Green Thumb Corner

by Spencer Wilkins

Timber playhouses as any child knows offers them the chance to allow their imagination to run riot as they play either by themselves or with their friends. When it comes to parents selecting the right kind of playhouse for their child they will soon discover that they have plenty of options open to them. So actually finding one that meets their child’s own particular needs will not be that difficult.

Actually purchasing such an item is extremely easy a visit to your local garden centre or DIY store and they will have a number of different designs that you can select from. Also if you find that you do not have the time then a quick search of the internet will provide you with some ideas as well. A lot of the playhouses that are currently available come in prefabricated kit form and can easily be installed by you as they come with a good set of instructions as well.

As well as prefabricated playhouses the other option open to you is to have one that is custom made. Although these are more expensive you will be able to design a playhouse that is completely unique. Plus the standard of finish often means that these types of playhouses are far more durable as well.

After deciding on whether you are getting a custom or prefabricated playhouse there are a number of other factors that you will need to take into consideration before you may that purchase. Below we look at just a few of these factors and which should further help you in making the right selection.

The first thing you need to consider is where you are actually going to be placing it. Ideally it should be not only somewhere that they children have easy access to it, but in a position where you can also see it from your home. If you can place it in a location within the garden where it gets plenty of natural sunlight throughout the day.

After you have selected the location now you can make a decision on what size of playhouse it is going to be. You should be aware that any building that is over 100 sq ft may require building permits from the local authority before it can be installed. So check with your local authority where you stand on this matter, also it may be prudent to speak with your neighbors to see if they have any objections.

It is important that the playhouse you choose is one that as your child grows up it can actually grow with them. Yes prefabricated ones are cheap and quick to install, but unlike custom built ones may well need to be replaced at a later date as your child grows older.

So you have chosen where the playhouse is going to be located and the size, now you need to decide on what style you want. This of all the factors that you have to take into consideration when selecting timber playhouses for your children is going to be difficult. It therefore may be wise to actual allow your children some input at this stage as to what they want. Then not only will you be happy but they will be as well.

About the Author: There are a number of playhouses available to purchase from online shops and can keep the children occupied! Also consider purchaseing some garden toys that can accompany the playhouses. Read full post...

by Spencer Wilkins

Getting teak garden furniture can really enhance the usability of your garden. It can provide you with an area that allows you to relax and unwind. But if you intend to have this kind of furniture in your garden because of where the wood comes from it is important that you learn how to care for it correctly.

Teak is a hardwood and this is why furniture made from this wood is very durable. Also, the wood is much denser than other types and has high levels of resinous oil that means it has a much longer life. The oil within this wood helps to not only make it resistant to moisture but also to drying out.

Initially you have to make a choice between whether you want to purchase furniture, which comes in its raw state, or one that has been treated using a teak oil. When you first buy your teak garden furniture, you will find that it has a golden color to it. However, over time and when the elements get to work on it, the wood will turn a silver grey color instead.

If you are happy for the wood to turn from a golden to silver grey color then once this has happened there is very little that you actually need to do. However, if you want yours to retain the golden color that it first came with then you will need to be regularly applying teak oil to its surface.

In order for your teak garden furniture to retain its golden color, then one should be applying teak oil to its surface twice a year. The first that you will need to do is actually clean the wood.

In order to clean, the wood you need to take some warm water to which you have added a mild detergent. Into this mixture place, a clean cloth and wring out until it is only damp (not soaking wet) and then gently wipe this over the surface of the furniture. This will help to remove any dust or grit that has built up. After wiping the furniture down with the water you need to let it dry completely before you go ahead an apply the oil.

It is important that you only use a specialist teak oil on the furniture and apply this using a lint free cloth. You could use a spray gun that is filled with the oil but using a cloth will ensure that the oil is spread evenly over the surface of the furniture. Now you need to leave it for sometime until it feels tacky.

Once it is at this stage you should then dry with another clean lint free cloth and this will remove any excess oil on the surface of the wood. The final thing that one needs to do when oiling teak garden furniture is to buff or polish the surface with another clean rug an hour later.

About the Author: Caring for your garden furniture allows it to last a lot longer and remain in excellent condition. There are a variety of garden furniture sets available to purchase online such as garden benches to make a great feature. Read full post...

by Spencer Wilkins

A very simple way in which one can add value to a home is through spending time on having a well laid out garden. If the home garden landscaping is well designed it will make the home more pleasing to look at but offers a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of modern living. It is important however, before you start work on your garden you get some kind of plan in place.

Actually getting ideas for what would be suitable in your garden is not as difficult as you would imagine. Along with books and magazines, the internet is a good place to find ideas that could inspire you. Therefore, before you actually go out and buy the plants do as much research as you can beforehand. Also a visit to your local garden centre may also provide you with inspiration for what kind of garden landscaping you want in yours.

Below we offer a few tips that will help you when it comes to designing your perfect garden landscape and which could also save you money as well.

1. It is important that before you start planning the design of your garden you see what you currently have in it. It is at this stage you should be making a decision as to what features and plants you wish to retain and what once you wish to lose. This will then provide you with an idea of just how much space you have to play with when it comes to including new plants and features into it.

2. It is important that when coming up with a design for your garden you choose one that incorporates the style of home in which you live. Also you need to think about the amount of time you will have available to actually care for the garden once it has been planted. Certainly, many people are preferring to go for those styles of garden which require little or no maintenance in order to remain looking good.

