If you are not happy with the way that the outdoor environment of your home an office feels, you might have made a choice of making the right change to create pleasant environment high in aesthetical value. Most of the time, major attention is given to the interior and outdoor environments are ignored. The way in which the outdoor environments are designed will decide on the on how you feel and the outlook for the building. If you have made the right choice of making the needed changes to the outdoor environment, there are a list of tough choices that you have to make. If you are interested in creating the watt high quality and a pleasant outdoor environment, here are some of the things that you need to know in making the ideal choices:
The patios, the decks, the driveways and the flooring of the outdoor environment is much needed when creating the needed outcome. If you fail to make the right choice of flooring, it can be tough to gain the ideal outcome. if you are interested in gaining high aesthetic value to the outdoor environment that you are working on, the best choice to make is to look into using the services of natural stone paving. Since it natural materials, it will bring in a high aesthetical value and they are in abundance so if you decide that you want more, you will not have to go through trouble. Moreover, this is one of the best budget-friendly choices to make so that you don’t have to go through any unwanted financial pressure.
The walls of the outdoor environment are another factor that will decide on the outcome that you gain. Therefore, it is essential that you use the right materials that will fit into the kind of environment that you are willing to create. To gain high levels of aesthetics and create a pleasant environment, one choice that you should not miss out is stone wall cladding Melbourne.Using these walls will bring in practical features to the outdoor environment that you are taking care of. It has been shown that these walls can help save energy due to its ability to absorb energy and to reflect it in the dark, whether it is used in an outdoor environment or not. Moreover, it will help you create a touchable texture that will feel different and unique. It will not only make the outdoor space that you are working on look great but also feel great.
Posted in Home Improvements by Ruby Curtis with .


Whatever the style or use of a gazebo, smart construction is a prerequisite. These plans help you to easily accomplish building this traditional style gazebo. Use it in your landscape to level land, create pathways, or to set posts in holes. Finish your decking posts with post caps or ball tops. Pour quick-drying concrete into the holes and slope the concrete away from the posts.
We hide packers inside the post holders to help level the gazebo as breaking the ground was not possible. An arbor formed of horizontal trellis work supported on columns or posts, over which vines or other plants are trained. This 12 x 24 Pergola is provided by My Outdoor Plans.
There are many reasons why a gazebo, especially a wooden one, is great. Our gazebos are available in all different materials, with screens or without, in wood or in vinyl, cedar or pine, the choices are virtually endless. Screws into the posts through the ring beam.
These beautiful wooden structures look nice, yet also are a functional component that you and your family can enjoy. We act as a resource for Architects and Interior Designers by bringing our expertise in outdoor materials and construction methods to the table.
Build a vine-covered pergola in your backyard to shade a stone patio or wood deck using wood beams and lattice set on precast, classical-style columns. Outlining the gazebo will ensure that all the angles and corners match ( square summerhouse plans ). Not only that, but the diagonals should certainly match as well with gazebo building plans.
Another unique option, this outdoor kitchen pergola provides a shaded area as well as a work island for food preparation and serving. You UNIQUE designer can help you determine which type of shade structure will best meet your needs and complement your landscape style.
Wooden gazebos are great because they allow many design choices. BASICS: UNIQUE'S basic outdoor shade structures are our pergola structures. It makes sense to do your homework prior to beginning one of these woodworking projects- there are so many different styles available to choose from that many builders often decide to mix-and-match elements from different design plans.
Dig holes for all posts; these should be 30cm x 30cm (1ft x 1ft) wide and 60cm (2ft) deep. These beautiful structures are a special focus of Design, Engineering and Construction at Franklin & Sons. Here, we supply the posts an extra 600mm longer for you to fix them into the ground.
If you're not building on a pad, use longer posts and set them in the earth below the frost line. Regardless, we've compiled a list of the 61 best pergola design plans below. The free download this article features detailed woodworking project is a wooden screened gazebo where theres people theres people theres picnics and is to enjoy a gazebo plans.
These plans may be purchased from those who have actual knowledge and expertise in building one. There are many gazebo building plans that allow you to customize the gazebo. Use 2×4 wooden boards to build the bottom and top rail of the frieze and 1×1 redwood to build the small balusters.
Put a cross member on top of these two posts, then place a spirit level on top to check they're level; if they're not, infill or backfill the see this here (just click the following post) holes as necessary until they are. Like any of our buildings it is essential the gazebo is held square and 100% straight in both plains.
Secure the trimpieces to the posts with construction adhesive and galvanized finishing nails. Nefertiti is a 44 sq. ft. (4,1 m2) wooden gazebo It is symmetrical beautifully designed and easy to build timber shed with pitched roof. You can build this simple redwood 8×10 pergola in just eight steps.


Greenwood, IN Edging Services
We have all seen it. That one yard in each of our neighborhoods captures our attention as we pause and admire it. Trying to mimic that manicured curb appeal, you may have purchased new plants, urns and yard ornaments only to have an expensively cluttered yard. If you want to give your property that edge above the rest, contact our team at Greenwood Lawn Care where we customize landscape edging ideas just for you.Landscape edging has redefined the rules of lawn maintenance. In the past, the turn of a weed eater would whisk away grass growing over driveways and sidewalks. While the neat trim provided a more pleasing sight, it required constant attention and created a hefty strain on your arms and lower back.
With time and innovations, new landscape edging ideas are now available that will not only control that vegetation growth but create that manicured design your neighbors will envy.Landscape edging borders are available in various materials to satisfy both your aesthetic and budget goals. Garden edging, one of our more popular services, provides that extra line of defense for your special plants from the ravages of weeds and pests. Unable to survive without water and sunlight, weeds are annihilated with our plastic landscape edging.
As a least expensive option, plastic landscape edging is also available in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes.Practically indestructible metal landscape edging is also available in a variety of styles to complement your home décor. Resistant to damage from weather, pests and other destructive elements, metal landscape edging can accessorize a modern style or blend with a traditional structure to achieve your desired look. Not only will it add to your curb appeal, but it will also continue providing that protection for your lawn and garden.For the premium style of any landscape edging, many homeowners desire landscape edging made from natural materials. With the appeal of unique design and colors, one of the most popular choices is landscape edging stone.
Because each stone is unlike any other, we carefully select coordinating sizes and colors to achieve that beautiful design which cannot be duplicated. If it is river rock or granite, your choice of this landscape edging will definitely increase the value of your property while winning the approval of everyone passing by your home.While you may consider landscape edging stone to be a beautiful option outside of your budget, you can achieve similar results with concrete landscape edging. Desired designs and colors are achieved as we pour the mixture into molds. Once dried, concrete landscape edging will have the same appearance as landscape edging stone while also providing a nice barrier for your lawn and garden.With so many choices, where do you start?
At Greenwood Lawn Care, we understand that your desire to have a beautiful lawn may be limited by your budget. Please give us a call and we will provide a free consultation to explain the options, benefits, and cost of each of our landscape edging ideas. While we would love to provide a quick quote of the cost of edging, we require some specific information, such as the size of your lawn, unique property features, and landscape edging ideas you would prefer.At Greenwood Lawn Care, we bring more that landscaping experience to your property. We want you to have the lawn that you will not only love but will also enjoy watching others pause to admire.


Re-imagining Pioneer Park Playground updates
HARLAN — The existing Dream Playground in Pioneer Park is being re-imagined. Due to the stress and fatigue the playground acquired over the last 27 years of being well-loved, it is being rehabbed to ensure its safety.
Currently, there is not an all-inclusive playground in Shelby County. The re-imagined playground is designed to be inclusive of all ages and abilities, which includes those with special needs. Some new features include a rubberized safety surface, ramps throughout the playground, wheelchair height equipment, an adaptive see-saw and other sensory components.
“I am excited that Harlan will have a playground suitable for all,” grant committee chairperson Connie Claussen said. “It will encourage friendships that might not otherwise form.”
The expected cost of this project is $1.66 million. Half of those funds will be going toward playground equipment and surfacing and the other half will be used to implement more parking and a bathroom next to the playground.
Due to the size and magnitude of this project, it will be completed in phases. Phase I will be the construction of the new equipment and fall protection. Phase II will include a new restroom adjacent to the playground and a new parking lot.
Some of the original wooden structures will be incorporated into the new playground. A donor recognition wall will also be installed as a thank you to all who make the re-imagined playground possible.
The City of Harlan is spearheading this project.
“This project is important for the community because it provides an opportunity for members to come together and work towards a common goal,” committee member Jahde Osborn said. “It will be so rewarding to see a brand new park in such a focal point of our community and know that so many of us had a hand in it through hard work, funds, ideas and more.
Donation checks can be made payable to the Dream Playground Project and mailed to 711 Durant Street, PO box 650, Harlan, Iowa 51537. Gifts over $1000 will be permanently recognized at the playground. Donations are tax-deductible.


