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Time To Get Out The Lawn Mowers

by Marsha R. Brooks - Last updated September 6, 2021

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Proper mowing is the most super way of keeping the lawn of your garden healthy. Grasses behave like the most plant in that if you clip off the crown which is the growing part of the grass where the new leaves develop, the grass branches out and become denser. The end result is that the thousands of individual plants grow to tightly woven lawn.

You will agree that mere act of mowing is not what makes a lawn to flourish and look good. Mowing is an art that many have specialized in through practice in order to acquire the important skills essential to anyone who intends to successfully walk behind lawn mower. A mower is a machine that uses rotating blades to cut a lawn and requires to be handled with great care. This means that one has to be familiarized with the general functionality of a mower not just knowing how to push it.

Lawn mowers come in many designs, each suited for particular purposes. For small gardens and residential places, the smallest type which uses human labor to move it is ideal. On the other hand, the large, self-contained, ride on mowers are more suited to large lawns such as pitches. For large expanses of land such a golf courses and parks, multi-gang pulled by tractors are more economical and efficient.

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How to make a perfect lawn cut

Check the height of the blades. Mowing height determines how healthy and attractive the end result of a cut will be. Many lawn mowers can be easily adjusted. Good mowing practices involve a season based program. At the start of a mowing season, set the blades of your mower high then gradually lower than over the weeks.

The main cutting height is 2.5cm which can be reached in gradual steps. Always remember that mowing causes stress to the grass as it removes the agents responsible for the food manufacturing. Cutting lower than 2.5cm can result in a lawn that is highly susceptible to drought and other issues because it is weakened.

Move strategically. During the mowing session, you may consider using the following procedural steps that have proved effective to many:

Start by working your lawn around the edge.

As you walk behind lawn mower, put the power cable over your shoulder. This is a precaution measure that helps avoid cutting through the cable accidentally. Father using measure involves connecting it to an RCD to prevent electrocution.

Cut up and down the length while working from left-hand of the lawn.

Try and overlap slightly the previous stripe each time.

Check to empty the collection box regularly to prevent it from dropping clumps of clippings on the garden.

Finally, for a neat result, cut the edges with the lawn shears or use grass trimmer to give the lawn a final touch.

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Test the lawn mower before use. The test helps in the setting of the correct clipping height and to determine the speed or frequency of the blade. You may consider cutting a small portion first to serve as a test sample then draw a conclusion from the results.

Hire a professional. This skilled personnel has enough experience of handling lawn mowers and can offer needed help in making your garden one of the best.

Safety precautions

To avoid injuries as you mow the lawn, observe the following measures:

Know the equipment. Read and understand the owner’s manual.

Wear protective clothing and check the lawn before mowing. Remove hard objects such as stone or metal rods that can cause interference.

Protect your hearing by using earplugs or use earmuff-type for your protection.

Keep children and pets far away from the lawn. Always supervise children if you chose to allow them to operate the mower. Never give them a ride on the mower or let them play nearby.

Tackle hill carefully. Hill and slopes pose a constant danger as the mower can flip over or get out of control.

Take great care when fueling. Wait for the mower to cool before fueling by allowing time, say, 10 minutes. Never let the fuel to overflow or spill on the mower.

Turn off the mower. You should never leave the mower running unattended.

Maintaining your mower in good condition by cleaning and oiling after use, will not only ensure good results but also lengthen its lifespan.

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Tips for Choosing An Automatic Lawn Mowers

by Marsha R. Brooks - Last updated September 6, 2021

Facts About Automatic Lawn Mowers

If you would like to save time and energy and still have a nice looking lawn then you should consider owning an automatic lawn mower. These innovative lawn mowers are automatic and will do all the work of mowing your yard for you. With an automatic lawn mower, you will not have the problems that come with dealing with electric mowers or push mowers. Automatic lawn mowers are easy to operate and maintain. After it’s been put together anyone can operate it.

The accessories you will need to run the automatic lawn mower come with it. Wires will need to be placed along the edges of the lawn and pegs attached every few meters on the surface. If you have a large lawn you may need to purchase more wires. The perimeter switch is a compact battery that attaches to the wires. Within two or three weeks the grass will cover the cable so that no one sees it.

The lawn mower has a special sensor that detects the wire so that the mower stays within the marked area. Automatic mowers that come with a charging station make it even easier. When you have finished placing the wires and charging station all you have to do is a program the automatic lawn mower to mow when you want and you’re set for the season.