3. When planning any new garden design you need to think about the amenities you want incorporated into your garden, such as seating, barbeque and a play area for the children. Ideally these should be in locations that are easily accessible and which will further enhance the overall look of your garden.

As long as you spend some time before hand designing a layout that you feel works for you and the space available you should finish up with what is your perfect outdoor space. The internet is one of the best places to find a wealth of information that can further help you with coming up with the perfect garden design to meet all your particular requirements.

By keeping the above mentioned tips in mind you will be able to come up with a home landscaping design that meets your requirements perfectly. The more time you spend in the planning stage of this project the more money and time you will save yourself later on. Also coming up with a design to match the space and property will help to add value to your property should you choose to sell it at a later date.

About the Author: Buying sheds online can be a fast and efficient way to start landcaping your garden as many online stores will offer home installation for a small fee. Walton Garden Buildings build a range of garden sheds as well as greenhouses. Read full post...

by Spencer Wilkins

If you are looking for a simple way to add value on to your home then you need to spend some time working on your garden. Certainly, beautiful looking home garden landscaping if done correctly can add value on to your home. But before you actually go ahead and start working on your garden the first thing that you need to do is get a plan in place.

Actually getting ideas for what would be suitable in your garden is not as difficult as you would imagine. Along with books and magazines, the internet is a good place to find ideas that could inspire you. Therefore, before you actually go out and buy the plants do as much research as you can beforehand. Also a visit to your local garden centre may also provide you with inspiration for what kind of garden landscaping you want in yours.

Below we provide a few tips that will help with designing the perfect layout for your garden and which will meet your own particular requirements. By keeping these in mind you could end up saving yourself money and time as well.

1. It is important that before you start planning the design of your garden you see what you currently have in it. It is at this stage you should be making a decision as to what features and plants you wish to retain and what once you wish to lose. This will then provide you with an idea of just how much space you have to play with when it comes to including new plants and features into it.

2. Another important factor that you need to take into consideration when designing a new garden landscape is the actual style of home you live in. A modern home with a country cottage garden just simply will not work. Also you need to factor in just how much time you will have available to actually care for your garden once it has been planted. Many people who simply do not have the time to spare are going for gardens which require little or no upkeep to remain looking good.

3. Another important factor that needs to be taken into consideration is the kind of amenities you would like in your garden and whether you have sufficient space for them. If you want an area where you can relax and entertain, although a patio is ideal decking is much more practical and it does not need to be located right next to the house. Also take into consideration your children’s requirements and design an area where they can play and will not ruin the overall look of what you are trying to achieve.

As long as you spend some time before hand designing a layout that you feel works for you and the space available you should finish up with what is your perfect outdoor space. The internet is one of the best places to find a wealth of information that can further help you with coming up with the perfect garden design to meet all your particular requirements.

By keeping the above tips in mind when it comes to home garden landscaping you will soon be able to get a better feel for what it is your garden needs and what it is you want. Remember the more time you spend planning the more well designed and developed the garden will be to meet your particular requirements. Plus when it comes time to sell the property you may well find that it is the one feature that helps to sell your home over many others.

About the Author: Purchasing sheds online can be a quick and efficient way to begin landcaping your garden as many online stores will offer home installation for a small fee. Walton Garden Buildings build a variety of garden sheds as well as log cabins. Read full post...

by Spencer Wilkins

A very simple way in which one can add value to a home is through spending time on having a well laid out garden. If the home garden landscaping is well designed it will make the home more pleasing to look at but offers a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of modern living. It is important however, before you start work on your garden you get some kind of plan in place.

Certainly, when it comes to finding ideas for your perfect garden design there are a host of books, magazines and sites online which can provide you with these. So before you even get out the fork and the spade it is a good idea to carry out some research before you do. Also a quick trip to your local garden centre and they may have some layouts which they are using to display their plants in that may be suitable for you to use in yours.

In this article we offer some tips which could help you when it comes to designing the perfect layout for your garden and which will also save you money as well.

1. Before you actually start planning a new garden landscape design it is a good idea to actually see what you currently have in your garden. Then make a decision as to what items you wish to keep and what ones you wish to remove. This way you will then see just how much space you have available and where the new plants or objects that you intend to be installed can be placed.

2. It is important that when you are designing your new garden that you actually take into consideration the design of your home. Also you need to take into consideration just how much time you will have available in order to maintain the garden once it has been planted. Certainly, if you have a hectic lifestyle then choose a garden which requires little or no maintenance.

3. When you are planning your garden layout you need to think about ensuring that you have space for other amenities. Certainly if you want a seating and entertainment area this needs to be taken into consideration. Plus you need to think about the children and offering them an area where they can play so that the rest of the garden is not ruined.

It is important that you spend as much time as possible in the planning stage of your garden design before you actually start work on it. By doing this you will come up with one that meets all your family’s particular requirements and offer you a space that you can enjoy throughout the year. If you are stuck for any ideas the internet is a great place to find some inspiration.

By keeping the above mentioned tips in mind you will be able to come up with a home landscaping design that meets your requirements perfectly. The more time you spend in the planning stage of this project the more money and time you will save yourself later on. Also coming up with a design to match the space and property will help to add value to your property should you choose to sell it at a later date.

About the Author: Buying sheds online can be a quick and easy way to begin landcaping your garden as many online stores will offer home installation for a small fee. Walton Garden Buildings build a variety of garden sheds as well as greenhouses. Read full post...