The idea of trees being inherently good is ingrained upon on us. Trees are the source of life, oxygen, a feeling of being at one with nature. We hear of bands and companies pledging to plant trees in the name of so-called carbon offsetting, so we see more trees as a good thing. Deforestation, the loss of trees, is considered as a global catastrophe. They are used to symbolize good, green intentions for political parties – the association runs that deep. Trees = good.

Despite this message being continually reinforced, there are plenty of times in life when trees are more foe than friend. Not believe that they are the silent branch-y menace to humankind? Then you might want to read on…

[Image courtesy of Antranais/pixabay.com]

Climbing Matters

You climb a tree as a child or a particularly adventurous adult. In the pursuit of this goal, you also inevitably fall out of a tree. How do we know that people aren’t forcibly pushed out of trees? We don’t, do we?

Actual Problems…

Okay, in all seriousness, there are times in life when trees can be a nightmare. And we’re not just talking the trees in The Wizard of Oz attacking Dorothy either; these go on on this side of the rainbow.

Trees kill people. It could be argued that trees don’t kill people, storms do, but the result is the same. Trees cause a huge amount of damage every year when inclement weather takes them out. They can down power lines and cause disruptions on the roads.

They are a complete pain to remove. If you decide there is a tree near your house that one good gust of wind is going to fell, you might choose to have it removed. This is a nice decision, but ultimately, it’s going to take a lot of time and effort. Trees are so deeply rooted that you need to bring in the pros to take care of the problem. If you have an unwanted tree, you have to be willing to make an effort to ensure it’s an ex-tree. Help from Integrity Tree Service and others may be needed.

They can cause your garden to suffer without sunlight. Too much tree coverage and your plants will begin to wilt from lack of attention. The shade may be beneficial for some plants, but our best-known flowers and shrubs tend to need plenty of daylight.

The Case For Trees

The issues above are real problems, and if you have a tree that could damage your home in a storm then you should take action against it. Of course, things are never that simple. Trees do have the enormous benefits that we credit them with, including – but not limited to – preventing floods in gardens. They also provide homes for birds.

If you don’t want to remove any potentially troublesome trees, then it’s worth seeing if there is something you can do to secure them. Try and love them. Forgive them for pushing people out of them. If not, bring in the pros – or the silent branch-y menace might claim another victim.

The effects of climate change mean we’ve just lived through the hottest August ever recorded. But summer’s soon coming to a close, weather will get colder, and leaves will soon crowd your yard as it transitions into fall. What’s more is winter isn’t too far off, and with such a hot summer, you can expect things to get extra cold by December.

You don’t just need to prepare yourself for the colder months. Your house and garden should also be well-maintained for the fall and winter seasons. There are a lot of home maintenance jobs that become particularly important during the second half of the year. You’ll likely have to work harder for the next couple of seasons since weather conditions are much harsher.

[Photo courtesy of tpsdave/pixabay.com]

The best time to start work is right now before the season changes. Preparing your home is advance is the smartest idea. Your home should be ready for when the wind gets stronger, and the leaves start to fall. Your home should be kept warm and protected from the elements. Here are some useful tips for preparing your home for fall and winter.

Keep Your Home Warm

While the weather is hot, open windows and breezy fans are a must to keep cool. But as the season changes, you’ll definitely want to protect your house from the cold drafts and increase in rainfall. Some people make use of electric heaters to warm their home up, but the most efficient way to do it is using an HVAC system.

For a lot of people, the same system that provides air conditioning around the house can also keep them warm. These systems are prone to problems, though. It’s important you get your HVAC system checked. Professional services can help you with HVAC maintenance, for example, you can learn about Academy Air.

Your heating system isn’t the only thing you should concern yourself with. You should keep your home insulated from the outside. Caulking any cracks or gaps in the construction of your house will prevent drafts. You will also want to ensure windows are double-glazed if they aren’t already. These are jobs many home maintenance companies can handle. Not only will they keep you warm, but they also go towards raising the value of your home.

