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Residential Landscaping Services - Mulch and Flower Bed, Lawn Sprinkler, Irrigat

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPING & LAWN SERVICES IN VA & NC Web www.commanderva.com Ph (804)683-6691 Email Office@commanderva.com • COMPETITIVE SERVICES & ANNUAL CONTRACTS • TOTAL PLANT PACKAGE & ENHANCEMENTS • PROFESSIONAL LAWN MOWING, TRIMMING, EDGING & MULCHING • COMPLETE IRRIGATION INSTALLATIONS – ADD-ONS, MAINTENANCE & REPAIR - ALL SYSTEMS • COMPREHENSIVE CHEMICAL APPLICATIONS & TREATMENTS • GENERAL SITE CLEAN-UP • EXTENSIVE SITE WORK, GRADING & DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS • BUSH HOGGING & TRENCHING • TREE TRIMMING & REMOVAL • FREE ESTIMATES & DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS Call to schedule your appointment today. PHONE (804)683-6691 LICENSED & INSURED CLASS “A” CONTRACTOR 40+ YEARS EXPERIENCE IN CENTRAL VA & NC REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Residential Landscaping Services - Outdoor Plant Bed with Mulch

Commander Contracting

Residential Landscaping Services - Mulch Bed, Shrubs, Roses, Ornamental Grass

Commander Contracting

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Residential Landscaping Services - Outdoor Plant Bed with Mulch

Commander Contracting

Residential Landscaping Services - Outdoor Flower and Plant Bed

Commander Contracting

Residential Landscaping Services - Outdoor Plant Bed with Mulch

Commander Contracting

Residential Landscaping Services - Entrance Plant Beds

Commander Contracting

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Somerset, OH

Miller Woodworks23 Reviews

Franklin County's Trusted Custom Cabinetry Solutions

Entire House Renovation & Addition ( Langley)

PH Design + Build

Showcasing a stunning transformation of the house, replacing its outdated beige and brown exterior with a modern white and charcoal colour scheme. The old wooden balcony railing has been upgraded to a sleek glass and metal system, creating a contemporary, open feel. The siding has been completely redone, with white panels on the upper level and dark charcoal cladding on the lower, while larger black-framed windows enhance curb appeal and natural lighting. The front door has been modernized with a stylish frosted glass panel design, adding to the home's sleek, updated look. The driveway has been significantly improved, replacing the old, uneven surface with a smooth, expanded pavement that enhances both functionality and aesthetics. The removal of the old wooden fence creates a more open and spacious feel. Exterior lighting has been strategically added along the balcony and entrance, giving the home a warm, inviting ambiance in the evening. Overall, the renovation has transformed this house into a modern, high-end residence with exceptional curb appeal.

Entire House Renovation & Addition ( Langley)

