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Barbequing is a big favorite when it comes to patio season activities. A barbeque grill is a key feature for most patios. They just go together hand in hand for a very enjoyable time being outside. Many families look forward to the patio season all winter and as the cold weather begins to move out the anticipation starts to build as they start thinking about how much fun it will be to be able to get outside again.


When Spring finally makes its debut then this is the time to give the patio, patio furniture and the grill the once over. To make sure that we keep enjoying the patio season then everything needs to be in good shape and in proper working order. Generally things will only need to be sprayed down with the water hose and scrubbed. A quick inspection of cushions will ensure that there are no holes or tears. Barbeque grills that have been stored all winter should be cleaned prior to being used even if it was cleaned and covered when it was put away.
After everything is cleaned and in place then you are ready to enjoy the patio season. A few plants or pots of flowers as an added touch will only increase the appeal of your patio.
]]> General http://www.gardenscanada.com/blog/index.php?itemid=42 Mon, 7 Feb 2011 17:58:39 +0000 http://www.gardenscanada.com/blog/index.php?itemid=41

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Privacy is a very important thing to most of us and we go to great lengths to obtain it. Many people put up fences or hedges to ensure their privacy when they are outside but trees are able to give a much better screen to hide things from prying eyes. They grow taller than hedges and won't need the maintenance that a fence would. Trees live a very long time, some longer than others and will only provide even more privacy as they do.

When choosing trees for privacy you should opt for the thicker branched varieties that stay green year around. The will always be full so your privacy fence won't just disappear when fall arrives and the trees start to lose their leaves. The Evergreen is most likely the best choice if you are planting for privacy. There are hundreds different types of trees available in many stages of growth. Some trees can be purchased at already taller than the average man. These may cost a bit more but you will not have to wait as long for them to grow to start aiding in the privacy of your yard.


Many trees are labeled as "fast growers" which means they will gain maturity much faster than other trees. When planning to use trees for privacy there are a few things to consider. You will need to decide exactly what type of tree you want, how soon you would like to start "seeing" the privacy factor, and where your new trees need to be planted to fulfill their intended purpose. ]]> General http://www.gardenscanada.com/blog/index.php?itemid=41 Mon, 7 Feb 2011 17:53:13 +0000 http://www.gardenscanada.com/blog/index.php?itemid=40

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Path stones are often used to lead the way through a garden or yard and come in various shapes and colors. Do you have these in your landscape design? Did you choose them to compliment your design and then place them yourself? If so then that is also Hardscaping. Are you a Hardscape person? If so then you are one of those people that thoroughly enjoy every phase of the landscaping experience. Many people will go all out planning the layout of flower beds and the arrangements of bushes and shrubs and dig every hole and plant and plant, but when it comes to Hardscaping then many will leave it to professionals. They don't realize that they can do it themselves. In these DIY times there are instructions for simply everything.


Hardscaping can be an integral part of the "big picture". Why not get in there lay that patio tile, put down those garden stones, or pour that sidewalk you have been wanting. If you already do these types of landscaping then you are most definitely a Hardscape person. If not then, give it a try.
]]> General http://www.gardenscanada.com/blog/index.php?itemid=40 Mon, 7 Feb 2011 17:48:36 +0000 http://www.gardenscanada.com/blog/index.php?itemid=39
Below is a new online product that can determine your Plant Hardiness zone by simly entering your Postal Code. The Plant Hardiness Zones map outlines the different zones in Canada where various types of trees, shrubs and flowers will most likely survive. It is based on the average climatic conditions of each area.

]]> General http://www.gardenscanada.com/blog/index.php?itemid=39 Mon, 1 Nov 2010 14:40:38 +0000 http://www.gardenscanada.com/blog/index.php?itemid=38

diving platform on the side of the pool in the deep end

So to be “Different” you can have a diving platform, yes… a platform that protrudes from the end or side of the pools deep end and provides a nice comfortable surface for your tender feet made specifically for diving into the pool. Call it a Huck Finn Feature. Kind of a visit to the olde-swimming hole type of look n feel.

another look at the diving platform that can replace the diving rock as your next landscape feature

]]> General http://www.gardenscanada.com/blog/index.php?itemid=38 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:18:35 +0000 http://www.gardenscanada.com/blog/index.php?itemid=37 I have always tried to obscure this edge somewhat by breaking up the long surface with a garden not exactly in the middle but offset. This garden will allow you a place to plant a tree and gain the valuable vertical space these areas demand. The down side is that creating this garden space will block or hinder the east to west travel from the shallow end to the deep end. I have always considered it a necessary evil and the aesthetic benefits far outweighing the monetary “running on the pool deck” mentality.

