Reduce Your Garden Maintenance With These Simple Steps

Garden maintenance is considered fun by some homeowners. However, not everyone enjoys it. 

If you are among those that do not enjoy garden maintenance, yet do it because you enjoy a beautiful looking outside space, then here are some tips to help reduce your garden maintenance and still maintain great results.

Lawn Mower Grass Garden Front - Free photo on Pixabay

Protect your equipment

It is common to leave equipment lying around in the garden, or outside in a shed. Either way, the equipment can easily become rusty or damaged due to the weather. 

For example, you might leave game equipment outside for easy access. Yet, a storm could occur and damage it, which can result in a long repair job or spending more money. To reduce garden maintenance and keep your equipment in its best condition, it can help to protect it with the right bags and covers. You can find out more about how to store your game equipment the right way, such as cornhole boards, at https://www.cornholeworldwide.com/products/cornhole-bags/personalized-cornhole-bags/. 

Add shelters

Shelters in the garden are useful for many reasons. They can help to shade people when sitting outside, which can protect people from strong sun rays or rain. Plus, a shelter can help to maximize the condition and life of your wildlife. 

For instance, adding a shelter over plants can ensure that they receive optimal sunlight - not too much and not too little. It will help to control the light levels that come into your garden, which can sometimes damage the condition of grass and plants. Hence, wildlife can flourish and not be burdened by the weather.

Fake grass

Speaking of grass, if you are someone who dislikes trimming it, then have you ever considered getting fake grass? This mimics the natural look and feel of real grass but requires no maintenance. 

This means you can still enjoy a beautiful green garden without the regular upkeep.

Use stones for edging

Another tip for grass and low garden maintenance is to use stones for edging. This will prevent weeds and ensure to keep the moisture in, which comes from rainfall or watering. 

Should you wish to keep real grass, then using stones will help to improve the appearance of your garden and the grass as well as reduce weed picking. Sometimes picking weeds is the reason why people fall out of love with gardening. Hence, if you can prevent weeds, then you won’t need to perform this dull job.

Choose low-maintenance plants

If you are someone who enjoys looking at plants in the garden but doesn’t enjoy (or isn’t good at) maintenance, then it can help to choose low-maintenance plants. This will mean that they will require minimal care yet still flourish. 

Doing your research on plants that can last in most/all weathers can ensure that you can perform minimal maintenance yet enjoy their beauty all year round. Likewise, researching the amount of sunlight they need will ensure that you plant them in the optimal spot in the garden. 

How To Boost Staff Morale

Your employees are an integral part of your business and its daily success. You need and rely upon your staff daily and as such, it is important that your staff feel valued and appreciated in their working environment. Moreover, it has long been accepted that staff who enjoy a positive working environment are more productive in the workplace. If you have concerns that your staff morale may be languishing then here are some proactive steps you can take to boost the working environment. 

Photo credit Annie Spratt from Unsplash 

Offer perks 

The relationship between staff and employees can be more than a transactional ‘paid for services rendered’ setup. Employees around the world are taking steps to offer more and more perks to their employees. Not only does it make them feel appreciated but it provides a strong incentive to remain within the company. Popular perks will often include comprehensive medical or dental cover that extends beyond basic care to cancer care or metal-free dental implants for example. Other incentives might also include gym membership, discounted share buying options, or discounted travel options to aid the daily commute costs.  

Flexible working 

The last two years have seen a real shift in the way people work. Employees all over the world were forced to stay home and work from their spare room or kitchen table. The result has perhaps been unexpected. It has given employees great freedoms and flexibility in their personal all the while maintaining their work commitments. As such, there has been a significant shift toward flexible working and the importance employees place on it. If you are in a position to offer flexible working to staff then do not overlook it. A good working relationship is built on trust and if you can trust your employees to develop a working schedule that benefits both parties it will do wonders for job satisfaction and in turn performance.

