Outdoor Storage

Gardening is making a popular comeback

admin — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:53:15 +0000

Change has come to America. The pop culture phrase “show me the money,” boiling throughout business and industry, has cooled down and is forcing people to take a hard look at what is really important in life.

“Just look around you,” says Susan McCoy, trend spotter and outdoor living expert. “Our relationship with money has changed. Hard work, common sense and a return to small-town values are causing a shift in priorities from boardrooms to backyards.”

According to GMG’s 2010 Garden Trends Report, “The rewards of growing your own – from basil to berries to flowers – are boundless,” says McCoy.

Here is a glimpse of what McCoy and her team of trend spotters see for 2010.

* Edible gardens are in. Lawns are out.
Growing your own groceries is hotter than ever and is transforming homes and communities. A recent survey by the National Gardening Association shows a 19 percent burst of new hobby country farms and urban edible gardens over last year.

“It’s time to reclaim our land for our greater good,” says Margie Grace, the 2009 International Landscape Designer of the Year, awarded by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. “Take that food-producing garden from the back 40 and put it wherever we want. Reunite the ornamental with the edible – roses beside tomatoes, beds edged with herbs, and veggies used as annuals.”

Grace is one of many wanting to “de-lawn” America. Front lawns are being transformed into vegetable and rain gardens. “Hell strips” – the patch of high-maintenance lawn or dirt between the sidewalk and street – are being planted with sustainable flowers, grasses and shrubs that need little to no care.

Gardeners with limited space are finding ways to have fresh herbs and vegetables in their kitchens. Innovative plant systems like Fertile Earth’s new Simple Gardens come with soil, seeds and a how-to guide packed in stylish square containers that make it a snap to grow kitchen gardens in any bright spot. Just add water. You can start gardening earlier in the year with a portable greenhouse.

* Slow gardening is in. Instant gratification is out.

With the rising demand for locally-grown food, organic and energy-efficient products, people are gardening for the greater good. According to Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability, (LOHAS) seed sales are up 30 to 50 percent and canning saw a whopping 45 percent increase. Along with vegetables, people are planting and picking fruits and berries – especially blueberries and raspberries – for their nutritional value and ornamental good looks.

Many new products on the market are designed to help sustain the environment. Revolutionary technology saves gardeners time and water. Aqualok, a sustainable hydration system from Costa Farms, allows you to grow healthy plants with less water and fertilizer plus reduces your watering needs by more than half.

For the do-it-yourself gardeners, add just a little GeoHumus, a new soil additive made from volcanic rock combined with state-of-the-art super absorbents, to all your containers and new plantings. It stores water and releases it to the plants on demand.

* Eco-boosting is in. Chemical-dependent gardens are out.

Demand is up for earth-friendly, sustainable and organic garden products, like the first OMRI-listed compost-based premium blend potting soil from Organic Mechanics Soil Company. The caviar of potting mixes, the all-purpose premier blend is easy to use for all your planting needs.

For all-natural garden products and animal and insect repellents that are environmentally safe for people, pets and plants, turn to innovative companies like The Liquid Fence Company. The company just released FreezePruf, a revolutionary spray that helps plants withstand fall frosts and spring frosts, extending the growing season by a couple of weeks in fall and spring.

* Multi-tasking is in. Single-purpose gardening is out.
Roofs are no longer just for parties. Green roofs are springing to life in cities and small towns, transforming barren space into lush gardens that help cool buildings, absorb rainwater, filter air pollutants, and create wildlife habitats.

Folks are bringing the outdoors in with houseplants. Mini orchids from Costa Farms are affordable, easy to care for, and come in a wide array of colors that are perfect for decorating rooms and gift-giving. Indoor plants are living art accents that provide oxygen, and remove carbon dioxide and harmful volatile organic compounds, 24/7. Check out these natural air-cleaning machines at www.o2foryou.org.

* Perennials and shrubs are in. Divas are out.
Sustainable landscapes, water conservation, perennials and small edible shrubs are hot as gardening with natives attracts needed pollinators and birds, critical for the balance of nature. Consumers are looking for plants that are easy care, have great color, and are pest- and drought-resistant, like the new hardy early and repeat blooming daylily – Jersey Earlybird ‘Cardinal’.

Demand is up for sustainable hybrids like rhododendrons and grasses that provide great impact with little fuss. Look for a new hardy hybrid rhododendron and the first-ever tri-colored Hosta from Briggs Nursery. Rhododendron ‘Trocadero’ is a compact grower with bright red trusses and Hosta ‘Trifecta’ is a drought-tolerant stunner that helps shape landscapes with striking good looks and easy care.

Hiring a landscape designer can cost less than doing it yourself

admin — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:51:21 +0000

It may be cold outside, but homeowners are already dreaming of creating beautiful garden settings around their homes come spring. Landscaping success doesn’t have to be hit or miss, and if it has been for you, it may be time to call in a professional landscape designer.