PH Design + Build

Residential Landscaping Services - Outdoor Plant Bed with Mulch

Commander Contracting

Residential Landscaping Services - Front Plant Bed Shrubs

Commander Contracting

How to Properly Prepare and Use Coco Coir in Gardening

John

Coco coir is a versatile and sustainable growing medium that is gaining popularity among gardeners. Made from the fibrous husk of coconuts, it’s an eco-friendly alternative to peat moss and can greatly enhance the quality of your soil. In gardening, it is often utilized in systems like Coco Coir Hydroponic, where it helps create an efficient water and nutrient delivery system. What is Coco Coir? Coco coir is a natural fiber extracted from coconut husks. It has a neutral pH, excellent water retention, and is reusable, making it a favorite among gardeners who prefer organic and sustainable practices. It is available in different forms such as blocks, bricks, or loose coir, each requiring some preparation before use in gardening. Benefits of Using Coco Coir in Gardening Coco coir offers several advantages for gardening. Here are the benefits of using coco coir in gardening: Holds up to 10 times its weight in water, ensuring plants have consistent moisture. Promotes oxygen flow to plant roots, leading to healthier root systems. Coco coir is a renewable and eco-friendly alternative to peat moss. It can be washed, rehydrated, and reused, reducing waste. Naturally pH neutral, making it suitable for various plants without major adjustments. Enhances the texture and moisture retention of garden soil. How to Prepare Coco Coir for Planting Preparing coco coir for planting involves a few essential steps. First, you need to hydrate the coir block, as it typically comes in a compressed form. Place the block in a large container and add warm water, allowing the block to expand and absorb the water. Once fully expanded, the coir should be fluffed up by breaking it apart with your hands or a tool to ensure it becomes loose and airy. After the coir has been fluffed, it is important to drain any excess water, as overly wet coir can lead to root suffocation. Finally, since coco coir is inert and does not contain nutrients, it’s a good idea to add organic compost or liquid fertilizer to enrich the coir before planting. Do You Need to Soak Coco Coir Before Planting? Yes, soaking coco coir before planting is necessary. Since it comes in a compressed form, it needs to be broken down and hydrated for proper use. The soaking process allows the coir to expand and release the fibers, making it usable as a growing medium. After soaking, the coir should be fluffed to ensure the water is evenly distributed. Draining any excess water is crucial because overly wet coir may impede plant root health. How to Prepare Coco Peat for Planting Coco peat, a fine, powdery form of coco coir, is highly beneficial for seed starting and improving water retention in soil. To prepare coco peat, it first needs to be hydrated, similar to how you prepare coir blocks. Slowly add water to the peat in a container and allow it to absorb and fluff up. Once hydrated, coco peat can be used on its own or mixed with other growing media such as perlite or vermiculite for added aeration and drainage. It is advisable to check the pH level of your final mix, as coco peat generally has a neutral pH, but adjustments may be necessary depending on the plants being grown. Can You Use Just Coco Coir for Plants? Yes, coco coir can be used by itself to grow plants, especially in hydroponic systems or as a seed-starting medium. However, because coco coir does not naturally contain nutrients, you will need to provide regular fertilizer to support plant growth. This makes it particularly suitable for plants grown in controlled environments, such as hydroponics, where nutrient solutions can be carefully managed. In traditional soil-based gardening, mixing coco coir with other organic materials like compost is recommended to provide essential nutrients and improve the overall soil structure. How to Use Coco Coir in Hydroponics Coco coir is widely used in hydroponic systems due to its water retention and aeration properties. To use coco coir in hydroponics, it first needs to be soaked and hydrated, as discussed earlier. Once the coir is fully prepared, it can be placed in the hydroponic system. Since coco coir does not contain natural nutrients, you will need to supply a balanced nutrient solution tailored for hydroponic plants. Regular monitoring of water and nutrient levels is essential to prevent nutrient imbalances or root rot. One of the benefits of coco coir in hydroponics is its reusability. After completing a growing cycle, the coir can be washed, rehydrated, and used again in future plantings. Using Coco Coir as a Soil Amendment Coco coir is also an excellent soil amendment, as it improves the texture and moisture retention of garden soil. To use coco coir in this way, mix loose coir with your existing garden soil at a ratio of one part coco coir to two parts soil. This will help retain moisture without compacting the soil, improving both water drainage and root growth. For optimal results, you can also add organic compost to the mix, ensuring that the nutrient levels are sufficient for plant growth. Coco coir works particularly well in raised beds, where it helps maintain proper soil structure over time. Advantages of Using Coco Coir Over Peat Moss While peat moss has been traditionally used as a growing medium, coco coir offers several advantages over it. Coco coir is a renewable resource, as it is a byproduct of coconut processing, while peat moss is harvested from peat bogs that take centuries to regenerate. Coco coir is also more durable, as it can be reused multiple times without breaking down, while peat moss disintegrates after a single use. Another key benefit is its neutral pH, whereas peat moss is more acidic and may require balancing to meet the needs of specific plants. Conclusion Coco coir is a highly versatile and sustainable growing medium that benefits both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Whether you are using it for hydroponics, as a soil amendment, or as a standalone medium for growing plants, knowing how to properly prepare and use it is key to maximizing its benefits. By following the steps detailed above, you can improve water retention, aeration, and overall plant health in your garden, all while contributing to eco-friendly gardening practices.

Riverside Passive House

Studio InSitu Architects

Triple-glazed tilt-shift windows are set mid-way through the building envelope's 24" thickness. A thin strip of the Sudbury River is visible just below the lower deck's rail in this photo by Josh Gerritsen.

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Somerset, OH

Miller Woodworks23 Reviews

Franklin County's Trusted Custom Cabinetry Solutions

Entire House Renovation

PH Design + Build

Highlighting the dramatic transformation of the house and backyard landscape. The exterior of the home has been completely modernized with a fresh white and charcoal colour scheme, new siding, and updated black window trims. The lower-level exterior has been refreshed with new cladding, clean lines, and modern lighting fixtures that enhance the overall aesthetic. The backyard has been completely revitalized with a lush, even green lawn, replacing the previously uneven and patchy terrain. A well-defined garden bed with vibrant flowers runs along the base of the house, adding colour and structure. The area around the large trees has been neatly landscaped with mulch, creating a natural and polished look. A hammock has been installed between the trees, enhancing the backyard’s appeal as a relaxing outdoor space. The aging wooden fence has been refreshed, complementing the updated home design. This renovation has transformed the property into a stylish, inviting, and functional living space.