Welcome to Friends of Rickerby Park
A group of enthusiastic volunteers working together with Carlisle City Council to ensure we all enjoy this marvellous open space in the centre of the city
About The Park
Rickerby Park draws the countryside into Carlisle, right next to the city’s heart. Cattle graze its meadowland among the scattered mature oaks, sycamore and lime trees.
Its green open spaces are crossed daily by walkers, joggers and anglers, people on the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail or people simply walking their dogs. Frequent visitors are orienteers, canoeists, picnickers, football players, school cross country runners, children on educational trips and cyclists as Hadrian’s Cycleway route runs through the park.
Just across the River Eden, bounding the park’s southern edge, rise Carlisle’s civic centre, its shopping mall and streets, its museum and cathedral


With COVID-19 restrictions easing, and a glorious sunny Spring Day in the offing, temptation to get ‘Out and About’ again was too great to ignore. We jumped in the car, plugged Yakatoon Gardens Coomboona in the GPS and headed off to explore….
Located a short drive from Mooroopna, Yackatoon Gardens is bustling with activity when we enter the car park from the driveway, and I pull into one of the last parks remaining. We apply sunscreen, grab our hats and the still mandatory face masks, lock the car and walk past climbing roses that cleverly hide several water tanks.
As is the norm during 2020, we register our contact details, confirm that we are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms nor have recently travelled to a ‘hotspot’ before paying our admission fess – a very reasonable $10 each.
We are provided with a map and the garden is explained to us. Originally the property was an old dairy farm, with the dairy having been restored and transformed into the Old Dairy Tea Rooms & Cafe – where we will finish our afternoon with Devonshire Tea.
The gardens comprise of 16 acres that has been planted in a traditional English style around a free form lake. The gardens consist of vast manicured lawns, large trimmed hedges and masses of roses in full Spring bloom. Nestled in the garden is a homestead dating from the early 1900’s that has been restored and is surrounded by manicured lawns. Dotted throughout the gardens are several statues and a pair of white marble fountains.
We follow the path behind the house and walk along the embankment that separates the property from the Eucalyptus Forest, that borders Thompson’s Bend on the Goulburn River. We enjoy the magnificent views across the lake back to the homestead and gardens. Circling back through the bio-dynamic vegetable fruit and herb gardens, we arrive back at the tea rooms. We settle in at an outside table, order our Devonshire Tea and look back across the lake towards the forest. We chat about plants and garden design, and wonder if we can incorporate anything we have seen at our place.
We jump in the car and head for home, it sure has been good to be ‘Out and About’ again.
Address: 697 Trotter Road, Coomboona VIC
The Gardens are open to the public on weekends during Spring. For 2020 the gardens are open every Sunday from 4th October – 6th December 2020 from 10am – 4pm.
Please refer to the website for further details.
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The Rise of Vertical Gardens
In recent years, the concept of vertical gardens has been gaining popularity as a creative and innovative way to introduce greenery into urban environments. With limited space available for traditional gardens, vertical gardens offer a solution by utilizing vertical surfaces such as walls and fences to cultivate plants. This article explores the reasons behind the surge in popularity of vertical gardens, delving into their benefits, design possibilities, and the growing trend of incorporating them into both indoor and outdoor spaces.
The Benefits of Vertical Gardens
Vertical gardens offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive choice for individuals, businesses, and communities alike. Some of the key advantages include:
- Space Optimization: One of the primary reasons for the popularity of vertical gardens is their ability to maximize space. In urban areas where land is limited, vertical gardens allow for the cultivation of plants without requiring large ground areas.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Vertical gardens are visually striking and can transform dull walls into vibrant displays of greenery. They add a touch of nature to urban landscapes, creating a more inviting and pleasant environment.
- Air Quality Improvement: Plants are natural air purifiers, and vertical gardens can significantly contribute to improving air quality in urban areas. They absorb pollutants, release oxygen, and help mitigate the effects of air pollution.
- Noise Reduction: The foliage in vertical gardens acts as a natural sound barrier, absorbing sound waves and reducing noise pollution. This makes them particularly beneficial in busy urban locations.
- Temperature Regulation: Vertical gardens can help regulate temperature by providing insulation. They create a cooling effect in hot climates and can reduce the energy consumption of buildings by reducing the need for air conditioning.
- Food Production: Vertical gardens can be used to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs, providing a sustainable source of fresh produce in urban areas where access to land for traditional agriculture is limited.
Design Possibilities of Vertical Gardens
The versatility of vertical gardens allows for endless design possibilities, making them adaptable to various spaces and architectural styles. Some popular design options include:
- Living Walls: Living walls are vertical gardens consisting of plants growing directly on a wall or structure. They can be designed with a variety of plant species, creating a lush and visually appealing display.
- Modular Systems: Modular systems are pre-fabricated panels or modules that can be easily installed and combined to create vertical gardens. These systems offer flexibility in terms of design and allow for easy maintenance.
- Vertical Planters: Vertical planters are containers attached to a wall or mounted on a freestanding structure. They provide an opportunity to grow plants in a more organized and controlled manner, especially for smaller spaces.
- Green Facades: Green facades involve covering the exterior of a building with climbing plants. This design option adds a touch of natural beauty to the architecture while providing the benefits of vertical gardens.
- Indoor Gardens: Vertical gardens are not limited to outdoor spaces. They can also be incorporated into indoor environments, bringing nature into homes, offices, and public spaces. These indoor gardens often utilize specialized systems to provide proper lighting, irrigation, and ventilation for the plants.
The Growing Trend of Vertical Gardens
The popularity of vertical gardens can be attributed to several factors contributing to the growing trend:
- Urbanization: As urban areas continue to expand, the need for green spaces becomes more pressing. Vertical gardens offer a solution to the lack of available land for traditional gardens in cities and provide an opportunity to reconnect with nature.
- Wellness and Biophilia: The increasing awareness of the positive impact of nature on well-being has led to the integration of green spaces into urban environments. Vertical gardens contribute to the concept of biophilia, which suggests that humans have an innate affinity for nature.
- Sustainability: Vertical gardens align with the growing interest in sustainability and eco-friendly practices. They can contribute to improved energy efficiency, reduced carbon footprint, and the promotion of biodiversity in urban areas.
- Architectural Innovation: Architects and designers are embracing vertical gardens as a way to add a unique and eco-friendly element to their projects. The integration of greenery into buildings and public spaces has become a design trend, enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality.
- Community Engagement: Vertical gardens have the potential to bring communities together. They can be used as a tool for urban farming initiatives, community gardens, and educational programs, fostering a sense of belonging and environmental stewardship.
The rise of vertical gardens can be attributed to their numerous benefits, design possibilities, and their alignment with the growing interest in sustainability and well-being. As urban areas continue to expand, the need for green spaces becomes increasingly important. Vertical gardens provide a solution by transforming bland surfaces into vibrant displays of nature, improving air quality, reducing noise pollution, and even offering the opportunity for food production. With their versatility and adaptability, vertical gardens have become a popular trend in both indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of buildings and contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities. As the world becomes more conscious of the need for sustainable and green solutions, vertical gardens are likely to continue their upward trajectory as a popular choice for introducing nature into urban environments.