Show your appreciation  

Your staff needs to know that they are appreciated and there are many ways you can show your appreciation from financial incentives to verbal recognition. Of course, many members of staff will want their efforts rewarded with financial gain but that does not mean managers or leaders should overlook the simple act of saying ‘thank you’ or offering verbal praise for a job well done. A member of staff who has been told their work is of a high standard and gratefully received will benefit from an instant boost in confidence and mood. The power of positive words should not be overlooked. 

Ask for feedback 

A great way to avoid second-guessing is to be direct about the matter and ask your staff what would improve their working environment and make them feel better about the workplace. This can be done by arranging a series of one-to-ones, team meetings, or confidential feedback forms. Once you have all the information in be sure to give it the due care and attention it needs - and be sure to act on the recommendations where you can. This is one instance where actions speak louder than words. 

The Troubles Every Business Owner Will Run Into

Do you work with risk every single day? Of course you do - you’re trying to make money! However, while you may think of your company’s profit factor as the only risky element within your business, every single decision you make is going to involve risk of some kind. It’s in weighing up these risks that you gain experience, but that doesn't mean the decisions will become easier to make! 

As such, we’ve put together a little list of the most common troubles business owners like you will run into over the early days of your career; keep them to hand to ensure you’re working with your long term goals in mind. 

Pexels Image - CC0 License

Uncertainty About Where to Go Next

The future is often uncertain, whether you’re working for yourself or not, and that can make running a business often quite frightening. However, being unsure about what you should do next is a common condition of being a business owner. You’ve worked hard to get where you are, and you don’t want to sacrifice this hard work. 

So sit down and make a plan. What do you want out of your company? What markets are you interested in? What do your customers say about you? Is there anything you want to improve? Constantly ask questions like this to help form a guideline for the next year and beyond. 

A Difficult Client or Two

Difficult clients are often the bane of a business owner’s existence. Not only can they kick up a fuss that’s hard to defuse, but they can drag your company’s reputation down, and even prevent you from claiming the money you’re owed for the work you did for them. And when you’re stuck dealing with clients like these, it’s best to stay calm and look into your options. 

Don’t act in response to a client’s anger, and always professionally state what you’re owed and when you’re legally allowed the amount by. Don’t be afraid to get companies like cannabiz involved, depending on what sector you’re in; debt collectors go a long way to saving small businesses in times of need. It’s also a good idea to have a solicitor connected to your company, to ensure you’re aware of your legal rights at all times.  

Working Within Legal Regulations

The laws around running your own company can be confusing at the best of times. But when you’re running a business entirely on your own, you’ve got no one to depend on except yourself. You can’t quite be sure about whether a decision would cross into risky territory, or if even just sending an introduction email out will breach data protection laws!

Do your best to stay up to date on small business laws in your country and/or state. Work closely with a solicitor for in depth advice you can rely on, and if in doubt, consider your options once again before making a decision. 

Having trouble as a business owner is normal; remember that you’re not alone!

How To Control Light Levels In Your Garden

Whether you have a huge, sprawling garden or just a little outdoor space, it’s important to make sure that you have as much control as possible over the light levels in that garden. That’s because this enables you to care for your plants so much more easily, and it is also a great way to ensure that you can have a say over how the whole outdoor space looks. In this post, we are going to take you through just some of the best ways to control light levels in your garden that you might want to consider trying out for yourself.

Image Source - CCO License

Felling Or Planting Trees

First of all, take a look at what trees you have in the garden. Depending on your needs and what you are hoping to achieve, you might find it necessary to introduce more trees into the garden or even use a tree removal company to get rid of one or two. You might have to do a bit of both, too, depending on your plants and what you’re hoping for. But however you approach it, just bear in mind that having a good control of the trees in your garden equals a good control of the light level too.

Moving Plants Around

You can also take a look at whatever bigger plants you may have and see whether you can move them around in such a way as to make good use of the light levels. If you have smaller items that need more light, for instance, moving them around so that they are not overshadowed by the larger perennials can be all you need to do much of the time. So that is something to think about. Sometimes, just getting a little creative here can really make a huge difference to how your light levels in the garden work out.

