You may think that the most used component of the kitchen would be an appliance however in fact it is your kitchen floor! Choosing the right kitchen floor depends on several factors all of which need to be considered in order to find the perfect flooring material for your space.

It is wise to start by answering a few key questions:

How busy is your kitchen? Is there a lot of traffic?

How much do you want to spend?

What flooring products are available for kitchens?

What is the durability of each product?

What designs are available? What are your flooring measurements and how much material will be required?

When designing your kitchen, it is vital to include appropriate flooring materials that keep durability, style and re-sale in mind. Whether you are designing, remodeling or re-designing your kitchen research on kitchen flooring plays an enormous role as there are several materials to choose from. Unfortunately some of the hottest flooring products today are often overlooked in kitchen design when in fact they are entirely practical and gorgeous too!

Bamboo Flooring

Beautiful and exotic this renewable product is very comparable to hardwood in style, feel and strength making bamboo a fantastic surface to be considered in your kitchen.

Cost - Generally the cost of bamboo can vary from $3.00 sq to $9.00 sq installation not included. Production expense is higher with respect to engineered and stained bamboo flooring therefore increasing cost for the consumer.

Maintenance - Cleaning is relatively simple requiring light mopping and sweeping. Beware that sweeping is very important as these floors can scratch. Dirt, sand, and other granular particles under foot can make good opportunity for damage.

Bamboo is an extremely strong and versatile plant that is actually classified as a grass. It grows rapidly where shoots reach maturity in 5-7 years. At that time the plant actually benefits from the harvesting of those shoots.
If you are concerned about harvestation and its affect on wild life, Panda bears actually feed from of a different strain of bamboo which is located at a much higher altitude than that of bamboo used for flooring products.

Cork Flooring

This marvelous material does not end with bottle stoppers. Cork is a fabulous flooring material that even your kitchen will love. The cellular structure of cork is comprised of millions of air sacs essentially meaning that 50% of this flooring material consists of air!! Cork is another excellent consideration for your kitchen space.

Cost - Cork tiles and planks are priced reasonably starting at $4 for basic tiles where price increases with planks and stains.
Maintenance - Depending on the type of finish you have chosen for your floor maintenance will vary. Wax finishes generally require waxing at least once a year certainly something to maintain. Polyurethane will scratch if those floors are not swept. So keep those floors clean with regular sweeping and dry mopping and the results will be less wear of your finish.

Unlike other natural wood flooring products, cork is obtained from the bark of oak trees generally located in the Mediterranean. The cork oak tree is remarkable as its bark can be harvested every 9 years without cause of any damage to its existence or that of its environment. The best cork is reserved for our other partner in the kitchen as our beloved wine bottles require stoppers. Bottle stoppers account for 60% of the cork market but where there is demand for perfect corks there must be waist. Cork flooring is made from that unwanted material making this flooring product another fabulously environmentally conscious choice for your kitchen floor.

Cork also holds many benefits with respect to a healthy environment in any home. Suberin, the waxy, natural substance found in cork also plays a role in cork’s resistance to mold and mildew. Cork flooring is antimicrobial and has been proven to be insect resistant as well.

The cellular structure of cork also makes this flooring material an excellent choice for people who suffer from back problems or injury.

Linoleum Flooring

Unfortunately linoleum seems not to be the product that comes to mind when remodeling or designing a kitchen as it brings with it old memories of sterile hospital and school hallways. So many new and exciting modifications have been made to more commonly used flooring materials that linoleum is often overlooked. In fact this 100 year old flooring material still has what it takes and is making a huge come back! Here’s why!

Cost - Linoleum is a fairly expensive product. It compares with that of high-end vinyl and hardwood generally at $4.00 a square foot and can be much higher. Sheet linoleum also requires professional installation at an additional cost. However its’ resistance to wear and tear, and its’ life expectancy makes this product a leader in cost effectiveness.

Creative arrangements and various tile hues make linoleum a designer’s dream. Great designs and patterns can be achieved with linoleum where your floors can truly become a personalized work of art.

