Best benefits for your landscape with water

There are several options when it comes to making your landscape unique and less common from others. There are various accents, statues and other exterior décor that can make your garden second to none, but the use of water in landscape brings that extra unique touch to it and one of the best options is to use a water feature to your landscape. They add sound, texture, liveliness and movement to the landscape giving home owners the feel of something natural in their gardens.

Water elements add a unique touch to your landscape and are very attractive and your garden will have a blend of some of the different elements, making it come together harmoniously. Water creates just that and has many benefits.

• The sounds of nature – At the end of each working day we are in desperate need for something to relax and what better way to relax than sitting in your own garden and listening to the sound of a water flowing. With advances in nature the sights and sounds of nature can be brought right to your door step.

• Attract nature and enrich the ecosystem in your neighbourhood – As soon as install your water features Ballina, you will see an increase in wildlife in your neighbourhood such as birds, insects and other small animals. Instead of having a garden without life its best to have a landscape with living creatures as it’s a great sources of entertainment for the entire household.

• Maximum space utilization – If you think you have a small property and cannot fit a water feature into your landscape, you are wrong. A water feature can be positioned even in the smallest or awkward of spaces in your garden. Usually landscapers use spaces that are hardly used to feature some great accents and bring out the best in a backyard of front yard. Water features come in various shapes and sizes and may not necessarily be in the form of a pond, which takes up a lot of space.

• Minimum maintenance – Unlike ponds and swimming pool a well positioned water feature can take very little time to maintain. These features can give elements of natural sound, texture, ambiance with little effort. Usually the reason behind this is that the pondless water features are re-circulated so that you don’t need much water and cleaning up once in a while is very easy.

• Unique look – Water features add a unique touch to your garden and home. These features can be customized to suit your garden and this is what creates uniqueness to it. So that you can enjoy a touch of wildlife in your own backyard.

Author: Todd Johnson
Email: Todd@australianwebsitedevelopment.com.au
Mobile: 0449 041 815

How to have an envious garden

The most important element to having a really great garden is attentiveness. If your making plans to have a garden you need to plan ahead as waiting till springs comes will put you way behind schedule. Garden tools can be easily purchased from your local garden store or hardware, so make a list and buy what you need before others get to it. You should put these tools into good use by pottering about in your garden before you really start your fully fledged garden regime.

Usually gardens can be DIY projects but if you find that you hardly have the time to get this project off the ground, enlist the help of a professional Landscaper. Since winter is not a very busy month for landscape professionals, you can meet with them and get them to evaluate your garden, and request a plan of action. These professionals will start planning early since there will be many aspects that need their attention, depending on your garden. Also since supplies run out during the peak season, its best to get your hands on the required materials early, you may even end up getting a discount on these items as well.

Soil is the main element that is needed for a good garden and to have healthy looking plants. Have your soil checked for its mineral content and if there are any deficiencies you can start by fertilizing them and preparing it for the months ahead. Soil test are not that expensive therefore, you should have it tested once a year.

A garden storage area is another element that you must have in your garden, a garden shed is a great way to store your tools and supplies so that they can be reused, when needed. The garden shed should be locked and well ventilated and make sure that there is not much dampness as this can affect the fertilizers that are stored, especially granules which are used for flowering plants.

Once winter melts away you can prepare your soil for planting by raking it and digging it up for about a week. Once the soil is toiled and ready, then it’s time to have fun and start planting. You can plant tropical plants Ballina like roses, trees, spinach, tomatoes, pepper, daisies and other ornamental flowers.

Look after your garden by pruning flowering plants often so that you do get as many blooms during the season. Plan ahead and take some time to attend to your garden regularly so that you can have a garden that everyone envies. 

Author: Todd Johnson
Email: Todd@australianwebsitedevelopment.com.au
Mobile: 0449 041 815

Retaining wall block options to suit your landscape

A retaining wall block has the ability to create an artistic look and feel to any landscape. The more relevant and matching the material that is used the better the quality of work and look it would have on your garden.

Here is a look at some of the options for designing a well-built retaining wall and what you should look at first and foremost.

• The type of base that is required, should it be cement, gravel or rock.

• Will the water pressure be effecting the wall or will water collect around it

• What is the backfill that will be used, gravel, woodchips or sand

Standard retaining walls options are as follows,

• Inter-locking wall systems – this system can restrict the height of the wall and special assembly and engineering is required. The blocks are interlocking with pins and adhesives’ making it strong and durable.

