3758&anchor=3131
It's hard to see past the limitations of a basement. The space is often dark, damp and unfinished. But a few talented designers were able to see the potential. If we ever won the lottery, we might try one of these really awesome ideas.
All photos via Houzz.com.
Create A Giant Playhouse
Have The Bar Of Your Dreams
Photo by John G. Wilbanks Photography, Inc.
Make A Game Area
Create A Den
Two Words: Wine Cellar
Play Ping-Pong In Peace
Have A Nice Quiet Place To Watch TV
Cr eate A Space To Store Your LEGO Collection
Make A "Loft"-Style Living Space
Add Tons Of Storage
Have An Indoor Hockey Match, Whenever You Want
Let The Kids Take Over
Or Let The Adults Take Over With A Brewery
Hold Band Practice
Add A Kitchenette
Make Your Own Art Studio
Create Your Own Sports Memorabilia Museum
Work Out Without Being Bothered
Go For A Swim
For more great basement ideas, check https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbQK4Bl3s_I out these great stories from our friends at Houzz:
Contractor Tips: Finish Your Basement the Right Way
How https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbQK4Bl3s_I to Get Your Basement Lighting Right
Love these photos? Then you'll love Houzz, the ultimate site for finding interior design ideas -- along with the remodeling professi onals, local residential architects and home builders in your area who can carry out your dream home visions.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/09/cool-basements_n_4747813.html
Wednesday, 24 May 2017
Organic gardens take root in Canada | Reuters
By Julie Gordon
| TORONTO
TORONTO As climate change makes longer, drier summers a reality in many parts of the world, a new trend in landscaping is taking root in Canada.
In Toronto, where precipitation levels were 52 percent below the seasonal average over the past six months, according to government data, residents are trading in their manicured lawns for environmentally friendly organic landscapes.
"Irrigation is a https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRbW3ayDWVQ huge issue as water is such a valuable resource," said Claire Suo-Cockerton of landscaping company Aesthetic Earthworks. "We are trying to plant material that is more appropriate today in our climate."
Organic landscapers use drought resistant plants and shrubs native to the region, which encourage the development micro-organisms in the soil. This attracts birds and insects to act as natural pest and disease control.
A well-man aged organic landscape is self-sustaining, whereas a traditional yard needs to be watered at least once per week, Suo-Cockerton said.
"It's a drastic lifestyle change for those who incorporate it in their homes," she added.
But the change may be a bit too drastic for average homeowner.
Kevin MacDonald, operations manager of Humber Nurseries near Toronto, said he hasn't seen an increase in the sale of native plants and shrubs. He said the downside to native plants is they are more susceptible to native insects.
"By planting a cultivated variety, that is non-native, you may not end up with diseases and insect problems, simply because the diseases and insects that would https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRbW3ayDWVQ traditionally attack that plant are not found in the new location," he said.
Still, the main reason why traditional gardens remain popular may be purely aesthetic.
"In most cases homeowners will have a preference for what looks best," MacDonald said.
While the bare shrubs and woodchips of an organic landscape don't quite have the curb appeal of an ornamental garden, commercial and residential buildings looking to go green are picking up on the trend.
"From a developer's standpoint it's a great marketing tool because people are becoming very conscious of the environment," said Melissa Ferrato of the Canada Green Building Council (CGBG).
The CGBG uses the leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) standard developed in the United States to measure the "green factor" of a building. Avoiding pesticides, lawnmowers and leafblowers all reduce a building's carbon footprint, contributing to a higher LEED score.
"Native, organic plants is what we're all about," said Ferrato. "We really discourage the use of manicured lawns and pesticides."
While organic landscaping is only now gaining popularity in the private sector, it has long been used by city parks departments.
"We've been moving away from traditional lawns for many years now," said Patricia Landry a liaison officer at the Toronto parks department. "We are using plants able to withstand drought, pollution and the changing climate."
Organic landscaping makes economic sense for urban municipalities, Landry said. Less money is spent on labor and irrigation. And reintroducing native plants provides habitat for birds and small https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extincteur_automatique_Ã _eau animals.
While efforts to convert Toronto's ornamental flowerbeds to organic gardens were met with public opposition, some of th e cultivated annuals were swapped with native plants.
