Beautify Your Garden Space

For many people, the garden is just about the most important part of the home, especially in the warmer months. If you love your garden, but you want to try and improve it, the good news is  that there are always many ways in which you can do this. By finding some good ways to beautify the garden space, you will likely also improve the feeling and experience of the home as a whole, so this is something that is definitely worth considering if you want to. In this article, we are going to take a look at some of the essential considerations for you to take on board if you are undergoing a project of this kind, so that you can be sure to make it work as well as possible, and end up with exactly the kind of garden that you have always dreamed of. Beauty For Your Garden Space

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Get Landscaping

Sometimes you need to really dig deep – literally – and change the lay of the land itself in order to make way for the improvements you want to see in your garden. If you have come to realize that there is nothing else for it, and this is what you need to do, then you will want to make sure that you get planning as to what you need to actually change in that respect. In all likelihood, this is not the kind of project you will want to undertake alone, unless you happen to be especially skilled in that area. Going with a firm like ABC Landscaping is much more likely to be beneficial and to provide the kind of results you want, so that is something you should consider instead. In either case, however you do it, you can be sure that landscaping the garden is often a great way to get the land to where you need it to be for whatever future projects you might have planned for it. It is much easier to beautify your garden if you are happy with the initial space itself before you even get going. Gazebo Against Trees

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Plot It Out

So many amateur gardeners do not achieve the looks they want for one clear reason: they are not really aware of the look they want. If you are a little hazy at all about what you are trying to achieve in your garden, it is unlikely that you will be able to manifest it in the garden space in any way that is likely to please you. You can therefore gain a huge advantage by sitting down and spending some time pouring over some paper, sketching out your ideas for what you want your garden to look like. By plotting it out in this way, you can be sure that you are going to be able to improve your garden space massively, and that you will have a clear idea of what it is that you are actually hoping to achieve. That alone is incredibly valuable, so make sure that you have thought about it as much as you can before you even get going on doing anything purely physical out in the garden itself.

Play With Colours

Arguably the most important element of all when you are trying to make a garden look more beautiful is the use of colours. Knowing how to use colours is something which you will find to be particularly useful in trying to achieve whatever kind of colour scheme you might find to be attractive personally. You will probably know this already, but it’s a different matter once you start trying to translate that into plants and flowers, and you might find that you need to spend a long time just looking through different plants before you can work it out. However, as long as you are playing around with colours, it is likely that you will be able to keep your garden looking as beautiful as possible, so this is definitely something to consider. Pink Petaled Flower during Daytime

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Allow Space

A lot of people find that they accidentally try to fill their garden up with too much stuff. This can at first seem like a good way to make it look its best, but actually the opposite is usually the case. If you have too much going on, it will be harder to look after, and you won’t end up with quite such a beautiful garden. But if you instead allow it to have plenty of space, you will find that it is much easier to maintain, and that it is therefore much more beautiful as well. This is a basic rule of thumb which you don’t want to overlook if you can help it.

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String Trimmers Explained

String Trimmers Or Weed-Whackers, They All Take Care Of The Same Job

Whether you call them string trimmers or weed eaters or weed whackers, they are all the same machines – edging and lawn trimmers. And, like anything else, buying them requires more than running into the store and plunking down the magic card. Best Brush Cutter and String Trimmers to Keep Your Yard Clean

Weed-Eater Buying Moments

String trimmer buying moments have a definite purpose. The purpose is the make sure you get the right one for the proper use.

What might the uses be? Of course, the applications are necessary yard cleanup and maintenance. However, there is also the occasional time when you have to go in and clean up massive clutter and wood. You do need a weed-eater for this.

If you only have a small patch of grass in your yard that requires cleanup, then other string trimmers will suit your purposes. And though it seems unlikely, there are more options for smaller yards than there are for big woody lots.

String Trimmers Explained

When you walk into the local garden center or home goods store, the first thing you are bound to notice is the variety of strimmers available. Let’s face it; there are so many sitting there that it can be very confusing. There are electric strimmers, gas-powered string trimmers, and string trimmer that combine other features such as a cutting blade.

Strimmers fall into three categories, based on price. They are:

  • $50 – This is the price range which features basic weed whackers. This is price range includes small, battery-powered and corded units. There might also be some gasoline-powered units available. However, you are more likely to find them in the next category. These string trimmers are for small lots and yards. Typically, these are places that also don’t require heavy-duty weed-eating capabilities. In their usage range, they are very effective.
  • $100-200 – This is the price range in which you will find your most extensive variety of strimmers.
    This range includes standard-sized units. You will see that not only are the string trimmers upgraded this range but so also are the power sources. You will notice that battery-powered versions use LI-on (Lithium-ion) batteries for the best.
  • $200 – This is the price range in which you will find heavy-duty string trimmers.
    By and large, you will see that these weed-whackers are gasoline-powered. Uses for these string trimmers include heavily overgrown and tree-covered lots. Since they are primarily gasoline-powered, you will find two- and four-stroke versions available.
  • Other – On the higher-end of the price range you will find specialized weed-whackers. They include the tricycle-style, heavy-duty brush cutter that are best suited for heavy brush and woody lots.

