Landscape Ideas from Me

There are several factors involved in deciding which custom fire pit is best for your backyard patio or outdoor living room. Below are several considerations:

1) Choose the best fire pit type for your backyard: ie: built-in, prefabricated or a portable design.

2) How the size of your fire pit would fit in the space available; how many guests you expect to entertain; what is the height and arrangement of your outdoor seating?

3) The differences between a fire pit and an outdoor fireplace, and which is the most suitable choice for your outdoor living space.

4) Weighing the pros and cons of the various fire pit fuel options, including gas, propane, wood and ethanol. We here at Warming Trends highly recommend a natural gas or propane burning system which does not expel harmful smoke, ash and embers into the air effecting your neighbors and the environment.

5) Determining the best location for your fire pit, considering such factors as convenience, layout of space and fire code safety.

6) Determining the best size for your fire pit, depending on how many people you plan to accommodate and the room youll need for outdoor seating and traffic flow.

7) How building codes may impact where you can locate your fire pit as well as when you can use it and what types of wood you can burn. Again, many local ordinances are placing wood burning restrictions in most neighborhoods nationwide.

8) The cost ranges for various types of fire pits and how to choose the right style for your budget.

9) Selecting a finishing material for your fire pit that ties in with your patio and the materials on the exterior of your home. Faux stone, real stone, stucco, etc.

10) Choosing fire pit fill materials that are both decorative and heat absorbent, such as lava rock, concrete gas logs, steel logs, or fire glass.

11) How fuel costs will impact the overall cost of operating your fire pit. Our crossfire burning system only consumes half the fuel of a traditional fire ring while producing twice the flame.

Because of these considerations and the amount of different fire pit designs, be sure to consult your local landscape designer for planning, advice and expertise. If you have any questions regarding which fire pit is right for you, feel free to contact us at any time with questions and well be happy to help. Call us today at 1-877-556-5255.

1. Fertilizer

Feel free to fertilize during the summer time, but in moderation. Use Miracle Grow for Acid-Loving Plants (available at Home Depot, Lowes, etc.) 2-3 times a week between April 1 thru May 30. To apply, broadcast in moderation on top of root systems of all trees. Make sure it is dispersed evenly throughout soil; if not done so, the fertilizer can burn the root system and potentially kill the tree. Miracle Grow for Acid Loving Plants can also be used on all shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers. Sub-alpine firs especially love the stuff. Be careful NOT to over-fertilize, and make sure you thoroughly water all plant material directly after fertilizing. Also avoid excess fertilizer finding its way into your water feature. We highly recommend installing a constant liquid feed fertilizer injector. If you dont have one, we suggest applying one.
2. Weed Control
To significantly diminish the amount of weeding in your Utah Landscape Design, apply the pre-emergent Ronstar in early April throughout all planted areas. This will definitely help, but for the first two years before groundcover and perennials are fully established, weeds will always be a problem.

3. Sub-Alpine Fir
Sub-alpine firs are beautiful and superior evergreens, but if not properly maintained, can lose their distinction. To ensure a healthy, happy tree year-round, stay committed in applying Miracle Grow for Acid-Loving Plants. These trees will always prefer a more acidic environment opposed to alkaline. We also highly recommend that you have your sub-alpine fir sprayed at least once a year, even twice if possible (early summer and late fall) with a product that is not available on the open market and distinct to our company. This product shields the summer heat and protects against winter damage. If interested in either applying this yourself or hiring us to do it, let us know. All trees are sprayed upon completion of your job.

4. Insects
Aphids are the most common insect problem. Aphids love sub-alpine fir and beech trees, and if not taken care of, can kill of an entire tree and spread to the next one in a matter of weeks. If you happen to see a tree with insect damage, have them sprayed. If you live in an area that is susceptible to insects, it would be a good idea to have your yard routinely sprayed annually.