Maintenance - Sweeping and light mopping makes linoleum extremely easy to clean.

Another area in which linoleum excels as a material for your kitchen floor is in the health department. Linseed oil is a natural ingredient found in linoleum flooring. Its presence allows for linoleum to succeed as being a naturally antimicrobial floor. As linseed oil oxidizes it prevents bacteria such as Salmonella Typhimurium, and Staphylococus Aureus from breeding and multiplying. Other flooring receives chemical agents in order to achieve the same affect however these agents will wear off over time. No matter the age of linoleum or the finishing that it may receive, this product will always remains antimicrobial. It also repels dust, and dirt which is why this product is commonly used in hospitals and schools.

So when it comes to choosing the right material for your kitchen floor, why limit yourself to traditional choices. Do your research and select a floor that best suits your needs as well as your style!

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Most people are looking for ways to improve the look and usability of their backyards. Sometimes the major obstacle to getting the backyard of your dreams Is the expense. Landscaping and the upkeep can be an unfor3eseen expense when purchasing a home. That is why so many people never get around to improving their backyard. The good news is that with some research and diligence on your part, you may be able to improve your backyard by adding an outdoor kitchen. You may even find that an outdoor kitchen is less expensive than hiring a landscaper.

Outdoor kitchens have become very popular recently and it is no wonder why. Not only does an outdoor kitchen enhance the look of your home and add value to your property. They also are a lot of fun. It is very enjoyable to invite people over and entertain in your yard while everyone enjoys the outdoors in a comfortable setting. Just imagine grilling up juicy steaks or tasty ribs as you and your company enjoy a soft, summer night. Once you’ve started using an outdoor kitchen you will wonder why you ever waited.

Another aspect to keep in mind when deciding if you can afford to build an outdoor kitchen is that it will add value to your property. Depending on where you live this can add significant value to your home. Sometimes for every dollar you spend on improving your home you can get two dollars back. Therefore if you spend ten thousand on an outdoor kitchen it may increase the value of your home by twenty thousand if you ever sell. Of course this will all depend on where you live and what the housing market is when you sell.

To decide what kind of outdoor kitchen concept you want, become familiar with your choices. The Internet is a good way to begin your search. There are many companies that provide plans for outdoor kitchens. Some websites have the capability to let you design your own kitchen. This works as a virtual kitchen plan and will allow you to get a good look at what your kitchen will actually look like. This is a great idea and I highly recommend it because so many people have a hard time visualizing concepts unless they can actually see them.

Another great thing to do is visit some houses that have an outdoor kitchen area. Make your own observations. Take note of features you like or dislike. This is also a good way to get referrals for a good contractor or a building supply company where you may be able to purchase supplies for your kitchen at a discount.

In closing, don’t discount adding an outdoor kitchen to your backyard, it is a wise investment and may not be as expensive as you think. Just do your homework!

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I would like to know…………………

WHO STOLE SUMMER?????????????/

What did you do with it?

And where are you hiding it?

It seems as though just last week we were celebrating the beginning of summer.

Looking forward to our yards and gardens.

Planning vacations.

Now, parents are celebrating “BACK TO SCHOOL!”

That could mean more time in our yards and enjoying the fruits of our labor, however.

Enjoying our backyard guests.

We’ve seen visitors come and go.

And all the feathered families we helped raise.

Now it’s time to think of visitors heading south.

Keep your feeders cleaned and filled.

Very important is a source of fresh water.

Quite often a stranger will stop for a drink and you may be fortunate enough to see your guests.

You may want to keep a camera handy.

It’s getting time to think about fall projects in our yards.

It’s time to let annuals go to seed and let some perennials go as well.

Say……………. do you have any grasses in your yard?

I’m not referring to the grass you mow, or the stuff “Cheech and Chong” made so popular either.

I’m talking about ornamental grasses.

Ornamental grasses for your birds.

No,I haven’t flipped my lid.

Grasses are becoming more popular in landscaping, yet have you
thought of the possibilities for wildlife?

For birds?

