Every year there’s always one weekend when my phone starts ringing off the hook.  It’s usually sometime around mid-to-late March, that first really nice weekend when everybody gets out in their yards, starts in earnest their spring clean-up, and says something along the lines of “Oh yeah, we wanted to get a new patio installed this year…”

And who knows, maybe that’ll be you this year.  And maybe you’ve already started kicking around few thoughts.  Or
maybe you’re struggling to come up with some ideas.

Many homeowners like to visit local supply yards to get a sense of styles and what products are available, and look over some design ideas.  Most suppliers have a display courtyard with many of their more “popular” products.  Paver manufacturers offer catalogues upon catalogues of their product lines, all designed to help sell as many products as possible.  And many suppliers will also display some “basic” flagstone designs, all laid out to appeal to the masses.

And many homeowners are able to find something that works for them.  I always encourage clients and prospects to look at “live” samples, and a supplier is a great place to get started.

The problem with this technique however, is that because these display areas are set up to appeal to nearly everybody and offend no one, the result is a somewhat chocolate and vanilla selection.  Do I like vanilla ice cream?  Yes, of course, but what really gets me excited is Peanut Butter Swirl or Pralines and Pecans.  And getting back to hardscaping, you’re probably not going to see those designs in a catalogue or display area.

So I wanted to show a couple of patio design samples, designed to be slightly off the beaten path perhaps, but to show you what can be possible with a little bit of thinking outside the box.

Full disclosure here, this is the front path at my house.  This was a project that was a few years in the making as I wrestled with some design ideas (happens to the best of us) and worked on accumulating as many bricks as possible.  The bricks are a hodge-podge of leftover bricks from other projects, some were part of the original path we took out, and some were scavenged from driving around looking for demo-work and asking for bricks.  Not a single brick was purchased with the intention of being used for this project. 

We set them in a modified running bond style pattern because the various size bricks just wouldn’t line up cleanly any other way.  I love the interplay of the various shades of red, and the mortar stains from the bricks’ previous lives really add some character.  Nothing that could have been achieved by buying new bricks right off the pallet.

This was a walkway we did a few years’ ago back in my California days.  The problem we were presented with was an incredibly narrow passageway between the newly built house and the side fence. We had about 3.5’ of clearance, barely enough to fit a wheelbarrow (Thanks builders!).  And certainly not enough space to do any traditional size beds flanking the path. And the homeowners and I were on the same page in that we wanted some softscaping to avoid the appearance of a barren concrete dead zone.

The solution was to incorporate the plantings into the path.  We left just enough space between the large irregular pieces of flagstone to soften the area without sacrificing space, and planted some jasmine to (eventually) cover up the fence.

These next few pictures aren’t our projects, and the photos are courtesy of Sunset Magazine (Awesome mag! Check it out if you’re not familiar). I love this picture because it really shows what can be done with a ridiculously small space.  The yard was divided in half, not just with a straight horizontal or vertical line, but rather a diagonal line from corner to corner, stretching the line as far as possible to create the illusion of more space. And the use of the irregular shaped natural flagstones adds a rustic wilderness feel, even though you’re just a few feet from the urban jungle.

Another Sunset picture here. And OK, so it’s not a patio, and no, I’m not suggesting that we can grow cactus outside here in Philly.  But I LOVE what they did for these planters. Those are old chunks of terracotta drain pipe, broken off into random length segments and stuck into the hillside as planters.  How cool is that!  A perfect example of using non-traditional materials in an everyday use.  You could also use old watering cans, wheelbarrows, bathtubs – pretty much anything that will hold soil and allow for a bit of drainage.

Follow the yellow brick road … I love this patio because it really shows how a design doesn’t have to be linear, and the material choices don’t have to be just one thing.  The combination of big stones and little stones, square stones and round stones, and stones and bricks of different types are all used together to create something truly unique and special.  I can just see my 5-year-old playing “roads” with his toy trucks following the spiral path of large stones.  Can’t do that on a square space with just one material being used.

The moral of this post? Don’t be afraid to be a little different.  Nearly everybody wants their patio, their living space, and their yard to be interesting in addition to be functional.  But in order to be interesting you need to be a little different.  And copying the manufacturer catalogues isn’t going to get you there.

I had a client a few years ago who had a collection of hose spigot handles that he set in the surface of the patio for quite an interesting and unique border around the patio.  The sky really is the limit.  Those horizontal ledge stones  for your garden walls?  Try setting them vertical instead.  Nearly every garage I’ve ever been in has some old “junk” – bricks, windowframes, garden tools – that can be incorporated into your yard or patio somehow.  Give it a shot.  Don’t be afraid.  We’re certainly not, so if you need a little help, just let us know.

