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Add a More Lavish Appeal to Your Backyard with These 4 Must-Have Features

May 30, 2018May 18, 2018Bruzzese Home ImprovementsDIY Projects, lawn and gardenbackyard, DIY projects, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

Turning a bland backyard into an outdoor oasis doesn’t need to be an expensive or time-consuming process. For many homeowners, a few simple upgrades and additions will make all the difference. Here is a look at four must-have features that are going to transform your yard.

Hang Patio Misters

If you live in a particularly hot climate, then you should consider installing outdoor misters. You do have the option of permanently attaching misters to posts and awnings, but removable misters require much less work. In addition to being more affordable, removable misters are also much easier to clean. Outdoor misters should be thoroughly sanitized with vinegar or another cleaning agent once every few weeks to prevent germs from spreading.

Replace Your Old Patio Furniture

Most traditional patio furniture isn’t built with comfort in mind. Replacing old plastic and metal chairs with swings and hammocks is a great way to take your yard to the next level. Very few things are as relaxing as swinging in a hammock on a quiet summer night. If you don’t have any large trees on your property, then you might want to build a standalone pergola. These structures are relatively inexpensive and will last for years with the proper sealant.

Create an Outdoor Kitchen

Those who love to entertain guests need to have an outdoor cooking area. No one wants to leave their guests outside while cooking in a stuffy kitchen. A simple outdoor cooking space requires nothing more than a few comfortable seats, an ice chest, and a BBQ. For a more luxurious feel, you can install a fireplace to provide warmth in the winter and built-in refrigerator for drinks. With the proper setup, you will be able to keep your guests entertained while preparing a meal.

Install an Invisible Sound System

Your next BBQ or outdoor party won’t be complete without a good playlist. Multiple companies are now making outdoor sound systems that are designed to blend into natural landscape features. Some speakers can be hidden in lights while others look just like bushes or rocks. Many of these systems are controlled with a smartphone or tablet, but you can also hook them up to a traditional amplifier or stereo.

While most of these projects don’t require any special permits, you should always double-check all local statutes before working on your property. You must also contact your local utility companies before digging in your backyard so that you don’t hit any pipes or lines. Cracking a sewage line is an expensive and unpleasant problem that no homeowner wants to deal with.

How to Turn Your Garden into the Envy of the Neighborhood

March 26, 2018October 31, 2022Bruzzese Home Improvementslawn and gardenlandscaping, lawn, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

Keeping a great garden can be lots of fun, as well as a way to make your home look better from the outside. If you grow vegetables, it can also be a great source of fresh, nutritious foods for you and your family. Here are some of the best tips for turning your garden into the envy of everyone else in your neighborhood.

Start with Great Soil

If you want plants to grow well, you need to start with rich soil that will provide them with plenty of nutrients. Organic topsoil, sold by the bag at many hardware stores, can give your garden the start it needs to grow healthy plants. If you want to make your soil even richer, you can consider incorporating manure or compost for extra nitrogen. Mix these additives into the soil that’s already in your yard, and you’ll have a great foundation for your garden.

Choose the Right Seeds

If you want the perfect garden, you need to be selective with your seeds. Not only should you choose plants that will look and grow well together, but you should also consider whether or not the seeds you’re getting are good for your particular climate zone. If you plan to grow vegetables, consider the yield of each hybrid variety in order to get the most out of your garden.

Optimize Your Irrigation and Drainage

Everyone knows that plants need water to grow, but getting the exact amount of water right can be a little tricky. A good solution is to install an automatic irrigation system that will water your plants at specific times and for specific periods to ensure that they’re getting exactly what they need. You should also install a good garden drainage system, since plants can be harmed by water sitting on their roots for too long.

Rotate Seasonally

One thing that will easily make your garden stand apart from your neighbors’ is rotating the plants you have in it with the seasons. If you’re growing a flower garden, this means planting annuals for spring, summer and autumn. With vegetable gardens, you have even more latitude to rotate, as you can start with crops such as peas that mature early, then plant autumn harvest crops like squashes. Tomatoes, peppers, green beans, lettuce and broccoli can fill out your vegetable garden, as they’ll produce consistent harvests throughout the summer.

