Metropolis Creek Ventures, Inc.

ARE YOU AS GOOD AS YOU THINK?

2010-12-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

So you've been eying that project in your home for quite some time. Maybe building a brick barbecue in the backyard, or re-doing the tile in the bathroom. Maybe you're even considering building a set of shelves for the garage. However, you've probably got one question that has been floating around in the back of your mind for a while, one that has to be answered before you can begin. Should you do it yourself, or hire somebody?

Of course, it would be ideal for you do it yourself. Take one, perhaps two trips to the home center to buy all your supplies. Spend one, maybe two weekends hammering and sawing away, and then be done with it. Then all your buddies would congratulate you, and you'd feel like that handyman on TV with that show that everybody loves. Of course, there's also the possibility your project could turn into a horrible mess, and you'd have to admit failure to your friends and family.

To best prepare yourself to make the ultimate decision, to do it yourself or hire somebody you've never met before, you've got to ask yourself some good, honest questions. You could potentially save yourself a ton of money and frustration. On the other hand, however, you could be giving yourself a much needed boost in confidence to get started on that project.

You've got to ask yourself the tough, but obvious question. Do you really know what you're doing? Have you done anything like this before? If you are planning on figuring it out along the way, you'll likely run into some difficulties that may bring your project to a screeching halt. If, on the other hand, you've done some smaller jobs around the house with no problem, and you've overcome similar difficulties in the past, then you're probably ready to go ahead and start swinging your hammer.

If you are still on the fence about hiring some other people to do the job, then you can do a couple things to help make up your mind. One is to get a couple of estimates. If the price is significantly cheaper than you'd imagined, then you may just go ahead and outsource the job. You could also ask some friends who have done similar jobs. If they say it was OK, and it wasn't as hard as they thought, then you may be OK. If, on the other hand, they say they wished they'd hired professionals instead, then maybe you should to.

Despite how good it feels to do it yourself, there's no shame in hiring somebody. It may cost a few extra dollars, but it will certainly save time, and it will save you plenty of grief. However, if you're confident you can do it yourself based on your past experiences, then go ahead and get to work.

Summer is at it's end.

2010-10-17T18:16:00.000-06:00

With summer coming to an end it's time to start thinking about winter and the effects it will have on your outdoor furniture. Now is the time to inspect your outdoor furniture and decor to make curtain it will make it through winter. A quick inspection for rust, cracks, loose bolts and even chipping paint could all be signs of wear. If any of your outdoor items are in question on making it through winter then it should be repaired and moved indoors or covered. Remember that quality outdoor furniture that has been properly prepped should have no trouble making it through. However it is always a good idea to cover it or bring it inside for added protection. After all you want your quality outdoor furniture and decor to last a life time and it most certainly will with the proper care. Now we've got that out of the way so lets talk a little about winter. Do you live in a part of the country that has snow or even hard rain? Well i think most of us can answer yes to that question. So why not mark those hard to see places, like driveways, sidewalks and even property lines with some high efficient reflector poles/driveway markers. They are a great way to mark those hard to see areas. Remember for all your outdoor furniture and decor needs visit http://www.GardenDecorKing.com
We strive to go the extra mile for our customers.

How To Plan Your Backyard!!

2010-07-29T21:08:00.000-06:00

by: Mark McAllister

It is said that "the plan is half the work".

This adage is specifically true when it pertains to anyone who is struggling to create the correct speech, blueprint of a home or plans for the landscaping of a whole yard.

However, once the guidelines have been established, the rest of the function generally goes fairly smoothly. Nevertheless, the most frequent landscaping layout questions that are generally asked is "where shall I start?" or "how do I begin my background style?" The only rational reply to that statement is that you should first have a vision for the kind of arrangement that you are trying to obtain.

Each backyard garden must include a central focal point. It ought to be one thing that instantly draws the attention of anybody who happens to be nearby. A properly constructed bird bath that has been strategically placed along side of a wishing well is often a winning mixture. You may want to go even bigger and place a pergola/swing set or even a fire pit surrounded with cedar benches.

The organic beauty of a range of several colored flowering plants planted in clear western red cedar planter boxes will also add to the feeling of peacefulness and enjoyment. Of course no backyard garden plan that is worth all of the time and effort that it takes to produce it will be productive with out a fairly large sitting area that includes either a teak or cedar table and chairs set. Preferably sitting in a slightly raised spot that overlooks the whole backyard.

Now, it is time to just sit back and take pleasure in the stunning work of art that you have created.

You might discover that far more of your good friends are unexpectedly dropping in since they "basically happened to be in the neighborhood".