Artificial Lighting

There is also a place for artificial lighting in a garden, and you might decide that you want to have some of this in yours. You might, for instance, want to light a pathway or create a patio area where you can relax by some soft lighting. Again, you’ll find that playing around with your options is the best way to go, and you should be able to create a wide variety of effects if you can make a point of doing this in the right way, so that is something to bear in mind.

Image Source - CCO License

Pruning & Growing

Finally, remember that you can control how much light gets to the soil by pruning and allowing to grow various plants around the garden. If you are careful about how you approach this you should find that it is surprisingly straightforward to control light levels in this way, so it’s certainly something to think about at the very least. With this all in place, your light levels are going to be a lot easier to control and manage, and your garden will benefit in a number of ways, including looking its very best year-round.

Building A Stronger Relationship With Your Customers

If you’re trying to grow your brand, one of the main things you need to do is improve the relationship you have with your customers. Customers will play a huge role in growing the recognition of your business, and without them, you may struggle to find new customers. Forming a better relationship with your customers will make it easier for newcomers to trust your business, too. 

Source

Create your own environment

Having your own community is ideal for a business, and you can use it to get new ideas and promote current ideas in the works. Social media is a great way for you to do so, and growing your following can get easier as you go. There are plenty of different platforms to choose from, and there is likely to be one that’s a good fit for your business. Of course, each platform has different restrictions and rules, so watch out for that.

If you’ve already got a following but feel restricted due to the regulations or format of the platform you use, then you might consider creating your own brandable community platform. You can go without all of the rules and restrictions that your current platform has, and you can use it much more flexibly to interact with your community. You may also customize the capabilities and focus of your platform, making it easier to post what you like and impose the limits that are more comfortable to you.

Listen to feedback

If you want to encourage your customers to reach out and communicate with you, then you need to make sure you listen and respond accordingly. If you have a large number of customers leaving complaints about some aspects of your business, you should consider addressing those issues, and letting your customers know that you intend to make some changes. 

It can also help to let your customers know that you’re looking for feedback and that their opinion matters. Leaving them to complain unheard is going to leave a bad mark on your business, and something that you’ll want to deal with as soon as possible. 

Actively respond

Just like with feedback, showing your customers that they’re being heard is important. If you’re active on social media, be ready to interact and answer questions. Answering questions from your audience can mean the difference between making or losing sales. You need their approval, and sometimes the only way to get that is through talking to them and figuring out what they want.

Recognize different demographics

Your audience is made up of all kinds of different people. Everyone has their own interest and failing to recognize that when marketing or interacting with your audience as a whole may lead to alienating a portion of the audience. Make sure that you’re inclusive when trying to communicate with your audience, or you may find yourself losing out on customers. On top of that, new potential customers may be put off with how you communicate, as the product does not seem to be made for them.

Why Your Home Lacks Character

Wikimedia Commons

We can’t all have period properties from the Edwardian or Victorian eras. There wouldn’t be enough homes to go around. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t work with what we’ve got and add a bit of character to spice up our living quarters.

Here are some of the reasons your home lacks character and what you can do about it.

You Left The Kitchen Spot Lights In Place

Recessed spot lights built into the ceiling have been a favorite of home designers for the last twenty years or so. But despite their chic appeal and minimalist appearance, they’re draining homes of their character left, right and center.

To really add a bit of character to your home, you have to do it the old fashioned way - with chandeliers. And we’re not just talking about chandeliers in the living room or the entryway. We’re talking about chandeliers everywhere, including the downstairs washroom. Chandeliers have an uncanny ability to lift an entire room and make something that once seemed sparse, open and full of light.

You Bought A New Build And Left Everything Beige

If there’s one thing that home builders know, it’s how to appeal to the widest audience possible. And while their strategy might be effective for shifting homes, owners rarely get what they want. Beige homes are boring homes, and almost by definition, lack the character that people seek.

If you want a new build, but not the beige, instead of buying from a home building company, look into designing and building a new home so you can get all the character you want, right from the start.