By keeping these simple tips in mind, you can create a great garden that will be the envy of all of your neighbors. Keep in mind, though, that keeping a great garden will still require plenty of work on your part.

Home Helps: Top Benefits of Choosing to Hardscape Rather Than Landscape

March 7, 2018December 20, 2023Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvement, lawn and gardenhome improvement, lawn, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

Constantly taking care of your landscaping can be a hassle. You may find yourself spending all of your free time weeding and maintaining your yard. Here are some benefits to hardscape over landscape.

Decreased Water Consumption

In areas where there are water restrictions, hardscape can save on dead and dying yards. You won’t have to look out at your yard and shake your head. It can also save on your water bill each month. This increased savings can even help you to pay for the project. Then, you can feel as though you’ve done your part in conserving water. It can also provide a fire break around your home. This can give you an increased sense of security.

Less Erosion Issues

Hardscape that is done well still drains into the soil. The benefit is that during heavy downpours, you won’t have to worry about your yard becoming a bog. Proper hardscape has a solid foundation that won’t erode underneath itself. If you live on a hillside, this can be a big cause for concern. Retaining walls can help to protect your investment. Some walls can even help to prevent landslide issues of your home and property.

Increased Yard Usability

Hardscape can allow you to create an outdoor living space. You can host parties in this increased space. Another benefit is that it can increase the value of your property. It can be an accent piece for your yard. Quality hardscape can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. This may drive up the sale price of your home if you decided to sell. It can even be a good place for the kids to play. Then, you won’t have to worry about them tracking dirt in from outside.

Reduced Time for Maintenance

Depending on the extent that you decide to hardscape your yard, you can cut down on the maintenance significantly. This doesn’t mean that you need to give up all of your plants. Keeping a few planting areas will still allow you to maintain some greenery. The benefit is that you can have more free time on the weekends to do other things. Hardscape that is done well can last for a lifetime. The key is to prepare the area with the proper materials, such as gravel from Purdy Topsoil & Gravel, before you take on the project.

There are lots of potential benefits to adding hardscape to your yard. Just make sure to do it right so that it can provide lasting beauty to your home.

Planning a Backyard that Your Kids Will Enjoy

February 12, 2018February 3, 2018Bruzzese Home ImprovementsDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, lawn and gardenbackyard, DIY projects, home improvementLeave a comment

There’s no doubt that spending time outside has numerous benefits not only for the body, but the spirit as well. Long and hard days at work and school can wear a person down, cause headaches, mood swings and irritation. Getting yourself and your kids involved and engaged in creative outdoor activities is a great way to get everyone to spend more time outside and away from the flickering screens of computers, tablets and smartphones.

With your kids’ safety and fun in mind, here are several ideas how to create a backyard that your kids will love spending time in.

An outdoor easel

An outdoor easel made of an over-sized chalkboard will have your kids go wild drawing, scribbling and doodling and you very happy to have it all happening outside, and not on your living room walls! Create your own chalkboard using a large piece of plywood and paint it with either store-bought paint or your own mix, using unsanded tile grout mixed with exterior latex enamel paint. Apply two coats and once it’s dried, hang it at your kids’ height using heavy-duty hardware. Add a bright coloured frame, a bucket to store the chalk and fun times can begin!

A flower garden

Planting a flower garden can give your kids a chance to experience the satisfaction of growing a garden from scratch and watching its entire life cycle. It will also teach them the responsibility of caring for plants and honouring their daily duties. One more plus is that you’ll have a beautiful and colourful backyard. Local nurseries commonly offer loads of different flowers to choose from and you can decide how to shape the flower beds, from traditional rectangular ones to imaginative spirals, circles or hearts.

A summer stage

Making a summer stage in your backyard is an amazing opportunity for your kids to let their imagination run wild and enjoy role plays or their own little theatre shows. It’s a quick, easy and cheap project that will give your kids the chance to express themselves and you a free, fun show while enjoying your glass of ice tea.