There are plenty of other ways to keep your home warm when the weather gets cold. Things like halogen light bulbs and heavy curtains can give a room extra heat. We’re set for a cold fall and a freezing winter, so make sure you’re prepared!

Unclog Gutters

[Photo courtesy of Eric Schmuttenmaer/flickr.com]

While your gutter system may not be much of a concern during the summer, it becomes particularly important after. Gutters can quickly become clogged up with leaves and debris in the fall. Make sure to clean your gutter and downspout regularly. This will help to circumvent rain properly.

Although you can call a handyman to do this, it’s possible to handle yourself. You can use a ladder and a plastic scoop to remove any debris. Another method is to use a high-pressure hose to clear it out. Using a hose is also useful for cleaning out your drainpipe of any obstructions.

There are other measures which can help improve rain flow through gutters. You may want to look into tips for cleaning and repairing gutters. Make sure they’re well-prepared before the leaves start falling in October.

Roof Maintenance

Much like your gutters, your roof is another part of your house that can quickly become covered in leaves and debris. Debris from the roof can fall and contribute to clogging up gutters, so it’s best to clear them out. Algae can also accumulate on roofs. You can remove it using a scrub brush and algae cleaner.

September is also a perfect time for roof maintenance. You’ll want to check for any cracks or loose shingles and sort them out to stop the cold coming in from above your house. A lot of roof maintenance work is best left to a professional. You may want to call on the services of a roofer or handyman to make sure the top of your house is well maintained.

Prepare Your Garden

[Photo courtesy of donwhite84/pixabay.com]

Your garden has probably seen plenty of usage over the warmer months, but this is likely to change as the weather gets colder. Due to the harsher weather conditions, you’ll want to make sure your garden is well prepared for fall and winter.

If you have a pool or hot tub, it’ll become increasingly hard to keep them clean from autumn leaves. If you plan to keep using your pool, you’ll need to skim it daily to clean out leaves, dirt, and other falling debris. However, the best idea may be to drain them and use an efficient plastic cover to prevent them getting clogged up.

Garden furniture can also get damaged from falling leaves, rain, hail, and snow. The chances are, you’ll be using your garden tables, chairs, and loveseats less often. The best idea is to put them away in a shed or garage if they’re small enough. If not, you might want to cover them with a plastic sheet.

Changing temperatures and weather conditions can also mean your lawn needs a different approach. Lawn care services can help you with keeping your garden healthy over these months. However, it can also be the best time to do more work in your garden. Some flowers and plants are easier to grow during these months. Check out BHG’s fall lawn care secrets for getting the most out of your garden during the autumn season.

Mow the lawn and give your plants and hedges a trim before the season changes. It’s also worth investing in a leaf blower at this time. A leaf blower is one of the most useful tools you can have during fall and winter. It can be used to remove leaves from the gutter, your car, your garden, and pretty much anywhere else. There are also some lesser known uses to have more fun with your leaf blower, so it’s well worth getting one.

Clean The Chimney

If your home has a fireplace, you’ll probably be making much more use of it once summer ends. Be careful, though. Over time, chimneys can become clogged with debris and chemicals. Failing to clear these out can result in toxic emissions and even chimney fires in worse cases.

Cleaning a chimney isn’t a job you should handle yourself. It’s best to schedule a cleaning from a handyman or a dedicated chimney cleaner to get your home ready for winter and fall. If you use a wood burning fireplace, now is also the best time to stock up on firewood to make use of throughout the rest of the year.

Winter Preparation

While the autumn season can bring on some colder weather, things will get even worse in the winter. You should prepare in advance for the inevitable lower temperatures and snowfall.

If you don’t already have them, it’s worth getting a snow shovel and scraper. These will help you clean out your driveway and remove snow from your car on those snowy winter mornings. Having a cover for your car can also help. A lot of people hate having to do this every morning, which is why one person found a way to clear snow in the laziest way imaginable.

