Wall Accessories

Grids, adhesives, and other accessories

Wetcast Accessories

Accessories designed specifically for use with wetcast paving slabs.

Permeable Paver Accessories

Products that complement the installation and care of your permeable pavers.

Paver Accessories

Enhance and complement the beauty of your pavers with cleaners, sealers, lighting and more.

Split and Fluted

The Split and Fluted collection creates a wide range of creative possibilities through both colors and patterns.

Decro-Face

The Decro-Face collection creates a wide range of creative possibilities through both colors and patterns.

Ground Face

The Ground Face collection is a great choice for a classic look.

Colored Smooth Profile

The Smooth Profile collection offers a beautiful smooth look.

EPIK

The EPIK collection provides a beautiful, large scale architectural concrete masonry alternative to precast and stone products in two unique textures.

Iso’ven Accessories

Iso'ven Accessories allow you to transform your backyard into your own personal pizzeria.

Iso’ven Pizza Oven Kit

Iso'ven Pizza Oven Kits allow you to transform your backyard into your own personal pizzeria, and can be installed in a matter of hours.

Isokern Outdoor Kitchens

Isokern Outdoor Kitchens are completely customizable for your space and budget and pair perfectly with EP Henry’s Cast Veneer Stone & Brick Line.

Isokern Magnum Series

Isokern Magnum Series Fireplaces offer the largest opening on the market while providing remarkable efficiency, performance and custom design flexibility.

Isokern Standard Series

Isokern Standard Series Fireplaces are the standard solution for affordable, durable fireplaces that can be customized to your creative vision.

Coventry® Fire Pit Kit

EP Henry Coventry Fire Pit Kits make any backyard a year-round gathering spot.

Edgestone

EP Henry Edgestone adds a distinct look to borders for driveways, raised beds, and walkways.   Product notes Edgestone width may vary +/- 3/8” Color swatches below are shown for color only, not for texture or scale.

Curbstone

EP Henry Curbstone provides a unique border option for driveways, raised beds, and walkways.

Chilton Chiseled Steps

EP Henry Chilton Steps come in a variety of sizes, shapes and textures to complement your unique style.

Split Caps

EP Henry Split Cap is a great way to finish the look for our split face walls.

Marquis™ Wall

The new EP Henry Marquis Wall is a striking, cost-effective choice for a variety of single sided applications.

Rittenhouse™ Paver

The new EP Henry Imperial Rittenhouse paver collection evokes classic beauty and charm, and comes in three new colors for additional style versatility.

Verti-Block

Verti-Block is an oversized, hollow pre-cast block that are ideal for a variety of landscaping projects, including gravity walls up to 14' high*. Verti-Block can be stained on-site to integrate into existing landscape or hardscape applications.

Vertica™ Wall

EP Henry Vertica Retaining Wall is perfect for bringing aesthetic appeal to tall walls and tight spaces.

Diamond Pro™ Wall

EP Henry Diamond Pro Wall is a cost-effective solution for a broad range of residential and commercial retaining wall projects.

Terrace Wall™

EP Henry Terrace Wall is a medium-sized block that offers strength and durability for your average-sized job.

Coventry® Wall III

The EP Henry Coventry Wall III system is incredibly versatile, with three lengths, two heights, and a variety of design options in both single and double sided walls.

English Garden Wall™

EP Henry English Garden Walls are an economical choice for small planter and garden wall designs.

Belmont Caps

EP Henry Belmont Caps are a perfect complement to the EP Henry Cast Stone Wall & Belmont collections.

Cast Stone Wall Round Fire Pit Kit

EP Henry Cast Stone Wall Fire Pit Kits make any backyard a year-round gathering spot with the beautiful look of natural stone.

Cast Stone Wall Square Fire Pit Kit

EP Henry Cast Stone Wall Fire Pit Kits make any backyard a year-round gathering spot with the beautiful look of natural stone.

Cast Stone Wall Face Shells

EP Henry Cast Stone Wall Face Shells  can be used for outdoor fireplaces, kitchens or anywhere your imagination takes you.

Double Sided Cast Stone Wall

EP Henry Double Sided Cast Stone Walls truly replicate the beauty of natural stone at a fraction of the price, while providing unlimited design options for free-standing walls.

Single Sided Cast Stone Wall

EP Henry Single Sided Cast Stone Walls truly replicate the beauty of natural stone at a fraction of the price.

ECO™ Cobble®

EP Henry ECO Cobble offers a beautiful and versatile solution to stormwater runoff control.

Bullnose

EP Henry Bullnose Pavers feature a unique "bullnose" design that's easy on the eye and gentle on the foot.

Old Towne Cobble®

EP Henry Old Towne Cobble Pavers add new dimension to your home with a look that's been popular since Roman times.

Forma™ Stone

EP Henry Forma Stone borders make it easy to create beautiful straight and curved borders.

Brick Stone

EP Henry Brick Stone Pavers combine the traditional elegance of brick with the durability of EP Henry Pavers to make lasting impressions on paths, patios, and pool decks.

Bristol Stone® Smooth

EP Henry Bristol Stone Smooth pavers offer a completely smooth surface for patios, walkways and pool decks.

Bristol Stone®

EP Henry Bristol Stone pavers are ideal for paving any area and provide a lightly textured, beautiful surface.

Bristol Stone® Smooth with ColorTech™

EP Henry Bristol Stone Smooth with ColorTech pavers offer a completely smooth surface for patios, walkways and pool decks.

Bristol Stone® with ColorTech™

EP Henry Bristol Stone with ColorTech™ pavers are ideal for paving any area and provide a lightly textured, beautiful surface.

Cast Veneer Stone Accessories

EP Henry offers these fine mortars from SpecMix for Cast Veneer Stone applications.

Discontinued Products for 2020

The following items below have been discontinued for 2020. They will be available while supplies last. Pavers Imperial 3 Piece Modular & Rustic Modular (including the 9 x  9) Imperial Cobble Stone & Rustic Cobble Stone 6 x 6 & 6 x 9 are still available Imperial Bullnose Standard Bullnose are still available Bristol Stone

Trilogy™ Pavers

TRILOGY – our popular 3-piece paver system – is now offered with our COLORTECH™ Technology.  Available in 2 textures – Smooth and Profiled – and our 4 most popular paver colors, TRILOGY can also be designed to be a permeable pavement, making it the most flexible paver system in the market.   PRODUCT NOTES TRILOGY

Lighting

Tru-Scapes Landscape Lighting is an exclusive partner with EP Henry and Belgard Hardscapes with a goal to provide reasonably priced, high-quality, and simple to install lighting solutions. With all the components in the box and one power source to connect them all, Tru-Scapes Lights as part of our lighting solutions is the simple and easy

InsulBlock

InsulBlock by EP Henry is the solution for a cost-effective wall system to meet your building envelope code requirements, while maintaining the versatility that cmu construction has to offer. The ingenious offset cross web design of the InsulBlock creates a physical thermal offset on the interior of the cmu which constricts the loss of heat

Mirage Porcelain Pavers

Our specialty line of porcelain pavers offer many styles to create fabulous contemporary outdoor living spaces.

Glocal

Outdoor porcelain pavers are similar to indoor porcelain tiles, only thicker and more durable. They are frost-resistant, skid-resistant, stain-resistant and easy to clean. Combined with incredibly high breakage loads (up to 2,000 pounds), porcelain pavers are the perfect solution for gardens, terraces and high traffic outdoor areas. Our porcelain pavers also offer the flexibility to

Noon

Outdoor porcelain pavers are similar to indoor porcelain tiles, only thicker and more durable. They are frost-resistant, skid-resistant, stain-resistant and easy to clean. Combined with incredibly high breakage loads (up to 2,000 pounds), porcelain pavers are the perfect solution for gardens, terraces and high traffic outdoor areas. Our porcelain pavers also offer the flexibility to

Quarziti

Outdoor porcelain pavers are similar to indoor porcelain tiles, only thicker and more durable. They are frost-resistant, skid-resistant, stain-resistant and easy to clean. Combined with incredibly high breakage loads (up to 2,000 pounds), porcelain pavers are the perfect solution for gardens, terraces and high traffic outdoor areas. Our porcelain pavers also offer the flexibility to

Verona

Outdoor porcelain pavers are similar to indoor porcelain tiles, only thicker and more durable. They are frost-resistant, skid-resistant, stain-resistant and easy to clean. Combined with incredibly high breakage loads (up to 2,000 pounds), porcelain pavers are the perfect solution for gardens, terraces and high traffic outdoor areas. Our porcelain pavers also offer the flexibility to

AB Wall

Bristol Stone

Solidia Trilogy

Solidia Trilogy

Solidia Trilogy

Patios

No two backyards are the same and our Patios Gallery reflects that. As you browse, you’ll see everything from intimate paver patios with room for a couple of chairs and a table to exquisite outdoor living rooms. You’ll get ideas for patio paver shapes, sizes and colors. If you see something you like, be sure to note the Photo ID number which will allow you to quickly relocate that image or share with a friend or your contractor.

Bristol Stone with ColorTech

Bristol Stone with ColorTech

Bristol Stone with ColorTech

Belmont with ColorTech

Cast Stone Wall Face Shells

Bullnose

Cast Stone Wall

Belmont Caps

Belmont Caps

Coventry Edgestone

Walkways

EP Henry pavers make the perfect walkway. With a variety of shapes and colors, it’s easy to create straight, curved or angular paver walkways. And we offer a great selection of border options for the perfect finishing touch.

Forma Stone Pavers

Bristol Stone Smooth with ColorTech

Bristol Stone with ColorTech

Bristol Stone Smooth with ColorTech

Cast Stone Wall Face Shells

Coventry Curbstone

Split Caps

Cast Stone Wall

Pool Decks

EP Henry paving stones are a great choice for pool decks. Browse our gallery to find color, texture and scale options to suit your taste. Bristol Stone pavers – including in some newer light and bright colors – are an especially popular option. We also offer Bullnose pavers for your pool coping.

Bristol Stone Smooth with ColorTech

Forma Stone

Walls

When your yard needs a wall, no one offers more options than EP Henry. Whether it be a retaining wall from 4’ – 30’, a small garden wall or a free-standing wall that defines your patio and provides extra seating/shelf space, the EP Henry Hardscaping wall offering has a beautiful solution. Don’t miss our Cast Stone Wall Collection, the closest thing to natural stone you’ll find anywhere, at a fraction of the price.

Old Towne Cobble

Double Sided Cast Stone Wall

Cast Stone Wall Square Fire Pit Kit

Driveways

An EP Henry paver driveway lets everyone know that you’ve arrived. Paving stones are both durable and beautiful, making them a great choice for your driveway. Our Driveways Gallery will provide you inspiration to make your trip home even more enjoyable.

Bristol Stone Pavers

Eco Cobble

Cast Stone Wall Round Fire Pit Kit

Cast Stone Caps

Outdoor Living

Whether you are looking to create a private retreat or a gathering space for family and friends, our gallery has ideas including outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, fire pits, pizza ovens and more. Browse our gallery for unique ideas and design details that will set your space apart from the crowd.

Bristol Stone Smooth Pavers

Bristol Stone Pavers

Devonstone Steps

Cast Stone Wall Face Shells

Cast Stone Wall Face Shells

EP Henry Cast Stone Wall Face Shells are crafted to seamlessly blend with our Cast Stone Wall Collection and can be used on kitchens, fireplaces, custom fire pits, house facades and more.

Bristol Stone Smooth Pavers

Cast Stone Caps with ColorTech

Steps

Because outdoor step applications are so varied, EP Henry offers an extensive line of step products to easily create beautiful transitions. From a simple set of steps up to your home’s doorways or from one level of your paver patio to another, to more involved stairways built into retaining walls and sloped backyards, you’ll find great ideas of how to accomplish your outdoor step applications in our Steps Gallery.

Bullnose Pavers

Coventry Fire Pit

Cast Stone Caps

Brick Stone Pavers

Borders & Edgers

View our Gallery of Borders to get inspiration for your project. While there are almost endless possibilities in border design, this Cross-reference Chart can help guide you.

Brick Stone Pavers

Chilton Steps

Cast Stone Caps

Forma Stone Pavers With Solidia

Bristol Stone with ColorTech

ColorTech Pavers

ColorTech™ by EP Henry is the newest advancement in paver treatment. An integral sealer, as opposed to a topical treatment, ColorTech costs substantially less and lasts much longer than a topical sealer application. ColorTech now comes as a standard feature in our best selling Premiere Collection of Bristol Stone, Chiseled Stone & Belmont pavers as well as in our Cast Stone Paving and Wall Caps.

Isokern Standard Series

Old Towne Cobble

Old Towne Cobble

Bristol Stone Smooth with ColorTech

Forma Stone

Isokern Magnum Series

Permeable Pavers

Old Towne Cobble

English Garden Wall

Coventry Walls

Isokern Outdoor Kitchens

Bristol Stone Pavers

Bullnose Pavers

Double Sided Coventry Wall

Iso'ven Pizza Oven Kit

Isokern

Bristol Stone Smooth

Bristol Stone

Coventry Wall III

Brick Stone

ECO Cobble

Brick Stone Pavers

Terrace Wall

Forma Stone

Old Towne Cobble

Diamond Pro

Imperial Rittenhouse

Vertica Wall

Bullnose

Verti-Block

Imperial Rustic Double Face Wall

Imperial Marquis Wall

Devonstone Caps

ECO Cobble

Imperial Rittenhouse

What is the whitish deposit I see on some paver installations?

You are probably referring to EFFLORESCENCE, a natural and common occurrence in concrete and brick products. Efflorescence is the result of natural salts in the materials used in production migrating to the surface of the pavers. This is not a defect nor harmful to the pavers, and will usually weather away with time. Although it

How can I remove moss or mold from my pavers?

Try Clorox® diluted in water (10 parts water to one part Clorox). Be careful not to get it on other plant material. Keep in mind that there is nothing that will keep it from growing back if it’s in a shady, damp area. For a more permanent solution, you will need to correct the moisture

I have an existing concrete walkway that’s in pretty good shape. Can I lay pavers over it?

While not the preferred method, pavers can be laid on top of existing concrete walkways. Two issues must be addressed. First, the grade will be raised by about 3″ (the thickness of the pavers plus the bedding sand). This is particularly critical if any doorways are involved. Second, if the existing concrete slab should raise

Can I use de-icing salts on my pavers?

While no concrete product is truly de-icing salt proof, EP Henry Pavers – due to their high strength and low absorption rates – are more resistant to de-icing salts than concrete, asphalt and pavers that utilize inferior materials. However, misuse of de-icing products can, over time, lead to damage. EP Henry recommends The Interlocking Concrete

Can I use EP Henry pavers on my pool deck?

