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Hand-crafted cottages and sheds created by Vermont artisans in the post-and-beam tradition.
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Best Places to Add Custom Decorative Millwork

Pond House Interior decorated
Prefab Pond House interior on display at a Flower and Garden Show.

Custom decorative millwork is an excellent choice when you want to go vintage with your home improvement and interior remodeling projects. Nothing can come even remotely close to the aesthetic appeal of real wood.

This is especially true if the wood was crafted by an experienced, skilled, and seasoned contractor with deep knowledge of the material. For this reason, millwork will increase your home’s beauty and add real value to your property.

Custom cabinetry, antiqued bookshelves, closets, candle holders, and so on, can significantly increase the price of your home and add to its functionality. Custom crafted millwork makes your property more usable by giving you more storage space. The range of options is endless. Whether you are into gorgeous staircase banisters or decorative crown molding, custom millwork is a fantastic addition to your property.

Since placing matters considerably, we’re going to mention the best places to add millwork design and the most common custom millwork options and ideas for your home.

Custom Decorative Millwork for Your Property

If you are a homeowner, you are about to face the challenge of making several essential choices regarding custom millwork in your home. The process can range from quite tedious to exciting and fun, but with the right guidelines, it is doable. It is all about the level of quality and type of wood in the end.

Types of wood greatly matter when making a choice about adding millwork wood. You must take softness, color, grain, rot resistance, and strength into consideration. These are vital characteristics that ensure your millwork is attractive and durable enough.

Consider the following wood types:

  • White oak – oak is known as hardwood. It’s durable, reliable, and heavy, which is why it’s most commonly used for furniture and cabinetry. Its wide grain is a property that most appreciate. White oak means reasonable prices and high quality.
  •  
  • Walnut – also known as hardwood, walnut is well-known for its heavy grain and attractive deep brown color. The price is a bit higher, though.
  •  
  • Fir – depending on the client’s needs, fir can be made light or dark by adding a variety of different stains. Fir is one of the most flexible wood types around.
  •  
  • Birch – birch is an outstanding medium to hardwood with a light reddish color and fine grain, most commonly used with custom decorative millwork.
  •  
  • Cherry – medium weight, deep reddish-brown wood, perfect for adding a nice finish with a fine grain.
  •  

Level of Detail

Now, aside from the type of wood, there is also the level of detail to consider. It all depends on your budget, the style of your home, and the type of project. Some homes demand highly detailed millwork while other homes need something less conspicuous. Traditional millwork almost always includes more details, while the contemporary style is more about minimalist appearance. If you can’t make up your mind between the two, talk to your contractor.

Custom Decorative Millwork Ideas

Here are a couple of custom millwork project ideas for your home:

  • Wainscoting and crown molding
  • Custom millwork creations for your kitchen
  • Storage and media centers for your living room
  • Elegant bathroom vanities
  • Custom home library and office
  •  

Let’s delve deeper into the best places to add decorative custom millwork.

Top Places to Add Custom Decorative Millwork

If you want to add decorative millwork to your home, but you’re having second thoughts on where to put them, here are a couple of ideas to help you manage.

Decorative ceiling moldingThe Ceiling

The first place you should look into is the ceiling, particularly the place where the ceiling and the wall meet. This is simply a perfect and most visible place for molding. It will cover the seam where the ceiling and wall meet.

The best type of millwork for this purpose is a cornice, the most common type of molding. It comes in a wide range of design patterns and sizes to match your home’s architectural style and give your property some stylish edging.

The coffered ceiling is currently one of the most popular solutions simply because it adds just enough elegance to pretty much any décor. You can also add a ceiling medallion around your light fixture in the center to give your room a nice dressing up.

Window MillworkMake Your Windows Stand Out by Bringing Some Character

The surrounding area of your windows is an excellent place to add some decoration. You can top off windows in the interior by adding a pediment above the surrounding. Both window surrounds and casings are a fantastic frame to view the exterior and the outdoors. You also make your windows more durable that way.

