Posts Tagged Home & Garden
Posted by Laura Nelson on June 21, 2010
Tips From Pond Builder John Loudon
John Loudon, Artistic Design Garden Ponds
Transforming a yard to a retreat by adding a pond is John Loudon’s passion. Loudon, owner of Artistic Design Garden Ponds is the salesman, designer and pond builder who makes sure his customers are satisfied. Whether the pond is 4′x6′ or as large as 26′x26′, Louden suggests homeowners keep the following points in mind:
• Position your pond near the house so you can enjoy its beauty and tranquility.
• Keep it away from low spots, as water run off can be a problem.
• Draining and cleaning need only be done once a year, provided you work in harmony with Mother Nature and follow a five-part maintenance program.
• Koi can be kept in ponds year round. Pond depth, at least 2′ deep, generally freezes only 8″ down even in our area.
• Ponds can be a great asset to a home, unlike a swimming pool, when it comes to resale value.
Loudon uses Aquascape Professional Grade products exclusively. He says, “Our price is fair and competitive. All our work and products are top quality.”
To learn more about getting your own backyard retreat, call Loudon at (630) 995-5275. To see more examples of water gardens, and Loudon’s 20-Step installation program, visit www.adgponds.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on May 10, 2010
By Art Gara
As you drive home on a summer’s eve, did you ever wonder why more people aren’t out enjoying their front yards? Their porches are beautiful–some with elegant balconies and plantings–but where are the people? Many of them are probably in the backyard which has, in fact, become the new haven for homeowners.
Now more than ever, the backyard, with quiet gardens, a waterfall, or other areas for relaxation and for retreat, is the place for family.
Garden design and stewardship is increasingly important to area homeowners. There is an increased desire to relax and enjoy backyard space, with special sights and sounds that bring delight and a sense of calm.
Choosing native plants to beautify your backyard not only increase the beauty, but also the health of the area. Native plants are seen as a reflection of a homeowner’s values and as one of the keys to personal backyard enjoyment.
These homeowners also truly appreciate the wildflower garden’s ever-changing colors and textures. This type of scene is truly lovely, with something new and vital happening outside every day. Growing native plants gives the satisfaction of knowing that the backyard will be the destination of some very interesting birds, butterflies, and other insects that depend on those native plants for food and a place to raise their young, many of which aren’t commonly seen in yards with less plantings or alien plants.
Art and Linda’s Wildflowers realizes that your backyard is far more than a design–it’s a dream. The desire to improve it also reflects the growing trend to beautify and customize outdoor space. Knowing this, we lay out the beds naturally and let the earth tell us what and where to plant. Part of the beauty of a wildflower garden invites a certain element of surprise. Therefore, we plant intuitively, so that you can enjoy, over and over again, the true nature of the ever-changing landscape which you have graciously invited into your own backyard.
To reach Art Gara of Art & Linda’s Wildflowers, call (708) 785-2943
www.artandlindaswildflowers.com
Posted by Laura Nelson on May 10, 2010
Decorative Concrete Edging is a permanent feature that gives gardens a completed look and helps keep garden mulch in place. It will not rust, decompose, or shift like other edging materials.
Eric Voelz, owner of E’s Kurb Appeal, has been installing Concrete Edging for four years. “Homeowners love it because it’s done in one day, and stays in place,” he says.
Landscape Curbing is appealing because of the many advantages it has, in contrast to other edge treatments. These include:
• It’s attractive, giving instant appeal to gardens without overpowering the yard.
• Curbing is practical and cost effective, because it’s permanent. Edging instantly adds value to a yard.
• Curbing is versatile. It’s durable through severe winters, and is available in dozens of curb styles, colors, and patterns. It’s ideal for flower beds, tree rings, mailboxes, sidewalk edging, or to help control erosion.
• Curbing helps maintain bedding materials.
Landscape Curbing is extruded on site in one continuous piece. It has a 1/8″ braided and galvanized cable right in the curb to maximize strength and durability.
