Before you really get started on demolishing anything, you first need to figure out where you want certain things to be. Will adding plants and other features be enough, or would a new patio space be the perfect addition? Just about every space will benefit from some type of patio area for seating and dining.

Patio area’s are not that difficult to install, especially if you just lay stones as opposed to pouring concrete. You need to mark out the area, then clear away all of the lawn, rocks or plants which may be in the way. Make sure you save the plants you like because you can replant them later.

It’s not necessary to dig deep, you just want to create a somewhat level surface for the sand base to lay on top of. Once this is done, make sure you cap off any sprinklers which will be in the way, then add the first two layers of sand. After those are down, lay your stones. Once the stones are in place, add your final layer of sand that will set them in place. If you want, add some small plants between the stones, it looks great and the roots help keep the sand from washing away.

Plant selection can be the best part of a project. The different colors, textures and heights bring the space to life and create a special ambiance. In order to take advantage of every bit of space, use the walls, fences and other elevated surfaces for adding different plants. A series of planters with different flowers and ferns is sure to make that wall come to life.

Along with adding flower boxes, walls and fences are great backdrops for vines. Some vines will take their time climbing up the boards, while others will insert immediate color in just a couple of months. A hanging fountain or piece of outdoor art work is another great use for plain old walls and fences.

Different styles of yard art and decorations can bring an average space to life. They are great additions to any yard, patio, gazebo or courtyard, as long as they go with the theme. Make sure the piece you select has some sort of relevance to the area where you place it. If you are going large, it is important to have the appropriate backdrop, regardless of the size of the yard.

An outdoor space is an addition to the home. It is a place where you can find some solitude or even entertain family and friends. Following a few of these simple landscaping ideas for spring is a great way to get the type of concrete area you want. Make sure you use plants which are suited for the climate so you can enjoy your creation without having to replace things so often.

Having your piece of home land designed or landscaped is a true form of art. There are certain elements that landscape artists consider when designing your ideal landscape. One of the main considerations is the budget available as landscaping can be costly and require maintenance to keep it in tip-top condition. Unless you have the finances to do it all at once, it might be a good idea to first start on a small scale and add to it as you have the money to expand and develop your garden.

The kind of design you are going to have must fit your lifestyle. The reason could be purely ornamental but this will be difficult to maintain as the kids might want to play in that particular space. This is why it is important to know the specific intend of having the landscaping done.

When designing your landscape, entertainment areas must be designed to suit the kind of activities that you usually do within the premises. If you are a braai person then a braai area is a definite thing, the same applies with other things like barbeque and covered patios.

Maintenance of your place depends on a lot of factors; for example the type of flowers in the garden you are going to have will determine how often you should water them. Dry and hardy plants like succulents require less watering unlike roses which require a lot of attention. You would need to prune them every now and again in order to encourage blooming.

Where grassy gardens are concerned, again they require you to cut and water them every now and again so that the landscaped area does not look shabby. This applies to shrubs and hedges as well. You have to make sure that you weed the garden often in order to keep that beautiful look.

Themed gardens are also very attractive and can be low maintenance depending on the style chosen. These themed gardens can be adapted to your own personal taste and some unusual elements can be quite striking. Simply themed gardens can require little effort, such as stoned and pebbled areas instead of grass, hardy ever-green shrubs, aloes and other succulents can add interest and will pretty much look after themselves.

If you do not want to hire a professional, it is possible to do it all yourself. It will not only save you money but will also allow you the full enjoyment of designing and creating it all on your own. Researching types and styles of designs will give you a good idea of the layouts available for your type. You can also find out what flowers will work well in the different areas, such a shade, semi shade and full sun spots. Drawing or sketching your own design ideas as you research will help conceptualize and structure your future masterpiece.

If you feel you are not qualified enough to do the design by yourself or you still lack the confidence, it is good to visit some different books and register for some courses. These landscaping ideas will help you to do your design with all the confidence. This means that the design that you will have should be beautiful no matter you have appointed somebody to do it for you or you decide to do it by yourself.

It is important, when considering the plot, to show sensitivity to the mood and scale of the landscape and surrounding buildings. Look at the relationship that exists between various house elements like windows and doors when considering how they will look next to the garden elements such as pools, trees, flower beds and so forth. You also need to pay attention to the way all these elements relate to each other as well.