How To Kill Weeds

2010-07-24T15:23:00.000-06:00

Weeds sprout and grow where ever there are nutrients in the soil. To have healthy plants, vegetables and fruits it is necessary for you to control weeds. It is best to use natural things. This article will give you some ideas on how to kill weeds.

To maintain a beautiful and neat garden requires you to learn certain steps on how to kill weeds. This is because, grass weeds, although some may look attractive, are a great threat to your plants.

Before we go on further, it is best to state that weeds are also plants. The problem with them is that they often grow in the wrong places. This attribute is what makes them unpleasant and unfriendly to the plants and garden owners.

Like all other garden owners, you have numerous reasons why you want to kill weeds. One, it could be because they make your lawn appear ugly. Next, could be because they affect the growth of your plants.

Moreover, unwanted grasses can be killed in different ways and in different processes. One process may involve the use of a chemical while the other is more natural. In short, it is much like killing ants or finding steps on how to kill fruit flies.

Now, going back on how to kill grass weeds, different landscapers apply different strategies. Some may prefer the use of chemical solutions while others might be content with the organic processes. After all, the aim is to remove or at least control these unwanted grasses from popping up in your garden.

The debate between the organic and chemical ways on how to control weeds has grown profoundly as environmental concerns widen. Some even used health as their strong points to endorse the use of organic materials.

Moreover, the growing population of environmental enthusiast has made it possible to come up with different alternatives on killing weeds. And, to give you a slight idea on these alternatives, here are four ways to kill weeds:

Soil Solarization, is a process of weed prevention and control through tiling. This includes raking the soil of your garden, uprooting plants and trees as well as covering it with fabric.

This kind technique is of course very natural and considered to be very effective. It allows crab grass removal and that of any other grass at a very early stage.

Ground fertilization, the principle of this technique mainly lies on the quality of your plants. It is believed that as healthy plants grow in your yard, then it's less likely that weeds would sprout there.

As explained by some gardeners, healthy plants take all the vitamins that the soil has. Because of this, no more vitamins would be left for weeds to consume thus, discouraging their growth. And to be sure that you are still on the side of nature, it is advisable that you go for organic fertilizers.

Regular mowing is surely one of the most accessible strategies for most garden keepers out there. Mowing will not only make your garden look clean and tidy, it will also control the growth of those pesky grasses in your lawn.

Soil Aeration would allow the growth of healthier grass in your garden rather than the other type. This process involves removal of soil hubs in your lawn. Because of this, the necessary nutrients that your plants need would have better passage.

The process on how to kill weeds is of course not limited to these four. And most importantly, it is continuously growing and developing. If you can follow these ways properly, then you wouldn’t have to be so worried about the looks and the fruits of your garden.

The Beauty of Teak Wood Outdoor Furniture

2010-07-20T21:42:00.000-06:00

Often called “the King of Woods,” teak is an incredible hardwood used in building structures. Today, teak furniture is also one of the most popular and recognizable varieties of outdoor patio sets. Though normally more expensive than other types of wood furniture, teak owners get more bang for their buck, so to speak, with a gorgeous and long-lasting set of furniture. Before you make the plunge and buy a new patio set to call your own, make sure you know what’s what when it comes to this fabulous hardwood.

Let’s start with the basics. Teak goes by a number of names. The Latin term for it is Tectona Grandis. In its native Indonesia, it is also called Jati, as well as Thekku in the Tamil language. This perennial grower is a tropical hardwood birch in the family Verbenaceae. Its handsome coloration ranges from straw-colored, to amber, to a rich brownish-red. The trees can grow up to 30 to 40 meters high and live to around 100 years old. As far as durability, teak is classified as a Class 1, meaning it is one of the strongest woods around. As a point of reference, American Oak is Class 2, while Western Red Cedar is a Class 3 hardwood.

The origin of teak patio furniture is interesting and comes to us from the other side of the world. Grown in the monsoon forests of Southeast Asia in low density areas of approximately one to five trees per acre, teak has been used as a building material since the 7th century, but it was not until the 19th century when it came to be considered for furniture. Before that, teak was an ideal choice for shipbuilders because of its resistance to saltwater and flexibility. In Europe, some park benches are made from refurbished teak ship decks that are over a century old. The first teak plantation appeared in Burma in 1856. Around that time, it became popular for use in India, from where it traveled to Victorian England. There, not only was teak outdoor furniture a tremendous hit, it also became a symbol of beautiful English country gardens. These days, teak is also grown in Central and South America where the climate is comparable, but in its native Southeastern Asia, the wood is still transported by elephant. Most other logging companies transport tree trunks by waterway, but teak logs are too heavy for that.

