Home & Outdoor Living (2024)

17/10/2020

Happy Saturday!

Wishing you a relaxing weekend!

16/10/2020

How amazing does this pool look???😍

Who wants to go for a dip?👀

15/10/2020

How cozy does this firepit look? 😍😍

What's the temperature like where you are?

14/10/2020

There's nothing more relaxing than the sound of water💧

On episode 9, we have a special guest Demi Fortuna, Director of Education at Atlantic Water Gardens. He talks to us about all things water feature as he has been in the industry for 33 years.

Throughout the episode, we talk about the benefits you get from water features, different available options for pretty much everybody, how modern technology has made it easier than ever, DIY water features, and much more. Stay tuned until the end of the episode, where Demi shares how you can learn about water features and get certified for free at the AWG’s online university!

13/10/2020

One Word: Innovation

In order to get the most out of your yard, think of it as another room, or rooms, in your home. Just as a home has well defined and carefully planned rooms, so should your landscape; using your materials wisely allows you can create different "rooms" in your landscape.

Don't forget to think about how you'll link your spaces. How will people move from one area of your yard to another? Create openings to encourage exploration in your yard and keep people moving throughout the landscape.

Do you have defined areas in your landscape?

12/10/2020

👆 Beautiful spiral herb garden😍!

Looking for more information on getting started on your own backyard garden? Episode 13 on the podcast has so many helpful gems that can get you started.

Take a listen 👂!: https://bit.ly/3dkgn5H

09/10/2020

Privacy anyone?👀

This is such a cool way to achieve privacy🙂

What do you use for privacy in your space?

08/10/2020

In the mood for ... the weekend.

How was your week?

07/10/2020

Add some color to your landscape!

06/10/2020

Wondering how to winterize your outdoor structures as the temperatures drop?👇👇👇

Sweep and clean the floorboards during the last days of fall before the cold sets in. This also means that it should be washed down to remove any grease that may have set into the flooring material. This will leave the floor clean and enable better airflow which will help to prevent mold and mildew due to the presence of moisture from snow or frost.

Do you use your outdoor structures in the winter?

Take a listen👂 to episode 3️⃣ on the podcast🎙️ where we talk all about shade structures: https://apple.co/30D4oLw

04/10/2020

Entertain. All. Year. Round.

One way to do this is get your very own firepit. Since you don’t have to rely on the warmth of the season, outdoor fireplaces allow you to host yard parties much earlier in the year. Get a nice fire going, throw on a sweater, and any clear night can turn into an outdoor star gazing extravaganza.

Are you stuck indoors when the temperatures drop?

03/10/2020

Having a pool not only upgrades the price of your home, but it makes staying at home so much more relaxing and exciting.

Pool maintenance is a factor that many people consider a deterrent of getting a pool in the first place.

We have a podcast episode focused entirely on pool maintenance. Throughout the episode, we talk about where to start, what you need to know about swimming pools, how to automate maintenance tasks, and many more.

Click the link in the bio to take a listen!

02/10/2020

Love the beautiful colours in this landscape!

Do you prefer a colourful or neutral landscape?

01/10/2020

Here's what you need to consider.

Before planting anything, study your landscape. See where the sun rises and sets. Some plants love the morning sun but will not tolerate western sun. Consult with a local garden center about the plants that you intend to use and know their needs. Plants that need full sun such as herbs, vegetables, roses and many bedding plants require five or more hours of sunlight, so make sure to design your areas appropriately.

30/09/2020

Use of plants and space is essential to getting the most out of your outdoor space.

Before planting anything, study your landscape. See where the sun rises and sets. Some plants love the morning sun but will not tolerate western sun. Consult with a local garden center about the plants that you intend to use and know their needs. Plants that need full sun such as herbs, vegetables, roses and many bedding plants require five or more hours of sunlight, so make sure to design your areas appropriately.

How do you decide what to plant?

29/09/2020

You don't need extra vacation days when you have your own built in oasis.

Your backyard should be an outdoor living area to enjoy. If you need privacy, install wooden fencing or large shrubs around the perimeter to create walls. Decks and patios make great sitting or dining areas when the weather’s appropriate and they create a nice overflow for guests during parties.

What do you need for your very own backyard oasis?

28/09/2020

Pay attention to detail.

Plants, hardscapes, and garden ornaments all have their own visual details, from various forms and shapes to an array of colors and textures. By thinking about how these visual details can be used to complement and contrast each other, you can create a cohesive and captivating landscape.

Don't just think about visuals. Take into consideration how the scents of the plants you select for your landscape can enhance the experience you create for those in your garden. Think about when flowers will be blooming and fragrant, as well as what scents will complement each other in the landscape.

