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Improving the appearance of my garden in winter

I have a garden that is very water efficient, so it looks great in the warmer months, but it can become a little overgrown and wild in the colder months. I might not spend as much time out there in winter, but I still like it to look good. I have been working on the garden design to help it look good all year round, and I have found that with the right plant selection and preparation, the garden can look great throughout the year. This blog has tips for other homeowners who are looking to improve the appearance of their garden when the weather gets wet.

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Improving the appearance of my garden in winter

2016

Al Fresco: Ideas for Outdoor Dining Decor
Everybody loves eating outside in nice weather. There's just something relaxing about the sun and the breeze that makes your food all the more enjoyable. However, to really enjoy your meal outside, you need a good outdoor dining table—and choosing one can be easier said than done. With such a wide variety of outdoor furniture available, it can be hard to know what to go for. As such, here are a few ideas to get your decor inspiration flowing.

What to Do When You've Locked Your Keys in Your Car
Let's face it: nearly everyone's locked their keys inside their car and gotten stranded in the office carpark. Luckily, you can get into most models without having to smash a window. If the following method doesn't work for you, you should contact your local emergency auto locksmith, who will be able to get into your car to retrieve your keys without drama. In the meantime, here's how to get into your car.

Answering Some Frequently Asked Questions About Glass Shower Screens
Glass shower screens are a great choice for smaller bathrooms, as they open up the space and reflect light, making the area seem brighter as well as bigger. If you're thinking about replacing your standard shower curtain with a glass screen, note a few questions you might have so you know if this is the right choice for your bathroom. How much damage is done to the bathroom for a glass shower screen?

4 Unexpected Benefits of Under-Tile Heating
Famously invented by the Romans and now regarded as an affordable luxury the world over, underfloor heating grows in popularity year on year.  People love the aesthetic appeal of temperature control that doesn't require a space heater or other big, blocky device in the room.  It allows you to leave your wall and floor space clear while reaping all the benefits of a dedicated radiator or heater system.  However, the visual appeal isn't the only feature of under-tile heating.

Smart Home Tech You'll Want to Include in Your New Home Design
If you're planning on having a new home built, you'll want to ensure you include all the best features right from the start rather than assuming you can easily retrofit or replace items in that new home down the road. This includes smart home technology, meaning computerized gadgets that help you control many of your home features remotely or automatically. Note a few pieces of smart home technology that you may want to include in your new home design and why they can be so convenient and beneficial.

Why should you insulate your loft?
Loft insulation is an increasingly popular choice for homeowners all over the world, and not without good reason. If your loft (like many in Australia) remains inadequately insulated, you might just want to make sure that changes--and here's why. Seven Reasons To Insulate Your Loft Hot air rises, which means that your home loses a great deal of heat through the roof. Installing good loft insulation saves most of that heat and sends it right back into your home!

How to Maximize the Space of a New Built-In Wardrobe
A built-in wardrobe is a good choice for any room without an actual closet, and it can turn a spare room into a proper bedroom very quickly, typically without as much construction as is needed for a closet you build into a wall. A built-in wardrobe can be as roomy as you choose and even expand an entire wall space, but note a few simple tips for maximizing the space in any new wardrobe you choose, so you know it's as functional as possible and you get the most use from it.

Pergolas: Various Advantages of Constructing One in Your Backyard
If you have a backyard, undoubtedly you will be looking for ways to enhance it. There are numerous ways that you can spruce up your backyard to make it more attractive or functional. If you are looking for a solution that will enable you to accomplish both of these feats, then you should consider the construction of a pergola. This is a structure that is made of columns, latticework and an open roof, but you can opt to install roofing on it if you want to have full protection against the elements.

Tips For Effective Air-Conditioning In Dense-Racking Workshops
If you run a small business that utilises a warehouse for keeping stock, you may be familiar with the problems presented by operating an air-conditioning system in a dense-racking environment.  Ineffective air-conditioning can leave your employees shivering or overheating, depending on whereabouts in the warehouse they are working.  You could also finish up with higher energy bills than you were expecting too. So how do you ensure that a warehouse with a dense-racking layout stays adequately ventilated?