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During the day the automatic lawn mower follows the scheduled program, returning to the station after mowing to get ready for the next time on the schedule. If for some reason it becomes necessary to change the schedule that has been programmed in, it’s easy to reset. Most automated lawn mowers have a mulching system. When grass is mulched it is cut so small that after they fall in with the roots and decay which provides natural fertilizer.

As the owner of an, you will enjoy a lovely lawn which will be the envy of your neighbors. Your lawn will stay healthy and always look cared for. All this without you needing to push a lawn mower ever again! So you see an automatic lawn mower will not just save you time and energy, it is also an excellent investment.

Tips for Choosing Automatic Lawn Mowers

If you have become interested in getting on the market for automatic lawn mowers, you have come to the right place. It’s because you have already heard of their many wonderful perks. You are about to read some insightful information on some of the best patterns to follow in order to go home with some of the best automatic lawn mowers on the market.

Because you are very less likely to be looking to spend a small fortune on an automatic lawn mower, you are probably going to need to place the price tag criterion on top of your list of items that should help you make your ultimate decision.

Due to the fact they have some pretty obvious advantages when it comes to all the things they can do without needing the collaboration of an actual human. It is easy to see that these automatic lawn machines are in fact a bit more expensive as compared to electric riding mowers or push lawn mowers.

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Nevertheless, you can still find a cheap automatic lawn mower, if you decide to spend a little time doing some research on the basic features you should be looking for; for example, the sturdiness and safety of the device, as well as its ability to follow several mowing patterns, to be programmed to function in more than one day and also to be able to sense trees and any other additional obstacles and stay away from them. Of course discovering the basic features of these machines should be your second criterion to rely your shopping decision upon.

Thirdly, you should look for any other extra features and options or accessories the automatic lawn mower might come with, such as the ability to tackle uneven and complex lawn, boosted cutting capacities or anti-theft alarms and even larger installation packages. The presence or non-existence of these special features should set the price of the automatic lawn mower you are interested in a much higher or lower pedestal.

So you need to think really well if you only want the basic stuff for your robotic lawn mower; or if you are interested in the whole package. While it is true that such a jewel that is endowed with all the basics and lots of extra features could cost somewhere around $2,000 or even more, for some renowned models, you should look at it as a long-term investment that is going to prove to be worth every single penny.

Once you manage to discover the huge amounts of time and energy you will be able to save. All the extra convenience mowing your lawn is going to imply from now on. You should be able to fully enjoy your brand new automatic lawn mower purchase.

French Patio Doors

by Marsha R. Brooks - Last updated September 6, 2021

Would you like to really improve the look of your home? You can work wonders by installing something as simple as French patio doors to really improve its look!

French double patio doors can add that certain touch of true class to any home when viewed from the outside and looking in. They also add a similar touch of style to your home when viewed from the inside looking out on your patio and a well-manicured garden beyond.

There is just something about these porch doors, also known as French windows in some parts of the world, that modern, glass panel doors seem to lack in terms of style and retro-design that elevates a home’s aesthetics from the average to the special.

So why have I decided upon writing about this particular variation on the popular gateways to the garden? Well, I personally have French doors fitted to my home leading out to the terrace to complement the style and add a real touch of class to that part of the house.

I have always been glad I decided to opt for these very elegant and stylish openings onto my own terrace, for many reasons as I’ll point out in this article. I also have some great examples that are on sale at Amazon at amazing prices that you will agree are a great value that you simply must have for yourself!

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Why Have French Doors for Your Patio?

Of all the types of external doors that you can choose from that are available today, surely these particular ones are the most elegant and charming. They add style and class to your home and if yours is of classical design, then they can complement that design perfectly.

Of course, beautifying your home is one thing, but the doors should complement the style of your home, which means if you are considering fitting new patio doors and part of that consideration is for this specific type, then you should take time to check out the many different styles to ensure you get a good match for your own home.

One of the really good points of these outward facing doors is that they are generally very secure as they can be locked both top and bottom as well as a central latch type lock augmented with a mortise or deadbolt lock. Their construction is quite robust and they will withstand rather more heavy handedness than they appear to be able to do.

