12 landscape construction ideas for homeowners

12 landscape construction ideas for homeowners

The yard is an extension of the home and often the first thing visitors see. Homeowners must pay special attention to this area of their property to create a truly lasting impression. One way to achieve this is by adding color, design, texture, layers, and other elements. When done thoughtfully, the yard can become an inspirational space that adds value to one’s home. Check out the list of 12 inspiring landscape construction ideas for the next project.

Add quaint fencing
To add interest to a plain lawn, add quaint fencing. Not only will it work wonders to set the home apart from the neighbors, but it will also provide a little character without taking away from the overall polished finish of the home.

Consider structured greenery
Create an artistic yard by interplaying brickwork and green space, such as boxwood spheres and hedges. This idea works especially well for traditional homes that are looking to add just a touch of modernity without losing their charm.

Install a stone partition
Alternatively, seek inspiration from the past and install a stone partition in the yard. Make it multi-functional by using it as a separator and/or setting up a pergola on it to create a private, relaxing, and shaded sitting area surrounded by greenery.

Put up window boxes
In small homes and compartments, finding the space to put up a garden can be difficult. Circumvent this issue by installing window boxes to create a lovely little garden. To add more aesthetic value to this set-up, install a few hanging lights or lanterns and give the home a comfortable, inviting finish.

Add a faux plant wall
For homes with small backyards, a faux plant wall may be a great element to add. Not only does this add height to the space to increase interest, but it also adds a pop of color. The best part about it? It can completely be customized to one’s preferences. Just look for faux fir or other green panels, set them in a frame, and prop them up against the wall. Thanks to this little hack, the piece does not require any maintenance at all, allowing it to look great all year round.

Build a seating platform
Homeowners looking to transform their large yards must consider adding a hardscape, that is, opting for tiles and furniture instead of grass. A far cry from their traditional use, this is a great way of adding an extra room as well as a pop of color to the house. Look for playful tiles, and complete the look with easy-to-maintain chairs and tables to create a seating platform. Create a stone path to the area, and cover the rest of the space in lush greenery to create a calm and inviting environment.

Create an integrated landscape design
Find a way to blend local design cultures into the home. This technique, also known as integrated landscape design, creates a balance between one’s home and the surroundings, allowing local flora and fauna to thrive. Since it can be quite technical, it is best left to professionals who use landscape construction management software to oversee the entire project. The software provides the user with multiple design options to choose from. Additionally, it helps them keep track of every aspect of the construction process, such as creating a budget, estimating material requirements, scheduling staff, managing subcontractors, and more.

Add mini water features
Who doesn’t love the pleasant and soothing sound of trickling water? Recreate this at home for a private retreat using mini water features. Many design options are available in the market, so homeowners can match their pieces with their home’s aesthetics to make a relaxing environment that also supports one’s spiritual journey as well.

Alternatively, think of placing a modern water fountain around the courtyard or the sitting area. This, too, helps create a relaxing zone, and offers the local birds a little drink whenever they need it.

Construct a raised patio
Add a ton of dimension to the yard by creating a multi-layered patio. This is a great idea for homes in drier locations. Use the lowest space to create a walkway with elevated planters on the side. Have stairs leading up to an enclosed patio to give the feeling of walking up to a country outhouse.

Place a garden shed
If an outhouse sounds too big, opt for something smaller, like a garden shed. Create a dedicated pathway that leads up to the shed, surrounded by a vegetable or herb garden, to add greenery and purpose. The shed can double up as a storeroom for gardening and lawn equipment, a space for taking on larger projects, or just a room to unwind.

Set up a fire pit
To enjoy the pleasant weather during colder nights, you can set up a fire pit in the middle of the yard. This is a lovely idea for those with large families or those who love to host. It will quickly become the focal point of any yard, serving not only as a space to socialize and stay warm but also to cook meals or roast marshmallows for a night of bonding.

Construct an outdoor shower
An outdoor shower can be a stunning element of interest to any yard. This may be especially appealing for those with a large pool in their backyard. Let the shower blend in with the architectural style of the rest of the house. To make it appear grand, add a tile and stone pathway and decorate it with large, bright, and fluffy towels.