As the spring season dawns upon us, it’s time for many homeowners to start thinking about landscaping improvement projects.  One of the first things on many homeowners’ agendas is to take care of their fencing.

Whether its repairs to an existing fence, or a brand new fence to help corral that new puppy your daughter wants, fences always seem to be a popular project, especially early in the season.  People like to address security, containment, defining their property, and privacy first before starting to focus on their outdoor living spaces.

And like any home improvement project, there are a lot of options to choose from.  One of those styles is the traditional split rail fence.

Split rail fences are among the least expensive styles of fencing, due to the limited amount of materials needed to complete the fence and the ease of installation. Historically, the split rail fence originated when farm owners would use old trees and branches from their land as the rails, in order to keep livestock in, or outside animals away from their crops.

Today split rail fences are used by homeowners who prefer a rustic look and want to define their property lines without sacrificing wide-open vistas.

The split rail fence is a quite simple design.  The posts include two or three “nesting” slots cut through the width of the post, with the rough-cut rails inserted into the slots spanning the distance between the posts.  Traditionally, posts can be set directly into the earth with no concrete reinforcement if desired, however we typically prefer to set the posts in a concrete footing for added stability.

The type of lumber used for split rail fences varies by region, but here on the east coast the most popular options are usually either pressure-treated southern yellow pine, or non-treated locust.  The locust tends to run a bit more expensive, however the cost difference is minor, and either option is considerably cheaper than some of the other styles out there.

The advantages of split rail fencing are many.  First, as mentioned it’s among the least expensive of custom-built wood fencing styles, pricing out at about 60 percent of the cost of a picket fence, and nearly half the cost of a stockade-style fence.

Secondly, for property owners who want to define or contain their spaces without upsetting the open feel of their yards, or for homeowners who don’t want to seclude themselves from their neighbors, the open design allows visibility without boxing you in.

Thirdly, for do-it-yourselfers it’s among the most straight-forward of fencing styles to install. You don’t need to be a skilled carpenter, it requires very little by way of specialty tools, and there is little, if any, hardware needed to complete the installation.

In addition to helping keep the cost down, the scarcity of materials needed also means the installation process is relatively non-intrusive.  That means you’ll get to keep those beautiful shrubs along the fenceline without hacking them up to complete the installation.

Gates can be custom-built to match the style of the fence, although we strongly recommend setting any gate posts in concrete to help eliminate sag and/or binding of the gate.

And for just a dollar or two more a linear foot, a wire mesh can be mounted to the face of the fence to help keep pets or young children inside the contained space.

What the split rail fence does not accomplish is adding privacy to your yard, so if you’re looking for a fence to conceal your private hot-tub sessions, well I’ll be happy to talk about some other options with you.

If you’re interested in how split rail fencing can work for you, or if you’re interested in any other fencing styles please give us a call, and I’ll be glad to discuss and set up a free consultation.

Editor’s Note:  I’d like to try something just a bit different this week with the introduction of my first guest author, Isaac Carver.  Isaac is an accomplished home security expert who has spent over a decade in the field helping people to protect their homes.  Whether it’s talking about the latest tech or offering some creative yard or home improvement tips, he’s there to help keep you and your loved ones safe.

When it comes to the idea of home security, lots of people think you need to opt into fancy systems and high-grade surveillance equipment. While these things certainly couldn’t hurt, it’s not the only thing you can do to improve the safety of your home.

It might surprise some homeowners out there to know that there is a proactive approach you can take to home security without relying on a system. Things like yard work and home improvement – little things that can improve the overall quality of life – can make a huge difference. 

Trimming Back Hedges and Branches
Lots of people like to keep rows of hedges close to their front doors and windows. The problem here, however, is that these are unwittingly providing cover to burglars as they attempt to force their way in. If you have bushes or hedges flanking any major entry points, you might consider trimming them back. As a general rule of thumb, you should be able to see over any bushes that are in close proximity to your windows or doors. If maintenance is an issue, then you might want to consider shopping for a particular type of hedge or bush that can only grow a certain height.

Plants with thorns or spiky leaves such as roses or hollies can also be an effective deterrent when it comes to keeping unwanted visitors from entering your yard though border plantings around the perimeter of the yard. 

Tree branches provide their own unique set of trouble. While not always the case, some burglars in the past have made use of overgrown tree branches to access second floor windows and patios. Keeping up with the pruning not only makes your trees look nicer, it helps minimize the ways a burglar can get in.

Outside Lights
Some people put them in their yard, some people put them along the path leading in – wherever you decide to put them, just make sure it’s in a spot where you’ll benefit the most. For a lot of homeowners in this country, that just so happens to be near the front and back doors and the driveway area. Outside or exterior lights can be purchased in most major hardware stores and many of them are easy enough to install. These lights also come in a variety of forms. Some are solar powered, some have sensors that detect when it’s dark enough to automatically turn on, and some have motion sensors.