A living shoreline is a protected, stabilized coastal edge made of natural materials such as plants, sand, or rock. Unlike a concrete seawall or other hard structure, which impedes the growth of plants and animals, living shorelines grow over time.
Know your shore score
Do you know where you stand when it comes to living shorelines and how much you know about them?
Many shorelines, many on residential properties, have their native plants, grasses and trees replaced with wooden bulkheads and/or rock walls. This artificial barrier destroys the natural habitat of birds and aquatic life, and erosion can still occur or be transferred to the neighbouring land. The shore way to a healthy future for our beloved coast might be easier than you think!
Living shorelines improve water quality by settling sediments and filtering pollution.
Living shorelines provide shade to keep water temperatures cool, helping to increase oxygen levels for fish and other aquatic species.


GalleryGet inspired by a refreshing lifestyle centered around simplicity, sustainability, and style.
Bloom where you
From gardens and groves to miles of trails, dig into life at The Grow.
What is an Agrihood?
An agrihood is a new form of mixed-use community development that is carefully designed and programmed to offer neighborhood living with a farm-to-table focus for those seeking a lifestyle centered around simplicity and sustainability. The Grow will feature an active farm, gardens, and growing fields—all of which will be cultivated by professionals who tend to the land and sell its yields. Learn more by joining our VIP list, following along on social media, and watching this agrihood explainer video.


We’re building a vibrant and inviting public realm that is accessible and welcoming to people of all ages and abilities. This means ensuring public and private investments deliver comfortable, engaging places for people to walk, rest, socialize and access mobility services.
- Projects to improve the public realm and key walking paths to and around transit hubs, stops, and stations, including: Pine Street Plaza, McGraw Square, Westlake Square, and the Market to MOHAI corridor.
- Launch 3rd Avenue maintenance and repairs.
- Develop a new SDOT plaza program that allows greater flexibility for right of way management and partnership.


An outstanding architect designed family home with something for everyone. Superbly built to make the most of the sweeping district views, every window tells a story.
The home features an airy and bright country kitchen with centre island, ample breakfast bar, large pantry and a wonderful outlook. There is a flexible floorplan with well proportioned formal and informal living and dining rooms. Soaring ceilings and French doors create a feeling of charm and elegance.
The outdoor areas feature an array of choices for alfresco entertaining, leading to landscaped, private gardens with meandering pathways, drystone walls, veggie patch, fruit trees and established trees. A well maintained championship tennis court, inground swimming pool and substantial shed complete the package. All this only moments to the heart of thriving Moss Vale shopping centre and local shops.
Close to Shops


Starlight Developments is redeveloping 555 The West Mall in Etobicoke, ON with one new 21-storey-rental apartment building. In line with Starlight Developments’ commitment to improving resident quality of life, the redevelopment will also add features such as new shared indoor and outdoor amenity spaces, landscaping features, pedestrian connections, new bicycle parking and underground parking- all available to new and existing residents.
As part of this proposed redevelopment, the existing 14-storey building on site would remain and the new 21-storey rental apartment building would be built in the northern part of the property.
Through this website, we invite you to learn more about the project and share with us your questions and feedback. We look forward to hearing from you.
555 The West Mall is located in Etobicoke, on the east side of The West Mall, just south of Rathburn Road. The property offers convenience at one’s doorstep with several community services and amenities, including local schools, libraries, community centers and parks all within a short radius. The intersection of The West Mall and Rathburn Road is well connected by regular north-south and east-west TTC bus routes.
Etobicoke / Toronto
Before and After.
Currently 555 The West Mall is comprised of a 14-storey rental apartment building that will be staying as part of the new proposal, open space, a surface parking lot and…more
Currently 555 The West Mall is comprised of a 14-storey rental apartment building that will be staying as part of the new proposal, open space, a surface parking lot and garbage storage area, and an underground parking garage. less
Proposed New Plan
We are proposing to redevelop the area surrounding the existing building with one new 21-storey apartment building, new indoor and outdoor amenity spaces and improved landscaping. The redeveloped property will…more
We are proposing to redevelop the area surrounding the existing building with one new 21-storey apartment building, new indoor and outdoor amenity spaces and improved landscaping. The redeveloped property will also include a new pick-up and drop-off area, new pedestrian connections to Rathburn Road, new bicycle parking spaces and a new underground parking garage. less
Proposed New Building /Proposed Rear View
The new building will be on the northern part of the property next to Rathburn Road. New shared indoor amenity spaces are proposed in the new building’s ground level and…more
The new building will be on the northern part of the property next to Rathburn Road. New shared indoor amenity spaces are proposed in the new building’s ground level and will be directly connected to the building’s lobby. The new outdoor amenity space and landscaped area are located around both the existing building and the new building. less
There will be no changes to this building other than regular maintenance. However, we will be increasing the cleaning of the common area to ensure continued cleanliness and overall upkeep of the residence.
We will be obtaining our building permit for this development next month. Once building permit is obtained, we will begin constructing a new 21-storey apartment building on the site, new shared indoor and outdoor amenity spaces, landscaping features, pedestrian connections, pick-up and drop-off area, bicycle parking and a new underground parking. Current residents of 555 The West Mall would have access to these new amenities and underground parking garage provided as part of this development.
Yes, as long as it is safe to do so in person, we will continue to have meetings with the residents in the existing building. Residents will receive monthly updates.
Obtain necessary construction permits to commence site preparation in August.
Please scroll to the bottom of this website and you will see a form for submitting comments and questions.
Initiated communication with current residents. Residents are regularly informed about development progress from the project’s inception until its completion.
At Starlight Developments we believe in the lasting value of complete communities that work for people. We are proud to be one of Canada’s leading developers and managers of purpose-built rental housing, office, retail, and mixed-use developments. We want our residents to experience improved quality of living, with access to best in class amenities. We build environments that are modern, diverse, and sustainable places where people want to live, work, shop and play. And we are committed to protecting the health and safety of our residents, staff and neighbours.
Starlight believes in being active, engaged and contributing members of the community.
Architecture Unfolded is an award-winning architectural partnership established in 2010 in Toronto, Ontario. Since its inception, Architecture Unfolded has built a reputation on innovative design, technical expertise and dynamic leadership.
The firm’s expertise encompasses all aspects of the architectural process from master planning, site evaluation and feasibility studies, through the design and construction documentation phases, to the final selection of finishes and fittings for building interiors. The firm’s experience spans significant multi residential projects. Project locations range from dense urban downtown sites to suburban, stand-alone facilities. All projects included diverse client and user groups with complex programming and technical requirements.
Tell us what you think.
We want to hear from you. Please share your feedback and questions and we will get back to you as soon as we can.


Located just 30 miles north of Atlanta in the quaint town of Kennesaw, Georgia, is the Smith-Gilbert Gardens. This sprawling 20-acre estate was once home to Charles Smith and his wife, Florence. Now, the grounds have been transformed into a wondrous public garden for visitors to enjoy. The grounds include multiple garden displays, event spaces, and educational facilities. With its stunning beauty and recreational offerings, the Smith-Gilbert Gardens are a popular tourist destination in the Atlanta area. Learn more here.
As soon as visitors enter the gardens, they are immediately taken in by the breathtaking beauty of the grounds. Featuring meticulously-groomed grounds, colorful floral displays, and picturesque walking paths, the Smith-Gilbert Gardens provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The grounds are dotted with works of art, sculptures, and even a small amphitheater. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and admire the incredible array of plants, trees, and flowers. The gardens also feature several ponds and water features, providing an aesthetically pleasing and calming atmosphere. The Smith-Gilbert Gardens include several different garden displays, such as the Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and Ornamental Garden. The Japanese Garden, with its winding paths and tranquil water features, provides a peaceful respite from the stresses of everyday life. The Rose Garden is home to thousands of rose varieties that create a stunning display in the spring and summer months. The ornamental garden showcases brilliant annuals and perennials, providing bursts of color throughout the year. Learn more about Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw, GA.


Construction Canada gives the F. Ross Browne Award for article of the year annually to the author of an exemplary article that appears in their magazine. This year green roof industry professionals Kees Govers of LiveRoof Ontario and Sasha Aquilera were bestowed with this honor for their collaborative effort, Designing Extensive and Semi-Extensive Vegetated Roofs for Long-Term Performance.
The winner of the F. Ross Browne award is an article that provides important and timely information to the magazine’s audience of designers and specifiers across Canada. Named for the late Construction Canada columnist, F. Ross Browne, this honor is awarded annually to an article from the previous year’s publication.
Kees and Sasha’s article focuses on the technical elements of designing, installing, and maintaining green roof systems from a designer’s perspective. The article gives designers a well-rounded understanding of each step of the green roof design process.


Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
One thing I really miss about Tennessee? Green.
If you hadn’t heard by now, California has been in an exceptional drought (which, contrary to the name, is not at all exceptional) for the last few years. Among the thousands of things affected by the drought – the landscape. So much brown everywhere.
So, you could say I was pretty thrilled when I stumbled upon the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge in San Diego. Located just north of downtown, the bridge is an urban oasis that mimics a jungle! It was so nice to finally see some green – and challenge my fear of heights by walking on the swaying bridge, which sits 70 feet above the canyon floor. The bridge isn’t crazy long, but it’s a charming place to finally get a fix of green, healthy nature and fresh air so close to San Diego’s urban center. Plus, the surrounding neighborhood had the cutest houses to peek at.


Landscaping for the Homeowner Series: Trees in the Landscape
Choosing the right tree for your landscape can be a costly decision. A slide presentation will illustrate the various types of trees that you can use. Beat winter's chill by preparing for your spring garden! Back by popular demand, the Cincinnati Zoo's 2013 Landscaping series is one of the most informative and complete courses for homeowners in the Tri-state area. Offering insight on design, preparation and plant selection, the classes can be taken separately or as a complete series building upon one another.
Where: Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Address: 3400 Vine St.


Pond Lining using Pond liner / Geomembrane
Water is one of the most basic human needs and is one of the most important natural resources. All forms of life are dependent on it. There is scarcity of water resources and water is becoming more costly. It is therefore, very essential to properly conserve and manage this natural resource and regulate its use to obtain maximum benefits.
The major portion of stored water in an excavated pond is lost due to seepage. The requirement to provide a barrier against high rates of water seepage loss is already a reality in the way of pond lining method. Lining the ponds by installing PVC coated synthetic fabric liner or Multilayer Co-Extruded film Geomembrane or HDPE liner has proved to be an effective seepage proof and an economical solution.
A pond liner is a waterproof geomembrane used for water retention, including the lining of farm ponds, water storage ponds, garden ponds, residential decorative ponds, koi ponds, commercial decorative ponds, golf course ponds, leisre parks, rain water harvesting ponds, fish ponds and water reservoirs. Pond liners need to be protected from sharp objects (for example, stones) below the liner. Protection can be provided with a layer of fine sand or non woven polyester geotextile fabric or pp geotextile fabric.
Site preparation & Anchoring:-
After the basin is excavated, the surface of the excavated area should be free from sharp objects. If the surface consists of coarse particles, a layer of fine sand should be spread on top. For anchoring the liner, a trench should be excavated around the pond. The trench allows for the burying of the liner around the perimeter and is usually the easiest and most cost effective way to secure the liner. Liners are installed covering the bottom of the trench and applied towards the basin. After the liner is buried inside the trench the trench is filled with the excavated soil.


Make your garden a welcoming habitat for butterflies with this all-zones appropriate butterfly garden kit.
A great way to let everyone know that you avoid pesticides and grow flowering plants to support monarch, butterflies, and other hard-working pollinators!
- Wildflower seeds selected by Colorado-based BBB seed company to attract butterflies from Spring until Fall. A wide selection of species in this seed mix insures adaptability to many regions.
- Sturdy "Butterfly Garden" aluminum sign. Designed to last for years outside. 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", with holes top and bottom for posting wherever you choose.
- Tips on how to create a butterfly garden. Includes instructions on planting your seeds as well as suggestions for how to provide year-round shelter for the pollinators in your garden.
By clicking "Buy it now" and making a donation, you agree to become a member of Environmental Action.
This mix consists of varieties that are adaptable to most growing regions throughout the U.S. It is important to understand your local growing habitat and make sure that the seeds you plant are appropriate to your area. Seeds included in this mix are: Siberian Wallflower, Gayfeather liatris, Rocket Larkspur, Blue Flax, Purple Coneflower, Firewheel, California Poppy, Scarlet Sage, China Aster, Bachelor Button, Indian Blanket, Lance leaf Coreopsis, Wild Sunflower, Mexican Hat, Dwarf Godetia, Plains Coreopsis, Butterfly Milkweed, Sweet Alyssum, Black-eyed Susan
Please note that customers living in the Pacific Northwest will receive a slightly different mix of native seeds, including: Rocket Larkspur, Blue Flax, Siberian Wallflower, Black-eyed Susan, Lance-leaf Coreopsis, Dwarf Godetia, Orange California Poppy, Purple Coneflower, Firewheel Gaillardia, Globe Gillia, Perennial Lupine, Wooly Sunflower, Rocky Mountain Penstemon, Shasta Daisy, Purple Verbena, Blue Columbine, Liatris, Wild Blue Iris, Showy Milkweed


Specializing in Everything From Removals to Trimming
From tree planting in New Porch Richey, FL to tree removal in New Porch Richey, FL, you can count on our trained arborists to get the job done right
Professional Tree Services and Landscaping Services
For all the tree services New Porch Richey, FL homeowners need, Arbor Tree Care is there.
Let Us Make Your Yard Beautiful
Professionally performed tree services in New Porch Richey, FL can improve your home’s appearance, property value, and safety for years to come!
Request a Free Estimate
Whatever New Porch Richey tree care you need, you’re invited to receive a free at-home estimate with expert Arbor Tree Care arborists
New Porch Richey Tree Trimming Services
Tree trimming in New Porch Richey, FL is an essential part of being a homeowner with forested area on your property. Not only will this keep your home safe from falling branches and debris, but it will also help your home’s value in terms of aesthetics, as well. So feel free to call our professional arborists and have those trees properly serviced and kept happy and healthy. When it comes to tree trimming, New Porch Richey, FL homes, Arbor Tree Care is the best New Porch Richey tree service option. Call us today at (727) 777-6601.
- Keep your trees looking nice. To have the best looking trees and shrubbery on your block, you’ll want to have them regularly trimmed, not just for safety’s sake but also for visual looks. Trees that have gone too long without maintenance tend to look haphazard, and don’t grow correctly. Even though it seems counterintuitive, the bulk of trees are actually harmed without regular trimming. So keep the crowns of your trees regularly trimmed to expand those saplings into great oaks.
- Keep yourself safe by having your trees trimmed regularly. Falling twigs and branches are always a problem, and then in winter entire trees can collapse with enough weight added on. This can be a seriously costly problem for homeowners, especially those who need emergency tree services in New Porch Richey, FL.
- Keep your trees growing properly. Trimming will help your tree’s crown aerate, thus boosting its ability to grow and repair itself. Furthermore, low hanging branches hinder the tree’s health as well. Keeping the branches parallel to each other will also help reduce harmful clutter. So for New Porch Richey, FL tree trimming call us now. That number again is (727) 777-6601.
- Keep your trees healthy. Broken, diseased, or dead branches can negatively impact your tree’s ability to grow. And leaving these branches on allows for fungi and disease to spread to the rest of the poor tree. Even the occasional live branch can hinder the sunlight that would otherwise be headed for the crown of your tree. Tree trimming in New Porch Richey, FL is needed in all these situations, not just for looks, but for everyone’s health, both you and your trees.


A well designed landscape is a symbiotic relationship of built and natural elements.
We create outdoor spaces that work. Whether shaping places to gather with family and friends, addressing drainage concerns using low impact interventions, providing space for food production or general aesthetic enhancement of a property, we design landscapes to exceed the expectations of our clients.
The diversity of plant and hardscape materials available today allow for endless possibilities in landscape form. By focusing on detail and construction technique, and by taking strong cues from our client's aesthetic preferences and the natural and architectural structures of each site, we compose truly unique forms for each project.
A twenty first century landscape must be resource conscious, working to reduce inputs such as water, fossil fuels and chemical fertilizers. We integrate sustainable landscape techniques into each design, promoting key urban ecosystem services such as water recycling, microclimate enhancement, habitat creation and stormwater mitigation.