The best thing about bringing some character to your windows is that the window casings can be detailed or extremely simple. That is up to you. If the installation of your windows left you with unwanted gaps, this is how you can solve that problem with ease.

Well Dressed Walls

You can add a great accent to any room by simply adding some decoration to a chair rail. This goes particularly well with dining rooms and kitchens. That aside, this is also a great way to protect your walls from furniture scratching.

Interior of mansion in Newport Rhode Island
It can be fun to take ornate elements from mansions and apply them to your tiny house.

Place your millwork at about 36 inches from the floor. The appeal of paneling and wainscoting is also quite popular among stylish homeowners. Both paneling and wainscoting sit well between the baseboard and chair rail, complementing the room’s furniture, wall coverings, and millwork.

Along the Floor

Every home has some sort of baseboard or base to hide any gaps where the floor and wall meet. It’s also one of the best ways to protect the wall finish. If we take a look at the tradition, this baseboard or base is commonly composed of 3 separate elements: the cap, the baseboard, and a shoe.

A bit of a more modern approach led to baseboards coming in as a single piece for a cleaner look. The best way to address any preference is to use a decorative baseboard, ranging from 2 to 8 inches.

Conclusion

A custom decorative millwork design is one of the best ways to add architectural appeal and value to your property, home, etc.

No matter what millwork you choose, a casing or a crown molding, you should remember that millwork adds a visual presence that can turn your average home into a luxurious mansion without forcing you to break a budget or invest huge amounts of time and effort. If you want to achieve such an effect, adding your custom decorative millwork to the right place greatly matters.

Natalie Hutchins has been an avid blogger for 5 years, with particular interests in Engineering and related technologies. She has consistently contributed articles to top AEC and industrial publications. Her other interests are in blogging, movies and photography.

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TIPS FOR ADDING AN APARTMENT TO YOUR VERMONT HOUSE

If you are in a position to add an apartment to your house, why not go for it? The benefits are manifold. Some people do it so they can help out an elderly family member who otherwise can no longer live independently. Others rent it out in order to have an additional source of income.

People often call this addition a mother-in-law suite as this is usually the family member who gets to use it. It can be very useful for when your in-laws come to visit over the holidays, as well as if you want to have them around because they either cannot live on their own or want to help you out with kids and remain close. Our list of tips for adding an apartment to your Vermont house contains everything you need to know to get started on your new addition.

Tips for adding an apartment to your Vermont house

Before getting any major construction work done, whether you are building it from scratch or finding an alternative use for your garage, it is important to become familiar with any laws, regulations, or restrictions that might apply to your situation. Before setting a plan into motion, it is important to ask a couple of key questions. Knowing what you are getting yourself into will make it much easier to carefully plan this addition.

What is an accessory apartment?

An accessory apartment or an accessory dwelling unit is becoming more popular by the day. But what does this term mean? It is an efficiency or a one-bedroom apartment that is clearly a part of a home but has all of the amenities necessary for independent living. These include:

  • a bedroom or a sleeping area
  • kitchen or food preparation area
  • bathroom facilities
  •  

Some things to consider when building an apartment addition

They are different from granny pods in that they are connected to the main house.

Since 2005, the state of Vermont has allowed homeowners to add apartments to their single-family houses. While some additions can be subject to review by the state officials, there is an overriding law that allows for this construction if you meet certain conditions.

Firstly, your property has to be able to handle the additional demand for wastewater disposal. Secondly, the apartment can only take up 30 percent of the total habitable square footage of the house, though some towns may allow for larger units. Finally, the property has to meet all of the requirements contained in the town zoning bylaws.

Does Vermont have building codes?

Now that you are familiar with what constitutes an accessory apartment, it is important to note whether Vermont has any building codes you should be aware of. Officially, the state has adopted the 2015 International Building Code, the 2012 International Plumbing Code, and the 2017 National Electric Code. However, when it comes to residential building code, one referring to single- or double-family dwelling, none is in effect in Vermont. This makes adding an apartment to your house much easier. It is always best to check with your town office to find out if these building codes will need to be followed in order to obtain a permit.

