Patti Moreno, of Garden Girl TV, installs drainage holes into her trash can garden. Check out www.gardengirltv.com and www.urbansustainableliving.com for more information.

Choosing a landscape contractor is a big decision. Mitch Knapp gives expert tips on how to choose the right landscape contractor for your project.

Deer resistant plants and shrubs are an essential addition to your garden. Plants that are deer resistant can also beautify your garden and keep it looking great all year long. Mitch Knapp explains what are some of the best deer resistant plants and shrubs to choose for your landscaping.

Swimming pools have a lot of different options. New Jersey landscape architect Mitch Knapp shares tips on a variety of different swimming pool options to consider when planning for your swimming pool.

New Jersey landscaper and landscape architect Mitch Knapp shares tips on how to choose perennial plants for your landscaping and garden. An interesting look at a variety of perennial plants and flowers for your garden.

Courtesy: Hotwaxtv

But automating pool functions can save up to 75 percent of a pool’s annual energy costs, while also reducing chemical use and maintenance time. Pool owners can customize pool functions to their schedule. For example, someone may set their pool’s filter pump to run longer or more often on weekends, when the pool experiences heavier use.

The pool experts at Hayward offer the following tips for Americans looking to enjoy their pools with minimum effort and maximum savings:

Replace your pool’s filter pump

A pool pump may be your home’s second or third largest energy consumer after air conditioning units. But a multi-speed, energy-efficient pump can save up to 75 percent on your pool operating costs. Hayward recommends its Tristar 2-speed pump or Variable Speed pump that features up to eight programmable speeds. Owners can further reduce energy consumption by setting each action’s time, speed and duration, or setting the pump to work during off-hours.

Use a robotic cleaner

A robotic cleaner can quickly pay for itself, saving up to 94 percent of the energy used by a pressure cleaner and booster pump. The best models, like the TigerShark, use little energy themselves, operate independently from other pool functions and shut off after cleaning.

Are you still flipping switches?

Save energy by managing your pool and spa functions with automation. The new OnCommand automatic pool controls can be retrofitted to your pool for less than the price of your next big-screen TV. Program and control up to 4 functions such as your multi-speed filter pump, booster pump, pool/spa lights, heater or pool cleaner.

For more information, visit www.haywardnet.com.

Courtesy: NewsUSA

When homeowners are faced with the challenge of how to make their homes stand out, manufactured stone is a solid solution. StoneCraft manufactured stone veneer comes in several options which look like natural stone, but is easier to install and more affordable.

Manufactured stone adds limitless potential to outdoor living areas. Picture a patio lined with inspired Fieldstone, which projects a warm strength, with an adjacent outdoor fireplace, barbecue pit and waterfall hewn from gorgeous River Rock, whose rounded edges and earth tones impart both country charm and a sense of permanence. Surrounding this elegant setting could be a privacy wall built from stunning Lake Stone, Quartz or Monarch styles.

Inside, nothing adds a homey, rustic charm to a family room or den like the rugged look of stone. Imagine a fireplace and even interior walls crafted of Heritage stone, for a warm, classic feel. Envision a kitchen boasting walls of bold, beautiful Ledgestone, with its clean linear appearance with varying heights and depths.

Back outside, manufactured stone provides curb appeal unlikely to be matched by any other home in the neighborhood. Measured against ordinary brick or siding exteriors, a home graced by traditional Fieldstone brings additional substance and strength. This stone imparts an eye-catching European charm to even the most contemporary construction.

Nine styles with a variety of colors are available from StoneCraft. “These products provide a distinctive ‘Texture for Living’ to your home’s exterior, and come with a limited lifetime warranty,” says Jonathan Wierengo, director of marketing for The Tapco Group, maker of StoneCraft.

“In a world of cookie cutter houses with siding or brick facades, manufactured stone brings a customized beauty to any home, and it’s a smart investment that pays nice dividends in the years to come,” Wierengo adds.

StoneCraft is a division of The Tapco Group, which is a U.S. Green Building Council Member. For more information, visit www.stonecraft.com or call (888) 580-6448.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

Want to learn about how a butterfly hatches and grows? Freya Wellin of Chalet Nursery talks about raising butterflies. It’s easy and a great way to educate kids about nature.

Courtesy: www.green-house.tv

Here’s an interesting and easy little do-it-yourself birdhouse project to help our fine-feathered friends dwell in style with this handsome mid-century home.

Redwood is often the material of choice for fences because it is durable, looks good, and resists warping, splitting and checking.