Hiring a contractor for interior house painting will help get you solve the problem of a lack of character in your home. Many Victorian homes had moody paint jobs, focusing on darker colors like sapphire and crimson. Other period homes have an airy feel, enjoying pinks and light blues. Which you choose is up to you, but whatever you do, make sure you get rid of the beige.

You’ve Got Awkward Spaces In Your Home

Flicker

Every home has an awkward space which doesn’t quite seem to have a purpose. Perhaps there’s an area near your back door between the kitchen and the garden which is just empty. Maybe you’ve got a large communal room with a corner that doesn’t have anything in it. Whatever your situation, awkward spaces are an opportunity to generate character and to create something a little out of the ordinary.

The current trend is towards converting these spaces into “nooks” - places for retiring from the main body of the home, having a cup of tea and a good read. But you can make empty corners into anything, even storage areas for your favorite memorabilia.

You Don’t Use Wooden Displays

Pine dressers might be out of fashion, but they were a staple of homes in the past. Wives needed somewhere to store all their crockery and dry foodstuffs, and the pine dresser was the perfect solution. Even today in period homes, many still retain the original pine dresser as a kind of pantry substitute.

Use your pine dresser for storing sugar, tea, biscuits, herbs and spices, grains, nuts, and seeds. Pine dressers’ airy, recessed shelves can also help make rooms seem bigger.

How to Make Your Driveway Look Brand New Again

Driveways are often one of the first things people see when they pull up to a home, and they can make a big impression. A well-maintained driveway can add curb appeal, but over time, driveways can become stained and cracked. So if your driveway is looking a little worse for wear, don't worry - we have some tips to help you restore it to its former glory! This blog post will discuss how to make your driveway look as good as new again using simple techniques and supplies that you probably already have at home.

Photo by Curtis Adams from Pexels

#1 Clean your driveway

The first step in restoring your driveway is to clean it thoroughly. This can be done using a garden hose, a broom, and some hot water and dish soap. Be sure to scrub all of the dirt and stains away, and then rinse off the soap with the hose. If you’d like to have a professional handle it, be sure to get in contact with the best pressure washing service to give your driveway a good scrubbing!

If your driveway is really dirty or stained, you may want to use a cleaning product designed specifically for concrete driveways. These products are available at most home improvement stores. Be careful not to damage the surface of your driveway while cleaning it - try not to use harsh chemicals or scrub too hard!

#2 Fill in the cracks

After cleaning your driveway, you will want to address any cracks or gaps in the concrete. The best way to do this is with a product called "concrete caulk," which can be found at home improvement stores and online retailers like Amazon (link). Simply squeeze some of this caulk into each crack or gap, then smooth it out using a putty knife or popsicle stick so that there are no bumps on top of the surface when finished. 

If needed, apply more than one layer for larger holes - just make sure not to overfill them! If there are still visible imperfections after filling them up with caulk, try sanding down those areas until they're flush once again before applying another layer of concrete sealant (link) over top of everything else.

#3 Seal your driveway

Now that the cracks are fixed, and the surface is clean, it's time to seal your driveway. This will help protect it from staining and weathering in the future. There are many different types of concrete sealants available, so be sure to choose one that is designed for driveways (or ask a hardware store associate for advice). Apply the sealant using a paintbrush or roller, making sure to cover every inch of the surface. Let it dry completely before driving on it.

#4  Enjoy your beautiful driveway!

Once you've finished all of these steps, sit back and enjoy your beautiful driveway! It will now be protected from staining and weathering, so it should stay looking good for years to come. If you ever notice any damage or staining starting to occur, simply repeat these steps as needed. Thanks for reading - we hope this blog post was helpful!

In conclusion, there are many ways to make your driveway look as good as new again. By using the above tips, you can restore your driveway to its original glory in just a few hours. Be sure to clean it thoroughly before starting, and use the right products and techniques for your specific type of driveway.