How does this reflect on my taxes?

It is important to understand property taxes on in-law apartments

Depending on how you decide to use the apartment, the way your taxes are calculated might change. When it comes to Vermont’s property tax system, there are two education tax rates –  residential and non-residential. The non-residential rate can be higher or lower than the residential rate. The residential rate only applies to the part of your property in which you live, meaning that if you rent out the apartment, the non-residential rate will apply to it. The income you make from renting is taxable income. Beware of that when filing your taxes and look for advice from a professional if there is any confusion.

Do I need any permits?

We will discuss the state regulations here, but bear in mind that some municipalities have their own local regulations that could be more restrictive. Your best bet is to ask around at the City Hall or town office. When adding an apartment to your Vermont house, it is important to stay on top of all of the permits you may need.

While you don’t need a construction permit if your addition is not larger than 30 percent of the habitable square footage of your house, you do need a permit from the Division of Fire Safety for the electrical and plumbing work. Your plumber needs to have a license and you also need smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You will also need a 2011 Vermont RBSE Certificate as part of your energy standards requirements. Finally, when it comes to drinking water and wastewater, you will need to contact your Regional Environmental Office. They will provide you with a written determination as to whether or not you need a permit. Even if they determine you don’t, you will still be required to pass a drinking water test.

A guide for renting an apartment in Vermont

keys to a post and beam apartmentAs mentioned above, one of the tips for adding an apartment to your Vermont house is to actually rent it out once you build it. This will provide you with additional income as well as some company if you live alone. You will be able to live with someone while still maintaining your privacy and enjoying your alone time. Being a landlord may sound straightforward enough, but there are definitely things you should pay attention to before you start on this journey.

First of all, the law you should consult on all things regarding renting is Vermont’s Landlord and Tenant Law (T.9 Chapter 137). This law regulates leases, deposits, rent, privacy, tenant obligations, and much more. When it comes to the health code, this covers sanitation, water and sewage disposal, trash removal, and ventilation. Lighting and heating, structural integrity, insect and rodent control also fall under the health code. As you probably know, the US outlawed lead paint in 1978. Lead laws apply to any apartment with at least one bedroom in buildings built before 1978, so bear this in mind as well. Finally, adding an apartment to your Vermont house is exempt from Vermont Fair Housing Law, but under federal law, discrimination on a racial basis is illegal.

Author’s bio

Marissa Patton is a freelance writer and blogger, working with moving companies and other businesses. She hopes to write her own book some day, but until then, she is focusing on her two toy poodles and three rabbits.

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Enhancing Your Jamaica Cottage’s Backyard

We know how special your Jamaica Cottage is; each one is different and speaks to the owner’s tastes and lifestyle. If you are hoping to make the most of the appearance of your backyard and cottage, then you’re in the right place. We have some backyard improvement ideas that will take your outdoor space from bland to brilliant!

 

1. Create a Botanical Garden

Writer's Haven Garden
This small wood cabin includes a triangle shaped covered porch.

Just about everyone loves gardens, though there’s a common misconception that they’re difficult to create and/or maintain. This couldn’t be further from the truth! On top of that, they’re quite budget-friendly if you do it right. While a bit of preparation is needed along with knowing where the sunlight and shade are in your backyard, you could realistically finish in a day.

 

You can choose what you’d like in your garden. Are you a fan of flowers and plants? There are endless possibilities. If you want to eat fresh veggies, while saving money, try planting your own. Cherry tomatoes are famously easy to grow if you don’t have much experience, and they taste delicious!

 

Desert-type gardens are typically the easiest to maintain if you don’t have a lot of time to put into maintenance. Rocks, plants, and cacti all give a unique look and don’t need a lot of watering. However, with a Jamaica Cottage, you may prefer a more lush or aquatic landscape.