Grasses come in many varieties from only a couple inches tall to 15 feet and taller.

They come with names like “Little Bunny” and “Giganteus”

“Flamingo” and ” Little Zebra”

How about “Karley Rose” or “Karl Forrester”

Names are as unique as the grasses are.

Grasses can work as a ground cover, erosion control, a wind brake and look good while doing it.

Ornamental grass can make up a border, a barrier or become a focal point in your yard.

Grasses can also help feed and shelter birds.

This time of year, most grasses are flowering or have showy plumes.

Many of these plumes produce seeds for birds to munch on.

Foliage left up for the winter months provide wind brakes and protection from harsh winter winds

Birds may also make a mad dash to flee a predator.

Not to mention that the dry foliage and plumes can give depth and motion to an otherwise drab landscape.

In spring, birds will be using bits and pieces for their nests.

Cut back your grasses 2 to 4 inches from the ground before new growth starts.

Most grasses are hardy to zone 5 and many are hardy to zone 4

There are a few hardy to zone 3.

Once established, ornamental grass needs little care.

Grasses come in about every shade of green there is.

You can find shades of blue.

Grasses with shades of yellow

There are grasses with shades of red.

Grasses with horizontal stripes and some with vertical stripes.

Some varieties are drought tolerant.

Others may prefer moist conditions.

Most prefer sunny locations, while a few prefer shade.

The fact is, there will be a grass for your location.

You can even get annual grasses.

There are so many varieties to choose from I can’t go through them all.

Check with your local garden center or nursery.

Have them recommend what is good for your yard.

Or, do some homework and see what you may prefer instead.

I have 6 varieties of grasses and I’m sure the collection will continue to grow as I find and make room for them.

You are sure to be hooked on grasses when you see a bird hanging onto a stalk and dancing in the wind.

An added bonus, grasses are deer resistant.

Check out the yards around you.

Hit the local garden centers and nurseries.

I’m sure you can find a grass for your yard.

Remember, fall is the best time to plant.

Well friend, it is time to get this letter sent out so I best get going.

Do have a blessed week and continue to smile.

Until next time.

Your friend,

Ron

http://www.backyardbirdingtips.com/

Ron Patterson has been caring for wild birds since he was 10 years old. He has discovered many things along the way.

An avid gardener as well, Ron is a Michigan Certified Nurseryman.

With his expertise in birds and gardens, he writes a weekly newsletter called “Backyard Birding Tips”

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There’s a new garden in town. It is (mostly) easy to install, looks good
year-round, requires almost no maintenance and has a terrifically upbeat impact
on the environment. No wonder rain gardens are such a great new gardening trend!

Storm water runoff can be a big problem in summer during heavy thunderstorms.
As the water rushes across roofs and driveways, it picks up oil and other
pollutants. Municipal storm water treatment plants often can’t handle the
deluge of water, and in many locations the untreated water ends up in natural
waterways. The EPA estimates as much as 70 percent of the pollution in our
streams, rivers, and lakes is carried there by storm water! By taking
responsibility for the rainwater that falls on your own roof and driveway, you’ll
be helping to protect our rivers, streams and lakes from stormwater pollution.

To reduce the excess water runoff, many towns are encouraging businesses and
homeowners to install rain gardens in their yards. Rain gardens are specially
constructed gardens located in low areas of a yard where storm water can collect.
The idea is to have the water naturally funnel to this garden. The rain garden
collects water runoff and stores and filters it until it can be slowly
absorbed by the soil. Rather than rushing off into a storm sewer or a local
waterway, the rainwater can collect in a garden where it will be naturally
filtered by plants and soil.

Installing a rain garden is easy.

You simply dig a shallow depression in your yard and plant it with native
grasses and wildflowers; things that are easy to grow and maintain in your area.