A lot of the work you carry out for the fall will benefit you all the way through winter. However, as temperatures start to get even colder, you may want to put extra work into keeping warm. An electric blanket is a good way of keeping your bed warm and cozy during the winter. A cheaper solution is to take a hot water bottle to bed. Winter is also the best time to stock up on hot chocolate, and you may also want to buy a thermos flask so you can keep your coffee warm on the way to work.

Interior Decorating

[Photo courtesy of newhouse/pixabay.com]

Right now is also the best time to redecorate your house with some winter interior decorating ideas. You may want to use brighter lighting and warmer colors to counteract the winter darkness. Decorations like candles are also great to have around the house during the colder months.

Redecorating now is also a good way to start energy-proofing your house. You can look into some energy saving ideas to cut down your bills in advance.

Make sure your home is warm, comfy, and looking good for the fall and winter. There’s plenty of decoration you can do yourself. However, you may also want to consider using an interior decorating service to rehaul your home completely.

Reassess Your Home Insurance And Energy Plan

Home insurance becomes particularly important as winter approaches. The worsening weather conditions lead to a greater risk of property damage. Pipes can get frozen, and hailstorms and high winds can damage your home exterior.

Because of this, it’s best to reassess your home insurance before the winter comes. Websites like Credio can help you compare home insurance companies. You should also check your energy bill. The chances are you’ll be using much more gas and electricity as temperatures cool down. Make sure you’re getting the best cover for what you pay.

Our homes are definitely our castles. Somewhere to spend time with family and relax so we’re ready to face the world, whatever it throws at us. A home that you feel happy and comfortable in is so important. Are you making the most out of yours? Is the space being used to it’s maximum potential, and does it make you feel happy and inspired? If not, it’s time to fix that.

One option could be a complete refit from a company such as MillionDollarMakeovers.net.au. Alternatively you could pick and choose areas of your home which you want to upgrade. This will make the space functional and beautiful, and will allow you to fully enjoy your home. Here are some of the ways you can make the most of your property.

[Photo courtesy of Mike Birdy/pexels.com]

Add Extra Space

This could be in the form of an extension, a conservatory, a garden room or a loft conversion. If you need more usable space this could be the ideal choice. It could be for a home office, a guest bedroom or studio. Why not make the most of the space on your property and turn it into an additional usable and functional room.

Tackle Repairs

This could be niggly things like a wobbly toilet seat or a leaking tap, or be a case of finishing up half-done projects. Make sure everything works well and looks finished. This will make your home functional and aesthetically pleasing, making it enjoyable to spend time in.

Make The Layout Work For You

If you love hosting dinner parties for friends and family but constantly find yourself running to and from the kitchen all evening, then your current layout isn’t working for you. Consider transforming the space into an open plan area, or changing the doorway to a large arch. The same applies to things like bathrooms. If you have to traipse down long hallways or even up/down stairs to the bathroom during the night, you could consider having an en-suite fitted. Don’t adapt your lifestyle to fit your home. Instead, make your home fit the way you live.

Make it Cozy and Comfortable

Beds, living room furniture, and even garden furniture should all be chosen with the utmost comfort in mind. Having comfortable areas to relax gives you the opportunity to fully enjoy your home. Choose good quality mattresses for beds, and sofas with large, deep seats that you can sit back and lounge on. In the garden, instead of flimsy plastic chairs how about a garden three piece suite or a comfortable swing seat? Since your home is the place to relax, the right furniture will enable you to do this.

Make it Reflect You

Bring in your taste and personality to make it into a space that you really enjoy spending time in. Choose colors that you love, if you’re unsure you could go with neutral decor and bring in color with accessories. Hang artwork that you find beautiful on the walls to inspire you. Find places to display the things you love. Grouping smaller items onto trays is a good way to prevent the space becoming cluttered.

Most of us enjoy DIY projects as part of our leisure time. They provide us with interesting things to do that can be very fulfilling. A few of us enjoy creating DIY projects to enhance the comfort or decor in our homes. But did you know that your DIY skills could be put to use to actively increase the value of your home? One area that could become a hugely desirable part of your home is the backyard. So what can you do to your home exterior that would see your property snapped up if you put it up for sale?

