As the cool winter begins to subside, everyone is looking forward to the coming of spring. Spring means lighter and warmer days. Nevertheless, you cannot fully enjoy spring if you do not prepare your home and garden for it. Preparing your home and garden for spring means a lot of work, so it is important to evaluate the work ahead in order to accomplish them in time. Start by checking the outside of your home and check out doors and windows. It is also a good idea to check out your exterior wall as well and find out if there are cracks, holes or leaks due to the cold season.
It is necessary to review your major home ventilation, hating and air-conditioning systems. Before the climate changes, make certain that filters are replaced or cleaned and the air conditioner in good condition. Clean windows, ceiling fans and clean the fireplace. Do not forget to check the emergency systems in your home such as the smoke alarms, home alarm, carbon monoxide alarms and fire extinguisher and make certain they are in good working condition. Check other areas in your home as well, like the roof, clean the gutters and remove twigs, leaves and branches on the roof.
Prepare your garden for spring since winter could definitely affect it. Winter has frozen your plants, trees, destroyed plants, flowers and left your garden in a kind of mess. The first thing you should do is to find out when winter ends officially so you can begin rehabilitating your garden. Remove twigs, dry leaves and other items that could mean obstructions on your garden. Clean the entire are with a rake and prepare your garden tools. Make sure they are sharp and ready for use. Start buying bulbs, seedlings and garden decorations.
Cultivate the soil so it will be ready for new plants to be planted. Prepare your walkways and areas adjacent to your landscaping. Make sure to replace old and cracked garden hoses and remove tree limbs and debris from the sidewalks. If there is no more snow in your area, it is a good time to begin planning your spring landscaping and lawn maintenance. Pressure wash paver and concrete areas that have turned dirty during winter and power wash brick walls, vinyl siding and the vertical surfaces in your home if necessary.
By preparing your home for the spring is rewarding today and still rewarding three months from now. Remember that your home goes through many changes due to climatic changes and as it ages. Spring preparation and maintenance is good for every homeowner. Furthermore, it is more important if you plan to sell your home soon. Homebuyers want to make certain that all home systems are well-maintained and taken cared of before they purchase. If you are unsure, consider hiring a professional home inspector. A home inspection covers your home from top to bottom. So, what are you waiting for? Prepare your home now because the warmer climate is just around the corner. Time to go outdoors and enjoy the sun.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
A Rock Wall Fountain Accents Home and Garden Living
A rock wall fountain offers a timeless appeal that may be designed in either a very structured or more free flowing style. These fountains may be extremely large and feature nooks and crannies or may be smaller, with some designed for use within the home, providing the relaxing, meditative sounds of the water as it flows.
Structure
The rock wall fountain may be built almost entirely of stone held in place with mortar or if designed for indoor use it may be constructed of stone or stone veneer placed on a cement board backing which has been placed on a wooden frame or built into a wall. The options and designs vary a great deal and are often very uniquely constructed to the owner's wishes. The types of stone used include brick, large or small stone and rocks, as well as cultured stone or a combination of these.
They may be built to appear as natural outcroppings or waterfalls or they may be designed with a modern look and of all evenly sized stones. The varieties and styles are endless. More than one fountain may be featured in a large rock wall fountain which is used at an entryway or for a back yard wall. There may be various concrete cast designs which spout water, or may have an even gentle flow of water across the entire face. Recessed niches either behind the water or set into an area of the wall that is dry may be used to display plants or other items.
Designing a Rock Wall Fountain
When designing for interior or exterior use consider the surrounding structure and design. A uniquely designed rock wall fountain built into a retaining wall and featuring three evenly placed gargoyle heads with spouts where they water flows into a solid structure with rocks which resembles a brick raised flower bed suits an estate home well.
A home with a country feel may desire a rock wall fountain which has outcroppings to place plants and a mix of rocks which may be found locally with overhanging shelves of rock, forming cascades for the water to flow into a pond. Interior designs may encompass an entire wall or may be built into a frame a few feet wide which has the water trickling down the face of the rocks or stones into a rectangular shaped catch which returns the water to the fountain.