What makes a garden a rain garden?
First, the garden will be designed with a low
spot in the middle to collect and absorb rain water and snow melt. This depression
can range from a few inches in a small garden, to an excavated trough that’s
several feet deep. Second, rain gardens are usually located where they’ll catch
the runoff from impermeable surfaces like sidewalks and driveways, or from gutters
and roof valleys. Third, rain gardens are usually planted with native wildflowers
and grasses that will thrive in tough growing conditions. Finally, rain gardens
are designed to channel heavy rains to another rain garden or to another part of
the garden.

Your rain garden should be located at least 10 feet from the house. The garden’s
size and location depends on the yard. The ideal situation would
be to locate the garden in a natural depression. You also can funnel water
from downspouts on gutters into the garden. The soil should be well drained
so the water doesn’t sit in the garden for more than two days. A special
“rain garden” soil mix of 50 to 60 percent sand, 20 to 30 percent topsoil,
and 20 to 30 percent compost is recommended. You can dig this mixture into
the soil to depth of 2 feet before planting.

Once you’ve identified the new garden’s location, remove the sod and dig a
shallow depression approximately 6-inches deep. Slope the sides gradually from the
outside edge to the deepest area. Use the soil that you remove to build up a
slightly raised area on the lowest side of the garden. This berm will help contain
the stormwater and allow it to percolate slowly through the rain garden.

If your rain garden is no more than about 6-inches deep, stormwater will usually
be absorbed within a one- to seven-day period. Because mosquitoes require seven
to 10 days to lay and hatch their eggs, this will help you avoid mosquito problems.

Your downspout or sump pump outlet should be directed toward your rain garden
depression. This can be accomplished by a natural slope, by digging a shallow swale,
or by piping the runoff directly to the garden through a buried 4″ diameter
plastic drain tile.

Plant Selection… The final touch.

The most difficult part of building a rain garden (if it can even be called that)
can be plant selection. Plants need to be tough enough to withstand periodic flooding,
yet attractive enough to look good in the garden. Deep-rooted, low-care native
plants, such as asters, and tough non-natives, such as daylilies, are best. If
properly designed, the rain garden can consist of a blend of attractive shrubs,
perennials, trees, and ground covers. Planting strips of grass around the
garden and using mulch also can help filter the water.

New plants should be watered every other day for the first two weeks or so.
Once they are well established, your garden should thrive without additional watering.
Fertilizers will not be necessary, and only minimal weeding will be needed after
the first summer of growth.

Our goal at Garden Simply is to make your organic garden work sustainable; be more productive, and ultimately more fun!
Jodi Reichenberger provides education about enhancing you and your family’s health through good eating, organic gardening techniques, organic gardening tips, and an all around
sustainable lifestyle; providing helpful organic pest control tips (Integrated Pest Managment or IPM)to help you make the most of your effort, and the lastest community gardening and sustainable gardening news out there. Join us!
Sustainability is a community effort!

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Outdoor kitchens are not just for warm climate anymore! Recently the addition of a fireplace to an outdoor kitchen has become very popular. The fireplace is great for homes that may be located in a cooler climate because you can start using your outdoor kitchen earlier in the spring and later into the fall. The fireplace feature is very popular and will most certainly add value to your home.

Adding an outdoor kitchen with fireplace allows you to bring another design feature to your home. You can go for a rustic, classy or modern look for example. You may choose to design your kitchen to the surrounding landscape, or to your home, or both. The benefit is you can have total customization and total control to go as simple or as fancy as you want to with your outdoor kitchen.

When designing your kitchen with fireplace imagine the types of people you will be entertaining. Do you live on a lake? If so, you will want to design everything with a lake view in mind. Do you live in the mountains, city, country, suburbs? Everything should be done to enhance your home, surrounding, and keep your guests relaxed and content.

A great way to do your research for an outdoor kitchen with fireplace is to go online and look for reviews. You will be able to find design reviews and contractor reviews. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to research this project so you will be sure to be happy with the results.

An excellent thing to do before hiring someone to build your outdoor kitchen with fireplace is to ask around and try to get some referrals. Don’t ever hire anyone without referrals, especially for something as important and expensive as an outdoor kitchen, not to mention, you’ll want someone who has a good reputation for building safe fireplaces.

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