The following guest article is full of tips for selecting the best climbing plants for garden structures. It not only describes the correct climbing plants (like clematis, wisteria,and climbing roses) for a trellis, arbors, and a pergola – it also teaches how to train them to climb these garden structures.

How to Match Your Climbing Plants to Your Structures

 

Picking A Structure For Your Plants to Climb

Now, let’s begin with your structure. On the one hand, you can stop by the nursery and grab a three foot high wire trellis for very little money. On the other hand, you can build (or have someone build) a 10 x 15 foot pergola, with a lot more time and money involved. Then there’s everything inbetween (and, of course, you have to be thinking about what you’re going to grow on these things).

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Today’s guest article relates the problems most DIY gardeners encounter when they attempt a build-from-scratch project. Fortunately, the author found and shares a solution. Even though there is a commercial connection here, the article still offers some sound advice.

Build Your Personal Shed – A “Do It Yourself” Goal Come Correct!

Is it time to build your own shed? Well I can talk from experience when I say yes – the problem was that I did not have a clue where to begin, so I flew by the seat of my pants and it ended up costing me big time. I was spending money hand over fist and making too many visits to the supply store because my plans would change so frequently.

I was wasting materials and, in a few cases, I had the incorrect materials to begin with because I did not have a clear idea what the final project would even look like. I never did finish the first project, and listen to me when I tell you that I was well out of code and way in the red from where I started. I finally tore it down! But then I found out something that actually made a difference! Let me share with you something that I didn’t even know existed…complete plans that you can purchase online that will enable you to build your own shed like a pro! Read the rest of this entry »

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Susan’s Lawn Gardens is pleased to feature today’s guest article about the many uses and benefits of  wooden garden sheds. 

The Many Advantages Of A Wooden Garden Shed

 
Wooden garden sheds can be both a practical structure as well as one of style. It is no wonder why many home gardeners still prefer these relatively old-fashioned structures instead of those modern-looking sheds. Timber garden sheds blend perfectly with natural surroundings because they are produced from timber, a raw material supplied by trees. Read the rest of this entry »

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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

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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 »

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