Swimming Pool and Patio plus pergola deck surface

Believe me this has been a super tough sell when discussing pool positioning with clients, and some have resigned themselves to it only to be presently surprised when it all comes together. So “loosen up” you have a large pool worth lots of patio surface to pool edge ratio, so you do not have to loose much of this, just enough.

Kidney shaped pool with anjoining garden close to the shallow end

]]> General http://www.gardenscanada.com/blog/index.php?itemid=37 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:07:27 +0000 http://www.gardenscanada.com/blog/index.php?itemid=36 null they contain identical specifications, size and features, what about the legs/wheels, do including these items make the stand-alone that much cheaper?

Well to continue, purchase a “Stand Alone” unit with the intent of reverse engineering it:
-have a look at how easily the side trays can be removed without ruining the integrity of the unit.
-Look at the side burner(s) to see if they can be removed and integrated easily
-Make sure the storage door and compartment can be separated from the wheels
-You may need to leave the steel structure intact and simply remove the wheels

I will elaborate further on the types of walls that can be used to integrate your new sudo-built in BBQ.
]]> General http://www.gardenscanada.com/blog/index.php?itemid=36 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:27:50 +0000 http://www.gardenscanada.com/blog/index.php?itemid=25 Fleece Flower persicaria affinis Dimity
As the blooms mature, they darken to a crimson-rose shade, and finally end their days colored a rich rusty brown.
Loamy soil, consistently moist soils, Excellent when used as a groundcover in either sun or part shade, especially
effective around dwarf conifers. Also nice in the rock garden, or for edging, containers, cascade over walls. Nice
along water. Drought tolerant once established. Deer and rabbit resistant. Thrives in cool, moist areas. Provide extra moisture in warmer zones
Fleece Flower
Persicaria affinis 'Dimity'
Polygonaceae
Perennial-Deciduous
6" 24"
July-September
Pink
Full Sun Partial Shade
medium growth rate
Zone 3a - 7a]]> General http://www.gardenscanada.com/blog/index.php?itemid=25 Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:21:10 +0000 http://www.gardenscanada.com/blog/index.php?itemid=34 barbeque landingMost homes have the kitchen area positioned towards the back area of the home and usually the sole access point to the backyard landscape. The family BBQ may reside on the backyard patio surface. So marrying the two destinations is very important to complete the outdoor experience.

BBQ-ing often it involves the following exercise:
1)Gathering carrying food, utensils and beer from the kitchen.
2)Doing the balancing act to open the patio door.
3)Navigating down steps to the BBQ area.
4)the tray onto the BBQ shelf.
5)Returning to the Kitchen to get something you forgot



When BBQ’ing I find that you can never carry everything at once so there are multiple trips involved between the fridge and the BBQ in the outdoor cooking process. So why not make the path or journey easier.

Construct a stoop or landing that is level or slightly lower than the elevation of the patio door sill and large enough to house the BBQ. This will remove the step navigation issue, just remember this puts you closer to the fridge=beer. This landing area has to serve 2 purposes: the main one requires a generous amount of room so the traveler can safely navigate the steps and also for the cook(s) to have some wiggle room.]]> General http://www.gardenscanada.com/blog/index.php?itemid=34 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:41:13 +0000 http://www.gardenscanada.com/blog/index.php?itemid=33 Photo courtesy of Blooms of BressinghamGreat for the front of a sunny border, or planting in mixed containers, mass planting, cut flower. Attracts butterflies.
Deer resistant. Cutting back by a 1/3 to 1/2 in late summer will keep the plant compact and in flower. A new development in threadleaf Coreopsis, the larger flowers appear along the stem and on top creating a much fuller appearance Neat ferny foliage is resistant to mildew. Tolerant of poor soil conditions, Average to low water needs.Once established, it is rather drought tolerant

Coreopsis
Coreopsis 'Creme Brulee'
Asteraceae
Perennial-Deciduous
20"-35"
June-September
Yellow
Full Sun
Medium
Zone 4a - 9a]]> General http://www.gardenscanada.com/blog/index.php?itemid=33 Sat, 25 Apr 2009 10:44:51 +0000