Month: February 2020

5 Retaining Wall Alternatives for Your Backyard Landscaping

Mark

If you have a sloping property chances are you have to deal with it in some way. How you go about it depends on the type of earth (rock, soil, etc.) and how steep the slope. While retaining walls are a common option, there are retaining wall alternatives to consider which we set out here.

Retaining walls are technically walls that are secured into the earth in some fashion.  However, retaining walls aren’t the only way to deal with slopes, whether in your backyard or elsewhere.

Below we list out and describe several alternatives to retaining walls.

1. Reinforced Soil Slopes

Reinforced soil slopes are a quick and easy construction style that uses a geotextile, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, to lock existing soil into place to create a reinforced mass. Due to the flexibility of the geotextile used in creating such a structure, reinforced soil slopes are able to withstand larger settlements and movement triggered by earthquakes. The average price for a reinforced soil slope is between $3.00-$27.00 per square foot.

2. Natural Stone Walls

Natural stone walls are retaining wall alternatives that can be used for a number of purposes. Most often, you see natural rock walls used

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4 Types of Quartz (Ultimate Buying Guide)

Mark

Get the lowdowns on all the different types of quartz and the essential factors you need to consider for each type, including instructional videos and useful tips on installation and the upkeep of quartz.

Quartz is a popular building material worldwide due to its availability and durability. At first glance, quartz in the form of rock may look like any other rock, but it’s a versatile mineral that plays an integral role in the home building and decorating world.

The options for incorporating quartz into your home may seem endless, but there are a few things worth considering before you head to your local home improvement store and browse their quartz products.

How you plan to use the quartz, where you install it, and pricing are all important deciding factors. We’ll start out by discussing common uses of quartz in the home, as well as some benefits and drawbacks to each type of quartz.

A kitchen without a countertop is hardly a usable space. Not only do countertops provide valuable working space for preparing food, but for many homeowners, a countertop on top of a kitchen island is a gathering space and an excellent option for people who don’t have

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6 Different Types of Trillium Flowers

Mark

The trillium plant has rhizomes and is characterized by unbranched stems. The plant does not produce any leaves or stems above the ground. The stem produces leaves that are tiny and very scale-like. The flowers then appear on top of the bracts of the leaves. However, in sessile trilliums, the pedicel doesn’t exist. It seems as if the flower is appearing straight from the bracts.

Apart from that, the main distinguishing feature of this plant is its showy flowers and whorl of three leaves. It also has three sepals and three petals, hence why it is sometimes known as “trinity flower,” too. The flowers of this plant come in many colors like yellow, red, pink, purple, and white.

Cultivation of the Trillium Plant

This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.Moist and well-drained soil is ideal for the growth of this plant. It is also a good idea to use fertilizer so that the plant gets organic matter that can help it grow. This will ensure that the plant grows to become healthy. The best propagation method for this plant is by seeds. They can also be propagated by division.

Flowering does not really happen right

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5 Different Types of Serving Trays

Mark

2. Serving Trays with Compartments

Serving trays with compartments are actually pretty common as well. It is possible that you may have some of these in your home that you use on a regular basis. They are very popular among children, as they are helpful when it comes to getting kids to eat meals while remaining very fun. Sometimes these serving trays will even feature popular cartoon characters or designs to further appeal to your children.

If you are looking for a more standard serving tray with compartments, then they are certainly readily available. You probably used serving trays like this when you were in school. These trays help to keep different foods separate on your plate. There will be a spot that is meant for the main course, a spot that is meant for vegetables, and another that is meant for snacks.

3. Appetizer Serving Trays

Appetizer serving trays are specifically meant for serving smaller courses. People will often bring out these types of serving trays at parties. You can place various types of snacks and goodies on this type of tray, and people will be able to grab food on their own. These trays are also popular

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4 Different Types of Tithonia flowers

Mark

Learn all about the Tithonia plant, also known as the Golden Flower of the Incas, by taking a closer look at the different types of Tithonia flowers, their special characteristics, ideal growing conditions.The Tithonia plant is more commonly known as the Mexican Sunflower. Other common names include tree marigold, Japanese sunflower, Nitobe chrysanthemum or Bolivian sunflower. Native to Mexico and Central America, this annual plant belongs to the Asteraceae family. Being a member of the daisy family, this plant is also related to the sunflower. Locals are often known to refer to the Tithonia plant as the “Golden Flower of the Incas,” owing to the fact that this plant has large flowers that are showy and daisy-like. The plant was named in 1799 by a French botanist, and the name is inspired by Greek mythology. There are two main species of the Tithonia plant. These are Tithonia rotundifolia and Tithonia diversifolia.

Features of the Tithonia Plant

This plant is characterized by bright, orange-red colored flowers. Sometimes, these flowers can also have a yellow tinge to them. They appear from midsummer to frost and are borne on stems that aren’t very strong. Hence, they can easily be broken by

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Kitchen Cabinet Dilemma: Do the Cups Go Face-Up or Face-Down?

Mark

The Heated Debate Every Couple Must Tackle

I really appreciate you writing me with your question! I must also confess that I started laughing as I read your letter… if how you arrange cups in the cabinet is all you both have to fight about, then I’d say that you two are probably doing all right in the grand scheme of things! But in all seriousness, your question does raise a more fundamental point that’s worth understanding.

Building a life together means being willing to talk through your individual and mutual concerns, habits, and goals. It’s also about compromise – not just settling for some mediocre middle ground but trying to find a way where you can both end up coming out on top – even in the seemingly smallest of things. Of course, you’re both individuals who bring the influences of how you grew up, your education, and all your past experiences to the table; that’s part of what makes you who you are! But relationship involves flexibility and a willingness to change and adapt so that you can unite and face life better together.

Time to Face the Elephant in the Room – Your Glassware Dilemma

And now

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