All you need is a clothesline, clip-on curtain rings and 6 yards of red fabric. Cut the fabric in two, 3-yard long pieces, fold down one end of each piece and clip the curtain rings, spacing them equally apart. Pull the clothesline through the rings and hang it between two trees. The line can stay up for the entire summer and the clips will make it easy to take the curtains down or put them up again.

A crafts table

Another inexpensive and fun outdoor addition to your backyard is a crafts table. Use a reclaimed pallet to make a low patio table and add several colourful cushions. Bring out whatever arts and crafts your kids like and make a little workshop in the fresh air. Just be careful you all get proper sun protection in hot summer months. The best way to do it is to install a custom cantilever umbrella on your patio, which has a durable canopy and can rotate 360 degrees to follow the movement of the sun.

Stepping stones/stumps

Stepping stones or stumps will create a balance challenge for your kids as they run or play catch. You can opt for cut logs in different heights that you can space just far enough apart so your kids have to carefully plan each step. Or, you can make it a joint project and create stepping stones together using ready-mix mortar or concrete. Kids will love to participate and get dirty! Choose the moulds you like and pour the mortar mix at least 2 inches thick. While it’s still wet and soft, let the kids decorate them with pebbles, marbles or beads, or write their names. It’ll stay as a wonderful reminder when they grow up.

Whatever you decide to create in your backyard, you’ll have an opportunity to spend quality time with your kids, be outside in the fresh air and create wonderful memories together, so pick a project and get cracking.

The Benefits Of Gardening – Infographic

November 6, 2017October 11, 2017Bruzzese Home Improvementsinfographic, lawn and gardenDIY projects, garden, infographicLeave a comment

From remodeling your bathroom to making your kitchen fit for a king/queen, you know that here at Bruzzese Home Improvements we are all about helping make your home the best it can be; but what about the garden? Well, we have just teamed up with the experts at WhatShed and we have this fantastic infographic for you that shows just how good gardening can be.

Now having a nice garden that has all kinds of fantastic plants and delicious food growing in it will, of course, make your home look more complete. While that is great, what we are really looking at is just how good mentally and physically gardening is for you. So while it is great for your home, gardening is even better for you.

To start with, gardening is really going to help your physical wellbeing from a reduced BMI to lessening the chance of your having a heart attack. Spending a few hours in the garden has been proven to be just as effective as spending a full hour in the gym. Gardening is a great way to keep your body active and make sure that you keep feeling young long into your golden years.

As well as being good for the body, you could argue that gardening is even better for the mind. People who spend time in the garden have been scientifically proven to have far lower stress levels. Gardening keeps you calm, takes your mind of the world and in general, it just makes you a far happier person. Gardening is also fantastic for your diet as those people who grow their own fruit and vegetables eat more fruit and vegetables.

So, yes, having a nice and full garden will make your home look nicer and even add value to your property. But you really cannot put a price on the mental and physical benefits that gardening provides you as a person.

How to Maintain Metal Surfaces in Your Yard

August 23, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, Home Maintenance, lawn and gardenDIY projects, home improvement, home maintenance, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

Since the early times, people have praised metal for properties they couldn’t get from natural materials. But actually, metal is much closer to nature than many people think. The iron ore comes from the depths of the earth, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that metal feels in our gardens like at home. Still, as a man-made material, metal is more susceptible to elements than other materials used in landscaping. Its arch-nemesis is rust – so homeowners need to intervene from time to time to keep metal features like fences, furniture, posts, taps, gates, rails, and grates in a mint condition.

Coating vs. painting

Rainfall and unsteady temperature always conspire to chip away the metal coating. Once the protective layer is damaged, rust is never far behind. One way to avoid it is to choose the most suitable metal for the intended use. Products with baked-on enamel or powder-coated surfaces will last long, without any special maintenance. On the other hand, varnished metal or surfaces protected with regular paint are prone to peeling, flaking, and chipping. Metals with superior coatings are expensive, but their longevity definitely justifies the initial cost.

