'Home Improvement' Category

Although soakers, sprinkler systems and drip irrigation have all but replaced hoses in many of the traditional watering chores around the garden, every household without a sprinkler system still needs a sturdy hose. And even if you have an automatic system you still need a hose to wash the car and soak newly transplanted trees, shrubs and flowers. [...] Read More

Ground covers require less maintenance than a lawn. Use these plants in areas that receive little traffic. Nearly any low-growing, spreading plant can be used for ground cover. The thicker and more vigorously a ground cover grows, the less you will need to weed the area and the less watering or other care it will need. [...] Read More

Choose a variety of plants to form an ensemble rather than buying piece-meal and hoping that they will look good together. Most successful gardens will have the following: foundation plants of trees and shrubs as well as other trees and shrubs, a ground cover, some perennials, annuals and vines. [...] Read More

Landscaping does not have to cost thousands of dollars. Here are some ways to rein in a landscaping budget. Do it yourself. Whether is it digging and laying a mulch path, mowing the lawn or fertilizing it, you will save hundreds of dollars and learn more about gardening if you do it yourself. [...] Read More

All landscapes need what professionals call “a sense of enclosure.” Whether it is a low hedge or a six-foot plank fence, a backyard needs a place where you can sit and relax and feel you are not being observed by neighbors or passersby. A privacy fence is a ready-made solution and will last 10 to 20 years. But building a fence that conforms to local zoning codes can cost several thousand dollars. [...] Read More

You need to look beyond the trees, shrubs and garden beds in planning your landscape. Great gardens have good “bones.” The skeleton of a landscape is the hardscape: the paths, fences, steps, edging, patios, decks and other hard elements. When designing these elements keep in mind that hardscape should serve a function. [...] Read More

Do not make extensive changes to a new yard for a year or so until you understand the landscape’s peculiarities. Use a garden journal to record what you learn about the soil, drainage, shady areas and any hot and cold spots. Use the first year to experiment. Plant a few annuals, perennials, some vegetables and some plants in pots. [...] Read More

Basements, like garages are magnets for household overflow, especially if the space is unfinished and dry. A basement can be turned into a useful storage space with freestanding plastic or metal shelves, temporary wardrobes and stackable storage boxes. [...] Read More

Narrow 3 1/2 inch-wide shelves installed between open studs will hold quart cans of paint, jars of fasteners, garden sprays and other supplies. Using a 1x4 first make 3/4 inch blocks to support the shelves. Attach the blocks to both sides of the stud with glue and 1/2 inch screws. Cut the shelves to fit between the studs then place them securely on the blocks. [...] Read More

The garage tends to become a catch-all space for extra stuff but the time and thought you put into organizing it is an excellent investment. You walk through this space everyday on your way to your car so garage clutter is an inconvenience and a possible source of danger. [...] Read More