Family homes often have gardens or yards that can be utilised for many different things. You might cook and eat there. Perhaps you enjoy sitting in the garden to relax or read a book. You may have pets that make use of the outside areas, or kids that love to play. It could be a good idea to put your DIY skills to use. You could make a play area, a doggy yard, or even a private reading nook.

[Photo courtesy of Barry Peters/flickr.com]

Your local garden centre could be a good place to start when you’re looking for inspiration. There is likely to be plenty of planting options that could help you make the important landscaping decisions. It’s always best to sketch out your ideas to help you visualise the areas you wish to create. Good DIY stores will provide the materials you need to build decking, patios, play surfaces or gazebos.

A pool is a great addition to the home. It can add a lot of value, particularly in hotter climates. There are many advantages of concrete pools over fibreglass pools that could offer you opportunities to make the space your own. Once it is dug out, you can create any shape or size you like. Concrete is used to ensure the longevity of your pool. Then tiling, like a mosaic, can be used to decorate the whole area. It’s certainly a big project, but one that could be worth doing.

[Photo courtesy of anthony kelly/flickr.com]

Building a pergola, gazebo or arbour will require a heavy duty saw. A motorised one is best if you’re concerned about the physical stress. Alternatively, carefully measure what you need from your design, and get the DIY store to cut each piece. A power drill and screwdriver can connect the pieces. You will also need to stain the wood to protect it once the project is complete. Ideally, the floor posts will be concreted in. However, it’s possible to bolt the structure to the walls of your house or garden.

If you like the idea of a rugged-style backyard, why not build your own brick barbeque or fire pit? These can look amazing, and they’re very practical too. If you prefer, you could use the style to disguise a gas grill. Create an outdoor cooking and dining area with some inspired paving ideas. You’ll need to fence or wall in the area. You can also secure a light roof. These can be big projects to take on, but they can add to the function, comfort and value of your home.

If you feel like it is time to give your home a new lease on life, then there are plenty of things you can do. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be a huge mission. With just a few simple changes and additions, you can make your home a little more lively and liveable in no time at all. What’s more, with the right approach, it doesn’t even need to cost you that much. In reality, this is a good time of year to get started with a project like this. The days are long, the sun is shining, and it is likely that you find yourself with plenty of energy, even well into the evening. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the simple things you can do to spruce up your home. Easily, quickly, and without any of the fuss – or cost.

[Photo courtesy of Binyamin Mellish/pexels.com]

Spring Cleaning

It is never a bad time for a touch of spring cleaning – even if spring has been left far behind. If you want your home to take on a new life in no time at all, then this is one way to achieve just that. A lot of the time, people don’t particularly want to do this – for one reason or another. However, if you can pluck up the energy to get it done, you will be glad that you did. Really, all that you need to do to notice immediate results is give the main living areas a bit of a touch up. Go through the living room, and probably the kitchen and bathrooms, first. Just doing this will make a considerable difference to how you feel in the home.

[Photo courtesy of mikadago/pixabay.com]

Gardening

All too often, people forget about just how important the garden is to the overall feel of the house. The truth is, it is vital. If you want your home to look as good as possible as soon as possible, you need to spend some time in the garden. One of the most important aspects of looking after your garden is the lawn care. Done right, looking after your lawn can mean the difference between a happy and beautiful garden and one which you would rather not look at. With it being the time of year it is, you really don’t want to leave this one any longer than necessary. Otherwise it might be overgrown before you even know it.

[Photo courtesy of unsplash.com/pexels.com]

Furniture

One great way of making a place seem like new in moments is to refresh the furniture. Don’t worry, this doesn’t necessarily mean buying new furniture. Most people can’t afford to do that very often, so it would not be a viable option. However, simply changing the furniture around can make a world of difference to how the living room and bedrooms feel when you step into them. Considering rearranging things once in a while, just to see how it looks. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t like it – you can always switch it all back.