Why? Because in the long run, hiring a landscape designer can cost less than doing it yourself. You’ll get a “doable” design created right the first time, saving you the cost of repeated tries at getting it right or planting the wrong plants in the wrong spots. A professional landscape designer envisions creative solutions to the most difficult outdoor challenges – problems they’ve more than likely solved before.

Plus, a high-quality landscape increases home sale prices up to 10.8 percent, compared to a home with a simply average landscape, according to the Journal of Environmental Horticulture.

Here are some tips from professional landscape designers to create your dream garden.

First, consider your space and any “issues” that it has. Hiding an unsightly air conditioning unit, adding privacy and changing boring views to beautiful ones are issues that landscape designers face with many clients.

“As a certified landscape designer through the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, I see the big picture,” says Boston-based landscape designer Maria von Brincken, APLD. “A designer sees the problems that you see, and often the ones you don’t, and can offer solutions to create beautiful, functional and earthy-friendly landscapes to add to your lives.”

Next, do your homework. Tear out favorite pictures from gardening magazines, and start making a file on what you would like for your dream garden. While not everything might be possible for your garden, it will give your landscape designer a visual starting point. Don’t forget about hardscape such as patios, decks and fencing; designers can help with these also.

Take your time. Brincken warns of the temptation to impulsively buy plants at a garden center and attempt a garden make-over. This can be a costly gamble for those without experience. Many homeowners find that it takes the help of a designer to create a well-planned landscape project that includes both plants and hardscape.

While there is a cost to hiring a landscape designer, it is ultimately more economical to work with an expert to create a plan specific to your yard. The project is completed in a timely manner and within budget when you take your time and create a landscape plan. Expect to spend about 10 percent of the total cost of the project on the design.

Consider what you want to achieve with your landscape. “People are busy, and they want to have an outdoor space that makes them feel comfortable, not frustrated and worn out from gardening chores,” says Judy Nauseef, APLD, of Iowa City, Iowa, and president of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (www.apld.org).

“They also want to maximize their investment in their home,” she adds. ‘Having a well-designed landscape gives the homeowner more living space and also helps with resale value.”

Research and reach out to a few landscape designers. Be sure to interview several designers to find one who meets your needs and personality. Review the portfolio or Web site of each designer, and visit some of their work if possible. Finally, if you have a budget in mind, share this with the designer up front.

Get ready to get dirty. “You can hire a landscape designer for a range of services. You might choose to hire a designer for a two hour consultation for ideas and suggestions that you might implement yourself,” says Patricia St. John, APLD, of Berkeley, Calif., and APLD incoming president. “You could also hire a designer to give you a complete design for your garden. When it comes to implementing the design you have choices — involve the designer while you hire a recommended landscape contractor or even do some of the work yourself.”

Also, you do not have to complete the whole plan at once. A landscape can be installed over a period of time as well. Homeowners can decide what areas are most important and start there.

Raised Bed Vegetable and Flower Gardens

admin — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:43:12 +0000

The popularity of urban gardening has exploded over the past couple of years, due in part to increased awareness about food safety, the financial stresses of the economy and a growing desire to be eco-friendly.

Some of the most enjoyable, user-friendly gardens, like vegetable and herb gardens or cut-flower gardens, perform exceptionally well in raised beds. Plants tend to perform better in raised beds than in regular beds because there is less soil compaction (since you’re not treading between the plants) and they allow for excellent drainage.

“I’ve been gardening in raised beds for over 30 years, and I’m convinced they’re the best way to grow,” says Paul James, HGTV’s Gardener Guy. “One of the things I like most about raised beds is that they warm up faster in spring and stay warmer longer in the fall, which means a longer growing season and an extended harvest.”

While raised beds are extremely functional, they can also add style to your yard or garden. The organized appearance of the beds lends a handsome structural element. A small vinyl storage shed will keep your garden tools, fertilizers, hoses and other paraphernalia organized and out of sight.

Quality, durable materials last longer and look better. Western Red Cedar is a strong choice for building garden beds because it is easy to work with, rot-resistant and ages beautifully, maintaining its shape and strength over the years, even when exposed to extreme weather. If you’re concerned about the environment, you can take comfort in the fact that it is an authentically sustainable, renewable green building material.

Making your own raised garden beds is an easy and fun project – having a helper will make the job easier. Follow these tips and get growing.

* Plan ahead to keep the bed size manageable. A bed measuring about 3 feet by 6 feet is a good size. You’ll want the bed to be at least a foot high – if you want it higher, just add another board, but keep in mind that you’ll need to add extra soil.

* Buy the materials you’ll need: Western Red Cedar boards (2 x 6 work well) – four 3-foot lengths and four 6-foot lengths; Western Red Cedar posts (4 x 4), for corner supports, cut to 18 inches each; 3-inch galvanized screws, about 35 to 40.

* Cut the ends of the 18-inch post lengths to a sharp point with a saw – these pointed ends will go into the soil to support the bed.