Many homeowners save money by building their own redwood fence. Fence building isn’t difficult. Here are some tips for successful fence building from the California Redwood Association:

1. Designing the fence

Most redwood fences are variations of a simple post, rail and board design. The post and rail support structure is made of standard dimension lumber, while fence boards of different shapes and sizes give a fence its individual style.

2. Choosing quality materials

Most redwood fences are built with knot-textured “garden grades” of redwood. These rugged grades are economical and provide the best combination of performance and value. It is important to use noncorrosive nails and hardware to avoid unsightly stains.

3. Setting redwood posts

Setting posts is the most critical part of the job. They must be straight and evenly spaced, which requires patience and lots of measuring. Construction Heart grade redwood is the right choice for fence posts because it resists decay and insects.

4. Attaching redwood railings

Two or three horizontal rails run between the posts, depending on the fence height. Upper rails should rest on the tops of the posts for support. Bottom rails can be toenailed into place, but the preferred method is to place a block underneath the joint for extra support. Use metal hardware, such as “L” brackets, to secure rails to posts.

5. Nailing redwood fence boards

Nailing the fence boards in place is the easiest and most satisfying part of building a fence. Near the ends of the board, predrill holes before nailing to avoid splitting. For fence boards four inches wide or less, use one nail per bearing. For wider fence boards, use two nails.

For more help, send $2.50 for “Fences for All Reasons,” a 16-page color booklet that includes construction drawings for dozens of fence designs and step-by-step building instructions, to California Redwood Association, Dept. FNU-04, 405 Enfrente Drive, Suite 200, Novato, CA 94949.

For other project plans and redwood information, log on to Calredwood.org.

Courtesy: NewsUSA

With the growing popularity of green building practices, more companies are incorporating environmental and sustainability policies. These are all positive steps toward reducing the impact of global warming and caring for our earth. But what do you really know about a product you buy that is labeled green? Is it really environmentally friendly, or is it just a marketing scheme? And how much of a difference is it actually making?

“Green and sustainable forestry practices are a step in the right direction. But even the most stringent standards, those certified internationally by the Forest Stewardship Council, are only a modest step away from the large-scale deforestation practices that were prevalent until recently,” says Raul Hernandez, founder of Old-Growth Again, an organization dedicated to restoring logged forestlands back to their ancient form.

Hernandez goes on to explain the problem is sustainable forestry does little in the way of restoring large and ancient trees overtime. Without these trees as a significant portion of working forests, the effects forestlands can have on global cooling are limited. Under sustainable forestry practices, lands are cut at rates of up to 30 percent per decade. At this rate of cut, a forest is “sustained,” but it’s maintained as a young forest in perpetuity with trees rarely exceeding 80 years of age.

OGA is changing this by practicing a much higher “Restoration Forestry” standard. Restoration forestry involves many practices including limiting the rate of cut to a maximum of 10 percent in any one decade. This conservative rate allows for a growth increase of standing lumber at rates of approximately 20 percent per decade, allowing the forest to mature so that a large amount of the forest canopy will once again be dominated by trees over 200 years old (the definition of old-growth).

Why is this important? “Depending on the tree species and geography, forests managed on a 200-year cycle sequester 3 to 4 times more carbon per acre than forests managed on 60 to 80 year cycles,” says Hernandez. “Restoration forestry practiced on a global scale would cause dramatic global cooling to take place while growing the highest quality lumber.”

How can you help? With the nice weather, more people are spending time outside enjoying their yards. If you are looking to add some new furniture and decor, consider Forever Redwood, OGA’s thick-timber products, which help fund the organization’s mission. Add some new lawn furniture, a gazebo or pergola, a swing or just some planter boxes. The look and design of the products is a throwback to another era when lumber was plentiful and of extremely high quality.

Besides supporting a good cause, redwood products are very long lasting and can be left outdoors for decades in elements such as harsh sun and snow, without maintenance. You can choose from three grades of redwood for Forever Redwood products – young, mature and old-growth. Half of the lumber used is from salvaged material left on the forest floor when the forest was first logged in the 40s and 50s. This wood is carefully inspected, and because of its high quality, much of it is in great shape and can be used, a testament to the longevity of the old-growth lumber. The other half comes from careful harvesting of the forest.

“One of the biggest aspects of global warming is deforestation. If forest lands are managed so they sequester carbon as they did before the high levels of harvesting, a big part of global warming equation would be eliminated,” says Hernandez.