Restoring Geldeston play area
The purpose of the document is to outline the objectives and requirements of the project and serve as an essential point of reference for both the client and the supplier.
Using the requirements specified in this document, the supplier can add their creative input and technical knowledge to produce design proposals and quotations for the client. We would expect to establish continuous communication between the supplier and the project’s working group during the project’s development.
This brief has been developed by the project working group, using feedback from local residents and children.
This document is made up (see below) of the following sections:
Aims, Project Objectives and Design Principles, Location,
Key Audiences and Development of the Project
The aims of this project are:
- to provide a new imaginative, physically challenging and coordinated play experience for the children in Geldeston, situated in the current space within the Kell’s estate in Geldeston.
- to create an inspiring play space that will please, excite, challenge and stimulate the children’s imagination both of their own self-development as well as the surrounding natural environment.
- to encourage children, young people and their families to take responsibility for looking after their local play area and promote positive attitudes to children and young people in the community.
- to recognise the importance of village and community life for children growing up in Geldeston, and provide a safe environment for play, as part of our approach to a sustainable community in Geldeston.
Project objectives and design principles
 To create an exciting, fun and safe place for children to play.
 To incorporate the 10 principles for designing successful play spaces as set out in Play England’s publication Design for play: A guide to creating successful play spaces (2008).
 To follow the approach to risk management set out in Play England’s publication Managing Risk In Play Provision: implementation guide (2012), to ensure children are not exposed to unacceptable risk of harm, whilst still benefiting from challenging, exciting, engaging play opportunities.
 To provide a full range of play opportunities and experiences in order to appeal to various age groups and abilities (in line with the Disability Discrimination Act). The key attributes are expected to be:
- free open access for all
- a high level of accessibility and inclusive design
- creative and inspiring spaces for play
- a sustainable provision that can be maintained with the minimum of cost
- an environment in which children can play freely and test their boundaries in a rich, imaginative way
- designs that do not expose users to unacceptable levels of risk of serious injury
 To make the best, possible use of the existing play space and site assets, and effectively incorporate the current natural environment (eg as part of safe play, a conservation area, or to provide shade etc), in order to maximise the play opportunities for the children but also respect the rural character of Geldeston.
 To actively involve local children and their families in the design of the play area at all stages, and consult local residents and businesses on the opportunities and play facilities that are being considered.
 Wherever possible, to involve local children and families in the development and construction of the play area (eg, clearing, planting, painting etc).
 Consider maintenance, inspection and insurance regimes to protect the play area, and those who use it, for the future, involving the community in these regimes wherever possible.
 To use equipment/techniques which will help protect the play area against vandalism (eg fire, damage, theft).
 To use locally sourced products or local businesses, wherever possible.
 The Let’s Play working group to explore possible funding opportunities.
The play space is situated within the Kell’s housing estate in the village of Geldeston (approx. 170 households in the village). 13 further properties are currently being built on the housing estate in proximity to the play space.
The play space is approximately 34m x 50m, and slopes downwards, with uneven ground. There is currently some old equipment still on site (see photos).
Geldeston Parish Council have confirmed we can continue to use this space for our play area development, and there is no viable alternative location. Families are generally in agreement with this, as it is a quiet, safe, accessible area. One household on the housing estate, however, expressed their concerns about this area attracting youths, so the project group will look at other options/activities for older groups of young people to occupy them elsewhere.
There is an area of open space (grassed) adjacent to the play area, currently used as a football pitch but is uneven and slopes downwards. There are no alternative areas for ball games currently, as most of the grassed areas on the housing estate state ‘no ball games’ so as not to disturb neighbours. We have permission from South Norfolk District Council to include this grassed area in our improvement project, provided it continues to be used for this purpose and any installations are BSEN standard and maintained by Geldeston Parish Council.
We conducted a questionnaire to initially gain feedback on whether our residents were interested in maintaining and restoring a play area in the village. We had 31 responses in total from a mixture of parents with young children, parents with older children and retired residents – 29 of them were keen to keep the village play area and were interested in seeing improved facilities as part of the restoration, for example: play equipment, picnic area, benches, planting or communal garden mainly; other suggestions included visible dog waste bins, sensory equipment, exercise equipment and better signposting.
The questionnaire findings are currently on the Geldeston Parish Council website (click on “Parish Council meeting — Play Area findings” above 12th September 2018).
We recently asked children and their families what types of play equipment they like and their age, using a poll. 32 local children responded from the village summer fete and from Reception/Y1/Y2 classes at our catchment school, Gillingham St Michael’s Primary.
Their favourite equipment is shown as follows.
- Children and their families prefer
|Item of equipment||Nos in favour|
|Sensory, e.g. funnels||17|
(seesaw, monkey bars, etc)
5 of the children also suggested a number of other things they might like:
- wobble board
- rope swing
- monkey bars
- a path to cycle on/learn to cycle
(like our neighbouring playground at Ellingham).
The age groups of the children who responded to the poll are as follows.
2. Age group of respondents
|4-7 years old||72|
|8 and over||8|
The lower proportions of older children and of toddlers that completed a poll means more research into types of equipment suitable for these age groups may be required.
Some older children have expressed an interest in actively helping with the design and development of the play area, and are so far being involved in this brief via their families who are on the project working group.
Development of the project
Part 1: Following an evaluation of offers, engage the supplier and agree the project brief.
Part 2: Develop proposed designs for public consultation including local residents, children and families, Geldeston Parish Council, and local businesses. (approx. 5 weeks consultation)
Part 3: Develop final designs, using feedback from consultation.
Part 4: Write a project plan, including the agreed play area designs, in order to apply for funding from appropriate bodies.
Part 5: Depending on the success of securing external funding, final designs to be ready for the construction of the play area. Installation timeline to be drawn up then.
Contact the project leads/working group
Version 1 (draft) 09/09/2018


When it comes to creating a lush and vibrant garden, choosing the right plants for your specific conditions is crucial. If you have a shaded garden, finding plants that thrive in low light conditions is essential. Luckily, there are many beautiful and resilient shade-loving plants that can add color and texture to your garden. In this article, we will explore some of the best shade-loving plants to consider for your garden.
Ferns are a classic choice for shaded gardens due to their elegant and feathery foliage. These plants come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from delicate maidenhair ferns to large and dramatic ostrich ferns. Ferns are low-maintenance and can thrive in both moist and dry shady conditions, making them a versatile option for any garden.
Hostas are beloved for their lush and vibrant foliage, which comes in a range of colors and patterns. These plants are perfect for shady areas as they prefer filtered light and moist soil. Hostas are also known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in various climates, making them a reliable choice for a shaded garden.
Bleeding hearts are known for their unique heart-shaped flowers that hang delicately from arching stems. These plants prefer partial to full shade and thrive in moist, well-drained soil. Bleeding hearts add a touch of whimsy and romance to any garden and are sure to be a conversation starter with their distinctive blooms.
Astilbes are prized for their feathery plumes of flowers that come in a range of colors, including pink, red, and white. These plants thrive in shady conditions and require consistently moist soil to flourish. Astilbes are perfect for adding a pop of color to a shaded garden and can be planted en masse for a stunning display.
Lungworts, also known as pulmonarias, are shade-loving perennials that are valued for their speckled foliage and early spring blooms. These plants prefer partial to full shade and thrive in moist, well-drained soil. Lungworts are excellent for attracting pollinators to your garden and can be a valuable addition to a shady border or woodland garden.
**Japanese Forest Grass:**
Japanese forest grass is a graceful and ornamental grass that thrives in shady conditions. This plant features cascading foliage that adds movement and texture to the garden. Japanese forest grass prefers moist, well-drained soil and can be used as a ground cover or as an accent plant in a shaded garden.
Coral bells are known for their colorful foliage, which comes in shades of green, purple, and silver. These plants prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. Coral bells produce delicate flowers on tall stems that attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden. With their striking foliage and attractive blooms, coral bells are a versatile choice for a shaded garden.
In conclusion, creating a beautiful and thriving garden in shady conditions is entirely possible with the right selection of plants. By incorporating shade-loving plants such as ferns, hostas, bleeding hearts, astilbes, lungworts, Japanese forest grass, and coral bells, you can transform your shaded garden into a lush and vibrant oasis. Whether you prefer foliage-focused plants or flowering varieties, there is a shade-loving plant to suit your garden’s needs. Experiment with different combinations and textures to create a dynamic and visually appealing garden that thrives in low light conditions.


