Lawn & Garden

(BPT) – There are many popular ways people chose to get the most out of their outdoor living space these days. They build a fireplace or a fire pit, install lighting or a water feature, add a paver patio or outdoor kitchen, or plant a garden or trees — the possibilities are limited only to a person’s imagination and budget. However, accommodating these upgrades can be a challenge if the area is excessively sloped. In those situations, functional square footage can easily be added to the outdoor living space by building a small retaining wall.

Strategically placing a 2- to 3-foot high retaining wall will expand an outdoor living space that would otherwise go unused with a structurally sound surface for those desirable elements. Beyond creating more useable outdoor space, retaining walls can also serve a variety of purposes ranging from planters and benches to decorative terraces and fences. In addition, with a seemingly endless array of stone sizes, shapes, colors and textures from a company like Pavestone, homeowners can really customize a retaining wall to fit their personality and taste. While larger retaining walls will require a contractor, smaller versions can be completed as a do-it-yourself weekend project at a fraction of the cost.

Note: wearing gloves and eye protection is recommended

Steps for building a retaining wall:

* Estimate the size and shape of the wall being built so the number of stones can be determined.

* Outline the size and shape of the wall on the ground with a garden hose and spray paint.

* Excavate dirt from the area with a shovel, being sure to dig a trench 12-inches wide by 4-inches deep. For organic soils consisting mostly of sand, silt and dirt, dig 4-inches deeper. Cut through and remove any sod, roots or large rocks.

* Tamp the soil in the trench and add 1-inch to 4-inches of paver base to the bottom of the trench, to smooth and level the surface. For walls taller than three layers the first layer should be completely buried.

* Place and level the first wall unit. Level each additional unit on the base course as you place it, making sure the outside edges touch. If your wall contains both straight and curved areas, start with a straight area and build into the curves. Complete the base course before proceeding to the second course.

* Starting with straight areas first, begin placing the second course. Center each unit on the seams of the course below in a running bond pattern. Now proceed to the next layer, back filling with the excavated dirt as you go.

* For drainage behind the wall, clean gravel or crushed stone is recommended. Use clean granular backfill such as gravel or crushed stone for drainage and to prevent soil from leaching through the wall. A commercial filter fabric stocked by most garden supply stores may be used when existing site soils are used for backfill.

* Re-size stones with a chisel and hammer to fill gaps small gaps in the wall as necessary.

* Continue the stacking process until the retaining wall reaches the desired height.

QUIKRETE Polyurethane Construction Adhesive can be placed between layers to strengthen the retaining wall. The finished project is sure to help make your outdoor living area the spot for family gatherings and entertaining friends. For more tips, direction and information on building a retaining wall or other home improvement projects with pavers or stone, visit the Pavestone website and Facebook.

(BPT) – There are many popular ways people chose to get the most out of their outdoor living space these days. They build a fireplace or a fire pit, install lighting or a water feature, add a paver patio or outdoor kitchen, or plant a garden or trees — the possibilities are limited only to a person’s imagination and budget. However, accommodating these upgrades can be a challenge if the area is excessively sloped. In those situations, functional square footage can easily be added to the outdoor living space by building a small retaining wall.

Strategically placing a 2- to 3-foot high retaining wall will expand an outdoor living space that would otherwise go unused with a structurally sound surface for those desirable elements. Beyond creating more useable outdoor space, retaining walls can also serve a variety of purposes ranging from planters and benches to decorative terraces and fences. In addition, with a seemingly endless array of stone sizes, shapes, colors and textures from a company like Pavestone, homeowners can really customize a retaining wall to fit their personality and taste. While larger retaining walls will require a contractor, smaller versions can be completed as a do-it-yourself weekend project at a fraction of the cost.

Note: wearing gloves and eye protection is recommended

Steps for building a retaining wall:

* Estimate the size and shape of the wall being built so the number of stones can be determined.

* Outline the size and shape of the wall on the ground with a garden hose and spray paint.

* Excavate dirt from the area with a shovel, being sure to dig a trench 12-inches wide by 4-inches deep. For organic soils consisting mostly of sand, silt and dirt, dig 4-inches deeper. Cut through and remove any sod, roots or large rocks.

* Tamp the soil in the trench and add 1-inch to 4-inches of paver base to the bottom of the trench, to smooth and level the surface. For walls taller than three layers the first layer should be completely buried.

* Place and level the first wall unit. Level each additional unit on the base course as you place it, making sure the outside edges touch. If your wall contains both straight and curved areas, start with a straight area and build into the curves. Complete the base course before proceeding to the second course.

* Starting with straight areas first, begin placing the second course. Center each unit on the seams of the course below in a running bond pattern. Now proceed to the next layer, back filling with the excavated dirt as you go.

* For drainage behind the wall, clean gravel or crushed stone is recommended. Use clean granular backfill such as gravel or crushed stone for drainage and to prevent soil from leaching through the wall. A commercial filter fabric stocked by most garden supply stores may be used when existing site soils are used for backfill.

* Re-size stones with a chisel and hammer to fill gaps small gaps in the wall as necessary.