One of the biggest selling points for teak patio furniture is how low maintenance it is. The miracle hardwood is more resistant than other woods to rotting, warping and cracking. It also produces its own natural resin oils, called techno quinines, which repel termite and insect infestations. That also means it requires less manual oiling and sealing. Coating teak furniture with a sealant of some kind is recommended, but only about once a year. If furniture is kept inside, the wood’s own oils will be retained longer and so even less is needed. Too much oiling can cause an ugly black mold. As another precaution, be sure to cover teak patio furniture with a vinyl or canvas tarp if it stays outdoors all winter. Make sure furniture is dry before adding covers, as mold could occur. Finally, over time, teak furniture will naturally change color, so don't be alarmed. This solar patina effect will cause the wood to turn a grayish hue that most consider attractive.

As a final note, since teak is so great but rather pricey, lots of companies try to capitalize on selling it without being completely honest. For potential buyers, exhibit caution and ask lots of questions about what you’re interested in. Be aware that not all furniture that in some way or other claims to be teak is actually authentic teak furniture. For example, anything that says it is “teak oiled wood furniture” is simply some other wood that has been coated with natural teak oils. Also, a product that claims to be “teak-like” is obviously not teak, while a product that says it is “stronger than teak” is an outright lie. There really isn’t any wood stronger than teak; only synthetic materials or metal can make that claim.
As a teak outdoor furniture dealer, http://www.gardendecorking.com/ is committed to serving all our customers outdoor decor needs.

Container Gardening

2010-07-05T14:56:00.000-06:00

Container Gardening
by: Mark McAllister

Container gardens can create a natural sanctuary in a busy city street, along rooftops or on balconies. You can easily accentuate the welcoming look of a deck or patio with colorful pots of annuals, or fill your window boxes with beautiful shrub roses or any number of small perennials. Whether you arrange your pots in a group for a massed effect or highlight a smaller space with a single specimen, you'll be delighted with this simple way to create a garden.

Container gardening enables you to easily vary your color scheme, and as each plant finishes flowering, it can be replaced with another. Whether you choose to harmonize or contrast your colors, make sure there is variety in the height of each plant. Think also of the shape and texture of the leaves. Tall strap-like leaves will give a good vertical background to low-growing, wide-leafed plants. Choose plants with a long flowering season, or have others of a different type ready to replace them as they finish blooming.

Experiment with creative containers. You might have an old porcelain bowl or copper urn you can use, or perhaps you'd rather make something really modern with timber or tiles. If you decide to buy your containers ready-made, terracotta pots look wonderful, but tend to absorb water. You don't want your plants to dry out, so paint the interior of these pots with a special sealer available from hardware stores.
Cheaper plastic pots can also be painted on the outside with water-based paints for good effect. When purchasing pots, don't forget to buy matching saucers to catch the drips. This will save cement floors getting stained, or timber floors rotting.
Always use a good quality potting mix in your containers. This will ensure the best performance possible from your plants.
If you have steps leading up to your front door, an attractive pot plant on each one will delight your visitors. Indoors, pots of plants or flowers help to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Decide ahead of time where you want your pots to be positioned, and then buy plants that suit the situation. There is no point buying sun lovers for a shady position, for they will not do well. Some plants also have really large roots, so they are best kept for the open garden.

If you have plenty of space at your front door, a group of potted plants off to one side will be more visually appealing than two similar plants placed each side. Unless they are spectacular, they will look rather boring. Group the pots in odd numbers rather than even, and vary the height and type. To tie the group together, add large rocks that are similar in appearance and just slightly different in size. Three or five pots of the same type and color, but in different sizes also look affective.

With a creative mind and some determination, you will soon have a container garden that will be the envy of friends and strangers alike.

What Happened To All The Window Boxes?

2010-07-05T13:50:00.000-06:00

What Happened To Window Boxes ?
by: Mark McAllister

I just happen to love window boxes and miss seeing them in the more modern neighborhoods these days. My neighbors who lived across the street from us had just painted their older rather plain, small house a medium gray with white trim. Clean, but boring I thought. With two large windows on each side of the front door, I had visions of painting the front door red and adding window boxes beneath those windows. Talk about adding some impact!

Window boxes can take a plain nondescript house and give it the look of a charming country cottage in no time. Window boxes are also particularly wonderful when you are limited for planting space in a small yard. You can fill them with low growing and trailing flowers, vines or even herbs. You may be hard put to find ready-made window boxes at your local garden store these days, but they are still available online at www.gardendecorking.com.

If you want to make your own window boxes, cedar or redwood would be the wood of choice. You can also find liners to fit at www.gardendecorking.com, I would further protect the wood by lining the boxes with plain old tar paper before adding the planting mix. You can then mount them to the window frames with the proper sized brackets. www.gardendecorking.com can guide you in the right direction.

