by Contributed | Feb 14, 2023 | DIY Garden Projects |
Ever get the nagging feeling there’s something missing from your garden? Let us help you out – it’s a garden bench. You might not think that such a simple and unassuming piece of furniture can make that much of a difference. But they really do. There’s something so familiar and utilitarian about the humble bench that their very presence offers a nostalgic kind of comfort. Think about when you’re out walking or jogging through your nearest park – what do you do if you want to take the weight off for a few moments? There’s always a bench nearby even though we might barely take any notice. It’s the same in our gardens. Once you have one, you understand. You find yourself sitting in them at times when you previously wouldn’t have bothered sitting outside at all. They are just so handy and convenient. And with so many different designs and styles to choose from, they make for an attractive feature in their own right. Here’s a quick run through the essential styles you need to know about when choosing the right bench for your garden. Country garden Arguably the quintessential bench style, the country garden look is one familiar to us all. Straight backed with arms, classic examples feature simple slatted backs with little in the way of flourish or fuss. But you will also find plenty of more ‘showy’ models with more intricate patterning in their back designs, such as this attractively geometric take. The classic material for a country garden bench is wood. While oak, ash or beech might be the most traditional choices for an English country garden bench, we thoroughly recommend teak for its outstanding durability and weather resistance. A common and popular variation sees timber paired with a wrought iron frame, often with intricate ‘weave design’ metal work on the back adding an extra degree of ornamentation. Lutyens Another variation on the country garden style that has become so popular as to deserve a category in its own right is the elegant Lutyens garden bench design. Attributed to the acclaimed English architect Sir Edward Lutyens, this style captures the same Late Victorian and Edwardian classical revivalism that was the signature of Lutyens’ buildings – graceful curves offset against regimented straight lines, and perfect balance of formal and organic. An excellent choice if you want an eye-catching bench in a timeless style. Backless Backless benches are pure functionality – a seating solution stripped back to first principles, without arms, without backs, just a shared seat and nothing more. As such, it’s usual to find backless and backed benches put to different purposes in the garden. While backed examples are usually deployed as standalone seating options, a place to recline in the sun perhaps in a choice spot up against a wall somewhere, backless benches are most commonly paired with tables as an alternative to individual chairs. You might say that, with a backless bench, the focus is on sitting down to dine or converse rather than sitting to relax – it certainly makes you sit up straight and stay alert! Trestle A variation on the backless theme, trestle benches really cash in on the back-to-basics aesthetic with a rustic, vintage feel. The concept of creating simple benches (and tables) out of wooden A-frames with planks resting on top dates back to very ancient times. And hey, when a design just works, why not stick with it? Examples like this Provence vintage bench just ooze the simple charms of the good life – robust reclaimed timber, quality craftsmanship with not a hint of pretension, what more do you need? Or as a variation, we just love these Roma polished concrete-topped benches – the same elegant simplicity, but given a modern twist with one of our favourite garden furniture materials. Modernist One of the reasons why we get so excited about polished concrete is because of how readily it morphs to suit completely different styles. While the Roma benches mentioned above make use of this material in a very traditional, timeless, rustic design, polished concrete also features in some of the most cutting edge and futuristic bench designs we stock. Take, for example, the stark, angular modernism of this Antibes bench – a single block of moulded concrete fashioned to the bare essentials of a bench, but a simplicity of a completely different order to the wooden trestles. Or how about the post-industrialist brutalism of this Mira bench, complete with rusted steel frame. Or, heading in another direction entirely, the sinuous, wave-like curves of this Mila bench. Whatever the garden, whatever the look and feel you want to achieve, there really is a bench that will elevate...