The best place to begin when designing or choosing a rock wall fountain for either indoor or outside use is by looking at images online. The vast number of styles available is astounding and the images will fuel creativity and imagination which will lead to increased satisfaction with the finished product.
Shopping for Rock Wall Fountains
Many precast and preformed models are available and may be offered through local garden centers. These often are versatile enough for use both in the house and out. If purchasing a large custom built rock wall fountain a local mason or construction company would be an excellent place to begin. Building supply stores feature stone and masonry products for the do it yourselfer.
Structure
The rock wall fountain may be built almost entirely of stone held in place with mortar or if designed for indoor use it may be constructed of stone or stone veneer placed on a cement board backing which has been placed on a wooden frame or built into a wall. The options and designs vary a great deal and are often very uniquely constructed to the owner's wishes. The types of stone used include brick, large or small stone and rocks, as well as cultured stone or a combination of these.
They may be built to appear as natural outcroppings or waterfalls or they may be designed with a modern look and of all evenly sized stones. The varieties and styles are endless. More than one fountain may be featured in a large rock wall fountain which is used at an entryway or for a back yard wall. There may be various concrete cast designs which spout water, or may have an even gentle flow of water across the entire face. Recessed niches either behind the water or set into an area of the wall that is dry may be used to display plants or other items.
Designing a Rock Wall Fountain
When designing for interior or exterior use consider the surrounding structure and design. A uniquely designed rock wall fountain built into a retaining wall and featuring three evenly placed gargoyle heads with spouts where they water flows into a solid structure with rocks which resembles a brick raised flower bed suits an estate home well.
A home with a country feel may desire a rock wall fountain which has outcroppings to place plants and a mix of rocks which may be found locally with overhanging shelves of rock, forming cascades for the water to flow into a pond. Interior designs may encompass an entire wall or may be built into a frame a few feet wide which has the water trickling down the face of the rocks or stones into a rectangular shaped catch which returns the water to the fountain.
The best place to begin when designing or choosing a rock wall fountain for either indoor or outside use is by looking at images online. The vast number of styles available is astounding and the images will fuel creativity and imagination which will lead to increased satisfaction with the finished product.
Shopping for Rock Wall Fountains
Many precast and preformed models are available and may be offered through local garden centers. These often are versatile enough for use both in the house and out. If purchasing a large custom built rock wall fountain a local mason or construction company would be an excellent place to begin. Building supply stores feature stone and masonry products for the do it yourselfer.
Ergonomic Tools for Home and Garden
The need for ergonomic tools is important to identify when using hand tools in the home and garden. Especially if the tools are used for extended periods of time. Finding the right tool for the task at hand will save unwanted discomfort in the future.
Examples of causes of carpal tunnel and hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) are chain saws, power tools, hand weeding, painting, pruning, improperly fitting gloves, screw divers, pressing tool into palm and using spray guns, etc.
To avoid painful carpal tunnel, the use of ergonomic tools allows hands to be in a more neutral position reducing the stress on wrists, arms and fingers. Many ergonomic hand tools have a bent handle which prevents excess bending and pressure.
Cushioned handles will add comfort, reducing strain and in general protect your hands.
Also, available are gloves designed to improve fit and hand function. This helps to eliminate pressure on the hand while wearing gloves.
Operating hand held power tools at the lowest speed necessary for performing the task and wearing anti-vibration gloves will help prevent HAVS. Power tools you may use in the home and garden are drills, saws, staplers and sanders.
Have you painted your home and garden spaces with a hand held brush to discover you keep shifting the paintbrush around to keep a comfortable grip? Paint brushes are available which are designed to reduce stress and discomfort to forearm and wist. The brushes are able to be held with the right or left hand holding positions with ease. The ergonomic brush handles are slightly curved to fit your grip with finger grooves at the base of the brush for comfort.
