Landscaping is an essential part of residential and commercial properties. It helps increase the property’s curb appeal and increase its value. It also helps improve the property’s air quality and the usability of the lawns.

Landscape design is among the most essential things to pay attention to when landscaping. That is the arrangement and modification of hardscape and softscape features in the yard.

Designers usually use concepts like balance, proportion, transition, and harmony/ unity. However, as environmental concerns and trends continue to spread, more people are looking for sustainable landscaping.

Sustainable landscape design is an approach that utilizes various techniques to create functional and thriving landscapes that benefit the environment. While people might think that all landscaping is good for the environment, below are some characteristics that make sustainable landscaping stand out.

• It does not require chemical fertilizers or pesticides to thrive
• Conserves water
• Is energy efficient
• Reduces rainwater runoff plus polluted local waterways
• Offers a habitat for wildlife
• Is usually low-maintenance

Erosion Control

When many think about erosion control, they think of ideas like riprap, sandbags, and silt fences, which are not the most attractive in a landscape.

However, designers can use ideas like retaining walls, swales, rain gardens, terrace gardens, dry creek beds, ground covers, and French drains. These control erosion without sacrificing beauty.

Erosion control ensures property owners retain the fertile soil in their yards for healthier crops. It also helps minimize water contamination from rainwater runoff, which carries dirt and contaminants like toxic pesticides and fertilizers to water bodies.

Without erosion control, the runoff would also result in dead fish and other water animals, increased water levels, and cancellation of many water recreational activities.

Native Plants

Native plants occur naturally in different areas and adapt better to an area’s conditions because of continuous evolution over time. However, non-native plants don’t naturally occur where they are planted but are introduced by humans.

Therefore, native plants can grow well without much human aid, while non-native plants require fertilizers, pesticides, and a lot of maintenance. That means having native plants reduces the need for using chemical growth aids.

Below are other benefits of adding native plants to a landscape design.

• They are less invasive
• They have deep root systems, which help save water and reduce runoff plus erosion
• They preserve biodiversity and promote the ecosystem
• They are resistant to weather conditions

Permeable Hardscapes

Hardscapes like patios, walkways, driveways, and fire pits help diversify the lawn and increase its usability. Designers can use river rock, pea gravel, porous asphalt, decomposed granite, permeable interlocking concrete pavers, and pervious concrete.

These porous materials’ primary benefit is letting rainwater seep into the ground. That helps maintain a lush and healthy lawn and reduces runoff.

Xeriscaping

Xeriscape landscapes need little to no water to thrive, meaning they don’t have plants that require a lot of water or grass. Local rainfall is usually enough to keep them hydrated.

These landscapes typically consist of mulch, sand, permeable hardscapes, and drought-tolerant plants.

The primary advantage is that it helps save water, translating to lower utility bills in the long run. It also encourages biodiversity, reduces the use of chemicals, and is low-maintenance.

Many landscape designers combine Xeriscaping and rock gardens because they also require a minimum water supply and are low-maintenance.

Grasscycling

This is natural grass recycling by leaving grass clippings in the yard after mowing. The grass clippings decompose and release essential nutrients to the soil, acting as organic fertilizer.

It helps reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and reduces green waste generation. The grass clippings also act as mulch, which helps reduce water usage.

Composting

This is where homeowners add waste like grass clippings and organic kitchen waste to compost bins. The waste decomposes and is used as organic fertilizer in the lawns, reducing the use of chemical fertilizers.

The compost also acts as a mulch, reducing water use, reducing weed growth and preventing erosion. Finally, it helps promote soil texture, especially in places with clay soil, making it easier for water and air to infiltrate.

Water Conservation

Homeowners can do this by harvesting rainwater, installing irrigation systems, and digging wells.

Calimingo is among the highest-rated landscaping companies serving Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. They work with well-trained and experienced landscape designers, contractors, and pool builders helping clients achieve their unique outdoor designs.

 

Everyone needs furniture in their home. What if you could get more mileage out of your furniture? Multi-purpose furniture is the answer. They serve multiple functions in a single piece, saving space and money in the long run.

When you’re looking to upgrade your furniture with multi-purpose pieces, there are a few key things you should look out for.

Consider Size and Shape

Before you buy a multi-purpose piece of furniture, consider the size and shape. Look at your existing furniture and think about what kind of piece would fit in with it.

For example, if you have larger pieces that take up space, you may want to opt for a smaller multi-purpose piece that won’t overwhelm the room. Take measurements of the space you’re shopping for – the length and width – and buy something that fits in.