by Contributed | Dec 29, 2022 | DIY Garden Projects |
Gardening is one of the most rewarding hobbies that you can take up. It’s something that is practical, as a vegetable garden can feed a family if you want it to, but it’s also deeply enjoyable. There’s nothing quite like guiding a seed into a plant that you can appreciate. However, if you’re just getting started, then you might not know how or where to plant your first seed. Here are some tips to help you to start your journey. Image Credit. Starting Small The good thing about gardening is that it’s a relatively easy hobby to get into. You can grow plants anywhere, as long as you do your research and know how to help them to thrive. A lot of people think that you need a big backyard or allotment to grow things, but this isn’t the case. True, some plants need a lot of space, but plenty will grow happily in small spaces and pots. For example, you can grow a herb garden on your windowsill or on pots in a small yard. Herbs are a great option because they’re so easy to grow, but they also smell wonderful and can have a huge impact on your cooking. Even if you do have more space, it’s still a good idea to start small and not bite off more than you can chew. Setting up vegetable plots is a lot of work, so it’s a good idea to grow your garden over time rather than trying to establish a huge series of plots all at once. Start with a small plot, then add more as you get more experienced. Grow Rooms, Tents, and Greenhouses Another option is to grow your plants in a grow room, grow tent, or greenhouse. These options allow you to grow your plants in a more controlled environment. A greenhouse is the most common, low-tech option. A greenhouse keeps plants a lot warmer than they would be outside, providing plenty of light and a humid environment. This is great for plants that are happier in warmer climates and allows you to grow things that would otherwise struggle. Grow rooms and tents allow you to control the environment even more, including the light levels, temperature, and humidity. However, before investing in a specialized piece of equipment like this, you should do your research. Consider a guide to buying a grow room so that you can make the best choice. What to Grow Choosing what to grow is always a big decision, as every plant has different needs. First, research the hardiness zone of your area, so that you know what can grow in your climate and what might struggle. From there, you should choose plants or vegetables that are easy to grow and that your family is likely to enjoy. If you like flowers, then focus on flower beds. But if you want to grow food, then consider a variety of staples and something new that you can’t easily buy otherwise. Once you’re more familiar with gardening, you can move on to more challenging and interesting...
by Contributed | Nov 7, 2022 | DIY Garden Projects |
Winter might be on its way, but that just means it’s time to start thinking about all the ways you can spruce up your landscaping. If you’re like most homeowners, your yard could use a little bit of work. But with so many projects to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you prioritize your garden renovations. In this blog post, we’re going to take a look at what garden renovations you should think about doing next. Why is it Important to Renovate Your Garden There are plenty of good reasons to renovate your garden. Not only will it give you a chance to express your creativity, but it can also provide a much-needed sense of renewal. And let’s be honest – it can be a lot of fun! From increasing your property value to saving you money in the long term and even boosting your health, it can be a great project to undertake. Now let’s take a look at what you can do. 1. Start With the Basics If you’re new to gardening, or if you haven’t done any major renovations in a while, it’s always best to start with the basics. This means making sure your grass is healthy and green, that your flower beds are free of weeds, and that your trees and shrubs are trimmed and shaped. These basic upkeep tasks will make a big difference in the overall appearance of your yard, and they’ll also help you identify any problem areas that need more attention. 2. Don’t Forget About Curb Appeal When most people think about garden renovations, they focus on projects that will improve the look of their yard for themselves and their family. But it’s also important to consider how your yard looks from the street. After all, first impressions matter! If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, or if you just want to make sure your property always looks its best, then curb appeal should be one of your top priorities. 3. Focus on Function as Well as Form It’s important to remember that your garden should be both beautiful and functional. With this in mind, try to choose projects that will not only improve the appearance of your yard but also make it more enjoyable to use. Focusing on the hardscape and adding a patio or deck can provide a great spot for entertaining guests will always be a functional idea. But at the same time, choosing to plant some fruit trees can give you fresh produce throughout the summer months could also work. By thinking about both form and function, you’ll end up with a garden that you and your family can enjoy for years to come. Creating the Perfect Garden We hope this guide has helped you prioritize your garden renovation projects for the spring season. Remember, it’s always best to start with the basics and work your way up from there. And don’t forget to keep curb appeal and functionality in mind as you plan each project. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to end up with a beautiful outdoor space that you can enjoy for years to...