If you’re eager to socialize, relax and have some fun this summer, why not host at hot tub party. They are an excellent way to spend more time outside in the sunshine and gives your yard a more luxurious feel. Plus it’s an activity that all ages can get involved in. Children and adults alike can get lots of enjoyment out of using a hot tub. But hosting a hot tub party requires more than just the hot tub itself. So before you start inviting your closest friends and family, read through these expert tips to make your party a complete success.

[Photo courtesy of Christopher Porter/flickr.com]

Buy a suitable hot tub

If you don’t already have a hot tub in your yard, you are missing a crucial element of your party. So start looking for a suitable option before you do anything else. There are many different sizes and styles of hot tubs to choose from, so you need to consider your options carefully. Choose which area in your yard you want to use for entertaining your guests and measure it carefully. You can then start looking at the different options that are available. You can find these on HotTubAdvice or head to a nearby showroom. Always consider how often you want to use it, the maintenance and size you require before you buy.

Clean your hot tub

It’s essential that your hot tub is cleaned before your guest arrive at your party. This will not only make your hot tub look more appealing, but will also boost it’s hygiene levels. If you’re unsure how to clean it yourself, there are Youtube Tutorials online to help you. Alternatively, you can hire someone to check the chemical levels and clean your hot tub for you. Visit the homeadvisor site to find reputable tradesmen who can get your hot tub in tip top condition before your guests arrive. Just remember to give yourself sufficient time and don’t leave it to the last minute. You will also need your hot tub cleaned again after the party is over.

[Photo courtesy of Patti/flickr.com]

Provide extras

As it’s a hot tub party, the likelihood of your guests getting wet is extremely high. While many of your guests will bring their own towels, provide some extra ones too. This will help you guests feel more comfortable, and they can also be used to dry off your outdoor furniture too. In addition to this, you might want to provide flip flops for everyone to wear to prevent anyone slipping on the wet floor.  Spare swimsuits could also be useful if one of your guests forgets to bring their own. To keep your guests entertained when they aren’t using the hot tub, provide games can play or music they can listen to. Snacks and drinks will also be welcomed extras to your party. These extra touches will be appreciated by all of your guests and encourages everyone to get involved.

With these tips to help you, there is no reason why your hot tub party can’t be a complete success. Always ensure that your hot tub is regularly maintained to make it clean and hygienic for everyone to use.

If your home doesn’t seem to be selling, it could all be down to your property’s curb appeal. What exactly is curb appeal? It’s how good your home looks from the curb. So even if your interiors are up to scratch, a bad curb appeal could be dragging your property down. Want to know how you can increase the attractiveness of your house from the outside? Here are some fantastic ways to do so on a budget.

[Photo courtesy of jaymantri.com/pexels.com]

Invest In Artificial Grass

Don’t want to be stuck in your garden mowing the lawn all summer? Then you should think about buying artificial grass. You can find it for quite low prices in many garden centers and DIY stores. All you need to do is dig up your lawn and replace it with this artificial grass. There’s no need to water or keep it trimmed. It’s a super easy way to create a pretty garden without having to continually spend money on keeping it neat and tidy!

Fix Garage Doors

If your garage doors are noticeably broken or faulty, it can decrease the security of your home. And if potential buyers notice this when they view your property, they may not want to place an offer on your home. So it can pay to renovate your garage doors to ensure they are both safe and attractive. Get a professional company to sort them out, such as www.GarageDoorService.com/overhead-door/

[Photo courtesy of jaymantri.com/pexels.com]

Declutter Windows

If there is a lot of clutter on your inside windowsills, it can make your home appear messy. Even if it is actually very clean and tidy inside! But as passersby will only be able to see items perched on your windowsills, they can make or break people’s impressions of your home. So it is best to keep ones that are visible from the street clean. Move any ornaments to other ledges or surfaces in a room and keep decorations on your windowsills down to a minimum.

