Special Outdoor Projects

This article detials how to save money on electricity

A container pond is a easy way to try your hand at water gardening. It's also a much less expensive proposition than building an entire backyard pond to find out that you don't really like it that...

Rubber pond liners are a popular choice for setting up a water garden or pond. Rubber is tough, resilient, and, unlike PVC and plastic based pond liners, resists the damaging UV rays of the sun,...

Algae is unsightly, and it can threaten the lives of fish and aquatic plants in your pond. Algae ranges in color from light green to black and is most easily identifiable by its slimy texture. The...

The most important thing to do to prevent freezing and cracking of your plumbing during the winter months is to drain all of the liquid from pipes you won't be using. By shutting off the valve for...

A serious outdoor entertainer surely fantasizes about a showpiece outdoor oven that serves up perfect pizzas and succulent meats, making his summer parties the talk of the town. With free plans...

A firewood stand makes a great place to organize and store cut firewood that is destined for your fireplace or campfire. Locate your firewood stand in a convenient location either outside or...

Wooden playsets last for years with proper maintenance. Though most come with a stain already applied, this stain is usually only a thin coating of color that begins to show wear and tear after...

Allowing your children the time to play outdoors is an important role in their developmental skills. However, there are fears parents have that may cause them to limit the amount of time their...

There are several different ways to present and measure firewood. Although firewood can be weighed to determine quantity, it is most often measured by "cord" or "face cord" units. But cords and...

A ramp for a utility shed needs to be solid enough to accept any weight that may be applied to it in the future. For simplicity, you can use solid 2-by material to form the majority of the ramp,...

Fountains are a lovely addition to the landscape. Ranging from abstract, modern shapes to timeless Greek gods, the water fountain presents a well-loved position in any appointed landscape. Some...

A hydraulic log splitter is a piece of equipment designed to mechanically split logs into smaller pieces. It consists of a single hydraulic piston, which generates and directs tons of pressure to...

If you like the casual and welcoming look of a country garden and rustic garden furniture, you'll like what a handmade rustic trellis can add to your planted areas. With a bit of creativity and...

When building a chicken run or coop, pressure-treated lumber lasts much longer than wood that is untreated. But could it be harmful to your flock?

Many folks cherish the peace, solidtude and privacy their back yards provide. It's the site for their vegetable gardens and it's where their children play in safety. If it's time to spruce up or...

Spinning garden sprinklers water your plants with style and whimsy. You can make a spinning garden sprinkler from copper tubing and a few other supplies from your local hardware store.

A stackable worm bin--often referred to as a continuous flow bin--allows for the collection of composted materials without disturbing the compost process or the worms residing in the bin. It...

Hanging baskets are a simple way to add character to your yard or porch, and require very little maintenance once the baskets are planted. You can plant a traditional hanging basket with solid...

A well-planned and well-built driveway can enhance the beauty of your home, creating instant "curb appeal." The design and layout of your driveway will convey your aesthetic sense to all who pass...

One of the best things about the outdoors is the ability to relax and share it with someone. If you have a nice outdoor area, you may want to think about how you are going to seat yourself and...

Get some friends together and have a fun afternoon being creative and making your own mosaic tiled stepping stones. You can use tiles left over from a bathroom project, old plates, glass marbles...

Clean moss from a roof with a brush by gentling brushing the moss from the apex of the roof to the base. Organic matter that falls on the roof can decompose, creating a rich, compost-like soil for...

A tent awning is an essential piece of camping gear that protects campers from heavy rainfall, snow and direct sunlight. Depending on the type of awning, these can either be rolled up after use or...

Bluebirds are not only colorful, but helpful in keeping down the insect population in your yard. After you build or buy a nesting box, locate and mount it properly to attract these beautiful birds.

In landscape design, ponds and water gardens require a basic understanding of operation and design to avoid becoming a burden. In a residential setting, homeowners can construct a pond on a...

You can make your own worm bin from wood, using one of the many plans available in worm care books and online. This particular plan offers a simple, flatter profile than many others and can be...

Use a garden fountain to turn a disused bare spot in the garden into a decorative focal point. Soothing and refreshing on a hot day, the sound of moving water softens the garden mood. The play of...

Within your home, the personal touches you add can bring a welcoming feel to any room. In many households, stone tiles accent the kitchen or bathroom. A popular trend is painting your own murals...

If you are an avid gardener or just beginning the hobby, a great way to add your own style to your garden is to create a garden planter. A sturdy and moderately easy planter can be made from...

Purple Martin houses are apartment style, with several birds nesting in one house. They are recognizable because they stand on high poles in well lit areas. Purple Martins can be very picky about...

Unlike in-ground pool installations that yield an enormous amount of leftover dirt, above-ground pool installations usually leave a small amount of dirt that can be transported using a few shovels...

Intermatic owns the Malibu brand. It is named after the seaside town which is home to movie and rock stars near Los Angeles. Malibu lights might not turn your yard into a playground of the rich,...

Outdoor party tents are often used for upscale celebrations, such as weddings, anniversary parties or formal garden parties, and occasionally at large children's parties or school events. A tent...

Small ponds can be the perfect habitat for birds, amphibians, insects and fish and are an excellent way to entice wildlife into your yard. Amphibians, such as frogs, generally have a complex life...

Severe weather in the form of tornadoes, wind storms and hurricanes can present a very real danger to your family. To help protect them you can construct a storm shelter that offers both...

Winter is almost here and if you love the cold there are many things you can still do outside during the winter and still have fun. So Bundle up and get ready to enjoy those snowy days.

Putting a new chain on your Husqvarna chainsaw is a relatively simple process. All you need is a replacement chain and a chainsaw scrench -- a combination socket/screwdriver tool.

Once built, a pond quickly becomes its own ecosystem separate from the rest of the yard. A garden pond provides a home for fish, frogs and aquatic plants. In addition to being aesthetically...

A backyard pond that becomes overrun with algae can quickly become a death trap for fish and aquatic plant life. Filamentous algae, commonly referred to as "string algae," is one such form of...

When your pond liner is damaged, you may notice the water level of the pond quickly lowering, indicating a leak. You may need to drain the pond completely just to identify where the damage is. Or...

Some plant lovers enjoy hobby greenhouses as a way to retain a bit of summer in the dead of winter. These greenhouses may have indoor ponds and boast fabulous specimen plants. Other gardeners,...

Water plants are an important part of keeping your pond healthy and in good shape. They help remove waste and other materials from the water while the flowering plants provide a welcome respite...

A well-decorated window box gives your home curb appeal and makes it more attractive, which can actually increase its value. Window boxes that overflow with flowers and decorative ornaments...

A three-point hitch provides a safe way to connect a tractor to an implement. It is designed to avoid accidents caused when an implement encounters something that restricts forward movement. Using...

Water fountains are an attractive element for most landscaping. Do make one yourself, all you need is a leak-proof water storage vessel, a water pump, some plastic tubing and perhaps a sprayer,...

Many people have the desire to be more patriotic and wish to put up their own flag right at home. The poles to post these can be bought in various sizes, strengths and qualities. Making a flagpole...

Gardens are popular choices for outdoor events, parties and weddings. Although plants and flowers add natural beauty, decorating the garden makes the space even more festive. Tulle is an excellent...

The woodchuck, also called a groundhog, is a member of the squirrel family. Although these animals are not generally dangerous, they can become a nuisance in the garden and are often trapped and...