Garden / Landscaping / Patio
Creating Your Landscape Site Plan - Part 1
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
Before you begin to design your landscape, you need to put into writing exactly what you like (and don't like), how you hope to use your landscape areas and other information which will determine your general layout, hardscape choices and plant selection. Continue reading →
Creating Your Landscape Site Plan - Part 2
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
Creating Your Landscape Site Plan by evaluating the conditions specific to your site. Do not underestimate the importance of this step: a thorough understanding of all environmental factors is critical. For example, in the north, you probably need to know from which direction the cold winds come in winter. Continue reading →
Drought Management Strategies
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
As a concerned gardener, I have been dismayed by recent weather news - the drought plaguing much of the country has become extremely serious! My daughter gardens in New Mexico, and she tells me that the water shortage is so severe there that all new landscaping is prohibited. Continue reading →
Fall Garden Chores, Part 1
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
In your vegetable garden, make sure you remove all weeds before they set seed - better to deal with them now than in the spring. It will pay to prepare at least one or two planting beds for early spring use...this will allow planting before the soil will allow tillage. Continue reading →
Fall Garden Chores, Part 2
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
One of the most neglected fall chores is watering...once the weather cools, we often forget that our plants still need water. In areas that freeze hard in the winter, late season watering is especially critical because roots will be unable to take in moisture when the soil is frozen. Continue reading →
Soil Fertility and Plant Food
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
The most important major nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Plants require these nutrients in relatively large amounts, and these are the nutrients most likely to be deficient for plant growth. Other major nutrients are calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). Continue reading →
Winterizing Fish Ponds
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
Since the pump runs 24/7/365, the area under the falls will stay free of ice until it gets *real* cold - like below 0 deg. F. I added a small bubbler pump near the skimmer to keep that area open also. When we had several days below zero, I tried these to keep an even larger hole open. Continue reading →
Fallacy of a Green Thumb
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
Some of our clients have expressed a desire to grow their own vegetable or flower gardens, but believe they do not have a green thumb. This is nonsense - a green thumb is learned, just like other skills in life. The beginner's learning process may produce a few failures, but each new lesson builds knowledge. Continue reading →
Grading Landscapes - Part 1 (equipment)
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
A tool that is useful in almost all landscaping is the rototiller for grading your yard. This tool is used for cultivating planting areas and mixing soil amendments with the native soil. If at all possible, rent or borrow a tiller with the tines in the rear of the machine. Continue reading →
Grading Landscapes - Part 2 (raised beds)
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
If you're creating planting beds and lawns on a sloped site, or if you want to create more vertical interest with raised or mounded beds, careful planning and choice of materials is vital. Understand that soil is extremely heavy, especially when wet. The forces of gravity will work to tear down any structures installed to retain soil, so these structures must be built with great care and careful planning. Continue reading →
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
99764 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
75599 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
72486 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
54022 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
31210 Views
Latest Articles
How Much Does it Cost to Take a Bath​?
Plumbers know that a bath may seem like a relaxing luxury, but the real cost extends far beyond your water bill. The average soak uses 35 to 50...
on Apr 8, 2025
10 Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget
A concrete patio can be a game-changer for your outdoor space. It is durable, versatile, and can be customized to fit your style. But what if you...
on Mar 25, 2025
Tips for Creating a Stunning Personalized Photo on Canvas
Order the unique beauty of a personalized photo on canvas and bring your memories to life. With a customized photo on canvas, you can transform...
on Mar 7, 2025
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
on Feb 18, 2025
Troubleshooting Excess Water in Your HVAC Secondary Condensate Drain Pan
When maintaining your air conditioning system, it is easy to overlook the condensate drain pan - until excess water starts pooling in places where...
on Jan 12, 2025
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
on Feb 18, 2025
Real Estate / Finance
Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
First Time Home Buyers Beware of These Hidden Repairs
You want a home, but you don't want to buy a money pit. Unfortunately, it's a constant battle against depreciation with real estate. Roofs leak and...
Adding Lighting when Sunlight is Not Enough
A sunlit room is perfect for creating a bright and open ambiance, but it is often the case that some rooms in your home do not get enough sunlight....
Feng Shui Your Home
There's a lot of time and energy that goes into designing, renovating, or redoing any part of your home. The end product should be an environment...
Things to Consider while Hiring a Maid
Hiring a maid has become an essential need of almost every second individual because of the competitive world they are living in where they want to...
Finding the Best Movers
Moving to a new home is often an exciting time for most, which is why it is essential to ensure the process of moving itself goes as smoothly as...