"It's about trying to keep a balance," said Landry. "Finding different ways to keep those areas a little more environmentally friendly."
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-landscaping-idUSN2563030420071101
| TORONTO
TORONTO As climate change makes longer, drier summers a reality in many parts of the world, a new trend in landscaping is taking root in Canada.
In Toronto, where precipitation levels were 52 percent below the seasonal average over the past six months, according to government data, residents are trading in their manicured lawns for environmentally friendly organic landscapes.
"Irrigation is a https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRbW3ayDWVQ huge issue as water is such a valuable resource," said Claire Suo-Cockerton of landscaping company Aesthetic Earthworks. "We are trying to plant material that is more appropriate today in our climate."
Organic landscapers use drought resistant plants and shrubs native to the region, which encourage the development micro-organisms in the soil. This attracts birds and insects to act as natural pest and disease control.
A well-man aged organic landscape is self-sustaining, whereas a traditional yard needs to be watered at least once per week, Suo-Cockerton said.
"It's a drastic lifestyle change for those who incorporate it in their homes," she added.
But the change may be a bit too drastic for average homeowner.
Kevin MacDonald, operations manager of Humber Nurseries near Toronto, said he hasn't seen an increase in the sale of native plants and shrubs. He said the downside to native plants is they are more susceptible to native insects.
"By planting a cultivated variety, that is non-native, you may not end up with diseases and insect problems, simply because the diseases and insects that would https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRbW3ayDWVQ traditionally attack that plant are not found in the new location," he said.
Still, the main reason why traditional gardens remain popular may be purely aesthetic.
"In most cases homeowners will have a preference for what looks best," MacDonald said.
While the bare shrubs and woodchips of an organic landscape don't quite have the curb appeal of an ornamental garden, commercial and residential buildings looking to go green are picking up on the trend.
"From a developer's standpoint it's a great marketing tool because people are becoming very conscious of the environment," said Melissa Ferrato of the Canada Green Building Council (CGBG).
The CGBG uses the leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) standard developed in the United States to measure the "green factor" of a building. Avoiding pesticides, lawnmowers and leafblowers all reduce a building's carbon footprint, contributing to a higher LEED score.
"Native, organic plants is what we're all about," said Ferrato. "We really discourage the use of manicured lawns and pesticides."
While organic landscaping is only now gaining popularity in the private sector, it has long been used by city parks departments.
"We've been moving away from traditional lawns for many years now," said Patricia Landry a liaison officer at the Toronto parks department. "We are using plants able to withstand drought, pollution and the changing climate."
Organic landscaping makes economic sense for urban municipalities, Landry said. Less money is spent on labor and irrigation. And reintroducing native plants provides habitat for birds and small https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extincteur_automatique_Ã _eau animals.
While efforts to convert Toronto's ornamental flowerbeds to organic gardens were met with public opposition, some of th e cultivated annuals were swapped with native plants.
"It's about trying to keep a balance," said Landry. "Finding different ways to keep those areas a little more environmentally friendly."
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-landscaping-idUSN2563030420071101
Wednesday, 10 May 2017
50 Landscaping Company Names | hubpages
Landscapers are the elves of Mother Earth, giving her life, keeping her beautiful and healing her wounds. In return, the earth gives high doses of Vitamin D and a way to earn a living.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKWCB_3nMJg on a potential customer, and it could mean the difference between them choosing you or your competitor.
Since most regions have lots of different landscaping companies, you're going to face s ome stiff competition. You need something that will set you above the rest right off the bat. Your business needs to sound professional as well as unique and catchy!
Here's a list of 50 names to help you get some inspiration.
Brainstorming Tips
When brainstorming, keep the following in mind:
Use your industry: Have a name that indicates what type of company you are, even if you don't say it directly.
Use your specialty: If you specialize in something specific such as landscape design, make this clear since it can help you attract a different set of customers.
Use rhymes: Rhymes just have this way of sticking in someone's head, and the stickier your name, the better!
Use your own name: You own this company, right? Be proud! There is nothing wrong with that. Bonus points if there is a clever way to squeeze it in.
Use your location: Your town or street name could be a good source of identity and inspiration. Be sure it doesn't lim it you, however. Who knows where you'll grow!