by Contributed | Sep 15, 2022 | Around Our Yard |
Being surrounded by nature has many benefits. Spending time outside immersed in nature is well-documented as a way to relieve stress levels, boost your mood, and generally enhance feelings of wellbeing. For many, the best opportunity to enjoy nature is to step outside their back door and into the garden. Your backyard provides the perfect opportunity to engage with nature and enjoy all the benefits of being outside in the fresh air. If this is something you enjoy, you may be keen to increase your opportunities to engage with wildlife and experience nature first-hand. Making a few changes to your backyard is a simple yet effective way to welcome more wildlife to your garden. Here are some ways to attract more wildlife into your backyard and experience the joy that watching wildlife in action brings: Add a Pond If you have the space for a pond, it can make an excellent addition to your backyard. Adding a pond to your home brings an air of tranquility and attracts an abundance of wildlife you would not usually find in your backyard. Creating a pond can be a bit tricky to get right, especially trying to achieve the correct chemical balances and prevent leaks. To get the best results from your pond, it is beneficial to call in the experts to construct your pond rather than trying to do it yourself. So, getting professional help creating the pond and getting all the Pond Supplies you need is a great way to make the pond of your dreams. Once your pond is established, you will not only be able to sit back and watch your new fish swimming around, but your pond should also attract wildlife such as dragonflies and frogs. Create a Bird-Friendly Oasis Attracting birds to your garden provides an excellent opportunity to watch wildlife from inside your home as well as when you are outdoors. Attracting birds to your garden is pretty easy, as they are always on the lookout for new food sources, especially during the harsh weather conditions in the winter. Setting up a bird feeding station is a great way to attract birds, but ensuring that you use squirrel-proof feeders is advisable to prevent less welcome visitors from scavenging for the food, such as rats. In addition to providing food for the birds, it is also a good idea to provide them with water. You can either attach a hanging water dish to your bird feeding station or buy a bird bath. A bird bath allows you to see the spectacular sight of birds drinking and bathing and is likely to attract frequent avian visitors. Plant Colorful Blooms Everyone loves seeing bees and butterflies darting from flower to flower in their gardens, and you can encourage them to spend more time in your backyard by planting colorful blooms. Planting plenty of pollinators in your backyard should help increase the number of these beautiful creatures you see in your garden while also helping to protect them from...
by Contributed | Aug 22, 2022 | DIY Garden Projects |
There are many things to consider when renovating your home, from the budget and timeline to the equipment and materials. The following blog post will discuss everything you need to know for a successful home renovation project. Photo by Rene Asmussen 1) Planning Is Crucial For Any Home Renovation Project Plan ahead is the first and most crucial step in any home renovation project. This means creating a budget, timeline, and list of materials and equipment needed. Planning ahead will help to ensure that your project stays on track and within budget. If you are unsure how to create a budget or timeline, many resources are available online, or you can hire a professional contractor to help you. Once you have created a budget, it is essential to stick to it as much as possible. There may be unforeseen circumstances that arise during the course of the project that could cause the budget to increase, but try to avoid this if at all possible. It is also essential to create a realistic timeline for your project. Take into consideration the time needed for each task and allow for some flexibility in case there are delays. It is better to overestimate the amount of time needed rather than underestimate it. 2) Choosing The Right Materials And Equipment You will need to do your research when it comes to choosing the right materials and equipment for your home renovation project. There are many different types of products on the market, and you will need to find the ones that best suit your needs. It would help if you also considered the cost of these materials and equipment before making your final decision. When choosing the right materials, you will need to consider what kind of look you are going for with your renovation. Do you want a modern look or a more traditional one? There are many different types of materials available, so you will need to take your time in order to find the perfect ones for your home. Once you have chosen the right materials, you will need to think about the equipment you will need to complete your project. There are many different types of tools available, and you will need to find the ones that best suit your needs. It would help if you also considered the cost of these tools before making your final decision. You will need to ensure that you have all the right materials and equipment before starting your home renovation project. If you do not, you may find that your project takes longer to complete than you originally planned. 3) Hiring A Professional Contractor When deciding if you should hire a professional contractor or take on the project yourself, there are several factors to consider. First, if you have limited experience with home renovations, it is probably best to hire someone who does. Professional contractors have the experience and knowledge necessary to successfully complete most home renovation projects. They also have access to better quality materials and equipment than most homeowners. Another factor to consider before hiring excavation and grading contractors is the cost of labor. Hiring a professional contractor will usually cost more than doing the work yourself. However, you need to factor in the value of your time. If you value your time at $20 per hour and it will take 40 hours to complete the project, hiring a professional would save you money. 4) Getting The Proper Permits Depending on the municipality that you live in, you may need to obtain permits for your home renovation project. If you fail to do so, you could be fined or even forced to redo the work. To avoid any problems, check with your local government office about the permits you need. Obtaining the proper permits is essential for your home renovation project. Depending on your location, different permits may be required in order for work to commence. Failing to procure the right paperwork can result in costly fines or even force you to redo the job completely. Do your research ahead of time and save yourself the headache by knowing which permits are needed from the beginning. In conclusion, there are many things to consider before embarking on a home renovation project. However, by taking the time to plan ahead and do your research, you can increase your chances of success. Keep these tips in mind, and you will be well on your way to completing a successful home renovation...
