, right in your own backyard.... Read More »
Landscaping in hilly or sloped areas can present some challenges, but there is no reason why your yard can’t be just as beautiful and awe inspiring as a level yard. When done correctly, landscaping can actually prevent soil erosion... Read More »
Any sort of water feature can be an attractive focal point that brings value and beauty to your yard. A fish pond brings an added element of interest in that it brings a touch of nature right into your yard. The proper installation... Read More »
There’s nothing more refreshing than a cool swimming pool to quench the scorching summer heat. What better way to spend your lazy summer afternoons than lounging beside the pool with a cold drink? With summer quickly approaching,... Read More »
A sauna is a small room or house designed as a place to experience dry or wet heat sessions. The oldest known saunas were pits dug in a slope in the ground and primarily used as dwellings in winter. The sauna featured a fireplace... Read More »
There are quite a few different purposes for having outdoor lighting. And almost every home has it. We need outdoor lighting to see where we're going, look out for strange activity, display our homes or accent pieces, display our gardens,... Read More »
By definition, a retaining wall is any structure that holds back soil or rock from a building, structure, or area. They have applications in the commercial, industrial, and residential arenas. You might find a retaining wall keeping... Read More »
What is an annual? It is a plant that lives its entire life cycle from seed to flower to seed again in one growing season. Everything dies after the season is complete, except the seed to revive the plant during the next growing season.... Read More »
Annuals, perennials, biennials…confusing for the beginner; but once you understand the terminology, it's easy. A perennial is probably the gardener's favorite type of plant. For now, let's look at perennials and how to plant them. Perennials... Read More »
Would you like to turn your ordinary backyard hot tub into a relaxing, therapeutic garden spa? We've put together a few ideas to help you create the perfect outdoor oasis, along with tips on blending your hot tub with the natural... Read More »
Have you ever sat outside, on someone else's patio, and thought to yourself, "Wow, what a junkyard." You know what I'm talking about, don't you? Too much clutter and no rhyme or reason; or, too much cement and no greenery.... Read More »
My Great Home features an article entitled "Creative Playgrounds for Small Spaces." This article is chock full of useful information and includes many links for home playground resources. Here is a pertinent excerpt from this article: "Creating... Read More »
According to Wikipedia, terra cotta is a ceramic. Meaning "baked earth" in Latin, terra cotta can be used for vessels, water and wastewater pipes, and surface embellishment in building construction. As a general term, "terra cotta"... Read More »