Patios, Gardening, Shades, Awnings

patios, gardening, shades, Awnings

2011-11-15T08:31:00.002+13:00

The summer sunshine has started to dry out the ground and the garden is starting to come to life. The Magnolias are blooming and new leaves are starting to emerge from bare branches. It's not to late to get those deciduous fruit trees in. Peaches, Plums, Nectarines, Pears and so many more....

Now's the perfect time to start preparing the soil and planting those new spring vege and flower seedlings.

In Your Vege Garden
Seeds to start sowing now: Basil, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, capsicum, cauliflower, cucumbers, lettuce, melons, parsnip, peas, radish, shallots, silverbeet, spinach and zucchini.
Sow seeds, in covered propagator trays or undercover as planting directly into cold and wet soil can rot the new seeds before they have a chance to sprout.
prepare the Vege garden with plenty of compost, sheep pellets and organic vegetable fertiliser. Make sure that they are well blended with the existing soil so you will be ready for planting.
Just a reminder! If you are planting young and tender seedling or growing seeds remember to apply a quality slug and snail control like Quash - Slug and Snail Stoppa. Safe to use near kids, pets and wildlife.
New seasons Tomatoes are now available and come as seeds or a range of grafted tomatoes. Grafted Tomatoes will give you a stronger plant and larger crops. Just protect against the early morning frosts if your garden is in a cold area.
Now's a great time to get another crop of potatoes in the ground. Prepare the soil with plenty of compost and a potato fertiliser. If you are short for space why not plant them in a potato tub. So easy to grow and there is nothing better than the taste of a home grown spud.

In Your Flower Garden
There is a great range of Dahlia bulbs around. Plant in groups of one colour and enjoy a mass display this summer!
With Summer on the doorstep its a great time to start planting the new seasons flowering annuals: alyssum, anthirrihinum, begonia, californian poppy, cornflower, lobelia, marigolds, petunia,sweet peas and so many more. Remember to water in the plants with a fast food once planted.
Its still a great time to plant mini Cyclamen. Perfect in pots or parts of the garden that are semi-shaded.
Gladioli bulbs will be available soon, so prepare the soil and position your bamboo stakes ready for planting. Remember for planting success we recommend an application of Bulb food. Look out for Tuberous Begonias which are due at the same time.

In Your Garden
What better time to buy a Magnolia than when they are in bloom.
The best smell in spring would have to be the sweet scent of a Daphne bush. You can buy these in both pink and white.... the perfect plant for any semi shaded position in the garden.
Do you like the taste of a juicy, delicious Nectarines or Peaches? Why not grow you own! There is a great selection of all your favorite fruit trees including dwarf peaches and nectarines. Perfect for those smaller gardens or containers.

In Your Garden Shed
Look out for the new look Living Earth mixes. New packaging but the usual professional quality mixes. One new addition to the range is the New Organic Potting Mix. This combined with the Organic Veggie Mix and Organic Compost offer you a complete Organic solution.

Patio Furniture

2011-11-13T11:08:00.001+13:00

Aluminum patio furniture is probably the dominant variety on the market for landscaping accessories. It comes in both traditional and modern designs, and it often makes the favorite choice of many homeowners due to it being lightweight. With patio furniture that is so easy to move, storage and winter preparations are not a problem, not to mention that with the right care aluminum patio furniture will last in the best of shapes for years. Besides aluminum, patio furniture can also be made of plastic, wood or even a combination of the two, with the mention that wood patio furniture is more expensive than plastic and aluminum varieties. Don't forget you can match and complement your retractable awning, your fixed frame canopy or your drop screen.

There are two basic processes involved in the manufacturing of aluminum patio furniture. First is cast aluminum that is very similar to the cast iron in terms of appearance but without the troubles that occur with the maintenance of the latter. Cast aluminum patio furniture is very popular since it is pretty sturdy and long-lasting as well as reasonable in terms of price. The second manufacturing procedure is extrusion, and extruded aluminum patio furniture allows for the creation of all sorts of shapes and trendy designs. Nevertheless, whichever type you choose, rest assured that it will endure weather changes very well.

