Brookwood Garden Blog

Garden Storage Sheds - Tips To Help You Choose The Right Shed

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:36:46 -0500

If you have been searching for an outdoor garden storage shed, you might have noticed there is a huge selection to choose from. There are many assorted styles and designs that are available in many sizes. Or perhaps you have been thinking of building your own shed. Before you purchase, or begin to build, here are some tips to consider.Storage Shed Space:You will need to determine what you plan to use the shed for. Will it be used for storage, or for a workspace, or maybe combination of both. Measure what you will be storing inside, if you will also use it for a workspace, make sure to leave enough room to move around comfortably. It is always a good idea to buy or build a little bigger than intended.Storage Shed Material:Storage shed kits are available in a variety of materials. Some of the most common materials are metal, vinyl, and wood.Metal sheds are usually coated with a tough, baked enamel finish. You can find these in a variety of styles and designs. Metal sheds are ve...

A Shed Design To Be Proud Of

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:37:01 -0500

Nowadays when purchasing a new garden shed it is no longer necessary to find a spot in the garden to put the shed where no-one will ever have to look at its ghastly form. For one thing sheds are not an inexpensive item to purchase so why shouldn't it be pleasing to the eye?The modern day concept of the shed has altered, they are no longer simply an outbuilding left plain simply for storage, and the modern shed can lend itself to many occasions. There is such a wide variety of shed designs available on the market, it's possible to have an outside shed designed in the style of a small country cottage but still have a practical interior layout to provide all the functionality that is required. These cottage style outbuildings even go so far as window boxes, shutters and gables, definitely a shed to be proud of. Many of those buying this type of shed will go to the trouble of supplying electricity to it; this makes the outbuilding suitable for workshop use.It is possible to find a shed des...

Garden Storage Sheds - Things To Know Before You Purchase

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 07:42:18 -0500

Storage shed have many uses. It can be used to store your garden tools, camping equipment, bikes, or just basically stuff we don't use often. Or you can use them as a shelter for potting plants, or a work space. Storage sheds will come in many styles and sizes for different needs.A garden shed is a simple structure. They can be set up permanent on a concrete foundation, or have it portable on a skid foundation. You will need to check your local codes to see what will be allowed.Adding details such as windows, trim, doors, and shingles can turn an ordinary shed into a beautiful structure. Even an ordinary storage shed kit can look stunning with some custom features.What you want your structure to look and do will be things to consider when purchasing. Will it be used as a storage, or a work place? Maybe you will want a combination of storage and work place. Looking for the right design and size might suit you best.The first thing to consider will be size. Find out what you can a...

Planning a Flower Garden

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 06:47:28 -0500

Gardening can be a very relaxing and enjoyable hobby. It is a creative activity, which can add color and appeal to your home and yard. Gardening is more than just throwing some plants into the ground, though. For the most enjoyment, and the biggest impact, you'll need to do some planning, and make some decisions about your garden.Probably the most important consideration for your garden, is the type of garden. Do you want a herb garden or a vegetable garden? Do you want a flower garden? Do you want flowers that only bloom during the spring, or a variety of flowers to bloom from spring through fall? Or if you want, you can have different gardens in your yard. Maybe a plot near the house for growing herbs, and then maybe some flowers in the corner of the yard to add a touch of color.Once you know what type of garden you want, you can choose the location. If you want herbs or vegetables, the best place for them is near the house, so that you can access them easily when cooking. If you...

Pergola Plans - Building Garden Structures

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 05:16:38 -0500

Building your own pergola is a project many do-it-yourselfers can do themselves. This project can be built without plans. But to eliminate all the guess work, trying to design it yourself, you should look for step by step plans with illustrations, and a material list. There are many sites that offer free plans. If you can't find what you need with free ones, consider buying some, most are very affordable and they will eliminate a lot of work.Plans will come with a material list, and this is a great way to estimate what the project will cost before you build. Of course, building it yourself will save you money, but is it possible to do it yourself? If you are capable of using a jigsaw, more than likely, yes. It is not a complicated structure. Square and rectangle designs are the easiest to build. This project can be done in one or two weekends. With the help of some friends this can be a fun weekend project.Where do you begin? The first thing to do is to find out of any requirements...

