One of the greatest things about living out in the country is that you are usually graced with a pretty sizeable garden. Yeah, you might find a property in the city with a little sliver of green running down the side. But when you relocate to the country, you find yourself amazed at how much outdoor space you get for the same cost! There aren’t many people who don’t appreciate a good garden space, and it is easy to see why. Even people who aren’t that into gardening can find a lot of benefit in having a garden, even if it is just a lawn at the back of the house for the dog to play in. But looking after your garden isn’t always easy. It can be hard to stay on top of the maintenance of your garden all year round. To help you, we would like to share our top tips for keeping your garden looking stunning.

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Lawnmowing

This is one of those essentials which a lot of people end up finding a bit boring. Personally, I don’t see why. But if you are one of those who can’t bear to do it, then it’s not the end of the world. The good news is, this isn’t one of those jobs which need doing all the time. Even a few times a year will suffice. Keeping the lawn trim has a massive effect on the overall look of the garden. The neater the grass, the happier the garden! You could also consider having a lawn care expert like https://www.lawncare.net/service-areas/california/ come and visit your garden to see if there’s any specific treatments they could recommend to keep your lawn looking its absolute best.

Lighting

Another simple little step you can take is to install some basic lighting in your garden. This doesn’t need to be anything too fancy or over the top. Even just a few solar-powered lamps dotted here and there can make a pretty little addition to the garden. The ambience of the garden will light right up with just the right amount of subtle lighting.

Landscaping

For the slightly more adventurous amongst you, there is always the option of landscaping. This is a good idea if you feel that your garden needs a bit of a renovation. For example, if your garden has been looking a little lifeless for a couple of years or so, then you might want to consider starting afresh. This doesn’t need to be as monumental as it sounds. Nor do you need to go it alone. There are a host of landscaping and tree services out there who will make the whole process a breeze.

Decking

For a bit of a change that doesn’t require professional help, consider installing some decking. This is a lovely little DIY job that just about anyone can do. On top of that, it can make a significant difference to the overall feel of a garden! If you have an old patio that has seen better days, this might be the way to go. Alternatively, installing a patch of decking can be an excellent modern solution to those who want to go lawn-free. It’s a brave move indeed, but some people love it!

So you’ve got a new puppy. We know that you already plan on spending hour after hour snuggling and petting them. But how do you make sure you’re prepared to be the best pet owner possible? As well as giving him or her a loving home, can you be considerate of their upbringing and health? If you want to make sure you have all of your bases covered, this is the guide for you. Just follow this advice and be prepared to take care of the new love of your life.

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Have all you need for their new home

There’s so much stuff that a new dog actually needs that it’s easy to forget. We consider every item on this list essential to keeping a happy, healthy dog. Though depending on your home, you might disagree. There are twenty-one of them in the link, but  some might have neglected include crates to help them train or toothbrushes. Have everything you need in the list ready before he gets home, so you’re not running to the store every ten seconds.

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Keep your home pest free

You may not have any health issues with your home but that doesn’t mean that will be the case for the new member of the family. Fleas, ticks and midges can be a major annoyance for a dog, not to mention come with the possibility with disease. We have a guide already prepared for keeping the welfare of your pooch in mind, particularly good when it comes to rural home.

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Train them to be social and happy

Some people think that training is a harsh step for raising a creature we all just want to cuddle. The truth is that your dog will get a lot more out of interacting with humans and dogs alike if you’re prepared to have them trained. Dog trainers are experts in dealing with animals, so don’t be afraid that it will be much like your own worst schooling nightmares. Get your puppy socialized and you’ll both be reaping the rewards of happy relationships with all the other dogs and their owners.

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Help them get into a schedule

A proper schedule is as important for a dog as it is for us. It helps them put their day in order, which stops them from getting restless. It also stops them from developing their own schedules. You won’t be too happy if they think feeding time is 5 in the morning, after all. You should learn all about developing the ideal structure for your dog.

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Avoiding separation anxiety

The idea that your pup misses you so much is the source of a thousand melting hearts. However, separation anxiety is a very real problem for dogs and causes a lot of distress. Teaching them to feel comfortable alone and in a crate will be much better for their overall health. Though you may be just as excited to see them again, try keep greetings and goodbyes low-key. This is so they don’t get used to hyper hellos and heart-breaking goodbyes.