Keep it simple: Your first or last name + Landscaping is a great name for a company.
Other Things to Consider
A few more https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKWCB_3nMJg questions to ask yourself when thinking of your name:
Is it brandable? You're competing with some top-dog companies for the spotlight.
Does it have the green light online? Check for available web domains and social networking pages to see how common the name is.
Does it really stand out? Keep in mind your local competition and steer clear of any names that sound similar.
Is it easy for the average person to spell and pronounce? This will help your name be memorable.
What are the most popular or biggest landscaping companies in your region called? Use them as examples of what works.
Now that you know what to look for in a name, it's time for you to start making a list of your own. Write down 100 names and don't stop until you do! Let some of them be bad. It's ok ay. It's all part of the process.
Deciding on a Business Name
After you've made a list of potential names, you will then begin to chop and hack away at it to narrow it down to the ones that are really good.
Ask for help if you are the indecisive type; you might be surprised at the ideas in the heads of others! And let's face it, people are pretty opinionated, and this is a time when you really want peoples' true opinions.
If all else fails, find inspiration in your work, whether it's cutting grass or planting a new garden. It just might plant the seed that you need to grow a few ideas!
https://hubpages.com/living/landscaping-company-names
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKWCB_3nMJg on a potential customer, and it could mean the difference between them choosing you or your competitor.Since most regions have lots of different landscaping companies, you're going to face s ome stiff competition. You need something that will set you above the rest right off the bat. Your business needs to sound professional as well as unique and catchy!
Here's a list of 50 names to help you get some inspiration.
Brainstorming Tips
When brainstorming, keep the following in mind:
Use your industry: Have a name that indicates what type of company you are, even if you don't say it directly.
Use your specialty: If you specialize in something specific such as landscape design, make this clear since it can help you attract a different set of customers.
Use rhymes: Rhymes just have this way of sticking in someone's head, and the stickier your name, the better!
Use your own name: You own this company, right? Be proud! There is nothing wrong with that. Bonus points if there is a clever way to squeeze it in.
Use your location: Your town or street name could be a good source of identity and inspiration. Be sure it doesn't lim it you, however. Who knows where you'll grow!
Keep it simple: Your first or last name + Landscaping is a great name for a company.
Other Things to Consider
A few more https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKWCB_3nMJg questions to ask yourself when thinking of your name:
Is it brandable? You're competing with some top-dog companies for the spotlight.
Does it have the green light online? Check for available web domains and social networking pages to see how common the name is.
Does it really stand out? Keep in mind your local competition and steer clear of any names that sound similar.
Is it easy for the average person to spell and pronounce? This will help your name be memorable.
What are the most popular or biggest landscaping companies in your region called? Use them as examples of what works.
Now that you know what to look for in a name, it's time for you to start making a list of your own. Write down 100 names and don't stop until you do! Let some of them be bad. It's ok ay. It's all part of the process.
Deciding on a Business Name
After you've made a list of potential names, you will then begin to chop and hack away at it to narrow it down to the ones that are really good.
Ask for help if you are the indecisive type; you might be surprised at the ideas in the heads of others! And let's face it, people are pretty opinionated, and this is a time when you really want peoples' true opinions.
If all else fails, find inspiration in your work, whether it's cutting grass or planting a new garden. It just might plant the seed that you need to grow a few ideas!
https://hubpages.com/living/landscaping-company-names
Tuesday, 9 May 2017
Gardening :: How To Care For Perennials In Your Garden
Perennials have long been one of the most popular classifications of flowering plant, and this is likely to continue for some time. There are many advantages to using perennials in the garden, not the least of which is their ability to regenerate year after year. The ability to plant once, and enjoy season after season of beautiful flowers, is one of the things that make perennials so popular with beginning and experienced gardeners alike.
Another great thing about perennials is that they are usually very easy plants to care for and to work with. Most perennials have needs that are quite undemanding, requiring little more than good soil, sufficient water and adequate sunlight. Even so, perennials also have their own issues, and one of the biggest issues is that perennials, due to their nature, are more prone to insect infestation and disease infection than are annuals, which have a much shorter life span. The very fact that perennials remain in the ground season after sea son means that infection can https://skygarden.london/sky-garden gain a foothold, even in the off season.