• Natural stone – This option is the best if you are looking for artistic and creative designs. This system is very cheap and affordable and with stone walls Ballina it is possible for you to hand pick your stones such as field stone boulders, quarry stone and barn stone. This option gives the landscape the most natural look and feel and is a good choice for walls that need to be built on a slight slope. This option is cheap and requires a qualified professional to install it.

• Timber - using timber makes the wall look very eco and warm as natural wood has the tendency to give that natural elegance and cozy feeling, no matter what it is used for. However, timber is not the best choice if the wall is constantly exposed to moisture and dampness. This is a great option if you are planning to plant trees and flowers or a lovely garden. If you are considering using treated wood, you should consider using treated pine material.

• Concrete – pouring concrete is full of pros and cons. It needs a structural design and engineering. It’s long lasting and strong. Some of the considerations for concrete are that it can be used for many applications; the look can be customized, requires a foundation and has restrictions on size and shape.

Author: Todd Johnson
Email: Todd@australianwebsitedevelopment.com.au
Mobile: 0449 041 815

Retaining wall options to suit your landscape

Most properties are situated at different levels, rarely are they situated on a flat and even ground. As a landscaper, these elevations and multi tiers in a property can add an element of excitement, visual appeal and creativity to the job, if you know how to showcase it better. The best options that landscapers get excited about using are retaining walls.

Retaining walls are much more than just making something interesting out of an uneven backyard. These walls are built to control erosion, manage drainage and make use of limited space. When you decide to build a retaining wall in your home, choose the best material such as rock walls Ballina. There are different types of material in the market but you should choose the material that best showcases your garden and your décor.

In order to decide on the best type of material that you need to use for your retaining wall, here is a look at some of the options to help you make up your mind.

·         Concrete blocks – This is an affordable solution and it all depends on the type of block that you choose and what works best with your landscape.  Apart from being affordable they are also sturdy, easy to install, comes in a variety or colours and textures and looks very contemporary. However the down side to this is that the walls cannot be built very tall, four feet is the maximum height that is possible.

·         Stone Veneer – This gives a very natural look, the block are very durable and can withstand any sort of harsh weather and can look new eventhough they were installed many years ago. These retaining walls are a great addition to your home and can blend in with you patio, landscape and the design of your home. The only down side is that it’s a difficult element to work with and needs a professional to do the job.

·         Brick – If you love the ancient and classic look, brick is a great option for a retaining wall. Brick is strong, durable and can match the design of your home without making it look mismatched. Bricks come in a variety of textures, colours and finishes, which is an added advantage in making your home look good. The only problem with bricks is that the drainage system needs to be re-thought and needs to be installed by a professional.

·         Dry stone – This is a very natural looking stone and can blend with any type of landscape. This is a great option for multi-level properties as it can give the look that the wall has always been a part and parcel of the garden. The only disadvantage if this sort of retaining wall is that the water stagnates in the interior of the wall making it susceptible to erosion.

Author: Todd Johnson

Email: Todd@australianwebsitedevelopment.com.au
Mobile: 0449 041 815

Landscape designs with walls

Landscaping one’s garden is a huge task and retaining walls also play an equally important role in landscaping projects. Highly skilled work is required to contain dirt and keep it in a fixed location using mortar and stone. Very few places are able to build a wall like this and still maintain the look of their garden or driveway.  Retaining walls Ballina make a wonderful addition to the neighborhood without spoiling the surrounding sites.

In certain areas because of the flat terrain, residential retaining walls are not commonly constructed. These walls can be seen commonly in areas where the terrain resembles a rippling or cascading effect. With the changes in technology, building these types of walls are not very costly due to less manpower being used. If you are looking at altering the landscape of your property, change the drainage system of the lawn, or if you’re only concerned with making your garden look beautiful,  building a retaining wall is the answer.

Before you embark on this project, its best to consult a professional in the field and give him a tour of your garden so that they can give you their option, how to proceed, the cost, the required approval and the estimated time of completion.  You should keep in mind that permits are needed to build a retaining wall and in certain instances the contractor will be able to obtain this on your behalf. 

However, there are instances where people have successfully built retaining walls on their own as DIY projects. You may also not need a certified construction worker to do the job. 

Materials such as dry stone, sandstone, rocks and grey stone are some material that make a retaining wall very nice and blend with the interior and exterior of the home or building. It all depends on your preference and your budget. 