Featured Articles

Key things to know about macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye disorder that affects the macula, a tiny part of the retina that provides sharp central vision. The most common kind of this disease is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects many people in our country over 60 years. While there is no cure for macular degeneration, several treatments and lifestyle changes help manage the symptoms and improve your vision so that it does not interfere with everyday life. What are the types of macular degeneration? There are two common types of the condition: Wet or exudative macular degeneration This is the more common type. It occurs when the tiny blood vessels in front of your retina get damaged and leak fluid into your eye, causing swelling, redness, and dampness. The condition can affect your central vision and cause blurry patches in the center. Central vision is the area you see directly in front of you. Dry or atrophic macular degeneration Also known as senile macular degeneration, this condition occurs when the retina does not receive sufficient oxygen due to damage from aging; it results in a breakdown of the central part of the retina (the photoreceptors). What causes this eye disorder? The risk factors include genetics and lifestyle ailments, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes. But these do not affect vision overnight; it takes years for the effects to show up. Here is a quick look at the many risk factors of macular degeneration: Age You are at risk of macular degeneration as you get older, especially after age 55. Hence, older adults are advised to go for regular screenings. Genetics You are at a higher risk if one or both parents have this condition. Past eye injury Head or eye trauma can lead to loss of central vision in the future.

Nasal polyps – Symptoms, causes, and management

Nasal polyps can be a symptom of an underlying condition or occur independently. The visible signs and symptoms of nasal polyps include congestion, runny nose, loss of smell, and pressure or pain around your eyes and cheeks. A deviated septum may contribute to nasal polyps. However, they can also occur in people who do not have this condition, such as athletes who blow their noses frequently during exercise routines. Read on to learn more about nasal polyps. What are nasal polyps? Nasal polyps are small, soft growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses. They are also sometimes called nasal tumors or nasal corking. They are not cancerous, contagious, or caused by allergies. Nasal polyps may also be associated with other conditions like chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic sinusitis (CS), and asthma. Nasal polyps typically develop before the age of 40, and they do not usually cause symptoms until they grow larger or become inflamed or infected.  However, large nasal polyps can block airflow through your nose. If this happens, you may experience sinusitis, headaches, and a stuffy or runny nose. You may also experience difficulty breathing through one nostril at a time if large polyps block the other nostril completely. The result could be an imbalance in oxygen supply to both sides of the body and possible damage to blood vessels in the head (for example, inflammation). Symptoms of nasal polyps In most cases, nasal polyps are painless and cause no symptoms. However, some people with nasal polyps may experience the following symptoms: Congestion or stuffiness A runny nose Loss of smell Loss of taste Pressure or pain around your eyes, cheeks, and teeth Facial pain or headache Snoring Need to clear the throat frequently Frequent bleeding of the nose When to see a doctor?

Atopic dermatitis – Causes, symptoms, and more

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a disorder that results in dry, irritable, and inflammatory skin. Though it can affect anyone, young children are more vulnerable to this disorder. The symptoms include recurring (chronic) and sporadic flare-ups, though it is not contagious. Atopic dermatitis patients risk contracting asthma and seasonal and food allergies. Regular moisturizing and skin disease condition-related treatments help alleviate itching and prevent further outbreaks. Using medicated lotions or ointments during treatment is also helpful. Symptoms Depending on an individual’s age, the severity of the condition, and other circumstances, symptoms of atopic dermatitis may vary. Those who have the condition typically experience phases of worsening symptoms, followed by times of improvement or even complete disappearance. The following sections will cover some likely variances in symptoms in more detail. General eczema symptoms Eczema symptoms are usually not severe. The most common signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis include dry, itchy skin, skin flushing, or weeping sores.  Individuals with severe eczema skin disease may need more intensive care to eliminate their problems. Infections of the skin can also result from persistent touching and scratching. The appearance of the skin area afflicted by atopic dermatitis will vary depending on the frequency of itching and infection. Itching, redness, and irritation can all worsen by rubbing and scratching the skin. What causes eczema skin disease? The underlying etiology of eczema still has to be thoroughly comprehended. The cause, according to scientists, is an overactive immune system. When allergens from the outside come in contact with the skin, the immune system reacts, causing eczema to flare up. A collection of typical flare-up triggers is provided below. Additionally, researchers have shown that the bodies of some people with eczema do not produce enough of the protein filaggrin. This protein is essential for keeping skin healthy and nourished.

