Plan Your Garden Now!

It is sad but true- summer is long gone, autumn is on its way out, and winter is just a few weeks away. Because of bad weather and freezing temperatures, most outdoor projects are on hold for the next few months. As you winterize your garden, load your half-full bogs of potting soil into the shed, sort through your reusable versus throwaway flower pots, and pull out the dried husks of your perennials, it is the perfect time to take a look around your backyard and begin planning for next year’s garden.

Like most good plans, this one starts with some questions. What sort of garden do you want next year? What practical steps do you need to take to get it? Do you need to expand any flower beds? What sort of color scheme will you put forth? Will you accent your garden with any sort of brick paving in the form of a tidy walkway or patio edging? Will a water element make your yard even more perfect? Will you need to buy more outdoor furniture?

Having a clear plan in the winter can save you many hours and lots of work in the warmer months! So, take a look at some gardening books and magazines, browse home improvement stores, and begin your spring garden plan before the first flakes of snow even hit the ground!

Face Brick: Solid and Study from the Outside, In

Face brick is the brick you see on the outside of homes, garages, walls, and other building projects.  It is the face of the home, and it provides many things like durability, solidity, sturdiness, and a pleasing exterior.  It is also a great idea for home building because homes made from brick often merit lower fire insurance rates.   Face brick can come in many colors, styles and sizes.  It can often be customized like other masonry materials.   Homes built from brick not only look beautiful, they are also more economical because they use less energy to heat and cool than other, non-brick homes.  When choosing your next home’s outside surface, consider the benefits- both economical and aesthetic- of face brick!