Ergonomic Garden Tools That You Should Use

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:12:25 -0500

Gardening is a favorite past time for many people. For the professionals or those really like to spend long hours working in the garden, ergonomic garden tools are preferred. Ergonomic garden tools are basically designed for easy handling and usage. It is a boon for people with problems in their joints and or have weakness in their hands. Construction of Ergonomic Tools Ergonomic tools are often made with longer and bigger handles so that they are easier to hold. Many such tools have comfortable foam handles or specially designed grip for better holding. Weight is a very important consideration, so the material used are often lightweight plastic. Lighter weight allows the tool to be lifted and held up for longer duration. The design may also incorporate features like a prop or support. Some of the ergonomic design considerations may be to enable dual usage or multiple functions. For example, many garden tools such as the tool storage box can double up as a stool or a small stand. Co...

Custom Landscaping Bridges for Your Garden

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:11:20 -0500

Are you considering landscaping that tiresome backyard, or adding on to that already treasured garden? Perhaps you are considering a water piece, such as a man made stream or pond, as is commonly installed for its peace and serenity feel in modern back yards? Well, if you are, let me introduce you to another great little idea which may seem unnecessary but which will surely transform your garden into a truly spectacular place to spend time.I'm talking about bridges. No, not one to allow the motorists a short cut on their way to work each morning, but instead the miniature versions, such as foot bridges, garden bridges, or bridges crossing that water feature I mentioned earlier. Whatever the bridge may be for, you would be surprised at how popular they are with home buyers - especially ones with children or gardening hobbies. The addition of a garden bridge is seen by most as a great way to improve the value of your section, without going to great lengths to achieve something dramatical...

Houston Patio Design, Harscape Design, Harscape Contractors

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:46:36 -0500

A patio is a transition space between the house and the yard. Depending on your preference, your patio design can run the gamut from an elegant open-air greenhouse to an outdoor living room. Regardless, a patio expands the living space of the house and creates a focal point out the window. By adding a personal touch to the overall property, your patio design affects the emotional and physical space by changing the view and showing your personal aesthetic.Patios belong to the subset of landscape design called hardscapes-the non-plant material of your landscape design-that play a critical part of any garden landscape project. In general, when hardscapes are combined with green, growing plants, they create an outdoor living environment that invites you, your family and friends to come in, to sit and enjoy, to meander or explore. In this way, a patio is an extension of the home that is both functional and appealing to the senses.Patio Design: The BeginningThese outdoor spaces come in...

Landscape Design For Difficult Spaces

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:16:42 -0500

Many clients find themselves in a difficult position trying to integrate a remodeled home with new elevations, entrances and windows that no longer have a good relationship with the existing landscape design. A new home on a cleared lot that has no landscape design can be even more overwhelming with endless possibilities and viewpoints from which to consider a new garden, pool, arbors, pathways and landscaping. A good landscape designer can bring fresh eyes and new possibilities to difficult spaces.Define the Landscape ProgramAs a home owner it's important to break through the frustration of your existing landscape design and just decide what you want. Your program is an outline or list of desired wantsneeds and functions for the site. For example, "I want a beautiful pool with some kind of water feature, grill area and spot for entertainment" or "I want my landscape design to reflect the beauty of the Tuscan Valley." Visualize and use all of your senses in how you will enjoy your...

Hardscape Installation, Patio Design, Pool Decking, Retaining Walls, Fireplaces in Houston Texas

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:37:21 -0500

Hardscapes-the non-plant material of your landscape design-play a critical part of any garden landscape project. When combined with green, growing plants, they create an outdoor living environment that invites you, your family and friends to come in, to sit and enjoy, to meander and explore.Types of Hardscapes Pool decking. This hardscape runs from the swimming pool to the house, connecting these two major areas. Popular choices are flagstone, brick or wood. Special attention needs to be paid to using non-slippery surfaces since it is part of a wet area. Outdoor Fireplace. Both functional and aesthetic, fireplaces provide warmth in the fall and winter, as well as add ambiance to the garden. The look of this particular hardscape can range from a grand to simple. Wooden decks and arbors. Although most people attach them to the house, decks can also be freestanding. Other popular hardscape structures made of wood include arbors, pergolas, loggias and gazebos that create a de...

