Tag: water

8 Tips To Clean Your Patio Like A Pro

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
GARDEN

Removing mold and algae from your patio is not just a matter of aesthetics; it’s a critical step in maintaining a clean and safe outdoor space. Mold and algae thrive in damp, shaded areas, especially in regions with high humidity or frequent rainfall. These organisms can quickly take hold on various surfaces, including concrete, wood, or stone. If left untreated, mold can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues in individuals sensitive to its spores. Algae makes surfaces slippery, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Spotting mold and algae problems on your patio can be relatively straightforward. Look out for dark, discolored patches on the surface, particularly in shaded or damp areas. Mold often appears fuzzy or powdery, while algae may manifest as green, brown, or blackish growth.

To clean small patches, you can start by scrubbing the affected areas with a mixture of water and mild detergent. Use a stiff brush or a sponge to thoroughly scrub the surface and remove any visible growth. Rinse the area with clean water afterward. For stubborn or extensive growth, combine 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of warm water, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap into a spray bottle. Let the solution sit on the area for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, scrub it with a brush or sponge, rinsing thoroughly with clean water. You may want to wear protective gear such as gloves and a mask for safety.

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A Handy To-Do List To Get Your Patio Ready Before Bringing Furniture Out Of Storage

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
GARDEN

While stored away, your patio furniture has likely accumulated dirt and dust, whether kept indoors or out in the garage. Depending on the type of outdoor furniture, the cleaning process slightly differs. For all-weather wicker, gently wipe down the exterior using warm water and soap, rinsing off with a hose afterward. Dry any excess water with a towel and allow the sun to do the rest. Cleaning teak wood is similar to all-weather wicker — use warm water and soap to wipe away grime build-up, hose it off, and allow it to dry. Avoid using a power washer on teak, as this could damage the natural wood, and consider using a little bleach in your detergent mixture if mold is present. For surfaces that have gotten too rough for comfort, 220-grit sandpaper can smooth it out, going toward the grain.

Patio furniture comprised of metal — like aluminum and steel — is just as easy to clean. Wash the frames using water and soap, and you’ll have it looking good as new. When it comes to cushions, the simplest way is to remove cushion covers and throw them in the wash, allowing them to air dry after the cleaning cycle. If your cushions don’t feature removable covers, begin by vacuuming all the dirt and using a sponge lightly dampened with soap and water to start washing. Rinse them with the hose to remove any suds and allow them to dry in the sun. You could also consider using a steamer if desired.

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14 ways to create a stunning feature with water for less

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
GARDEN

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Get creative with our budget pond ideas and you can introduce water into your backyard without having to splash the cash

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Bellevue’s Waterwise Garden is a living showcase of planting ideas to cope with climate change

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
GARDEN

RIGHT ABOUT THIS time last year, the Puget Sound region experienced a “heat dome event,” when temperatures soared to record highs and stayed there for days. While heat is perhaps the most obvious marker of our changing climate, its meteorological twin, drought, presents challenges in the garden even when temps remain moderate.

It’s time to rethink landscape goals and planting strategies to accommodate what’s quickly becoming our new normal.

Jil and Howard Stenn are committed to creating beautiful gardens that conserve soil and water resources. For 30 years, Stenn Design, their landscape design and consulting firm, has tended the Waterwise Garden at Bellevue Botanical Garden (12001 Main St. in Bellevue) from design to its present maturity. Sponsored by Bellevue Utilities, the Waterwise Garden is a living laboratory and public demonstration landscape filled with planting ideas and garden practices that are inspiring and informing.

The Waterwise Garden was designed to present several growing conditions approached from the perspective of water conservation and efficiency. Planting beds basking in full sun are brimming with flowering perennials, like wand flower (Dierama pulcherrium), several hardy geraniums, Jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa) and beeblossom (Gaura lindheimeri). The plants bloom throughout the dry season with little additional summer water, contradicting the idea that a waterwise garden is weak on flowers. “We’re dispelling the myth that [a drought-tolerant garden] is all lava rock and juniper,” Jil remarks. “It can be a really lush garden.”

Nearby, a kitchen garden produces bountiful crops of vegetables, herbs and fruit utilizing an efficient drip irrigation system, and it benefits from regular applications of compost and mulch. These are the perfect conditions to tuck in what Jil calls “juicy annuals,” seasonal plants that need supplemental water to thrive during the dry months. “It’s all about zoning your

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