* Lay two post lengths down and place two 3-foot planks on top of them (to equal 12 inches in height) and line up the edges along the sides and to the top of the posts (the unsharpened end). Pre-drill holes using a bit that is smaller than the screws, then put in the screws. Repeat with the other 3-foot boards and 18-inch posts to form the other short end of the bed.

* Now you’re ready to add the long sides of the bed. Place one of the short sections you just made on a level surface, with the pointed ends up. Line one of the 6-foot boards up so that it is flush with the face of the short end, pre-drill holes and then add the screws to secure it. Repeat with a second 6-foot board to equal 12 inches in height.

* Align the second short (3-foot) side of the box with the 6-foot board so that the face is flush with the end of the boards. Pre-drill holes and then drill in screws to secure. Finally, add the other two 6-foot boards on the opposite side to complete the final side of the bed.

* Flip the box over – it’s now ready to install. Before you put it in, prep the area you’ll be using by turning over the soil and then leveling it out as best you can. After you’ve installed the box, fill it with a blend of soil and compost that is best for the type of plants you’ll be growing.

This is just one way to build a raised bed garden. You can add more boards to give the bed extra height or length, or put a cap on top of the boards to provide a place to sit as you garden.

Garden Tool Storage

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:22:12 +0000

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Suncast

184 Reviews
Garden Tool Storage
Model: DB5000
$59.99
Deck box for storing gardening tools.

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Keep frequently used garden trowels and clippers accessible by stowing such tools in this convenient 50-gallon deck box from Suncast. The deck box provides 6.8 cubic feet of storage on a household patio or deck, creating a handy spot to conceal the typical yard clutter of miscellaneous tools, toys, dirty soccer cleats or gardening clogs and other outdoor fare.

Cheap Sheds

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:17:29 +0000

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ShelterLogic

3 Reviews
Cheap Sheds
Model: 70401
$129.99
Heavy duty all steel frame. Polyethylene cover.

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Heavy duty all steel frame. Grey fitted polyethylene cover. Rugged Ratchet Tite Tensioning System provides simple installation while keeping cover tight to frame. Double zippered front door panel and solid rear panel. Ratchet tie-downs, Auger anchors, and Steel foot plates.

Buy Garden Shed

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:06:03 +0000

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Arrow

1 Reviews
Garden Shed
Model: GS83
$365.88
8′ by 3′ size includes steel floor frame.

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Perfect for plywood floor finish. Four large shelves and handy tool hanger rack. Swing open core backed doors. Position against any wall or as a self-standing unit. Locking handle for storage security.
Includes free floor frame kit, shelving on both sides, and a tool hanging kit. Assembly Required.

Build Storage Shed

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:00:33 +0000

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Global
Build Storage Shed
Model: B00142GSTA
$1,829.00
Galvanized Steel Storage Shed .

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9′2″W x 6′1″D x 7′1″H Heavy duty outdoor steel storage shed is made using maintenance-free and corrosion resistant galvanized corrugated steel panels. Steel shed includes a right-side hinged door that is padlockable for security. Door opening measures 45″W x 74″H. Floor is covered in 5-34″H wood to help keep products dry. Top includes built-in rain gutters for water drainage. Storage building allows forklift access when constructed. Easy assembly.

Bike Wall Rack

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:56:18 +0000

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Racor PIW-1R/PIW-1W Pro Wall-Mount Bike Hanger

18 Reviews
Bike Wall Rack
Model: PIW-1R
$8.91
Mounts on wall or ceiling.

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Store any bike from the wall or ceiling with Iron Wedge bike hanger. The model No. PIW 1 has a PVC cushioned sleeve to protect the wheel. Made from epoxy coated, laser cut 12 gauge steel. The model No. PIW 1 has a lifetime warranty. No assembly required.

Arrow Storage Buildings

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 17:22:48 +0000

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Arrow

1 Reviews
Arrow Storage Buildings
Model: B0015ZZLXA
$662.20
Provides 6 times greater UV protection than standard steel finishes.

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Storage shed is made of vinyl-coated steel – 5 times thicker than standard steel finish. Door opening is wide enough for a tractor mower. All parts are numbered, precut and predrilled for simple, do-it-yourself assembly. U.S.A. Dimensions L x W (ft.): 10 x 8, Style: Barn, Outer Material: Steel, Center Height (ft., in.): 7, Storage Volume (cu. ft.): 487

Yard Shed

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:57:15 +0000

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Rubbermaid

22 Reviews
Yard Shed
Model: 3752
$559.99
49 inches high, 70 inches wide, 46 inches deep; 263 pounds.

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Ideal for storing bicycles and lawn equipment, the Rubbermaid 3752 Slide-Lid Storage Shed boasts 92 cubic feet of storage space and is equipped with a structural foam floor that supports up to 1,300 pounds. The roof slides back for easy walk-in access.