Landscape Lighting and Residential Design in Houston Texas

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:41:59 -0500

Let There Be LightThe basics of landscape lightingLandscape lighting is all about the artistry of light. Whether subtle or dramatic, it creates a different kind of beauty, one built on the way light and shadow play together. It turns the ordinary into the extraordinary-just like on a theater stage. The right landscape lighting allows you to showcase beautiful trees and garden elements, but, at the same time, lets you control what you don't want people to see by leaving some things dark. From a practical standpoint, it provides security and safe access and is often recommended as a relatively inexpensive way to increase your property value.For the homeowners' pleasure as well as guests, landscape lighting acknowledges and addresses the fact that, for about percent of the time, your landscape is viewed at night. "Since so many people work and don't come home until after dark, landscape lighting means homeowners can still enjoy their outdoor property, whenever they get home," say...

Landscape Contractors, General Contractors and Landscape Installers in Houston Texas

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:12:04 -0500

It's a common dilemma: you have an outdoor project and you don't know whether to use landscape contractors or to do it yourself. Are landscape contractors worth the expense? What value do they add? How do I determine which landscape contractors are competent? Where do I start?Landscape Contractors: An OverviewLandscape contractors bring to the table an understanding of the plans and documents that the landscape designers and architects have prepared. They understand the proper terminology. They know the tradesmen and subcontractors who can do excellent work. They organize the workflow. They turn the ideas into a practical and coherent reality.For landscape contractors, this project management is the skill that proves their real worth. In general, the more complex the project, the more important it is to have a single experienced professional overseeing the job. If nothing else, it eliminates the finger-pointing when conflicts arise. You then only have one person to deal with.Ma...

Outdoor Water Fountains, Garden Fountains and Water Features

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:51:31 -0500

The Murmur of WaterOutdoor water fountains can transform you and your environmentThe mesmerizing sound. The transparent movement. The cool, fresh sensation. Outdoor water fountains are a treat for the senses-auditory, visual and tactile. For millennia, we had placed moving water around our homes because water works some kind of magic on us, soothing us to our very essence.Outdoor water fountains make a graceful statement about a home by creating a pleasing and welcoming ambiance. They can be used to enhance the architectural style of a house. Outdoor water fountains are especially beneficial in these technological times, serving as camouflage for traffic noise, humming air-conditioning units and thrashing lawn mowers. They can be designed to be played in, thus providing cool relief on a hot day-perfect for Houston.Types of Outdoor Water FountainsOutdoor water fountains come in a multitude of shapes, sizes and styles. They can invoke Roman classicism, a Hill Country natural po...

Tips on Getting Authentic Irish Jewelry Pieces Our of Your Garden!

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:42:25 -0500

Due to the growing popularity of Irish jewelry pieces today, there are now a number of jewelry stores in local shopping malls and over the Internet that offer authentic Irish jewelry pieces as well as fashion jewelry pieces that are inspired by Irish jewelry designs. Although both kinds of Irish jewelry pieces are beautiful and mystifying, some would prefer getting authentic pieces of jewelry for those extremely special occasions. Here are a few tips to help you make looking for authentic Irish jewelry pieces a lot easier.Do some researchIrish jewelry pieces are distinct because these pieces of jewelry are crafted and designed using only a number of different symbols. This is because these symbols are meant to provide these pieces of jewelry a deeper meaning. There are five distinct symbols that are commonly used in all types of Irish jewelry. These are the Celtic cross, spiral designs, rope designs and the chevron which is a spiral design that resembles that of a heart. There are ...

Low Maintenance Landscape Design

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:51:42 -0500

The latest studies show that in the U.S. there are more than million acres of lawn, making grass our irrigated crop. In these days when conservation-of natural resources and your personal resources-is all the rage, now is a good time to consider some alternatives that will save time, money and energy. A landscape with a design for low maintenance can easily be yours. And it doesn't have to come at the cost of a bland, boring yard. All it takes is some knowledge about the right plants and techniques."With a design for low maintenance, the goals are basically the same as for any other landscape design, except we focus on using materials that reduce the Big Four of ongoing maintenance: watering, trimming, weeding and mulching," says Jeff Halper, landscape design specialist with Exterior Worlds.Design for Low Maintenance: Actions and Choices Choose drought-resistant plants, like pampas grass, Plumbago, and Lantana. You might even choose older rose varieties, which...