Debris attracts moisture

With its intricate details, metal patio furniture is particularly exposed to a risk of decay. However, a few simple routines can make it last many years. The first defence against rust is cleanliness. At least twice a year, let’s say in spring and autumn, give your patio set a good scrub. Stir some liquid detergent in a bucket of warm water and use a sponge to remove dust and debris that attract moisture. Use an old toothbrush to reach hidden areas. When you are done, rinse away the detergent with a garden hose and leave the pieces to air-dry in the sun.

Physical protection

As mentioned above, it is the coating that safeguards metal from rusting. Careless handling can make two metal surfaces clink and cause chipping on one or both pieces. Whenever you need to move metal furniture, lift the pieces from the ground instead of dragging them. When the time comes to pack your outdoor furniture inside, make sure you protect the pieces with old towels or bed sheets to prevent them from scraping against each other.

Quick and effective solution

Still, even if you take all precautions, no one can guarantee that rust won’t develop over time. Although seemingly a small problem at first, it can get more serious if left unattended. Once you spot a small patch of rust, clean the area as described above and stop the corrosion in its tracks by using a quality rust converter. These products interact with iron oxide, converting it into an adherent black layer that is moisture-resistant and provides an excellent surface for latex and enamel paints.

Highly damaged surfaces

In cases of more extensive damage and negligence, you may need to refinish the metal – a task that demands more time and effort. Before you can start refinishing, you need to get to the bare metal surface. Using a wire brush or a special wire wheel drill attachment, scrape away the old coating. Take care not to damage crevices and folds that may be a part of the design. After you have removed the coating, wipe down the dust with a damp cloth and let everything dry before you apply the primer and metal paint.

The majority of homeowners regularly tend to their lawns and shrubs, trimming and clipping to add appeal to their gardens, but only a few pay the same attention to metal elements in their yards. With rust, prevention is the best protection, but when the surface layer is already damaged, quality anti-corrosion products can save the day.

6 Tips on How to Make Your Garden Stand Out

August 1, 2017adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, lawn and gardenDIY projects, garden, home improvement, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

Everyone enjoys having their own piece of heaven, a place where they can relax, think, create… For most, nature is the inspiring one and this is why we all strive to have a garden, regardless of the size of the plot given, it could be a balcony, a rooftop or a proper backyard. The goal is to create an eye-catcher for the people passing by and a favorite place for your friends to hang out.

Start with a clean-up

Just the same as you do with your house, make your garden look as if everything is there because you intended it to be. Begin by removing all furniture, old clutter, trimming the bushes and the trees and of course mowing the lawn if you have one and clean paving stones. If you enjoy having what in the words of Jane Austin is described as ‘a prettyish kind of a little wilderness’ you can keep your garden, or parts of it looking untouched. Please be careful with these, you still want it to look safe and inviting without having to worry if you will step on something or if something will fall from a tree.

Choose the flowers

The main role in your garden is played by the color-pattern. You can have a theme and combine purple and yellow, orange and red, blue, white and purple etc. or have all colors intertwining. You can have this done by planting flowers. You can plant them in the pots or in the ground directly. It is a good idea to choose perennials as when the season comes, they surprise you with a blossom. If you are not too keen on growing flowers, you can simply buy plants in bloom in little containers every season and put them in your colorful pots. Now all you need to do is to remember to water them.

Furniture

The style of your furniture may vary. Give your old furniture a new glow by painting them or looking up some of the new makeover ideas. You can even use this trick and make your furniture fluorescent. Make sure the size of your furniture fits the size of your garden. Also, in the untamed, wild-looking parts of your garden, you may want to have furniture that reassembles old park benches.

Use garden art

You can buy these items in a store, or even better you can use your old clutter and transform it into beautiful garden pieces. Used car tires can be beautiful flower pots, an old wagon wheel, a bicycle or a lantern can make it seem like there is a story behind your garden. Even practical things like colorful hose reels can add to the beauty of your sanctuary. By adding pebbles, you can make your flower beds a little more interesting and make it a little harder for weed to grow.

Light it up

As a final touch, you may want to add some lights for when the night falls. There’s nothing prettier than pretty Christmas lights. Use them on your gazebo, a rose bush or simply hang them from the branches of the trees around your garden and you will spark a fairy tale. Find suitable lanterns or torches. You can even make your own lanterns if you feel creative.