People often consider moving to the seaside. Living on the coast is a great prospect for anyone who likes the sound of the waves, the smell of the sea or the sunshine that some areas receive. However, there can be downsides to living so close to the water. If you want to own a coastal property, you can be somewhere remote, or you can choose a more populated home. Whichever one you want, you can face a number of issues that might put you off living by the sea. If you’re considering moving to a seaside home, you should think about some of these pros and cons first.

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Considering the Environment

Before you buy a home on the water, there are a few environmental issues to consider. Not all “seaside homes” are right on the coast. However, some of them are, and they can face issues. These properties can become victims of eroding coastline and rising water levels. Anyone who chooses to live in them needs to be aware of this and what they need to do to combat the problems. For example, many homeowners have to look into buying bulkhead material to protect their property from the water. In some locations, it would be unwise to purchase a home that could soon collapse into the sea.

Costs of Living Coastal

The costs of owning a home and living on the coast can vary. It’s more expensive in some locations and cheaper than others. However, no matter where you live, it’s likely to be more expensive than living inland. If you want to buy a coastal home, it’s not just the price of the property you need to consider. There are other factors too, from energy providers to even the cost of food and drink. If you choose to live somewhere more remote, especially in a desirable location, you can find the cost of living is much higher.

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Health Benefits of Seaside Homes

One of the bonuses of living by the sea is the health benefits it offers. In fact, some of the locations where people live longest are islands and coastal areas. There are several theories about why this might be, including the diet these people enjoy. Whatever the reasons, there is evidence that coastal living can be good for you. The air is often fresh and clean, and you have plenty of outdoor space to explore. If you’re looking for somewhere that allows you to live an active life, being by the sea will help you do that.

Home Maintenance

If you want to buy a coastal property, it helps to consider the costs of maintaining it. You need to think about the weather when you’re living by the sea. Wind and rain can batter your property and cause at lease cosmetic damage. However, caring for your home won’t necessarily be more expensive than living elsewhere. You may just have to approach it in a different way.

Owning a coastal property can give you beautiful views and a sedate lifestyle. But don’t forget to think about the other issues you could face.

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There is something about eating outdoors that is elemental. Maybe the aroma of cooking on the breeze stirs something up inside us. Whatever it is, it works. Al Fresco dining is as good as it gets. It whets our appetites and makes us more social. Outside there are no distractions. We focus on the food and the company and let’s face it, life does not get any better than that. But rolling the BBQ out of the garage does not quite give us the ambience we need. How can you plan your garden around your outdoor kitchen and really make the most of your alfresco dining experience?

To an extent the site of your outdoor kitchen and eating area will depend upon your house. The simplest idea would be to select an area close to your existing kitchen. In that way you have the backup and ease of being able to pass things out and through. There will be a lot less running around. In these scenarios, your cooking area would most likely be situated on your deck or patio,

Another slightly more adventurous scenario would be to create a purpose built area in another part of the garden, and maybe even getting a ready-to-assemble outdoor kitchen (if that sounds like something you’re interested in, you can learn more at rtaoutdoorliving.com). This might need to be protected to some degree from prevailing winds and breezes. But this might be a lovely idea especially if you have a place in the country. It could also be a way to take advantage of a special view, or a place to eat while you watched the sunset.

Wherever you decide work, you’ll be able to focus on a dedicated area. In doing that you can take advantage of the experience of a company such as TDL who are experts in landscaping. You’ll need a base and have to think about your flooring options. Something solid with character that is easy to keep clean would be ideal. It’s great to have at least one wall or half wall to place your oven or BBQ area up against.

Here you can think about other attractions such as a fire pit or even an outdoor fireplace to keep you nice and warm. This could make even dining out on cooler nights a heartwarming option. If this is a kitchen away from a kitchen, it can be a good idea to think about food preparation areas, as well as having running water and a sink. This will be useful in terms of preparing food.

There are a wide range of screens and ways of protecting yourself from not just cooler breezes but also insects on warmer nights. Have a think too about the kind of feel that you would like. Outdoor furniture is an important aspect of your whole experience. You could focus on a table and chairs or draw in a few loungers for more relaxing options.

The outdoors cook might like to take advantage of the living garden. What could be fresher and more nutritious than being able to bring your own salad and vegetables to the table? A herb garden is a handy and aromatic choice to have close by. Companion planting with lavender helps keep the bugs at bay. All you need now is for the sun to go down and a few lights to come on. As the soft glow of the candles work their magic, it is easy to anticipate the feast ahead.