Guest Post - Top 6 Ways to Get Your Dream Garden Ready This Year

Do you want to create a picturesque paradise for your friends and family to relax?

Spring is here and it is a perfect time to start designing your dream garden on time. 

But, where to start?

Here are a few proven ways to get your garden ready this year.

1. Consider the Key Elements of your Garden

There are many garden elements to consider when designing your dream garden. Some of them are:

• Hedges and fences

• Walls and boundaries

• Pathways and patios

• Lawns

• Water features

• Zones

• Plants

• Lighting

Next, pay attention to your plot. Inspect its shape and size. The goal is to determine its direction so you can choose the right design. Consider drawing a sketch of your yard. Observe it from a bird’s eye view. That helps you visualize your garden.

2. Pick your Structural Plants

Structural plants give your garden the desired structure. Those could be trees, shrubs, or vines – anything that brings your gardening elements together into a cohesive unit. 

At this stage, achieving balance is crucial. Remember that most plants and shrubs change size and shape throughout the seasons. That is why using evergreens as your structural plants may be a wise move. 

Evergreen trees give your garden an impeccable focal point and are easily combined with other garden design elements, such as flowering or ground covers.

3. Determine your Focal Points

Focal points are essential elements of every garden, regardless of its size. You use them to draw attention and direct the eye. Without them, your garden would lack focus.

Now, the choice of your focal points depends on your preferences and the overall garden design. For example, these could be:

• A large plant

• A group of plants

• Vibrant plants

• A dwarf shrub

• An unusual tree

When choosing a plant as a focal point, make sure it has a long peak period. In other words, avoid plants with short life cycles, no matter how gorgeous they may be. Focal points need to stay dominant and visually-appealing all year round. 

4. Add Texture

The more texture you add to your garden, the better. Different textures help you create interest in your garden. 

For example, you can combine a marble paver with grassed areas and timber sleepers to personalize the garden and make it more inviting.

Sure, when choosing textures, make sure they go well together and use them consistently. Also, learn to maintain them properly. For example, to take care of concrete surfaces in your backyard, you will need to fix cracks regularly.

5. Combine Plants

You do not need to create separate zones for your flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Bring them together to evoke excitement. 

Make sure your plants naturally flow, evoking consistency and balance. Once you choose your structural plants and focal points, colorful flowering plants can fill the gaps. Choose several flower types and arrange them in a repeated pattern to give your garden a sense of harmony and consistency.

6. Choose Plants You Have Time to Maintain

There are several factors to consider when choosing plants for your garden, including their size, the amount of shade they need, and the soil type they require. 

These elements are crucial since they determine the choice of your plants. For example, some plants and shrubs are highly demanding. One such example is roses that require consistent pruning, feeding, and dead-heading.

So, if you are short on time or you are a forgetful type, pick low-maintenance plants, such as catmint, peony, or coneflower.

Over to You

Designing your dream garden does not have to be difficult. 

For starters, set your goals and build a gardening strategy. 

Start by choosing the shape and size of your garden. Then, select structural plants and focal points that serve as your garden’s solid basis. Finally, fill the gaps with flowering plants and shrubs.

Do not forget to add texture to your garden. Combine plants with different materials, such as brick or timber.

Finally, choose the right plants for your garden. If you do not have time to take care of your garden, pick plants that do not require regular maintenance.

Any tips and insights on designing and maintaining a spotless garden? We are listening!

Author Bio

Eve Anderson is a marketing specialist turned blogger. Interested in sports and exciting travel destinations. Love to share content that can inform people.

Guest Post - Choosing the Right Property that Matches Your Lifestyle

When it comes to buying property, most people consider their budget, physical characteristics of the house, and the neighborhood. While these are important to keep in mind, a property that reflects your needs, social connections, and aspirations is much more important. At the very least, you need a home that is comfortable and convenient for the day-to-day life of your family.

Spotting a property that you can call home isn’t an easy task. Whether you are buying the first home or the second the challenges can be the same. However, your next property search doesn’t have to be as hectic. Here are four tips to help you through the search.

1.      Define your lifestyle

It can be hard to identify a property that matches your lifestyle if you don’t know what your lifestyle looks like. Before you start your search, it is good to pause and define your lifestyle. What does the way you live tell you about the best home for you?

