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June 2011 
Homeowners
Sunset Magazine2 

Belgard Paves the Way at Sunset

 

As the self-promoted "premier resource for achieving the ultimate Western lifestyle," Sunset Magazine decided to put their own words into action by removing the cracked asphalt pathways that lined their expansive corporate gardens in Menlo Park, CA, and replacing them with Belgard paver walkways. Nearly 14,000 square feet of Cambridge Cobble Autumn Blend pavers now weave throughout the lush grounds.   

 

"Our magazine showcases the Western region's unique lifestyle. Our gardens are an extension of that," said Kathi McCalligan of Sunset Magazine. "The asphalt walkways got more and more cracked every year, detracting from the beauty. It was way too expensive to keep repairing them, and the look was not reflecting the excellence we desired."

 

The magazine chose Cambridge Cobble pavers because of their sturdy quality and classic tailored look that complemented their eclectic gardens. "It has truly transformed the space," added McCalligan.

 

The new walkways were showcased earlier this month when the magazine hosted its annual Celebration Weekend. Over 18,000 readers converged on the grounds as the pages of the magazine were brought to life with product and food demonstrations, gardening tips, and artisan exhibits.

 

To locate an authorized Belgard contractor and plan your walkway makeover, click here.

 

To see more photos and read our walkway design blog, click here.

 


Sunset Magazine Makeover
Recipe of the Month
Tip of the Month
Pavers vs. Asphalt & Concrete
Kitchen of the Year
 
 
JUNE RECIPE
Coconut Lime Shrimp Skewers

Coconut Lime Shrimp

Summer is a time for seafood! With this Hawaiian twist, shrimp never tasted better. A squeeze of lime adds zing, and toasted coconut adds a sweet and savory crunch to this easy make-ahead crowd pleaser. Light the pit and click here for the recipe for this tasty backyard treat.
 
SEASONAL TIP
Conquering Weeds

Weeds

Weeds can germinate between pavers from wind-blown seeds that get lodged in the joints. Take care when using herbicides on pavers near vegetation. Consider using biodegradable products that won't damage other vegetation or pollute water supplies when washed away. Stabilizing the joint sand and applying a sealer can prevent future seeds from germinating and also prevent ants from entering the joint.

 


Paver Walkways Outlast Asphalt & Concrete

Pavers vs Asphalt/Concrete 

 

Paver walkways and driveways outperform both asphalt and concrete in a number of areas. In addition to being more slip resistant, the nature of Belgard paver products ensures that, unlike asphalt and concrete, the beauty of a paver drive or walkway will last for years to come.

 

"Asphalt and concrete have a tendency to crack or crumble as it ages due to changes in temperature and moisture, and repairs are often expensive and slightly," says Ken O'Neill, Vice President of Belgard Hardscapes. "However, paver walkways are stronger and more flexible to climate changes, making them more resistant to cracking. But if a brick happens to get damaged down the line, it can be easily and seamlessly replaced."

 

 


Bristol Kitchen
Belgard Elements Bristol Collection 

Chef Tyler Florence to Showcase Belgard in "Kitchen of the Year"

 

Belgard Hardscapes has been selected to build the first-ever outdoor component of the annual House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year, which will be unveiled in Rockefeller Plaza in New York City on July 18 and open to the public July 18-22, 2011.

 

Tyler Florence, renowned chef, Food Network host, and best-selling author has designed both the indoor and outdoor sections, which actually makes this year's Kitchen of the Year two kitchens. Florence brings his rustic Northern California style to the design of the 1,000 square foot state-of-the-art indoor kitchen and the 1,500 square foot manufactured stone outdoor kitchen.

 

Florence's custom designed outdoor kitchen will include items from the Belgard Elements Collection, as well as a designer patio created with a combination of Mega Lafitt, Mega-Arbel, and Urbana Belgard pavers.

 

Click here to locate an authorized Belgard contractor and begin planning your dream outdoor kitchen. Ask how you can make the dream an affordable reality with the Belgard Preferred Payment program.