Friday, March 7, 2014

outdoor landscaping designs

The Tuscan landscape design can be a style in which reflects antique, Old World attractiveness with the simpleness of all-natural gardens, even though accenting the particular elegance and sweetness of the finest non commercial architecture.
outdoor landscaping designs
 Modern day homeowners discover the Tuscan garden design an ideal mixture of natural beauty, similar to the quaint Tuscan farmville farm life of in the past, and the elegance of more contemporary, Renaissance Croatia. This old-fashioned, but stylish, outdoor style is ideal for present day popular Mediterranean and beyond and Florida style structure and is rapidly becoming a favourite landscape design in rich communities throughout the world.

Materials That comprise a Tuscan Landscaping

A common consider these Mediterranean sea styled models is that the back garden and outdoor space is easy to keep and very functional. Balconies for enjoyable and paths for checking out create a backyard living area which is beautiful and welcoming. Selecting the right supplies for these flooring is an important part associated with producing a traditional, relaxing Tuscany ambiance throughout your own yard.

Think about materials such as:

 Weather treated stones, set in fine sand or mortar, give you a casual, traditional flair as well as trouble free upkeep.
 Gravel and decomposed corian is a favourite for landscape designs on the small price range. There are many different fairly neutral hues accessible that accentuate the style and also this option is among the least expensive.
 Tumbled travertine pavers can be a classic floor coverings option which add stylish charm for a outdoor space and also accent present day design of your own home.
 There are many various other popular floor options available to get a landscape design with a Tuscan design.


Tuscan Style Equipment

Furniture, illumination, and other pretty accents are usually equally important if you wish to create a genuine, Tuscan air inside your outdoor space. Terra cotta can be an inexpensive along with essential area of the Tuscan garden design. Terra cotta planters, planting pots, and urns might be scattered during your back yard to show off plants, fine fruit bushes, and other ornamentals.

Wrought metal and bamboo furnishings add the rustic feel and look of " old world " Tuscany into your backyard living area. Wrought metal accents can be found in fireplaces, wall, and illumination, and can also be integrated into window and door fixtures to combine your Tuscan landscape design along with your modern residence. Simple walls fountains and chic stone highlight walls using graceful, sneaking vines are necessary Tuscan accessories too.

Tuscan Plant Life

Tuscan design materials, components that mirror the feel of Tuscany, along with plants present with farm existence are the important components to a accurate Tuscan landscape design. Tuscan style vegetation is lush, aromatic, and regal species present with Mediterranean Italia. Aromatic plant gardens, aromatic, flowering grape vines, and attractive evergreens are ideal options.

Implementing design for Tuscany into your landscape design needs careful planning as well as precise number of plants and also materials. An expert landscape design service may ensure the perfect Tuscan landscape design for your personal home type, as well as your individual needs and tastes.

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Model of Proposal


A 1:100 scale model of the site with my proposal was created using foamboard, cardboard and paper. I used 90gsm tracing paper for the scrims which proved very effective. The model was useful for visualising the proposal and informing the completion of plan and section elevation drawings. It was necessary to place the scrims on the model first before attempting to place them using formal drawings as it made gauging their effectiveness as visual blockades much easier.
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Thursday, March 6, 2014

Can You Pronounce Fire Pit

Perusing the web again today, I did a search for the latest in fire pit news.

Nothing very interesting came up, so here I am sitting here wondering what to post today about the world of custom fire pits and landscape design. After searching through a couple page results and finding nothing of true consumer value, I decided to post this video I found regarding the mispronunciation of the word "fire pit."

DISCLAIMER! - You will find no value in watching this video except maybe gaining a chuckle or two on how this toddler is learning to speak. And needless to say, she butchers the word, but at least mom and dad got a kick out of it:

So "f*ck it" it is, if you are in the market for a "fire pit," please visit us online or contact us today. Not only can we pronounce our product better than a two year old, we build them like professionals. Whatever your custom specs are, we can build it for you. And if you like fire pit videos, check out our page dedicated to the fabrication of custom fire pits and fire pit frames right here in our Denver, Colorado headquarters. All of our products are proudly made right here in the USA!