Pricing Is One, But There Are Other Considerations

Now that you have the styles of weed-eater and their pricing, there are other things to consider. For instance, let’s say you try to keep your costs down by purchasing the latest battery-powered lightweight. Is this the right matchup? The answer is probably not because you’ll find that it is too light for the job and in the relatively short-term you will probably find it ready for retirement. This is frustrating because if you had read our list of price points and tips, you would not have been replacing the string trimmer that soon.

Instead, our list shows that you should have bought a weed-eater in the second level because this is the one that will handle it.

Will it handle it in comfort? You do have to check this feature while you are still at the retailer because once you own it, well, you do own it. You should find that it is well balanced and that using it feels normal. Granted, you cannot start it up in the store, but, take it to a safe area and swing it the way you would in your yard. If it feels natural, like an extension of your arms, then it is right for you. Be sure, by the way; there’s a harness available that you can snap on that takes much of the weight off your arms. It’s an excellent addition.

Also, you should be sure that the weed-eater has an adjustable handle. You would be surprised how such a small convenience as an adjustable handle. Typically, the handles on higher-end string trimmers are adjustable. They slide up and down the shaft after being released. When you

have found a good fit for your left or right hand, you merely turn the close and latch the handle into place, and you are ready to begin working.

Some Feature Suggestions

While you are checking the trimmer, make sure that it has an adjustable head. If the head is adjustable from horizontal to vertical, then you have a double-edged tool, a strimmer and an edger all in one. One caution with flexible whip heads is that they must be secure – which they usually are – but it never hurts to check.

Here are some other buying tips:

  • Battery-powered trimmers should have lithium-ion power. These batteries last the longest and charge more quickly. Generally, you will find that they have about an hour’s worth of trimming time in them. This short-term power makes this type of trimmer ideal for small lots.
  • Gas-powered strimmers should have a start-assist feature. This feature is a spring-controlled. It takes the place of the rope that you need to start or restart the gas-trimmer. Another feature to think of is a choke-assist. This is usually a small bulb of gasoline that shoots the right load of fuel into the carburetor when you are starting.
  • One other nice feature on a gas-powered stream trimmer is an auto-stop button that shuts down the trimmer as soon as you hit it. It is a great safety feature.

Verdict

Here’s where we suggest what you should buy, and we do have our recommendation. If you have a small lot, electric is the best way to go. A motor-driven unit doesn’t have the stamina of a functional battery unit. As to your purchase for a bigger yard, lot covered with trees and branches, the best buy is a gas-powered weed-eater.

Except for convenience, the type of power – two-stroke or four-stroke – is your preference (it’s the gas-oil mixing point). Be sure the head is adjustable, so you have an edger and weed-whacker. And, lastly, be sure the string feed is convenient. There is one type of trimmer that feeds out the trim string with a bounce on the ground; another has an automatic feed. Watch out for a trimmer that requires manual trim string replacement. Because it wears so quickly, you will find that you have to stop frequently to replace it.

Author Bio:

Hi! I’m Eric Parker, Author of Tools Freak, a craft handyman with the passion for DIY projects. I share the DIY experience I have and the best tools you need. I am tools freak and enjoy hand and power tool hacks.

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7 Ways to Make Your Backyard More Private

Warm temperatures and sunshine invite families to go outside and spend time together enjoying endless hours in their backyards. That can be a challenging task if you have an open yard though. Aside from sun exposure, you will also worry about curious neighbors and passersby.

Luckily, there are lots of landscaping solutions that can keep out noise pollution, direct sunlight, and wandering eyes.

Here are some tips on how to increase your home’s privacy.

  1. Garden up

    Creating Mounds for flowers for interest in your backyard
    Source: Pinterest

To improve the blocking power of your favorite plants, start to grow them in berms and/or raised beds. This is a great solution for those who grapple with clay or rocky soil. The idea behind this is to mound the soil so as to increase the height of your plants. That’ll make your backyard feel more secluded.

  1. Plant a hedge

    Grow a hedge for privacy
    Source: Houzz Pinterest

Use a hedge as a green wall to increase the privacy of your backyard. Evergreen varieties are the best choice because they provide screening throughout the year. You can also give a try to plants that lose leaves in late autumn but compensate them for attractive dense flowers. Either way, be sure to pick a variety that is well-adapted to local climate while maturing at the preferred width and height for your hedge.