Make sure you drill some holes in the bottom of the window boxes for good drainage and water daily during the summer months. Once every few weeks are so, add some fertilizer for container plants, then sit back and enjoy beautiful blooms from both the outside and inside of the house.

Some good flower choices for window boxes would be geraniums, marigolds, trillium, alyssum, and any other low growing flowers that love the sun. For the shady side of the house, try fuchsias or the beautiful non-stop begonias. Some useful herb choices would include chives, rosemary, parsley and thyme. If you like fresh mint, don't plant any other herb in that particular window box as the mint will take over all other plants.

Inside and Outside Living

2010-05-15T15:24:00.000-06:00

With the Spring bulbs once again starting to poke through our garden's previously frozen soil, we are now entering that time of year when many of us gardeners start getting very busy indeed. May is always the time of year when those garden chores like the pruning back certain varieties of roses and fruit trees, sowing grass seed and preparing raised beds for their summer and autumn harvests well and truly gets underway.

However, for many people, it's also the time of year when they can again start considering their extra room to their house. I am of course referring to their 'outdoor living' area where many a warm sunny evening will no doubt be wiled away with a cool drink or summer Barbecue.

The term 'Inside/Outside Living' started being touted on many of televisions home and garden shows. For some, the idea of Inside/Outside living really refers to a decked area and a table and chairs, and where opportunity (and weather!) permits, using this area to eat, drink and socialize.

Garden architecture design has definitely changed over recent years though, in so much as some people have taken the concept of Inside/Outside living a step further...literally. Instead of simply having an area of garden reserved for table and chairs, some have actually designed their garden so it actually meets the home. This is very often through the use of patio doors or large glass windows butting right up to the garden's deck area without stepping up, or down. The advent of the increasingly popular 'glass curtain' has meant some lucky homeowners can literally peel back the physical boundary between property and garden.

While many readers of this article might think that those most likely to benefit from taking this more adventurous, planned approach would be owners of sprawling country properties with acres of rolling grounds, you'd be very mistaken indeed. Some of the best examples of real Indoor/outdoor Living can be seen in urban environments. The larger terrace houses that grace many large cities for example, often have rear extensions bolted on. Simply changing the rear facing wall of the extension so it features more glass (we've seen examples of 'all glass' walls) can help bring the garden into the home, on even the gloomiest of days. At best, the smells and joys of the garden can be encouraged to waft into the property when the weather feels warm enough to peel back the glass facade.

Other suggestions to help create a perfect Inside/Outside living area include:

Sound: Perhaps you can create sounds that could be heard inside the main living area from outdoors? Perhaps the sound of relaxing trickling water? Wind chimes always work well.

Wildlife: Encourage birds to feed on feeders near to the back of the property. Grow shrubs and plants, which will encourage pollinating insects. One of the cheapest and most common of bedding plants, the Marigold, is perfect for attracting the likes of bees and ladybugs, which in turn actually help defend your garden from common pests like aphids (greenfly, cabbage and carrot fly etc).

Lighting: The seasons in some areas unfortunately make it near impossible to enjoy an all year outdoor living area without some serious heating solutions. But by using lighting wisely, the garden can at least be seen, and indeed feel, like part of the rest of the property all year round. Why not try solar powered lighting on decked areas and let the sun neutralize your electricity bill a little? Sunken deck lights work well and actually look better in the colder months. And don't forget low level colored spotlights - a throw of light across a flowerbed near the rear of your property not only aids security but also looks like an outside version of the indoor Standard Lamp.

If like many, you are an avid Barbecue enthusiast, why not build a custom outdoor cooking area? Spanish architecture brick Barbecues are becoming increasingly popular and literally give you an outdoor kitchen area. Plant wisely and you can go from plot to plate in minutes (ever tried growing your own Peas or Asparagus and serving them straight away?) Your outdoor plots are capable of producing a constant churn of 'cut and come again' produce.

So, if like many you start to feel claustrophobic at this time of year after enduring winter, you can now start considering your outdoor living area. Don't let the rain stop you either - invest in a decent umbrella and a wood burning fireplace and you to will have a garden of Edan in your yard.

