I work for a silk flower company and I am often asked by customers if silk flowers can be left outside. Silk flowers are not made for outdoor use but will work if placed in an outside area shielded from the climate. The good news is that there is a line of artificial plants called PolyBlend that are made for outside decorating. PolyBlend gives you all the benefits of silk flowers such as they never need water nor do they make a mess, but with added benefits such as durability and lasting color. ...

Of all the pests that commonly infest homes the cockroach is perhaps the most hated, thanks to their reputation as disease-carriers and the fact that they often exacerbate asthma and allergies. These common pests are usually thought of as being very difficult to get rid of; however, the best ways of eliminating cockroaches from your home are quite simple. To get rid of cockroaches in your home, it's not enough to kill the one you see, and that's why many people believe that eliminating them is s...

The spring is a great time to get out into your garden and check your garden fencing. A really popular form of fencing that provides privacy is the traditional fence panel and it is a cheap and cost affective fencing solution. When looking to erect new garden fencing or replace your existing fencing you need to consider the possibility of your fence blowing over or failing prematurely. To minimise this possibility I would recommend that you strengthen your fencing panels and fenc...

A faster and cheaper alternative to brickwork and masonry, sleepers can be used as edgings for driveways or for retaining soil, as well as many other uses. When compared to the time consuming task of setting kerbs in concrete or laying down a foundation and building a brick wall, sleepers are very quick to use. Another great advantage in my view is the fact that they are made from wood, a natural material which is visually soft so in keeping with many of the structures associated with garden lan...

The front yard is one of the most important landscaping projects you'll undertake on your property. Getting the front yard right is particularly important because it's the part of the house that people most often see-and the part they see and walk through every time they enter. With that in mind, here are some landscaping and design tips for your front yard. Keep the House Design in Mind The first detail of planning your landscaping-and particularly the materials you will use for structures such...