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January 27, 2007
My Lights or Fountain Don't Work
We had a couple of calls this week from clients that their fountains were not working. Nine times out of ten this is due to a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupt) plug, which is common in kitchens or bathrooms and can prevent against shocks. From time to time these may trip and need to be reset with the red button on the plug. If there ever is a problem with a lighting transformer, fountain pump or irrigation controller check the plug first to see if the GFI needs to be reset.
Posted by Michael O'Connell at 07:34 AM | Comments (0)
January 24, 2007
Colored Stamped Asphalt
There are a wide variety of options available for driveway paving. These can be a traditional plain concrete or asphalt, or a host of derivatives- decorative finished concrete, stamped concrete, pavers, and resin bound permeable earth pavements are popular alternatives. Colored stamped asphalt is another option when looking at paving options. Similar in appearance and pattern availability to stamped concrete, stamped asphalt is created with patterns that are pressed into the asphalt, and then coated with an acrylic color coat. The result is a fairly cost effective twist on regular asphalt. Patterns and colors are similar to concrete stamps, with brick, stone and paver style patterns available.
For More:
Street Print- for colors, patterns, examples and more information
Posted by Michael O'Connell at 01:19 PM | Comments (0)
January 22, 2007
Prefabricated vs. Custom Trellises and Arbors
The Garden Design Online blog had an interesting post on some different styles of prefabricated trellis and arbors. We have always had mixed feelings about these. While in many situations they make nice accents for plants to be trained upon, they don't have the substance and construction to make a focal point in the same way a custom build arbor/pergola/trellis does. On the other hand they are a much more cost effective way to add a vertical element or accent to the garden.
The larger kits available for bigger structures have always been a bit subject as well. Frequently these are white vinyl and can't match the detail or look of wood. A solution for something ready to assemble on-site maybe a custom woodwork shop like Charles Prowell Woodworks that ships nationwide.
Image from Charles Prowell Woodworks
Current Project- Heavy Timber Custom Arbor Structure
For More:
Matthews Four Seasons Wood Garden Accessories
Our Portfolio of Custom Woodwork
Posted by Michael O'Connell at 07:55 PM | Comments (0)
January 19, 2007
Losing Plants to the Cold
We are spoiled here in the Bay Area with a great climate that allows us to plant a wide range of plantings. These range from sub-tropicals, to more temperate plants and even bulbs. Occasionally however, temperatures will drop down below freezing, killing borderline plants. Frequent casualties are Bougainvillea, Lantana, Heathers and soft stem perennials. When it gets down into the low 20's other plants such as Eucalyptus can also be in danger. This is just a part of dealing with climate changes from season to season. On plantings that grow quickly the best solution is just to replant after a freeze. For other specialized plants or plants that aren't must haves, better to replant with something more hardy. Sunset garden book is the best resources for finding your plant zone in California. Keep in mind that micro-climates such as cold sinks and other phenomenon can make certain areas colder or warmer.
Posted by Michael O'Connell at 11:45 AM | Comments (0)
January 09, 2007
Versa-Lok Product Gallery
Versa-Lok, makers of stacking concrete retaining walls, have just launched a new section for homeowners and contractors with finished installation images for their various products. This is the type resource I wish more manufacturers would provide online. It makes it easier for our clients to see their products and easier to specify and include them into our designs.
Dry stacking retaining walls are a great cost effective way to create small retaining walls and terraces under 4' in height for residential projects. As product offerings have advanced from Versa-Lok and other manufacturers, these walls look better and less industrial than when they first came on the market.
Versa-Lok Residential Idea Book
Posted by Michael O'Connell at 10:31 AM | Comments (0)
January 05, 2007
Bulk Materials Billed by the Pound
We got a flier in the mail from a local materials supplier, stating that they were changing billing methods for bulk materials (gravel, sand, soil, bark). Instead of charging by the traditional volume measure of cubic yard, they were switching to a Loadrite system, whereby as materials are loaded with a tractor they are weighed by the pound. On the face of it, this seems like a good thing, using the old system, depending on the tractor operator, you could receive a lot more or less than a cubic yard. The supplier touts improved satisfaction and quicker loading.
After thinking about it for a while, one critical problem seems to arise- what happens when the materials are wet and can weigh substantially more per cubic yard? I would guess that a cubic yard of sand that is wet could weigh at least 20-30% more than a dry yard of sand. Doesn't that mean that materials will cost more in the rainy season and less during the dry months if they are uncovered?
Unless they have a way for compensating for this fact, this works out to be very convenient for the materials yard, while increasing the cost of materials.
Posted by Michael O'Connell at 03:33 PM | Comments (0)
January 02, 2007
Current Project Mill Valley
Versa-Lok Mosaic retaining wall going up in this small back yard in Mill Valley. The weathered mosaic definitely creates a softer look than traditional Versa-Lok standard blocks.
Sierra Color Versa-Lok Mosaic Wall
Traditional Standard Versa-Lok Wall
Posted by Michael O'Connell at 07:05 PM | Comments (0)