The best way to combat infection is to stop it from starting in the first place, and one of the best ways to accomplish that goal is to buy only the healthiest most vibrant plants. It is important to pay careful attention to the plants you buy at your local nursery, and to reject any that show signs of damage, disease or insect infestation. That is because healthy plants are better able to withstand any pathogens that may exist in the soil. A healthy plant will be able to withstand and fight off an infection that would kill a weaker one.
In addition, many perennials have been bred to be resistant to common diseases and pest infestations, so if these disease resistant varieties are available it is a good idea to seek them out. Perennial growers have spent many years using selective breeding to choose those plants that are best able to withstand commonly seen garden problems.
After the plants are in the ground, it is a good idea to check them often for any signs of problems. The best time to examine your plants is often when you are weeding the plants or watering them. This is a great time to look at the plants for any problems. Note any plants with wilted leaves, holes in the leaves, spots on the leaves or flowers, wounds on the stems or other possible problems. If you notice any problems, be sure to diagnose it accurately, using either a guide book or the eye of a more experienced gardener. Diagnosing the problem accurately is the first step toward curing it.
How you water perennials can have a big impact on their health. Overhead watering encourages water spots to remain on leaves, and these wet spots can be conduits that allow infection to spread from one plant to another. It is best to water deeply, using either drip irrigation or a soaker hose. Not Sprinkler System Installation Mckinney href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjreVlmEbis">Sprinkler System only will this avoid standing water on the flowers and leaves, but it will also allow much needed water to reach the roots.
Of course, proper care for perennials does not end when the growing season is over. It is important to care for these plants the right way after they have finished blooming. It is important to trim and prune is variety of perennial according to the recommendations for the species. Some perennials need to be radically trimmed back, while other varieties should be trimmed only lightly or not at all. It is important to pay attention to the needs of each variety in your garden.
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/268702-1-how-to-care-for-perennials-in-your-garden/
Another great thing about perennials is that they are usually very easy plants to care for and to work with. Most perennials have needs that are quite undemanding, requiring little more than good soil, sufficient water and adequate sunlight. Even so, perennials also have their own issues, and one of the biggest issues is that perennials, due to their nature, are more prone to insect infestation and disease infection than are annuals, which have a much shorter life span. The very fact that perennials remain in the ground season after sea son means that infection can https://skygarden.london/sky-garden gain a foothold, even in the off season.
The best way to combat infection is to stop it from starting in the first place, and one of the best ways to accomplish that goal is to buy only the healthiest most vibrant plants. It is important to pay careful attention to the plants you buy at your local nursery, and to reject any that show signs of damage, disease or insect infestation. That is because healthy plants are better able to withstand any pathogens that may exist in the soil. A healthy plant will be able to withstand and fight off an infection that would kill a weaker one.
In addition, many perennials have been bred to be resistant to common diseases and pest infestations, so if these disease resistant varieties are available it is a good idea to seek them out. Perennial growers have spent many years using selective breeding to choose those plants that are best able to withstand commonly seen garden problems.
After the plants are in the ground, it is a good idea to check them often for any signs of problems. The best time to examine your plants is often when you are weeding the plants or watering them. This is a great time to look at the plants for any problems. Note any plants with wilted leaves, holes in the leaves, spots on the leaves or flowers, wounds on the stems or other possible problems. If you notice any problems, be sure to diagnose it accurately, using either a guide book or the eye of a more experienced gardener. Diagnosing the problem accurately is the first step toward curing it.
How you water perennials can have a big impact on their health. Overhead watering encourages water spots to remain on leaves, and these wet spots can be conduits that allow infection to spread from one plant to another. It is best to water deeply, using either drip irrigation or a soaker hose. Not Sprinkler System Installation Mckinney href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjreVlmEbis">Sprinkler System only will this avoid standing water on the flowers and leaves, but it will also allow much needed water to reach the roots.
Of course, proper care for perennials does not end when the growing season is over. It is important to care for these plants the right way after they have finished blooming. It is important to trim and prune is variety of perennial according to the recommendations for the species. Some perennials need to be radically trimmed back, while other varieties should be trimmed only lightly or not at all. It is important to pay attention to the needs of each variety in your garden.
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/268702-1-how-to-care-for-perennials-in-your-garden/
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