You can create and change perspectives by playing with the horizontal and vertical lines of different areas such as terraces, paths and beds. To make the garden seem longer, accentuate vertical lines, and to make it seem wider do the same with the horizontals. Skillful placement of trees and tall shrubs can enhance the effects. You can also draw attention to a particular spot, either inside or outside the territory, by manipulating lines and curves.

When constructing paved areas, fencing or paths etc. Ensure that the materials you use are sympathetic to the house and surroundings. Sometimes it’s hard to decide what’s suitable, so just consider the problem from another angle. Go through the choices one at a time and eliminate those which look wrong, and by a process of deduction you should end up with the correct answer. A plot that continues the color and style of the house’s interior makes for a very easy viewing on the eye, and it worth trying for.

In all of this, do not forget how you relate to the plot. Your garden should reflect your own personality. If you are an informal, relaxed type, you’ll be happy to have plants that overflow bed edges and so on, while if you are of a tidy nature, you’ll want everything just so and neat. Also, don’t forget about practical requirements. A person with a young family will want something different from a couple who are retired. For example, a large pond would suit the tranquility of the latter, but be dangerous for the former.

The amount of work and the time taken to perform maintenance of the finished garden also need to be factored in. Trees, shrubs, perennials and ground cover are good for those with limited time and a lower capacity for work. For others, they can make full use of annuals and specialized species which take up more time and effort.

Try to keep your planting simple. Too many varieties in a small space will look cluttered. Limit the number and type for a look that is more refined and simpler.

Before you actually do anything, read lots of catalogues and go around looking at other people’s gardens or concrete driveways. This research will save a lot of time and aggravation later on. When you have at last decided what you would like, save yourself some future time and expense by mapping it out on a scale diagram to see what works and what doesn’t.

When thinking about landscaping any space, you must take into consideration, several things. Keep an accurate idea of the size of your space. You don’t want to misjudge and buy the wrong amount of landscaping supplies. Develop a plan and have an idea of what you would like to achieve in your outdoor space.

It is a good idea to draw up some ideas on paper of the space you wish to create. A nice sized seating area is perfect for bringing family and friends together. If you have a good sized table, you can plan on inviting people over for barbecue’s on nice warm days.

Figure out what you would like to use the space for. If there will be lots of guests and family coming over, then try to design a space that can accommodate the number of visitors you anticipate will be coming over. The backyard can be the perfect place to host family gatherings.

You can create a nice outdoor patio area by laying down pavers. If you already have an area of concrete, you can place a table with an umbrella if you are in a sunny location. The umbrella will serve as a nice area of shade on a hot, sunny day.

The color and fabric choices for outdoor furniture that is available today seem always endless. Whether you are choosing wood, metal, canvas, or some other choice, you are sure to find something that fits your decorating scheme. Make sure you choose a fabric that does well in the elements so that it holds up over time.

You can create privacy and shelter by using potted plants and flowers. If you need a splash of color, consider placing some colorful plants or flowers around the seating area. Extra large trees and shrubs can provide shade, too.

Because your backyard lay-out will most likely be permanent, you might want to consider a consultation with a professional. It can be disappointing to have to up-root a scheme you had done that didn’t end up working out for you for whatever reason. By using a professional service, you can be sure the work is guaranteed and done right.

The most common problem is people ignoring drainage problems when designing their landscaping projects. If you fail to consult a professional or plan out your water drainage issues, you could end up paying for it later. A professional can help you plan run-off and protect the environment around your project.

If you are looking to save time and money are your backyard landscape design, be sure to have a plan of polished concrete and work the plan. There are professionals who can offer valuable insight and guidance as you begin a task of this size. Careful planning and hard work can pay off when you see your completed project.

• 12″L, 16 Lb
• Cast Concrete – No Resin
• 5 colored stains offered: 1)ANTIQUE GRAY 2) COPPER PATINA 3) DARK WALNUT 4) TERRACOTTA 5) WEATHERED BRONZE
• If you do not specify a color in an email, the color shown in image will be sent.
• Ships within 5 business days – EXCEPT holidays, SO ORDER EARLY

Product Description
Each casting is hand finished using an antiquing stain that permanently changes the exterior surface to one of the colors listed above. Due to the nature of this process, each casting will have subtle variations in the color, giving your statue an individual and unique character. As your statue ages, it will develop its own darkening – or patina. Garden statues are made in the USA of a copyrighted poured concrete mixture. These are considered “frost resistant” and c… More >>

CAT STATUE Cleaning Cast Concrete 12″ Kitten Garden Sculpture

The backyard is the new paradise for every homeowner. It is the place they like to retire to when they come home from work. It’s also the place where they spend their time off or even their holidays when they can’t afford to go away. So, it’s likely that they would like it to be as beautiful and inviting as possible. Having said all that, it’s also a good idea to use materials that are long-lasting, that don’t need much maintenance and can be affordable.