About the author:
Mark is an old-fashioned type guy. He grew up on a small ranch in Lucerne Valley, CA. He has worked all his life. Mark has a wife and 8 children all of which are grown. He loves working with his business, Metropolis Creek Ventures, Inc. (GardenDecorKing.com) and is learning more about it and his customers every day. He has had his own business for More than 30 years. When He turned 18 and left the ranch. Mark worked for Lockheed for 11 years as a machinist and when they did away with his department he went to work for the State of Nevada as a State Trooper. Mark worked there for 16 years before taking an early retirement (that's a whole other story). Then he had the wild idea of being an over the road truck driver. So Mark and his wife Carol took some training classes and bought their own truck. Mark and Carol did very well for about 5 years until one of their sons became very sick and they had to stop to be home for him. So now Mark is moving ahead full steam with GardenDecorKing.com (Metropolis Creek Ventures, Inc.) to try to make it even more successful. Mark says there is no greater reward than having your own successful business and nothing harder, well maybe raising children. Mark stands firm that with the help of his wife Carol and positive thinking with an eye single to the glory of God they can't go wrong!!

Selecting Garden Accents for Yard Decor

2010-05-10T18:18:00.000-06:00

There are many elements to consider when selecting the best garden accents for your yard decor. A well-planned garden is a joy to behold so making sure that your yard doesn't look cluttered is very important. This not only applies to the backyard but the front as well. Increasing the curb appeal of your house with carefully selected garden accents can either be complimentary or create a contrast with the exterior of your home.

Choosing the best garden accents, like those found at www.gardendecorking.com, for your yard will also contribute to your outdoor living space. Whether you are just a weekend or a full-time gardener, using the most functional or artistic garden accents will increase your enjoyment.

Unique Garden Lights

Visualize functional garden accents in the form of garden lights spotlighting unique garden artwork or your prize plantings. Garden lights can effectively create a comfortable setting for evening get-togethers with family or friends. Outdoor garden lights or decorative lanterns placed along a winding pathway will create a magical atmosphere and provide guidance for wandering guests as they explore and enjoy the beauty of your garden.

Decorative Pathways

A meandering pathway with cedar plank bridges that twist and turn through the garden will slow down the pace of your visitors to a more relaxed one. It will allow them to truly enjoy the experience that the garden accents and the garden offer instead of just passing quickly through and not fully appreciating the beauty around.

Unique Containers

If you don't have the time to manage a large garden in your spare time, or if you are working with a limited amount of space, think about planting your garden in unique containers. Planting herbs or flowers in containers or planters in different shapes and sizes and placing them around your balcony or patio can be very effective in creating an inviting outdoor space. Simply adding them as decorative garden accents to the garden or using an old bucket or a little red wagon as great containers for garden plants.

Unique Yard Decor

Add decorative and artistic garden accents to your yard. A unique piece of garden art or a colorful toadstool, a reflective gazing globe in metal or colored glass, beautiful glass or ceramic birdbaths, bird feeders or perhaps a metal sundial. Distribute these decorative items randomly throughout the garden, put them by a water feature, amongst some flowers, or suspend them from a decorative bracket on a post or on a deck railing.

All of these types of garden accents can be added into your yard decor and when used correctly will compliment your natural surroundings. A well-designed garden with carefully chosen garden accents is a pleasure to view. The variety of beautiful colors and aromas of the flowers along with decorative items such as torches and candles will enhance the garden.

Watch as the birds frolic and splash about; hear the water gently gurgling from a garden fountain or pond; listen to the melody of wind chimes as they are gently caressed by the summer breezes; these are only a few of the happy, lively sounds, sights and smells of nature. Selecting the best garden accents will contribute to an overall harmonious experience and create a garden oasis where your spirit can soar and become one with nature.
please visit www.gardendecorking.com for all your garden decor needs.

Planting trees will enhance your yard

2010-04-14T14:31:00.000-06:00

Each tree, whether it is a giant oak or a small flowering cherry, should be allowed its own sphere of influence. Other trees that encroach are bound to give a cluttered effect. If you are about to plant a tree, you can readily determine its sphere of influence - or how much space to allow around it.

Find the ultimate height of the tree you want to use. Then calculate that tree's sphere of influence as a circle with a radius equal to the ultimate height of the tree. Thus, a 35-foot tree has a sphere of influence of 35 feet in any direction from the trunk of the tree. Say that the next tree you might want to use has an ultimate height of 20 feet. Then the minimum distance from the trunk of the 35-foot tree to the trunk of the 20-foot tree would be 55 feet, or it might be preferable to have them even farther apart.

Choosing The Trees

Once you are committed to using only a few trees you will need to have some way of narrowing down the wide range of enchanting and dramatic trees from which you can choose. The first important design factor to consider in making your choice is scale. Scale is the relationship between the dimensions or sizes of the different elements in a design.

The size of a tree sets the scale of your garden picture. When you choose the trees for your garden, notice the relationship between (1) the size of the total area of the garden, (2) the size of the house (which is usually part of the garden scene) and (3) the size of the trees. Suppose your house seems too large for its setting and you want to give it a more gracious aspect. A very large tree will dominate the scene and reduce the apparent size of the house, soften and, at the same time, hold its own against an overpowering architectural mass. Or if you have a modest little cottage that you want to make more impressive, use several smaller trees. Watch, though, that you do not choose too tiny a tree. If you do, you will find that it will look smaller than it actually is, diminutive, and out of scale.