Entire House Renovation

PH Design + Build

Restoring a Cement Covered Tiled Floor in Formby

Tile Doctor Ltd

We were contacted by a client from Formby asking for advice on how to remove a thick layer of floor leveller from her Quarry tiled floor. I suspect at some point in the past a previous owner had decided to cover the tiles with lino and a cement-based levelling compound was applied to level the floor first. My client had tried to remove it herself but found it very hard going and after realising she had quite a project on her hands decided to call us instead and see if we could help with the restoration. I worked out a quote for the client which would include removing the self-levelling compound, cleaning up the tiles and then sealing them to improve its appearance and protect it going forward. The quote was accepted, and a date agreed for the restoration to be completed which would take two days. We have a variety of tools that we can use for removing cement but in this case, I decided to use an air operated pin gun. The head of the gun has long pins of different length which are fired at the floor gently chipping away at the floor compound, this made short work of breaking up the cement so it could be swept away. A lot easier than the method the client had previously tried. With the floor clear of cement, it was given an acid wash with Tile Doctor Acid Gel scrubbed in with a buffing machine fitted with a black pad. The acidic formula cleans up the stone of old cement including fine particles of dust. Afterwards the gel was rinsed off the floor with water and extracted with a wet vacuum. We let the floor dry out overnight and returned the next morning to apply the sealer. For the best results, the stone needs to be dry so before sealing I always take several moisture readings with a damp meter to make sure. The results were good so the first of what would be three coats of sealer were applied to the floor. I used Tile Doctor Colour Grow for sealing, it is an impregnating sealer that works by occupying the pores in the store thereby protecting it from within, it also brings out the colour in the stone. Once done the floor looked great, the old self-levelling compound was gone and the rich colours in the tile had been restored. In fact is was only when finished did we realise these were in fact Baked Clay Quarry Tiles, minerals are added during manufacturing to give then colour, although 95% clay they are very tough like stone. The client was over the moon with the outcome, the floor had been restored to its’ former glory. For aftercare I recommended the use of Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner to keep the floor in good condition. It is pH neutral so will ensure the newly applied sealer is not compromised and the floor will continue to look good for a long while to come. Andrew Robb Merseyside Tile Doctor

Deep Cleaning a Mixed Chinese Slate Floor in Clifton near Penrith

Tile Doctor Ltd

The pictures below are of Chinese Slate floor in the Kitchen of a property in the small village of Clifton just south of Penrith. We often get asked what the difference is between Rough and Semi Riven Slate, and this floor was a mixture of both. If you look closely at the pictures and check out the darker parts of the floor you will see these smoother Semi Riven Slate, whereas the light copper-coloured parts of the floor were of the rougher textured variety. It’s not that unusual for stone to be mixed in this fashion as it can be supplied from different quarries in order to achieve a particular look. The blend of different slates makes little difference when it comes to cleaning as the process is essentially the same. I would advise though if you intend to clean the floor using a mop then you should opt for Semi Riven Slate as Rough Slate can shred your mops and make it harder to maintain. We tend to use industrial floor buffing machines which work well on both surfaces so are less effected. There was a bit of wax on this floor so to remove this Tile Doctor Wax Away was applied. The product was left to stand for fifteen minutes before being scrubbed into the stone, rinsed and then the soil extracted with a wet vacuum. We then finished the cleaning with an Acid Rinse which involves scrubbing the Slate with Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up. This not only works well at cleaning up the stone and grout but also neutralises the alkaline pH left over from using Wax Away. I am very wary of the pH level of the floor as it could have an impact on the new sealer, giving the floor an acid rinse before sealing also ensures a better bond with the sealer. Naturally, you can’t leave a strong product like Grout Clean-up on the Stone for long as it could etch the surface so once done the floor was thoroughly rinsed with water and extracted again with a wet vacuum. A mop and bucket and lots of sponges won’t do the job on a large area like this. Once we finished the clean, we left it to dry off overnight and came back the next day to apply the sealer. We were originally going to apply a satin finish sealer, but the client had a big dog with sharp claws which could of scratched and marked the sealer so decided against it. I advised the client to use an Impregnating sealer called Tile Doctor Colour Grow, which lifts the natural colours in the stone, but is not a topical shiny sealer as the seal soaks into the Slate and leaves a a nice matt finish instead. Only two coats of sealer were needed, and the floor looked like new again. My client was very happy with the difference in the appearance of the stone and how much cleaner the grout was, so much so they the following feedback for us, which is always appreciated. “Totally impressed with the team they couldn’t have been more professional and even left me with some cleaner. My horrible 12 year old slate tiles look fabulous” As usual we left a free bottle of Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner for aftercare, it’s very important not to undo all that hard work by using a product which will damage the seal, using a pH neutral cleaner will keep the seal looking sharp and fresh for years to come. Heidi Taylor North Cumbria Tile Doctor