Important Factors that You Should Consider When Building Retaining Walls
It will be better if you make concrete walls part of your lifestyle. One job with most of the people know retaining walls for providing support in weak grounds. But they will even be better if you use to make your outdoor living spaces to be beautiful. With this, you will get the more out of it rather than just the recommended function.
Apart from that, you should also make creative designs out of them. It is always not a rule that the retaining walls should be straight as some people may think. By adding some curves on them, you will be able to remove the annoying watch on them when they are straight. You will be in a position to set the model of the curve by using a garden hose or a long rope. This should be finished with a shovel that you will use in cutting through the soil to follow the curve.
Apart from that, size of the retaining wall is not essential. But this will significantly depend on the size of the area that you want to support. One thing that you should not forget is to look at the local building codes to make sure that you are not violating any law. I can confirm to you that low retaining walls are better since they will take a little amount of time to plan and construct them. We also have more substantial walls that can only be constructed by engineers who are skilled in offering such services.
Besides, you also need to think of terracing. With this, you will have to slowly step up the retaining walls so that you can achieve a steeper slope. Also, in each increment it will be vital that you arrange for a slight offset.
Apart from that, you should use manufactured stones and blocks in building retaining walls. This is important since it will help in providing integrity and an even base to work. One good thing is that you will get a more natural time in making sure that each type is level. Apart from that, you should also make sure that you color match stones and space out jagged colored rocks to give it a better look.
Apart from that you should create a solid base. Meaning that you will have to dig out the bottom several inches below the ground, The dug space should then be filled with gravel to make it secure.


Tarawa Terrace II Elementary School is located at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
The project included an approximately 44,055 square foot addition to the existing elementary school, a new access road, a surface parking lot, a bus drop off loop, an enlarged dumpster enclosure, mechanical enclosure, fire access lane, new and upgraded playgrounds, utility extensions, stormwater management, BMP’s, and erosion and sedimentation control measures.
The project had a short design and construction timeframe due to the unexpected early closure of Tarawa Terrace I Elementary School as a result of tornado damage.
Responsibilities + Solutions
Cape Fear Engineering’s responsibilities included design survey, site layout, utility design, and utility permitting along with stormwater management design/permitting, erosion control design/permitting, landscaping plans, and playground layouts.
Cape Fear Engineering provided construction documents including plans, specifications, and design analysis with calculations for all aspects of civil site and utility work associated with the project. Water Extension, Gravity Sanitary Sewer Extension, Erosion and Sedimentation Control and State Stormwater permits were applied for and obtained from NCDEQ.
Coordination with the Base Environmental Management Department of site layout and demolition was required as there were monitoring wells onsite due to existing groundwater contamination.
Throughout construction Cape Fear Engineering provided periodic construction observations and inspections of utility installation and has provided Professional Engineer’s Certifications to NCDEQ for water distribution, sewer collection, and stormwater management permits.


The River Peffery Restoration Project, led by environmental consultancy Lockett Agri-Environmental, aims to reconnect a stretch of the River Peffery to its original floodplain to improve biodiversity and to reduce flood risk as well as providing community benefit.
Pebble Trust funding enabled the first phase of the project – a LIDAR survey of the floodplain to explore the feasibility of the project. The success of the first stage has opened the way to the implementation stage of work and to additional, more substantial sources of funding.
This will involve engineering works to remove embankments and allow the river to spill onto the floodplain creating 7 ha of new wetlands. Funding for the second stage is now in place with an additional small injection of funding from the Pebble Trust to complete the funding package.


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Poughkeepsie… Tonight, members of the Legislature’s Public Works & Capital Projects Committee will hear an update on the Dutchess County Urban Trail project in the city and town of Poughkeepsie, including the extensive public outreach process that informed the final design and an anticipated construction timeline for the project. The Legislature will vote on an $11 million bond authorization to fund the first phase of construction at its December 2nd board meeting.
County Executive Molinaro said, “We have taken residents’ and stakeholders’ feedback to heart and have completed a design for this Urban Trail that will transform the city and town of Poughkeepsie. This trail will connect neighborhoods, businesses, and tourism attractions and will become a vital resource for students, residents, and visitors alike. I encourage our partners in the Legislature to support this resolution and help move this exciting project forward.”
The design of the 2.7-mile Urban Trail project, which will be built in four phases, follows extensive outreach to community stakeholders, youth groups, and residents through in-person and virtual meetings as well as an online survey and interactive website that includes information about the project’s timeline, proposed trail routing, and design concepts as well as the history of the trail and additional informative resources. Feedback incorporated into the design plans include amenities such as lighting and other security features, dual-lane pathways with a minimum width of 16 feet, secure bike parking, seating, informational kiosks, and areas for public art installations, among others.
“This is trail is a unique kind of linear park,” said County Executive Molinaro. “It will be used for so much more than just recreation and exercise because of its urban setting. This trail network will connect people with their jobs, neighborhood businesses, and community services without needing a car. It’s not only going to provide an environmentally friendly alternative to driving to a destination, for many, it will provide an economical and efficient way to traverse the area.”
Once passed by the Legislature, the funding will cover the costs for the first phase of the project, which will include building the 1.4-mile section of trail from the Hudson Heritage development site in the Town of Poughkeepsie to Parker Avenue (State Route 9G) in the City of Poughkeepsie, connecting Quiet Cove Riverfront Park, Marist College, and the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail (DRT) as well as the Walkway Over the Hudson. Additionally, the first phase will include installing way-finding signs along local streets to help trail users navigate off the trail to local attractions until the remainder of the trail network is complete.
Dutchess County Legislator Will Truitt said, “This project will be a fantastic resource, connecting residents to their jobs, recreation, and local businesses as well as creating a way for visitors to more easily explore all our area has to offer. I encourage my fellow Legislators to join me in supporting this valuable trail network project and am grateful to Dutchess County Executive Molinaro for his continued commitment to improving the quality of life for all.”
Once complete, the Urban Trail network, which will follow former CSX rail line property in the city and town of Poughkeepsie, will connect with the DRT as well as the Poughkeepsie waterfront and local parks, businesses, restaurants, educational institutions, major development projects (including Hudson Heritage) and tourism destinations, such as the Walkway Over the Hudson.
Dutchess County is working in partnership with Scenic Hudson along with Hudson Valley Engineering Associates, PC. and Susan G. Blickstein, LLC to complete the Urban Trail project.
For more information on the project, visit www.dutchesscountyurbantrail.com.