Depending on the material the patio furniture is made of, you can wax or polish it at least twice a year. The wax is the protective layer that prevents the finish from the aggressive and damaging action of the ultraviolet rays; the colors and the design patterns will not fade in time. Otherwise, the cleaning procedure is pretty simple requiring of only a simple washing and rinsing. Be careful with wood patio furniture as this may need a different type of cleaning. If you spend a little time on the patio furniture every other month, it is very likely that it will remain in a great shape.

Another bulkier solution in terms of patio furniture options is the permanent one made of concrete. But the design and the solidity under such cases are meant to last a lifetime; moreover, you will have to cushion such furniture very well so as to keep you warm and very comfortable. All in all, whichever material you may choose, it is important for the patio furniture to match in the general house decorative pattern, contributing to the atmosphere creation and to the comfort of your days and nights.

Considering Patio Design

2011-11-05T21:45:00.005+13:00

Patio design doesn't have to be difficult but under certain circumstances it definitely is challenging and complex. Very few people know exactly what patio design actually requires: patio bordering, draining and weed control are important issues to be dealt with when attempting to complete the landscaping project. If we were to talk in exact proportions we should say that every twelve feet of patio surface requires one inch slope for drainage purposes. If your patio design is correct then you should not worry about the weeds ruining the looks of your landscaping project. With the right technical details covered, the patio design for a durable and highly enjoyable area in the garden is assured.

One other aspect of patio design refers to the type of pavers used for the work; you can leave some unpaved space right in the middle of the patio for flowerbeds for instance. Moreover the same focal dimension is achieved by the creation of some sort of center stage with the help of ceramic tiles as a complementary and decorative pattern to the patio paving blocks for instance. The level of the patio is highly important for the design too, this means that you will have to build it a bit over the lawn level for a superior efficiency of the project.

In case you are after some formal patio design, it is good to know that flagstone works great for the matter. The installation of such a patio requires a more elaborate process that includes both excavation and leveling of the surface with the help of sand and mortar. Flat stones are often required for patio design using flagstones since sometimes the paving materials may not be compatible with each other. Then, you can improvise on the use of tiles and even loose materials like gravel to create a more unique and personalized patio design where the focal points are variable.

The patio design is often supported by the surrounding area, meaning that a great landscaping of the garden has its share in the enhancement of the beauty of your outdoor area. The building material, the skills of the designer, and even the selection of the lighting system are important elements to take into consideration when you make the decision of decorating the outdoor areas. A good patio design will ensure great moments spent in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere that can be maintained in a perfect condition for years on end.

Drop Screens

2011-10-30T22:34:00.001+13:00

Complete your patio with a drop screen.

Easily control patio sunshine and glare with the perfect mate for fixed frame canopies and retractable awnings. Designed with a full view fabric that allows you to block even more glare and heat from the sun and provide optimum fading protection for all your patio furniture. Drop screens can be easily installed on patio fixed frame canopies and retractable awnings, creating a patio enclosure screen that is a beautiful match to any patio design. The drop screen is easy to operate, giving you the choice of hand rolled, motorized or crank handle operation. In seconds you can transform patio heat into cool shade and glare into a glorious views.

Drop Screens come in a variety of high quality outdoor grade fabrics from dense woven screen fabrics, such as Planosol, to fully opaque solution dyed acrylic fabrics. Durability, low maintenance, and a wide selection of fabrics mean there's bound to be a shade that's right for you and your patio area.

Retractable drop screens block out more than the sun's rays, drop screens also offer a great solution to adding additional privacy to any patio area. If you have a patio fixed frame canopy or front porch that is visible to your neighbors, the a drop screen will create an enclosed area that keeps out prying eyes.

The Vertical drop shades of can help you significantly lower your energy bills by drastically reducing the radiant heat inside your home. With electricity costs skyrocketing today, a drop screen can pay for itself!

Drop Screens

Hand rolled or crank operated or Ziptrak system..or a combination.

Features

Crank OR Hand Rolled

Clear PVC or mesh with heavy duty structural PVC surrounds in colours of your choice aluminium tube

Stainless steel fixings

Reinforced edging

Fixed Frame Canopy

2011-10-26T21:49:00.000+13:00

A Fixed Frame Canopy will complete your outdoor area. Offering year round protection from the elements. It is a great addition over your deck or patio area.