Trim Hedges

If you use hedges to plot out the boundaries between you and your neighbours, you need to ensure that they are kept neat and trimmed. They don’t grow as quickly as grass, so you won’t need to trim them as often as a lawn. In fact, just one prune at the beginning of summer should be enough. If you leave them to grow, they can make your garden look overgrown and like a jungle. They could even make it difficult for passersby to notice your pretty flowers and plants! You can find out how to prune a hedge online: www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/techniques/pruning_prunehedges1.shtml

Plant Flowers

Keep your front garden and yard bright with lots of gorgeous flowers. They will add beautiful colors to your garden and will certainly catch people’s eyes as they walk by. People may find this very attractive for other reasons too. It means that the garden will look great when they move in, so they won’t have so much work to do!

A home is a huge investment for many of us, so why not make it worth even more? You should consider getting your home renovated and refurnished by using some home tools and different materials that you can buy from online stores, doing it alone will save you from buying weight loss fads in Milwaukee.

There are many types of home improvements techniques that you can implement in a tight budget. The first home improvement method is for comfort. You add ventilation, waterproofing basements, gourmet features, bath tubs in bathrooms, soundproofing, etc.  Next you can use maintenance and repair services like doing the masonry and concrete repairs to the chimney and foundation. Repainting the walls, rooms or fences as well as replacement of the roof or repairing the electrical and plumbing systems. Taking care of the garages, kitchen and repairing the cabinets. Refilling the floor or tending the garden, all the sub-activities that can enhance the look of your home.

[Photo courtesy of stevepb/pixabay.com]

There are home improvement techniques too that can be applied using home tools for making additional space in the house. This can be done by extending one house area by adding extra levels to the roof or by adding more rooms to the available space. Another method is to make livable space by turning imaginable areas such as turning home theaters or attics to a bedroom, or turning basement into recreation rooms, etc.

Moreover, there are home improvement tools that provide energy storage and efficiency by using thermal insulation and good lightening. Some of them are solar panels, geothermal exchange heat or biomass pellet stoves. Insert some safety tools inside like burglar or fire alarm systems, storm cellars for protection from hurricanes and tornadoes, backup generators, security doors, windows and shutters.

Is your backyard dull and bland and crying out for a change? I thought so.

Does doing something different with your backyard require a lot of money? Certainly not. The following are a whole raft of backyard ideas you can try out for yourself that won’t break the bank. So without further ado, let’s get started.

Marble Fence

Does your wooden fence lack a bit of spark? Probably. But fear not.

One cool thing that you can do is drill holes in your fence and then glue marbles into those holes. Dot the marbles at different heights and distances from each other. And play with different sizes. When the sun shines through them, they’ll glow differing colors and look amazing during a sunset. Just remember to ask your kids first whether they mind their marbles being used for decoration.

Make A Floating Cooler

This one is great if you have a pool in your backyard. Get a plastic box, like one you’d put files and folders in. Then glue foam tubes along all the top edges so that when you submerge it in water, it will float.

Then, fill the tub with ice and your favorite drinks and pop it into the pool. On a hot day, the water from the pool will keep the drinks cool, so you don’t have to continuously trek back and forth to the kitchen fridge.

Make A Throwing Game For The Kids

Grab a tarpaulin and cut a few holes in it that are big enough, so a ball to fly through. Label the different holes with different numbers, depending on their size. Bigger holes will have smaller numbers, and vice versa.

Then find two trees in your garden, roughly 15 feet apart. Suspend the tarpaulin between them, so that it is hanging like a picture. Then take aim with a soccer ball and fire.

Use Rope Lighting

Rope lighting is all the rage right now, partly because of its versatility. But it also looks incredible at night as one, continuous line of light.

[Photo courtesy of Hans/pixabay.com]

You can use rope lighting to line your garden, separating different regions from one another. It works well for lighting the edges of paths and for delineating the edges of flower beds.

Use Epsom Salt Fertiliser

Few people know it, but Epsom salt makes an excellent fertilizer. So if your pot plants are looking a little drab, and you don’t want to go out and spend a load of money on fertilizer, use Epsom salt.