 

2. Add a Fire Pit

Fire pits are wonderful to have, great for entertaining, and can instantly change the vibe of your backyard. You also have quite the array of options, depending on the size of available space you can dedicate to the pit as well as your budget. If you want to go the quick and easy route, you can simply purchase one. However, a more custom look is another option, choosing the materials and making it yourself.

 

There are countless plans and tutorials online that will show you exactly how to set up a fire pit area. Not only that but building it yourself will give you a sense of satisfaction when you’re done!

 

3. Add a Gazebo or Screen House

10x10 Florida Room with Tudor Brown Roof
10×14 Florida Room – This design is often used as a screen house or shelter for a hot tub.

This is another option where you can build your own or buy one. In this case, we recommend purchasing one. Backyard gazebos instantly offer a shady, protected space for you to hang out in, entertain guests in, and more.

 

We all know the annoyance of sitting down to enjoy a nice barbecue or simply socializing with loved ones when mosquitos crash the party. With gazebos, you can simply close the sides and keep the unwanted guests out! The very popular Florida Room design easily solves this problem. During the daytime, they protect you and your guests from harmful UV rays while offering a cool retreat for you to lounge under.

Colors and materials are endless, so you are sure to be able to find one that perfectly matches the existing décor or style of your backyard.

 

4. Create a Path

8x12 Saltbox storage shed with red roof
This 8×12 Saltbox shed has an Autumn Red corrugated metal roof upgrade. The floor system can be upgraded to pressure treated skids, joists and decking for added protection.

Paths are great ways to add a bit of organization to your backyard, separating the sitting area from the rest of the yard, for example. On the other hand, you can use a path to tie all separate parts of your yard together, such as your shed/cottage, your lounge space, garden, etc. Paths also require planning, as you don’t want to just do guesswork as you’ll probably end up wasting time and having to start over at some point.

 

You can select the exact materials you want to work with, which lets you select the color, texture, thickness, and more. If you’re on a tight budget, simply pick up a roll of landscaping fabric, a couple of bags of mulch, and you’re in business! It’s something that anyone can do, too — even if they’re not particularly experienced in the DIY world!

 

Summary

Now that you have some of the best ideas out there to improve your Jamaica Cottage’s backyard, which ones are you going to do first? No matter what your budget or timeframe is, you can easily incorporate all of these if you’d like to! However, even if you just finish one project, it can greatly improve the look of your yard to be more inviting for you and any of your future guests. We hope that you enjoyed these DIY backyard renovation ideas, and we want to thank you for staying tuned!  

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Tips for Building DIY Outdoor Furniture With a Circular Saw

Employee working with a circular saw

A circular saw is one of the most popular power tools that can cut through lumber accurately and quickly. With the right blade, this power tool can cut through a wide range of materials, including metal, roofing, and framing lumber. Therefore, it can be a time saver during a woodworking project.

A circular saw can be a perfect tool for building outdoor furniture since it can make a wide range of cuts, including miter cuts, crosscuts, and rip cuts. A circular saw can make accurate cuts on different types of boards, including pressure-treated wood, wet boards, and dense boards. Depending on the kind of lumber or material you are using, a circular saw could be the only power saw you need to finish a woodwork project.

For some using this power tool can be quite challenging, especially when
making miter or even plunge cuts. With a little practice and steady hands, you can make these cuts using a circular saw. Here are some useful cuts that you can make with a circular saw when building your outdoor furniture. 

Useful Cuts That Can Be Made With a Circular Saw

Crosscuts

Crosscuts are quite common in all woodworking projects. And with the right tool, you can have several equal-sized pieces of wood for making your outdoor chair’s back and seat slats. Miter saws are the best tools for making repetitive cuts, but if you don’t have one, you can use a corded circular saw instead.

All you have to do is:
â—Ź Draw the cut lines on your pieces of wood using a speed square.
â—Ź Place your saw on your workpiece with its notch on the cut line and make your cuts.
â—Ź Repeat the above procedure for all your pieces of wood.

