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YOUR HOME   -   EXTERIOR LOOKS
The Great Outdoors
October, 2014 - Issue #120
How do you tip the scale from "good" to "great" when it comes to your outdoor living space? Realize that, when it comes to exterior home improvement, there's no time like the present.

Courtesy of Shutterstock
Courtesy of Shutterstock
Now's the Time to Plant
Vegetable & Herb Kitchen Gardens

In only one to three days, your yard could be transformed with the addition of edible landscape that looks as good as it tastes.

During this time of water restriction, food gardens for personal use can still be watered daily. This means you and your family could benefit from both a beautiful landscape - and healthier meals.

Now is the time to plant your winter crops. In only a few months, you could be harvesting a variety of fresh salad greens; root crops like carrots, parsnips and beets; cabbage, broccoli and so much more. Plus, a variety of herbs can be planted now, too - and many, like thyme, maintain their good looks even through winter.

Raised beds filled with rich soil and ultra-low-maintenance watering systems are the answer to a lush yard year round - and they start at only $1,500.

NV Landscape, Inc. 286-8888

It's Time to Heat Things Up with Outdoor Fire Pits
Don't spend beautiful fall evenings inside just because it cools off in the evening - heat things up outside! Outdoor fire pits are an ideal enhancement to your living space. The calm, warm feeling of an outdoor fire pit will create the perfect setting for your family gatherings and entertainment.

You can choose between a classic wood-burning pit or a cleaner, gas-burning unit. One of the main advantages of the gas fire pit is that it gives off a great amount of heat. This is crucial for anybody who is going to be using their fire pit as a way of staying warm during the cold months, or for a little bit of added comfort while you entertain year round. A gas fire pit is also very easy to operate. The only thing that you need to do to get started is turn the gas on and light it. This will give you a flame, and that is all there is to it. There is no fire to start or wood to burn. This is the main reason that people decide to purchase a gas fire pit instead of a wood-burning unit.

Also, a gas fire pit is very easy to clean up. Unlike a wood fire pit, all you need to do is turn the gas off. You will never have to worry about cleaning out the fire pit or making sure that the flame is completely distinguished before leaving the pit. There are advantages to the wood burning fire pits, as well. Many people love the wood-burning units and the smell in the air you can only achieve burning real wood. The aspect of camping in your own backyard cannot be copied. It is truly a personal choice. Either way, adding a fire pit to your yard will add comfort and enjoyment year round.

Oasis Garden & Patio 255-9909

Start Fall Planning You'll Enjoy for Seasons to Come
Realtor.com's Home Crush survey reports that a full 46 percent of men and a whopping 54 percent of women say that outdoor living spaces make them fall in love with real estate. With that much passion for backyards, it's always a good time to consider improving your exterior living space, whether there's a move in your future or not.

Smart seasonal improvements are the kind that can be enjoyed now - and later. Outdoor kitchens capable of producing gourmet meals can be installed in the cooler fall months, ready, in many cases, for Christmas entertaining. Custom fireplaces will draw your guests together and are more affordable than ever. Pools and spas are one of the most popular additions and can be created to coordinate with your yard's distinct space allotments. Even small yards can accommodate water features.

No matter what you choose, though, remember this: What you do in your yard now will improve your quality of life for seasons to come.

MHB Landscape Construction 297-5169

A.Allbright Painting Participates in
World's Largest Yo-yo Drop

What weighs 374 pounds, measures six-feet-two-inches in diameter and is made out of 500 pounds of reclaimed Douglas Fir? Yup - the world's largest yo-yo!

Benjamin Moore recruited a team of seven craftsmen, engineers and Santa Clarita's very own A. Allbright Painting, Inc. to help create the record-breaking children's toy.

It took over three gallons of Benjamin Moore's Arborcoat to rejuvenate the massive butterfly yo-yo. In the process, the Allbright team was able to showcase how exceptional this product is at making old wood look young again.

Arborcoat is a revolutionary premium exterior stain used to restore the appearance of your exterior wood - like siding and decks. It's also the top choice when it comes to bringing your outdoor wood furniture back to life.

Because they are Arborcoat-certified technicians, A.Allbright President Joshua Abramson and Senior Estimator Jud Masters were invited to witness the beautified wooden yo-yo hang mid-air in the California desert by a four-ton crane.

Did it work? You'll have to see for yourself (Like nearly 600,000 people already have!). Search "World's Largest Yo-yo" at www.insidescv.com/YoYo and see this beauty sparkle in the Vasquez Rocks' sun! 846-2928

Pack a Punch with Pavers
Courtyard Stone has expanded their Traditional Collection with a four-stone package and a circle package. Random ashlar patterns create versatile, classic looks that can blend with any style. The irregular pattern works perfectly in both large and small spaces. Also an impressive install for fall: Angelus StoneWall II, a seven-stone package of textured units in warm, earth-toned colors, complemented with the StoneWall II Caps package. These units offer a versatile medium for creative expression in any landscape design, ideal for seat walls, decorative low-rise walls, low retaining, columns, barbeque enclosures and more.
SCV Design Center 284-5944

Fall 2014 is the Time
to Prep for 2015

Days are getting shorter and to-do lists are getting longer, but if you want to be sitting pretty in spring and beyond, now's the time to get cracking on your backyard. Your perfect patio can be planned now and executed over the winter and early spring.

What to put on the wish list? Deluxe sky lights, remote-controlled blinds and shades, radiant heaters, top-notch stereo and surround sound, a custom fireplace with blower, ceiling fans, LED lighting, coordinating roof materials and a clever transition from yard to house should all be considered. Each of these will positively contribute to year-round outdoor-living pleasure and pride of space, especially when you utilize today's technology to bring it all together. For example, you can save energy by putting your lights and heaters on timers; open and retract your skylights, blinds and shades with remotes; and even control your stereo, television and pool temperature from the convenience of your iPhone.

Ultimately, though, the most important element is the right contractor. Connect with someone who sees your vision and has the skill, experience and resources to bring it to fruition.

Randal G. Winter Construction, Inc. 799-8089
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