Inspect fences to ensure safety and security

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 31 August 2010 16:45

Fencing around the home is vulnerable to weather-related, accidental or intentional damage. Rain hastens rust, and ground freezing and thawing or high winds can affect gate alignment. Children swinging on gates and animals trying to get through the fence also take a toll.

Now’s the time to inspect fencing, gates and gate hardware around your property to ensure all are in good working condition. Rusty metal hinges and latches or gate misalignment can lead to gates that no longer close securely. These conditions can be dangerous or even deadly if ignored.

Fences with gates in good working order — especially those that are self-closing and self-latching — can protect your home and property from unwanted intruders. Fences protect...

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Create an outdoor patio design fit for a magazine cover

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 31 August 2010 16:43

While the nice weather lasts, there’s nothing better than expanding your living space to the great outdoors. Luckily, it’s easy and affordable to create a comfortable and chic outdoor room that’s perfectly put together. Use these quick tips and inspiring ideas to transform your deck, porch or patio into one you’ll be proud to show off.

Planning perfection

Simply putting furniture on a deck or patio doesn’t create an inviting outdoor living area. Instead, be sure to look at the bigger picture. Start by viewing your patio as an extension of your home. As you would an interior room, be sure to incorporate a theme and color scheme into your new design.

Whether you have a lot ... or only a little room on your patio, arrange the...

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Rejuvenate lawn from heavy summer wear and tear

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 31 August 2010 16:43

As summer winds down, heat and drought may have left your grass a little tired. Soccer, picnics and chasing fireflies have likely taken a toll. Luckily, because of cooler temperatures and an increase in precipitation, fall is the best time for lawn rescue.

To many homeowners, early fall yard work may seem overwhelming, but a few 15 minute projects are all it takes to revive the grass you enjoyed this summer. With these simple tips, you can ensure an inviting gathering space for next year.

• Lush green grass doesn’t just feel good between the toes, it also helps crowd out undesirables. Bare and thin spots provide an opportunity for weeds to get a foot-hold on your lawn, but repairing these troubled areas is quick and easy.

To fill...

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Bring birds to your backyard with a reliable food source

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 13 April 2010 18:46

Myths aside, wooing beautiful backyard birds to your outdoor environment can be as simple as offering them a reliable, high-quality food source. It’s a myth that continues to persist: Feeding birds in spring and summer will spoil them. But birds are like babies—it’s impossible to spoil them.

Contrary to the myth, well-fed birds won’t get too lazy to search for food; they’ll just get healthy and happy. And the better the food is you feed them, the more likely they’ll continue to come back bringing their colorful plumage and welcome song to your backyard.

Myths aside, wooing beautiful backyard birds to your outdoor environment can be as simple as offering them a reliable, high-quality food source.

Birds, like most wild animals, are survivalists and they’ll take advantage of any food source they find—whether it’s in your yard or your neighbor’s. To entice them...

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