Do you think about the scents when putting together your garden?

27/09/2020

Protect your resources.

By choosing resource-efficient plants, consciously managing water, and choosing environmentally sound hardscapes, you can help protect and preserve your environment.

Before removing plants from your landscape, determine whether these plants truly need to be removed, or if they could be relocated to another area of your yard. When selecting new plants, look for resource-efficient plants, ones that will require less water, fertilizers, and pesticides.

When planning the changes to your landscape, consider installing a rainwater catchment system which will provide you with an environmentally sustainable source of irrigation water. With careful planning such a system can even be incorporated as an aesthetic design element.

Using environmentally friendly hardscapes, non-toxic preservatives, stains, paints, and cleaners is another way you can protect your natural resources. Also, consider reusing construction materials; before demolition starts consider what materials you might be able to reuse, repurpose, or incorporate into your new landscape design.

Do you think about the environment when planning your landscape?

26/09/2020

💭Wondering how to select plants for your landscape?

Think about the future. More specifically, take into account how the passage of time will affect your landscape plants. When selecting plants, make sure you consider the plant's growth rate, maintenance needs, and its eventual mature size.

Make sure you provide your plants with enough room to reach their mature size. Keep in mind though, that mature size is typically based on optimal growing conditions, your landscape's specific conditions may cause a plant to grow larger or smaller.

Any particular tips you would like for us to share? Drop them in the comments!

25/09/2020

One word: Highlight🔆

Using unique plants, distinct structures, or garden ornaments allows you to highlight a particular area of your landscape.

Contrasting shapes, textures, sizes, and colors will help to capture attention and direct it to a specific area.

This way, your landscape can look way more expensive than it actually is.

Do you find it difficult sticking to a budget with landscape design? Episode 5 on the podcast. You can click the link in the bio to listen 👂

24/09/2020

How stunning is this fire pit???

The weekend is loading. How are you spending the weekend?

23/09/2020

Wondering where to start on landscape design?

Do all of your hardscaping projects before you set out any plants. Hardscaping can include a porch, sidewalk, driveway, parking areas, decks, fencing, patios and arbor. These projects usually involve construction, which can compact your soil or damage turf and plantings, so it’s important to complete any heavy work before plantings begin.

Any mistakes you made while completing landscape design?

22/09/2020

Appreciation post for decks 😄

How do they improve your outdoor space? Two words: form and function. Many homeowners use decks as places to plant herb or container gardens, to enhance the dinner table while adding natural beauty to the outdoor décor.

Installing a deck is easier than ever with today’s materials and deck plans are readily available. Almost any homeowner can elevate an ordinary, boring cement porch to a trendy modern living space by adding a deck-style flooring in an afternoon. If you like the idea of expanding your life to include the outdoors, adding a deck is a great idea.

21/09/2020

How stunning is this fire pit feature???😍😍

Nothing says cozy and comfortable like flames crackling in a backyard fire pit. Imagine gathering with friends and family sipping wine, roasting hot dogs, and making s'mores around your own fire pit during cool summer nights.

Would you get a fire feature in your outdoor space?

20/09/2020

SUNDAY FUNDAY!

Pool problems?

In episode 10, we dive into the must dos to maintain your pool.

Listen to this episode by clicking the link in the bio!

19/09/2020

How are you walking into the weekend?

Creating a pathway through your landscape can be beautiful and elegant. This is where paving is very helpful. A paved walkway creates a clear path for people to follow.

The walkway can also be structured to help highlight many features on the property that people want to see closely such an elegant tree or a lovely view from the top of a hill or even a beautiful front door.

18/09/2020

An aesthetically pleasing landscape is known to improve moods but where to start?

Episode 1 of the podcast starts with lawncare. Improving your lawn already significantly upgrades your landscape. Click the link in the bio to listen!

17/09/2020

“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.”

When you are finding a place for your feature, think about what's above it. If it's under a tree, for instance, it's likely to get lots of leaves in it, which will mean even more maintenance.

Also, it's much easier to get a water feature to look good if it's placed amongst planting rather than at the centre of a space. Nestled among the plants, it doesn't matter if it's a bit too big or small.

Do you have a water feature? If so, what kind?

16/09/2020

Describe this photo in one word.

14/09/2020

Having your own little oasis at home is crucial to creating a relaxing atmosphere.

No matter the size, backyards are meant to be a source of enjoyment and refuge—a place in which to escape when you want to unwind, relax, and have fun.

