Category: News

Fresher Cut Flowers

Posted on May 23, 2017 by oi_admin - News

Go ahead and cut those gorgeous garden flowers. Snipping a few blooms here and there is actually good for flowering plants and will allow you to savor the fruits of your labor both indoors and out.

Cut them in the morning. That’s when stems are most firm and full of water, so blooms won’t wilt right away.
Snip them right. Use clean, sharp garden scissors or clippers when cutting flowers. Ordinary household scissors will crush stems and prevent proper water intake.
Fill a vase with lukewarm water. Aside from bulb flowers like tulips, which like cold water, blossoms are best hydrated with warm water, which moves up the stems more quickly.

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Deck Guard Rails

Posted on May 23, 2017 by oi_admin - News

Guard rails keep you safe on your deck. The point is to keep people including young children from falling from the deck. Guards are required for decks higher than 30 inches from the ground. In some municipalities, a guard is required for a deck that is 24 inches from the ground. The specifics of a quality guard rail are spelled out in local building codes but this list will get you started:

The guard rail should be 36 inches high (a deck over 6 feet high requires a 42 inch guard).
There should be no openings larger than 4 inches so nobody can fall through.
It should be strong enough to hold a person that falls heavily into the rail or balusters.
It should not be easily climbable - no footholds.

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A Delightful Deck

Posted on May 23, 2017 by oi_admin - News

You may already know that decks are hot. Homeowners are building them and renovating them more than ever. But do you also know these five amazing facts about decks?

Smart investment: Your home is your biggest investment. It’s an even better investment if you add a deck. Experts say you can realize a 100 percent return on your investment. And if you build it yourself, you can expect an even better return.

Party central: Think of the possibilities for year-round fun on your deck with family and friends. On New Year’s Eve, you and your guests can gather on your deck and celebrate the stroke of midnight. On Halloween, you can organize a pumpkin-carving contest, with Jack-o’-lanterns lined up around your deck. A built-in hot tub adds opportunities for fun and relaxation.

Decking materials galore: Consumers have more choices than ever these days when it comes to choosing material to build their decks. Some decking materials are better suited to warm climates, and others are perfect for withstanding snow and ice. You can even build your deck with composite material which is not only environmentally friendly - but also as beautiful as wood.

Whether you’re building or renovating a deck, you can be sure to participate in an amazing trend.

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The Birds and the Butterflies

Posted on May 23, 2017 by oi_admin - News

Your garden will spring to life with the addition of birds and butterflies!

Create a haven in your garden for birds and butterflies and breathe new life into your garden. You will also create an oasis that the whole family will enjoy with these tips.

Go Natural - Avoid using pesticides as they’re harmful to both birds and butterflies.
Water Works - Install a bird bath or fountain for your feathered friends to bathe and drink from.
Food & Shelter - Trees and shrubs that bear fruit, nuts and berries not only provide food but also offer shelter.
Bloom Boom - Butterflies are attracted to pink, orange, yellow, red, purple and blue shades while butterfly larvae feed on dill, fennel and milkweed.
Sun Seekers - Butterflies like sunny locations that are sheltered from the wind. A few flat stones will give them a place to rest while warming in the sun.

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