The Appeal of a Wood Retaining Wall

by Andrew Bicknell


A well built wood retaining wall can add to any landscape, providing both visual beauty and a high degree of safety to any sloped property. When put together correctly a retaining wall built out of landscape timbers provides as much stability as any rock or concrete block wall, with the added good looks that only wood provides. The other nice thing is the functionality that wood provides, allowing for any number of designs that can be customized for each individual landscape.

A wood retaining wall is just as durable and functional as any stone, or block wall as well as being a safe and effective way to add a dynamic feature to your landscape. Wood adds a certain luster to any landscaping project and is a great material to utilize in the yard.

It is important to properly lay out and design any retaining wall, and one made out of wood is no different. A small wall is easy for the weekend do-it-yourselfer but for a large wall that is required to hold back a large sloping area it is best to go with a professional landscape service that has experience with large and intricate retaining wall construction. This is particularly true of a terraced wall that may have stairs built into it.

Some people may question the strength of a wood retaining wall but because of the way they are built they are exceptionally strong and are able to hold back large amounts of dirt with little problem. In fact the bigger and more complex the wall the stronger it usually is. This is because each section of wall is tied together, creating a large interconnected frame work. This creates a very heavy wall that is impervious to just about anything.

If you are a homeowner with a sloping landscape then a wood retaining wall can be a great way to add a visual element to your landscape that will also add value to your whole property. When it comes to retaining walls there are many choices and wood should always be a first consideration.

Using Arbors and Pergolas in Landscape Design

by Ellen Bell


Arbors and pergolas are two types of garden structures that can greatly contribute to the overall design of your landscape. Arbors and pergolas add an element of interest to a yard or garden by drawing the eye upward. Whether functional or ornamental, there are many ways you can utilize these structures to enhance your landscape design.

Like many gardeners, you may be asking yourself, what is the difference between an arbor and a pergola? While there isn't a clear consensus on this, generally an arbor is a smaller structure with an arched top, usually standing 6 1/2 to 9 feet tall at the peak. Arbors are often placed over walkways or a gate in a fence. A pergola, on the other hand, has a flat top that is directly perpendicular to the straight sides it rests on. Pergolas can range in size from small enough to just cover a walkway to large enough to span a deck or patio area.

Arbors and pergolas can be either functional or purely ornamental. If using an arbor for a functional purpose, consider adding a bench or swing to create a cozy nook for sitting and enjoying your garden. Large pergolas can be used as an overhead cover for a deck or patio. While the top of the pergola will probably not keep out rainwater, it can be designed to cast much needed shade on your outdoor seating area. Arbors and pergolas with lattice sides and tops can also provide a supporting structure for vines and climbing plants. Consider planting a climber like clematis, honeysuckle, or trumpet vine at the base of your arbor or pergola to create a beautiful floral focal point in your landscape.

Materials for arbors and pergolas vary greatly and can include wood, vinyl, or metal. To determine what is best for you, carefully consider the pros and cons of each material type in conjunction with your situation and needs. Wood lends a natural and sometimes rustic look to an arbor or pergola, and can be painted or stained to easily change its appearance down the road. Wood is usually the most cost effective option; however, it won't last as long as metal or vinyl. Some concerns with wood structures include rotting, splintering, and decay caused by wood boring pests.

Vinyl, on the other hand, is a great maintenance free option that won't require painting or staining. Vinyl is also resistant to rot and decay, and will last much longer than wood. Vinyl typically costs more than wood, but the longevity of the product may pay off in the long run. If you decide to go with a vinyl unit, be sure to look for a UV resistant plastic that won't fade or discolor when exposed to the sun.

Metal can also be a good material choice because it's very durable and long lasting. Carefully consider the type of metal, though. Iron and steel will rust, which may or may not be desirable, depending on the look you want. Aluminum is a good rust free metal that is lightweight and still very strong. If you want the look of painted metal, select a product with a powder coat paint finish for durability.

Arbors and pergolas can be designed and constructed on your own, or they can easily be purchased as completed units or ready to assemble DIY kits. If you decide to purchase a kit, you may find that online specialty stores and mail order catalogs have a better selection than your local garden center or nursery. If you decide that an arbor or pergola isn't the right element for your landscape design, you might want to consider other types of structures such as trellises, gazebos, or lath houses.

