The 9 Piece Capistrano Square Dining Set by Forever Patio (FP-CAP-9SQDN-MC) will make every outdoor dining experience memorable with its ample seating and elegance to match. The set seats 8 adults comfortably, and includes 8 dining chairs and a dining table with a glass top. This set features variegated Mocha wicker with half-round strands that create a luxurious, contemporary look and feel. Each strand of wicker is infused with UV-inhibitors that prevent cracking, chipping and fading ordinarily caused by sunlight. Every piece is constructed with thick-gauged, powder-coated aluminum frames that make the set extremely durable and corrosion resistant. Also included with the set are cushions covered in fade- and mildew-resistant Sunbrella® fabric, available in a wide selection of colors. The comfort, beauty and quality of this dining set make it one that you will enjoy for years to come. Set includes: eight (8) dining chairs with cushions and one (1) dining table with a glass top. Features: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) all-weather wicker is infused with UV inhibitors that prevent fading and cracking ordinarily caused by sunlight. Half-round wicker design gives it a more tactile, luxurious look and texture. Thick-gauged, powder-coated aluminum frame offers long lasting durability and rust resistance. Sunbrella® cushion covers provide unmatched fade, moisture and mildew resistance, and can be easily unzipped for cleaning. Cushions are made from quick-drying polyurethane foam wrapped in moisture and mildew-eliminating Dacron fibers. Tempered glass table top designed for outdoor exposure. Full-sized design provides deep, comfortable seating. Compare dimensions to lesser brands to see the difference! Designed to match the entire Capistrano Collection. Call to build your own custom set.

Custom built flat panel inset white painted cabinetry surrounds the farm style apron sink accented with polished nickel hardware. Brazilnut stained white oak Island is the base to the beautiful Quartzite counter top. Subway tiled backsplash in laurel gray with a herringbone range accent. (Photo by Ryan Hainey)

Recently, I was called to a work on a Limestone tiled floor in a house near Hove Park. Hove Park is a popular park in Hove, East Sussex, which was once opposite to the Goldstone Ground, the traditional home of Brighton and Hove Albion football club until the ground was demolished. My client informed me that the house was used a meeting place every Friday, and the high traffic of people was taking its toll on the floor. The floor was clearly in need of a good clean, especially the grout. You do need to take care when cleaning Limestone as it can be affected by the acidic substances you get in some cleaning products which can break down the surface of the Limestone and cause further damage. The results of my test clean showed the Limestone tiles responded well to the cleaning, but I was concerned about the grout, which was not cleaning very easily. I suspected that the grout had, in fact, been discoloured by a bleach-based cleaner, turning it grey. Bleach contains strong chemicals, so there is a good chance that any bleach-based cleaners used on tiled floors will discolour the grout over time. After discussing this issue with my client, I quoted separately for a possible grout recolour. On the first day of working on the floor, I started the cleaning process using a black buffing pad attached to a floor buffer machine, in combination with a solution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, which I applied to the floor. This combination really helped to remove the heavily built up grime and dirt. Although the tiles looked great after the clean, I still wasn’t convinced by the state of the grout. After drying a test area with a heat gun, I confirmed that the grout was not continuous in colour and would need a recolour to get it back to looking its best again. I left the rest of the floor to dry for a period of two days, allowing any residual moisture to evaporate, before returning to recolour the grout with a white Grout Colourant which was applied using a good old fashioned toothbrush and baby wipes to remove any excess. I was careful to apply thin, even coats in order to prevent the possibility of the Colourant staining the tile. After several hours of knee-breaking work, the recolouring was complete, and I was extremely pleased to be able to show my client the finished product. She was very happy to be able to show off the floor to her friends, which was now white all the way through, without the dark lines caused by the discoloured grout. Another satisfied client.