“We have open end service architecture which has answers to all your queries”
- What makes Four Seasons OLC unique? The uniqueness of Four Seasons OLC is purely from the customer perspective. We have the expertise and experience to understand every need of the customer and them in the way you need them. For example you can consider our approach. Right from the stage of excavation to the stage of surface finishing, we conform to your requirements. At the same time we incorporate the ASTM and EPA standards in the architecture, safety, long life and aesthetic features. At the same time we ensure cost effectiveness to you in all the aspects.
- Why should I choose Four Seasons OLC? There are many reasons for you to choose Four Seasons OLC. The primary criterion is the dual benefit of high end design at low costs. You will be able to literally compare our product, material, service and miscellaneous costs with our competitors in the market. You will be able to assess and evaluate your own profitability not only for today but for many decades into the future. You have always wanted to have the combination of latest designs and patterns into your pavers at affordable costs. At the same time you might wish to retain many of the classical features from your existing structure. This kind of requirement is felt when your home is made of classical architecture. In such instances we will be able to create fusion designs to satisfy your requirements. Some of the most important factors which make you choose Four Seasons OLC can be listed here.
Just in time service
Modern design and style
Adaptability to your building and pool architecture
Flexible options for material selection
Best safety and protection features
ASTM and EPA conformance
Balanced approach to Quantity and quality
Performance under all climatic conditions
Swelling and damage proof structures
Highest degree of precision on sloping
Top quality interlocking features
Accurate Pre installation analysis
- How do you select the Four Seasons OLC paver materials? We have a close network of manufacturing, processing, fabricating, warehousing, transporting and delivery systems. We choose the materials based on their tensile strength, flexibility, load bearing capacity, load distribution properties, stress absorption and transfer ratio and other engineering properties. The selection of materials also depends on the color absorbing and retaining ratio, composition, climatic resistance and other parameters.
- Can the paving stones be laid on top of my current driveway? Unlike other driveway resurface companies; Four Seasons OLC does not lay driveway pavers on top of existing concrete or asphalt. Our highly trained driveway paving stone installers remove the existing driveway surface to create the ideal foundation for your pavers.
- How much does the estimate cost? At Four Seasons OLC we have a policy of keeping our costs at the practically most economic levels. We will be able to give you an accurate estimation after visiting your pavement layout location and conducting an analysis.
- What holds it stable around the edges? A concrete edge beam is installed around the edges of your patio, deck or driveway to protect the interlocking pavers from lateral movement.
- Can you drive heavy vehicles over driveway paving stones? Absolutely! Our driveway pavers are designed to withstand the heavy wear and tear of RVs, motor homes, buses and more.
- Are there gaps between the stones or will it be level enough to play/ride/skate/walk on with high heels? Our interlocking pavers are always installed to be as level as possible. However, feel free to tell your representative of any specific concerns you may have. The more information you give us, the easier it will be for us to make the appropriate recommendation.
- How long do I have to wait to drive/walk on my interlocking paving stones after they’re installed? That’s the best part, there’s no down time required! You can walk and drive on your interlocking pavers right away.
- Do driveway pavers get icy in colder climates? Concrete pavers resist deterioration from freezing and thawing cycles better than asphalt and ordinary poured in place concrete. De-icing products, such as calcium chloride or salt, will not harm the pavers either, making them a great choice for cold climates. Electric or liquid snow melting systems work well under concrete pavers, eliminating snow removal while reducing slip hazards. Darker colored pavers can also aid in accelerating the melting process.
- Is it easy to plow snow on driveway pavers? Snow can be plowed, blown or shoveled just like asphalt or concrete pavements- quickly and easily. The beveled or chamfered edges of pavers prevent plows or shovels from catching on the edge-so they’re nice and smooth for easy snow clearing!
- What do you do about drainage and root problems when installing my driveway pavers? In the event we find any plumbing or root problems when replacing your driveway, patio or deck with interlocking paving stones, we can install new plumbing or replace broken pipes at an additional cost. In most cases we find that re-grading the area results in better drainage flow.
-Why should I choose Portland Driveways for my outdoor project? There’s a reason, or should we say reasons why Portland Driveways is the leading competitor for grass driveways, driveway paving and concrete flat work in the Portland, Vancouver, West Linn, Lake Oswego Beaverton, Tigard and surrounding metropolitan areas. With many years of experience and dedication to providing outstanding workmanship, our paving experts make sure every client and homeowner has every goal achieved for their outdoor project. In addition to providing excellent work in a timely manner, Portland Driveways has the top customer service in the Northwest crushing all the competition.
-What are the benefits of grass pavers for driveways? There are a number of benefits when it comes to choosing grass pavers for your outdoor project. Not only are grass pavers visually appealing but also provide the homeowner with a unique, different and charming alternative to concrete driveways, walkways, patios and much more. Below Portland Driveways has provided a list of what we believe to be the benefits of grass pavers.
1. Environmentally Friendly A significant advantage of grass pavers is that they allow the storm water run-off to go directly back into the soil and dirt underground reducing water waste. Grass pavers are environmentally friendly because the storm water runoff is recycled and reused, instead of going into our waterways and rivers. Another way grass pavers are environmentally friendly is they can help with the "heat island" effect where the heat from the sunlight is stored in the concrete as well as the asphalt in urban and metropolitan areas, therefore trapping the heat and changing the microclimate of the location.
The majority of living driveways include numerous layers, beginning with a compressed sandy surface area to keep quality, followed by a support framework (generally a plastic honeycomb grid) loaded with sandy loam (which is also used in gardening), this gives support to the root system as well as preserving a strong surface area to drive on.
2. Assists With Drainage Are you having trouble with the drainage in your driveway?
Then grass pavers are the perfect solution for you. Living in the Northwest we are already accustomed to the rain, but flooding can be a big problem as well. Grass paving helps tremendously, especially after heavy rainfall allowing the water to drain and soak down through the dirt, instead of sitting on top a concrete surface area. The awesome thing about this is that it will also help the ground of your surrounding vegetation, as water is recycled back into the soil, restarting the natural flow of the environmental system. Grass paving allows absorption of runoff, which re-energizes the earth’s natural filtering system made of water bearing rock, and naturally cleans the water before it reaches oceans, lakes and rivers, boosting water quality, it also lowers the demand for huge storm drains and channels needed to reduce risks from flooding.
3. Visually Appealing If you are tired of the same simple design everyone in your neighborhood has, then grass pavers are the best choice for your driveway. Not only are they environmentally friendly, helping with storm water runoff, they reduce the "heat island" effect, supporting water storage and are a classic and stylish addition to your home. Other than weeding and fertilizing here and there, grass paving doesn’t need very much maintenance, unlike other concrete paving. At Portland Driveways our paving experts suggest that homeowners treat their grass pavers like a part of their garden instead of a part of the road. Concrete and Paving Driveway FAQ section
-What happens if the color comes out differently from what I expected? We have to understand that it’s unrealistic for your driveway contractor to closely match the color of your driveway to a sample given, a friends concrete driveway, or a photo from a concrete brochure, the majority of concrete will show natural color variations, usually if the driveway project needs multiple loads, or if the concrete is made and placed on different days. Typically variations of color will fade over time and will become more even.
-Will my paved surfaces move or shift over time, how do I minimize movement? You will always have some movement with your installed pavers, however you can minimize moving by firmly installing the pavers and installing what we call “edge restraint,” such as metal or concrete.
-What’s the easiest way to install pavers? Here is the common paving installation procedure to follow: Make sure the area is cleared of debris and hazardous material. Start to prepare the sand bedding and base material, you will then carefully lay down each paver for your desired theme or patterns. After you do that you will then lay down sand over the paver joints to fill them in nicely before applying the sealant.
-What If I’m on a budget, should I choose from concrete paving stones or brick? When it comes to cost concrete paving stones should be your pick of choice, brick pavers will typically cost as much as double the cost of concrete pavers.
-I have finished laying down the paving stones and my driveway is complete. Do I have to wait for some time before I can finally use it? Not at all. Paving stone driveways can be used right after you’ve finished installation.
-Where exactly can I use various paving stone materials? Paving stones (both natural stones and concrete paving stones) are highly versatile paving solutions that you can use in your driveway, pool deck, garden steps, jogging paths, patio, walkways and many other areas.
-How do I remove efflorescence? To remove the whitish haze that’s also known as efflorescence, you can simply find a special cleaning product that can be applied over your paved surfaces (ask your contractor).
-How do I prevent weeds growing through my pavers? You must always make sure the paving joints are filled with sand, the next step is making sure the joints are sealed with a high quality product.
-The pavers I have are stained, how do I clean them? You can find a lot of great cleaning products that you can easily apply yourself. Some of these products remove stubborn grime, dust, rust, moss, algae, oil, and other marks.
-How do you remove snow from your concrete pavers? To properly remove snow from your pavers just use a rubber edged snow plow instead of abrasive sharp edged tools.


Explore the ways in which gardens, farms and open space are helping to foster a sense of place, vibrant local economies, and healthier environments. Join John Forti, founding director of Bedrock Gardens in Lee, for an illustrated talk that celebrates the role of gardens in fostering communities (plant, animal and human) that preserve habitat and important intersections for outdoor, place-based learning and kinship with the natural environments of New Hampshire.
John Forti is a garden historian and ethnobotanist who has directed gardens for Plimoth Plantation Museum, Strawbery Banke Museum, Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and Bedrock Gardens. As a Slow Food USA Governor and biodiversity specialist, his preservation work has helped to restore countless native and heirloom plants and has brought traditional artisanal practices to modern thinking. He has won numerous awards for historic garden preservation, children’s garden design, herbal and historical education and the 2020 Award of Excellence from National Garden Clubs, one of the nation’s most-recognized nonprofits and largest volunteer gardening organization in the world. His new book “The Heirloom Gardener – Traditional Plants and Skills for the Modern World” will be out this spring through Timber Press. Pre-order here.
Bedrock Gardens is an emerging public garden that integrates unusual botanical specimens and unique sculpture into an inspiring landscape journey. This 37-acre site is transitioning from a historic farm and private garden to a public oasis of art, horticulture and inspiration.
More background information on Bedrock Gardens:
Interview conducted in May 2020
Hours: GSAs will receive educational hours for attending.
Uniform: Please treat this as a virtual tour, and please wear your GSA shirts.