Whatever you decide, garden structures are a great way to add a focal point to your landscape. They will enhance your garden's aesthetics and add a vertical element to spaces that are usually constructed on horizontal planes. Arbors and pergolas in particular can take a simple garden design and turn it into a graceful and beautiful area to be admired and appreciated.

Invite Your Guests In With Stylish Outdoor Lighting!

by Ned D'Agostino

"We were driving by your house last evening and thought of dropping in but..." If you're hearing that a lot these days, it may be because your house is not inviting enough at night. Outdoor lighting will remedy that problem in a jiffy!

Putting up outdoor lighting is a simple project if you get the basics right. The stores are chock-full of outdoor lighting fixtures in every imaginable style and combination. Choosing a fixture for your house's outdoor lighting has never been easier! Just don't get confused by the variety of lighting options.

Make sure that the fixture is properly weather-proof. The fixture which will be completely exposed to the weather must be a rugged all-weather type.

Make sure that the fixture is functional and suitable for the purpose you want it for. Having said that, don't stop at the functionality but also make sure that it is going to gel with the ambiance you want to create. A floodlight looks good for a tennis court, but you'll want something more discreet for a gazebo garden. The appearance is going to be an important consideration if you are using the outdoor lighting to make your house look inviting.

Make sure you go for high quality fixtures. Don't skimp on paying a little extra, knowing that the cost of replacement will effectively double the initial cost of the fixture.

Make sure you read all the feedback you can about the items you are interested in getting for your outdoor lighting. Trade journals and Internet groups will be a rich source of feedback. Just don't get swayed by a few scattered experiences, either positive or negative.

Make sure you get firsthand experiences from friends and family who have put up lighting fixtures similar to the one you are interested in.

Make sure you estimate the lighting requirement accurately. Ordering six fixtures from an online store, only to find that they are inadequate is going to up the bill unnecessarily, besides delaying the project.

That's all you need to bear in mind when designing the outdoor lighting system to light up your house. A few fancy lights in the trees will make your house look like a scene out of a storybook, a beautiful storybook. Now just watch the number of friends and colleagues who'll invariably drop in 'just driving by' every weekend evening!

Great Landscaping Ideas to Enhance Your Property

by Sarah Duke

If you want to get more enjoyment from your property, as well as increase its value, try implementing some attractive landscape design ideas. There's no doubt that landscaping can provide you with a lot of enjoyment, both in the process and the final result. Investigate your options, obtain a professional opinion if required, then make your plans.

A walkthrough garden is a popular landscaping idea these days. Choose flowers that add beauty and color to your property. Ideally, you should use a mix of perennials and annuals. Perennials reduce your labor and cost while the annuals provide a colorful show. Look at various kinds of shrubs and trees to provide contrast and balance. Then add some outdoor garden lighting and stepping stones. This will encourage easy enjoyment of the surroundings.

Another great landscaping idea is to create different sections in your yard, each with a distinct feature. Then unify the entire space by repeating certain aspects of each section in other parts of the yard. You don't have to have a large yard to pull this off.

If you have kids, create a section of your yard that's designed just for their enjoyment. A wooden play set will look natural and blend in with the surrounding landscaping features. A tree house can also be an interesting feature of your yard.

A lawn is frequently a big part of any landscaping effort. Choose a variety of grass that's appropriate for your soil conditions and climate. The idea is to have a lovely sea of green to enhance your overall landscape. Surrounded by trees, shrubs and flowers, a lawn can be an attractive showpiece.

Water features are a popular landscaping addition these days. Ponds and waterfalls add a dramatic touch to your yard. And the sound of water is considered very soothing by many people. There are so many different products and styles that you're sure to find something suitable.

For areas of your yard where it's hard to grow anything, a rock garden might be the answer. Perhaps it's a dry spot or the soil isn't suitable for plants. Or perhaps it's an area that doesn't drain well and is always wet and soggy. Putting in a rock garden that includes a few exceptionally hardy plants can be ideal for these areas. But it's also an attractive and low maintenance feature for any area of your yard.