If the seating is comfortable, you're more likely to kick back and spend some time outside, rather than sit down, say, at a patio dining table, eat a grilled burger, then go back inside.

How about adding some comfortable seating to your outdoor space?

13/09/2020

What is a pergola?

A pergola is a simple structure that can transform your backyard into an outdoor living space that you love. To some people, pergolas may look like uncompleted structures as they are typically built with roof beams and vertical beams without a solid roof or walls. But they come with benefits and can help change the entire look of your outdoor space.

A pergola allows you to add definition to your backyard. You can create an entertainment lounge or a dining area, especially if you do not have a deck or patio. If you want a definite purpose in your outdoor area, a pergola is the perfect solution.

In episode 3, we talk about pergolas and other shade structures. Click the link in the bio to take a listen 🎶

12/09/2020

Where do you wish you were this weekend?

As the season starts to change, you can design your outdoor space to still take full advantage of it. A fire pit helps you do just that! No matter the season, a fire pit creates a cozy atmosphere that encourages relaxation and good conversation.

11/09/2020

Here are 3 tips to upgrade your landscaping 👇

1️⃣ Keep Things in Groups
Try to group things in threes or fives as a general rule. This way, from a distance it will always look full. It's a good idea to get a variety of colors that will bloom at different times of the year.

2️⃣ Add Irrigation:
A big mistake people make is not watering enough. Get a simple drip-irrigation system that can be attached to a spigot with a timer. Simply set the timer and it gives the plants all the water they need.

3️⃣ Add Mulch
Mulch is primarily used to help maintain the soil, but it's also decorative. The darker the mulch, the more the color of the plants will stand out.

Do you have any you would share? Drop them in the comments and let's help each other out.

10/09/2020

I didn’t choose the deck life. The deck life chose me😎

Decks are a destination spot for any home. What is more fun than sitting outside on a warm summer evening watching the sunset and enjoying company on your deck?

How do you keep your deck looking brand new?

09/09/2020

Describe this photo in one word.

We would say...🤔...enchanting.

08/09/2020

First impressions are everything.

A well designed from yard can also make your house feel like a HOME.

A few well placed plants, a nice color front door, and clean pavers can really make a huge difference.

Do you think the front entrance is important?

06/09/2020

How was your weekend?

A fire pit can dramatically improve your outdoor entertainment space. You can entertain all year instead of just during the warmer months.

What do you think of a fire pit in your outdoor space?

05/09/2020

How beautiful are these Lupinus Perennis seeds from nvknurseries ?

Here are 3 Reasons to Purchase Your Plants From a Nursery:

🌱Nurseries Offer Healthier Plants
Plants can be fickle. It takes more than a green thumb to help a plant reach its full aesthetic potential. You might be tempted to buy plants from a big-name retailer because they’re typically priced lower, but there’s a caveat: the nursery probably has healthier, better-adjusted plants.

🌱 Knowledgeable Staff Can Answer Your Questions
The knowledge and experience of the employees at your local nursery go a long way in helping you make the right choices for your landscaping project. Your nursery’s employees know more of the important details about the plants they house – and about horticulture in general.

🌱You Can Purchase Native Plants
Your nursery’s staff most likely has more knowledge about the native plants in your area. Native plants do not travel far from the grower to the nursery. For this reason, temperature and light variations don’t significantly affect these plants. Native plants are usually hardier because they are better adapted to the soil and climate in your region. Because of this, native plants require fewer pesticides, water and fertilizer.

Did we miss anything?

04/09/2020

Who doesn’t love the relaxing sound of babbling water and the beauty of clean, clear water running over stone?

There are two things to consider when getting a water feature in your landscape:

⛲Size
Smaller ponds may be more realistic and will be easier to maintain over the years, especially if you want to do a lot of the maintenance yourself. Like any water feature the larger, it is, the more expensive it is going to be to construct.

⛲Style of Your Home
There are all types of fountains and ponds out there. It is crucial to choose one that goes with look and feel of your home or business. A Roman-style fountain might look quite out of place in front of an Arts and Crafts Style or Craftsman home or business. A natural stone waterfall and pond, however, would go with this theme.

What's the style of your home?

03/09/2020

Have you ever thought of creating your own backyard garden?

Then episode 13 of the podcast is for you. BUFCO, aka Backyard Urban Farm Company, is based in Toronto. Marc & Arlene have been operating BUFCO for more than ten years. They help homeowners & organizations with designing, installing, and maintaining organic vegetable gardens. Throughout the episode, we talk about how to plan your backyard farm, what to plant, how to take care of them, and many more.

Click the link in the bio to listen to this informative episode.