Features - An aluminium frame powder coated your choice of colour, extremely robust framing and can have structural pvc or poly carbonate cover.

Shade Options - Retractable Awnings

2011-10-16T21:03:00.000+13:00

Retractable Awnings

A popular lifestyle addition, A retractable awning, is all you need stylish, functional, strong and affordable, it will complete your outdoor living areas.

With a retractable awning you control the amount of shade you require. Retractable awnings offer more than just outdoor entertaining and lifestyle, they can help reduce fading of carpet and furniture, help keep out the heat, reduce glare and ultraviolet rays yet sustain your view.

Retractables are primarily for shade but can be used for rain protection if the correct angle is installed. I have found that these have some of the best designs you can find ...

Shade Sails

2011-10-15T17:22:00.000+13:00

Shade sails add a modern, stylish touch to an outdoor area. They're a great option when you are considering ways to provide shade. You'll be able to escape the harsh sun while still enjoying the feeling of being outdoors.

Here are some tips to consider when you're looking to buy and install a shade sail.

Shade Sail Fabric

Most shade sails block a percentage of UV rays from the sun and it is wise to select a shade sail that offers a high amount of UV protection. Check for fabric warranties against UV degradation. It's also good to have fabrics that can breathe as that will help keep you cooler.

Look carefully at the construction of different shade sails to find the quality that suits you. Read the packaging and look at the product thinking of the amount of shade you require and the shape. Consider also material and look for features like reinforced webbings on all edges and quality stainless steel D Rings on each corner too. These features help to prolong the life of the product.

Before you buy your shade sail, look carefully at where you can position it. Ensure all your fixing points are structurally sound. If you are fixing to a metal or timber facia, then facia supports (to a rafter/truss) are recommended. You can also erect your own support posts if required.

Do not use a fire (or patio heater) close to the fabric and do not use your barbeque under the shade sail.

Take your sail down in strong wind conditions.

Size and Shape of the Shade Sail
The position and distance of the structurally sound fixing (anchor) points will determine the size and shape of shade sail that you can purchase.

Measure the area that your shade sail needs to cover, from fixing point to fixing point. Your shade sail needs to be SMALLER than this area. On each corner of the sail you need to allow for a space between the sail tip and the fixing point that is at least 10% of the sail length. This will allow for enough room for fixing hardware, material stretch and tensioning of the sail.

Shade sails look better when their elevations change from corner to corner (some corners higher than others.) The slope on the shade sail also helps with water runoff.

When determining the position of your shade sail it is important to keep in mind that the sun is constantly moving from East to West and so the shade underneath your sail moves too. The shade is not always directly under the sail.

Building A Patio

2011-10-09T21:50:00.000+13:00

Courtyards and patio areas have become an extension of our living spaces with alfresco dining a popular way for families to entertain. It is also a tranquil peaceful setting to escape the hustle and bustle of modern day living. Contemporary architecture and urban living has changed the way we live. Now apartments and town houses are a popular choice and with that, a courtyard garden or patio area replaces the traditional quarter acre section.

Courtyards can be quite small areas, but there are things that can be done to create the illusion of space.
Walls can be claustrophobic. While they create shelter and privacy, they highlight the fact that a space is small. Try to use similar materials to build walls as used on the rest of the house. Trellis, wooden slats and small openings in walls help create space. Mirrors hung on walls add another dimension to the garden. Garden art creates depth and adds interest. fruit trees, camellias, olives and climbers will help to soften a bare wall. Painting the walls in blues, greys and greens can be cool and restful - reminiscent of the sea. Using colours such as orange, reds and yellows will make the area warmer and it'll appear smaller too.

Patio pots and tubs allow plants to be moved around or swapped when they are not looking their best. Citrus, cabbage trees, palms, buxus and dracaenas are ideal for container growing. Planter boxes are good for small spaces and can also double as seats if a wide board is used around the top.

Whatever style of courtyard or patio you choose, make sure it suits the architecture of the house and your lifestyle.
Small details can make a big difference – create a secret garden, with hidden treasures of garden art, fragrant plants and trickling water - heaven!