Landscape Achitects in Houston Texas

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:06:46 -0500

Landscape architects-they are members of a team that you call in when you want your landscape to have an impact. Landscape architects are the professionals that help you turn your property into your dream home. And into a true investment.Landscape Architects: BackgroundWho are landscape architects? To become a landscape architect usually requires a bachelor's or master's degree in landscape. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are two undergraduate professional degrees: a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture BLA and a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture BSLA. Typically, these degrees entail four or five years of study in design, construction techniques, art, history, natural and social sciences.For landscape architects seeking advanced degrees, there are two routes. Those who hold undergraduate degrees in landscape architecture can earn their Master of Landscape Architecture MLA in two years. If you hold an undergraduate degree in a field ...

Classic Landscape Design and Traditional Landscape Design in Houston Texas

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:27:10 -0500

In the first millennium, a wealthy Roman family would most likely have had a garden surrounding their home. In it, you might find an open-air palazzo, pergola-style structures dripping with vines and blooming flowers, a dining area with couches for relaxation, water features such as an outdoor water fountain or wall fountain, and walkways that led out into the garden proper, perhaps to a prized rosebush or into an olive grove. These are some of the elements characterizing what is now called classical landscape design, also known as traditional landscape design.Classical landscape design is a subset of formal landscape design that uses linear, clean lines to develop an uncluttered look. These lines can be drawn with rows of trees and well-trimmed hedges, perfect plantings for the classical landscape design. Or perhaps a seat wall made of regimented terra cotta tiles can do double-duty. Here and there, vines, such as ivy or wisteria, can soften any harshness. In this regard...

Converting a Weed Garden to a Manageable Flower Garden

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:26:29 -0500

Recently I must have had sucker tattooed on my forehead because just when I thought my summer gardening season was winding down into a nice relaxed not hard labor kind of fall a friend baited me into a conversation about their landscaping and the outcome was I ended up helping them redesign a garden. Some where along the line the topic shifted from trucking in new dirt to build up the flower beds and improving the soil quality to pathways, accents and decorations. Dirt I'm certain when it arrives will involve a little bit of my own effort and sweat.The good news is that the area was already was being used as a garden space. She had a beautiful collection of withering plants, a robust and abundant weed collection, and mulch that hadn't been topped or refreshed since dinosaurs roamed the earth.After talking for a while about hearty plants since my friend claimed to be cursed with brown thumb rather than a green one. We quickly determined some of the problems with the existing space...

Glorious Stones in the Garden

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:16:57 -0500

The garden is an extension of our home. This is the reason why a lot of homeowners are investing on beautifying their gardens by coming up with new design concepts to give it a different look. Building a pathway of stepping stones that leads to the garden is one design element that leaves a sleek and stylish finish to a modern day home. To build a stepping stone pathway, here are a few things to remember. First is to choose among different designs, shapes, colors and sizes of stepping stones that you feel is just right for your garden. Then choose a pathway and where it's going to lead. Mark these paths to place stones that should be more or less inches in diameter. Leave about two feet between each stepping stone, which is considered a normal stride for most people. To place them permanently, dig out small holes by using a shovel or axe, making sure the holes are a bit larger than the actual diameter of the stepping stone. Put the stone on the hole and make sure to leave it flat ...

How to Design a Wildflower Garden

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:56:29 -0500

With the increasing reduction of wild habits for many plants, many people have begun to look afresh at what they are losing and have gained an appreciation of their native flora. This has encourage them to create areas within their own garden in which wild flowers can flourish, partly to help preserve these flowers and partly because they simply enjoy them. What is a wildflower garden? A wildflower garden is one in which native flowers are grown in as near wild conditions as possible. The idea of wild conditions is not so much to create picturesque landscape but more to create conditions in which the flowers will grow. There are several types of garden all based on habitats in the wild. The most common is a wildflower meadow. Next are those based on plants of the cornfield and arable land, which like the disturbed soil of the open border. Then there are the woodland plants that need a shady garden. Finally, there are the wetland plants, which need a pond, stream or boggy area. Onc...