How Many Trees To Use

An assortment of little trees tucked around a larger one clutters its sphere of influence, upsets the scale and takes away the feeling of restful spaciousness that is essential to a pleasing design. On the average-size suburban lot, you can't very well use more than four or five trees effectively. And if one of the trees that you do use is a large one, you might find yourself limited to two or three, or possibly even one if the tree is a huge old specimen. In other words, if you have a 100-foot tree on a 100-foot lot, its sphere of influence will cover the entire lot.

There is an exception to this rule that might at first glance seem to be a contradiction. Suppose your house is situated in a little piece of naturalistic woodland and you have had the good sense not to chop down all the native trees. Perhaps there are 20 or 30 trees in a comparatively small space. They are mostly of one kind and have grown together for a number of years. Their tops have formed a canopy overhead, but the trunks are bare of branches to a considerable height. Here you have a woodland area that is an integrated unit.

Instead of being conscious of the trees as separate and distinct accent points you find the trunks are more like pillars holding up a ceiling. Trees, which grow together in this way in a happy natural association, form a simple naturalistic unit. You lose this simplicity and get an effect of spotty accentuation if you introduce other trees that are not related in character or in scale to the existing growth. It is better to supplement this native growth with shrubs rather than other trees.

Quick note

Garden Decor King, A Metropolis Creek Ventures company, is a website full of top quality products and loads of information.
We are constantly looking at different products and inspecting our currant ones to be sure you only get top of the line outdoor accessories, garden trellis’ and patio furniture.
Rest assured that when you purchase a product from gardendecorking.com you have a quality product.
Our team is continually searching for products you use most.
We also do extensive research to bring you new product details and other helpful information.
We have been at this a long time and have learned that you don’t cut corners on quality to save on price. We believe that when purchasing any outdoor item its far better to spend a little more and get a product that will last in the outdoors.
I would like to thank all of you for your continued support and patronage.
Mark, CEO Metropolis Creek Ventures, Inc.

Using The Natural Surroundings With Your Landscaping Ideas

2010-04-06T13:53:00.003-06:00

When you are thinking about some fresh and creative landscaping ideas for the home, think about getting a sign from nature. It can be essential to also take into consideration the local climate in places you reside. Do some study on plant life and flowers that happen to be native to the region. Using this method the plants you select really should succeed and look strong and natural throughout all four seasons.

Various places are extremely arid while some other zones get a large quantity of rain fall each needing special landscape ideas. You might are living near the sea or in the mountains. Being near the ocean you would possibly want to try growing a variety of types of palms and succulents. These will retain their healthy look most year around. Make use of rock, stone and sand for paths and terrace areas. The less lawn and plants the less water you are likely to need.

In case you live around the mountains acquire landscape ideas and take your inspiration from the forest’s edge. Pay attention to the plants that thrive within the meadows and forested locations. Trees such as small conifers, deciduous vine maples, evergreen salal, ferns and wildflowers almost all may transform with the seasons. For some landscapes added color plant cannas, hostas, and other perennials and shrubs can create a gorgeous fringe all around the lawn. Trees are essential for virtually any size yard. They will offer shade and entice wildlife.

Just about all landscaping ideas really should feature a center point to bring in some aesthetic interest. A small cedar bench, swing, fountain, waterfall, wishing wells, birdbath or any fun and interesting garden decor can reveal your own style. A fire pit, surrounded by clear western red cedar benches, not only adds natural beauty but offers a toasty location for the family and friends whenever entertaining on a cool evening.

A cedar plank bridge or arbor are great ways to highlight a special place in your yard. Walkways and paths shouldn't be overlooked when planning landscaping ideas. They're going to supply your landscape that finishing touch. Path ways are functional as they lead guests to your door and keep them off of the lawn. A simple trail of stepping stones leading to the water spigot could keep unwanted dirt and mud off your shoes or boots. Create more elaborate walkways out of flagstone, pebbles or brick.

You could possibly be looking at leaving a lawn completely out of any of your landscaping ideas. If you do, try out using gravel, pebbles or crushed granite to produce unique mosaic layouts. There are also a number of types of ground covers which can be low maturing and may withstand foot traffic and demand a minimum of care. Use sand to cover kid's play areas for instance under swing sets, volleyball or play houses and forts.