A little extra seating goes a long way to modernize your patio with the 3 Piece Bayside Chat Set by Forever Patio (FP-BAY-3CS-SW). The set seats 2 adults comfortably, and includes 2 club chairs and an end table with a Durawood top. The Stone Wood wicker is made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), giving its variegated tones and tremendous durability. Each strand of wicker is infused with UV-inhibitors that prevent cracking, chipping and fading ordinarily caused by sunlight. Every piece is constructed with thick-gauged, powder-coated aluminum frames that make the set extremely durable and corrosion resistant. Also included with the set are cushions covered in fade- and mildew-resistant Sunbrella® fabric, available in a wide selection of colors. Order any of the Quick Ship fabrics and not only will your order ship in 7-10 business days, you will also receive an accent pillow for each seat! Set includes: two (2) club chairs with cushions and one (1) end table. Features: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) all-weather wicker is infused with UV inhibitors that prevent fading and cracking ordinarily caused by sunlight. Thick-gauged, powder-coated aluminum frame offers long lasting durability and rust resistance. High-density, watertight Durawood table top with UV inhibitors is fade-resistant and easy to maintain. Sunbrella® cushion covers provide unmatched fade, moisture and mildew resistance, and can be easily unzipped for cleaning. Plush, overstuffed cushions are made from quick-drying polyurethane foam wrapped in moisture and mildew-eliminating Dacron fibers. Full-sized design provides deep, comfortable seating. Compare dimensions to lesser brands to see the difference! Removable suspension seating provides additional comfort and easy maintenance Designed to match the entire Bayside Collection. Call to build your own custom set.

A little extra seating goes a long way to modernize your patio with the 3 Piece Bayside Chat Set by Forever Patio (FP-BAY-3CS-SW). The set seats 2 adults comfortably, and includes 2 club chairs and an end table with a Durawood top. The Stone Wood wicker is made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), giving its variegated tones and tremendous durability. Each strand of wicker is infused with UV-inhibitors that prevent cracking, chipping and fading ordinarily caused by sunlight. Every piece is constructed with thick-gauged, powder-coated aluminum frames that make the set extremely durable and corrosion resistant. Also included with the set are cushions covered in fade- and mildew-resistant Sunbrella® fabric, available in a wide selection of colors. Order any of the Quick Ship fabrics and not only will your order ship in 7-10 business days, you will also receive an accent pillow for each seat! Set includes: two (2) club chairs with cushions and one (1) end table. Features: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) all-weather wicker is infused with UV inhibitors that prevent fading and cracking ordinarily caused by sunlight. Thick-gauged, powder-coated aluminum frame offers long lasting durability and rust resistance. High-density, watertight Durawood table top with UV inhibitors is fade-resistant and easy to maintain. Sunbrella® cushion covers provide unmatched fade, moisture and mildew resistance, and can be easily unzipped for cleaning. Plush, overstuffed cushions are made from quick-drying polyurethane foam wrapped in moisture and mildew-eliminating Dacron fibers. Full-sized design provides deep, comfortable seating. Compare dimensions to lesser brands to see the difference! Removable suspension seating provides additional comfort and easy maintenance Designed to match the entire Bayside Collection. Call to build your own custom set.

I was contacted recently by a client in East Grinstead, who asked me to restore a large area of damaged Quarry tiles in his house. East Grinstead actually dates back to the 14th century and is a town known for its many interesting houses and historic buildings. Hard-wearing Quarry tiles are most often used in high traffic areas, such as reception areas and hallways, although they are also commonly used for patio areas and porches. In these busy areas, the tiles can get dirty quickly, and this can lead to damage over time if they are not regularly tended to. In this case, the damage to the tiles had actually been caused by regular flooding over a period of several years. The damage was so extreme that I advised my client that the only means of total restoration was re-tiling. However, my client informed me that the property was currently on the market for sale and this wasn’t an option. Instead, he settled on a deep clean and seal which, while not a complete restoration, would still significantly improve the condition of the tiled floor. My first day of work was spent moving a significant amount of large furniture out of the room and into the garden. Once the area was completely clear, I was able to apply a layer of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, using a stiff deck brush to really work it into the damaged stone. Pro-Clean helped to lift out a huge amount of the muck and ingrained dirt revealing, unfortunately, yet more damage beneath. Once I had finished for the day, my client opened the windows to allow the warm sunshine to dry up any remaining moisture. This was important, as any excess moisture left on the floor may have affected the performance of the sealer when I returned to complete the sealing. I allowed the floor a two-day drying period, during which time my client decided to colour some of the tiles with red doorstep paint. He counted up to two thousand tiles before giving up! When I returned after 48 hours, I set about sealing the floor using Tile Doctor Seal & Go, which provided the eye-catching gloss finish and durable protection the client wanted whilst the house was still on the market. As it was another warm day, the homeowners went out cycling around the Ashdown forest, leaving me to complete the sealing carefully and without distraction. When they returned a few hours later, they were amazed by the results! Although a complete re-tiling was not possible under the circumstances, both myself and my clients were extremely pleased with how great the Quarry tiles were now looking, especially after such significant water damage.