  1. Add Bamboo

    Create fast growing privacy screen using Bamboo, best grown in pots
    Source: Pinterest

You can get an all-natural privacy by filling in your naked backyard with bamboos. It comes in handy for gaps around fences and pergolas in particular. An extra bonus of bamboo is that it can turn your yard into a tropical exotic refuge. This giant woody grass is capable of shielding cozy hideaways with ease. Use this ability to your advantage.

  1. Look at lattice

    Create a Living Wall Lattice Privacy Screen
    Source: Pinterest

If the fence around your yard makes you feel somewhat claustrophobic, consider an alternative solution like a lattice. A lattice fence will add both enclosure and privacy to your yard but it won’t be closed off too much. Besides, this is a great way to showcase climbing roses. The panels of lattices are cheaper than traditional fences, meaning you will also save money this way.

  1.  Make a secluded getaway with trees

    Fast growing privacy trees
    Source: Pinterest

You don’t have to transform the entire backyard into a private paradise. Instead, take only one corner of your yard and turn it into a private retreat. Create a “pocket” by placing a few trees densely around your hammock. Pines can make it feel hidden and not easy to find or see. Also, place some redbud trees to enhance the effect.

  1. Container gardens for decks

    Create beautiful shade garden pots with easy shade loving plants & flowers
    Source: Pinterest

Make use of potted plants like clumping bamboo and arborvitae trees for this purpose. Arrange them in such a way to form a green screen around your deck area. Make sure the pots are made from the lightweight material or raise them up on casters. This way they will be easy to carry and move for deck repairs or parties.

  1. Build a Classic Wood Fence

    DIY Horizontal Slat Fence and Backyard Makeover. 8 ft tall privacy fence panels FOR LESS THAN $100!
    Source: Pinterest

Wood fences are kind of like an outside staple. There is a wide range of woods and style choices for fencing to pick from. Not only that it will increase the privacy but also boost the design of your backyard.

All of these can take your privacy to a whole new level. Mix and match them to get the most out of your backyard.

Other Outdoor Ideas
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Planting and Caring for Flower Bulbs

Getting the perfect garden requires work. The beautiful flowers you see starting to appear in the spring are the result of getting the planting right and looking after your bulbs.  Fortunately, it is easier than you think to plant and care for flower bulbs; as this guide will show you.  Planting and Caring for Flower Bulbs

But don’t forget there is more to the garden than just planting and caring for flower bulbs. To really appreciate the flowers and the shape of your garden you need to keep the grass cut, the borders well maintained and create a seating area to enjoy it all from.

You may want to take a look at the range of lawnmowers and other garden equipment available here at Sproutabl to help you with these tasks.

Get The Planting Time Right

If you have flower bulbs that are supposed to flower between January and March you’ll need to plant them in September or October. Equally if you’re hoping to have the flowers bloom in March, April or May then you need to plant them in October or November.

The flowering decision is not yours! Different bulbs flower at different times; you need to know what you’re planting and when they are supposed to flower. You can then create your planting schedule.

The Planting Process

You may prefer to install raised flower beds before you start planting. These are much easier to work with and are less likely to attract weeds. It is important to give the bulbs enough room; in general, this is approximately 6 inches but it does depend on what you are planting; be sure to check before you unpack the bulbs.

The first step in planting is to loosen the soil. This simply means using your fork to break it all up. It is advisable to loosen the first 10 inches of soil.  You can then position the bulbs in your desired locations. They should be approximately 6 inches below the soil. This allows them to stay warm and dormant until the weather indicates it’s time for them to flower.

The loosen soil will help them to establish their roots properly.

Mixing It Up

It is acceptable to simply scatter the bulbs into your flower beds and then cover them with soil; providing they have at least 4 inches of soil on top of them.  Scattering will create more of a wild garden effect than the organized planting option. It is even possible to plant the bulbs in the grass; just carefully remove the turf to create the hole and then put it back after the bulb is in position.

This will give you bulbs appearing everywhere!

It’s important to note that while depth is good for your bulbs, they should never be planted deeper then the depth of the bulb itself and every type of bulb is planted at different depths, be sure to check the packaging.

Looking After The Bulb

Once the bulbs are in the ground you don’t actually need to do a lot. It is a good idea to add fertilizer to the soil when they reach the growing season. However, this should be organic and in moderation; you don’t want to suffocate and weaken the plants.

It is worth deadheading the flowers once they have finished for the season. This guide to deadheading flowers will show you how, and it will help to return the nutrient to the bulb.

Annual bulbs should store all the nutrients they need for the following year it’s only perennials that will need fertilizers to get them started. You can actually leave the bulbs in and enjoy your garden throughout the year.

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