Search sites on the internet that offer totally free landscape ideas or visit 1 community home improvement center for even more ideas. You can find a lot of do-it-yourself kits currently obtainable for planning small ponds, waterfalls or various other kinds of water features and fire pits. You should also be able to buy a lot of items online and have them shipped straight to your own residence.

We here at GardenDecorKing.com hope this has been of value to you as we strive to be your one stop online store for all your outdoor needs.

Thanks for your support and have a great Spring!
Mark, CEO metropolis Creek Ventures, Inc.

Choosing The Right Patio Furniture

2010-03-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone it's almost time for summer and time to beautify and pick out some great outdoor furniture. This will help you out.

A beautiful home is a reflection of the taste and preferences of it’s occupants. As you have considered the beauty of your indoor furniture, don’t stop there, continue your decorating themes out to your patio and backyard or deck areas too. We live in a time that designers and decorators alike are touting the benefits of taking the beauty and comfort of the indoors and carrying that right through to your patio area. So the choices you make for your patio furniture in turn have a reflection back on your indoor decorating too.

While choosing your patio furniture there are many factors to consider, including budget. Once the amount you would spend on the patio furniture has been fixed, you need to find a way to be consistent with your decorating themes and stay within that budget. Are you going to be entertaining a lot of people? If yes then maybe you look for ways to accommodate your seating needs within the budget you have set. After this comes the style of furniture that you would like and then the colors. Often times a stepping stone approach whereby you purchase as the wallet allows while building your patio furniture collection over time, but with the master plan always in mind.

If you have a garden space in your backyard then you could set it up with some right garden furniture which would add to the beauty of your garden. Having a garden is a luxury that not many can indulge in and with the right choice of furniture you could make it a sanctuary for you to unwind and relax.

For your outdoor patio furniture choices, the old rules still apply to BUY QUALITY. Why save a buck on an inferior product just to replace it down the road when it falls apart. With this in mind, tropical hardwood and clear cedar patio furniture has withstood the test of time. Cedar and teak, offer a weather resistant durability while still looking very upscale and expensive.

When you are choosing your patio furniture you must ensure that you take into consideration the space that you need to put it in. Is the place large enough for a chaise lounge or will a rocking chair fit, or is the space small enough for just a bistro set? Is the patio shaded from the sun and protected from the rain? If that is not so then you may need to choose furniture made from materials like Cedar, teak, PVC rattan or aluminum which can withstand the weather conditions. These are some of the factors you need to consider before picking out your patio furniture.

Remember for all your outdoor decor go to www.GardenDecorKing.com
Talk to you later, Mark

Cedar Attributes

2010-02-16T12:15:00.002-07:00

Hello all I am bringing you a little bit more on cedar and its attributes. We do sell cedar products of all kinds and a lot of folks wonder if it truly lasts and can withstand the harsh elements of the different seasons. We hope here at Metropolis Creek Ventures, Inc. (www.gardendecorking.com)we can ease your mind and give you the confidence to purchase cedar products without the thought that it will fall apart in a short amount of time. We have done our homework and cedar is truly a great outdoor product. So we hope you enjoy our posts and by all means come visit us at www.gardendecorking.com.

Cedar The Tree

From Northern British Columbia, Canada, to California, a rugged spine of mountains stretches for almost 1,500 miles parallel to the Pacific coast of North America. Along the slopes and in the valleys of these mountains, the humus-rich soil nourishes mixed softwood forests in vast abundance.

The majority of Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) grows in coastal forests. Western Red Cedars grow also in the drier interior forests of British Columbia, Washington, Idaho and Montana where they are smaller in stature with a tight knotted growth characteristic. Cedars rarely grow in pure stands but are generally found in association with other species. Western Red Cedar forests are predominantly managed forests, in which controlled harvests, natural regeneration and reforestation programs ensure a perpetual harvest.

A Wood Of Warmth And Beauty

Western Red Cedar in its natural, unfinished state it has a richly textured, tactile grain combined with a palette of warm, mellow tones ranging from light amber to deep honey brown. No man-made material can duplicate the depth of cedar's natural luster. It also remains subtly aromatic, and the characteristic fragrance of cedar adds another dimension to its universal appeal

The Gift Of Durability

Western Red Cedar contains natural oils that act as preservatives to help the wood resist insect attack and decay. Cedar is also a dimensionally stable wood which means that it lies flat and stays straight. Properly finished and maintained,Western Red Cedar ages gracefully and endures for many years.

Aside from being the choice material for Outdoor Patio and Garden Furniture, Cedar is the preferred material for all outdoor applications that seek visual harmony with the landscape combined with stability and durability. Various uses range from various furniture products to siding and patio decking to fences, planters, screens and shelters.
Indoors, cedar's dimensional stability makes it perfectly suited to a variety of uses in high moisture areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and saunas.