Call today 1-877-556-5255

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Wednesday, March 5, 2014

When do good fences make good neighbours

There are many variables to consider in a landscape when all you want is privacy ... when all else fails, dont get mad, get even... and use the landscape design to get even!!!

When you read through Lawrences Blog post on Insane Neighbours , you begin to really question the intent or the attempt of people to be civil towards each other in a big city such as Toronto. I have seen many instances where disputes have arisen because a willing party is looking for the confrontation.

Being neighbourly and friendly towards those that share the same street name as you, requires a certain behaviour of social balance and the ability to say "hi" as you get in or out of your car. But what do you do when a neighbour does not want to adhere to making life on your street ... pleasant? Most often a fence gets erected to shut out the annoyances... Sheds get placed strategically and shrubs get planted.

When I first started design school to learn about Landscape Architecture, I never would have imagined that so much residential design would play such emphasis on privacy issues. I quickly came to realize that residential landscape design was all about the PRIVACY and enjoyment of your own private garden.

A good landscape design takes this into heavy consideration when planning a backyard layout. Much thought and ideas are given to views from within your home as well as views that neighbouring home owners may have of you as you sit and sip on a cold drink during a warm summer day. Annoyances such as noises can be masked by bubbling water features...big or small.

Where you sit most in your yard determines what views you wish to see or what views you wish to not have others see from. That can be fixed by playing with angles and with a big tree or two... Shrubs and fences carefully designed and placed can have a great effect at keeping out ground level annoyances.

If it is all planned right, you can have a wonderful and private garden to yourself...and your neighbours would never suspect a thing as to how you were able to block them out because the changes put in place were very subtle.
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Warming Trends The Hottest Fire Pits On the Market Webisode 2 Copper Fire Pit Lid



In this weeks webisode, Steven Koepp, Head of Manufacturing at Warming Trends, walks us through the process of welding the pieces to create a copper lid that is then mounted to a fire pit to retain heat and keep inclement weather off of the Crossfire Burning Systems.



For more information on custom fire pits, outdoor burning systems and more, please visit us online.
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Tuesday, March 4, 2014

The Mans Outdoor Kitchen!

Yep, this one was fun... now I just drew in a counter space for my client and suggested where the kitchen area should be in his yard. What came out after was mostly my clients design ideas for his kitchen.

It was completed with:

-A pizza oven that one will become popular with the neighbors, friends and family as you can open your own private backyard pizzeria!!!

-A stainless steel counter top for EASY CLEANING!

-A large BBQ cook-top for grilling top quality meats.

-A large outdoor refrigerator for holding many a beer, meats waiting to be grilled and pizza dough plus toppings.

Now all of this is designed with the idea that once you are done making a mess and partying around the bar area, you can take a garden hose or power washer and hose down everything to clean up! Ready for next weekends party....
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Olive

Olea
A small genus of close to 20 species of evergreen trees and shrubs that are part of the Oleacaceae family. They are mostly native to the Mediterranean, Asia and Africa.
They prefer full sun; deep fertile well drained soil and long hot summers.
Most species are very drought tolerant once fully established.
They are deer resistant but the trunks of young trees should be protected from rabbits or other gnawing critters.
Propagation is from cuttings, suckers or seed that is soaked for 2 days before sowing.

Olea africana ( African Olive )
Also called Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata. A close relative to Olea europea, which becomes a medium sized tree.
It is native to southern Africa where it is endangered.
Some records include: 90 years - 40 x 70 feet with a trunk diameter of 4.6 feet; largest on record - 60 x 82 feet with a trunk diameter of 13 feet. Some records include: 90 years - trunk diameter of 4.6 feet; It makes an excellent shade tree for an open lawn but keep in mind that its aggressive large root system can damage pools and underground pipes.
The foliage is similar to that of Olea europea but is glossy gray-green above, rusty-brown beneath. The willow-like leaves are up to 3 x 1 inches in size.
The purplish-black fruits are up to an inch in length.
The highly valuable wood is used to make fine furniture.
Hardy zones 9 to 10 ( tolerating as low as 15 F ). Very drought tolerant.
Propagation is from seed. If often self seeds to the extent of being invasive and should not be planted in much of southern Australia where birds will widely distribute the seed.