Not only do EP Henry Pavers make an attractive pool deck, but they also provide a slip-resistant walking surface. Pavers actually are better than poured concrete around pools from the standpoint that the joints will take on moisture and leave the pavement cooler under foot. Like all products that are used outdoors, lighter colors will

What can I do if my pavers are stained or damaged?

One of the advantages of pavers is that individual units can be removed and replaced in these situations. Remove the sand around the paver and then use two flat head screwdrivers to lift the paver out. Rocking the paver gently in a back-and-forth motion will facilitate removal.

Will weeds grow between my pavers?

Weeds and grass result from seeds or spores blowing into, and lodging in, the joint sand. This can be minimized by using a Techniseal polymeric sand or by sealing the pavers with a joint stabilizing sealer or mixing a pre-emergent granular weedkiller in the joint sand. If weeds do appear, a spot vegetation killer (such

Can I seal my pavers?

Yes, but EP Henry recommends that you wait at least 12 – 18 months before sealing to ensure that efflorescence has had a chance to come out.  Depending upon the sealers, they can offer three advantages: they help resist stains, enhance the color, and bind the sand in the joints to make it difficult for

How do pavers compare with patterned or stamped concrete?

Patterned concrete pavements are merely slabs of concrete that are embossed with a pattern. Therefore, they are prone to the same problems with freezethaw cycles, namely cracking. We guarantee that EP Henry Pavers won’t crack; you cannot obtain a similar guarantee for stamped concrete. Stamped concrete requires expansion joints every 10 feet or so, which

Tell me about the sand setting bed.

The material for the bedding layer should be coarse concrete sand. Do not use stone dust or screenings; they do not allow the pavers to “seat” properly and do not allow for drainage. The sand should be an even 1″ thick layer. Do not compact the sand setting bed. Do not mix portland cement into

Can EP Henry pavers be used for my driveway?

Absolutely! For residential driveways, 10″-12″ of compacted dense graded aggregate base material is recommended. A standard 2 3/8″ thick paver can be used for light vehicular (cars and pickup trucks) applications. A Herringbone pattern is most suitable in these situations. Contact your local EP Henry Authorized Distributor® or EP Henry’s Technical Manager for questions on

Someone recommended that I use a fabric under my installation. When and where is it used?

EP Henry recommends a geotextile separation fabric (e.g., Mirafi® 500x) under all paver installations. The fabric is laid on top of the compacted soil in the excavated area and keeps the aggregate base material from working its way into the soil subgrade. This is especially important where the soil contains a lot of clay. At

How do I determine how much modified stone base material and sand I’ll need?

As a rule of thumb, use a minimum of 6″ of base material for walkways, 6″-8″ for patios, and 10″-12″ for driveways. The sand setting bed should be 1″ thick. One ton of modified stone or sand will cover 100 sf at 2″ thick. Using a 10’x10′ (100 sf) patio as an example, you would

Tell me more about the Durafacing™ process.

Durafacing is the trade name EP Henry uses for our process of creating what is known in the industry as a “face mix” paver. Durafacing is a sophisticated process, requiring a higher level of manufacturing equipment and skill, which produces an enhanced surface texture with exceptional strength. This technique came from Europe which is where

Why are they called interlocking concrete pavers?

It is the system that makes them interlocking concrete pavers, not necessarily the shape. When installed properly, the combination of the pavers, bedding sand, edge restraint, and joint sand causes them to interlock, allowing them to work as a unified, flexible pavement.

Why do EP Henry pavers make the ideal pavement?

Our pavers are the ideal product for freeze-thaw environments. Proper installation of the product results in a pavement that is rigid, yet flexible. The joints between pavers allow the walkway, driveway, and patio to move without cracking. In addition, they can be “unzipped” to allow for repairs or access to utilities. Unlike asphalt, pavers are

What is Polymeric Sand and how is it used?

Polymeric Sand is designed to be swept into the paver joints to completely fill the space between the pavers and ensure a tight interlock.  Polymeric Sand should be reapplied every 5 – 10 years under normal circumstances.  EP Henry recommends Techniseal Polymeric Sands.

How do I determine how much modified stone base material and sand I’ll need?

As a rule of thumb, use a minimum of 6″ of base material for walkways, 6″-8″ for patios, and 10″-12″ for driveways. The sand setting bed should be 1″ thick. One ton of modified stone or sand will cover 100 sf at 2″ thick. Using a 10’x10′ (100 sf) patio as an example, you would

Can I power wash my pavers?

Yes, but it is important to be sure you use the “fan” setting on the power washer and keep the wand at waist height to avoid any damage or etching.

Can I buy from EP Henry?

No, EP Henry sells all of our pavers and wall products through a network of EP Henry Authorized Hardscaping Centers®.  You can find your nearest distributor(s) here

Where can I see EP Henry Hardscaping Products?

It is strongly recommended that you make your final product selections based on actual current samples.  You can see products on display at your local EP Henry Authorized Hardscaping Centers®. Click to Find A Distributor.

Find a Distributor

EP Henry Authorized Hardscaping Distributors® can provide you with ideas and inspiration, as well as support for material calculations, product samples, DIY seminars, and how-to videos. Enter your zip code below to find a distributor in your area.

Lifetime Warranty from EP Henry

LIFETIME PRODUCT WARRANTY EP Henry provides a limited warranty with a proof of purchase (invoice or delivery slip).  This warranty is for residential use only and does not imply a warranty for commercial applications. If there is a defect in the structural integrity of a warranted paving stone or wall system product, EP Henry will

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About Us

From Inspiration to Installation, EP Henry is with you every step of the way. Across four generations and 115 years, our family has sought to make the best quality products for our customers. We believe that the quality of our products only matters if it benefits those we serve. Today our goal is simple: to bring friends and

Professionals

We’re committed to your success At EP Henry, we understand that this is your livelihood. That’s why we’ve spent decades building a reputation as one of the most trusted names in hardscaping.  Whether you’re looking for answers, resources, or support, EP Henry has your back.

EP Henry Website Terms and Conditions

This page states the Terms and Conditions under which you may use the EPHenry.com Web Site (“”Web Site””). Please read this page carefully. If you do not accept the Terms and Conditions stated here, do not use the Web Site. EP Henry may revise these Terms and Conditions at any time by updating this posting.

Contractor Center

Hear what the contractor on this project says about Trilogy Pavers and his very happy clients

See how the contractor and homeowner collaborated to create a stunning outdoor space

Hear why the Ennis’ chose ColorTech pavers for their backyard paradise

Hear why this seasoned contractor chooses EP Henry for his hardscape projects

Beyond Recommendations: 3 Tips on Finding a Good Contractor from EP Henry

Recommendations are still the gold standard in construction, but getting them can be challenging. Approaching strangers isn't easy and online reviews aren't always trustworthy. Thankfully, good contractors usually stand out from the crowd, and often are recommended by the product manufacturer.

Introducing ColorTech™: EP Henry’s newest pavers are in line with the times

Throughout masonry history, manufacturers have experimented with different compounds to improve concrete’s strength and flexibility, while artisans used pigments and molds to change its color and shape for decorative purposes.

Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show

March 6-15, 2020 Pittsburgh Convention Center - Downtown

Start Planning Your Spring Landscape Design Now

Looking forward until winter’s over so you can start enjoying spending time outside?  Why wait?  Start planning your new landscape design now!  Start early, and you’ll have plenty of time to put careful thought into your design, get it properly installed, and have it ready to enjoy by the time flowers start to bloom.An even

Stormwater Management: 3 Things You Need to Know Now

The unofficial start to winter has begun with snowfalls and freezing temperatures reaching much of the nation. Though it’s not at the top of everyone’s mind, this time of year it’s important to be aware of stormwater management.  Stormwater can not only cause flooding, but it often contains pollutants that end up in local rivers,

More than a Pretty Face: What Retaining Walls Add to Your Landscape

With the bitter cold already showing its face and the holidays fast approaching, it may seem a bit early to be “thinking spring,” but it’s never too early to consider sprucing up your outdoor landscape.  Though most people often stick to simply planting trees and shrubs, installing a retaining wall can be an interesting way to refresh

Sustainable Landscaping: Thinking Beyond Your Walkways and Patios

As people continue to realize the benefits of being environmentally friendly, sustainable design is a growing trend. There are many ways for homeowners to help the environment – and their wallets – by investing in sustainable landscaping. Lawns, more than any other landscaping element, take away from a person’s sustainability efforts. While beautiful, they typically

Four Ways Cast Veneer Stone Warms Up Your Décor this Season

There’s nothing quite like being home for the holidays. Family, friends and holiday cheer warm us up during the cold winter weather – but there are other ways to warm your home, as well! EP Henry’s Cast Veneer Stone provides a natural look to the interior or exterior of your home, and can be used

Why You Should Make a Sustainable Landscape a New Year’s Resolution

As we begin 2014, it’s time to make plans for what we’ll create and how we can improve. What New Year’s resolutions are you putting on your list?  Go to the gym? Eat healthier? Why not add creating a sustainable landscape to the list? Sustainability isn’t a trend; it’s a way of life. Whether by

Three Criteria of Walkways and Driveways that Increase Home Value

For anyone that is trying to increase the overall value of their home, there are a wide range of property additions and modifications available that will prove to be essential in the appraisal process.  This is especially true when it comes to changing the appearance of your property’s driveway or walkway.  In fact, adjusting and

Garden Prep 101: Get Your Landscape Design Plan Started Now

As we move deeper into the heart of winter, it’s important to keep in mind that the time to prepare for garden landscaping will soon be upon us. Here in the northeast, March 17th, Saint Patrick’s Day, is the “go” date for garden prep and planting, presumably being just past the frost timeline. A much

Hardscaping™? Why You Should Choose Concrete Pavers over Brick Pavers

For anyone that has decided to redo or install a new patio, walkway or driveway, selecting the best material to use can be a difficult decision to make, especially if you are choosing between concrete pavers or bricks.  When it comes to making this decision, it’s important to understand the difference between pavers and bricks.

Old Man Winter has been rough on the Northeast this year, and we’re not out of the woods yet.

‘TIS THE SEASON Snow can cause dangerous driving conditions, school closings, and downed power lines; wreaking havoc on our everyday lives. And if you’re a home owner, shoveling out and maintaining your driveway and walkways can sometimes feel like a losing battle. Snow and ice that melts then refreezes creates a skating rink on non-porous surfaces

Landscape Design 101: Types of Pavers to Complete your Yard

Whether you are undertaking a new landscape design project, or waking up an existing garden in your yard, adding pavers or walls can instantly add curb appeal well before the first flower has bloomed. Many homeowners without “green thumbs” use Hardscaping™ to bring color and texture into their front or back yards without the commitment

Three Hot Landscape Trends You’ll Love for Years to Come

Fire is Hot Far from trendy, a recent discovery of a fire pit in Tel Aviv, Israel cave suggests that humans have been gathering around fires as far back as 300,000 years ago. What is hot now is installing a pre-fabricated outdoor fire pit or fireplace kit. These kits come in styles and sizes that accommodate any

Landscape Design’s Season Opener

Even with temperatures in the teens and snow falling from the sky, there is little doubt that spring will be here soon. While garden enthusiasts yearn for the day that they can break soil and begin planting, rearranging their landscape and planning new landscape designs, the harbingers of spring continue to press forward with signs

Calling all Garden Enthusiasts – Daylight Savings Time is Here!

The time has finally come. We turn our clocks back at 2:00 AM this Sunday, March 9, signaling daylight savings time, which is also a harbinger of the spring season (and the warm weather that comes with it). While it may irk some folks to lose an hour of sleep, others rejoice in the extra

Home Design Trends: Then and Now, Inside and Out

Living Styles That Grow On You In the 1990’s the new hot trend in home design was “Bringing the Outside, In”.  Designers created boldly themed outdoor inspired rooms with natural color palettes of grays, greens and browns. Typical outdoor elements of wood, wrought iron and cut stone brought in texture and provided visual interest.  Brick

Get Away From It All In your Own Back Yard

Courting Tips Looking to update your existing patio or create one? Consider a courtyard as your next outdoor project. These intimate outdoor spaces have been delighting homeowners as far back as 3000 BC. Courtyards are customarily identified as being open to the sky and closed off on 3 or 4 sides using walls, buildings or

That’s Amore – Your Own Tuscan Outdoor Living Space

In 2003, when Hollywood released “Under the Tuscan Sun”, Americans all over the country were suddenly re-decorating and bringing warm and woodsy earth tones and golden hued paint colors into their homes. The New-Old Outdoors This enduring trend continues today, bringing aged elegance to both to indoor and outdoor living spaces. With its old-world charm

Hardscaping™ Your Historic Home

Cape Cod, Dutch Colonial, Queen Anne, Cottage, these are just a few of the many styles of historic homes found in North America. Post World War II, when “Baby Boomers” made the scene and America grew at an alarming rate, cities expanded and suburban neighborhoods popped up to make room for the population explosion. During

Home Design: Veranda or a Porch, Which do you Want?

We’ve all heard the term veranda in movies, and perhaps even envisioned ourselves on one sipping a mint julep or two. Although this word is most commonly heard in the South in relationship to home design or even on cruise ships, it may surprise you to know that if you are thinking of adding a

Have a Small(er) Backyard? The Art of Petite Gardens

All too often, homeowners think that because they have a small or moderate backyard that they are limited to just a patch of grass and perhaps a bird bath.  Not true. In fact, to really enjoy gardens, they need to be right under your nose, and smaller backyards are just the place to get closer

5+ Basic Design Principles for your Patio

So the weather is finally cooperating and it’s time to enjoy the outdoors once again. Whether you’re completing a new patio or updating an existing one, the final touches can make all the difference in your end result. Much the same as an interior room makeover, elements such as lighting, furniture, accessories and décor will

Earth Day and Sustainable Development

The US Paved the Way The history of using paving dates back to ancient times when trade and travel necessitated passable roads free of rocks and trees. As cities expanded and populations grew, paving stones were used to create walkways for pedestrian traffic, and roadways were built to accommodate the increase in horse and carriage

Ready for a Landscape Update? Two Can’t Miss Tips

So, you’ve gotten all the weeds cleaned out of the garden, and fed and reseeded the yard. While you were in the middle of this early-spring maintenance, you may have noticed that your landscape overall needs some TLC. Do you feel you could use borders or walkways between your garden and yard? Maybe you noticed

Hearth and Home

It cannot be argued, there’s just something spectacular about backyards that have a fire feature. Family and friends have been gathering around camp fires and fire pits for years, and homeowners are taking their outdoor spaces up a notch by incorporating custom outdoor fireplaces into their landscape designs. Outdoor fireplaces are easily integrated into both

Celebrate May Day and Dine Al Fresco Tonight!

At its roots, May 1, May Day, is an ancient Celtic and Germanic holiday. The townsfolk (who had survived the long harsh winter) celebrated spring’s arrival and the promise of warmer weather on the first of May. Astronomically, it’s one of the year’s four cross-quarter days; a day that falls halfway between an equinox and

How Did Your Patio Pavers Weather the Winter?