Things to consider when building a pool in the home

With summer in full swing, many people are thinking about installing a swimming pool in their homes. Swimming pools can be an excellent way to cool off and relax on hot days, but there are some important things you need to think about before deciding if this is the right project for your family.

We've put together some questions you should ask yourself when considering whether to install a pool at your house.

Image credit

How much will it cost to install and maintain?

One of the most important things to think about when building a pool is how much it will cost. To begin with, building the pool itself is an expensive endeavor. Even a modest-sized in-ground pool can run up to $100,000. If you want a larger pool with additional features like waterfalls or a spa, you could spend even more.

If the cost of building a pool is an issue for you - and it should be - then it's important to think about how much maintenance will cost as well. In addition to the initial price of construction, there are things like closing the pool each fall and covering it up with dirt, vacuuming, chemicals, and water testing. All of this costs money.

What kind of pool should I get?

Another thing to consider when building a pool is whether you want an in-ground or above-ground pool. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages.

In-ground pools are built to be permanent fixtures in your yard, which means they're built into the ground. Because they're already at the correct depth, they're also cheaper to install. This type of pool has more features available, which means it can be customized to your specific wants and needs. You also need to find a company offering heavy machinery rentals since you have to dig a hole before you can set up the pool.

Above-ground pools are easy to take down each year in the fall when you want to cover them up for winter. They tend to be less expensive than in-ground pools, but they're not quite as durable and customized as in-ground pools. They also require at least a small amount of digging to prepare the ground for installation.

How much space do I have for a pool?

Whether you decide to install an in-ground or above-ground pool, you'll need a certain amount of space. In some cases, people try to place a pool next to a house only to find out they don't have enough space for it. If possible, use landscaping tools to mark out how much space you'll need by measuring the size of the pool and adding 20% to that number.

Will the pool be in the sun or shade?

If you're not planning on buying additional pool equipment, then the location of your pool in the sun is very important. If your pool isn't in direct sunlight for at least half of the day, it won't warm up enough to use during the summer months.

You also need to make sure that if you're building a free-standing pool or placing it near your house that it doesn't shade the rest of your yard. If you decide to set up a pool and then use landscaping equipment to remove some trees, make sure you know how much sunlight they will allow for your other plants.

Do I want an in-ground or above-ground pool?

Last is whether you want an in-ground or above-ground pool. In-ground pools are built into the ground, which means they're permanent fixtures. This type of pool offers more customization options and usually comes with more features like waterfalls or spas. They also require at least a small amount of digging to prepare the ground for installation.

On the other hand, above-ground pools are easy to take down each year in the fall when you want to cover them up for winter and they're less expensive than in-ground pools. They also require you to remove some existing landscaping items like trees or hedges before you place the pool.

How often will the pool need to be cleaned?

When it comes to cleaning a pool, there are things you can do yourself and there are other tasks that require the services of a professional. Some things you need to consider before building your pool include:

How often will I be using my pool? If you plan on swimming every day throughout the summer months, then having a pool that requires a lot of cleaning and maintenance is probably not the best choice. A pool that requires less frequent cleanings is better for parties or events, but it might require more upkeep over time.

When it comes to swimming pools, there are many things people need to consider before building one in their home. So, you need to think about all these considerations carefully before making any final decisions!

How To Remove The Musty Smell From Your Home

Mold produces microbial volatile organic molecules, which are responsible for the musty stench common in older dwellings. A musty stench in your house, regardless of its age, indicates that mold has taken root somewhere. There are various things you can do to get rid of that musty stench and leave your house feeling fresh and clean. Read on to find out what you can do. 

Image from Pixabay

 

Find The Mold

The first thing you must do is handle the mold issue. Mold not only has a musty stench, but it is also potentially harmful to your health. Mold typically develops in the vicinity of a plumbing leak. Hopefully, it's in a convenient location, such as beneath the kitchen sink. It might, however, be growing within your walls around a leaking pipe.