Plunge Cuts

With a circular saw, you can cut out any shape at the center of a sheet of wood. However, making plunge cuts can be challenging, especially if you don’t have steady hands. Plunge cuts can be beneficial when building a cooler outdoor table using a single sheet tabletop. You can cut out the space for the icebox in the middle of the tabletop using a circular saw.

Set your saw’s blade to the right depth and align its notch with your cut line. Tip your saw forward on its base while you are holding the guard backward. Start your power tool and lower the saw onto your workpiece. And then push it forward as you make your cut. Once you are done with all the four sides, you can finish the last few inches with your hand saw.

Rip Cuts

Making straight cuts can be quite challenging, especially since your circular saw didn’t come with a cutting guide or a fence. So, make sure you purchase a Rip-Cut fence if you plan on making rip cuts. A Rip-Cut fence follows the straight edge of your piece of wood, ensuring that you make straight cuts every time. Most fences are adjustable, and they can make up to 24-inch wide cuts. With a Rip-Cut fence, you can break down sheets of plywood and make repetitive cuts for your woodwork projects.

Kerf Cuts

If you are using your circular saw for just cutting plywood and trimming deck boards, you are underutilizing it. A circular saw can be used to make joinery grooves on places where a table saw cant. Before you even start making the grooves, you can replace your 24-tooth blade with a 40-tooth blade. Adjust the saw to the depth of the groove and then mark the exact size of your groove on your lumber. With the size of your joint, determine you can start cutting kerfs at least 0.24 inches apart.

After making the last kerf cut, you can break the saw kerfs using your hand or hammer and clean the remaining waste using a chisel. Joineries can be used to build joints in several projects, including outdoor sectionals, outdoor bench, and an outdoor sofa, among others.

DIY Outdoor Furniture Projects That Need a Circular Saw

Adirondack Chair

Adirondack Chair

Adirondack chairs are outdoor seats with tail slatted back, wide armrests, and a slanting seat. All the parts of this chair can be cut using a jigsaw and a circular saw and then assembled using glue, clamps, and a drill. Start by preparing all your pieces of wood as per your design. The back pieces are quite hard to cut, and the best way to deal with them is by cutting them from a wide board using a circular saw.

The next steps are:
â—Ź Assemble the back part of the seat
â—Ź Build the front legs of the chair
â—Ź Attach the back legs to the front one
â—Ź Add the arms
â—Ź And finally, attach the back to the legs, before adding the seat slats.

A Simple Outdoor Bench

Park Bench made of pine and concrete

An outdoor bench can be a great addition to your backyard. For this project, you will need some pressure-treated landscape timbers, washers, and galvanized lag screws. The landscape timbers are quite heavy, so put them on your workbench. And then:

â—Ź Cut them into three beams for the bench seat using a circular saw.
â—Ź Prepare the joinery that will connect the seat beams to the legs using a circular saw. The outside beams will rest on L-shaped notches on the legs.
â—Ź Make U-shaped notches on both sides of the beams. The U-shaped grooves will rest on the supporting bar that will connect the legs.
â—Ź Assemble the legs separately and finally add the seat slats making sure the legs fit perfectly in the grooves made on the seat beams and screw them up.

Final Thoughts

A circular saw is one of the most common power tools that are loved by all woodworkers. Circular saws are affordable, portable, and easy to use. This power tool can be a perfect replacement for various saws, including a miter saw and table saw. Therefore, it can make a wide range of cuts in any woodwork project. So, if you want to make outdoor furniture and can’t afford a miter saw or table saw, then you should purchase a circular saw. With a little training, you will be making miter, plunge, and repetitive cuts in no time.

Author Bio: Kristen Chapple. Kristen is the editor and content creator at Woodwork Nation. She is passionate about sustainability in style and interior décor with a soft spot for DIY projects.