There is a slew of materials that you can use. Some are all-natural, others are man-made. Making this choice is extremely important. It will rely on who you really are. If you are the type of person that likes to get their hands dirty and put in the work to maintain things, then you can choose for those more frail products. If you don’t, then you should look elsewhere. If you don’t, you may live to regret it.

Some people might say that concrete may appear more cold. It can make the space feel uninviting or unwelcoming. However, with a few tips and some suggestions, you can make it just as warm as any other type of natural material.

And, if you add a little bit of wood or even faux wood items like railing or seating, you can easily warm it up. What’s more is that this material is long lasting. It’s very durable and can endure any type of weather conditions.

So, you don’t have to fear that too much sun or too much snow, or what have you will damage it. Basically, you’re looking at a very long life and you won’t have to replace it or maintain it in any way for many years to come. As far as maintenance goes, it’s a great way to save time because no maintenance is required.

Most other materials do not have that to say for themselves. For example, wood decks require annual sanding and re-staining. Failure to do so will only result in damage and inevitable destruction of the materials, leading to more costs that could have been avoided if you had followed the tips and advice.

Nowadays, decorative concrete has gone to a whole new level and has earned respect in many ways. In fact, it’s even going into homes now as counters and even flooring. Much of this is due to the innovations that have taken place with this industry. The colors and designs have made it a beautiful, intriguing, and much sought after material. Having said that, perhaps it is time to take another look at this incredible material and perhaps consider it being a part of your outdoor space.

The plan for the next year might include taking a look at photos you may have taken throughout the summer, making notes of what looked good and where it could be better. Adjust your planting schedule accordingly. Seed catalogs begin flooding your mailbox at just about the beginning of the year. Spend some fun-filled hours enjoying them.

It is also a great time, tucked away in your garden shop or garage from the cold, howling winds, to sharpen all of your tools, cleaning them up and preparing them for their next years’ duties. Oil the moving parts of tools, sharpen the cutting ones and repair any damaged handles of others. Run the gas out of the lawnmower before storing it, as well as the rotor tiller and other engines.

When the seed catalogs are spread around you and your pencil is sharpened sufficiently, make your order for the next year. Consulting your last years garden activities, make your choices based on the success and not so successful results. If a new fruit or vegetable catches your attention, make a decision to try it or not. Progress is great but sticking with the tried and true is also a good choice. Perhaps a little of each is in order.

You should have some fresh seeds for your new garden. Choose wisely and make sure you have some of everything you like. If you only have a small plot, plant some of the more practical vegetables like onions, tomatoes, melons, cucumbers, green beans and zucchini. This will certainly be a good start for any small gardener and you’ll have many veggies to can for your food storage.

If you have hedges that have outgrown their boundaries, just before the growing season begins, take your handy-dandy little lopping shears out and attack it. If the branches are sufficiently small, your hedge trimmer will work as well. If the branches and limbs are very big, chain saws eat them up easily.

It would be wise, but not necessary, to mulch your planting bed in the fall. It is very easy to uncover it early in the growing season and you’ll find it really helps to prepare the site for flowers or vegetables. If you are planting strawberries you will find the mulch not only a benefit in preparing the site but you’ll be able to use the mulch for the berries to help keep the grass or weeds from taking over your berry bed.

If you have fruit or nut trees, winter is optimum for pruning them. Also, it’s often best to spray dormant oil spray on the trees now, too. You will be able to check and see all the needs of fruit and nut trees in various gardening books that are easy to access. To complete your landscaping ideas for spring time, make a list of all the changes you will be making and check the planting schedule for all of your different seeds. Happy Gardening.

The cold weather is an excellent time for people to do pruning to shrubs and trees. You are able to see the areas of the plants and trees that they are cutting off. The cold that sets into the ground is a very good form of protection for your trees and shrubs from pests that may decide to invade them.

