With so many people choosing to extend their living space into the outdoors, patios have become one of the most aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective solutions available. A patio offers additional space for relaxing, dining, and entertaining. Choosing a construction method or contractor to complete this type of work can often seem like a daunting task. We recommend concrete because of its style versatility.
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With every new lacecap I discover, I fall more deeply in love. Lacecaps are definitely one of my favorite summer bloomers, and this one has captured my heart. The blooms on this plant have a frilly detail that’s not on all lacecaps. They are edged with a deep purple-blue when grown in acidic soils, or a deep pink when grown in neutral or alkaline soils. And because it’s a reblooming variety it will bloom through the summer. As the flowers age, their color will deepen.
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A flower with a chocolate scent? We say “YES!” This cosmos variety has deep maroon flowers with a dark brown center on stems with dark green leaves.
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Nothing beats the sound of a water feature. And you can make one without much fuss or expense. This one is perfect for your backyard patio or deck. We found it here. What we love most about this feature is that it’s solar powered so you don’t need an electrical source. But we also love that it included plants. And well, plants always make us happy. And while you’re considering, keep in mind that it’s a ONE HOUR PROJECT. Yes, you read that right. One hour!
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Have you been thinking about getting an outdoor rug for your deck, porch or patio? Confused with what size to get, what color would work best and what material is best suited for your application? There are several considerations when choosing an outdoor rug and price is often part of the discussion, as well.
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Even if you haven’t already taken care of this chore already, what are you waiting for? We’re about two seconds away from May and knowing you’ll be spending more time at home than not, don’t you think it’s time to really think about spending that time outside? And everyone knows that the more inviting a space is, the more likely you are to spend time outdoors. The outdoors should be your happy, healthy, clean and fun space. There’s no reason to not tackle the necessary clean up and once that done, you’ll probably feel more inspired to spruce things up a bit.
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There are so many ways to add interest to your landscape, but nothing can bring as much comfort as a garden bench. Garden benches have provided outdoor pleasure to people for centuries, and while everything else in our environment has changed and grown, the pleasure of a few minutes stolen from the business of your day has not. Garden benches are great for reflecting with that first cup of coffee in the morning, while reading the news or planning your day. A comfortable seat in a quiet location, before you begin the day allows you to take in the sights and smells of your garden, as well. In the evening, a garden bench gives you the opportunity to calm down, take a breath and unwind in the most visually appealing, harmonious location of your entire home, both indoors and out.
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You got that new patio or deck you’d been dreaming of. You enjoyed it all spring and into the early summer. Your neighbors oohed and aahed over your new backyard living space and you smiled over everyone’s excitement. But now it’s dead in the middle of summer and well…it’s too hot to enjoy your new space during the middle of the day. The sun is banging on everyone and the guests don’t seem as excited over your invites. What to do? What to do?
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Is your deck or patio a little boring? Is it too hot to walk on when the sun is its brightest and the temps their highest? Do you feel like something is keeping you from feeling like your outdoor living space isn’t quite a livable as you’d like? An outdoor rug will instantly turn your patio or deck into an outdoor lounging or living space that will host you and your guests comfortably and longingly.
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It’s not just a slab of concrete to put your grill on. It’s so much more. A patio should be extension of your home and style. The ways you can decorate your patio are numerous, and you can do something lovely no matter your budget. Creativity and inspiration are key. How do you find inspiration? Think about the things that most inspire you and go forward. Is it a song? Think about the title and lyrics and how you can transpose that into your design. A certain type of flower? Use that as your color palette starting point. How about something as simple as an outdoor memory from a past vacation? Even a search through a magazine will help to spark your creativity and imagination.
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