Author: Trey Collier

About Trey Collier

Avid Do-It-Yourself-er. Love's being outdoors. Helped push the shade sail market into one of the fastest growing outdoor shade structures product in North America.

Outdoor Entertaining, Outdoor Living Spaces

Time Stands Still With Outdoor Fireplace

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Outdoor Fireplace

I want more time in my life to be still, quiet and spent with my family.  “Time” is so precious and unless I consistently review my priorities it can slip away just like that.  I can talk about priorities all day long but until I take action they are just words.

Certain environments create more of an opportunity for reflection and quiet conversation.  An easy one for me has been to purchase an outdoor fireplace.  They come in a variety of styles and sizes so finding the perfect one for our home was easy.

Sometimes after dinner as the sun sets we will gather around the fire and talk about our day.  My kids usually ask if we have all the makings for smores.  And if we don’t they are happy to roast marshmallows or just sit back and watch the fire.

What a challenge to make time with my family a priority and when I do the reward is always instantaneous.

Outdoor Entertaining, Outdoor Living Spaces

How to Maintain and Care For Outdoor Furniture

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How to Maintain Outdoor Patio Furniture

Some types of outdoor patio furniture can be quite expensive to buy but if maintained properly can last a lifetime.  Many of the wooden furniture products sold today are already treated with protective oils and stains but alot of people don’t realize that maintenance should take place annually.

Certain kinds of wood furniture such as cedar, redwood, oak, and pine must be treated with a preservative to prevent decay, which can occur rapidly if exposed to harsh weather environments. Protecting this wood furniture with a water-resistant stain, protective oil, or polyurethane is also recommended. Your local home and garden store should be able to assist you.

Outdoor wood furniture should be cleaned once a year. Mix one tablespoon of bleach, five tablespoons of a gentle dishwashing liquid, and a gallon of water, and softly rub the surface of your wood furniture with a soft bristle brush. Wash the solution from the furniture, and allow it to dry completely in the sun. Repainting or re-staining wood furniture could be indicated at this time to cover and protect any worn or damaged areas.

The lifespan for any wooden patio furniture depends greatly on the type of wood used and the weather it is exposed to.  Using waterproof protective covers  when your furniture is not in use is strongly advised to keep your wooden patio furniture in good shape.  Outdoor wood furniture makes a quaint, charming, and nice addition to any backyard, deck, patio, or garden, and with care, it will continue to make a great impression for years to come.

Backyard Fun, Outdoor Living Spaces

I Need A Hammock Break

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Hammock Break

School starts next week and my children are getting ready with new school supplies and books.  Their new shoes will be free of scuff marks for at least a week and their toes will have some wiggle room for a while.

I have been busy planning carpools, grocery lists and everything in between.  The hustle and bustle of every season is actually exciting because change brings an energy of anticipation.

I plan on taking a long hammock break before I dart off in a million different directions next week.  My backyard is a safe haven for me and I am usually energized when I spend time there.  In fact, a hammock nap is on the top of my list.

Environmentally Friendly Ideas, Garden Tools & Tips

Yard Clippings are Going to Waste

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Did you know that nearly 20% of all waste in an average landfill is yard waste?  If you are throwing away your grass clippings, then you are missing out on a valuable resource.

A compost bin decomposes grass clippings and plant material to produce compost in just a few weeks.  This process allows you to reap the benefits of recycling from your own backyard with very little effort.

“Compost” is the rich black soil-like substance created when organic materials like shredded leaves and yard waste are fully decomposed. Mulching with compost prevents weeds, feeds your garden, fights disease and doesn’t starve plants or stain your house with fungal spores like wood mulches.

The rewards from composting are numerous and having access to your own “mulch” is a big one.  Tell your neighbors and friends how easy it is to use a composter.  They will thank you later.

compost bin illustration for your backyard

Garden Tools & Tips, Outdoor Living Spaces

Create the Ultimate Backyard with a Water Feature

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Outdoor Fountain

We purchased a charming house last year right before the economy took a big dive.  I was drawn to this particular house for several reasons, one being the back porch.   This simple small outdoor space was calling my name and I could just see a porch swing, some great outdoor furniture and lots of conversation taking place.  But there was still something missing.  I planted my favorite perennials, filled pots with heat tolerant plants and hung some decorative iron pieces on the walls.

When I added an outdoor fountain, everything came together.  A water feature adds the  magic and brings a new flavor to your space.  I found this to be  an affordable way to really top off and complete my cozy outdoor space.

The downturn in the economy has forced me to look for ways to decorate for less.  That’s not such a bad thing afterall.