The viewable area through any patio doors is important. My own doors provide plenty of that as they are glazed the full length with narrow wooden horizontal struts breaking it up midway. That means if I’m sitting in my favorite chair, or if I’m standing up I can still get a great view of my own patio and the well-manicured garden beyond it.

Types of French Patio Doors

You probably already guess that these come in many designs, styles, colors, and shapes and are constructed mainly from wood. There are also uPVC, fiberglass, steel and aluminum variations that you can consider as well; although my own personal preference has to be the wooden variety for their warmth and classical good looks.

French doors all open on hinges as is their very nature and while they generally and traditionally open outwards, they can also open inwards if that’s what you want them to do.

There is a huge variety of door furniture that you can further complement your own doors with and I opted for classical brass door handles that are heavy and solid in my hands, which I like the feel of. You can add scratch plates, keyhole protectors, ornate brass latch or deadbolt units, even add colored leaded glass if you like that kind of thing!

I know of several of my neighbors that also have them fitted and each set of doors couldn’t be more different as each home is quite different in style and design. One family actually opted to fit colored leaded glass, also known as leaded lights and because of the neo-Georgian design of their house, they actually look really authentic and, if I may say so very cool indeed!

Whatever you finally decide upon, you won’t regret having French patio doors fitted to your home to welcome you into the garden on a warm sunny morning to enjoy your breakfast on the patio!

Retractable Patio Awnings

by Marsha R. Brooks - Last updated September 6, 2021

During the summer months when your patio is likely to get used the most, you also have the problem of very hot. Sunny days making things uncomfortably hot and sticky for the people using it. One great way to create an area of cool shade is by fitting retractable patio awnings.

These are a wonderful addition to your outdoor space and make a cool oasis for hot sun bathers to gather beneath when they’ve had more of the sun’s rays than they want.

So how do you go about buying these canopies? Where can you get them from? How much do they cost? Can they be installed by you or do you need to use a professional installation firm to do the work?

These questions and more will be answered in this article as well as outlining the many benefits they will bring to your special private place in the sun!

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To Buy Retractable Patio Awnings

These can usually be purchased in any of the larger hardware superstores that you find out of town. They can be bought directly from specialist manufacturers who provide their own delivery and installation service. You can also go online and find a wealth of suppliers; which will similarly deliver to your door and arrange for installation if needs are.

Their Cost

Costs vary enormously from make to make and also depending on the size, level of quality and whether it is motorized or manually operated. What will also affect the overall cost is whether you install the awning yourself or pay for professional installers to do it for you.

In that case, the cost of installation will be affected by certain factors such as:

The size of the awning and its housing.

The difficulty level of the actual fitting.

Whether the location is easy or difficult to access.

and other such factors.

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Installation

You can install most types of outdoor canopy yourself if you have the skills and are confident in your ability to make a good job of it. However, if you are a little uncomfortable with the prospect of fitting something you just paid a lot of money for. It would be far better to spend a little more and have the professionals install it for you.

Types of Patio Awning

There are several different types of these that you can opt for depending upon your requirements. You will need to take into account the size of your outdoor space and how much of it intended to set aside for the covered area.

You will also need to factor in the cost of purchase as well as installation if you are not confident that you can install it yourself.

There are several different materials that can be used for the canopy, fittings, and housing. You can have patio awnings constructed of aluminum, or canvas and of course the traditional wooden style.

As for the retractable canopy type, there is the motorized type sometimes referred to as electric awnings. Some are manually operated and some can be automatically operated. There are specialized canopies for pergolas, gazebos, free standing types and even one for a carport!

So there’s plenty to choose from and more styles and designs than you can shake a stick at. But whichever type you finally settle on, you’ll be sure to have greatly improved the look, feel and attraction of your own personal outdoor space.

Solar Yard Lighting Features

by Marsha R. Brooks - Last updated September 6, 2021

While there are many beneficial aspects to having outdoor house lighting installed on your property; there is always a cost involved and I’m not talking about the cost of the hardware or the installation costs. I’m talking about the ongoing running of the lights themselves. Or more exactly the electricity they use to illuminate your property.

While there are much low voltage and low wattage lighting options available that will cut your electricity usage somewhat; there really is only one way in which you can do your part in protecting the world’s dwindling resources, particularly those that modern civilization uses to generate electricity. That is to stop using it to illuminate the outside of your property.

There is a better option available to you if you live in a climate that gets a reasonable amount of sunshine during the day and that is to install solar yard lights on your property. Here’s why and how.