Don’t clutter up

There is no such thing as good clutter. Don’t make your garden look too busy as it won’t allow you to relax. Organize your flowers into clusters. Don’t get every piece of furniture you may want to have as it might not fit the space. Same goes for garden art. If you discover you enjoy making garden art, don’t keep it all give some away, it will make a unique present. If you lack space for all the plants you would like to have in your garden, you can use suspended flowerpots, that way you will make room on the floor, and gain a sense of greater space.

A beautiful garden can help you endure the lack of time you have in your every-day life. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get to take your child to a park if your own backyard can give a sense of an outdoor heaven.

How to Keep Pests Away From Your Garden

May 25, 2017adminDIY Projects, Green Living, lawn and gardenDIY projects, garden, springLeave a comment

Springtime marks the beginning of another gardening season. You are out and about planting, pruning and making sure that every inch of your garden looks just perfect. You are just admiring your flower garden, when a cat runs right through the flowers and rips them to shreds. And cats are not the only animals that can ruin your garden. Many types of animals come out during the spring, so here are some ways in which you can defend yourself.

Mole repellents

All the tips here are going to be humane, telling you simply how to keep the animals away, rather than kill or harm them. The best way to get rid of moles is to simply plant the right things in your garden. Plants like daffodils, marigolds and alliums have contents that are natural mole repellents, and will surely keep those pesky moles out if planted around the perimeter of your yard.

Keeping your plants safe

Plant-eating animals are mostly small and not really easy to catch, so you have to protect your plants in a different way. A popular remedy is chopping up and boiling some hot peppers, then pouring the water into a spray bottle and spraying it over your plants. This is safe for your plants and will keep any bugs off. Still, this is not a good solution when it comes to edible plants – imagine putting fresh mint in your lemonade and tasting a hot pepper! For an alternative, you can use turmeric. Grate it and infuse it with some water, then repeat the spraying tactic on all of your plants! If spider mites are your problem, a mixture of flour, water and buttermilk sprayed on your trees once a week will keep the mites at bay!

Recycling food scraps

Organic scraps are not only good for compost, but also great for many other things. You can bury banana peels two inches in the ground next to the plants that are attacked by ants or aphids to make sure your plants will be safe. And if your problem is more of the slimier kind, use crushed eggshells to form a fence against any snails and slugs that want to enter the forbidden territory.

How to repel bigger animals

If you have a problem with raccoons, remember that they do not go well with dogs. If you don’t have a dog of your own, fake it by placing some dog hair around your yard and kiss the raccoon problem goodbye. For cats or squirrels, flour mustard and cayenne pepper is your solution. Place the mixture around the perimeter of your yard, or mix it with water to make a spray. Another option that requires much less effort is using high tech defence. Having an ultrasonic pest repellent, like the one from Bird Control Australia, will make your life a lot easier. You won’t notice it, but potential intruders of the animal kind definitely will! It can keep away insects or any animals, depending on how you set it up.

You are now ready to continue with your daily gardening activities without worrying about any pests, big or small, ruining all your hard work. Try and be as humane as possible with all of the animals, because there are always ways to simply drive them away without exterminating them – and placing various poisons around your garden can also be dangerous if you have kids or pets, not to mention make all of your produce less enjoyable. After all, a few birds chirping around your garden might just be that special touch that is missing for a real fairytale garden!

Blooming Gardens: 4 Of The Best Flowers To Plant This Spring

May 15, 2017adminDIY Projects, lawn and gardenDIY projects, garden, springLeave a comment

When the spring season arrives, you begin to see the green leaves sprout on the trees and colorful flowers growing from the ground. Flowers need warmth and light to grow, which is why they tend to do a bit better in the spring with the longer days. There is often more water in the form of rain in the spring, which is another component that flowers need to grow. There are a few flowers that grow best during this time of the year compared to others, adding brightness to the lawn.

Pansy

This is a dainty flower with large petals. The center of the flower is usually yellow or light in color. Many of the pansies that you see are pink, purple or red. This flower grows best in the cool mornings of the spring season. The leaves are slightly curved along the edges, making it easier for them to capture raindrops and water that is given to them during the day. Plant the pansies in an area of the yard that sees a bit of shade as they don’t do well with the full sun beating down on them.