Once you've identified the mold, wash the affected area with a solution of one gallon of water and one cup of bleach. Scrub away all of the mold and keep the area properly aired until it dries fully. You can treat a tiny area of mold on your own. However, if the area is much bigger or difficult to get to, you may need to hire specialists to help you. If there is a lot of damage, then you'll certainly need water and mold restoration services to help you put things right again. 

Fix The Leak

You must address the cause of the issue, or the mold will return. You'll need to either repair the leak yourself or hire a plumber. However, in an older house, your plumbing may need to be changed if the pipes have deteriorated, in which case you will most likely want the services of a professional. Galvanized steel pipes, for example, are notorious for rust. Polybutylene plastic pipes, which were popular in the 1970s and 1980s, are prone to cracking.

Of course, it isn't always a leaking pipe. Mold development can be facilitated by any moisture accumulation, not only plumbing issues. If you live in a humid region, think about installing dehumidifiers, particularly in the bathrooms and kitchen. After you've finished showering, open the windows and turn on the fan to help dry the bathroom. Also, keep furniture at least a few inches away from the walls to avoid moisture collecting. You can avoid mold by keeping your house clean and dry.

Use Natural Odor Absorbers

Natural odor absorbers, such as baking soda and activated charcoal, can aid in the removal of any remaining smells. To keep them fresh, swap them out every week or two. Additionally, sunshine and fresh air are natural air cleaners, so leave the windows open throughout the day. Mold development is also inhibited by sunlight and fresh air.

It may take some time to eliminate mold and musty smells entirely, but don't give up. Even if it takes a few weeks for the smell to go away completely, it's far better than doing nothing and living in an unpleasant home. Once you've done what you can, keeping your house dry and allowing in fresh air and sunlight should keep mold at bay.

4 Ways to Get Your Car Back in Shape Before Selling to Get The Best Offer

When it comes time to sell your car, you want to ensure that it's in the best possible condition. After all, you want to get the best offer possible. In this blog post, we will discuss four ways to get your car back in shape before selling it. By following these tips, you can ensure that you receive the best offer for your vehicle!

Photo by Alex Amorales from Pexels

Have it professionally cleaned

The first step in getting your car ready to sell is to have it professionally cleaned. This will remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the vehicle and make it look much more presentable to potential buyers. A clean car will also be easier to photograph, so make sure to take plenty of pictures of your vehicle! A professional cleaning typically costs around $100-$150, but it's well worth the investment. By taking this simple step, you can ensure that your car looks its best and makes a great first impression on potential buyers.

Repair any damage

If your car has any damage, it's essential to repair it before selling. Minor scratches and dents can be fixed quickly, while more significant issues (like a broken windshield) may require more extensive repairs. It's important to remember that potential buyers will likely inspect your car closely, so any damage should be repaired before putting it up for sale. Repairing the damage can often be expensive, but it's worth it to get the best offer for your car. If you have any scratches or dents on your vehicle's body, try to have them fixed before selling. Cosmetic repairs by Landrover accident repair centres can go a long way in increasing the value of your car.

Fix any mechanical issues

If your car has any mechanical issues, it's essential to fix them before selling. A broken engine or a missing transmission can be deal-breakers for potential buyers, so ensuring that the car is in good working order is crucial. If there are any major mechanical issues with the vehicle, you may need to take it to a mechanic for repairs. This can be expensive, but it's necessary if you want to get the best offer for your car. By fixing any major mechanical issues, you can ensure that your vehicle is in good condition and ready to sell

Research selling prices

Once you've fixed all of the issues with your car, it's time to research selling prices. The internet is a great place to start because many websites will estimate how much your vehicle could sell in its current condition. Of course, these estimates aren't always accurate. Still, they can help guide you as you determine how much money should be listed on Craigslist or other popular selling platforms like Autotrader and CarGurus. By doing your research and listing a fair price for your car, you can ensure that you get the best offer possible.

By following these four tips, you can ensure that your car is in good condition and ready to sell. By having it professionally cleaned, repairing any damage or major mechanical issues with the vehicle, and researching selling prices online, you can get the best offer possible when putting your car up for sale!