Top Tips For Solar Collector Installation
If you live in a climate where you enjoy lots of sunshine for most of the year, you might be considering installing a solar collection system to provide you with cheap hot water.  If so, you'll need to bear in mind the following helpful information to ensure that you get the best performance from your investment in solar collectors.  This information is applicable whether you choose to have solar tubes or solar panels installed.

4 Ways Motorised Shutters Can Help Prevent Burglaries
Motorised shutters are great for convenience, and they can also prove a real boon to home security. Here are just four ways going motorised can make your home more secure against potential burglars. 1. You Can Stop the House Looking Empty  Your automatic shutters will come with a remote, so you'll be able to lower them while you're chilling on the sofa if you so wish. However, they'll also come with a programmable monitor, so you'll be able to set your shutters to rise or descend at certain points throughout the day.

How to Make Your Bedroom Feel Cosier This Winter
As the long nights start to draw in, you might find your bedroom feeling a little chilly. If you're not keen on turning the heating up any further, or you simply want to invite a cosier feel into the room, then this is the article for you. With a few simple new additions to your bedroom, you'll find it transformed from somewhere cold and uninviting, to a warm, reassuring haven you won't want to leave in the morning.

How to Make the Most of the Space in Your Garage
Most of us use our garages for much more than simply storing cars. Garages often become an impromptu storage space, home to Christmas decorations, sporting equipment, tools and more. You might also use your garage as a workspace for messy projects or even a place for the kids to play. Following the tips below will help you to make full use of the space in your garage. You might be surprised at how much more stuff you can store or thrilled to gain some extra room to work on hobbies.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Installing Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters are a traditional alternative to curtains and were historically popular on USA plantations due to the cooling ventilation they provide. Minimalist and simple, they give a fresh look to kitchens and living spaces. They are typically made of wooden slats supported by a frame around the window and block out light whilst they are shut. When opened, the angled gaps between the slats allow air and light to flow into the home, creating a sense of spaciousness.

3 Factors To Bear In Mind When Buying A Garage Door
When buying a garage door it's easy to think of your decision in terms of simply finding a door that's the right size and does the simple job of keeping the contents of your garage secure. However, as the door will be in place for a long period of time, you should also think about what's required to maintain it, whether the style is suitable for your property and whether it has safety features that could benefit your family.

Shopping for a security screen door
Security doors help keep your home safe from intruders, but they aren't always the sort of thing you'd want on the front of your home. Security screen doors feature a metal mesh that still keeps out unwanted visitors while also letting in light and air. There are many different kinds of security screen doors, and it can be a little daunting trying to find the one that's right for you. Here are a few of the things you need to look out for.

Carpet Cleaning Made Simple
Keeping your carpets clean can be a challenge, but with the right combination of tools you can keep them looking spotless for years to come. The secret of successful carpet cleaning is regular care combined with periodic treatment to deal with larger problems. Everyday care Routine carpet care doesn't take much effort, but if neglected it can lead to significant staining or discoloration. Set a schedule for hoovering your carpets, making sure to move furniture so that you can get into hard-to-reach areas.

Versatile Storage Units
Sometimes, a house or apartment isn't big enough to store all your belongings. Once the closets are full, the cellar door is budging and you're wondering if the ceiling's going to break under the pressure from the attic, it's time to start thinking about getting some external storage. It might also be that you own something that is too big for an ordinary house — an array of cars, a large boat, or the club's sports equipment.

Privacy Screens: The Different Types You Could Choose
If you are looking to enhance the privacy on your property but do not want to install solid fencing, then you should consider a privacy screen. Privacy screens are decorative structures that are designed to obstruct views from the outside into your living space, whether this living space is a gazebo, a patio, a deck, a garden and more. One of the oldest types of privacy screens were used by the Japanese.

What Will YOU Do at Home in the Event of a Fire?
Do you have a fire plan in place at your home? In particular, have you discussed with other members of your family what will happen in the unfortunate event a fire breaks out? What are the main things you need to consider as you make these crucial preparations? Dangers All Around In a modern home there are many different ways that a fire could break out. A faulty electrical circuit could trigger an issue without warning.