Iris

The iris is a flower that can grow to a tall size. They are best placed near a porch where they can climb up a trellis or a column of the porch. There are a few colors to choose from, but you usually see purple, light pink and white. The flowers blend easily together to create new colors. Most flowers will tend to get their full blooms toward the end of the spring season. The strong petals work well with an irrigation system, like those offered by Hydrotech Irrigation Co, in the yard. They need to be in an area that sees a good bit of the sun during the day.

Daffodil

Nothing will put you in a cheerful mood like a bright flower. The daffodil looks almost like a lion if you look at it from a distance. There are several sizes and shapes of the flower, such as those that have a trumpet design to those that look like a mane on a lion. Don’t water the flower too often, and keep it in the full sun.

Tulips

If there is a flower to use as a symbol of spring, it’s the tulip. You can plant the tulip along a sidewalk, around a tree or anywhere else in the yard to give a bright look to the house. There are numerous colors available, giving you a variety of ways to accent the home with the delicate flower.

Flowers in the spring often cheer up anyone after the dreary winter months. It’s best to plant the flowers at the end of winter so that the flowers have time to grow in the warm weather that arrives in the spring. Take care to add just the right amount of water to the soil as the flowers grow.

Hardscaping or Landscaping: What is Best for You & Your Yard?

April 18, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, lawn and gardengarden, home improvement, landscaping, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

There are several factors to consider when you’re trying to enhance the curb appeal of your home or you’re trying to get the most beneficial use of your exterior space. When you begin exploring outdoor living and curb appeal, the terms hardscaping and landscaping will pop up. There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong choice between these two outdoor design ideas, but there may be one that is more conducive to your lifestyle.

Outdoor Design and Entertaining

If you frequently entertain, hardscaping may be the best choice for you. Patios and outdoor kitchens are often considered as hardscaping features. Walkways that lead to your front door, the pool or other special areas are typical hardscaping design features. An outdoor fireplace is often the favorite gathering place for guests.

Gardening as a Hobby

If you enjoy planting flowers, trees, and shrubs, you would probably prefer landscaping over hardscaping. If gardening is a hobby that you find relaxing, pleasantly challenging and an outlet for your creative side, then designing a landscape that allows you to change the appearance of your landscape design each year would probably please you more than a more permanent exterior design that is created using stone, wood or concrete.

Consider the Maintenance

If you like spending your weekend working in the yard or don’t mind the frustration that comes with keeping lawn equipment in good working condition, a lush green lawn might be just the thing for you. If you have the physical ability and don’t mind planting, pruning, weeding and watering plants, then a living landscape design would probably please you. On the other hand, if you like a gorgeous landscape but aren’t crazy about spending all of your leisure time working to keep it beautiful, you can turn to professionals such as Bremerton Landscaping to do the maintenance for you.

Why Choose?

You don’t have to choose between hardscaping and landscaping. You can include elements of both in your exterior design. Hardscaping requires little maintenance and can increase the value of your home. You can add walkways, retaining walls, water features and other non-living elements to your yard to increase its beauty and functionality. Plants and flowers can be mingled in with the hardscape elements in your exterior design. Vines can be grown on a wooden trellis and stone containers or concrete planters can be placed on the patio and filled with flowers that bloom profusely throughout the summer or ornamental grasses that adds texture and movement to your outdoor living space. You could even get help from a professional, such as one from Nature’s Design Landscaping, who is experienced in both types that you can have both hardscaping and landscaping come together in a complimentary way.

When you figure in maintenance cost, labor expenses, replacement cost, such as replacing shrubs or trees that die, and how well a feature fits your lifestyle there’s a good chance that you’ll find that a including a few features from each option is the best way to go. If you enjoy the solitude of a private garden space, you might still appreciate having an attractive stone walkway leading to that garden area. If you decide an expansive patio entertaining area is a feature you want, you can add a few potted plants to the patio to add a bit of nature to your entertaining space.