It’s time to get your patioready for the new season. But wait, before you roll out the rug, take the cushions out of storage, and re-hang the lanterns, a good patio cleaning may be needed as well. Here are some tips to help you set the stage and get ready to enjoy your outdoor living

Build Mother’s Day Memories with Some Great Gift-Worthy Backyard Ideas

Honoring Mothers dates back to ancient times, but here in the U.S., 2014 marks the 100 year anniversary of Mother’s Day. In May of 1914, then President Woodrow Wilson signed a Joint Resolution designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. While many young children are no doubt creating custom “home décor” items with

Nature-Inspired Home Décor

One of the most famous American architects of all time, Frank Lloyd Wright, is best known for his Organic Architecture style. Thought to be his most famous design, Fallingwater was designed in 1935 for the Kaufman family and resides in Bear Run, PA. It is a classic example of Wright’s earthy aesthetic and is listed as a National Historic

What we do to Honor Our Veterans on Memorial Day

Our current-day Memorial Day began after the Civil War as Decoration Day. Because the Civil War claimed so many lives, Americans began commemorating the veterans who died in the war by decorating their grave stones with wreaths or flowers. The first official Decoration Day is credited to Waterloo, NY when in the spring of 1865

Hot Trends to Make your Patio the Place to Be this Summer

When you plan your summer gatherings, you start by taking stock of your patio and other outdoor living spaces, looking for ways to ‘wow” your guests, right? Even if your patio, walkways and gardens are in great shape, you can always enhance your outdoor space to make your yard the “place to be” in your

Outdoor Party Ideas

It’s outdoor party season, and chances are, you’ll either host or be invited to at least one big party this summer. Depending on where you live, that could mean very different menu items. While most folks invite friends and family over “for a barbeque”, the term is used rather loosely. The word barbeque most likely

Sloping property? Retaining Walls Could Be Your Answer

Retaining walls are solid structures designed to prevent soil erosion and hold land back when there is a drastic change in elevation. They help to stabilize the land and can prevent mudslides and home foundation shifts. (Think of basement walls, they act as retaining walls.) Most any home improvement will increase your home’s value, but

Lighten Up: Accent Lighting in Your Backyard

When it comes to your patio or landscape design, make sure to include lighting in your plans. Just as with interior design, different types of lighting fixtures are used for specific functions when lighting a residential outdoor space. Security Lighting Deterrent lighting is a focused spotlight that is commonly used over doors and garages; it

Rock Solid Ideas for Dad this Father’s Day

It is estimated that American’s spend more than $1 billion in Father’s Day each year. Standard gifts are sporting goods, socks, neckties, and the ever popular “World’s Best Dad” mug. While all of these are heartfelt gifts, this Father’s Day, why not take it outside and turn it up a notch? Here are a few

Lowering the Cost of Curb Appeal

The weed-free, green lawn that dominates landscape design in suburban America today didn’t exist until the late 18th century. Our forefathers were the original organic gardeners with front “yards” that were much smaller and they were functional in nature. America’s extreme temperatures allowed homeowners to grow seasonal vegetables and herbs, and the thought of taking

The Benefits of Pavers vs. Stamped Concrete

So you’ve decided to create an outdoor living space! After deciding the size of your new patio, you’ll need to select the type of material to use. The good news is, you’re not limited to the poured concrete patios of yesteryear that stain and crack after just a few short years because one rough season

Get Your Splash On-It’s Pool Party Time!

If you have a pool, chances are you’ll either be hosting a children’s pool party birthday celebration or an adult only cocktail party, this summer season. Maybe even both. You can either send out formal invitations or invite your guests by word-of-mouth, either way, you’ll need to plan and set up your outdoor living area and pool

John Adam’s Independence Day Party Ideas

While he was off by two days with his prediction, John Adams definitely had the right idea about how to celebrate Independence Day. John Adams, in a letter to his wife, Abigail: “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it

How Outdoor Kitchens are Changing How We Have Barbecues

Gone are the days of Dad standing lonely in the backyard as he grills chicken, burgers and dogs on a gas or charcoal grill while the party-goers swim, play volleyball or yard darts (remember those?).  Today’s barbecues are full-day events that revolve around the cook and his craft, with the food prep and grilling a

Creating a Secret Garden, Right in Your Own Backyard

They are said to be magical. Ever since Frances Hodgson Burnett first penned A Secret Garden in 1909, young and old alike have been fascinated with secret gardens. These smaller gardens enchant us by allowing us to create a small fantasy world right in our own backyard. The good news is creating a secret garden is relatively

Tips on Working with a Larger Landscape Design Plan

‘Tis the season to be outside! Summer has officially begun, and by now you’ve probably broken out the furniture and cleaned off the patio pavers. Over the years, landscape design has come to include patios that are a true extension of the home. Cooking outside on the grill has evolved into full outdoor kitchen installations;

Still Inspiring Dreams of Freedom: The Statue of Liberty

We’ve all heard of Liberty Island, home to our nation’s most beloved and iconic symbol of freedom, The Statue of Liberty. But did you know that the island was originally named, Bedloe’s Island? Located in the Upper New York Bay and covering approximately 14 acres, Bedloe ‘s Island was at one time a small pox

Adding Curb Appeal with Pavers and Plants

If you live in a residential neighborhood and have a home with a front yard, chances are you have some sort of walkway to the front or side door. Whether it is a no-nonsense straight walkway, or a casual, winding garden path, it serves as your home’s “first impression”. Check out these tips if your

Aquatic Ambiance: Tips To incorporate a Water Feature into Your Backyard

Dating back to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, water fountains have been a part of our lives for a very long time. Long before everyone had indoor plumbing, people flocked to community fountains to collect safe water for drinking, cooking and washing. Constructed over a spring or connected to an aqueduct, these early water

DIY Hardscaping Tips for Paver Installation

Make no mistake, tackling a DIY paver project is not an easy task and will require assistance from friends and/or family.  However, enterprising folks can get the job done and the results and return on investment are well worth it. Just as with any do-it-yourself home improvement project, you’ll need to research paver installation before

5 Tips for Extending your Outdoor Living Season

The outdoor living trend is here to stay, and homeowners are enjoying their “ceiling-less” home additions well past the Labor Day weekend. 1) Outdoor Heating: Once only found in restaurant settings, outdoor heaters have come way down in price over the last few years. They come in all sizes, styles, and mounts; including table top, wall and

Don’t Let Your Garden Fall Apart

The end of the summer is here and the kids are back in school. With fall just around the corner, take advantage of the weeks ahead to plan your end of season upkeep routine, before the *gasp* holiday madness begins. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your yard work maintenance.

Patio Pavers: Mixing Mediums

When it comes to patio pavers, you may think that once you pick out your preferred style, that you are finished with your Hardscape™design decisions. Not so fast. You may ultimately decide to have the lawn meet up to your patio pavers, but if you are looking for a more natural or rustic landscape, consider

Ideas for Creating a Rustic Man Cave That Does Not Include a Beer Tap (because we know you have that one covered)

Let’s face it, when it comes to home décor decisions, the majority of the time the woman of the household takes the lead.  From the lighting fixtures and rugs, to the wall colors and pillows, most men know that they better check in before they even think about hanging a picture. Coined in the early

Paver Maintenance 101: Tips to Keeping your Patio Looking Good

In the same way you might polish your floors or wax your car, patio pavers can benefit from some routine maintenance in order to remove any stains and moss and to restore their original beauty. Check out these frequently asked questions on how to keep your Hardscaping™ looking its best. What are the advantages of

Do-It-Yourself Hardscaping™ Project Story: Boyertown, PA

We were thrilled when Renee and Brian Dye of Boyertown, PA shared “Before and After” photos of their Do-It-Yourself EP Henry Wall Project with us on our Facebook page. So much so, that we just had to call to find out how they did it. EPH: So, what made you decide to overhaul the space? BD/RD: Although

Formal Fall Décor Ideas

It’s that time of year again, when the leaves begin their brilliant show of reds, oranges, and yellows and pumpkins reign supreme.While fall decorations tend to be more casual and rustic in style, pumpkins, scarecrows, and fruit wreaths can be used in more formal settings as well. Both in formal and informal design it’s all

Fall on the Patio Series: Sunday Brunch

Brunches are a great way to get together with friends and family and to continue to enjoy your outdoor living space well into the fall months. It’s well known that the word “brunch” is a combination of the words, breakfast and lunch; so named because we eat this meal between breakfast and lunch. But did

Fire Pit or Fireplace?

If you are planning a fire feature for your patio, you may ask yourself “Should we get a fire pit or fireplace?” Both are great additions to any outdoor space that create a friendly atmosphere that gives off both light and warmth. While cost is typically a question (and can sometimes be the deciding factor)

Fall on the Patio Series: Formal Wine Tasting Party

The cooler temperatures of fall make it the perfect time of year to host an outdoor wine tasting party in the backyard. Wine gatherings, with tasting cards and/or note taking, are a great way to learn some new things about wine and the process of tasting, comparing, and appreciating it.Don’t worry; a formal (or serious)

Bringing Your Outdoor Potted Plants Indoors

For those of us who have cold and snowy winters, container plants allow us to decorate our patios with plants that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to enjoy. We recreate relaxing oasis’ by enhancing our patios with Boston ferns, parlor palms, and dracaena in outdoor pots during the summer, and then bring them inside to

Fall on the Patio Series: Ladies Night

What better way to spend a fall evening than hanging out in the backyard with your favorite ladies on your patio? Add some backyard lighting; plenty of chairs to sit and chat in and you have the perfect setting for ladies night. Plan the perfect night with these recipes, then call all your girls and

Trick or Treat: 3 Backyard Halloween Games to Play

Halloween is almost here! A time of year where dressing up in scary or silly costumes is the norm, and it’s commonplace for children to put candy into a pillow case. We decorate the landscape, carve pumpkins, visit haunted houses and watch horror films. But did you ever wonder why? Halloween was thought to have originated with the

Tips on Selecting a Hardscaping™ Contractor

When it comes to planning a Hardscaping™ project, choosing a contractor should be at the top of your list.As more people are expanding their living space by adding outdoor rooms, choosing the right contractor for the job is critical to your project’s success. One of the biggest mistakes you can make when choosing a contractor

Fall on the Patio Series: Game-Day

The pre-game fall tailgating party has become an American tradition that is here to stay. There’s a reason why people tailgate before a football game, it’s a chance to get together with friends, eat, drink  and get pumped up for the big game. No tickets?  Is your team playing away this week? Fall is the

Tips for Winterizing Your Patio

Even though it may feel like fall has just begun, whether we like it or not, winter is going to happen. The clocks have been rolled back and the shorter, darker days of winter are here. Before you hunker down for the colder temperatures, if you take a little extra time to care for your

Clean Air Act

Bringing outdoor patio plants indoors for the winter has other advantages besides being decorative. With the windows closed due to the cold temperatures the air inside your home can become pretty stale. Additionally, indoor renovation projects, like painting and or staining, release harmful toxins that linger far longer in winter’s closed window months. Almost all

Do-It-Yourself Hardscaping™ Project Story: New Providence NJ

We were amazed when Seth Netter, EP Henry’s sales rep for Northern NJ, sent us these DIY patio pictures. This 850 s.f. patio, with EP Henry Fire Pit Kit, was excavated and installed by the homeowners (along with two very good friends, Tina and Tracy Toribio) themselves.We just had to find out how they were

Non Traditional, Traditional Décor: Square Wreaths

Did you ever wonder why we hang wreaths on our front doors? Historians agree that it seems likely that wreaths were made popular almost 3000 years ago. It all started in Greece during the Olympic Games when small wreaths (made of laurel leaves) were used to crown the winning participants. Later, when the Games began

Christmas Décor: Evergreen, Everywhere

It is widely known that the Christmas Tree tradition began in Germany- but did you know that the using evergreen sprigs to decorate the home dates back to ancient times? Historians believe that it all began when the Norsemen, who inhabited the unforgiving forests of Northern Germany, noticed that holly and trees such as the

Tips for an Eco-Friendly Christmas

It is said that it’s the most wonderful time of the year-but, it can also be the most wasteful. Perhaps because it’s the most hectic, we can sometimes choose shortcuts that are not so eco-friendly. While some people are earth-aware and have changed their life styles accordingly, everyone can make a difference with a few

7 Unique Gifts for the Outdoor Living Enthusiast

With its colder temperatures and shorter days, the winter is a rough time of year for those of us who enjoy outdoor living.  Sure, fire pits and fireplaces can extend the season by weeks, but when the temperatures drop and stay below freezing for days and days on end, it may leave you feeling like

7 Holiday Themed Cocktails

‘Tis the season! The holiday festivities are in full swing. So dash through the snow, deck the halls and get out there and enjoy a holiday themed cocktail to help get you in the spirit. The Grinch: This sweet melon liqueur is the perfect shade of green for the Grinch martini. In a shaker with

Tips for an Indoor Herb Garden

Just because it’s winter time doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the taste of fresh herbs. By establishing and maintaining an indoor garden you’ll encourage more creative cooking and freshen the air in your kitchen at the same time. Unless you have a greenhouse, you’ll most likely be growing your herbs on a windowsill.  Consider

Baby Boomer Christmas Must-Haves

It is well known that from 1946 to 1964 America experienced a baby boom. These post-war years showed an increase in U.S. babies like never before. A time of increased optimism and stability, the population explosion during these years expanded the middle class and helped define the suburban dream. Savvy manufacturers were quick to get

Patio Planning – Getting a Jump on Your Hardscaping Needs

Even though we just saw the first snow fall, and a cold front has washed over the Northeast, this is the best time to begin the planning stage if you are considering adding  a new patio, walkway or wall (the idea here is to list specific project types, whatever you want) to your home. Whether

Organic Chemistry: How Cast Veneer Stone Complements Every Style

If you are thinking about a home renovation, consider incorporating organic colors and textures of cast veneer stone into your design and décor.  Designers from around the world agree that using cast veneer stone is a great way to update a tired space and create instant drama in any room of the house. Stone veneer

The Future of Hardscaping: CPI Students at the Pennsylvania State Farm Show

Most schools have pep rallies before the big football, basketball, or soccer championship game; but at CPI, a Pleasant Gap, PA Science & Technology School, the big win can come in the form of landscape and hardscape design competition sweep. In September of 2014 the students enrolled in CPI’s Horticulture and Landscaping Design course accepted

Ladies Night: DIY Terrariums – Part I

It’s that time of year again; when the holiday season is behind us and hibernating from the winter weather is starting to get really old. Why not plan a ladies craft night and make terrariums? These miniature nature scenes are fun to make and can work with any home décor style. Popularized by 1827 by

Ladies Night: DIY Terrariums Part II

Following our first post on how to build a terrarium – we now move on to: Taking Care of Your Masterpiece Check your terrarium for the first few weeks; as diseases often appear at this time. Any leaves that die or plants that do not appear healthy should be removed immediately. Root rot is often