Every homeowner who owns an outdoor living area dreams of creating a stunning landscape, which can be enjoyed by everyone during day or night. However this is not a home project that should be taken slightly, as it also represents an investment you will make to increase your property’s value; it will be essential to ask yourself a couple of questions about what your purposes for such area are, then you will find the real target for illumination in your backyard. Perhaps you will choose a lighting set to create a soft, romantic mood taking into account all of the security aspects this project can provide to your outdoor living area, for instance, lighting to define its boundaries, or lights that highlight those gorgeous features of your backyard, like a water fountain.
I have already mentioned some key aspects to keep in mind whether if you need to replace old pathway lights or just feel it is time to completely remodel your landscape living area, now I would like to highlight that thanks to all of the improvements home market has experimented over the last year, today it is absolutely possible to achieve a well- executed outdoor living area lighting project that suitably fit your needs. Therefore, it will be key for you to know what is going on into the world of landscape lighting, thus you can select the most functional and suitable options out there for you. Ideas, tips and inspiration are the main elements I have decided to include in this post; they might help you achieve the best version of that home project you have been dreaming of.
Plan where landscape lighting should go
Decide in which location of your outdoor area lights should go, perhaps you might want to illuminate a bench along the path, or a pond that can have soft lighting around its perimeter. This will be an important step to start such an amazing project.
Consider a naturalistic look
Success of exterior lighting mainly hinges on its design; you may hear about something called “moonlight effect”, a naturalistic look which performs light no more intense than that of a full moon, though it is strong enough to create gorgeous shadows, as well as intense highlights. There are also other techniques for outdoor lighting purposes that designers use, such as using up- lights, they are meant to shine downward and if used in moderation, they are amazing at highlighting both architectural and landscaping features. Another great lighting design that I personally love is the one where you can combine beauty and function for instance, adding lighting to plantings along your pathway which breaks up the typical “runway” look of too many lights strung alongside a walk.
Do not forget about setting a budget
Budget for your landscape lighting project can go one of three possible ways; most expensive options like high- voltage lighting that goes around $100 or even more per light, plus costs for labor (electrical contractor or additional fees during the project). The other way is the lower cost way, with low- voltage landscape lighting at $30 to $300 per light; the good news is that with this option you can easily install this type of lighting, demonstrating your potential as a do- it- yourselfer. The third way is the least expensive among the options, and it is solar lighting; due to the fact that its light relies upon the rays of the sun and an inbuilt photovoltaic device to work, with this alternative you obviously won‘t need to concern about installation costs.
Think of safety and security
According to a survey shown by the Home Safety Council, falls are the foremost cause of home injury. So, the best way to address such hazards is by making sure your home‘s outdoors, stairs, and pathways are well- illuminated. Motion- detecting security lighting that are mounted near the garages offers illumination once you get out of your car at night; this can also work excellent at detecting intruders. A few lines above, I have mentioned that “moonlight effect” is an amazing technique to provide landscape areas with functionality, well I would like to let you know that with this naturalistic look also brings a security function in your home; it can detect intruders, by exposing any movement on your property.
When homeowners develop a well- executed outdoor lighting project, benefits are plenty; they are basically enhancing their home‘s architectural details, this adds an abundance of curb appeal to the property. On the hand, keep in mind that it is not only about aesthetics, home lighting projects for security play a crucial role; to protect against both intruders and falls. In short, your landscape living space is a completely new room that you need to fully explore; go beyond that simple bulb at the doorway, strive for a landscape lighting that can bring Zen- like features to your outdoor living space. Do not forget about making your outdoor area usable at night, this is generally the moment when your family and guests come along to enjoy of an entertaining evening event.


Below the Bridge
The January weather this year was accommodating enough that an early re-start on the hillside garden proved too tempting to turn down.
|"Cut and fill" in the unfinished hillside garden|
The front garden has a roughly "S" shaped path that meanders down the hillside. The dirt path in the bottom left is on top of "fill" from the "cut" to the right.
|Below the bridge - rough grading for the dry creek|
|For posterity - the "before" shot.|
|A few days later - more rocks arrive|
|During the first weekend of work|
After the palettes of material arrive there's always a fun discovery phase where I see what exactly I have to work with this time around.
|Afternoon in February, 2022|
With no rain for some time the ground is already turning color. Normally this is our rainy season and while I appreciate the beautiful weather this means the ground may dry out earlier this year.
Most of the rock at this point is fairly well spread out across the hillside to help with the process of picking and choosing just the right piece.
I've been using some ledge stone for a tighter, more finished look in this area of the garden. This will eventually act as informal seating wall at the back of a garden forecourt.
By mid March the wall has been completed.
The area between the wall and the sidewalk will be covered with a layer of crushed drain rock which will act as the subsurface for the forecourt.
|Getting started on bottom of the crevice garden|
Unfortunately I don't have the best rock for a crevice garden; it feels too blocky. I'm hoping that once I layer in place smaller rocks, gravel and plants that the final look will improve.
|The "crevice garden" also serves as an edge to the dry creek.|
This part of the hillside will form a rocky outcrop intersected by the seating wall. The goal is to make the outcrop feel as though it's a naturally occurring formation which was cut away in order to make room for the wall and patio.
|Seating wall intersecting a rocky outcrop|
The garden's structure introduces obstacles that encourage
visitors to walk a path of least resistance and experience the space at a slower pace. The boulders also perform a practical task - retaining
the hillside and preventing future erosion. All the cut and fill work
and addition of these rocks has changed the flat plane of the hillside
into a roughly curvilinear mass punctuated at points with "bump outs"
and alcoves. Hopefully this introduces a sense of discovery.
|~95% of the rock in place|
|Crevice Garden in the afternoon light|
|Salvia nemorosa "East Friesland"|
Like many gardener's out there I've been a fan of Kenton Seth's since first stumbling on his blog a few years back. I've drawn inspiration from pics I've seen of his crevice garden work and tried to create my own version (with a modified plant palette).
|Salvia "Lyrical Rose"|
|Salvia africana-lutea (Brown Salvia)|
I'm generally excited to introduce more drought tolerant grasses in the garden as well. The above Pennisetum ("Slender Veldt Grass") is native to South Africa so I'm hoping it does well in our Northern California climate.
The young Agave pedunculifera (above on left) are toothless, soft agave with flexible spines which are largely harmless. It's become one of my favorite plants on the hillside because it's tough but still has a graceful form and green color which soften the garden.
I'd planned on finishing the crevice garden and dry creek with this post but other tasks always seem to pull me in different directions. It will eventually be finished - likely bit by bit!


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Nina Bassuk obtained her Ph.D. in Horticulture from the University of London, UK, and is currently a professor and program leader of the Urban Horticulture Institute at Cornell University. She also sits on the board of the New York State Urban Forestry Council. Professor Bassuk is co-author of “Trees in the Urban Landscape,” a text for landscape architects and horticultural practitioners on establishing trees in disturbed and urban landscapes.
A native New Yorker, Professor Bassuk has authored over 100 papers focusing on the physiological problems of plants growing in urban environments, including improved plant selections for difficult sites, soil modification including the development of CU-Structural Soil®, and improved transplanting technology. She is on the technical advisory committee of the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) and works closely with municipalities to help implement best practices in urban forestry management.
Nina helped to develop the Student Weekend Arborist Team (SWAT) to inventory public trees in small communities. She is a frequent invited speaker at conferences and workshops and received the Stephen H. Weiss Presidential Fellowship from Cornell University.