Greenfield Beautify Highway 55 Project, phase two
Once again the call is going out to Greenfield residents who would like to participate in improving the city’s appearance along Minnesota State Highway 55 Saturday, Sept. 25, beginning at 9 a.m. Volunteers will meet at the Greenfield City Hall, 7738 Commerce Circle.
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Check out this video about garden design:
a design we did for my garden design course for a place in penryn near falmouth in cornwall, uk. old celtic symbol called the Triquetra
Port Chester teacher’s middle school garden project yields lessons about food
RYE BROOK — Before the end of her job interview at Port Chester Middle School, teacher Allison Silverman was already lining up plans for a garden there.
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Getting your new garden decking installed successfully requires DIY experience, time and planning. Garden decks are perfect for adding class to your garden by transforming your out-door sanctuary into a lovely place to eat, drink and unwind. After spending the time deciding between Teak, Iroko, Ipe or any other type of decking timber the last thing you would want is to realize you have forgotten an important step along the way. Here are 10 recommended steps to take before and after garden decking DIY installation.
Before starting the installation:
1. Decide where to place the deck – This step is very important as it will likely influence the type of wood you will need to buy and of course the amount of wood. The two popular options are an extension leading from a conservatory or a standalone build perhaps in a peaceful corner of the garden.
2. Source quality wood – After deciding where the decking will sit, which style most suitable to your garden and which style is within your budget the next step is to source a reputable seller from which to buy. Because prices and quality can vary, take the time to research well.
3. Measure correctly – In order to determine the right size of timber boards to purchase measure the width and length of the surface area. Consider adding an extra 8% on top of this measurement for waste. Most decking sellers will let you return unused and unopened boards so do not worry if you have some left.
4. Clear the area to be decked – Make sure the surface is free of any obstacles so you can concentrate on laying rather than moving garden furniture around. If you are replacing a decked area, remove the old decking and place it in a safe area. Should you have kids and pets running around double check it is stored safely.
5. Make alternative plans – If the household members are used to congregate in the garden especially during the summer months where kids find it a safe place to play, make alternative plans for them until work is done. Make sure you have plenty of room to work (in peace and quiet).
6. Familiarize yourself with the installation method – Most decking sets will come self-assembly so it is really a question of reading the instruction and making sure you understand them. Use screws and an electric screwdriver instead of nails while assembling the decking to make it quicker.
After the installation:
7. Dispose of all the waste – An important step often forgotten is to make plans for how to dispose of the waste which could include your old decking or the packaging of the new decking. The best plan is to take it to a certified dumpster.
8. Brush thoroughly – Brushing the new decked area using a stiff broom will get ride off debris from the installation and unpacking process.
Maintenance and care:
9. Jet wash twice a year – To keep the decking boards clean and prestige, other than the occasional thoroughly brushing consider washing it with a pressure washer twice a year.
10. Quickly clean satins and spills – Cleaning those pesky spills will ensure it will not stain. If by accident the spill did manage to trickle down to the timber use a chemical cleaning agent from your local hardware store or use warm water and soda crystals.
Enjoy your DIY project.
Ran is the marketing manager for Wood and Beyond. Sellers of hardwood flooring, worktops and wooden decking boards.
Installing garden decking boards represents a financial investment which can help increase the value of your home. Care and maintenance are essential to keep the garden decking in prestige condition. There is also an important safety aspect to keeping your garden decking clean as it will prevent the surface from becoming a slippery over time.
Materials: warm water, soda crystals, chemical agents (optional)
Tools You’ll Need: stiff household broom, pressure washer (optional)
Before You Begin: The cleaning process is likely to take some time, make sure you have the time and do not rush the job. For better results, clean your decking in summer when the decks are dry.
Step 1 : Clear the decked area – Make sure the decking surface is free of any obstacles so you can concentrate on cleaning rather than moving toys, chairs and tables around. Do not drag any piece of furniture around therefore you should consider getting a helping hand for this step.
Step 2 : Brush thoroughly – Using a stiff broom give the deck a thorough brush followed by jet wash using a pressure washer if you have one to get rid of dirt and debris. Do not use an industrial grade pressure washer as it might damage the wood, those used as multi-purpose home jet cleaners will work just fine.
Step 3a : Use warm water and soda crystals – To clean the decked surface on a budget and to minimise wastage, use warm water and soda crystals. Spray warm water over the decked surface and sprinkle soda crystals. Leave the decking for a few hours and once dry brush using a stiff broom.
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Step 3b : Use dedicated cleaners – Soda crystals are fantastic for cleaning garden decking, but they take a while to dry. There are a number of chemical agents which will both clean and rejuvenate the timber. Look out for a chemical agent specifically designed for your type of timber which can vary from ipe decking to teak decking etc and purchase it from a reputable source. Normally those chemicals are highly concentrated therefore one to two liters will do.
Step 4: Rinse the deck once again – After you have completed the cleaning process, rinse the deck area completely to remove any trace of the cleaning solutions and chemical agents. Allow the deck to dry completely before replacing furniture and other items on the deck surface.
Wood and Beyond sellers of decks from ipe to teak decking.
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