The Benefits of Solar Lighting

The number one benefit of installing solar yard lights to the outside of your property is that they use the renewable energy from the sun to power the lights. There is no drain on the power generated in dirty electricity generating stations. And let’s just touch on that point for a minute.

Just about all the electricity that is generated in this country is dirty. By dirty, I mean it pollutes the environment and uses up non-renewable energy sources.

Dirty Electricity

Electricity is generated using oil fired, coal fired and nuclear stations primarily. They all pollute the environment in one way or another. We’re starting to change with some wind-powered stations and other renewable sources such as hydroelectricity; however, the proportion of these producers is still less than 1% of all the power generated in this country.

What’s even worse is that a good 50% of all that electricity produced is lost to resistance along the power lines that take it to the towns and cities it powers. That’s half of all the electricity we produce never gets used to power one single light bulb! Think on that.

Clean Electricity

So when we use solar powered lighting, we are cutting out all that pollution, wastage and cost. And that can only be a good thing, the more folks that make use of this fantastic resource.

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Types of Solar Yard Lights

Well, there are loads of designs and styles of solar garden lights when it comes to choosing your own residential outdoor lighting plan. Most of these are standalone, meaning you don’t have to hook them up to anything, just place them where you want them and you’re done.

Individual Units

Standalone solar yard lights are generally fitted with a light sensor; which switches the unit on as darkness falls and then switches them off again at dawn when they then begin to recharge as the sun rises and its rays hit the small photovoltaic (solar) panel integrated on the top of the light unit. This charges up a rechargeable battery inside the unit and as long as there is sufficient sunshine during the day; then the battery will hold enough charge to illuminate the LED(s) inside the unit to provide light during the hours of darkness.

They come in various shapes and styles. Some are fitted with short spikes that you just press into the ground and they act as pathway marker lights. Others come on long poles that also fit in the ground on long spikes and are perfect as outdoor patio lights.

They can be bought singly or in boxes of multiples and the cost is far lower today than it was just five years ago.

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Lighting Systems

The other type of outdoor solar lights is those that are actually regular low voltage lights (12v) that hook up to a larger central battery which is recharged via a larger photovoltaic panel. This provides much more power than the smaller standalone solar yard lights. And this can be used to power outdoor pole lights and most forms of low power outdoor lights. With this kind of set up, you are only limited by the size of the battery and the photovoltaic panel(s); so you could even power solar floodlights for short bursts.

The advantage of this kind of system may not be immediately obvious until you have a power cut! You know the kind of chaos that a power cut causes when it happens at night. Worse is that all the outdoor house lighting in the street goes off and any burglars in the area are given the green light to go shopping!

Not so with a solar powered residential outdoor lighting system. As long as you maintain it properly, you will have uninterrupted outdoor lighting even during a power cut. This is because you’re not relying on the power company to supply the electricity to those lights! Think on that.

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Teak Patio Furniture

by Marsha R. Brooks - Last updated September 6, 2021

Patio furniture specifically refers to certain types of furniture designed for outdoor use. Most good quality items in this genre are manufactured with weather resistant materials. Teak is one of the most commonly used woods.

It is ideal for outdoor use as it contains silica which makes it resistant to fungal decay. It is also impervious to many of the effects of water damage like rotting, twisting and swelling. Teak furniture also holds up well to various chemicals and is resistant to fire.

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The Origins of Teak

This particular wood originates from South East Asia where the trees that provide the wood flourish in tropical weather. These trees have built up natural defenses against the rain which is so prevalent in this region.

By the way, the trees are also insect resistant meaning he finished wood used in furniture is also highly resistant to insect infestation and damage. Aside from resistance to water damage, the wood doesn’t require varnish at all due to the natural formation of oils within the wood.

This oil protects it from the adverse effects of suntan lotion, body oil or chlorinated pool water. Likewise, salt water does not damage the wood either.

The Look of Beauty

Teak wood has a natural honey brown color which in itself makes staining unnecessary. Like Cedar, the wood will turn a sun bleached gray as it ages but can be restored with a light sanding. Grade “A” Teak is rated best as it does not have knots or defects.

In recent years this once popular furniture material has lost its monopoly as the primary material for patio or terrace furniture.

