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How to Make a Big Splash with Your Small Yard

Author — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:44:17 +0000

(ARA) – A baby boomer couple downsizing, a working professional’s downtown city condo, and a young family’s starter home in a metro suburb — the trend of people moving to smaller homes with smaller yards continues to grow. If you are one of them, how do you make the most out of your small outdoor green space? With the right tools and strategies, you’ll find the possibilities are endless.

“When people move to smaller homes, they want to make the most of the green space they have,” says Ashton Ritchie, lawn expert and master gardener for Scotts. “They still want that outdoor retreat after a stressful day.”

Ritchie says that smaller yards can be some of the most stunning because they require less time and homeowners can focus more on what they really enjoy. “The difference is with a small green space, it’s not an overwhelming full-time job. I’ve seen many beautiful small yards with intensive gardening and great landscaping.”

Here are Ritchie’s tips for getting the most out of small outdoor green spaces:

1. Make it your own.
If you want to create an outdoor retreat, a small yard holds many possibilities. Your priority should be deciding how you are going to use your yard. If you enjoy cooking, have much of your space dedicated to a great vegetable and herb garden. If you want to use your space to unwind at the end of the day, create an outdoor room with relaxation elements. If you plan to use your small yard as an additional space for entertainment, incorporate sitting space and tables for overflow from the house.

2. Use contrast to your advantage.
The nice thing about a small lawn is the contrast you can easily achieve in the foliage. Lush green grass is the foundation that contrasts with the colors and textures of other plants. Keep your lawn vibrant and consider planting flowers, shrubbery or an herb garden. The contrast in these elements provides as visual frame that is very appealing.

3. Fertilize for a green and beautiful lawn.
Green grass provides us with a soothing, relaxing feeling. But the No. 1 problem with grass is it ends up malnourished and starves. Therefore it’s important to fertilize four to five times a year so you get strong root and top growth.

People with small yards don’t want to bother with bulky bags of fertilizer and storage of a spreader. Scotts Turf Builder with Built-in Spreader is a great new solution. The handheld, all-in-one container is simple to use — simply flip the spout, tilt and shake onto your lawn. The fertilizer strengthens the lawn and promotes a healthy root system. It feeds a lawn up to 1,000 square feet. If you finish and have extra, the small container is easy to store for use next time.

4. Outdoor decor adds appeal.
Consider adding elements to your yard that interject your personal style. For example, adding a water feature is a great idea that is visually appealing plus it adds a water sound that creates a relaxing atmosphere. You could also add a bird feeding station to attract wildlife. If room is very limited, consider a small hummingbird feeder. Be creative and get ideas from your local gardening center.

5. Use space-saving furniture.
Small spaces do not call for big and bulky outdoor furniture. Benches can be a good option because they seat multiple people and also take up less space. Look for pieces that are multifunctional like a bench or table that also opens up to provide storage space. Finally, make sure furniture can withstand temperatures all year long since it probably won’t be stored in a different location.

Small yards can provide big beauty with these tips and strategies. Visit www.Scotts.com where you can read Ashton Ritchie’s blog and get other ideas for maximizing small green spaces.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Don’t Let Cold Weather Stall Home Improvement Projects

Author — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 00:53:28 +0000

(ARA) – Home improvement projects may not be at the top of your to-do list during the cold winter, but this is a surprisingly great time of year to consider potential exterior enhancements. Planning and preparing are important steps for any home improvement project, and what better time to start than now?

Potential Projects
* Driveway
If your driveway is in need of repair, it’s a good idea to fill any cracks before the winter weather creates more damage. Consider a product such as TAMKO’s Overdrive Rubberized Driveway Crack Filler, which can be used to repair cracks up to a half-inch wide and performs in all temperatures. If you delay filling the cracks in your driveway, you could end up with expensive repairs.

* Roof
Your roof represents nearly 50 percent of your home’s exterior protection, and it’s important to ensure your roof is ready for the rough winter. If you’re contemplating a roof repair or upgrade, it is important to research all options before making a choice.

A popular roofing choice is asphalt shingles, which cover nearly 85 percent of homes in America. You may want to consider a premium asphalt shingle, which typically comes with a longer warranty and additional advantages that could save you money in the future. For instance, TAMKO’s Heritage Vintage laminated asphalt shingles resemble wood shake and offer a 50-year limited warranty.

Develop a List
Before you begin making home improvements, it’s a good idea to develop a list of what you hope to accomplish. You should also keep your budget in mind because the cost of construction materials has risen more than 10 percent during the past year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“After determining your projects, it is time to prioritize and select how you’re going to tackle these home improvements,” says Stephen McNally, vice president of sales and marketing for TAMKO Building Products, Inc. “For some projects you should consider consulting a professional before taking any action.”

Schedule a Professional
This time of year, contractors and builders are anxious to schedule outdoor projects for the following spring. If you plan to work with a professional on your exterior home improvement projects, then consider contacting them now. You may have a better chance of being first in line once construction season begins.

No Better Time Than Now
Now that you have a list of home improvement projects, it’s important to put your plan in motion. “Don’t allow the weather to discourage you,” says McNally. “We typically have more idle time during the cold, winter months and this is a good time of year to begin planning those home improvement projects you’ve been delaying.”

Courtesy ARAcontent

A Window to Environmentally Responsible Improvements

Author — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:25:01 +0000

Replacing old and leaky windows with energy efficient models can bring a significant return on investment when you consider today’s high energy prices.

With the return of warmer weather, homeowners often plan home improvement projects and many look for ways to do them with minimal impact on the environment.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for 44 percent of the average home’s total energy use. Replacing old and leaky windows with energy efficient models can bring a significant return on investment when you consider today’s high energy prices. Plus, saving energy is good for your wallet and the environment.

Craig Evanich, president of Renewal by Andersen, suggests homeowners look for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure that a window is energy efficient. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing inefficient single pane windows with ENERGY STAR qualified windows could save up to 15 percent on your energy bills.

Evanich adds that Renewal by Andersen windows come standard with High-Performance Low-E4 glass which is designed to perform at even higher standards and is over 14 percent more energy efficient than stringent ENERGY STAR requirements.

Homeowners are increasingly seeking products that not only help reduce their energy consumption, but do so in an environmentally responsible manner. This means taking into consideration the full product life-cycle, from materials to manufacturing and use, to recycling and disposal. Here are some points to consider:
* Choose windows that are made from recycled or renewable materials.
For example, Renewal by Andersen windows, America’s only Green Seal certified replacement window, are made from a highly sustainable composite material that blends the best attributes of thermoplastics and wood fibers — much of it reclaimed directly from the company’s manufacturing plant operations.

* High-quality windows made from sustainable materials are built to provide long-term performance and minimize the long-term impact to the environment.
Evanich says windows made from composite materials can be a good option for homeowners who like the look and strength of wood windows but want the low-maintenance features of vinyl. Because of the unique blend of materials, composite windows do not need ongoing staining or painting to maintain their natural beauty, saving homeowners time and money.

* Shop by performance not price.
Shop around for quality windows that enhance the beauty of your home based on long-term value, not price. Saving a few dollars now could mean another replacement project just a few years down the road.

For more information on choosing energy efficient windows, visit renewalbyandersen.com or call (800) 630-5838.

Courtesy of ARAcontent