Most retaining walls are constructed purely for practical purposes and are put in as commonly as landscaping accents. These walls add a presence and texture to your garden, and well-constructed walls can give your property the feel of multi levels and designate areas for different uses. When retaining walls are used as landscaping accents the material that is used should blend with the rest of the look of the exterior décor, or it may look mismatched and an ‘eye-sore’.

Author: Todd Johnson
Email: Todd@australianwebsitedevelopment.com.au
Mobile: 0449 041 815

Why Infinity swimming pools and better than regular swimming pools

The infinity pool concept is where the edge of the water blends into the horizon; these pools are also known as negative edge pools and are a concept that is widely used by some of the world famous hotels. The negative edge does not have any high walls or edges and the water spills into a basin on the edges which is pumped back into the pool. The view is great as it blends flawlessly with the view of the horizon making it an eye catching phenomenon, especially in some of the exclusive hotels in the world. However, eventhough infinity pools are more popular in hotels, especially Pool surrounds Lennox head, and they also make great designs in homes as well, especially if your home is overlooking a mountain range or is situated at a higher elevation with a breathtaking view.

There are so many reasons to choose an infinity pool, the most obvious reason being the simple appearance. These pools are the most popular type of pools in recent years as the design is custom built, giving the client the options of selecting the material and designs they like. These pools can be built on natural stone or polished stone, the options are limitless. There is also the option of combining a spa, whirlpool or a Jacuzzi to make it more attractive and a home makers dream come true, the only limits being on the budget. 

Infinity pools can be installed almost anywhere, but the actual feature of an infinity pools is showcased when it’s installed on property with a wonderful view. Imagine how relaxing and calming it is to be lying in a pool that blends with the mountain view, country view or the sea view with the sound of cascading water. You have your own oasis right at your home.  Would you not be the envy of your family and friends, every time they visit your home and experience the tranquility and ambiance that surrounds these masterpieces? But beware that these infinity pools can lose its look if it’s placed without a proper view, the whole concept is lost if the view is bad.

It’s best to look for a good contractor to install your infinity pool if you are looking at this option for the first time. 

Author: Todd Johnson
Email: Todd@australianwebsitedevelopment.com.au
Mobile: 0449 041 815

Advice and tips for having a swimming pool in your home

The first thing you need to decide on is if you are planning to install a swimming pool in your back garden and if it’s going to be above the ground or in ground level. There are several advantages that come with in-ground swimming pools rather than above ground swimming pools. Of course the only down side is that in-ground swimming pools are considerably more expensive. 

The cost of installing a swimming pool in your garden will also depend on the material you wish to use to construct it. For instance, vinyl lined in-ground swimming pools cost twice as much as normal swimming pools. Fiber glass and concrete swimming pools are much more expensive. However, its best to use the better quality material such as concrete as you would only add a swimming to your garden only once and also the real estate value of your property will be much higher if there is a swimming pool on the property. Your swimming pool should be built in a manner that it saves space in your back yard. Home owners build their swimming pool based on the view, such as a Pool surrounds Ballina, so that they can take a dip at the end of the day with something calm and relaxing to look at, such as a great a landscape. This is a good option if your property is strategically positioned. 

Once you decide on the type and material you would use for your swimming pool you should then consider the total cost for installing and building the swimming pool. However there are ongoing costs that would be incurred when you install your swimming pool. These costs include, 

• Keeping your pool open during the season and closing it off season

• Maintenance of lining, pumps and equipment

• Electricity bills 

• Operating costs

• Purchasing chemical such as chlorine and a ph balancer

• Replacing nets and vacuums when needed

Homeowners are not sticking to the conventional layout of the pool, they are looking for great designs and shapes so that their swimming pool stands out from the other. They are not only looking for a quick dip but rather to make a statement. Here are some of the features that people consider when they decide to install a swimming pool in their home, 

• Pools are no longer a rectangle shape, pools can be custom designed to a suit the customers’ needs

• Pools are built to enhance the landscape of the garden

• Designing well places and comfortable pool decks

• Combining a spa, whirlpool or a hot tub with the pool

• Fountain and water falls are installed in the pool to make it more attractive and elegant

• Cabanas and changing rooms are built in a luxurious manner

When choosing a pool design make sure it’s the best option for you and your family, as it’s not always about how things look.

Author: Todd Johnson
Email: Todd@australianwebsitedevelopment.com.au
Mobile: 0449 041 815