It’s simple to apply. Just mix two tablespoons of salt into each gallon of water. Then use this mixture once per month instead of regular water when watering your plants. If you’re planting seeds right now, you can just sprinkle the salt on the soil and wait for the rain to do its job.

Use Pool Noodles For Kickball Croquet

Do you dream of being able to entertain the kids on a dime? Well, now you can, with kickball croquet. Just grab a few pool noodles – the foam tubes that I mentioned earlier for the floating cooler. Cut the noodles in half. The fashion them into an arch before using garden stakes to peg them down into the ground. Then just gather up a few balls and take it in turns to kick them through the hoops, just like you would take turns with a regular game of croquet.

[Photo courtesy of en.wikipedia.org/Pool noodle]

Use Faux Stone Walls

Real stone walls are expensive. Faux stone walls? Not so much. Faux stone walls from sites like www.FauxDirect.com/product-category/stone-2/ go for less than you might think. Usually, faux stone walls are made from polyurethane – a cheap plastic. Yet, surprisingly, they look and feel just like the real thing. And, just like real stone walls, they’re ultra-durable.

Use Fire Crystals

There’s nothing like having the family sit around the fire pit on a long summer evening chatting about life’s foibles. You can spruce up your fire pit with attractive colors by using fire crystals. These burn blue-green and purple, adding a beautiful twist to the already mesmerising fire.

Grow Your Own Summer House

Summer houses have been all the rage since Victorian times in England. But building another house in your garden has never been cheap. Traditionally, it was only something that the rich could do. Even today, wooden summer houses can end up costing thousands of dollars.

But why bother buying one when you can grow your own? It’s easy really. Make a circular shaped flower bed in an appropriate location in your garden. Then plant some meter-long garden stakes in the bed, woven together with some garden twine. In the bed, plant a fast-growing plant like sunflowers, that will eventually grow tall enough the provide a wall and a canvas. And then just let nature take its course.

[Photo courtesy of Donnawetta/pixabay.com]

If you do it right, you’ll end up with a beautiful, natural summerhouse that you and the kids can relax in whenever you like.

Remodel Old Tree Stumps

Most of us have some sort of tree stump, lying around in our back garden. Instead of waiting for it to rot away, why not make use of it. You could transform it into a table if it’s tall enough. Or use it as a planter, if it’s in among the flower bed.

[Photo courtesy of Los Angeles/en.wikipedia.org]

Use Mirrors

Most interior designers will tell you to use mirrors if you want to make a room inside your house look bigger, . But you don’t have to just use mirrors on the inside of your house

If you’ve got a couple of mirrors that you don’t want, you can hang them on your back fence to make your garden look bigger.

Use Glow-In-The-Dark Paint

Gardens in the daylight are stunning. Gardens at night – not so much. But it’s at night when the glow-in-the-dark paint can make a real impact. You can light up just about anything you want using it. But most people opt to highlight just a couple of features. Perhaps you’d like to make your plant pots glow. Whatever it is, glow-in-the-dark paint is an excellent way to instantly light up your garden.

Use Fast-Growing Plants For Ground Cover

Your garden probably has at least one dreary looking paths. It would look a lot better if it were a little greener along its length. You can use plants like sedum sarmentosum to cover patches of dull ground quickly. These little green plants will shoot up in no time and are ideal in harsh conditions. Then all you have to do is place stepping stone conveniently along the path and hey presto – you’ve solved the problem of your boring path.

Plant Lemongrass

You might think that lemongrass is just a herb used in South East Asian cuisine. And you’d be right. But what fewer people know is that the herb is also great at fending off annoying bugs, like mosquitos.

Don’t let mosquitoes ruin your time in the garden. Plant some lemongrass today to keep that annoying buzzing away.

Make A Tarp Splash Pad

Pools are expensive. But you and the kids want somewhere that you can cool off on a hot afternoon in the summer, especially if you live in the South.