5 Tips to Help you Plan Your Outdoor Kitchen

It wasn’t that long ago when cooking outdoors meant that you broke out the briquettes and tossed (burned) a few burgers on the grill. While it remains true that an outdoor kitchen is still used as a place to cook out on the patio, homeowners nowadays treat their patio as an extension of their home’s livable

Exit Stage Left: Integrating an Exit to Comply with Codes

A Haymarket, VA basement remodel was a well thought out dream come true for its owners. Seeking to add more than just additional living space, these homeowners wanted a basement where they could entertain friends and family in grand style. In order to do so, their plans included a wine bar, theatre room, sauna, and

The Look for Less- Using Pavers to Recreate Famous Alleyways

Do you have a side yard or walkway that you’re just not sure what to do with? Perhaps it’s too shady; or, maybe it receives too much traffic to grow plants. Why not try something really special by recreating a famous alleyway right in your very own backyard? Elfreth’s Alley Located in Philadelphia and built between

Outdoor Living; Ooh-la-la! French Country Style

When it comes to French décor, you may think of the opulent style of Marie Antoinette.  Her over-the-top neoclassical style, as seen in the Palace of Versailles, has been copied the world over. Maybe you think of a Parisian café, or the bright colors and distinct patterns of Provencal décor.However, when it comes to decorating

The Look For Less – How to Get It Wright

In the 1950’s, while most  Americans were outfitting their homes with knotty pine, laminate furniture and Formica counter tops, a couple by the name of Hagan decided that they were going to go with a new trend. The Hagan’s, owners of a major dairy company in Western Pennsylvania, had purchased 80 acres of mountain land in Fayette

Outdoor Artistry- Patio Paint Projects

In recent years, when it comes to the patio, we really have turned what once was just a concrete slab on a small plot of land into backyard vacation retreats. Homeowners are outfitting their patio with furniture worthy of being indoors. What was once only seen in resorts – outdoor accent rugs, lamps, pillows and

Container Garden Ideas – Thriller, Filler and Spiller

Did you ever wonder why some container gardens look straight out of the decorating magazine while others are just…there? One of the most common mistakes made when arranging a container garden for the patio is when people choose plants that they like. That’s right; they head out to the nursery or garden center and walk

Making an Entrance- Patio Doors Aren’t What They Used To Be

As you know, adding a paved patio or outdoor living space is an investment in both time and money; but like any major improvement, the payoff is enormous and lasts for generations to come. One of the things that shouldn’t be overlooked when you are planning your backyard oasis is the back door.  Remember, no matter how

April Showers- A Pretty Solution for Stormwater Runoff

We’ve all heard that April showers brings May flowers, but for some of us, April’s heavy rainfall can wreak havoc on a landscape design.If you live on a hilly terrain or have property that slopes you may see that a sudden deluge may leave your yard with a mudslide straight through your flower bed or

Making the Most of Your Fire Pit

If you have a fire pit, then you know what a favorite family gathering spot they are in the backyard. Stories by the campfire have been bringing friends and families together for ages and Hollywood has long since romanticized cowboys of the American West, where a campfire was an everyday part of life.Today, fire pits are used in both

“A picture is worth a thousand words…”

Everyone knows the adage, ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ and this is particularly true when it comes to Hardscaping Sales. To help your homeowners see the potential of their outdoor spaces and to show them the craftsman that you are – what better way is there than to show beautiful and professional photos

Patio Party Series- Wines that Pair Well with Grilled Food

Spring has finally sprung! When the temperatures rise and the flowers begin blooming, the outdoor living season kicks into high gear. Now that patio grills are being dusted off and primed for the season, we decided to reach out to Vicki Miller, Founder of Vinocity, to solicit her expert opinion on wines that pair well with grilled food.

She-Sheds: Restful Garden Retreats for the Lady of the House

By now, pretty much everyone has heard of man caves; a sanctioned space in a home’s basement or attic that’s been decked out with accoutrements such as truck tire sinks, beer bottle chandeliers and of course, a big screen TV- a really big one…with surround sound. While these lion-hearted lairs are still popping up all over

Mother’s Day Memories and Unique Gifts

Way back in May of 1914, then President Woodrow Wilson made history when he signed a Joint Resolution proclaiming the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. Today, no doubt many children are busy in school creating unique “home décor” items using paint, paste and glitter. Moms all across the country will wake up this

Patio Décor: Defining the Space

Great, so you finally decided that you are going to have the patio of your dreams! Today’s outdoor living rooms are so much more than years ago; everything from pavers to pillows to plants are chosen to make your patio a true extension of your home. Here are 10 tips to help you make the

First Impressions Count: Creating Curb Appeal

The theory that a person only gets one chance to make a first impression holds true for your home as well. But what makes one house a head turner and another one unremarkable? Even though it’s subjective, good curb appeal is easy to spot when you see it. The next time you spot a stunning home,

Consider a Pergola for Hot Summer Days

Adding a pergola to your patio design is a great way to add both shade and privacy to your outdoor living space. Both decorative and functional, these permanent structures can be constructed using wood, vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum or cellular PVC. Pergolas are a natural fit in expansive hardscapes designs as they help define areas. Pergolas are typically

Honoring Our Veterans on Memorial Day

Did you know that the first official Memorial Day was initially called Decoration Day? It began as a result of the Civil War. In 1865, a small group of residents of Waterloo, NY chose May 5th to honor fallen veterans by decorating their grave stones with flowers and flags. It quickly evolved and became a town

Patio Party Series: Outdoor Bar Tips and Ideas

The warmer weather is in full swing, which means a lot of us are already spending more time outdoors with friends and family. Dining al fresco on the patio is a one of the main reasons so many people decide to add an outdoor living space onto their home in the first place.  It’s no

Dog Scaping: 5 Pooch Friendly Patio Ideas

Special beds, blankets, and toys to chew on…we spoil them rotten. We all know that dog lovers go above and beyond the norm when it comes to making sure their dog is comfortable in the house; but what about the backyard? Most dogs love being outside. The new smells, sights and sounds thrill them after

Easy Landscape or Garden Projects for Kids

August is here and while the days are already starting to get shorter, kids who are home from school are beginning to feel the boredom that accompanies weeks of unscheduled playtime. So check out these 5 fun ideas to get the kids into the backyard. These simple crafts will be fun to do during these

Take a Seat: 5 Classic Backyard Seating Solutions

1) Adirondack Chair: Did you know that the Adirondack chair was originally called the “Westport Chair”? Back in 1903, Thomas Lee was bent on creating the perfect chair (one that would remain in an upright position when placed on the hillside) for his summer retreat in New York, in the Westport Adirondack Mountains. Like any good

Garage to Garden: Turning Garage Sale Finds into Decor for your Patio

We all know that one man’s trash is another one’s treasure.  It’s that time of year again, when yard sales can be found in most any town, on most any weekend. The hunt is part of the thrill for collectors, and there is something so gratifying about finding your “missing piece”. Let’s be honest, who

Taking the Plunge- Adding a Backyard Patio or Pool

CW: Almost all of my customers welcome my suggestions when it comes time to picking out style and color. It’s hard for them to picture different combinations, so a lot of the time, they rely on my expertise in choosing what to go with. EPH: Do you use software to help them visualize your concept?

3 Distinct Japanese Garden Styles

What do you picture when you hear the words “Japanese Garden”? Maybe you see a lush courtyard with Buddha statue. Or, do you see a koi pond and arching bridge? Perhaps you’re picturing a simplistic space landscaped with rocks, gravel and sand. Whatever you envision, if you are planning on designing a Japanese Garden in

Patio Privacy Please

Whether you live in a rural, wide open space or a densely populated subdivision, you may want to incorporate some privacy elements into your new or existing landscape design to avoid feeling “watched over” from passers-by or your neighbors. There are lots of ways to create a little privacy and, depending on your porch or

10 Fantastic Design Ideas for Pergolas

Some claim that the pergola was brought to us by the Italians during the Renaissance. This may be true considering the fact that Italy is famous for its green tunnels formed by the heads of plants bound together to form a spectacular arch. A pergola is one of the most outstanding ways to decorate your

Backyard Patio Ideas on a Budget

When you envision your home in your mind’s eye, the patio is the center of your outdoor living space. It combines the soul of the kitchen, dining and living room with the notion of escape, privacy and relaxation plus entertainment, wrapped in the glorious outdoors and punctuated with the sound of nature or the laughter

It’s Time for Kick-off – Great Recipes for Tailgating by your Fire Pit

Hold on to your helmets, it’s time for football! Wait a minute, is it football season or is it tailgating season? What’s a game day without congregating in a parking lot with like-minded football fans and reveling in the excitement of game day with great food, beer, friends and, be honest, a little smack talk?

It’s Time: Bring Fall Decoration to your Yard

While summer still has a few days left on the books for 2015, with pumpkin everything being sold at every coffee shop and retail outlet, Halloween costumes jumping out at you in just about every store and the kiddies back in school, fall is here.  As mums bloom at local farm stands and apple cider

4 Must-Do Tips for End of Summer Landscape Maintenance

As fall inches closer, and the days shorten, our focus on our yard or garden may wane, but now is not the time to ignore your yard. The end of summer and early autumn bring the need of yard prep, to ready your outdoor spaces for the coming harsh weather of winter. Take some time

Extend your Season with an Outdoor Kitchen

Fall may just be starting but, depending on your region, there could be plenty of time left to plan for outdoor activities including pumpkin painting and carving, bonfires with s’mores and hayrides with warm (or cold)  apple cider. An outdoor kitchen is the ideal setting for your party, offering the accoutrements of your indoor kitchen

Party on the Patio: Fall Harvest

There’s nothing like the autumn season. Colors shift from green to a vibrant and warm array of oranges, burgundies, yellows and browns, the air cools off and most of the resident insect population moves on or goes down for their winter’s nap. Along with these changes come culinary delights like pumpkin and spice flavored foods,

Joacquin Watch: Landscape and Hardscape Designs that Help Deter Flood Damage

With most of the east coach experiencing some residual effects of Hurricane Joaquin, it’s only apropos to talk flood water. As the more volatile weather of fall sets in, many areas in the eastern United States start seeing more occurrences of flooding and high water. Avoid the cost and mess of having to pump water

Party on the Patio: Fall Kids Crafts

There is so much to love about the fall, from flavors to colors to the cooler temperatures that allow you to enjoy the backyard and your patio without excessive heat. It’s also a fun time for kids to create some seasonal crafts they can show off outside the home, so gather up some munchkins and

Tips for Easy Sustainable Landscaping

Your yard and garden are your pride and joy, the setting for everything from parties to relaxing days outdoors. You’ve designed your landscape to fit your unique style and color pallet to accent your home and create the outdoor living space you’re proud to share with your friends and neighbors. Anyone who has even a

Do you Trick-or-Treat? Two Different Halloween Patio Décor Styles

Depending on the weather on Halloween night, some people like to greet trick-or-treaters from their porch or patio, where they can sit in comfort and watch the kids make their way up and down the street as they enjoy the evening. Since most of the little ghouls are bound to come to the front door

The End of the Driveway Dig-Out – Three Budget Tier Options

As the weather turns colder and frost begins to layer on your yard, car and driveway each morning, we all know where there is frost, ice and snow are soon to follow. The bane of many a homeowner, winter’s little gift of ice and snow blocks up driveway access and hinders vehicle mobility. But technology

Landscaping Ideas: Keeping the Color Alive with Fall Flowers

Most often, when people think of the “garden season” spring-time gets the accolades. These days, more and more gardeners are spending time in the yard well into the fall, and not only to rake leaves. Savvy gardeners know… fall planting isn’t just for bulbs anymore. Besides being able to be outside without fear of heatstroke,

Tips for a Low-Maintenance Landscape

Who doesn’t love a beautifully landscaped backyard? Color and design come together to celebrate the seasons, while offering water management with tree plantings and strategically-placed walls or walkways? There really is something to be said about a landscape that wows at any time of year. The downfall? It often takes significant time and money to

Fall on the Patio: Family Gatherings

With the ghouls and goblins having gathered their treats and hopefully a few tricks, we feel it necessary to remind you that Halloween stands at the peak of the downhill slide that launches us through the holiday season clear to New Year’s Day. How many times have you looked back on the end of year

5 Tips for the Best Front Yard Landscape

You’ve heard the phrase “You only have one chance to make a first impression, right?” Well, this applies to your home, as well. When someone arrives at your domicile for the first (or tenth) time, the first thing they see is your front yard landscape. This first impression is largely made up of the condition

Keep your Landscape Sustainably Green – All Year-Long with Evergreens

As the fall season winds down and we edge closer to the leafless, drab landscape of winter, many homeowners look for sustainable and simple ways to add a little color to their yard and garden. Evergreen shrubs, trees and plants offer year-round color that is easy to maintain and, if planted in the correct region,

Nature Inspired Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Are you hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year? It’s time for celebrating the fall harvest, when supermarkets are busting at the seams. Canned green beans are flying off the shelves, and the aisles suddenly have car-sized boxes of bagged bread to navigate around. From basting the bird to preparing the pies, there are a lot of

Less is More for Outdoor Holiday Decorations

It’s probably still burned into your retinas. The image of Clark Griswold’s house from 1989’s National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation; row upon row of glittering lights – blazing like a small sun that takes the power grid down in the neighboring three counties.  A more recent commemoration of this holiday décor style was 2006’s “Deck the

Let the Holiday Season Kick-Off your Composting Efforts

It is upon us – the holiday season with the multitude of events and celebrations, where we gather with friends and family over good food and drink and wind down to the New Year. Whether you put your culinary skills to the test for your party or have it catered, chances are there will be

Update Your Front Porch to Create an All Weather Lounge Space

If you’re reminiscing about long summer nights spent on the front porch and are struggling to cope with the shorter days and long, cold winter nights, we have some design inspiration to get you thinking of spring. Check out these top tips for updating your porch to create a perfect, all-weather lounge space. If you’re

Creating a little “Peace on Earth”, Right in your own Backyard

There are a lot of wishes for “Peace on Earth” at this time of year and, while the general intent is for mankind as a whole, there’s another saying that comes to mind: “Charity begins at home”.  By creating a tranquil environment in which to host family and friends, you can add a little “peace”

Party on the Patio: Take Advantage of the Weather and Plan an Outdoor Holiday Event

If you’re enjoying the balmy weather much of the Northeast is experiencing, thanks to the El Nino effect, it may be putting a damper on your ability to get into the traditional holiday spirit. While no one wants sub-zero temps like we had last year, it can be hard to wrap your head around planning

Dear Santa – What I Want for Christmas is … a New Landscape Design!