To learn more about Forever Redwood furniture and products, and how old-growth forests are helping counteract global warming, visit www.OldGrowthAgain.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

“People don’t want to lose money on their biggest investment so instead of moving, they’re improving their homes,” says Joe Rey-Barreau, an associate professor at the University of Kentucky’s School of Interior Design and education consultant for the American Lighting Association (ALA). He says now that warmer weather has arrived, people are adding decks, patios, gazebos and outdoor kitchens to their homes, and they aren’t just planning to use them in the daytime.

“The trend towards expanding outdoor living space has been growing for some time now,” says Richard Lentz, president of Lentz Landscape Lighting in Dallas, Texas. “In past years, our goal was focused on lighting the space and showing off the garden. Now we’re concentrating a lot more effort on finding innovative ways to light outdoor spaces so they can be used at night, much like they’re used during the day.”

Backyard decks no longer just have a small light near the door. Lentz says lighting designers are now installing down lights in trees and attaching them to chimneys to shine light down on the space. “We’re also putting in a lot of step lights to make the transition from the upper to lower level easier,” says Lentz, who adds that people no longer have to feel like they’re under a spotlight when they sit outside under the stars. “If there’s a tree nearby, we can shine light down from it. Attaching fixtures to a chimney is also a nice way to get light from above that feels like moonlight.”

And when it comes to lighting outdoor kitchens, innovation is key. “We do a lot of task lighting in the outdoor kitchen,” says Lentz. “We’ll utilize the arbors to hang task lighting over the sink, the grill and the table, for example, and put them on dimmers so when the light isn’t needed, it can be turned down.”

Lentz credits the recent innovations offered by various lighting manufacturers for making those projects possible. “Technology sure has come a long way in a short amount of time,” he says.

Rey-Barreau agrees. “Manufacturers realize there’s a growing market for outdoor fixtures and they have responded by stepping up to the challenge to develop chandeliers, table lamps and sconces that are rated for wet conditions so they can be safely installed outdoors,” he says.

Safety isn’t the only factor being considered by manufacturers. So is operating cost. Not so long ago, the U.S. government mandated that the lighting industry find ways to cut energy consumption of their products. Kichler Lighting of Cleveland, Ohio, responded by coming out with a line of outdoor fixtures that use highly efficient L.E.D. bulbs that require one-third the energy of incandescents.

“When people realize they can get the same light output, a nice comfortable color and reduce energy use by 75 percent, they are more than willing to make the change,” says Jeff Dross at Kichler Lighting.

There have been innovations in the area of lighting for curb appeal purposes as well. “Landscape lighting is about safety, security and aesthetics. As far as the latter goes, the key to success is being subtle. Less is always more,” says Monty Gilbertson, manager of Lighting Design by Wettsteins in La Crosse, Wisc.

Doug Prexta, who works for the landscape division of Cleveland, Ohio-based Hinckley Lighting confirms lighting the outdoors is a trend that’s here to stay. “Our business is way up in the landscape division because people are investing in their homes more and more,” he says.

For more information about landscape lighting, or to find a lighting showroom near you, log on to the American Lighting Association’s Web site at www.AmericanLightingAssoc.com or call (800) BRIGHT-IDEAS (800-274-4484).

Courtesy of ARAcontent

In fact, feeding wild birds is becoming more and more popular each year in the United States. About a third of Americans feed wild birds, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Each year, more people are inspired to put up feeders, buy outdoor pet food and turn wild birds into beautiful outdoor pets.

On the other hand, some people are hesitant to dive into the hobby of feeding wild birds because they are discouraged by the shells (and subsequent weeds) that can accumulate around a feeding station. According to research done by the Wild Bird Feeding Industry (WBFI), the number two reason why people don’t feed birds is because of the mess left under their feeders. Innovative wild bird food manufacturers have taken notice of this concern, which has resulted in the creation of “waste-free” and “less mess” mixes. These formulations allow bird lovers to enjoy the best of both worlds: a yard full of colorful outdoor pets and a lawn that is neat and tidy.

Less mess products are designed to keep outdoor living areas clean because they are made without the shells of seeds. Without the shells, there is less leftover debris scattered around the feeding station. Better yet, premium mixes like Wild Delight’s Less Mess line of products are specially formulated to help prevent the germination of seeds into weeds under feeders.

When trying to keep a clean yard, it’s important to consider the type of seed being put out. “Basic mixes” or “economy mixes” contain many extra ingredients that birds simply sift through and push to the ground. These mixes can also attract less desirable birds, such as starlings and sparrows that typically gather in large numbers and can make quite a mess.