The solution is to make a tarpaulin splash pad. Get a hose and attach it to a sprinkler. The place it on top of a tarp, spread out on the ground. The sprinkler will create a cooling splash pad, and the tarpaulin will create a fun, and slippery, surface.

Make A Wind Chime

Wind chimes made from brass are expensive. But if you’ve got a creative streak, you could make yours out of whatever you like. One option is to use a stick, some string and some old keys you don’t use anymore. Just paint the keys, strings, and branch in different colors. The suspend the keys from the branch, using the string.

Here’s another example, using old CDs.

[Photo courtesy of Windell Oskay/flickr.com]

Make A Garden Swing

Got an old, wooden chair lying around that you don’t use anymore? Why not make it into a swing? Just hack off the legs and put to one side. Then throw some rope around a sturdy tree branch, connecting it to a base made from wooden beams. Then attach the chair to the beams, and voila – you’ve got a new swinging chair.

Get Inventive With Pot Plants

When planting, you don’t have to stick to the generic plant pots from the garden center. You can use pretty much whatever you like. Got a rustic-looking crate lying around? Why not fill this with different varieties of plants and put it in your backyard?

Repaint Your Back Door

Perhaps you’ve got a wooden back door. If so, giving it a fresh coat of paint is an excellent way to make your garden look more vibrant. Why not go for a deep gold color paint to complement the summer?

[Photo courtesy of Arpingstone/en.wikipedia.org]

Use Wall Decorations

Walls aren’t always the most attractive feature of a back garden. But you can do a lot to improve their appearance. One cool thing to do is to hang bottles or pot plants, brimming with flowers. And don’t be afraid to use a lot. The more, the merrier.

Spring is drawing to a close, and summer is within touching distance. You may be thinking about spending lazy days in the garden, but is your home ready for summer? Here is an essential checklist to prepare you for the warmer months and ensure you’re all sorted and ready to relax in the sunshine.

Prepping your garden

Most of us get excited at the thought of spending free weekends in the garden. Are you planning to get friends and family around? Are you looking forward to playing with the kids in the open air? If so,  it’s a good idea to get your garden prepped and ready now. Start by having a good clear out and getting rid of any loose patio tiles, weeds, and dead leaves. Give decking and paved areas a sweep and then jet wash them clean. Mow your lawn on a dry day, and plant your seeds. When the weather warms up, dust down your patio furniture and give the barbecue a thorough scrub. If you’re eager to add some color or create an entertaining area, look for inspiration online. You can convert a modest decking area into a chic dining space. Add a rattan table and chairs set, some oversized lanterns and a couple of patterned floor cushions.

[Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of Agriculture/pixabay.com]

Spring cleaning

Nothing prepares you for summer better than a good, old-fashioned spring clean. Now is the time to declutter. Tackle those boxes that have never been unpacked and be ruthless. If you have items that are in good condition, give them to charity, or organize a yard sale. Visit the tip and get rid of anything you don’t want. Once your rooms are clear, get your rubber gloves out and clean from top to bottom. Open the windows and let the fresh air in. You may not enjoy cleaning, but you’ll feel much better when it’s done. Pack away winter clothing to give you more closet space.

Maintenance checks
Before summer arrives, it’s a good idea to get any DIY jobs completed and to book some essential maintenance checks. Finish off painting jobs and put those shelves up in the spare room. Call a service man to carry out appliance repair, and book boiler and air conditioning checks. Replace broken appliances that cannot be salvaged. If you’re looking to save money on energy bills, go for products, which have a high energy rating. If you’re expecting hot weather, it’s particularly important to get air conditioning units serviced.

Interior design
If you fancy brightening up your home in time for summer, you don’t have to spend a fortune to make a difference. Invest in finishing touches, such as lamps, vases, and cushions to inject some color and give your home a new look. Look through some magazines for ideas.

[Photo courtesy of midascode /pixabay.com]

If your home is not quite ready for summer, don’t worry. You’ve got time to work through your to-do list. Investing time and effort now will enable you to put your feet up and enjoy the warm weather when summer arrives.