The 4 Piece Bayside Sofa Set by Forever Patio (FP-BAY-4SS-SW) combines natural colors with a modern, deep-seated design, making it perfect for updating the look of your patio without sacrificing comfort. The set seats 4 adults comfortably, and includes 2 club chairs, a loveseat and a coffee table with a Durawood top. The Stone Wood wicker is made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), giving it variegated tones and tremendous durability. Each strand of wicker is infused with UV-inhibitors that prevent cracking, chipping and fading ordinarily caused by sunlight. Every piece is constructed with thick-gauged, powder-coated aluminum frames that make the set extremely durable and corrosion resistant. Also included with the set are cushions covered in fade- and mildew-resistant Sunbrella® fabric, available in a wide selection of colors. Order any of the Quick Ship fabrics and not only will your order ship in 7-10 business days, you will also receive an accent pillow for each seat! Features: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) all-weather wicker is infused with UV inhibitors that prevent fading and cracking ordinarily caused by sunlight. Thick-gauged, powder-coated aluminum frame offers long lasting durability and rust resistance. High-density, watertight Durawood table top with UV inhibitors is fade-resistant and easy to maintain. Sunbrella® cushion covers provide unmatched fade, moisture and mildew resistance, and can be easily unzipped for cleaning. Plush, overstuffed cushions are made from quick-drying polyurethane foam wrapped in moisture and mildew-eliminating Dacron fibers. Full-sized design provides deep, comfortable seating. Compare dimensions to lesser brands to see the difference! Removable suspension seating provides additional comfort and easy maintenance Designed to match the entire Bayside Collection. Call to build your own custom set.

The 3 Piece Bayside Sofa Set by Forever Patio (FP-BAY-3SS-SW) makes outdoor entertainment a delight with its ample seat space and contemporary design. The set seats 6 adults comfortably, and includes a sofa, a club chair, a loveseat, an end table with a Durawood top and a coffee table with a Durawood top. The Stone Wood wicker is made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), giving it variegated tones and tremendous durability. Each strand of wicker is infused with UV-inhibitors that prevent cracking, chipping and fading ordinarily caused by sunlight. Every piece is constructed with thick-gauged, powder-coated aluminum frames that make the set extremely durable and corrosion resistant. Also included with the set are cushions covered in fade- and mildew-resistant Sunbrella® fabric, available in a wide selection of colors. Order any of the Quick Ship fabrics and not only will your order ship in 7-10 business days, you will also receive an accent pillow for each seat! Set includes: one (1) sofa with cushions, one (1) club chair with cushions and one (1) coffee table. Features: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) all-weather wicker is infused with UV inhibitors that prevent fading and cracking ordinarily caused by sunlight. Thick-gauged, powder-coated aluminum frame offers long lasting durability and rust resistance. High-density, watertight Durawood table top with UV inhibitors is fade-resistant and easy to maintain. Sunbrella® cushion covers provide unmatched fade, moisture and mildew resistance, and can be easily unzipped for cleaning. Plush, overstuffed cushions are made from quick-drying polyurethane foam wrapped in moisture and mildew-eliminating Dacron fibers. Full-sized design provides deep, comfortable seating. Compare dimensions to lesser brands to see the difference! Removable suspension seating provides additional comfort and easy maintenance Designed to match the entire Bayside Collection. Call to build your own custom set.

The 3 Piece Bayside Sofa Set by Forever Patio (FP-BAY-3SS-SW) makes outdoor entertainment a delight with its ample seat space and contemporary design. The set seats 6 adults comfortably, and includes a sofa, a club chair, a loveseat, an end table with a Durawood top and a coffee table with a Durawood top. The Stone Wood wicker is made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), giving it variegated tones and tremendous durability. Each strand of wicker is infused with UV-inhibitors that prevent cracking, chipping and fading ordinarily caused by sunlight. Every piece is constructed with thick-gauged, powder-coated aluminum frames that make the set extremely durable and corrosion resistant. Also included with the set are cushions covered in fade- and mildew-resistant Sunbrella® fabric, available in a wide selection of colors. Order any of the Quick Ship fabrics and not only will your order ship in 7-10 business days, you will also receive an accent pillow for each seat! Set includes: one (1) sofa with cushions, one (1) club chair with cushions and one (1) coffee table. Features: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) all-weather wicker is infused with UV inhibitors that prevent fading and cracking ordinarily caused by sunlight. Thick-gauged, powder-coated aluminum frame offers long lasting durability and rust resistance. High-density, watertight Durawood table top with UV inhibitors is fade-resistant and easy to maintain. Sunbrella® cushion covers provide unmatched fade, moisture and mildew resistance, and can be easily unzipped for cleaning. Plush, overstuffed cushions are made from quick-drying polyurethane foam wrapped in moisture and mildew-eliminating Dacron fibers. Full-sized design provides deep, comfortable seating. Compare dimensions to lesser brands to see the difference! Removable suspension seating provides additional comfort and easy maintenance Designed to match the entire Bayside Collection. Call to build your own custom set.

