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GREEN GOODIES            gardencarpentry logo
Mid-Winter Tidbits Edition
by Pauhl Gazlay & Lance Hans 
February 2012

Video 
Green Goodie
Winter storm - time lapse (:50) 
Click for video.
Ahh, Winter in Florida. I caught myself recently complaining that this has been a warm Winter. Here is a little video reminder of just how good we have it. Notice the futility of the people trying to shovel their driveways. I remember doing a lot of this when I lived up North.  
 


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GREEN GOODIE

February is a good time to fertilize shrubs!

Spread fertilizer evenly over the soil around the shrubs. Water it in and then cover with some fresh mulch to conserve moisture. That's it. You're done!   
   

 
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Gardencarpentry.com

offers the following services to make your backyard living areas more beautiful....

PERGOLAS
ARBORS
DECKS
FENCES
-wood
-vinyl
-metal
TRELLISES
LIGHTING
OUTDOOR ROOMS
GREEN HOUSES
PLANTER BOXES
POTTING BENCHES
OUTDOOR FURNITURE
RETAINING WALLS
REPAIRS


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(813)505-5638 
 
 

Carpenter's Corner

We used to look unfavorably upon composite decking products, but they have come a long way. When compared to wood they both have advantages and disadvantages. In the end the choice of whether to use wood decking vs. composite depends on what is important to you personally. Here are some points to consider when making the choice between composite and wood decking.


Advantages vs. wood: Very consistent appearance. No slivers in bare feet, no sealing or painting, comes in many colors, resistant to insect damage, low maintenance.


Disadvantages vs. wood: UV radiation causes color fading and brittleness over time. Damage or gouges can't be sanded out. Susceptible to permanent staining from spills. Can sag if framing not properly installed. Can't be re-stained to look like new


*Keep in mind that while composite is more expensive than wood, it should even out over the long run because you don't have the expense of painting and staining it.

**It is also advisable to pay a little more for a better quality composite as the lowest priced ones tend to use lower quality "ingredients" and will be more prone to the disadvantages listed above. 


  
  

 

Project of the Month
Snell Isle Patio Pergola

Snell Isle Patio Pergola 
Click for time lapse

Our client in Snell Isle had a treeless backyard and a large patio by their pool. What they needed was some shade. They had tried one of those wire framed pergolas with a canvas canopy from one of the big box stores, but Florida's relentless sun and weather had quickly reduced it to a rusty and tattered mess. It was time for something more substantial and attractive.

Gardencarpentry.com suggested a nice, custom built pergola with an asphalt based corrogated roof to provide them with an airy, yet protected, seating and entertainment area where they can retreat from the elements while they enjoy their backyard and pool area.

Take a look at the time lapse of the project to see for yourself how we transformed their patio into a great backyard living space.



Click the photo above to see time lapse.


 

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Feature Event
USF Botanical Garden Children's Classroom

usf children's classroom 
Click Image for more pictures.

Gardencarpentry.com is a supporter of the USF Botanical Garden. As proud USF Alumni business partners Lance Hans and Pauhl Gazlay try to stay connected to our Alma Mater by helping out the garden where we can.

Our latest effort was building a new children's classroom with thanks to donations contributed by loyal Botanical Garden patrons. We finished the project several weeks ago, but were thrilled to be there to see the first children using it at the January 21st opening ceremony. We hope it will be a place of  happiness and learning for years to come.

Please click the image above to see pictures from the ceremony. You can also click the link below to visit ther USF Botanical Garden website.

http://www.gardens.usf.edu 
 

 

Plant of the Month
Flaming Katie
(Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Kalanchoe)

flaming Katy
Click image for detailed info

Succulents possess a unique attraction for many plant lovers, and among this attractive plant family the Flaming Katy is special. It is one of the few succulents which is coveted for its colorful blooms.

The Flaming Katy comes in a variety of colors including red, orange, pink, salmon, and white. It can be a very well suited ground cover or boarder plant, as well as a good container plant.

Not only is this perrenial beautiful to our eyes, it is favored by hummingbirds as well. Click on the image above for detailed information on how you can add Flaming Katy to your garden and keep it healthy and beautiful.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp309



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If you have questions, suggestions, or concerns please contact us....


Lance Hans 
Owner

(813)505-5638

Lance@gardencarpentry.com