The kind with motion sensors built in are especially helpful in securing your home because of how they work. If even a small amount of movement is detected within range of the lights – be it from a four-legged or two-legged intruder – the lights flash on conveying the illusion that someone is home, and illuminating any misdeeds the intruder is trying to hide.
 
Gravel Paths
Loose stone or gravel paths serve a number of different purposes. Primarily, they provide people with an obvious path into the home at a relatively affordable cost. Depending on what you’re going for, from a landscaping perspective, gravel paths can also provide a visually pleasing contrast against all the surrounding softscaping. Gravel paths can also open the door to more creative opportunities regarding your yard, like native rock gardens or water features. 

Reading this, though, you might be asking yourself: How can a gravel path actually help secure the home?  By giving you enough warning to act if someone is approaching your front door. How many people do you know that can actually tread quietly on such a surface? You’ll hear their approach and so will any canine companions you have in the home.

Fences and Gates
Putting in a fence serves a number of different purposes from marking your property to confining the area of play for your little children and pets. While not necessarily a guaranteed crime stopper, the inherent structure and boundary presented by a fence can impede the progress of a would-be intruder.

Also remember that when you put a gate in, unless it is properly secured, you might as well be carving a hole in your fence. You need a sturdy lock to secure that gate and it’s wise to make sure the gate is the same height as the rest of the fence.

If All Else Fails
You can always put out a search for home security systems if, after all these tips, you still aren’t quite sure about the safety and security of yourself and your home. Some brands and sites like http://www.homessecurity.com/, for example, offer some of the best systems on the market.

However you decide to protect your home, just remember that with a little work and maintenance, you can not only improve the look of your home, but the overall quality of life within. It’s about time your home looked safe in addition to looking good.

The big day is here. Regardless of whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual observer, or a non sports fan altogether, its hard not to be aware that Super Bowl Sunday is upon us.  In a way its sort of become the largest of the non-official US Holidays.

And regardless of whether you’re rooting for the San Francisco 49ers or Baltimore Ravens, nearly everybody likes to partake in some form of Super Bowl Celebration.


It’s a chance for me personally to showcase some of my favorite Super Bowl snacks.  And one of my favorite Super Bowl snacks is my award-winning Chili recipe.

The Super Bowl thing is really just an excuse.  In fact this chili recipe is one of my favorite winter meals period.  Nothing better than a large pot of aromatic chili simmering on the stove all day, a fire in the fireplace, maybe a good football game on the TV or solid playlist on the stereo, and a hearty wintertime meal.

Like a good landscape, good recipes are, in my opinion, to be shared and enjoyed.  And for those of you who think my blog needs to have a bit of a landscape tie-in, well the tomatoes are the excess of last year’s homegrown tomato crop, so there you go.

With no further build-up, here goes …

Ingredients:
4 Tbsp Flour
3 Tbsp Chili powder
4 tsp Dry mustard
2 tsp Oregano
2 tsp Black pepper
2 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp Cayenne pepper
1 tsp Celery seed
½ tsp Cumin
½ tsp Thyme
½ tsp Corriander
4 lbs Ground Beef
2 14-oz cans Kidney beans
4 14-oz cans tomatoes (or stewed fresh tomatoes to substitute)
5 large Bell peppers
Jalapenos to taste (10 +/- depending on spice preference)
2 large onions
Approx 15-20 peeled garlic cloves

Start by taking all of the spices and mixing them together in a jar or medium-sized container.  Next chop up your veggies and put them in a large pot over very low flame, along with the beans.  While the veggies are simmering, take the beef and start frying it up in a separate pan.  When the beef is just about fully cooked, drain out the grease and add a decent quantity of the spice mixture in with the beef.  Continue to cook for an extra minute or two until the beef is fully cooked, and add the beef in with the veggies.  Next I typically add a bit of water to the empty frying pan and continue to cook allowing any spice residue to be removed from the bottom of the pan. Add the water/spice residue mix back to the large pot.

That’s basically it. Continue to cook the large pot over low flame for about 5 to 6 hours, until everything is cooked and the mix has begun to reduce.  I’ll usually check on the mix regularly to stir, and add any remaining spice mix from the jar.  The spices should be fully added as the chili cooks down.

A quick heads-up, the quantities listed above yield a boatload of chili.  I like to make it with the intention of having lots of leftovers for the upcoming week or two.  Make sure you have a large pot that can handle the quantity, or if you’d prefer, cut all the above quantities in half.  Just make sure you keep the ratios the same.

Enjoy!  Crack open a good IPA, serve with your choice of chips, bread or crackers, some shredded cheese or sour cream, and dig in!  There hopefully isn’t too much more winter weather to stomach, and this chili should bridge you over until spring weather settles in!