Independent Home just recently completed a Florida walk in tub installation in the city of Pensacola for our customer Claire S. Learn about the process and why it may be a good idea to add one to your home! Our installation process starts with a pre-installation meeting with the customer to go over what type of walk in tub is best for their needs, what the best location would be, and what type of the finish the customer wants. At the meeting with Claire, she told us that she wanted a tub that could prove a safe bathing experience but also help with her arthritis and leg pain. Our installation experts decided that the celebrity walk in tub was the best option for Claire. The celebrity walk in tub was the best option for Claire’s Florida home because of the safety features it is able to provide. Claire’s previous bathtub had a 15 inch edge, which made her nervous of getting in and out. Her old tub also had a non-secure seat giving Claire the fear that she may fall. The celebrity walk in tub has a low threshold eliminating the high edge. It also has a 17” ADA compliant seat, giving Claire that extra security that she needed. As stated before Claire suffers from arthritis and leg pain and she wanted her new tub to help with the pain. The celebrity walk in tub was a great choice because you are able to add hydrotherapy features. Hydrotherapy is the use of water to help decrease physical discomfort. It works by the jets greater range of motion. The jets waves allow an increase in circulation causing the joint inflammation to decrease, which will help eliminate Claire’s pain. Installing Claire’s walk in tub took just a couple of days to complete. The process included removing Claire’s old tub including the foundation, putting in the proper plumbing, connecting the water, making sure there weren’t any leaks, and finally building the shelf area around the tub. Claire is extremely happy with her new walk in tub. Her worries of falling are behind her. She enjoys that when she is in a hurry and can’t enjoy a full soak there is an extendable shower wand. Overall, every time Claire gets a bath she feels like she is at her own private spa.

The 4 Piece Bayside Sofa Set by Forever Patio (FP-BAY-4SS-SW) combines natural colors with a modern, deep-seated design, making it perfect for updating the look of your patio without sacrificing comfort. The set seats 4 adults comfortably, and includes 2 club chairs, a loveseat and a coffee table with a Durawood top. The Stone Wood wicker is made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), giving it variegated tones and tremendous durability. Each strand of wicker is infused with UV-inhibitors that prevent cracking, chipping and fading ordinarily caused by sunlight. Every piece is constructed with thick-gauged, powder-coated aluminum frames that make the set extremely durable and corrosion resistant. Also included with the set are cushions covered in fade- and mildew-resistant Sunbrella® fabric, available in a wide selection of colors. Order any of the Quick Ship fabrics and not only will your order ship in 7-10 business days, you will also receive an accent pillow for each seat! Features: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) all-weather wicker is infused with UV inhibitors that prevent fading and cracking ordinarily caused by sunlight. Thick-gauged, powder-coated aluminum frame offers long lasting durability and rust resistance. High-density, watertight Durawood table top with UV inhibitors is fade-resistant and easy to maintain. Sunbrella® cushion covers provide unmatched fade, moisture and mildew resistance, and can be easily unzipped for cleaning. Plush, overstuffed cushions are made from quick-drying polyurethane foam wrapped in moisture and mildew-eliminating Dacron fibers. Full-sized design provides deep, comfortable seating. Compare dimensions to lesser brands to see the difference! Removable suspension seating provides additional comfort and easy maintenance Designed to match the entire Bayside Collection. Call to build your own custom set.