* photos of unknown internet source



Olea capensis ( Black Ironwood )
A fast growing, large, evergreen tree, reaching a maximum height of 133 feet, that is native to eastern and southern Africa. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 4 feet; 4 years - 15 feet. It makes an excellent landscape tree.
The leaves, up to 4 x 2 inches, are glossy deep green.
The fragrant, white flowers are borne during spring.
The are followed by edible, small, purplish-black fruits, up to 0.6 x 0.3 inches.
The bark is dark gray and fissured.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 preferring full sun though it will tolerate shade.

* photos of unknown internet source



subsp macrocarpa ( Cape Olive )
Also called Olea macrocarpa. A fast growing large tree, reaching a maximum height of 100 feet with a trunk diameter of 5 feet, that is native to southern Africa.
The leaves are up to 4 x 1.5 inches.
The fine timber is highly valued.
Hardy zone 10

Olea cunninghamia ( Black Maire )
A slow growing, medium-sized tree.
The leaves are up to 10 x 0.5 inches in size.
Hardy zones 9.

Olea europaea ( Common Olive )
A medium-sized, evergreen tree, native to the Mediterranean Sea region is among the worlds most important trees. It also makes a very attractive landscape tree with older plants often having a twisted trunk and gnarled branches.
Moderate to fast growing when young; some records include: 4 years - 12 feet; 5 years - 17 feet; 80 years - trunk diameter of 40 x 57 feet with a trunk diameter of 3.5 feet; 100 years - 50 feet; 130 years - trunk diameter of 5.3 feet; largest on record - 100 x 60 feet with a trunk diameter of 7.6 feet. It has been grown in the mildest parts of England but grows slowly there due to cooler summers. One is known to have reached 20 feet in London.
Extremely long-lived, the Olive tree has been known to survive as long as 2200 years.
The lance-shaped leaves are up to 4 x 1 inches in size.
The foliage is deep gray-green above; silver beneath.
The fruits, up to 1 inch in length, are green, later ripening to black.
They are extremely valuable, and are among the healthiest of all oils for cooking.
Trees generally bear fruit after reaching the age of 10.
Trees need to be planted in groups to achieve good fruit production.
The oil content of the fruit is usually about 25 %. An orchard of Olive can bear up to 2 tons per acre. This tree is extensively grown as a commercial crop in southern Europe, southwest Asia, northern Africa and to a lesser extent in Argentina and the southwest U.S. It also makes an excellent landscape tree for other mediterranean climate regions in the world such as central Chile and southwestern Australia.
In parts of southern Australia it grows too vigorously and spreads too fast, thus becoming a weed.
The dark gray bark on older trees is fissured.
Hardy zones 8 to 10, hot summers are required to fruit production.

* photos of unknown internet source









* photos taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC


* video found on Youtube










Arbequina
Hardier ( zone 8a ) and does not need a pollinater to bear fruit.

Little Ollie
An attractive cultivar, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 8 ( rarely over 5 ) feet forming a moderate growing, dense rounded shrub. It makes an excellent choice for patio containers and hedging.
The foliage is deep green above, bright silvery-green below.
It does not produce fruit.
Hardy zones 8 +.

Lucca
Very vigorous and large growing, producing abundant fruits that are used for excellent tasting oil ( fruits contain around 28% oil content ).
Hardy zones 8 to 10, it is among the more cold hardy Olives.

Majestic Beauty
Fast growing, it does not produce fruit so it can be planted as a street tree or to shade the driveway. Not sure about the point of growing a fruitless Olive...I think Id just grow the real thing and pick all the fruit before they fall.
Hardy zones 8 to 10.

Manzanillo
A large tree that can live up to 2000 years, possibly more.
There is attractive, leathery foliage on this cultivar commonly grown in mediterranean climates throughout the world. The abundant, large fruits are purplish-green to black. The fruits are very often sold for eating at your local grocery store.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( tolerating at least as low as 12 F ) it is also extremely heat tolerant and is among the best cultivars for the Deep South in the U.S.