Ergonomic positioning is equally important as well holding the tool as recommended by the manufacturer. Adjusting straps on equipment will reduce strain on your body for any hand held equipment.
Wheelbarrows have been designed to reduce up to 45% of the impact on your body by keeping loads level as compared to conventional wheelbarrow. The weight is distributed on the front wheel reducing the load on the handles and strain on the operator especially when dealing with sloping areas.
Examples of causes of carpal tunnel and hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) are chain saws, power tools, hand weeding, painting, pruning, improperly fitting gloves, screw divers, pressing tool into palm and using spray guns, etc.
To avoid painful carpal tunnel, the use of ergonomic tools allows hands to be in a more neutral position reducing the stress on wrists, arms and fingers. Many ergonomic hand tools have a bent handle which prevents excess bending and pressure.
Cushioned handles will add comfort, reducing strain and in general protect your hands.
Also, available are gloves designed to improve fit and hand function. This helps to eliminate pressure on the hand while wearing gloves.
Operating hand held power tools at the lowest speed necessary for performing the task and wearing anti-vibration gloves will help prevent HAVS. Power tools you may use in the home and garden are drills, saws, staplers and sanders.
Have you painted your home and garden spaces with a hand held brush to discover you keep shifting the paintbrush around to keep a comfortable grip? Paint brushes are available which are designed to reduce stress and discomfort to forearm and wist. The brushes are able to be held with the right or left hand holding positions with ease. The ergonomic brush handles are slightly curved to fit your grip with finger grooves at the base of the brush for comfort.
Ergonomic positioning is equally important as well holding the tool as recommended by the manufacturer. Adjusting straps on equipment will reduce strain on your body for any hand held equipment.
Wheelbarrows have been designed to reduce up to 45% of the impact on your body by keeping loads level as compared to conventional wheelbarrow. The weight is distributed on the front wheel reducing the load on the handles and strain on the operator especially when dealing with sloping areas.
Home And Garden Lighting
Previously, outdoor or the gardens were lit to facilitate people to see clearly when entering your home and to avert thieves. Today, landscape lighting is more for aesthetic purposes. Landscape lighting has turned into a work of art. The aim of landscape lighting is to exhibit a garden and a home in its complete splendor after dark. The lighting has its practical aspect and offers a well-lit area to deter thieves. The following are tips for landscape or garden lighting.
It is best to hire the services of a certified lighting consultant who is will give the best advice. Also, study your garden thoroughly before deciding what you would like to highlight using lighting. Make sure that the lighting professional has a copy of your design.
Include outdoor lighting when planning the garden landscape to make it easier to lay wires and pipes. Try and get more than one quote, so that you can compare the prices. Install a big transformer to meet your present and future lighting needs.
If you are thinking about doing the lighting in parts, lay all the electrical groundwork in the initial stages. Try and use soft light that is akin to moonlight. Don't overdo it. The landscape should be seen, not the lights. Hide the lighting system source behind shrubs and plants.
Make sure the fixtures are not visible. Use water resistant fixtures. Most people tend to favor white light for garden lighting. However, you could try different color variations with the help of a professional. Use fluorescent lights, as are they are less expensive and a lot more effective than incandescent lights.
It is best to hire the services of a certified lighting consultant who is will give the best advice. Also, study your garden thoroughly before deciding what you would like to highlight using lighting. Make sure that the lighting professional has a copy of your design.
Include outdoor lighting when planning the garden landscape to make it easier to lay wires and pipes. Try and get more than one quote, so that you can compare the prices. Install a big transformer to meet your present and future lighting needs.
If you are thinking about doing the lighting in parts, lay all the electrical groundwork in the initial stages. Try and use soft light that is akin to moonlight. Don't overdo it. The landscape should be seen, not the lights. Hide the lighting system source behind shrubs and plants.
Make sure the fixtures are not visible. Use water resistant fixtures. Most people tend to favor white light for garden lighting. However, you could try different color variations with the help of a professional. Use fluorescent lights, as are they are less expensive and a lot more effective than incandescent lights.
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