Get modern style home design idea here. Everyone wanna get clean, cool, minimalist look in your home.However most of them are feeling financial strains. Actually there are too many choices available to settle for anything less than fantastic.We share some easy tips here to make a modern style home. These ideas are extremely easy to achieve.Keep reading! #1 Modern lines furniture & embrace minimalism. The modern minimalist movement has come a long way from stark, cold interiors with the look, become first choice for home decor. Simple style furniture fits perfectly in a modern organic room. Look for simple shapes and sleek silhouettes with interesting angles. By adopting this decorating style,your finances can be focused on fewer items cause it having less decor. Add some modern element with low cost metal furniture legs.Such as try to DIY your TV stand with custom metal table legs, or find modern hairpin legs for coffee table. #2 Textured furniture Mixing patterns and textures in your interior design and decorating efforts can add style and interest. Comfortable material help keep your home furniture modern look. Whether you have a wooden coffee table with hairpin legs, or headboard that has a rustic texture, or a chair that has a soft, rough, or patterned texture,or metal table legs with casters, it can add a whole new level of interest to the room. Texture can be a great way to complement a bold or subdued pattern that makes up the rooms point of interest. #3 Color Except for the textures on the furniture and the interesting mix of humble materials, the colors on the walls become popular suddenly in home interior. We know Pantone additionally released the 9 colors that will trend Fall 2018. If you want to DIY your home or furniture design,except the hairpin table legs we recommend before, check our the 9 fall colors to incorporate in your home decor. # 4 Plants We are losing more and more “green” when our building is surrounded by skyscrapers.Add some green color and vitality via plants in your home interior processing. Plants just have a way of making any space feel bright, lively, and gorgeous. This trailing plant grows extremely fast in a variety of growing conditions. Their versatility makes them ideal for hanging planters in low light homes. Adding some green to your décor has never been easier!Enjoy! Follow above tips to add some new look in your home interior and furniture design.Also, please pay attention to your budget, double check your simple furniture list. Quit punishing your budget ans start investing in better quality furniture. Welcome to share your simple, modern style home design and home decor ideas, and your DIY project with hairpin legs!

To fully enjoy the winter holidays, with all the snow and cold, was the basis for our client’s decision to maintain their Chicago home when they were transferred to the warm and sunny west coast. A trusted caretaker was put in place to oversee and maintain their property; however, even excellent planning sometimes runs off-track. In the midst of winter the caretaker left on a well-planned vacation. The homeowner’s were apprised of dates and, without a worry, everyone went on about their daily routines. That is, until the caretaker returned and found the home in such utter devastation, he could not believe what had happened in such a short amount of time. The ill-timed vacation, planned during what became an extremely cold timeframe, was the home’s undoing. With the heat in the home turned slightly lower, to accommodate the emptiness, paired with the below zero temperatures, the hot water pipe in the main floor Sunroom froze and burst. The gushing, steaming water, unchecked, moved in so many directions, it is difficult to comprehend. As the water soaked through the Sunroom flooring to the walk-out Lower Level Area below, ice blocks were freezing before the water reached the ground; Ice blocks so thick only time and warmer temperatures were able to thaw. Since the heating systems were unaffected, the heat, paired with the steaming moisture, raised the humidity levels in the entire home; what wasn’t wet ultimately became mold covered. The humidity in the home was raised to such a level that window and door seals were compromised and condensation clouded most of the interior glass panes. The Kitchen wood flooring, saturated with water, buckled, causing the cabinets to lift and the granite to crack. The ceiling in the lower level Bar Area fell as the water flooded both the Bar and the adjoining Billiards Room, wreaking havoc on cabinetry, carpet, artwork, etc. After the insurance estimation determined the home was salvageable, the design phase began in earnest headed by LaMantia’s James Campbell, CKD and aided by Katie Suva, CKD, CBD as the guides. After a very long march towards recovery, the home is now back to the pristine beauty it once was.

Photo: Ten Ten Creative
Wet bar - transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Dallas with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, black backsplash, subway tile backsplash and gray countertops

To fully enjoy the winter holidays, with all the snow and cold, was the basis for our client’s decision to maintain their Chicago home when they were transferred to the warm and sunny west coast. A trusted caretaker was put in place to oversee and maintain their property; however, even excellent planning sometimes runs off-track. In the midst of winter the caretaker left on a well-planned vacation. The homeowner’s were apprised of dates and, without a worry, everyone went on about their daily routines. That is, until the caretaker returned and found the home in such utter devastation, he could not believe what had happened in such a short amount of time. The ill-timed vacation, planned during what became an extremely cold timeframe, was the home’s undoing. With the heat in the home turned slightly lower, to accommodate the emptiness, paired with the below zero temperatures, the hot water pipe in the main floor Sunroom froze and burst. The gushing, steaming water, unchecked, moved in so many directions, it is difficult to comprehend. As the water soaked through the Sunroom flooring to the walk-out Lower Level Area below, ice blocks were freezing before the water reached the ground; Ice blocks so thick only time and warmer temperatures were able to thaw. Since the heating systems were unaffected, the heat, paired with the steaming moisture, raised the humidity levels in the entire home; what wasn’t wet ultimately became mold covered. The humidity in the home was raised to such a level that window and door seals were compromised and condensation clouded most of the interior glass panes. The Kitchen wood flooring, saturated with water, buckled, causing the cabinets to lift and the granite to crack. The ceiling in the lower level Bar Area fell as the water flooded both the Bar and the adjoining Billiards Room, wreaking havoc on cabinetry, carpet, artwork, etc. After the insurance estimation determined the home was salvageable, the design phase began in earnest headed by LaMantia’s James Campbell, CKD and aided by Katie Suva, CKD, CBD as the guides. After a very long march towards recovery, the home is now back to the pristine beauty it once was.