Afib – Types, causes, symptoms, and management

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) occurs when the usually stable and regular electrical impulses in the heart’s upper chambers (atria) begin firing chaotically, causing them to quiver or twitch (fibrillate). This can cause blood accumulation and clotting in the atria. These clots can reach the lungs through the blood vessels and cause pulmonary embolism or can reach the brain, resulting in a stroke. Let’s look at the forms, signs, and causes of Afib and its treatment options: Types of atrial fibrillation Afib can be classified as one or more of these: First-diagnosed Afib: Regardless of symptoms or the number or length of episodes, this refers to individuals diagnosed for the first time with Afib. Asymptomatic Afib: This condition is also called silent Afib, given the lack of signs or symptoms. A random electrocardiogram (ECG) could reveal asymptomatic atrial fibrillation. Paroxysmal Afib: Two or more episodes of the conditions that spontaneously resolve within a week are categorized as paroxysmal Afib. Persistent Afib: This refers to two or more episodes of atrial fibrillation that last seven days or more. Long-term persistent Afib: If the condition persists for more than a year, it is referred to as long-term persistent Afib. Permanent Afib: This is a chronic condition that cannot be managed using common treatment options. So here, the patient and doctor decide to stop treatment to get the heart rate back to normal and begin considering other management options. Causes and risk factors Typically, the condition is brought on by coronary artery disease or high blood pressure. Often, atrial fibrillation is triggered by an irregular heartbeat. However, it might occasionally be difficult to determine what triggered such irregularity, and there may be no apparent cause in some cases. In most cases, Afib runs in families, so if one has a family history of the condition, i.e., a close relative has the condition, the likelihood of developing the condition increases.

Recent Articles

Breast cancer – Causes, types, and management

Cancer that originates in the breast tissue is called breast cancer. It is the second most common cancer among women in the country. The condition is seen in women more than men. Fortunately, advancements in screening and breast cancer treatment have enabled dramatic improvements in survival rates over the years. The symptoms include changes in the texture and shape of the nipples, discharge from the nipples, and a lump in the breast.  Read on to learn the causes, types, and management options of breast cancer.  Causes of breast cancer Breast cancer occurs when abnormal breast cells divide and multiply more rapidly than healthy cells. These abnormal cells accumulate to form a lump or mass. Doctors have not been able to know the exact cause of breast cancer. However, multiple factors can trigger the chances of developing the disease, and they include: Family history and genetics The risk increases if you have parents or close relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Having gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are passed down from parents to children, also increases the risk. Age The risk of breast cancer increases with advancing age.  Gender The risk of developing breast cancer is higher in women than in men.   Personal history of breast conditions The risk increases when an earlier biopsy has indicated atypical hyperplasia of the breast or lobular carcinoma in situ or if cancer has been detected in one breast. Radiation exposure The risk of developing the disease increases if you have been exposed to radiation in your head, neck, or chest areas during past treatments. Hormone replacement therapy Women who use hormone replacement therapy may be more prone to breast cancer. Types of breast cancer Breast cancer  can be categorized into two broad types— invasive and non-invasive.  Invasive breast cancer Cancer that has spread from the place of origin to other parts of the body is termed invasive breast cancer.

10 best laundry detergents and their features

Detergents are available in multiple forms, such as pods, powder, and liquids, and choosing the best one can be tough. In addition to daily wear clothing and regular laundry items, you could have some garments that require specialized products for effective cleaning. Some members of your family might have sensitive skin and need mild chemical-free products. So here is a list of the best detergents that can make your laundry task hassle-free.  Gain Laundry Detergent Among the list of laundry detergents that are known for their fragrance is Gain Laundry Detergent. The liquid not only cleans your clothes but also gives them a delicate fragrance that can last for up to 6 weeks or until the garment is worn. This detergent can be used in all washing machines, including highly efficient ones. The detergent also has Oxi Boost, a combination of surfactants, enzymes, and pre-treaters that aid in eliminating stains and odors that could be two weeks old. Moreover, this product is available in multiple sizes to cater to the needs of every household. Persil ProClean Laundry Detergent Among the laundry detergents that excel in stain removal is Persil Proclean. This concentrated liquid offers deep cleaning and has stain-fighting enzymes. It has an active scent boost that eliminates the toughest of stains and odors so that your clothes have a fresh feel. This detergent has exceptional performance in all washing machines and provides effective cleaning at all water temperatures. The clean rinse formula and low suds ensure that white clothes stay white and bright clothes stay bright. Kirkland Laundry Detergent If you are looking for laundry detergents that are easy on your pocket, then choosing this Kirkland laundry detergent will be the best. The detergent offers a great combination of performance and cost-effectiveness. It has an ultra-clean formulation which enables it to travel deep in the fabrics to eliminate odor and stains.