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November 2011 
Homeowners

Fire Pit

Add Flare to Your Backyard 

As homeowners continue to look for ways to make their outdoor living environment an extension of their home, fire pits and fireplaces continue to rise as "must haves" in outdoor living, ranking number two in popularity behind outdoor lighting in a recent national survey of landscape architects conducted by the Association of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

 

By far, a fire pit is the most cost-effective way to improve your outdoor living space, add ambiance, and create a cozy sitting space that the entire family can enjoy. Belgard® Hardscapes wall pavers are ideal for creating a custom fire pit that coordinates effortlessly with Belgard patio pavers and garden walls to create a cohesive look for your backyard.

 

When planning a fire pit living area, keep a few things in mind. Consider your lifestyle, backyard wind patterns, and access to utilities before choosing whether to go with a gas or wood-burning pit. For safety reasons, make sure the area is clear of low limbs, is well ventilated, and offers a nearby water source.

 

Click here to locate an authorized contractor and begin designing your fire pit living area. Ask about the Belgard Preferred Payment Plan, which allows you to enjoy now and pay later.


Fire Pits
Recipe of the Month
Tip of the Month
Sunset Smart Homes
 
November Recipe:
Grill-Bake Apple Crisp
Apple Crisp
Photo by Thomas J. Story

Nothing makes a home smell like the holidays more than the scent of apples baking. This versatile dish can be cooked in an indoor oven, an outdoor brick oven, or on the grill! Click here for the recipe.

 
 
Seasonal "Winterizing" Tips: 
Belgard Fall

* Aerate the lawn and reseed any bare spots before snow arrives.

* Rake fallen leaves, but leave some behind as natural fertilizer.

* Prepare garden beds before soil freezes: remove dead growth, till soil, add mulch.

* Blow out and empty irrigation systems and garden hoses.

 


Catalina PaversBelgard Featured in Sunset Magazine Smart Homes

 

For the last 14 years, Sunset Magazine has spearheaded the construction of an annual "Smart Home," featuring the latest and greatest innovations in technology and construction for modern living. This year's project is a duo of townhouses that were recently premiered in Palo Alto, CA, and incorporate a variety of integrated high-tech, eco-friendly, and efficient building practices, including over 2,800 square feet of Belgard Hardscapes permeable Catalina™ pavers, which were used to create a pedestrian deck between the townhomes over the parking area. The permeable paver system filters rainwater and drains it to a collection area.

 

"Belgard Catalina pavers, in addition to being a beautiful product, offer the eco-advantages of permeability, reducing run-off and pollution," said Kathi McCalligan, Home Programs Director for Sunset Magazine.

 

The Sunset Smart Homes are currently open for tours through mid-November and are featured in the November issue of Sunset Magazine.

 

For more on the Sunset Smart Homes, click here.