5. Soil Pep, Bark, etc.
Adding these organic materials to your garden helps improve almost any soil. When added to clay soil, it facilitates drainage by creating coil aggregates with pore spaces between them. In sandy soil, it improves the structure and water retention. If you decide to use any type of organic matter in your garden, do not allow any to get within 10-15 feet of your water feature (stream, pond, holding tank, etc.) If any gets into your water system, it will completely destroy the water quality and clarity of your water feature.

6. Water Feature
If your water feature ever shuts off without warning, chances are the breaker has tripped. If this is not the case, let us know, and we will send somebody out. It is also important that in the fall you watch the amount of leaves that accumulate around the end (metal grate) of your water system. If enough leaves or debris linger in this area, it can cause a thick barrier, and the water will have nowhere to go but up. This can cause all sorts of problems. Also, be sure the metal grate is clear of all debris before winter hits. If not removed, the debris will freeze and form a water tight lid. If you happen to live in area with excess leaf fall, let us know, and we can engineer a distinct metal grate for your water system.

Weve been baked, jet washed and blown dry in the last few weeks, and the strong winds are still reminding us of staking Could-Do-Betters, like this Inula magnifica who looks a little worse for wear in his drunken sea of long grass.

But apart from a bit of tidying up after the storms, the garden is in holiday mood. The season extenders grown from seed have been planted and the weeds are slowing down. The grass has paused in the heat and a sea of clover has taken its place, alive with happy noisy bees, so theres time to walk the dogs..


















One of the best things about walking, is the feeling of familiarity as you pass the same spots through the seasons.  We dont own the land through title deeds, but we all belong to the land, and in a spiritual way it belongs to us.

Tramping my daily beat with my spaniels circling my heels, I get terribly excited as the first buds on the trees herald the beginning of the end of winter. With the birth of the first lambs I feel triumphant and the arrival of the wild orchids along the side of the road makes me feel protective and then positively subversive as I dream of lying down in the path of the inevitable Council mowing machines.

As I walk I feel grounded and gradually peaceful. Nature is taking its course and all is in its place in this little corner of Englands Green and Pleasant land. England seems through my lifetime to have been forever going to war, but it has always been at one remove, in a distant place and often for someone elses quarrels, so despite the news and the brave friends who return, we can be thankful that for many years war has not been to us.



















Strange to think then that my favourite fields were once the spring board for D-Day. That the fields of sheep and crops were runways and Nissan huts, and that fierce dog fights took place over my house each day.

















This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and to commemorate the brave American and Canadian airmen of the Ninth US Air Force and the 2nd Tactical Airforce, our local farmer Roger Munn has allowed a monument to be put up on his land in their memory.


















I am very grateful to them for my peaceful walks.



These days the fields are the springboard for dozens of sky larks, jet propelled vertically into the sky as we pass, whilst on the way home the human fly past is almost silent:-


















But the dogs have been busy collecting new weed seeds for the garden, so I wont be idle for long..

My thanks to Anni, who lives on the other side of the airfield and who gave me the black and white photos - here she is waving from her top right window:-

Tired of not having contemporary options for garnishing your fire pit? Traditional fire logs, lava rock and glass dont do it for you? Well, then try out some custom oak steel logs. They are modern and add a unique flare to your fire pit. If you are a restaurant or hotel, or any commercial business for that matter, these oak steel logs are fantastic alternative because they are durable and will stand up to the elements. Not only do they stand up to the elements, they stand up to unruly clientele that may try and damage them. Also, you can bolt them to your fire pit pan and avoid theft.

Check us out online, or call today for more information, 1-877-556-5255.

 Landscape Design to celebrate beauty and style. Dont think that landscaping refers only to trimming trees, mowing your lawn or planting flowers! They are indeed important tasks, but a landscaping Design has to transform the Property into a great living place. Creativity and imagination have to rule in order to offer the best results. And size doesnt matter, because a small lawn can be Designed just as well as a huge one.
Your house should be a center of relaxation, and this is why it must have an appropriate

Front

When guests come to visit you, the first thing they see is the front lawn. Through this, they start to get an impression on your personality. If you want to make an elegant and classy statement, it wouldnt hurt to have an immaculate Landscape, a great walkway, and even a paved driveway. The attractive elements present in your yard will send everyone a message of pride. Not to mention that this represents a good starting point for the rest of the Landscape.