Mission;
Vigorous, reaching up to 40 x 40 feet, and commonly planted in California and in fact the most common cultivar in northern California.
It is self fertile not needing a pollinator to produce fruit.
The black fruits can be eaten or made into olive oil.
More cold hardy than species ( zones 7b to 10 ). It has been known to tolerate 0 F and resprout after being killed to the ground at -4 F. It is the most cold hardy Olive and can be grown where many other Olives cant be grown.

Oblonga
Reaches up to 50 feet, with attractive silvery foliage.
It produces high quality olive oil.
Hardy zones 9 +. It has excellent resistance to Verticillium Wilt.

Swan Hill
Fast growing, reaching up to 30 x 25 feet.
Hardy zones 8 to 10.

Olea excelsa ( Picconia )
A handsome, impressive, medium-sized, evergreen tree that is native to the Canary Islands. It can reach a maximum height of 60 feet with a trunk diameter of 3 feet.
The elliptical leaves, up to 4 x 2 inches, are glossy deep green.
Hardy zones 9 to 10, it thrives in England only around Cornwall.

Olea lanceolata ( White Maire )
A slow growing, small to medium-sized tree that is native to New Zealand.
Some records include: largest on record - 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 3.5 feet.

Olea laurifolia
A large tree, that is native to Africa. It can reach a maximum height of 120 feet with a trunk diameter of 4.5 feet.
The elliptical leaves, up to 4 x 1.5 inches, are glossy green.
The very strong timber is the heaviest wood of any species of tree.
Hardy zone 9

Olea yunnanensis
An extremely rare, elegant, large evergreen tree, reaching a maximum height of 100 ( averaging 40 ) feet, that is native to western China.
The lance-shaped leaves, up to 7 x 3 inches, are glossy mid-green.
The purplish-black fruits are small. Hardy zone 8 to 10 ( reports of 7 ); thriving in the Deep South.
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Tips for Cleaning Your Outdoor Grill

Summertime is in full swing and barbecues across the world are being fired up and the grilling of tasty steaks, chicken, pork, veges and more are being enjoyed by the masses. Grilling during the summer is about as much of a staple as sunglasses and sun block during the summer Warming Trends.



Keeping your grill in tip-top shape will help ensure that you and your guests are enjoying the most tasteful and flavorful barbecue ideas you can "mustard up." Below are a few easy ways to keep your grill clean and its life long lasting.

Keep in mind that your grill can maintain some flavor from some prior cookouts so you dont need, nor necessarily want to, clean the grates after each use. Although some say that you should clean your grill grates after each use, we recommend cleaning once after every few times you grill out. Ash and remaining charcoal should be removed prior to each use to ensure the quality of the grilling experience. The grill itself should be cleaned at least once a season and is best to make sure you clean it at the end of a season if you are not planning on returning it to use until spring. Either way, here are some maintenance tips to protect flavor and a long life for your grill.

Storage:
Grill covers are inexpensive and a great way to protect your grill from the elements when not in use. Get one. You can pick one up at Home Depot or at any nearby hardware store.

Grill Cleaning 101:
1) Be sure that the grates on your grill are cool before attempting to remove them for cleaning. Who wants blistered fingers unless you are the Beatles.

2) Remove the ashes in the grill with a trowel or scoop and do the same for the ash catcher beneath the grill itself. After you have removed the ashes, spray down the inside of the grill and the ash catcher with a grease-dissolving oven cleaning solution. Let this sit for awhile while you go and prepare a warm water with light detergent.

3) Using the warm soap and water solution you concocted, wipe down the grates themselves with a soft, non-abrasive cloth to remove the grimy build-up, being sure to clean between each grate.

4) After you have wiped down the grates, return to the grill itself and wipe down the inside of the grill and ash catcher. Any remaining grease build-up can be removed now with paper towels.

5) Now that you have successfully removed the excess build-up, rinse thoroughly with mild soap and water and wipe dry.

Hey! We liked that you checked out our blog. Now check out our website. We do custom fire pits like no other.
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Landscape Designer The

Landscape Designer: The
Landscape Designer: The
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Oh How I Would Love To Move My

Oh how I would love to move my
Oh how I would love to move my
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