Alternative Materials

Outdoor furniture is now made with a wide range of materials, each of which has its own merits and range of benefits. These include:

Stone

Metal

Vinyl and other plastics

Glass

Various treated woods

…to name but a few.

Aluminum has become a common manufacturing material as it is strong and lightweight while being extremely durable. However, aluminum frames and panels can become damaged by suntan lotions, perspiration, and various other elements and should be washed frequently to keep the coating from flaking.

Similarly, seating and tables made from plastics have become commonplace in gardens and on exterior hard standing areas. They have the advantage of being inexpensive to buy.

But the problem is they have a limited lifespan. The cheaper models can become unstable in hot weather and especially cheap chairs have been known to collapse under the weight of even an average sized adult.

As you are doubtless aware, there are many great benefits to choosing Teak over these and other materials.

The Many Benefits of Teak

On the other hand, this particular wood is more durable and can stand for more general wear and tear.

However, despite its durability and long lasting beauty, it is always sensible to wipe it clean after use to ensure a longer life and keep it looking great for many years to come. It always pays to look after your exterior furnishings in any case.

Ultimately, the choice is yours as to whether you prefer to have this type and style of furniture adorning your patio or terrace. But one thing is for sure and that’s it comes with a very classy pedigree, looks and feels good and will last a very long time.

What Dutch oven tools will I need?

by Marsha R. Brooks - Last updated September 6, 2021

You can not deal a very hot Dutch oven with bare hands if you have no tools. I will start with the indispensable tools to make you have a good experience.

Dutch oven long handled hook

This gets your hands even more away from the heat, but it is also really necessary to lift the lid off of the dutch oven without getting dirt or ash or losing coals in your delicious meal. Some people use long handled pliers, but it might not guarantee a sure grip and offers less control. Typically, the handle has stabilizing features when you lift.

Gloves

You need gloves to handle the hot Dutch oven. A pair of simple thin gardening gloves is not going to be optimal. Look for thick barbecue, fireplace or Dutch oven gloves. These babies will avoid you from getting burned. They are typically lined, thick, leather and extend beyond your wrists.

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Tongs or shovel

to move the coals around. Tongs seem to do the trick that you can easily manipulate the coals very well. You will find a very little shovel works but would take the next place over a pair of tongs.

Fork, spatula, and Spoons

To serve your prized meal, you will need these. You can find all you really need in a set – the fork for meats, a big ladle spoon for stews and big serving spoon for cobblers. The only recommendation we can offer is you find something a little more commercial that easily break or not bend over time and can bear the outdoor beating.

The lid stand

A perfectly seasoned lid is enough to frustrate the most unflappable. A logs or rock can be used. But a good lid stands, even more, ensures stability.

Coal starter

This saves time. In fifteen minutes your coals are hot and the heat throughout the briquettes is very uniform and ready to go. It is as easy as loading in the briquettes, lighting a small bunch of paper at the bottom and dumping out the briquettes fifteen minutes later. There will be a pile of ash when you wait too long, so once the flame is out, get cooking. No stinky lighter fluid is main advantages.

Storage bag

Usually, Dutch ovens will include a bag, occasionally not. With a perfectly seasoned, family heir loom, a bag may not be a bad idea. Like a right gym bag, they own handles and are durable.

A tripod stand

Used not only for the Dutch oven cooking but to suspend a grill over a fire or for bean kettles. A Dutch oven can be retained warm, but maybe not overcook if people are not really ready to eat right now. A chain usually hangs down from the center of a three-legged stand.

Dutch oven table

At cook-offs, you will see these. They are a 3 sided walled in the table with legs. It saves the effort of check your meal or bends over every time you make changes or having to lift the Dutch oven. It also lets others see what you are cooking much easier. Another advantage is the walls protect your briquettes or coals from the wind.

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Blog

How to make a perfect lawn cut

Safety precautions

Facts About Automatic Lawn Mowers

Tips for Choosing Automatic Lawn Mowers

Why Have French Doors for Your Patio?

Types of French Patio Doors

To Buy Retractable Patio Awnings

Their Cost

Installation

Types of Patio Awning

The Benefits of Solar Lighting

Types of Solar Yard Lights

The Origins of Teak

The Look of Beauty

Alternative Materials

The Many Benefits of Teak

Dutch oven long handled hook

Gloves

Tongs or shovel

Fork, spatula, and Spoons

The lid stand

Coal starter

Storage bag

A tripod stand

Dutch oven table