For those who want to avoid a messy yard (and nuisance birds), look for products that are made with premium ingredients like fruits and nuts that more sought-after birds such as cardinals and finches love. Products like Wild Delight’s new Less Mess Fruit & Berry blend, for example, is formulated with real cherries, juniper berries, peanuts and hulled pumpkin seeds – ingredients desirable birds will gobble up without excessive sifting and leftover mess.

Another option for those who want to keep a clean yard is to place a tray under a feeder. Trays will help catch any spilled seeds and make cleanup much easier. Plus, they act as another level to the feeding station. What some birds pass up and toss onto the tray, others might feast on happily, creating a wide variety of feathered friends at one feeding station.

Feeding nectar and suet is another way to keep a tidy lawn. These types of food help attract many different types of sought-after birds like woodpeckers, orioles and hummingbirds, creating a beautiful spectacle of unique wildlife. There are even suet products that you can place close to your home. No-waste products like Deck, Porch N’ Patio Party Suet from Wild Delight don’t contain filler ingredients like corn and milo that birds either toss aside or ignore completely. Plus, premium suet products are formulated so they will not melt even in temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is also important to put out multiple feeders to prevent overcrowding. When too many birds gather at one feeder, things tend to get a little hectic and messy. If birds have the option to dine at more than one feeder, there is less pushing and shoving, which may mean that more seeds are eaten instead of thrown to the ground.

Finally, spreading mulch under feeders is another easy way to keep a yard looking cleaner. Mulch will hide the seeds that may fall, and it can even dress up a feeding station. By adding a border with stones or other decorative items around the mulch, a feeding station can become a nice addition to a landscaper’s design.

With the proper food and a little bit of planning, bird lovers and new bird enthusiasts alike can enjoy both the wonderful hobby of bird feeding and a well-groomed lawn at the same time. Best of all, they can feel good about helping out the wonderful outdoor pets that we all enjoy.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

A composite deck is one earth-friendly upgrade that not only will help spruce up your backyard, but also will create a green outdoor living space. Some composite decking products offer the look of natural wood in a low-maintenance green product.

For example, MoistureShield Decking from Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies (A.E.R.T.) is made with 90 percent recycled wood fiber and plastics, such as plastic grocery sacks, milk jugs and detergent bottles. By using recycled plastic in MoistureShield, A.E.R.T. keeps plastics out of landfills, while also developing composite products that are resistant to moisture and insect damage.

Beyond the good feelings you get from selecting an earth-friendly decking product, Joe Brooks, A.E.R.T. Chairman/CEO offers the following advantages for homeowners looking to “green” their backyard.

Increased Home Value

When considering a composite deck, it is important to look at your overall investment rather than just the initial cost. “Remodeling” magazine’s 2007 Cost vs. Value Report reported that homeowners could recover 77.6 percent of a composite deck’s cost in resale value. In addition, potential home buyers are looking to buy green homes for the increased resale value. The 2007 McGraw-Hill Construction SmartMarket Report on Attitudes and Preferences for Remodeling and Buying Green Homes found that 73 percent of people surveyed listed potential higher resale value as one of the top four reasons to buy a green home.

Low Maintenance

Less time maintaining your deck means more time to enjoy it. Unlike traditional wood decking, composite decking does not need staining, painting or sealing to maintain its natural beauty. The plastic fibers help protect the deck against termites, rot and harsh environmental conditions. While little maintenance is needed, a composite deck still requires periodic cleaning as with any flooring surface exposed to normal use and the outside elements.

Safety and Durability

Although your composite deck may look and even feel like wood, it will not crack, warp, splinter or create slivers like a traditional wood deck. Instead, a composite deck offers a solid, slip-resistant surface that is comfortable and easy on bare feet.

Aesthetics

A composite deck will enhance virtually any backyard due to the wide variety of choices available. Manufacturers like A.E.R.T. offer an assortment of colors and textures, which allow homeowners to mix and match as needed to create a stunning deck to complement their home.

Tax Incentives

Because of the composition, many composite decking products, including MoistureShield, meet or exceed the requirements for landscape decking published in the LEED for home standards. The U.S. Green Building Council (USBGC) offers the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System to promote the design and construction of high performance green homes. Through this system, local, state and federal governments may offer tax breaks and other incentives for building LEED homes or adding green features to your home.

When looking to “green” your backyard this spring, consider these advantages and make a composite deck the centerpiece of your green outdoor living space. To learn more about composite decks, visit www.moistureshield.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent