Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Pavestone® RumbleStone™ Bench Planter



Pavestone® RumbleStone™. Rustic building blocks for your outdoor hardscape projects. Simple to complex, large or small, the possibilities for creative expression are as far and wide as that inner child's imagination.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

How to Keep Your Grass Green This Summer!

The long, hot days of summer are challenging for any lawn. Avoid dry brown grass by following our simple tips to keep your grass looking good!
Don't over-pamper your lawn
If you water your lawn regularly, it will come to depend on it. It's better to water your lawn less frequently, but more thoroughly. This will lead to a stronger root system that is more able to survive long, dry periods. Turf is remarkably tough, so if you live in an area with relatively frequent rain, that might be enough for your lawn.
Going easy on the hose, even if you have a water tank or well, may actually strengthen your grass. Do make the most of your soakings, though - applying a wetting agent can help make sure that every drop goes further. These are easy to apply and will help water penetrate and be absorbed more easily.
When you do water, make the most of it, by watering in the cool of morning or evening, so that the water doesn't evaporate immediately.
Fertilise at the right time
Applying a fertiliser, particularly in spring, at the start of the growing period, can give your grass a good boost in health and strength to help it get through hot weather. Some turfs, such as Sir Walter, have purpose-designed fertilisers that you can use.
Organic fertilisers, such as granulated chicken manure or blood and bone, are ideal, for any type of lawn, or for a granular fertiliser, try Shirley's No 17, or a slow release food such as Scots Lawn Builder.
Mow with care
In summer it's particularly important not to cut your grass too short. Mow regularly, cutting off no more than a third of a blade every time. As a rule of thumb, buffalo lawns should be kept at least 25mm in length throughout summer. This will keep your grass strong and able to fight off weeds.
During particularly hot periods, you may like to leave your grass slightly longer - a great reason not to mow at the height of summer! Longer grass will shade the earth, retaining moisture, protecting its own roots and keeping the light from weeds.
Keep an eye on hard-used - or unused - areas
If you have kids or animals, you'll probably find that they constantly gravitate to the same areas. Keep an eye on 'cricket creases', the area in front of 'goalposts' and the area under swing sets - they may need a little extra fertiliser, or just a break every now and again, to keep the grass in good condition. If you have a trampoline, move it around every now and again so that the grass underneath it has a chance to get its fair share of light and rainfall.
If the worst comes to the worst...
Trust in the ability of your grass to overcome most setbacks. Even if your lawn browns in the hottest part of summer, it should grow back once the weather cools off.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6682173

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

How to Stain Stamped Concrete -- NewLook's Translucent Color Enhancer Stain



How to Stain Stamped Concrete Floors -- http://www.getnewlook.com/Translucent-Enhancer.html

Want to learn how to stain concrete floors? Read the video transcript:

The Translucent Color Enhancer is a water-based, polymer-modified, transparent concrete stain. It is non-acid, non-acrylic and non-epoxy based. [Integral concrete color eat your heart out!]

The Enhancer is used for antiquing stamped, textured concrete surfaces to create a two-toned finish. It can also be used to blend surface blemishes and discolorations.

The Enhancer is a 3-component [transparent concrete stain] kit that is packaged in a variety of sizes, each of which cover a range of square feet depending on surface porosity, moisture content, surface temperature and method of application.

Like all specialty coatings, the Translucent Color Enhancer must be installed on a properly prepared surface. For this project, the above half of a 10x10 slab on grade was stained with a coat of the ORIGINAL Solid Color Stain. The stains and discolorations on the lower half were left alone in order to demonstrate how a different base finish can affect the final appearance of the Enhancer. Visit GetNewLook.com for more information about surface preparation.

Once the surface has been prepped and the Enhancer has been mixed according to instructions, you're ready to begin applying the material.

Begin by spraying the [transparent concrete stain] material in one corner and work your way across the surface. The translucent nature of the Enhancer causes it to work in such a way that wherever there is more product material, you will get a deeper, richer or darker color. Gravity will cause the Enhancer to run off the high areas and puddle in the textured areas of relief where it will dry darker and give the surface the antiqued, two-toned finish desired.

You may choose to apply the enhancer in one very heavy application or apply multiple lighter coats to get the desired depth of color. However, a general rule with applying an enhancer is that the stain should be applied evenly. If this is not taken into consideration, one result may be that you end up with a spotty look from your sprayer.

If you have drip marks or a spotty look from your sprayer you may also lightly mist the wet stain with water to help break up these spots. This has to be done very lightly so that you do not over-dilute the stain and compromise it's bonding properties. A hand squeeze water bottle is best to use so that you can better control the amount of water applied.

Keeping a high amount of pressure in your sprayer will ensure a more consistent and even application. Drips, spots and over-application are less likely to occur. Maintain your sprayer to make sure an even spray is always occurring.

The Enhancer should be applied when it is cool to allow the enhancer time to fall into the low areas of the stamp. In summer months, it is important to budget enough time in the morning to be done before it gets too hot.

It is important to understand that not all stamped surfaces look alike and as such should not be approached in the exact same way. Stamped surfaces that have deep impressions will lend themselves to potentially having more contrast. To create more contrast on surfaces with subtle impressions, you may lightly mist water on the wet concrete stain to help push it off the top areas and into the lower areas of the stamped surface. This allows more of the base color to show through.