Do you remember when you were a little kid and would write that all important letter to the big guy in the red suit listing the things you wanted for Christmas? Well, this year, we want all our outdoor living enthusiast readers to get inspired for the new landscape you know you want, but may

What are your 2016 Landscape New Year’s Resolutions?

It happens at odd times throughout the year; as you’re gearing up for spring and cleaning out flower beds, during a barbecue in the backyard, or when you’re winterizing your garden and yard. Each of these moments are times when you took stock of the condition of your landscape and make a mental note of

Warm Welcomes: Incredible Walkways and Driveways

No matter what holidays you celebrate in December, chances are you will have visitors at one point during the season and as the old saying goes, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Your driveway and front walkway are some of the first landscaping impressions you can make on your visitors,

New Year, New Landscape Design

Welcome to 2016! Just about a full calendar year lay before you with possibilities and potential. What are your plans? As the days stay short and the wind makes you more apt to stay indoors, the winter blahs can set it in. Battle those blues by planning your garden that will be filled with beautiful

Outdoor Living Inspiration: Patios

While it may seem a little early in the year to be thinking about updating your backyard, the fact is there is no better time to get the ball rolling with your landscape design plans to be sure you’re ready to meet with a local hardscaping professional by early spring. They can help you see

Veneer Stone – The Design Game Changer Part I: Brick, Cut Stone and Split Rock

How unique is your home’s design? When you look around your rooms, or outside at your yard or house, do you see your special touches that say “This is Me!”? Your home is the hub of your life, where you spend much of your down time, where you raise your family and entertain friends. Décor

Veneer Stone – The Design Game Changer Part II: Natural and Stacked Stone

Do you long for natural lines and colors as part of your home décor? Do you have a love affair with the outdoors that you’d like to keep with you, all year-round? If you are looking for a natural stone effect in your space, then this segment of our cast veneer stone series is for

Veneer Stone – The Design Game Changer Part III –Cast Stone Wall

Walls are the defining pieces to your outdoor living spaces. They allow sloped yards to become usable space, break up wide expanses into cozy sections and support hilly areas to be both decorative and functional. With all these benefits, walls also need to add design and beauty to your yard, and there’s no better way

Outdoor Living Inspiration: Walkways

We know that a lot of your yards are still buried under the remains of Blizzard Jonas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to plan your landscape updates for the spring! Take this time, when getting out and about is a little more difficult to plan the updates and changes you’ve always wanted for

Planning Ahead for your Landscape Design

As winter continues, it may be that thoughts of spring landscape planning seems a little premature, but the fact is, making use of being more housebound during the next few weeks  will really pay dividends in achieving your goals.  Not only can you do your research on plans and products, but if you plan to

Concrete Pavers – Why They’re THE BEST Choice for your Hardscaping Project

When it comes to options of building products for your outdoor living spaces, there are several available to fit your budget, your style and goals. There is a lot of controversy out there about what Hardscaping product is best for your patio, and while we would be biased in saying pavers are the best choice,

Outdoor Living Inspiration: Retaining Walls

Are you looking for a way to redefine your landscape? Maybe you have slopes around your property that make creating the space you want difficult.  Perhaps you have a sweeping yard that offers no way to landscape except at the far edges? Or do you live on a hill that falls towards or away from

3 Steps to Planning your New Landscape

Is the dreary weather getting to you? As winter slogs along with cold temps and frozen or slushy ground, chances are you need a distraction to focus on that makes you dream of the warmth of spring, new flowers, and the great outdoors of your own landscape. We’re happy to help. The winter months are

Outdoor Living Inspiration: Fire Pits

It’s not news that custom outdoor living spaces are becoming more the norm than the exception in yards all around the country. However, in regions that experience frigid winters, like here in the northeast, hanging outdoors all year round isn’t always an option. There are some great ways to extend your timeline to enjoy your

Stepping Stones – Life’s Journey

You remember your baby, jumping from stone to stone, holding your hand while hopping up the walk, chubby toddler legs too short to take big steps. One day that baby could walk the whole way alone, usually in a zig-zag line but it got the job done. There were falls. Scrapes. Sometimes you were waved

Unique Design Elements Using Pavers Circles!

Nothing boosts your home’s “Wow Factor” than a beautifully designed outdoor living space. Well-planned outdoor rooms not only add value to your home (sometimes increasing sales price up to 20%), they add value to your life. The concept of designing a stunning patio or other outdoor area can intimidate homeowners. But here’s a secret: all

7 Tips to Help you Plan a Graduation Party for the New Generation

It’s been a long road. They haven’t always walked a straight path but they made it. They are finishing one goal and beginning the steps toward another. Now it’s time to honor their accomplishments. It’s time to place the stepping stone and mark the start of their new lives. Planning to celebrate a milestone moment

Mad about March

We’re trying to make the best of it by looking at ways to still have some fun with the nation’s most exciting basketball tourney. Anything can happen in March Madness, and you can still get some great times out of the rest of the games, even with your busted bracket. An outdoor viewing of the

It’s Patio Season! 4 Ways to Fix Up Your Patio for Spring Fun

We love the concept of patio season – the early Spring to late Autumn months when we can take advantage of the longer days and warmer nights. Outdoor living is about getting use out of your patio space whenever it’s possible. Also, getting some fresh air is always great for health and happiness. If you

EP Henry Honors Students Who Honor Our Veterans

The EP Henry family loves to support our communities. Being family-owned and steeped in generations of tradition, we especially enjoy watching the next generation grow. In Centre County in Pennsylvania, we noticed a special spark of creativity and charity in a group of students and their teacher, and we were honored to lend them a

An Outdoor Room of Mom’s Own

Mother’s Day is fast approaching. Finding a gift that honors Mom can sometimes pose a challenge. Over the years, Mom has probably collected all the material things she needs. Of course, Gift Plan A would be a winning lottery ticket worth millions with which Mom can travel the world or buy more of those collectibles

Cinco de Mayo on the Patio

Step up your fiesta with an authentic flair Cinco de Mayo is commonly thought of as the holiday to celebrate Mexican independence, but it is actually a celebration of all things Mexican, based on the day Mexican army forces fought back French invaders in a tiny little town called Puebla de los Angeles in 1862.

Pavers- Not just for patios! Paver driveways add class

You may think of pavers as a big part of patio design. Pictures of pool decks, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, sidewalks and pathways are the common images related to pavers, but a growing number of homeowners are installing pavers to increase the visual appeal of their driveways and garage door areas. Many modern houses have

Making Progress

“I walk slowly, but I never walk backwards.” -Abraham Lincoln Raising children is an experiment with time. Some years go by in a day; some days take a year to end. Rest assured, children will move forward. Step by step or in leaps and bounds, life usually averages out to be a slow walk into

May flowers after showers – brightening up your hardscape

If you live in the northeast US, you may be still waiting for a break in the rain. It’s been a soggy Spring, and your garden patio may not be as filled with beautiful blooms as you’d like. Early plantings may not have happened, as most perennials probably needed to be planted last month. And

Permeable pavers, No-Mow Yards and More: How to “Eco-Up” your Patio

Your outdoor room deserves a beautiful landscape and hardscape design that provides a lifetime of hours soaking up sun and fresh air. Sustaining your patio as well as the environment makes sense for now and generations to come. EP Henry’s permeable pavers make “eco-design” of your hardscape possible. Eco designs focus on environmental impact. Water

Attract hummingbirds and butterflies into your outdoor rooms

Nothing says Spring here in the eastern part of the US more than blooming flower gardens. The bursting bright colors are a welcome sight after dull winter skies delivered months of gray and white. Imagine sipping tea, in the quiet of the morning, in your colorful garden. Your outdoor room, made of stone and earth

Outdoor kitchen secrets and shortcuts for a great grilling season

Crack open an outdoor living magazine and you’ll see spreads of beautiful backyards, designed in harmony with nature and dotted with rambling garden paths leading to decorative pergolas.  Flowering annuals and grape vines perfectly shade breathtaking outdoor living patios. Lovely, for sure. But as the phrase goes “home is where the hearth is.” It isn’t

How to spend more time outdoors on your patio

When Summer comes, getting outside more often is like re-learning a language. It may take a few stuttering steps to get into a routine that includes more time outside, but once you get into the swing of things you’ll remember how much you loved it. Changing a few of your habits can ensure you have

Retiring an old flag

Old flags are to be cut and burned (and ashes buried). Another option for flag retirement is to properly fold then bury it. Scouting and Veterans groups conduct ceremonies to retire flags, but you are welcome to follow proper retirement procedures at home.   The Girl Scouts of America, Boy Scouts, Baden-Powell Service Association, Campfire,

GO BEYOND THE GRILL: Make Dad happier this Father’s Day

Sunday, June 18, 2016 is Father’s Day. We’ve all done the funny hats and grilling accessories thing. In fact, we posted our own gift ideas list last year. That stuff is fun. But there are only so many gag gifts and gadgets one dad needs. This year, skip the grilling gear and give Dad an

Keeping cool on the patio

June 20th at sundown begins the new season. June 21 is the first full day of summer (September 20th will be the last). Many hot days await us in the coming months. Since we’re usually indoors through most winter and spring weeks, we want to maximize our time outside. When temperatures soar into the 80-90

Commune with nature

“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson This Saturday, June 25, 2016, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is encouraging all of us to slow down and reconnect with Mother Nature by camping out. Here’s some information from the NWF’s website: http://www.nwf.org/Great-American-Campout.aspx “National Wildlife Federation’s Great American Campout is also part

Change it up: Chicken Marinades from Around the World

As outdoor grilling enthusiasts, we all have our go-to marinade recipe for the best chicken in the neighborhood. Recipes for a good marinade are like gold, because they make a simple grilling event into a showplace dinner. The marinade does most of the work. After a few hours or a day of soaking, the hardest

No Fly Zone – keep the bugs at bay

One of the major stumbling blocks to spending more time outdoors is the dreaded mosquito and the itchy bite it leaves behind. Thankfully in our region these little pests don’t usually come with big problems like they do on other continents. Still, when we are plagued by bugs we tend to spend less time outside.

Running water

Leonardo DaVinci said “Water is the driving force in nature.” Because our bodies are mostly water, it’s in our nature to live near bodies of water. Most of the Earth’s population lives within a few kilometers of a lake, river or sea. According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 39% (123.3 million people)

Party on the Patio: Summer Wines

Having a great outdoor space gives you more opportunities to spend time with family and friends. A themed party on the patio can vanquish our work-a-day blues and turn an unassuming weeknight into a fun-filled event. Wine-tasting parties are especially popular to have outdoors. There’s nothing like a summer night combined with a beautifully chilled

Curb Appeal: Driveways

Realtors stress the importance of “curb appeal” when selling a house. First impressions count. Landscaping is an obvious concern, but your home’s Hardscape likely covers more ground and attracts the eye more than your greenery does. Many times a homeowner will overlook the impact of the home’s driveway. Driveways can cover the largest part of

A walk in the New England woods will undoubtedly reveal remnants of a fieldstone wall, standing strong amongst trees and forest brush.

Those woods were probably cleared for farmland hundreds of years ago. Piles of unearthed stones were typically stacked in a low wall along property lines. Fieldstone walls are a tradition going back centuries, most notably found in England and Ireland. They aren’t as common today, but not all is lost. There are different ways to

Soften your Hardscape: Sweet blooms and greenery for garden walls

Your garden wall project is finished! Now what? Take your Hardscape from great to “gardened” by adding some greenery in a few simple steps. How many jobs does your wall have? A wonderful thing about a garden wall is its many functions. Besides defining your patio area, a garden wall is also used as seating,

Light it up! How to choose outdoor lighting

All the world’s a stage Hollywood and Broadway people know the secret of a scene-stealer is all in the lighting. The impact lies in how everything is illuminated. In his 2002 book Stage Lighting Revealed, lighting designer Glen Cunningham tell us, “An effective lighting design is like a beautiful painting.” He goes on to explain

Color Your Outdoor World – Inspiring Paver Colors

Think of your outdoor room as a blank canvas. Your outdoor room is an extension of the house, but it is also an expression of you. Just as your indoor decor choices inside reflect your unique style, your outdoor spaces deserve the same careful curation and dedication. Choosing the right colors of paving stones is

Step Up Your Hardscaping

 Which part of your outdoor design holds more meaning than steps? “Steps” flood our imagination and our language. We have giant steps, baby steps, one step forward, and two steps back. We step it up, step down, step aside and step away. We have spring in our step when we make a step in the

Raise your backyard’s game with Olympic influences

The 2016 Rio Olympics are in full swing. We love to watch the Games’ thrilling events and see the amazing achievements of our US team. But being stone experts, the Olympic Games also reminds us of something else we love – Greek architecture! The ancient culture’s mark can be seen not only in our government

Swim to Gold in your own backyard pool

As the Olympic Summer Games 2016 continue, we’ve seen some exciting finishes and more gold medals for aquatic phenom Michael Phelps and the rest of the amazing US swimming team. We’ve also seen a strange, but natural occurrence: an Olympic diving pool turned green! The green color was caused by a proliferation of tiny but

To design a grand entrance to a home, it’s essential to pay attention to the driveway.

Your own personal access road Back in the old country, “driveways” were simple, private roads leading from the trade routes to a castle’s entrances for staff and guests. These roads were maintained solely by the castle residents and usually consisted of a utilitarian single lane made with nothing more than grass, gravel or (in more

Saying goodbye to your college-bound baby

“No more words. We know them all, all the words that should not be said. But you have made my world more perfect.” ― Terry Pratchett, Nation Real goodbyes are silent. They are made over time and then, all at once. Real goodbyes are never what they seem on the surface. They are long journeys;

“Textorating” – decorating with letters and words

In an October 2014 survey on real estate/home decor site houzz.com, user Emily Hurley conducted a poll about the trend to use words or lettering as decoration. Ms. Hurley asked Houzz users, “What do you think about words directly on the walls as part of the decor?” Of the total 4346 votes, the majority of

Grilling Big for Labor Day

Labor Day is coming up. Those of us lucky enough to have outdoor living spaces will undoubtedly find people gathering on our patios this weekend (whether we invite them or not!). Labor Day is one of those holidays where we simply plan to grill big. What’s “grilling big?” It’s taking a simple meal for a

Communicating with your contractor

In 1894, Labor Day became a US federal holiday. It was created to celebrate the craftsmen of the early labor movement and their contribution to this nation. Now, Labor Day marks the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year for the kids. Let’s honor the roots of the holiday by looking

9/11 Memorial

Little town gets big relic to include in a 9/11 Memorial. EP Henry was there to help. About 120 miles south of One World Trade in New York City and a stone’s throw from Atlantic City, NJ, the little town of Absecon will dedicate a $200,000 September 11th memorial built with the largest relic saved

How to eke out more summer

Don’t say goodbye to the season just yet. Late summer can be the best time to get outside. American culture seems to treat Labor Day as the official end of summer. It isn’t, really, as the Summer season ends at sunset on Sept. 20. While it’s common to treat the beginning of the school semester

Hardscaping for a Hero

In the Spring of 2016 we told you about a great group of teens and young adults who were planning to build a patio for a wounded veteran out of donated materials from EP Henry. Guess what? The patio is done! And the vet has already heard special requests from his little ones. Read on for details

Own your turf: what you need to know about sod

In the Northeast corridor, the best time to re-turf your landscape is now. In the late summer and early fall, temperatures get cooler and the humidity steadily increases. These two factors are necessary for the successful installation and ongoing health of new turf. While we may think the spring season is the best time to

Outdoor rooms can have ceilings, too

“Outdoor room” doesn’t have to mean “out in the open.” There are many options for covering your patio space. Summer officially ended this week, but you still can catch some rays. While you’re admiring a beautiful sunset and reminiscing on a hot season well spent, lend some thought to the coming summer’s heat. The time

Oktoberfest Outdoors: Beer tasting to launch the Fall

According to the website NationalDayCalendar.com, September 28th, 2016 is National Have A Beer Day. This coincides with the end of the annual Oktoberfest celebrations in Munich, Bavaria, Germany (yes, the end – years ago the festival was moved up a few weeks to take advantage of the warmer September weather). The first weekend of October is

Fire from the hearth: Which type of fire pit is right for your hardscape?

