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A Compost Primer
Most gardeners and landscapers will agree almost unanimously that the single best thing you can do for your lawn is to add compost. Good, organic compost can remedy almost any problem you have with your soil. If you soil is too acidic, adding...
Avoid the "How Much?" Hassle When Buying Firewood
How much firewood should I buy, and when should I buy it? These are questions that may lead busy homeowners to postpone ordering their firewood. Here are some answers from fireplace experts.
How much: There’s no surefire way to figure out how...
Landscaping Stone
If you have interest in using landscaping stone in your
yard, garden, koi pond or walkway, don't limit yourself to
the traditional. Consider finding or shopping for unique
stones to add flair or accent to your plans. Landscaping
stone can be...
Perennials Versus Annuals
For each and every one of us starting out in gardening this is a daunting question. I didn't even know the difference when I started to plan my first garden. When you start thinking about landscaping your home you'll need to decide. Most people find...
The Many Types of Palm Trees
There are thousands of species of Palm Trees. They are considered to be tropical in nature, but most people are not aware that cold hardy palms may be planted outside without any visible damage from temperatures as cold as -20°F. You can see this...
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Fall: The Best Time to Plan Next Spring’s Landscape Project
(ARA) - Fall is the smartest time to plan next year’s landscaping project because you can save time, money and headaches.
"By approaching your landscape contractor during the off-season, you can be sure to get their full attention while the back-log is minimal," said Bill Gordon, spokesman for Mid-America Green Industry Council. "By planning ahead, you can get a jump on your landscaping project and have the entire summer to enjoy your new surroundings."
Robert Allan (Bob) Gravier, landscape expert and president of Allan Block Corporation, a national manufacturer of stackable landscape blocks, suggests the following schedule for developing next spring’s landscaping project:
Plan -- Contrary to many homeowners’ habits, fall is the best time to begin planning for upcoming landscaping projects. Homeowners should assess their yards for “needs” such as a retaining wall to help control erosion or “wants” such as an outdoor patio.
Design -- Use fall and winter downtime to contact a landscape designer. During this off-season, landscape specialists generally can draw up plans more quickly and cost-effectively. Or, if you have the skills, use your creativity to design your own landscaping plans.
Build -- Early spring is also the best time to hire a landscape installer, before they become overbooked and begin
increasing bid prices. When spring arrives and the ground thaws, your planning and design work is already done. Because you planned ahead, you’ll be at the top of your contractor’s list and can begin building a new retaining wall, outdoor patio or courtyard.
Ron and Lynn McCormick of Magnolia, Texas, utilized the "Plan, Design, Build" process. The McCormicks conducted their product research and then carefully designed their project with help from design manuals and advice from their Allan Block dealer. With that complete, they installed a retaining wall, three sets of stairs and two terraces all on their own. They undertook the project out of necessity -- to protect the soil around their home from erosion.
“With the literature and technical manuals Allan Block provided, we were able to successfully complete this project,” said Ron McCormick. “It is an addition to our home that we are very proud of and enjoy every day.”
Allan Block has more advice on how homeowners can plan, design and build to enhance their outdoor living experience. For additional information, email info@allanblock.com, call (800) 481-2909 or visit www.allanblock.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content
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