Nothing beats a hot summer day at the pool for beauty and relaxation. And it’s not just the refreshing water that makes a pool picturesque. Landscaping around a pool can enhance its crystalline beauty and give a spa-like feeling to your backyard. It can also provide privacy. Check out these recommendations for landscaping around a… Read more »
You may get a thrill from watching a graceful deer nuzzle an adorable fawn near your house, but when the deer come onto your property to munch on your prize plants, the thrill is gone. And deer on your property will bring ticks that can make you and your family sick. Proper fencing is the… Read more »
We live in the golden age of outdoor grilling. Your choices for the ultimate backyard barbecue range from gas and charcoal to pellet and Kamado grills, all of which offer other great features. Let’s get grilling! Methods of delivering heat The major difference in grill performance lies in the fuel used. Gas grills burn either… Read more »
If you’ve dreamed of having an in-ground pool just a cannonball leap from your backdoor, you may have an idealized image of what constructing a pool takes. Before you take the plunge and build a swimming pool, take a look at this inventory of what you need to consider. A complex project Building a swimming… Read more »
We all love relaxing around a fire, whether it’s indoors by the fireplace hearth or outdoors. Firepits are an increasingly popular way to enjoy a fire in your backyard. If you’re a person with average building skills, you can build one yourself. Here’s how. Portable units Of course, if you don’t want to build your… Read more »
A deck can be a little slice of paradise…except for the scorching sun by day and the insects by night. So why not turn that deck into a screened-in porch? Here’s an outline of what it takes. Get proposals. Using online and personal referrals, ask three contractors for proposals and quotes. Make sure they’ve been… Read more »
There’s something magical about the beauty and delicacy of butterflies. Wouldn’t it be fun to have them as frequent visitors around your home? Here’s how to invite them into your yard. Learn your butterflies. Research local websites for butterfly field guides highlighting types native to your area. Pay close attention to the types of plants… Read more »