The cooler nights, the changing leaves, the crackling of a fire… the wonderful sights and sounds of the Fall season are back in full swing. Sitting together “out back”, faces lit only by the warm glow of a fire and enjoying each other’s company is the cozy scene we all love. One fire pit can

From muggy to mugs: warm drinks for fall cocktails on the patio

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — L.M. Montgomery, in Anne of Green Gables In the Autumn, the sun sets earlier and earlier, giving us the opportunity to stargaze with friends long before bedtime. Serving some traditional fall drinks is a great way to host a happy hour out

Marathon Season – Plump up on the patio

In the fall season, the heat of summer turns into the heat of the runner as the marathon months begin. Sunny days with crisp air and cooler temperatures are a runner’s dream. You can help support the runners in your life by hosting a “carb load” on your patioAccording to Runner’s World magazine, “carbs” or

Gardening and other patio prep for the fall

To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow – Audrey Hepburn There is a certain wonder when it comes to creating something. A little effort often provides a magical result: a seed into a bloom; an empty room into a haven; a spark into a fire. The fall isn’t only about hunkering down for

All the leaves…

The hues of October are in full burst mode on the eastern seaboard. The blazing oranges and sunny golds can take one’s breath away. Even the crunch under your feet when the leaves come floating down on the cool autumn breeze is a welcome sound of the season. But then it comes time to clean

Cast Veneer Stone: Adding color and texture to living spaces

You don’t need a psychology degree to know that color affects us. Fast food joints use bright yellows, oranges and reds to convey energy and encourage customers to eat quickly. Cafés use dark greens, browns, blues or maroons to give an air of sophistication and comfort. If you do have a degree in psychology, you

October garden fun with the kids

Playing outside in the fall is more than just jumping in a pile of leaves. It’s digging and planting, garden-style! Kids love jumping in the leaves. The crunch and the deep autumn smell coming from a pile of dry leaves is almost irresistible. But leaves aren’t the only draw outside in the fall. Gardening offers

3 Quick and Easy Ways to Light the Walkway for Halloween

When little ghosts and goblins come to haunt for treats, show them the way by turning the walkway into a lit path to your door. Trick-or-treating is fun for both the tricksters and the treaters. Little ones love running from door to door and knocking, something they aren’t allowed to do any other time of

3 Important Pond Maintenance Tasks To Do Now

Water elements add a connection to nature in your landscape. The sounds of a babbling brook bring a serene atmosphere to your outdoor room. Here are three things to do now to ensure you can enjoy your pond next spring.      1. Install a thermometer or “temperature sensor” (or test/change the batteries in your

Environmentally-Friendly Lighting Design for the Patio

As the days get shorter but the weather stays mild, some relaxing time outside is in our future. The evening can be a peaceful time to unwind and get some fresh air after a long day spent indoors. Getting extended-hour use out of your patio is one of the main reasons to install an outdoor

Pastries on the patio – a new Thanksgiving tradition

Sometimes traditions start spontaneously, by the mere repetition of them. Other traditions are formed instantly, when a great event leaves guests wanting more. This year, make your Thanksgiving or any holiday dinner stand out by starting a “Pastries on the Patio” party that no-one will forget. As any experienced camper knows, grills and fire pits

Covering up: blankets for your outdoor room

Fall usually means the onset of chilly nights. Fight off the frost with some warm, cozy blankets. Don’t let the cold keep you inside. Outdoor rooms are meant to be used all year round. A crackling fire pit and some other heat sources can help make things comfortable, but a little extra may be needed

A Fun Fireplace: 3 traditional accessories and their new twists

The apple spice and pine scented days are upon us. Along with your fuzzy blanket and mug of hot cider, add some unique accessories to your hearth to welcome the winter season. In days gone by, the fireplace, whether indoor or outdoor, was a central feature in any room. Being the primary and sometimes only

Fun Thanksgiving Activities for Family and Friends

Thanksgiving dinner can be a quiet, elegant affair with only a few polite friends and genteel family, followed by a nice stroll in the park before dessert. But that’s only if you live in a greeting card. Here are some unique indoor and outdoor activities to entertain everyone from the littlest kids to teens to

The Secret to Amazing Christmas Lights

Ever wonder how that one family in your neighborhood manages a spectacular Christmas light display every year? We found out their secret. Shhh! It’s not elves Every October, after a spring and summer of providing homeowners with precise landscape care and excellent Hardscape installations, Bob Bickel, owner of L.A. Verruni Landscaping in Pottstown, PA, starts

Unconventional Holiday Lights

You’ve got your lights up and everything looks great from the street. Here are a few simple additions to the patio for just you and your family and friends to enjoy. Reindeer The backyard becomes a forest at the North Pole with a few animal additions. A few private reindeer “grazing” in around your garden

Salt and your pavers – what you need to know

Winter is here. Snow and sleet are coming. Before you scatter the de-icing salt on your Hardscape, read up on how to best care for your pavers during these cold months. The most important thing to do for Hardscape throughout the winter is to quickly clear it of as much snow as possible using gentle

Giving Tree – Recycling your Christmas tree

The needles start to pile up. The kids have moved on. The cat has even given up on trying to topple it. Here’s what you can do with that Christmas tree after the new year arrives. Creative advice from experts The National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) knows a thing or two about the life cycle

Host an outdoor party to ring in the new year

A warm and friendly outdoor event is just the thing to ring in a happy and healthy new year. There’s still time to welcome the New Year with style. An outdoor winter party will bring family and friends together, and spending time outside on the patio is always a good idea. Here are a few

Make the new year bright: Use Christmas lights on the patio

Soon it’ll be time to pack up the stockings and the snowmen, the Santas and the sleighs. But there’s no need to lose those lights when they can do double duty on the patio. “Store” lights outside Putting away decorations is part of beginning the new year, but not everything has to go back into

You in stone: Personalize your patio design

A new patio is a fantastic home improvement. It will likely increase the value of your property. A new Hardscape is an entirely new living space and most importantly, contributes to your overall enjoyment of being outside. Installing a Hardscape is like adding another room to your house. We don’t call them “outdoor rooms” for

Dream of Sunnier Plains: Southwestern inspiration for the patio

Many stone traditions are available to emulate in your patio design. The architecture of the Italian Renaissance or an American Colonial theme inspire many homeowners. But what about a little taste of the American Southwest? When visiting the Southwest, you understand why the ancients worshipped the sun. The light is bright and the heat is

Sprout some spring: starting plants indoors

This winter weather can give us a case of cabin fever. If going out isn’t in the cards, bust that boredom by bringing a bit of the outdoors in and starting some seeds inside.   Starting up plants from seeds is the least expensive method for populating your garden. It’s also a fun longer-term project

Greenery: Energize your patio with the color of 2017

A bright young leaf in Spring reminds us of nature’s promise: that everything old will be new again. Pantone’s Color of 2017 gives a whole new meaning to “green development.” The color is called Greenery, and it reflects that hopeful feeling one gets from making a fresh start. Pretty up your patio with its energetic-yet-cool

Slopes and steps: Landscaping your hill

In the breathtaking catalog spreads on home and garden sites, page after page display perfectly level yards with expertly installed plantings. If you’re lucky enough to have a magazine-ready, flat area as our outdoor space, you have a great start. But if you are facing the seemingly Sisyphean task of beautifying a hill, it can

Portico: A stately entrance or a small place to pause

A portico is an area with a roof by the front door of a home. Either columned or roof-only, porticos are places to prepare for going out or coming in from the elements. The roof allows one to open an umbrella before stepping into the rain. It gives a guest a place to brush off

Break out your own backyard beer garden

It was once thought to be a solely European thing to dine al fresco, but more and more American cities are picking up on the pleasures of wiling away a relaxing meal out in the fresh air. The latest trend is pop-up beer gardens. Pioneering chefs or establishments take over a side lot for a

Patio Décor for the Not So Timid

When it comes to patio design you’re going to see a lot inspiration out there. You’ll see everything from Beachy Paradise to Rambling Rustic. But what if that’s not your style? What if you want a patio with graphic prints in bold and bright colors? This season, blazing colors are hot, hot, hot.  Accents pieces

Use the force: Shortening the season for spring and summer blooms

Avid gardeners will plant spring bulbs starting in October. The bulbs need to experience colder temperatures in order to begin the biochemical process that allows them to flower in the spring. But that doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance. Some spring plantings can be tricked and still bloom right on schedule. While it may be

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Lawn Mower

Lawn mowing season is coming. Do you have the right mower for your lawn? New mowers are quite an investment. Many considerations are involved in choosing the right machine for your landscape. Here are 3 major mistakes to avoid when buying a new lawn mower: 1. Getting the power wrong 2. Estimating the size of

Happy National Margarita Day!

According the the nationaldaycalendar.com, National Margarita Day in the US is celebrated on February 22 of each year. Tequila forms the alcoholic base of a margarita drink. Back in the old days, manually manufactured tequila tended to taste bad. It’s easy to imagine the arduous and by-hand process of harvesting, pit-roasting, stone-crushing, fermenting and collecting

Fat Tuesday Fun – quick solutions for a last minute celebration

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler – Let the good times roll! – Everyone in New Orleans Midweek dinners can be a rush for many families. Adding a celebration to a school night is a tall order. But you can let those good times roll tonight with just a few simple additions. First, if the weather

Turn your patio into an outdoor living room with a patio conversation set

Sitting in a quiet outdoor space is a great stress reliever. Visiting with friends on the patio can be even more relaxing. Having the right outdoor furniture helps in creating the right environment for serene experiences. A table and chairs is the typical choice for seating, but the latest trend is to create an outdoor

Invasion of the yard snatchers: Clear your landscape of creepers

Invasive plants aren’t just weeds you pull up and forget about. Invasive plants are quick-spreading species that edge out your garden’s flowers and any native plants. Pulling some of these species up is actually the worst thing you can do, as it is an excellent method for distributing the invasive plant’s spores. Expert gardeners know

3 ways to spring forward your patio prep!

Daylight Savings Time tells us to move our clocks ahead one hour this Sunday morning at 2:00AM, but it’s also a good reminder to get our patio geared up and ready for the warmer days to come. You’ll want to take advantage of any grilling weather that pops up. Here are 3 areas that will

Grill up a baked potato bar for St. Paddy’s Day

Top o’ the potato! With a little luck of the Irish, the weather will support this delicious plan for grilling and serving up some great baked potatoes and a ton of fun fixings. As they say, “Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day” and what is more Irish than a potato? In 1800s Ireland, the

Making and maintaining an outdoor kitchen is easier than you think

Looking to bring your patio to the next level but you wonder what’s involved? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Outdoor cafe culture started in Europe and eventually took over even the smallest American towns. Now homeowners are picking up on the trend. Additions like outdoor rooms, patios, kitchens and sports bars are topping homeowners’

How to clean pollen off patio furniture

Everything may seem clean and clear one day and totally covered in pollen the next. It can be frustrating. This is why many outdoor living experts strongly encourage residents to budget for covers when looking for outdoor furniture. Not only do covers make spring cleaning easier, they also protect furniture from the weather. Wrought iron

Roll in the fun: Serving carts for the patio

Retro is hip. Each year brings a new twist on an old trend, and it makes us all wonder why it ever fell out of favor. This year’s outdoor living trend may be the return of the serving cart. You are familiar with the serving cart or “kitchen trolley:” a two-or-three-tiered shelf unit with two

Pizza Perfection: Add an outdoor pizza oven to your patio

In modern culture, we have a plethora of food and cooking options. Instead of simply roasting a piece of meat over a crude fire, we can bake, sauté, deep fry or flambé. With each new method comes more dining options. Cooking standards that were acceptable before fall out of favor as we reach for new

Growing well: 6 steps on how to garden with kids

It isn’t a tough sell. Playing in the dirt is awesome and kids’ natural curiosity will get them interested. Here are a few tips for uprooting the children out of the game room and replanting them in the garden.   Set aside space for their projects A well-defined area, no matter the size, is an

Easter excitement on the patio

Egg hunts are the standard fun for this celebration, but there’s a lot more fun to be had outside to welcome the coming of Spring. A nice bit of sunshine and some creativity is all you need for a perfect party outside. With creative use of common accessories, foods, and some bright color choices you

4 High-tech gadgets that solve common grilling challenges

Check out these high-tech gizmos for the outdoor cooking needs-you-never-knew-you-had. From grate oilers to grill cleaners, these widgets provide solutions to problems eternal in patio grilling. Fire it up It’s well known that lighter fluid gives a quick boost to coals, but this method is falling out of favor with many outdoor chefs because it

No more working on the railroad – a safer alternative to toxic railroad ties

Raised garden beds and tiered garden walls in older home landscapes were often constructed using cast-offs from the railroads. However, the creosote-treated wood was never legal for residential use. According to the website of the US Government’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), creosote, a chemical wood treatment and pesticide, is not to be used on any

Host a beer tasting party on the patio

It’s time to get outside and do something a little different. A beer tasting party can be a sophisticated or simple home-brewed kind of affair. Beer runs the gamut from simple, mass-produced ale to complex microbrews. A beer tasting party hosted on your own personal outdoor bar or patio is easy to set up and

Celebrate Earth Day by taking one of these simple 3 steps

Earth Day is this Saturday. Join the rest of the world by taking a few minutes to mark the occasion. Even the smallest of efforts honors Mother Nature. Here are three choices of small efforts that can make your home a greener place to live. Regrow food from scraps Did you know that some vegetables

Perfect prom pics on the patio

Now is the time to break out the camera as our nation’s youth head out to one of their first formal events. Leverage the light around your patio to capture the perfect pictures of this milestone. Go ahead: use your phone “Cell phones have come a long way,” says photographer Andrew Ludewig, EP Henry’s Staff

6 spring landscape design tasks to do now

Just when you thought you could take a rest after shoveling all that snow, spring creeps up and hands you the hoe. Here are a few quick tips for spring landscaping that will give your landscape design plan a good start. 1.         Rake. Thatches of clumped dead grass, leaves and debris must be cleared out

Spa and pool designs: the basics

The placement of a backyard spa is more controversial than you may think. When homeowners are beginning to consider buying a home with a pool or installing a pool, the many discussions and articles written about design options may overwhelm them. Spa and pool owners can have strong opinions on which set-up is best. For

5 New Ideas for Cinco de Mayo Grilling

Fresh fruit for mixed drinks Perhaps pineapples have graced a skewer or two, but did you know they can be used in cocktails, too? Other fruits like plums, mangos, lemons, peaches and nectarines can be grilled and placed in or blended with liquors like rum and tequila or non-alcoholic liquids. This Jewel of Oaxaca recipe combines grilled

Mysterious moon flowers to bloom in your night garden

Floral fragrances wafting through the warm air is one of the best parts of summer. Sunny days bring spectacular blooms and sublime scents. But what about the nighttime? Some of these light-colored, night-blooming plants emit sweet aromas to go in with your full moon cocktails or your star-gazing on lazy summer evenings on the patio.