* Continue the stacking process until the retaining wall reaches the desired height.

QUIKRETE Polyurethane Construction Adhesive can be placed between layers to strengthen the retaining wall. The finished project is sure to help make your outdoor living area the spot for family gatherings and entertaining friends. For more tips, direction and information on building a retaining wall or other home improvement projects with pavers or stone, visit the Pavestone website and Facebook.

(BPT) – Renovation season is approaching. Do you know what home improvements will give you the best return for your money? Here’s a hint: step outside.You might assume upgrades to interior spaces like kitchens and bathrooms have the best payoff, but mo…

(BPT) – Renovation season is approaching. Do you know what home improvements will give you the best return for your money? Here’s a hint: step outside.You might assume upgrades to interior spaces like kitchens and bathrooms have the best payoff, but mo…

(BPT) – When you fill your bird feeders and put fresh water in the birdbath this season, you’ll definitely be giving your feathered friends a helping hand. But you could also be serving the greater good!Take note of the birds that visit your yard, and …

(BPT) – Bright colors aren’t often associated with winter — but they can be. In fact, a backyard full of beautiful colors and cheerful chirps may be just a few feedings away.

If you’ve never fed wild birds before, winter is the perfect time to get started. Opening up your backyard to birds during the coldest months of the year means you are helping sustain them during a time when food and water are scarce.

“The winter months are especially tough on birds,” says Seth Estep, vice president and divisional merchandise manager at Tractor Supply Company. “By providing them with a clean water source and food to eat, you’ll not only enjoy seeing far more of them in your garden, but you’ll also be helping them survive and thrive at a time when their natural resources are being threatened.”

If you’re interested in turning your backyard into a hotspot for birds this winter, consider these tips from the experts at Tractor Supply Co.:

The basics

Just like any other living creature, the survival of birds depends on their ability to find food, water and shelter. But as temperatures drop and winter months approach, the availability of these resources dwindles.

That’s where you come in.

Attracting wild birds to your backyard is as simple as creating a space that includes these three essential elements. But remember, birds are quick learners and it won’t take long for them to grow accustomed to your generosity. In other words, if you’re going to open up your backyard to birds, it’s important to continue providing them with food and water throughout the season.

Feeding

No two birds sing the same song; different types of wild birds prefer different things. Everything from the food you serve to the feeders you serve it in will vary depending on the species of bird you’re dealing with. If you’re not sure what types of wild birds are native to your area, visit the National Audubon Society’s website to find out. Once you familiarize yourself with the specific types of birds that reside in your neighborhood, you can tailor your menu to serve their favorites.

First, focus on the feeder; Tractor Supply carries a number of different style bird feeders, but before making your selection, consider where your feeder will be located. For instance, feeders should be positioned approximately 8-10 feet away from shrubbery where predators may hide. They should also be placed in a sheltered area that’s less exposed to harsh weather and strong winds.

Inclement weather and pesky predators aren’t the only harrowing threat to birds. A dirty feeder can harbor many deadly illnesses, so you’ll want to get in the habit of regularly scraping off bird droppings and disinfecting the feeding area. Make a quick and easy at-home solution by using one part vinegar and 20 parts water — just remember to wait until the feeder is completely dry before refilling.

Types of food

When it comes to wild birds, there are many varieties of feed to choose from. To attract a wide array of birds, consider black oil sunflower seed. You can also mix things up by using multiple feeders to serve different types of mixtures and blends. A great option to consider is Royal Wing TotalCare, which is available in four blends and specifically formulated to attract all types of species, including Woodpeckers, Nuthatches and Chickadees.

Royal Wing TotalCare also makes great products containing suet. Feed containing suet acts as a substitute for natural fat, which is not only difficult to find during colder months but, upon consumption, provides birds with the calories and energy they need to endure the harsh winter elements.

The importance of water

Finding fresh, unfrozen water can be even more difficult for birds than finding food during winter. One or two bird baths arranged around your yard can help ensure birds have an ample source of water for drinking and bathing — which is essential to help them keep their feathers clean for flying.

When temperatures fall below freezing, a birdbath with a built-in heating element can help ensure birds are able to find the water they need. If you already have a birdbath but it doesn’t have a heater, consider buying a drop-in heating element that sits in the bottom of the basin. Another option suggested by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is to place an incandescent light bulb inside a flowerpot and sit the basin on top of the pot. The heat from the bulb will help keep the water in liquid form.

Tractor Supply Company carries all the supplies a family needs to attract wild birds to their backyard, and during the month of October, the rural lifestyle store will be hosting Flocktoberfest where customers will receive great deals on products related to wild birds and poultry. To find a local store near you, visit TractorSupply.com.

For more ideas and tips on how to attract wild birds to your backyard, visit Tractor Supply’s Know How Central.

(BPT) – The buzzing, the crack, the call of “timber!” Whether you’re trimming vegetation on your rural property or updating the landscaping by your suburban home, a chainsaw helps you get the job done quickly and efficiently.Millions of homeowners safe…