Natural Benefit

Beauty aside, the purely practical, dollars-and-cents value of cedar offers other benefits: the wood's cellular structure creates interior air spaces that give it an insulation value higher than most woods and much higher than brick or concrete. Buildings which feature cedar paneling, ceilings or siding tend to stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Cedar also has excellent sound suppression and absorption qualities.

Durability

Historically, native peoples of the Pacific coast prized cedar for its long lasting qualities and used wood and bark from cedar trees for most of their building needs. Evidence of cedar's durability are the many cedar artifacts still in good condition today.

Properly finished and maintained, cedar will deliver decades of trouble-free service. If exposed for prolonged periods to conditions where decay could be a factor, such as where the wood is in contact with the ground, cedar should be treated with suitable wood preservatives.

Fastening

Western Red Cedar has good fastening properties but its natural preservatives have a corrosive effect on some unprotected metals in close contact, causing a black stain on the wood. Fasteners should be corrosive resistant such as aluminum, brass, silicon bronze, hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel.

Nails and screws used to fasten Western Red Cedar should be about one-third longer than those used to fasten hardwood species.

Because it is free of pitch and resin, Western Red Cedar has excellent gluing properties, comparable to those, for example, of old growth Redwood and American Chestnut. It works well with a wide range of adhesives.

A Wood For Craftsmen

The same structure that gives cedar its excellent insulating and sound suppressing qualities makes it a lightweight wood, easy to handle and craft for both the professional and do-it-yourself-er. Cedar is a pleasure to work using either hand or machine tools. The wood can be cut, shaped, planed, sanded, nailed and glued easily. It is free of pitch and resin and it finishes to a richly glowing surface that can be enhanced with semi-transparent or full-bodied stains or with paints.

2010-01-30T14:11:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone being new to blogging i hope this all turns out well. I have a couple of websites and one is a small shopping chart that is open now, www.mcvnow.com at this site we sell all kinds of items, it is small now but growing fast. The other is www.gardendecorking.com this will be a full website offering all kinds of outdoor furniture, decor, accessories and a lot of information on outdoor furniture, decor and accessories. I hope you will check these websites out and let me know what you think.

Finishing Your Outdoor Furniture

Metropolis Creek Ventures, Inc...Bringing you Quality in Patio and Garden Furniture

WESTERN RED CEDAR - Naturally

Western Red Cedar in its natural unfinished state has a richly textured tactile grain combined with a glowing palette of warm, mellow tones ranging from light amber to deep honey brown. No man-made material can duplicate the depth of cedar's natural luster.
WRC remains subtly aromatic, and the characteristic fragrance of Red Cedar just adds another dimension to its universal appeal.

CEDAR FINISHING OPTIONS AND TREATMENTS
NATURAL WEATHERING
Because of the inherent nature of Western Red Cedar to withstand insect attack and the outdoor elements Cedar does not require a finish to keep its structure over the years.
Many folks prefer to allow their cedar furniture to "naturally age" outdoors without a stain or finish. Over time the colorful tones of the wood slowly weather to a handsome silver-gray and the grain of the wood will become slightly raised. Left completely natural this silver-gray color will eventually be highlighted by darker streaks formed from the reaction between the Cedar Resin and the zinc hardware.
If the dark streaks are not for you we suggest using a simple wood sealer as described below.
WOOD OIL
We do not recommend using oil finishes on your cedar outdoor furniture.
WOOD SEALER
A good wood sealer such as Thompson's Wood Sealer is useful by blocking the pores of the wood. This inhibits the grain from becoming raised yet allows the natural fading of the wood to a gentle silvery-gray color.
STAINING
If you would like to preserve the colorful tones of the freshly sanded cedar any number of finishes can be used on cedar furniture. The types we have tried and recommend are good quality penetrating sealers and transparent or solid exterior stains. There is a wide variety of colors to choose from which makes it easy to match your existing decor. We recommend a single coat of a semi transparent stain with a UV inhibitor such as Sikkens Cetol 1 (natural), or Thompson's Stain to preserve the handsome look of your furniture. Every 3rd year you might re-apply a coat of stain to freshen the finish. Little or no sanding, preparation or primer is needed when you use a stain.
PAINT
Paint will work fine but as on any exterior surface, over time will begin to flake and will eventually need scraping and refinishing. Stain, however, is "breathable" and will not trap moisture, therefore - no blistering, no peeling. Stain really is the best choice here, there are many colors to choose from in semi-transparent and solid finish.
GROUND APPLICATION
Western Red Cedar should be preservative treated if intended for use in applications where it is dug into the ground. i.e. Fence Posts, Landscape Ties or Garden Arbor Posts.