Susan’s Lawn Gardens is pleased to feature this article from today’s guest author, MUSHARF… one of the gardening experts at Infozabout.com, so we feel very comfortable recommending their work to our visitors.

Learn how to compost- the easy way.

by Musharf

It is becoming more and more obvious these days that we need to recycle as much as we can, and anyone with a garden has a head start and can make a great contribution. To many novice gardeners, including myself, this subject can be somewhat difficult to grasp; but in fact it is really straightforward – there are just a few very simple rules:

You need a compost bin, and the type you decide on rather depends on the size of your garden, but there are a couple of options: Read the rest of this entry »

Susan’s Lawn Gardens is pleased to feature this article from today’s guest author, ANNE HARVESTER. She is an expert on outdoor fireplaces, so we feel very comfortable recommending her work to our visitors.

The Proper Maintenance and Care of your Outdoor Fireplace

by Anne Harvester

One of my favorite summer activities involves sitting around our fireplace made from soapstone on cool those cool summer nights with a refreshing drink in hand.  Now that the temperatures are warming up, it’s time to get your backyard ready for the summer and this means getting everything cleaned and ready to go.  One of the first things we do during our backyard cleaning days is to clean up the outdoor fireplace.  Depending on the type and style of outdoor fireplace you may have, maintenance can be simple or complicated.

Did you know no matter what your fireplace is made of they are still mostly all built the same and then spring cleaning of them are all similar. You’ll need an ash can, a good broom, and some sturdy work gloves. You’ll find it can be a pretty dirty job from all the remaining ash and wood in it. Use your brush or broom to sweep the ash into the can for proper disposal.

Iron Fireplaces
Fireplaces made from iron are probably the most popular models because of how sturdy they are.  You’ll find different styles implementing steel or aluminum chimneys to go along with an iron base. Make sure you can purchase any replacement parts before you purchase a certain type of iron fireplace since the other parts don’t last as long as the iron base will. Why replace the entire thing if you don’t have to? Apply high-temperature paint to the iron portions of the fireplace to protect it from rust.

Copper Outdoor Fireplaces
Another common type of outdoor fireplace is the ones made from copper. While a little more expensive, these particular models are sought after for its unique and brilliant copper shade which is much different than the plain black iron types. Storing the fireplace in a dry place away from the harsh weather helps to keep it at its original color. You can use covers for copper fire pits as a way of protecting them from the rain and such without having to move them when not in use.

Brick and Stone Fireplaces
Soapstone fireplaces, brick fireplaces and soapstone masonry heaters must properly be cleaned as often as you do with your indoor fireplace.  Remove the ash and debris from the fire box after use with soapstone fireplaces. A good investment is installing a chimney cap to keep leaves out of the chimney which can sometimes spark fires. Although soapstone fireplaces don’t have to be covered during the rain or in winter, you’ll still want to clean the exteriors in order to keep its attractive appearance.

It is important to the necessary time to care for your outdoor fireplace properly.  With the right amount of maintenance, you’re fireplace can last you many years of summer enjoyment.

Anne has worked on many home improvement projects with soapstone. Her specialties are redesigning ordinary houses into the extraordinary using soapstone fireplaces or soapstone masonary heaters.

Article Source: The Proper Maintenance and Care of your Outdoor Fireplace

Susan’s Lawn Gardens is pleased to feature this article from today’s guest author, HARRY NACK. He is an expert on garden water features, so we feel very comfortable recommending his work to our visitors.

How To Light Up a Garden Fountain

by Harry Nack

You are able to make a fountain shine, light up an entire pond from inside, highlighting an attractive statue, or raise the expression of a particularly gorgeous tree.

You can install garden fountain lights inside or outside lighting. You need to know that all should be connected to a GFI for your own protection,

Before you start shopping for garden fountain lights, try out different effects with a strong flashlight or a spotlight on an extension cord. Focus for simplicity and nuance. Do not let yourself get carried away and chance your garden fountain into a amusement park , but keep your eye on elegance. Read the rest of this entry »

Susan’s Lawn Gardens is pleased to feature this article from today’s guest authors at  LANDSCAPING-BLOG. They are landscape experts, so we feel very comfortable recommending their work to our visitors. 

Common Landscaping Tools for Each Landscaper

by Landscaping-blog

For the avid do-it-yourself landscaper, the right tools are important. After all, if one wishes to save money on the expenses associated with having a well cared for yard, it is best to make sure that he or she has all of the tools necessary to create an attractive landscape. By understanding some of the most common tools used for basic landscaping needs, you can ensure that you have everything you need to keep your lawn in the best possible shape, bringing delight and distinction to your grounds, be they large or small. Read the rest of this entry »

 
Susan’s Lawn Gardens is pleased to feature this article from today’s guest author, JOE SWANTACK. He is an expert on outdoor flooring, so we feel very comfortable recommending his work to our visitors.

How to Install Modular Outdoor Flooring Deck Tiles

by Joe Swantack

 Modular Outdoor Flooring Decking Tiles, made of Ipe hardwood, also known as Brazilian Walnut, can be installed over most hard surfaces such as concrete, existing wood decks, brick pavers, asphalt, rubber roofs, etc., either indoors or outdoors, in protected or unprotected locations.  To ensure trouble free installation and long life, the surface must be as firm and as even as possible, with no major irregularities or depressions.  In exterior installations, the underlying surface should slope slightly to allow water to drain away freely. Read the rest of this entry »