Color is added to the mix on site, making it consistent throughout, and does not peel or flake off. According to Voelz, the top colors for this season are rawhide and brown tones, currently topping brick.
To learn more about Landscape Curbing, call Eric Voelz at E’s Kurb Appeal at (630) 621-8480 and visit www.eskurbappeal.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on May 10, 2010
By Sherry Nelson
One of the easiest ways to expand the living space in your home is to do it outdoors. Creating a backyard paver patio offers solid lasting beauty. Too often, though, homeowners settle for a flat surface, one dimensional, traditional style.
Homeowners today want a backyard experience that makes friends and family feel like they’re getting away when they get together. Outdoor living spaces are likely to include several features woven into the patio design.
Explore the endless design possibilities of pavers, and create a custom retreat that suits your lifestyle. Be sure to incorporate steps, multi-levels, garden seats, and lighting to create a cozy ambience for your environment.
Plan for weather that may not be perfect by adding a pergola to the patio. It could be an open design that offers filtered sun, or a roofed structure to give complete shade.
Include a planter box to bring a splash of color to the patio with seasonal blooms. If you grill often, consider a built-in barbecue.
To see more ideas for expanding your living space outdoors, visit Unilock at 301 E. Sullivan Rd., Aurora. 60505, (630) 892-9191. www.unilock.com
Posted by Laura Nelson on May 10, 2010
Rhino-Shield Ceramic Coating Has 25 Year Guarantee
Before
Painted homes have classic appeal. A beautifully painted home with a rich wood grain is the image of Americana many homeowners work toward. Too often, peeling paint can spoil the appearance of a home.
If your home or business has a paint finish, it needs maintaining and repainting to keep it looking fresh. Finally, it’s possible to break the paint cycle with an innovative new ceramic coating that is guaranteed to be maintenance free for 25 years.
Rhino-Shield technology uses a three step process that beautifies homes and provides superior protection. It waterproofs, insulates, and soundproofs by combining elastomeric acrylic resins with urethane resins to give a flexible but tough surface. Rhino-Shield Ceramic Coating offers superior mildew resistance, and ultra-violet ray reflectivity.
As with many home improvement projects, preparation is the key to a superior outcome. All phases are detailed at the website www.chicago rhinoshield.com.
After
First, the surface is cleaned, scraped and sanded until all loose dirt and chipped paint is removed. Damaged materials are repaired or replaced. Next, Rhino-Shield adhesive primer/sealer is applied to all surfaces to be coated. Finally, a thick coating of the ceramic finish is applied. The coating is six to ten times thicker than regular paint.
Rhino-Shield bonds to most surfaces including wood, brick, stucco, and aluminum. It’s been used internationally since 1977, and recently was Disney’s choice for exterior painting for the Mona Lisa Suites resort in Orlando.
Rhino-Shield is sold and installed by Rhino-shield dealers only. To learn more about this innovative technology, call Tom Andzans, owner of Rhino-Shield Illinois, at (630) 206-9389. www.chicagorhinoshield.com
Posted by Laura Nelson on May 10, 2010
According to HomeGain.com, homeowners can maximize home sale prices with a relatively small investment. HomeGain.com conducts nationwide home improvement and home staging surveys to assist homeowners in preparing their homes for sale.
Steve Stateler, Owner of P.E.C. Services
The top three home improvements that Realtors recommended to home sellers, based on average cost and return on investment (ROI) to sellers, are:
1) Cleaning and De-cluttering– Average cost: $100-$200. Home Price increase: $1,500-$2,00. Return on investment: 872%. Agents recommending: 98%.
2) Home Staging–Average cost: $300-$400. Home Price Increase: $1,500-$2,000. Return on investment: 586%. Agents recommending: 98%.
3) Lighten & Brighten (Window Cleaning)– Average cost: $150-$200. Home Price increase: $1,000-$1,500. Return on investment, 572%. Agents recommending: 95%.
Steve Stateler, of P.E.C. Services, can help you show off your home with power washing, window cleaning and more. Contact him at (630) 386-1693.
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