Patio Gift Ideas for Mom

What do you get the mom who has everything? Move outside for some unique and fun gift ideas. Our indoor spaces receive a lot of attention. After all, we spend most of our time inside so the majority of our decorating and cleaning efforts go toward keeping the space in top shape. Many moms keep

Bats are beautiful and beneficial

Bats get a bad rap but they bring surprising benefits. Inviting them into your yard is actually a smart idea and easier than you think. Drop the myths Unfounded fears about these flying mammals prevent you from reaping the many benefits of having bat neighbors in your yard. Here are a few facts about bats

Host a house concert on the patio

This latest trend in the independent music scene gives homeowners a wonderful way to support the arts while enjoying a lovely summer night on the patio. A house concert is a private musical performance, usually open to the public, that collects donations or ticket fees to be given to the performer. House concerts are great

Try different BBQ styles from around the US

May is National BBQ Month, and the month when many east coasters break out their grills. The warmer weather also means that folks begin taking culinary trips, like long weekends to nearby cities or shore towns. But with the kids still in school and work ramping up for a busy quarter, a jaunt to a

Defining 5 Terms an EP Henry Authorized Hardscaping Contractor® May Use

Congratulations! You’re starting a new hardscaping project that will beautify your landscape and create a space for making many happy memories. But what did your contractor say again? Masonry, like all other professional areas, has its own glossary of terms. The hardscaping industry borrows many of these for describing the flatwork of installing pavers. Learning

Hardscape hearth: Get the outdoor fireplace of your dreams

Entertaining always seems to happen in certain areas in the house. Kitchens and fireplaces are welcoming spaces that signify warmth and welcome, and the crowds tend to gather around them. An outdoor fireplace may be the hearth your yard needs to feel more like home. While a fire pit is a lovely addition to any

An ounce of prevention: Poison ivy exposure in the garden

The spring rains are slowing down and it’s time to get out there and dig in the garden. This is the season gardeners wait all year for. Don’t let the poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac creepers interrupt a wonderful summer.   Each one of these poison plants contain the same irritant, urushiol oil.

Dream patio: Hire a decorator to put the finishing touches on your outdoor room

After your patio has been meticulously designed by the landscape architect and carefully installed by the contractor, the last step before you can enjoy the space is to choose the outdoor furniture and decor. Your patio project has been an important and valuable – not to mention expensive! – investment in your home, and you’ve

Herb Infused Summer Drinks

Turn your weekend sit-on-the-patio time into an upscale happy hour with these surprisingly simple herb-infused cocktail ideas. Infusing isn’t confusing Infusing liquids with herbs sounds complicated but it is as easy as making tea. To “infuse” an herb means to steep its flavor into a liquid such as water or spirits. The resulting liquid can

A Father’s Day gift for the kamado grilling dad

Kamado grills are all the rage. EP Henry has a great idea to give this unique grill – and dad – the respect they both deserve. Don’t know a kamado grill? You may have seen them around the neighborhood – egg-shaped stand-alone grills/smokers of various sizes. Two popular brands are Primo (which is made in

National Flip-Flop Day is perfect for patio and pool repose

According the National Calendar Day website, every year the third Friday in June is National Flip-Flop Day.Let’s break out our best pairs to celebrate. Flip-Flops are named for the flapping sound and motion the minimalist sandals make as a person walks in them. Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary notes 1600 as the first known year of use

Work like a dog! It’s Take Your Dog to Work Week

This Friday, June 23, 2017, you can work like a dog or work with one. In 1999, the Friday after Father’s Day (3rd Friday in June) was designated as Take Your Dog to Work Day by the Pet Sitters International organization. Encouraging pet adoption is the main focus of the annual holiday. The organizers hoped

Points of interest: Draw the eye to these garden and patio focal points

Walk up to your space as guests would. What is the first thing you see and what is the biggest element? A homeowner’s eye may be drawn to a different object or scene than a guest’s view. People tend to look at the center of things or the biggest thing. If that object is a

Unique 4th of July Traditions to bring to the patio

Families and friends love to gather for this great national holiday. Here are some interesting celebrations from around the US you can modify for your family and friends. Check out these fun ways to add a new twist to your July 4th party. Marshmallow Fight, San Diego     Every 4th of July, revelers gather

Anticipate the roadblocks your contractor may encounter

Getting a patio or pool installed is a major project. Here’s what your contractor wants you to know about the common problems workers face when construction begins. Good communication is the best skill a homeowner can bring to a project. Many difficulties can be avoided when both the homeowner and the contractor are aware of

Throwing shade: Patio options for summer sun

Sitting outside in the summer is one of life’s simple pleasures. A few clever and well-placed shade providers can make your patio an even cooler place to hang out. While some people still love to bask for hours in the sun’s hot rays, many of us prefer to enjoy the outdoors in a cooler, shady

Patio and garden maintenance tasks for July

You sowed, you watered, you weeded. You swept and you washed. All that toil has led to a garden and patio ready for relaxation. Things may get slightly out of order, though, as the summer goes on. Here is a list of little chores for outdoor room and landscape maintenance. Summer is the time to

Fun with fireflies

These little light-up bugs bring delight to summer nights. Here’s a few ways to celebrate their arrival. The airborne bioluminescent beetle called the firefly or lightning bug (official name Lampyridae) surely captures our imagination. Movies, music festivals, operas and comic book characters all carry the “firefly” moniker. Festivals, crafts and activities for the whole family

Get crabby! Host a crabfest on the patio

Whether you call it a crab “fest” or a crab “feast,” it’s time to crack open the crabby party gear for a summer crab celebration. Fresh seafood is one of the greatest tastes of summer. This is the time when a crabfest may be happening near you. Check local and shore-town calendars. A little travel

Green screen: Plant a living fence around your patio

Shrubs, trees and ivies can be beautiful privacy borders for your landscape. Robert Frost wondered why  “Good fences make good neighbors,” but good fences can turn your yard into a haven made just for you. A “living fence” is a landscape border constructed with greenery. Self-supported woody shrubs and trees add height and shade. Ivies

3 things to know to keep your pavers looking great

A paver patio is a big investment with huge returns to your home value and life satisfaction. The best part: upkeep is simple. 1. Sweep first   Here’s the order of care for pavers: Sweep, hose, soap. Most of the time your pavers won’t need anything but a pass-through with the broom. A good sweeping

Hardscape hand-me-downs: How to integrate inherited pieces into your outdoor decor

Family members pass down their favorite furniture to the next generation. But what if those pieces don’t match your style? Newspapers like the Washington Post, the Boston Globe and USA Today are noting the trend of adult children and grandchildren rebuffing offers for antique furniture and other decor. The time-honored tradition of divvying up Grandpop’s

Lazy days make for a slow cooker summer

Think your slow cooker is just for the cold months? Think again. Summer’s hot days have us searching for meals that don’t require a lot of oven time. Dust off the your slow cooker, because it may just be the answer you’re looking for. Slow cookers don’t emit a lot of heat into the kitchen

Make their night: Host a movie marathon on the patio

You may already have the makings for an amazing movie night right outside your door. Start a tradition of stars under the stars. Outdoor movies have been popular ever since the drive-in days. Drive-ins are hard to find now but almost all major cities host a movie-in-the-park series. A picnic dinner, a blanket and little

Paver porches: For the forever season

Wiling away the wistful summer evenings on the porch is one of the best relaxation methods around. But that peace and quiet can be disturbed when old wood porches have seen too many seasons. Instead of replacing worn and warped wood again, think about using pavers. Pavers come in a variety of styles and colors,

Under the deck: A little magic transforms a forgotten space

Under-porch patios are making a splash as homeowners look to enhance their existing homes by gaining more living space. A little paver planning can transform that weedy, moldy area under an elevated deck into a room of many uses. When a raised deck is more than 8 feet off the ground, the space underneath may

Getting creative and clever with outdoor decor for the patio

Patio furniture and accessories don’t have to be expensive, and these crafty DIYs will keep things interesting. Outdoor decor is somewhat of an enigma. We’ve spent years building up a collection of furniture and accessories for the interior of the house, but sometimes our instincts and wallets don’t stand up to the challenge of decorating

Late summer spread: 4 Grass seeding facts to know

Seeding now can be the key to a lush lawn come spring. Here’s what you need to know about this essential lawn task. Like all things worth doing, a lovely landscape takes time. Great grass is a year-round project, and mid-to-late August until the end of September brings another round of important lawn care activities.

Old World look: 3 Cobble Styles to consider

Traditional style homes can be challenging to landscape. Fortunately there are pavers designed specifically to complement centuries-old structures. The trick to updating the landscape and hardscape of an older home is using the right paving stones. Many original streets in the New England territories are often said to have been paved with leftover ballast from

Team Day: Show your spirit on the patio

Football season is here. Is your patio ready? Across the country and perhaps the world, folks have gathered online and in person to painstakingly draft together their fantasy teams. College football fans have kicked off their semester, full of hope and anticipation for a winning record. Football season is back! It’s time to get excited

Renew, refresh or replace? Paver answers for a perfect patio

Time heals all wounds, but time and Mother Nature can leave their marks on your pavers. There are handy tricks to freshen up the look of your sturdy, steady patio pavers. Many of the questions we get about pavers have to do with cleaning them. Usually a gentle rinse down with a hose will be

Rock the garden: whimsical stone displays to add fun to your outdoor decor

Add some impromptu sculptures and spots of color to your garden and patio with these simple projects. Decorating the patio with small details brings a sense of wonder and serenity to your outdoor space. Fortunately, there are some very easy and inexpensive ways to do it. Here are a few ideas to try. Mood-lifting Messages

Building Blocks for Grownups: A DIY guide to building your own fire pit

If you spent time as a kid creating structures with Legos, you may have the skills to build a permanent fire pit in your backyard. We’ve laid it all out for the home hardscaper. Getting something done on your own brings a unique and cherished sense of accomplishment. Don’t shy away from a fire pit

Grass tech fills in the gaps: Synthetic turf and patio pavers

Artificial grass has come a long way. It’s not the fake grass made of sharp bright green plastic found in the cheesy store displays of yore. If you are looking for a great-looking, low-to-no maintenance solution for your landscape, you may want to give synthetic grass another look. The new artificial grasses can fool the

Apple season’s as easy as pie

Now is the time to harvest your own bushel of apples for a whole cart of fall fun. Right around now is the best time to get outdoors and go apple picking. Whether you’re lucky enough to have your apple trees in your own backyard or you have an age-old (or new!) family tradition of

Build another kind of fire in the backyard: a blazing swath of fall leaves.

October is well underway and parts of the country are seeing the colorful goodness of the season. Indeed, fall leaves are a tourist draw for many of the northeastern states. You can have your own bright show every year if you choose the right species of tree. Here are 4 for the northeastern corridor as

Scorn for acorns: 3 new ways to clean up the mess

Sure, little baby oak trees are cute when they sprout, but we don’t need thousands of them popping up on our lawns. Here are three methods to use on all those acorns. Massachusetts non-profit environmental group Mass Audubon tells us large oaks can drop up to10,000 acorns in one year. A 10,000 acorn year is

The Beauty of Birch: Decorate inside and out with this joyful pattern

A birch tree has a bark full of happy colors. Get closer to this wonder of nature by decorating your home inside and out with a combination of this natural element and some new tech. Incorporating a birch color scheme into your decor gives you that natural wood feeling without the heaviness of traditional wood

Spa Retreat: Integrate a hot tub into your Hardscape

The benefits of hot tubs are widely known. Incorporating a hot tub addition to an established Hardscape may be easier than you think. You’ve seen the glossy pictures of luxurious retreats, of steaming-hot baths enjoyed outside, and you’ve decided it’s time to build the dream in your own backyard. A nice long soak in a

Walled gardens: curb appeal elements with curves

A walled front garden helps your curb appeal strike the right balance between architectural and natural elements. We are all familiar with the natural elements recommended for basic curb appeal: manicured lawns, trimmed and healthy trees and plants, and seasonal and colorful additions to the landscape. A lot of visual interest is left on the

Modern Halloween Tricks and Tips

Bobbing for apples is a scary prospect. Here are some updated party tips and outdoor decor tricks to bring your All Hallow’s Eve into the 21st century. Outdoor Halloween decor ranges from the scary to the sweet. Whatever your preference, good decor puts everyone in the party mood. Here are some of the latest trends

Punctuate your patio with texture: Add visual and tactile interest to your Hardscape

There are many elements to interior design. Color, light, lines, shapes (forms) and texture are all applied principles of design that are immediately noticeable in a room. These principles also apply when building and decorating exterior rooms. One design element that is often overlooked on the patio is texture. “Texture” is a visual as well

Fall fondue fun on the patio

From cheesy dips to mini s’mores, a ton of delicious fondue fun awaits.  Fondue legend says the tradition started in the 1600s Switzerland. The practice grew in popularity in Switzerland in the 1800s, when the Swiss government promoted it as a nutrition strategy and a use for aged cheeses. A pot with its own heat

Thanksgiving desserts and decor

Don’t let Christmas recipes or decorations take over your Thanksgiving. Keep the focus on fall with these treats and tricks. We’ve all noticed it – the Christmas Creep. September 21 rolls around and the stores start selling winter holiday decor. It’s as if we jump out of the pool and into our parkas! Don’t let

Fall mantle decor – celebrate the harvest

The winter holidays may be fast approaching, but we can give thanks for the harvest season with these fall decor ideas. Between the frightening fun of Halloween and the cozy, candied Christmas seasons, it’s easy to lose the best season of the year: Autumn. Thanksgiving is the culmination of the fall season where we celebrate