To fully enjoy the winter holidays, with all the snow and cold, was the basis for our client’s decision to maintain their Chicago home when they were transferred to the warm and sunny west coast. A trusted caretaker was put in place to oversee and maintain their property; however, even excellent planning sometimes runs off-track. In the midst of winter the caretaker left on a well-planned vacation. The homeowner’s were apprised of dates and, without a worry, everyone went on about their daily routines. That is, until the caretaker returned and found the home in such utter devastation, he could not believe what had happened in such a short amount of time. The ill-timed vacation, planned during what became an extremely cold timeframe, was the home’s undoing. With the heat in the home turned slightly lower, to accommodate the emptiness, paired with the below zero temperatures, the hot water pipe in the main floor Sunroom froze and burst. The gushing, steaming water, unchecked, moved in so many directions, it is difficult to comprehend. As the water soaked through the Sunroom flooring to the walk-out Lower Level Area below, ice blocks were freezing before the water reached the ground; Ice blocks so thick only time and warmer temperatures were able to thaw. Since the heating systems were unaffected, the heat, paired with the steaming moisture, raised the humidity levels in the entire home; what wasn’t wet ultimately became mold covered. The humidity in the home was raised to such a level that window and door seals were compromised and condensation clouded most of the interior glass panes. The Kitchen wood flooring, saturated with water, buckled, causing the cabinets to lift and the granite to crack. The ceiling in the lower level Bar Area fell as the water flooded both the Bar and the adjoining Billiards Room, wreaking havoc on cabinetry, carpet, artwork, etc. After the insurance estimation determined the home was salvageable, the design phase began in earnest headed by LaMantia’s James Campbell, CKD and aided by Katie Suva, CKD, CBD as the guides. After a very long march towards recovery, the home is now back to the pristine beauty it once was.

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

To fully enjoy the winter holidays, with all the snow and cold, was the basis for our client’s decision to maintain their Chicago home when they were transferred to the warm and sunny west coast. A trusted caretaker was put in place to oversee and maintain their property; however, even excellent planning sometimes runs off-track. In the midst of winter the caretaker left on a well-planned vacation. The homeowner’s were apprised of dates and, without a worry, everyone went on about their daily routines. That is, until the caretaker returned and found the home in such utter devastation, he could not believe what had happened in such a short amount of time. The ill-timed vacation, planned during what became an extremely cold timeframe, was the home’s undoing. With the heat in the home turned slightly lower, to accommodate the emptiness, paired with the below zero temperatures, the hot water pipe in the main floor Sunroom froze and burst. The gushing, steaming water, unchecked, moved in so many directions, it is difficult to comprehend. As the water soaked through the Sunroom flooring to the walk-out Lower Level Area below, ice blocks were freezing before the water reached the ground; Ice blocks so thick only time and warmer temperatures were able to thaw. Since the heating systems were unaffected, the heat, paired with the steaming moisture, raised the humidity levels in the entire home; what wasn’t wet ultimately became mold covered. The humidity in the home was raised to such a level that window and door seals were compromised and condensation clouded most of the interior glass panes. The Kitchen wood flooring, saturated with water, buckled, causing the cabinets to lift and the granite to crack. The ceiling in the lower level Bar Area fell as the water flooded both the Bar and the adjoining Billiards Room, wreaking havoc on cabinetry, carpet, artwork, etc. After the insurance estimation determined the home was salvageable, the design phase began in earnest headed by LaMantia’s James Campbell, CKD and aided by Katie Suva, CKD, CBD as the guides. After a very long march towards recovery, the home is now back to the pristine beauty it once was.