Another option for people that enjoy gardening is that they can dig up the plants and shrubs that have died. Once the leaves and fallen off of trees and plants it is easier to see what is actually being dug up. This is usually a job that many people dread doing and anything that makes this easier most people are happy to hear. A lot of people will use the things that they dig up for compost as it is good for the environment as well as economical.

Erosion issues are also a common issue that people need to contend with. The winter is a very good time to deal with this problem. It is far easier to find the areas that are causing the problem when the leaves are no longer laying around. Doing this can save a lot of time when the new season comes upon you.

Most yards develop holes in them at some point in time or another. Spotting these is easier as well during the cold months. Once spotted they can be filled in over the course of the winter. This may be necessary as generally filling them once is not enough.

Raking and other general things that need to be done when a person has a garden can be accomplished easily at this time of year. Many people will use this time to focus on some landscaping they may want to do. Also it is a good time to relocate some of the rocks and other items to an area that may protect the plants that will be struggling to survive the cold months.

Many gardening websites can be found these days. Looking through some of these sites may be a way to find out even more hints for winter gardening. A lot of the ideas that can be found on the internet are things that can be implemented quite easily for most people.

Message boards and forums are also a great tool that can help you gain more insight on this topic. Many people that have already been in the position that you are in now share their decorative concrete experiences as well as suggestions that may be useful as well as easy to put into play.

Forget the image of that flat sidewalk or driveway that is so common when the word is even mentioned. It too has come a long way in not only strength, but design possibilities. In fact, the complete transformation of your back yard or around the pool is limited only by your imagination and taste. You are certain to appreciate the fact that the cost will be much less than that of using brick, stone or tile while it can look just as beautiful.

Its abilities to be molded and create wonderful textures are some pretty great attributes. Even the largest areas are not a problem to work with and the possibility of creating an almost unique piece of art work around your home likely. With the assistance of an experienced contractor, you can decide on the particular designs and textures that will be used to create an area that will complement and enhance your home or outdoor surroundings.

The product just continues to improve and one of the newest improvements is color. There are varieties to choose from and there are many that are meant to blend in with the natural surroundings, while others create a bolder statement. Adding color will raise the cost slightly, but the finished work will be well worth any additional costs.

The use of concrete stains and dyes has really opened the door for creativity when designing. Certain contractors specialize in this type of work and is possible both indoor and outdoor. Your new patio could actually represent a work of art.

Colored areas can retain their beauty for decades when cared for in the right manner. During the installation process, a sealer will be put on for protection and then annually it will need another application. Experienced contractors are recommended for this type of work if you want the best results.

The imprinting or stamped process can create a patio that looks as if it is made from stone or brick, but it will cost considerably less. When the product has been poured, it is imprinted in the desired design to create the look. Many designs can be accomplished such as flagstone, wood, tile, brick, slate and stone.

Some of the best news for you is that it is even possible to do some of this work with your existing area. The right contractor can take what you already have and add color or newly imprint it with a pattern to make it more attractive. Get online and explore the difference that a concrete patio can make in your yard or next to the pool.

And it becomes very easy to turn around the umbrella with respect to sun. Now you do not require turning the base while moving this umbrella, so it may move easily and hence provides shade to you.

With these basic attributes, you can get many other options with various models available in the market, for example some models have tilt and lock features. Now the question comes that where a cantilever umbrella can be used. You can use it while sitting on the side of a pool, and can also use it inside the pool to avoid from the sunlight. Since this umbrella does not need a hole in the table to get adjusted, so you can use it at the patio table too. This umbrella does not have any pole in the middle, so you can see others very easily while sitting under it. If you are thinking about buying a cantilever umbrella, then there are several factors that you must consider. First of all, it is not suggested to purchase large umbrellas, that have a diameter of 10 feet or 11 feet in windy areas. This is because of the reason that this umbrella has side pole and that’s why it can be blown very easily by wind. Secondly, keep in mind that these umbrellas need a heavy base to be stable.

For instance, weight of 100 pounds or more works well with this umbrella. You may get special bases for these umbrellas from the market, like you can get bases available in resin or hollow having the weight of 110 pounds approximately. You may fill up a hollow base with concrete or sand. Third thing that you should consider while buying a cantilever umbrella is the cost, you should check that costs are in your budget or not. These umbrellas are not so economical but really well made.

Apart from these factors, these umbrellas are getting really famous, and you can see them at various places. They have a unique look, and are highly adaptive, that makes them extremely popular. So if you need a shade product which offers the most usefulness and versatility, then you should buy a cantilever umbrella.