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How to Properly Store Your Car: 8 Tips for Long-Term Storage

 

There are different reasons why each of us would want to prepare a car for long-term storage. You’re probably going away on an adventure for a few weeks. You’re transitioning from working at an office to a home office. Or you’re probably even thinking of moving to a tiny house that doesn’t have its own garage indefinitely. Well, whatever your reason is, we’re here to help.

8x8 Overhead Garage Door installed on 20x30 Garage.
8×8 Overhead Garage Door installed on 20×30 Garage.

In this article, we are going to teach you the how to properly store a car for the long-term. Excited? Then let’s get started with our long-term car storage tips.


Prepare Your Garage

The first thing that you need to do is to prepare the storage space that you are going to use. It could be your garage or backyard storage shed that you have built or customized for this purpose.

To begin, clean the place up and make sure that your car is going to be safe and secure in there. And when we say “safe” we know that you’re probably thinking of preventing potential theft but that’s not the only big threat that you need to prepare for. In fact, we believe that flood-proofing is one of those steps that are very crucial in car storage but most people seem to overlook.

Hence, here are quick ways to do just that:

  • Upgrade your drainage system. We recommend employing French drains since they are efficient in dealing with standing water.
  • Examine your structure for cracks. Even small fractures in your foundation can invite water in and allow it to pool inside your shed.
  • Finally, build a flood barrier. You can do so by piling up sandbags or you can also opt to dig a trench to lure water away.

Cover Your Car

The next thing that you need to do is cover your car. It is very common in our lifestyle to live from the land. To get into livestock and homesteading. And if that’s the case, then we can be sure of one thing: you’re going to store your car in an environment prone to dust, dirt, scratches, and spills (that is especially true for us here in Vermont). Fortunately, getting a reliable car cover will do the trick and keep it smooth and shiny until you’re ready to drive it again.

Change the Oil

Aside from protecting your car from external threats, you need to think about its internal maintenance as well. For instance, used engine oil has particles that can cause sludge buildup and engine damage.

Fill Its Tank

Here’s another factor that can cause internal damage: tank moisture. Fortunately, it’s very easy to prevent. You can simply do so by filling up your car’s fuel tank.

Here’s a pro tip: You can add in a fuel stabilizer into the mix as well. This will protect your car from rust and gum and can keep your fuel in good condition for up to a year.

Disconnect the Battery

Here’s a fact: your car’s battery can still slowly drain even if you’re not using it. Hence, in order to prevent that from happening, you can always disconnect the battery first. Don’t forget to remove the negative first before the positive.

We understand that doing so will reset all of your car’s settings, but that would be easier to deal with than requiring a new battery, right? Some people use a trickle charger to do the trick, but we don’t recommend it especially if you’re going traveling and you’ll leave the car unattended because, albeit rarely, they can ignite a fire.

Keep It Parked

You would also want to make sure that your car is parked properly. It is always good practice to leave its parking brake up if you’re simply parking your car overnight, or for a few days at the most. However, if you’re thinking about leaving it for long-term storage, then we suggest to use a tire chock instead. This will help you keep your emergency brake in good condition while you’re away.

Dress Her Up

Lastly, show your car some love by washing her for the last time in a long time. After all, you wouldn’t want bird droppings leaving a permanent mark on your car’s paint, wouldn’t you? We even suggest going the extra mile and waxing your car to give her an added layer of protection. Don’t forget to moisturize your leather seats as well.

Conclusion

The bottom line is, don’t park your car in a storage shed for a long time without giving it proper protection from the elements. Don’t allow it to get flooded, beaten down with dust, and worse, slowly accumulating engine damage. By keeping the tips that we have shared with you in mind and by leaving your car in the best conditions, then we don’t have any doubt that it will continue to serve you long after you return behind her wheels. Drive safe!

Author: Megan Jones is Communications Manager at grizzlytarps.com. She mostly writes about camping and healthy living, interior and exterior maintenance, and related topics. Having a huge experience of home improvement, Megan has gained some valuable knowledge, which she is now actively promoting.