Key elements

If you want to update, improve or redo the Landscape that you already have, take into account some key elements that can be incorporated. There are various categories of elements (soft and hardscape, water features, etc.). While the hardscape Design includes pathways, patios or courtyards, the softscape is represented by the living elements (gardens, trees, flower beds, etc.). And then there are the water elements (waterfalls, ponds, fountains, pools or streams). The perfect Design makes sure that your desired elements incorporate into your style flawlessly.

Materials

The materials that you plan to use in your Design symbolize your taste and dreams in terms of outdoor paradise. They also talk about the maintenance necessary in order for your Property to look perfect. If you like to see lots of flowerbeds or garden paths, you might want to go with softscape materials. On the other hand, if you like to have an entertaining space located around a pool, you should choose hardscape materials (cement, gravel, paver stones). You can even mix the materials you plan to use. For instance, you can create walkways that are paved with stone mixed with wooden retaining walls. This way you can make your Landscape look more comfortable.

Lighting

Many landscaping Designs overlook lighting. But if you want your Property to look great all day long, you will have to accomplish this. Lighting is also useful during the night, when the visibility is reduced. When it comes to lighting, the possibilities are endless. You can choose to go with lighting pathways or illuminating tree, bushes, water features and so on. In addition to this, including lighting in your Landscape will offer you a ton of other options.

Patio

When you start transforming your patio into a completely new thing, stop for a moment and think at all the ways in which you can take advantage of your patio. If you are dying to have a kitchen outside, you can include cupboards, grills, mini-fridges or a brick oven. Having everything that is necessary into a kitchen in the outdoor space will make things even more fun and entertaining. Friends and family will help with the preparation of the food, and the cook will not be isolated into a corner, missing out on all the fun. Plan in advance and you will see what it means to have fun in a beautiful space. With a bit of professional help, you will turn your Landscape into a unique piece of art.

Romneya

Romneya coulteri
Also called Matilija Poppy. A fast growing to invasive ( on sandy soil ) shrubby perennial, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 10 ( rarely over 8 ) feet, that is native to California. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 6.5 feet; first year - 5 feet; 3 years - 6.5 x 6.5 feet. They can spread quickly due to underground stems once established.
The finely-cut or pinnate leaves, up to 8 inches across are silvery-gray to blue-gray.
It may be evergreen in mild climates.
The large, fragrant, white ( golden-yellow stamens ) flowers, up to 9 inches across, are borne mid summer through mid autumn ( may start as early as late spring in very mild climates ).
Hardy zones 7 to 10 ( 6 on protected sites ) on a warm sunny site on fertile, light, well drained soil.
It is not common in eastern North America but has been found to be hardy, even thriving in zone 6 parts of southern Ontario, tolerating -10 F or colder against a south facing well on deep, sandy, very well drained soil where snow melt water does not pool. Mulching deeply ( ex. pine needles ) is recommended during winter to protect the roots and crown.
Plants are typically cut back to 6 inch height during late autumn or early spring to encourage dense vigorous growth and improved blooming.
They can be slow to established and must be planted during spring in cooler climates.
Propagation is from cuttings or seed. The seeds are difficult to germinate and usually need fire ( plant often colonizes burns in its native habitat ). In autumn you can make the seeds germinate by mixing them in moist potting soil wrapped in strong foil; then burn pine needles on top for 1/2 hour. They should sprout in 3 weeks. Root cuttings can also be taken during late winter and placed in sandy soil.

* photo taken by Chooch Weston near Dresden, Ontario, Canada - Jul 2011

* excellent video found on Youtube