If you love partying, hosting, and attending events, you would need a home with open spaces and a huge backyard to entertain your guests. You would also do well in a home that is close to the city and on public transportation. If you love cooking, you would need a home with a modern kitchen fitted with the latest appliances. If you work from home or spend more time at home, you would do well in a low-maintenance home with an office space. If you are a family man, you would need a home with several bedrooms and a huge backyard probably with a pool. You would also need one that is close to parks, schools, hospitals, and grocery stores.

Identifying your lifestyle will help you make a list of the must-haves as well as the optional features in your next home.

2.      Consider the ability to expand and non-negotiables first

As much as you would want a home that suits your lifestyle, affordability is a key thing to consider. You don’t want to go for a property that mortgage repayments will leave your monthly budget stressed. If your budget doesn’t allow you to go for that house with many bedrooms, consider going for one with fewer bedrooms. However, ensure that it is a home that you can make alterations or add extensions in the future to meet your needs.

Besides, even as you forgo some aspects of your lifestyle, consider those that you can’t negotiate about first. For instance, you can always make home improvements regardless of where the home is located, but if you want a home with proximity to certain amenities, that is something you need to prioritize. When you start with the aspects that you can’t influence, it takes you closer to a home that satisfies your needs.

3.      Take your time

Many people love a house at first sight only to regret their decision after purchasing it. You need to note that buying a property is a huge investment in your life, and thus take it with the seriousness it deserves. Besides this, you don’t want to fall into the trap of loving home at first sight then live miserably after it fails to match your lifestyle or end up selling shortly after. To avoid this, take your time checking through the listings in your area of choice. Pay a visit to various homes and picture yourself living there. You can also use apps that allow you to key in the main features that you are looking for and then matches you with the ones that fit you best. Whichever way you choose to take, ensure that you are fully satisfied with a property before committing to it.

4.      Work with a professional

As said earlier, identifying a property that fully matches your needs can be challenging. However, you can save yourself all the stress by working with a professional. Reliable real estate firms such as Lotmix, have mechanisms in place to match people with houses that suit their lifestyles. You just need to say what you are looking for and then relax. The professionals here will guide you in selecting a home that best suits you.

Conclusion

Choosing a property that matches your lifestyle is one way to improve your quality of life. You will be happy and satisfied in a home that serves your needs well. Follow the above tips to land a home that does exactly that.

Author Bio: Lena Linetti is an architect based in San Francisco.

The Warning Signs That You Need a New Roof

A properly installed and quality roof is critical to maintaining your home and ensuring it’s a safe and comfortable place to live. That is why you need to watch out for the warning signs that you need a new roof. A faulty roof can lead to extensive damage to the inner structure of your home and reduce the quality of living inside.

If you cannot remember or do not know the last time you have had maintenance done to your roof, then consider the following symptoms.

Leaks

The most obvious signs for a new roof is leaks. Check your attic for any current leaks or clear signs of any recent leaks after a rainfall. You can quickly determine the integrity of your roof whether or not there is water present in your attic. The more water that has entered your attic through your roof, the worse your roof’s condition is.

Presence of Mold

With extensive damage, water can leak through your roof, into your attic, and then spread to other parts of the home. Look for discolored spots on your ceilings, which could be due to the buildup of mold as a result of moisture from rainwater.

Increased Energy Consumption

A roof that’s old, falling apart, or poorly insulated can result in an increase in energy use to keep the house warm. Hot air naturally rises, and by insulating your roof, the hot air is trapped in your home, warming it so you won’t have to leave the heater on all day. A faulty roof will allow this hot air to escape, causing your home to cool down when you need it to be warm.

Added Money Saver

While the cost of a new roof is one of the major considerations when installing one, the increased insulation will save you money in the long term because you won’t have to use your heater constantly. Without repair, you’d waste heat and lose money. While roof repair is initially expensive, it can save you money in the long term since you’d no longer be wasting money and heat.

Cracked Shingles

Going outside and looking at the condition of your roof can quickly tell you the extent of weather damage done to your shingles. A few individual shingles that need replacing isn’t cause to replace the entire roof. But, if the damage is widespread, then that may require you to have a full replacement done.