Brightening Up the Kitchen: 3 Types of Flowers to Keep in the Kitchen
Are you looking to freshen up your kitchen and enhance the living space it provides? There's nothing simpler and easier to do than to purchase a bouquet of fresh flowers from a florist or from the marketplace to put in your kitchen and liven up the place. You can even arrange to have fresh flowers delivered weekly or even semi-weekly from a florist if you wish. Flowers can do a lot for your kitchen.

Care of Tupelo Trees
If you live in a rural area with plenty of outdoor space and you are looking for a species of ornamental tree that will bring year-round interest to your property, you might like to consider planting and growing a tupelo tree (Nyssa sylvatica).  There are several different species of tupelo tree suitable for slightly different climates that you will find at your local plant wholesalers. So, what's so good about tupelo trees and how do you go about growing them?

How to create a farmhouse-style kitchen
Many people love the charming, 'lived-in' look of a farmhouse-style kitchen; this style is usually associated with rustic or vintage design features and wooden materials, and tends to have an inviting, warm appearance. If you'd like to incorporate this look into your own kitchen, here are a few suggestions on how you can do this. Cabinets Because cabinets often take up a lot of space within a kitchen, changing them is a great way to transform the space.

Factors to Keep in Mind When Purchasing Curtains for Your Home
Window furnishings are a staple in every household. However, due to how commonplace they are, not many homeowners actually take the time to consider the type of curtains that they are buying for their home. Instead, they will simply base their decision on affordability as well as aesthetics. The reality is that you need to factor in some considerations when making a choice of fabric for your curtains. This will ensure that they will not only complement your interior furnishings but that the window coverings can be functional too.

Patios: Tips to Enhancing the Aesthetics of Your Patio
A patio refers to a paved area that is typically located at the back of a residence. Technically speaking, the patio itself is the floor covering. However, it is common for homeowners to attach some sort of roofing to this space to create an exterior living area. If you use your patio for entertaining, it would be a good idea to spruce it up to make it appealing and inviting for your guests.

Lawn Mowers: Basic Tips to Prolong Their Lifespan
When it comes to lawn maintenance, few types of equipment take a lashing as much as lawn mowers do. However, as long as this appliance is up and running, it tends to be ignored by homeowners. It is only when it shows signs of disrepair or completely breaks down is when people begin to seek lawn mower repairs. The reality is that a few preventative measures can go a long way in preventing the premature death of your lawn mower.

A Slippery Subject: Using Non-Slip Treatments To Increase Traction On Timber Decks
A well built timber deck can be a beautiful and useful addition to almost any garden, providing sure footing whatever the weather or time of year. However, if a timber deck is neglected it will become less reassuringly sturdy underfoot, and a poorly maintained timber deck can become a slippery liability in cooler, wetter months.  This is far from an inevitable fate for your deck, however, and there are many ways to improve traction on a deck that is starting to lose its grip.

Three unusual ways to use the wood from an old tree trunk in your garden
Sometimes it is necessary to remove a tree from your garden. You will be able to use some of the wood as firewood, if you have a use for it. Before you simply ask the tree specialist to remove the bulk of the wood, consider some unusual ways to use the trunk of the tree.   Arrange for the tree specialist to cut the trunk into sections of different thicknesses so that you can use them in the following ways.

Beautiful and Practical Features to Include When You're Getting Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Getting custom kitchen cabinets means being able to have cabinets and cupboards created to your exacting taste, and also being able to maximize space in what might otherwise be an awkward layout in your kitchen. No matter your reasons for getting custom cabinets, you want to take the opportunity to create pieces that are beautiful yet practical, so note a few features you don't want to overlook when discussing your options with your cabinetmaker.

Reduce Heat in Your Home With These Window Treatments
If you struggle with the hot temperatures in your home but don't want to use your air conditioner so much, you can alter what window treatments you have. Here are some of the best window treatments to have when you live somewhere with hot temperatures. Blinds The first type of window treatment you might want to consider for reducing heat in your home is blinds. Blinds are great because it makes it easy to control how much sunlight gets into your home.

Essential Tips for Organizing Your Move
If you are planning on moving house in the near future, it is never too soon to start preparing. Organizing your move is an important part of the process, as it helps you to keep all important documents together, get packing done in an orderly fashion, and ensure everything is complete by the time the movers show up. Here are some tips for organizing your move. Keep All Moving Items in One Room