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One our largest jobs to date - has a great background story - we were honored to have The Charlotte Observer highlight this fabulous project http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/10/17/4395156/dilemma-of-severely-sloping-backyard.html#.UmKfj5PD_IV

Fireplace vs Fire Pit

Selecting the right hearth for your outdoor living area

As the temperatures begin to cool down, you may be thinking of ways to extend the enjoyment of your outdoor living space.  The question may lead to should we add a fire pit or a fireplace – both providing warmth and adding aesthetics to your space – but which is best for you?

This evaluation from The Concrete Network should help you decide:

Deciding between a fire pit and fireplace is an important decision when creating an outdoor room. Both features extend the enjoyment of an outdoor living area by providing warmth, light, and relaxation. However, they have important differences that should be considered. Answer the questions below to find out which hearth style best suits you and your space.

1. How many people would you like your fire feature to accommodate?

1-4: A fireplace is perfect for just a few people. It provides romantic ambiance and encourages intimate conversation.

5 or more: A fire pit is ideal for entertaining a group. It provides 360 degrees of enjoyment and a campfire like environment.

2. Which best describes the overall mood you are trying to create in your outdoor living space?

Intimate: A fireplace will create a cozy, romantic feeling.

Social: A fire pit will encourage storytelling, laughter and s'more eating.

3. Does your property have a view you would like to take advantage of?

Yes: A fire pit is low to the ground, and won't draw away from an amazing view. Position the fire pit in a place where the view can be enjoyed.

No: A fireplace has height and mass, and will become a focal point in your space. Decorative elements such as a hearth and mantel can be added.

4. Is your property affected by wind?

Yes: A fireplace is enclosed, making it easy to light even in windy conditions. Additionally, a fireplace can serve as a wind break that will protect guests.

No: A fire pit is open and the flames can be more easily enjoyed. However, it will be difficult to light and enjoy in windy conditions.

5. Does smoke make it hard for you to enjoy a fire, or do you feel nervous or unsafe around an open flame?

Yes: A fireplace directs smoke up and away from guests and is much less likely to produce flying embers.

No: A fire pit is a great option, but be sure to think safety first. Always be aware when enjoying a fire outdoors.

Fall Gardens

As we slowly head into fall – it is time to begin transitioning your summer plants to plants that will thrive in the cooler temperatures. 

September is a good time to transition your flower garden and here are a few examples of what to plant:

Pansies

Plants grow well in sunny or partially sunny positions in well-draining soils.  They can survive light freezes and short periods of snow cover, but, in areas with prolonged snow cover, a covering of a dry winter mulch is recommended. They perform best in zones with moderate temperatures, and equal amounts of mild rainfall and sunshine. Pansies, for best growth, are watered thoroughly about once a week, depending on climate and rainfall. The plant should never be over-watered. To maximize blooming, plant foods are used about every other week, depending on the type of food used. Regular deadheading can extend the blooming period.

Violets

Use violets at the front of beds or borders as edging plants, as bedding plants, in containers and window boxes, in herb gardens, in wild gardens and in rock gardens too. There is a multitude of forms, many now winter hardy in cold climates, in all sizes and colors. Cut back straggly stems and deadhead routinely to prolong blooming. They self-seed freely, but are not invasive. Violets do best in lightly shaded places in soil that remains moist.

Nemesia

Nemesia is a charming cool-season annual with pretty little snapdragon-shape flowers -- often fragrant -- that bloom in a wide range of colors. It does best in spring and fall (winter in mild-winter climates), though some varieties have better heat-tolerance than others. Nemesia prefers moist, well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter.

Diascia

A perennial in the southernmost regions of the U.S., it's a cool-season annual elsewhere. Plant it a few weeks before your region's last frost for early fall color, especially in containers.

In the bed or border, diascia is an airy pick that ties other plants together. After it blooms in spring, cut it back. It is likely to stop blooming for a while once summer heat hits. When things cool off, it will rebloom. It has average water needs, so don't over- or underwater. Fertilize lightly but regularly.

Petunias 

Petunias are failproof favorites for gardeners everywhere. They are vigorous growers and prolific bloomers from midspring through late fall.  Some also tout themselves as "weatherproof," which means that the flowers don't close up when water is splashed on them.

Wave petunias have made this plant even more popular. Reaching up to 4 feet long, it's great as a groundcover or when cascading from window boxes and pots. All petunias do best and grow more bushy and full if you pinch or cut them back by one- to two-thirds in midsummer.

For more information about what grows best in our region, visit the Southern Living Planting Guide.

 

Happy Planting – and please share your photos of your fall gardens with us on FaceBook.

Growing Herbs

It is still not too late to start your herb garden in your backyard.  Herbs not only visually enhance your outdoor space; herbs also open a culinary world as well.  A few of the staple herbs to consider are basil, rosemary, oregano, sage, & thyme.  Not only are the herbs easy to find at any nursery, they are easy to plant – you can plant them in the ground or if you only have patio space you can plant them in pots, either way the herbs will thrive.  

Basil

 Basil is versatile, easy to grow, and harvest.  Prevalent in many Italian dishes, including a margherita pizza,  & pesto.

Rosemary

Rosemary loves the heat, and in a mild climate grows year-round.  Known for enhancing Mediterranean meals, it seasons chicken in a unique way. 

Oregano

Oregano grows up to 2 feet tall, and like rosemary, thrives in the heat and grows year-round in mild climates.  It is known to be the most used herb in cooking, and  is used in many sauces.

Sage

Sage earns its keep with fast-growing ways, beautiful blooms, and a flavor deer find distasteful.  Sage not only is used in cooking, it is also used in many home health remedies.

Thyme

Thyme is a perennial evergreen shrub. Thyme is used in virtually every type of food, from salads to desserts.  

Cool in the Pool

It is hot out there – and we know you are using your pool to cool off.  Are you bored with simply cooling off in the water?  Do you want some fun ways to stay cool in the pool?  Tired of throwing loose change and sending your children to dive in to find it?

We want you to make the most of your pool time – and have found these unique floats to help you relax, and spend more time having fun.

What is your must have float or favorite pool game?