If there is too much stain in an area, you may rag it up but it is recommended that you start with a slightly wet rag so that you do not take up too much stain.

Note: the Enhancer must be sealed when cured and dried.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Introduction to NewLook Concrete Color Stains



Learn more at http://www.GetNewlook.com!

NewLook is the leader in decorative concrete. Professional installers and property owners alike have used NewLook's innovative and premium system of decorative concrete products to enhance the image of concrete since 1989.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Restore Concrete With Color Maintenace System Demonstration, Sat July 20th


Product Demonstration:
NewLook Concrete Color Maintenance System™
 
RESTORE CONCRETE USING THE ORIGINAL
CONCRETE COLOR MAINTENANCE SYSTEM™
 
  • Reduce Pool Deck Surface Temperatures (CoolStain™)
  • Restore Old, Tired Concrete
  • Refresh Color Around Pools
  • Match Old & New Concrete
  • Restore Color on Stamped Concrete
  • Create Faux Finishes on Smooth Concrete
  • Color Overlay, Repair and Water-Proofing materials
  • Fix Wrong Color (Integral) Concrete
This educational class is ideal for those who are interested in learning more about how to restore and maintain the image of concrete using the ORIGINAL NewLook Concrete Color Maintenance System™. Hands on training may include a brief classroom instruction and will focus on surface preparation, concrete color staining and protective maintenance for both interior and exterior pool jobs.
NewLook Stains Are Environmentally Friendly, Qualify for LEED points, have Proven Quality Since 1989. Visit NewLook At: www.GetNewLook.com NewLook Enhancers™
Saturday, July 20th, 2013
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Sponsored by:
Dixon Landscape Materials
150 East H Street
Dixon CA 95620
Please RSVP
Tel:707-678-8200 Fax: 707-678-8300
Email: Sales@Dixonlandscape.com

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Front Yard Landscaping Approach



Tour this front yard landscape which includes concrete pavers, tile steps, and a seating area that takes advantage of amazing views. You'll learn about how water-wise and deer-resistant plants were used in this front yard

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Installing Pavestone Bagged Landscape Rock



Beautify your trees, gardens, bushes and other outdoor areas with Pavestone's landscape rock. Sold in easy to use bags.

Monday, July 8, 2013

"Today's Homeowner" with Danny Lipford_Pavestone Patio



Expert home improvement advice television show "Today's Homeowner" turns a backyard that had been damaged by a tornado into a restful retreat with an arbor and bench for relaxing and a Pavestone paver patio and fireplace that's perfect for cooking out and outdoor entertaining.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Boost The Value Of Your Home With Cost-Effective Landscaping

It's a bit of a cliché, but in the current economic climate more homeowners are marketing their gardens as 'extra rooms' in order to sell their home for more. It's an old idea to encourage home buyers to think of a garden as an extra room but encouraging this way of thinking can increase the value homes sell for. Potential buyers should be guided to imagine themselves relaxing in the garden through effective landscaping. This article will present some of the most cost effective ways of doing this.
Investments To Avoid
Just as a home-improvements like a loft extension might only see homeowners get back what was spent when they sell their home, extravagant landscaping and features can scare away buyers with the thought of hefty maintenance costs. In-ground swimming pools are a great way to get fit and relax but may dissuade some buyers, particularly those with young children. Enlisting the services of a professional landscaping firm and clearly explaining your expectations can be quite good value for money. Many firms have designers to develop sustainable plantings in many different styles that require a minimum of maintenance. They can advise you what investments you can make to increase your home's value.
Smart Investments
Smaller jet-pools which have water jets that allow you to swim against a current are good alternatives to in-ground swimming pools. They can really enhance a garden without frightening away potential buyers with the thought of the costly upkeep. Spending a few thousand dollars on features like a patio with a barbecue and a hot tub will see most homeowners add many times that amount to their home's value.
Tidiness Adds Dollars
Basic pruning like cutting back foliage and evergreens can bring a sense of space and add value to your home. It costs you nothing but time and effort if you do it yourself but some professional landscaping firms will also provide a highly affordable bi-annual pruning service to keep your garden spick and span. Removing weeds makes a garden far tidier and creates the impression that your garden can be easily maintained. This has an overwhelmingly positive effect on the perceptions of potential homebuyers when they view your garden.
Contemporary Is Best
Most landscaping firms offer services in a variety of styles but if you're looking for the most cost-effective way to boost the value of your home, keep the style contemporary and low-maintenance. If you do hire a landscape artist, dictate that they use as much paving, gravel and low-maintenance plants (such as shrubs and potted plants) as possible. A large lawn may put off buyers with the thoughts of maintenance costs and it's always wise to keep your ideas fresh. A modern fountain will appeal to more buyers than an old-fashioned pond, for example.
Accent Your Garden's Features.
A landscaping firm will be able to advise you about the best layout for your garden to maximize the appeal of the features your already have. Parking spaces, sheds and patios with simple garden furniture will generate the best returns for you. They will significantly add to value of your home an amount far in excess of their cost.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7792794

Tuesday, July 2, 2013