Begin to Design your Perfect Life

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:46:42 -0500

Are you living your ideal life, the one you always dreamed of? Or are you, like many, still waiting for your life to begin? STOP WAITING. This article is written to encourage you to start designing your life, right now. Why waste another moment?Maureen was close to tears, she was exhausted and she was confused. Her life, on the face of it, was excellent - a loving and supportive husband, two grown-up children and several grand-children that she adored, and no particular money worries.But something was wrong. She couldn't identify it but knew it was there. Happiness was elusive and she had no time to herself. She became increasingly short-tempered and frustrated, and so very tired.Maureen had always been there for her family. It was taken for granted, expected of her in fact, and she loved it. Her life was a whirl of activities. Birthday cakes for the grand-children, picking up shopping for her eldest daughter when she was held up at work, collecting the children from school, baby-si...

Garden Ponds Can Help Improve Your Home

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:18:01 -0500

Garden Ponds can help in improving the appearance of your home. There can be no doubt that having a garden pond with it's flowers, waterfalls, fountains as well as garden pond lighting and garden accessories can transform what was once a sorry looking lawn into a piece of nature at it's best. The choice of design is infinite and a garden pond can always be complimented to the style of home and with a little creativity could make your home look just the way you want.You could have your garden pond filled with fish and plants or even a collection of both and with the advancement in pond liner technology garden ponds can now come in all shapes and sizes. if you were thinking about a small garden pond, then you would probably be better off purchasing a preformed garden pond made from lifelong guarantee resins. For medium to large garden ponds we would suggest a flexible rubber liner.If you are going to create garden ponds with flexible liners, you w...

Patio Design - expanding your home outdoors

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:12:01 -0500

By: Nicholas WebbA patio can be just like another room in your house. Effectivepatio design can mean that your increase the floor space of yourhome, by adding an outside room that allows you to entertainlike never before. A patio can just be a rectangular slab ofconcrete with some plastic chairs and griller, but it can alsobe so much more.What comes to mind when you think of a patio? Patio design gives you the opportunity to create an outsideliving area ' an extension of your home ' for entertaining andrelaxing all year round. For instance, people who like toentertain may want to consider a patio with an undercoverkitchen and dining area. By adding a barbecue grill, a built infridge and some quality outdoor furniture, the patio can, initself, become a feature of your home. When commencing a new patio design, it is important to rememberthat your new outdoor entertaining area does not need to beexpensive. There are a variety of different patio surfaces tofit a particula...

RHUBARB-GIFT FROM THE GARDEN

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:33:20 -0500

Rhubarb - you either love it or not. There doesn't seem to beany in-between when it comes to this fruit that lends itselffrom a pale pink to a ruby red hue. This strange looking plantwith its giant leaves and pink stems comes originally to us fromChina and Tibet. These ancient cultures used the rhubarb formedicinal purposes. Its leaves are very toxic, and they shouldnever be eaten.Here are a few country-fair recipes for rhubarb - pick yourfavorite and see if your family can decide if they are rhubarbenthusiasts. RHUBARB CREAM PIE - cups rhubarb, washed, dried, and cutinto inch pieces cup granulated sugar tbs. all-purpose flour cup milk eggs, separated Mix the sugar, flour, milk and egg yolks together. Pour thismixture over the cut rhubarb and mix together well. Pour into anunbaked pie shell and bake in a degree oven until the fruitis tender and the filling is a custard consistency. You can addmeringue to the baked pie using the egg whites and tbs...

Garden Plants And Shrubs - Buy Cheap Garden Plants Online

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:28:00 -0500

Shopping for garden plants and shrubs for work or home garden environments is sometimes a daunting task when trying to get the right look and feel. Garden plants online offer an alternative solution to trawling through the dozens of garden centres in your area.Garden flowers and shrubs come in so many different varieties, so searching on the internet for something to suit your style will nearly always be a successful trip into the garden plants and shrubs cyber markets.Gardening has long been a popular activity and the transformation from a dull looking backyard to a beautiful elegant resting place is a case of good choices and money well spent. Garden plants and shrubs are not the sole aim of creating a designer garden, but they are the life of the final product.Choices to mix in with your