The Best Roof for Your Home

Always be aware of the signs of a failing roof and know what material is best for your environment. Some applications are better than others and more sturdy shingles may be necessary for the harsh weather conditions of your particular region.

Oh, sure thing, it does read a little rough. I was trying to say that allowing heat to escape from your home will cause you to use the heater more when it's cold outside. So in the long-term, you'll lose money on all the heat you are wasting. But that extra expense of heating your home can be eliminated with repairing your roof. Where you have an expensive initial payment with the roof, over time you are no longer wasting money heating your home every year.

6 Common Home Automation Mistakes And How You Can Avoid Them

smart

Most recently, more and more people are now accustomed to installing a home automated system because of its many benefits. Before, the incredible features of the automation system are only accessible to commercial buildings and luxurious homes due to its high-priced value. Fortunately, as technology advances combined with the increase in the production of phones and tablets, a home automation system can be readily installed without spending a large amount of money. Aside from having full control of lighting, security, camera, windows and doors, you can also have access control on your devices, heating and cooling systems, and even your entertainment system. Hence, with the right automation device, and proper installation, you can truly benefit from its tremendous functionality. 

1. Buying The Product That Lacks Features

Needless to say, countless products are available in the market today that could easily convince you to purchase them. It is important to consider that each product contains different features and functions which may or may not work with your home devices and appliances. Furthermore, acquiring the wrong product will leave you with more difficulty and inconvenience rather than enjoying its benefits. You should keep in mind that your needs and priorities should come first.

To prevent such circumstances, you should take some time to research when buying the right product and features.  You should know the features that work well with your lifestyle and working schedules. Getting the right product with the needed qualities will ensure safety, convenience, protection and comfort.

2. Installing The Home Automated System On Your Own

There is a great danger and high possibility of failed installation when you are not familiar with the home automated system. This is because there are specific details that must be followed, and sometimes, it can be strenuous. Installing your home automation product for the first time will need careful attention. The physical installation mainly deals with the wiring of electrical equipment and the necessary placement of your smart devices in your home. Moreover, it would be harder to carry out the installation when you are trying to upgrade new capabilities on your smart devices.  Hence, it is always advisable to refrain from doing the installation yourself to avoid problems during and after the installation.

To prevent such failure, it is greatly necessary to seek the assistance of professional installers. They are highly capable of assessing your home on how the installation must go forward, at the same time, they carry the right equipment to fully work on your system without damage, or worse, injuries. Also, you need an expert to devise a complete network design that will work effectively with your smart automated system.

3. Your Automation System Lacks The Necessary Ventilation

Even with the right home automated system product, you need to make sure that your device is getting the right ventilation. Your device may not last long if it gets heated up after running for long hours. This may cause your device to become damaged and destroyed. When this occurs, you will be facing bigger problems related to repair, and even reinstallation. Hence, the area where air can just freely flow should be taken into consideration. Alternatively, you could incorporate a specialty equipment rack for better airflow, or install a mechanical cooling system to prevent the device from getting heated up.

4. Purchasing The Brand That  Is Not Compatible

First and foremost, you should check for compatibility feature. Your home automation device should be compatible to connect with the other devices and appliances in your home. When you have compatibility issues, it would be very difficult for you to manage your automation system. To fully achieve a working control home system, you must be able to harmoniously link your devices to your control home system. In this way, you will have a smart home that greatly supports your needs.  On the other hand, some brand products do not work well together and this issue causes major problems during installing. 

5. Purchasing cheap products that may be unreliable

As part of the general rule, it is a must to consider the consequences and outcome of buying inexpensive products. It may seem wise to save money but then suffer from the problems that might arise days or months after the installation.  Cheap products may have been fabricated using substandard materials, thus, it is best to scrutinize the product before purchasing them.

Furthermore, you might need to spend more money to replace or repair your system. Likewise, low-cost brands usually fail to provide quality and service.

6. Lack Of Thorough Planning

When installing a home control system, thorough planning can greatly make a difference in achieving a complete functional home. It is essential that after the installation, your smart home system will provide a safe and comfortable environment. The one thing that requires planning is your wiring which must be fully structured. Properly structured wiring can contribute to the safety and efficiency of your smart devices.