Also, consider how much height or depth you need for your furniture. Do you want it to be flush with the wall or have some overhang?

Look at Functionality

Multi-purpose doesn’t always mean functional. Consider an ottoman that doubles as a storage chest. While this may be space-saving, it isn’t very practical as an ottoman because you likely can’t sit on it without having to move some or all of the items stored in it. On the other hand, furniture like side tables with storage drawers are more functional since you can use the top as a surface while having access to the storage underneath.

So before you buy, look closely at the piece and make sure it works for what you need. Does it have enough storage space for your needs? Is there a convenient way to access items within the furniture? Are there adjustable or removable shelves to customize storage space?

Choose Materials Wisely

The materials used to make multi-purpose furniture should also be taken into account when shopping. Look for pieces crafted with durable materials such as hardwood, metal, or strong plastics that can stand up to everyday wear and tear. If you frequently host guests, you’ll also want furniture sturdy enough to withstand heavier use. While it may be tempting to buy cheaper materials for budget-friendly pieces, this could mean sacrificing quality and longevity in the long run.

Don’t forget to think about how easy it is to clean as well. Look for materials that can be wiped down easily and won’t show too much wear and tear from regular use. Leather or vinyl upholstery may look great, but these materials can stain more easily than other fabrics.

Find the Right Price Point

Multi-purpose furniture can range in price, so decide on a budget before you go shopping. As mentioned, cheaper pieces may not be as durable or functional as higher-quality ones. Some furniture can be expensive, but if it lasts longer and does more than a less expensive piece, the price may be worth it in the end.

Shop around and compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your money.

When it comes to multi-purpose furniture, there are many factors to consider. Taking the time to compare size, shape, functionality, and materials will help you find the best piece for your home. With the right furniture, you can make the most of your space without breaking the bank.

 

The festive period has been and gone and you have enjoyed it to the max. Not least as you had moved into your new house a few months earlier with your wife and young child as you spent the first Christmas together as a family.

The house is in reasonable condition, but you naturally want to add your own style to it and make it fit and comfortable for the needs of those of you living there. The wiring was a huge priority, and the decorating can be done in due course, as you fancy yourself as a bit of a handyman. However, the floors have not really been looked after properly and need some work to them with your thoughts swaying towards a flooring supplier that you have discovered.

Also on your mind were several other options. Vinyl looked alright, but wasn’t quite what you were looking for, and the same went for a laminate floor. Carpeting seems old fashioned and tiles are not really family friendly. Refinishing the floors seemed a long and laborious process, so it was the cork tiles Australia homeowners prefer that won the day, as you could see several beautiful and affordable options available.

They Come In A Variety Of Colours

The tiles are glued into position and come in at least three natural colours, with light and medium being of the natural shades of brown generally associated with cork. You would also find a dark grey shade, almost like charcoal. The range of available colours ensures that you will find something to suit all areas and are able to match it with furnishings and decorations.

Character

There are some cork floorings that still require sanding and finishing on the site, which does allow for custom stains to be added as appropriate, adding a distinctive character to your floors. Perhaps you are going for a rustic feel, which often looks great in the bathroom? A cork flooring has the look of stone.

Environment-Friendly

Cork is a fantastic material for changing a house into a home with a completely green process of production. By choosing this type of flooring you are supporting a pro-environment business. This is because trees need not be cut down to produce cork; rather, it is simply the bark of the tree that is being harvested every few years.

So Many Options

Of course, there is absolutely no need to go with just one cork product, or indeed one colour or style as cork is ideal for mixing depending on rooms. The flooring is available in tile and plank form of several sizes, allowing for a seamless floor or the use of different tiles for your own unique style.

Soundproof

A cork flooring is soundproof, which is perfect when you have a child running around the house who is likely to drop things. It is ideal for you to block out other noise too, which leads to a better night’s sleep so you have energy for a family walk.

Impact-Resistant

Using cork flooring means that it is impact-resistant, so there are no worries when the toddler does drop items, or you drop your smartphone. It is an excellent shock absorber when takes away the sound of landing objects, and there is less chance of damage.

Natural Fire Retardant

As the natural material only ignites at extremely high temperatures, it offers safety and peace of mind in the home, and even when it does catch fire, it generates less smoke and releases less toxic than other flooring options.

Cork flooring offers a beautiful and affordable solution which can be adapted through a range of styles, products, and colours to look the part in any home.