 

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How To Transform Your Garden into Horticultural Heaven

Even in winter, heading outside into the garden can be a wonderful way to relax, get some fresh air and even a little physical activity, too. However, beautiful backyards don’t just happen by themselves – even the simplest of gardens requires some level of upkeep, but that’s all part of the fun (mostly)!

If you’re new to the world of gardening and looking to embrace your green-fingered side, this post has plenty of gardening inspiration to help you get started on the road to creating a horticultural haven. Offering actionable tips and yard improvement ideas for simple gardening projects, we’ll show you how to optimize your outdoor space even if this is the first time you’ve ever picked up a trowel.

Clear the decks

Photo by Nagesh Badu on Unsplash

Whether you’re focusing on just one small part of your garden or tackling the whole area, just like inside your home, it’s important to clear and prepare the space before you start.

Whatever grand designs you have for your backyard, always take the time to cut back overgrown trees and bushes and remove as many pesky weeds as you can. While this isn’t the most enviable job, the rigorous workout will be worth it when you’re left with a clear space and the knowledge that your new garden won’t be overrun by fast-growing weeds within weeks.

Late winter and early spring are good times to start this type of project as most plants won’t have begun blooming yet and any hardy weeds will still be in their infant phases. For plant growing areas like vegetable patches and flower beds, add a good layer of mulch once you’ve de-weeded to ensure they don’t come back. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to get creative in the garden.

Get tooled up and organized

When you’re starting out, you may find you don’t need a whole lot of high-tech tools to tackle your gardening projects – but a few essentials will definitely stand you in good stead. Top of your list should be some sturdy gardening gloves to keep your hands protected, as well as some sharp pruning shears and some small secateurs for trimming back bushes, trees and even trimming the lawn edges if you want to go that far. You should also invest in a decent trowel, shovel, fork and rake, as well as a lawnmower if you have any grass to keep maintained. Finally, make sure you have a hose or at least a large watering can so you can keep those thirsty plants well fed.

With a sizable amount of tools, it also pays to keep things organized from the start. There’s nothing more frustrating than going to do a quick job and having to spend more time finding what you need than doing it. Investing in a summer house or a small garden shed is the way to go here, as everything will be outdoors and close to hand. Of course, you don’t want your summer house to feel cramped and cluttered, so keep things tidy and secure with storage lockers for your gardening equipment. Whether you’re stowing away trowels, seeds or planting pots, you’ll have a compact gardening station with everything ready to go when you are.

Keep things simple

It’s easy to get carried away with big DIY backyard landscaping ideas on how you want your garden to look, but in the early stages of developing your outdoor area it’s often advisable to start with simple and smaller projects. As your confidence and knowledge grows, so too can your garden projects.

One effective starting project to transform a dull, bland garden into a horticultural paradise is to add some flower beds, vegetable growing areas or a combination of the two. For a low-maintenance option that looks professional and striking we’d suggest opting for raised beds that work for flowers, shrubbery and vegetables.

These can be stand-alone features in the middle of the lawn or border-hugging designs. Either way, the height aspect makes planting and the inevitable weeding easier, while also giving your garden added dimensions and some low-level seating. From recycled railway sleepers to brick or stone, you can use all kinds of materials to create your raised beds, then simply line them and fill with topsoil ready for planting.

If space is an issue, using pot plants is also a great way to add color and character even for inexperienced gardeners, but just remember they will need more water than ground-based beds, so keep your watering can at the ready!

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

The key to achieving the garden of your dreams starts with preparation and a clear vision of how you want it to look. With these elements in place, you can begin the exciting journey of transforming your backyard into a beautiful haven to enjoy for years to come, whatever backyard garden ideas and designs you have in mind.

Author bio:

Tom Brialey adopts his philosophy that, in addition to the highest quality products, you must also provide the highest standard of service to your customers in order to succeed. That’s why it’s Tom’s mission to provide expert support 100% of the way.