Throw a Friendsgiving feast

Friendsgiving is a usually casual Thanksgiving feast with those who you consider family. But it’s casual designation doesn’t mean no rules exist. Here’s a guide for the host and guest that will help your Friendsgiving be fabulous. Host A Friendsgiving is meant to be a fun gathering of your closest mates, but the term can

Welcome to the Stone Age

A very, very long time ago, during the pre-historic age, humans figured out that stone had many uses in their world. This abundant natural resource was used for many things, such as: furniture, cutting tools, and weapons. Not only did they use it to build walls for shelter and fortification, they used smaller stones (like

Bonfire leaf-burning things to know

One of the best aromas of the fall season is an outdoor fire. The smell of burning leaves is so distinct and memorable, some people report sensing it in the crisp fall air even when no leaves or fires are burning nearby. As November comes to a close, now is the time for bonfires. Here

Rumble under the patio: outside earthquake damage to look for

On November 30, 2017, an earthquake shook the area of Dover, Delaware. Rumblings of the quake, which measured 4.1 on the Richter scale, were felt in a very large radius from the epicenter. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), even a “light” earthquake warrants a check of your home, landscape and patio for

Holiday traditions: Roasted Chestnuts

We’ve all heard the lyrics but few of us have tried actually roasting chestnuts on an open fire. It’s easier than you may think. Each family has their own traditions with strong roots, some perhaps going back generations. Introducing new rituals into the holidays can seem a bit odd at first, but when friends and

Wonderful wood storage: Dress up your stack

The warmth and crackling goodness of a cozy fire doesn’t have to come with an eyesore of a log pile. Storing wood has never before been so fashionable. One amazing thing about having an outdoor room are the impromptu gatherings around the fire. A night spent out in the cold air is good for our

Pave the way: using pavers to side step a common pitfall

Footworn paths in the grass don’t have to be an eyesore. Here’s how pavers can help. We’ve all seen them and we’ve all helped make them: shortcuts across lawns that leave ruts in the grass. They are called “desire lines” or “desire paths” in civil engineering circles. Usually found on college campuses, in amusement parks,

Winter grilling: roasted tomato soup and crispy cheese sandwiches

We often think of grilling out on the patio as a summertime activity, but cold weather grilling brings its own unique benefits. Try roasting some ingredients on the grill while a big sourdough loaf or a maple pecan pie warms in the oven inside. Roasted tomato soup paired with crunchy, warm sandwiches warms up the

3 hot bourbon recipes to warm your winter

The recent subzero temperatures have kept us all inside. Why not make the best of it? Here are some warm, spiked drinks you may have yet to try. There’s an old tale that a shot of whiskey will warm you up. Indeed, a sip of straight bourbon or whiskey can feel like swallowing embers from

Drip, drip: Drop an efficient, money-saving watering system into your landscape

Lush gardens are a wonder to behold. We all love seeing those rows of plants spring up and watch veggies grow big, not to mention seeing the joyous colors of the season in the delicate flower petals we’re lucky enough to enjoy. All of this takes work, of course, but for many gardening is a

New snow removal tools and tricks

Whether its manual labor or with a machine of some sort, snow removal is a winter necessity for many of us. The “why” is pretty obvious: Life and work must go on. The “how” tends to get highly personal. It’s the age-old problem with a severe-weather twist: how to clear the walkway, the cars, and

Get outdoors during Daylight Savings Time

Here are some ideas on adjusting to the change. A little look back This weekend, we jump the clocks forward for Spring. Daylight Savings time (DST). The tradition of turning clocks ahead for the spring and summer months is often thought to be an agricultural push, but the roots of the practice took hold for

Herb appeal: Add an indoor herb garden to your window sill

Fresh herbs are the flourish of flavor for any meal. Start with a few easier-to-grow herbs.   Indoor herb gardens aren’t just for the gardeners or foodies among us. Anyone can add a few pots of herbs to a lonely windowsill to instantly add form and function to the home. Some herbs are kinder to

St. Patrick’s on the Patio: Donning of the green and other party ideas

When St. Patrick’s Day falls on a weekend, you know it will be a blast. Here are some fun facts and traditions to add to your party. There will be parades and pub crawls, but your patio can be the neighborhood spot for the post-party party. The key is comfort and contentment. And green. Lots

Old Irish Inspiration: A look at the ancient stonework of Ireland

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we ask an Irish stone artist what he loves about Ireland’s legendary stonework St. Patrick’s Day falls on a weekend this year, giving the holiday some special attention. Revelers and traditionalists alike will be breaking out their most unique and notable activities. Big cities like Boston and Philadelphia have

Cast Veneer fireplace design tips

The key in designing an outdoor hearth is choosing the stone that makes it sing. A fire pit has its place, but an outdoor hearth makes an outdoor home. If you’re looking to add a fireplace to your hardscape, a few tips from the design world can help you choose the Cast Veneer Stone (CVS)

Choose the patio furniture that works for you

It’s officially spring, and patio furniture ads are in full force. Here are some things to consider to help you choose patio furniture that works for you and your budget. Outdoor rooms are an extension of your home’s living space. Comfortable furniture and beautiful  accessories are the necessities that make any patio space usable and

Aromatherapy garden: grow your own spa

The luxury and leisure of a spa sanctuary can be steps away in your own garden. Soft textures, whispered voices, soothing scents. That’s the spa difference. Everything is designed to bring on calmness and serenity. Your garden can adopt some of these design techniques. Muted colors, attention to small details, comfortable seating and ample warmth

Tip-Top Patio: Declutter your outdoor rooms

Don’t forget your patios and pool decks in your decluttering efforts People are sweeping out their rooms as a home-organization trend sweeps the nation. Popular books like Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and the latest book in the trend, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson, cover closets, bedrooms,

Patio party with a purpose: Combine a celebration with helpful giving

Spring is the time to break out the patio party gear. Graduation, wedding showers, and birthday parties all are more fun outside. A garden party is a great time to share and give back. Why not combine your celebration with an activity that gives back? Here are a few events you can host during your

Cool outdoor bar accessories to make your summer outdoors chill

Add a little style to your summer sips and snacks We all do it – make a cold drink and a snack inside to enjoy outside. More times than not, we’ll carry it out with a plastic tumbler and paper plate. That’s not exactly the image of relaxing luxury you want. Punch up the patio

Rain, Rain, Go Away- Dealing with Storm Water Run Off

As we move into a more sustainable future nationally, homeowners are looking for ways to improve their land use locally. Very locally. As in, in their backyards. The most helpful impact your property can make on the local environment comes from the proper handling of rainwater. There are a few different things you can do

Dip into different types of in-ground pools

When we think of pools, we picture large, blue swimming holes in the backyard. But like everything in outdoor living, pools are evolving and now come in all shapes and sizes. New pool designs on the market allow homeowners to tailor their pool for specific uses. Diving, dipping, soaking, exercising or relaxing, each activity has

Punch up those patches with grass seed

Whether your lawn is in need of a total reset or if you are reclaiming forgotten spaces in the landscape, grass seeding is a cost-effective DIY project. Compared to professionally-installed sod, seeding your lawn is something most everyone can do. Clear out any existing vegetation. Brown patches may still have ground cover plants in the

Finding Swedish-style balance on the patio

Learn how the Swedish lifestyle of Lagom can help you live your best outdoor life. Loosely translated, Lagom means “just right.” It is the feeling when something hits the perfect balance between two extremes. In her new book, Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life, British

Make your summer memorable with major watermelon mojo

Cookie cutters and a carving knife are all you need to elevate your watermelon to monumental status. According to National Geographic, watermelons have been around for 5000 years. Seeds and paintings of the fruit were found in King Tut’s tomb. By the year 500, the watermelon had migrated into the Mediterranean countries. It’s been modified

Get the most from your patio string lights

Stringing lights over the patio adds whimsy and a warm glow. Follow these planning tips to get the most out of your efforts.   String lights are the new tiki torches. People love the county fair or outdoor Parisian cafe feel of a string of bulbs draped over a patio. Many kinds of string lights

Patio Planning: Tips from your area expert

Planning an outdoor space begins with an idea. A fun picnic on a friend’s Hardscape or a relaxing time at a poolside bar on vacation inspires us to recreate those feelings in our own backyards. So you want an outdoor space. What’s the next step in the planning process? “We tell our customers to look

DIY concrete planters for the patio

Making your own planters is easier than you think. Serene, modern, and beautiful don’t seem like words that go with “concrete,” but fine concrete mixes are the favorites of artisans across the country. You can make planters for your patio, steps and walkways for just a few dollars, some patience and a bit of creativity.

Making the Most of Your Fire Pit

  Ever since humans mastered the controlled use of fire we have been fascinated by it. The domestication of fire allowed mankind to add light to evening hours, cook plants and animals for food, clear land for planting, and help keep predators at bay. Maintaining a campfire became so important to prehistoric man’s survival that

Using Walls, Paths and Patios to Reshape Your Backyard

No matter how large or small your backyard is, there are ways you can partition and redesign your space to fit your outdoor living lifestyle. Depending on the complexity of the project and the space you have to cover, you can phase the project to fit your budget and timeline as needed. By using pavers

Tie the knot: Macrame decor for your patio

Tie the knot: Macrame decor for your patio This time-honored craft is a perfect decor accent to outdoor living spaces. Macrame, the art of knotting cord in geometrical patterns, is thought to be an ancient practice dating back a few thousand years to the Arab world. Merriam-Webster says the first known English use of the

Points of interest: Draw the eye to these garden and patio focal points

Gardens can tend to be pieced together bit by bit. One year a raised bed may be the new project, the next year vegetable stakes line the back fence. A year-by-year approach is a great way to add on to your landscape and patio, but a few elements can help the space feel more cohesive.

How to do an authentic spa day party on the patio

Bring in professionals for an evening of pampering right on the patio.   Summer is here and it’s time to relax. Work loads, family obligations and volunteer work, although rewarding, can usurp our down time. Why not pave the way to relaxation with a private occasion meant to renew and rejuvenate? We asked licensed massage

Power on the patio

Here’s how to juice up your patio for family and friends. Patios and pool decks aren’t simply for sunbathing. Parties, family meals, work sessions, movies and more all happen out there, too. These days, outdoor electrical outlets, charging stations, wifi, sound and media devices are must-haves for many homeowners. Unfortunately, most houses were built well

Pets on the patio: Summer tips for dogs and cats

We love our pets. We want them to participate in our summer fun on the patio, but sometimes we forget our pets have special needs. For example, did you know that some dogs need sunscreen? Read on for more tips to keep your furry kids happy this summer. Pools Swimming in pools is one of

Drawing the eye: paver borders bring beauty to your Hardscape

Walkways, steps and garden walls work together to define the purpose of each architectural element in the landscape. Breaking up a swath of color with an accent color creates  beauty, interest and purpose. This is where the border paver shines. Professional hardscapers use color, texture, lines, and a combination of materials to bring more  function

Sweet Mid-Atlantic states: potluck desserts from NC to NY

Every family has that one dessert that disappears first from the patio table. The favorites are often eaten before the burgers are served. But what is sweet in one state can be an unknown in another. Here are some interesting desserts from North Carolina to New York. North Carolina Sonker is a rectangular, deep dish

Cast Veneer Stone: A modern answer to an old problem

Stone surfaces aren’t what they used to be, and that can be a good thing. All along farming hills and valleys are fieldstone walls that were piled by the land workers as they tilled the earth. The low walls would stretch far and wide, sometimes acting to prevent livestock from grazing the crops, other times

Love the look of natural stone? Here’s why porcelain may be the better choice.

Outdoor flooring has to be hearty. Many homeowners like the look of a natural stone like Travertine (a limestone deposit) but beside the sky-high price tag, they discover it can tend to crack and split from repeated exposure to very high and very low temperatures. Originating from mild-climate Italy, Travertine is a porous rock. Water

What’s the difference between a retaining wall and a garden wall?

A number of landscaping elements have similar terms but mean very different things. Getting them mixed up can cost you time and money. We all know what a house’s walls do: they divide rooms and perhaps support the roof and upper floors of the home. Indoor walls receive pressure from above, i.e. vertical pressure. Walls

Containing the colonies: Keeping ants out of your pavers and outdoor kitchen

Beautiful walks and an outdoor food prep/eating space are the most welcoming elements of an outdoor living space. The last guests a homeowner wants to invite over is a colony of ants. A few preventative steps and treatments can help you keep your pavers and kitchen clear of these uninvited pests. Wipe down the surfaces

Let it rain: A garden for the good of the planet

A rain garden helps nature help itself by capturing and filtering rain water. Landscapes bring us some of the simplest but purest pleasures: feeling our bare toes in lush green grass; picking fresh peas from growing gardens; eating blueberries straight from the bush. Our backyards give us the long summer nights around a fire or

Elements of Industrial Design

Exposed brick, concrete countertops, tile and stone floors are chic decor elements with a hardened past. The first factories of the industrial revolution were built in the late 1700s. Forging steel, laundering fabrics, or glass-making involved very hot and often unwieldy fire. By the early 1900s the onset of unreliable electrical wiring added to the

Fireplace and fire pit accessories you didn’t know you needed

The crackle, the woodsy aroma, the flickering light. Nothing is quite the same as an open wood fire. All of a sudden, it’s September. Where did the summer go? No worries. A lot of outdoor enjoyment is still in your future. It’s time to get cracking on upping your fireplace game. Here are a few

Hardscape project timelines: What’s realistic?

Hint: once you come up with the idea, it’s never too early to contact a contractor When we decide to move forward on a major upgrade to our Hardscape, we can’t get started quickly enough. Dreams of lounging by the new pool or grilling in the outdoor kitchen are so close to becoming real that

4 non-pizza ideas for your wood-fired outdoor pizza oven

You may love the crispy crusts and perfect pies from our pizza oven – but if you’re only using it for pizza, you’re missing out. Wood-fired outdoor ovens bake pizza perfectly. The gooey cheese, the warm doughy crusts with exactly the right amount of crisp on the outside. It really can’t be beat. But if

Dry your garden herbs

As leaves change colors and gardens begin hibernating, harvesting and drying herbs is a time-honored tradition for the fall months We all recognize the little bundles, hung with twine from our grandmother’s shed or pot rack. In a language all their own, spices and herbs convey so much about our lives and our loves. We

Customize your cooler! How to make a matching accessory for your patio

With a little elbow grease and ingenuity, you can have a cooler that matches your outdoor decor. You most likely spent a lot of thought when deciding on decor for your outdoor space. Patios are no longer just “out back” and are thought of and outfitted as an extension of your home. A well-coordinated tailgate

Outdoor living spaces as home additions

When someone mentions home addition, you may think of a game or TV room, a bigger kitchen, or maybe a home office. But there’s one more space that should pop into your head: an outdoor room. More and more homeowners are realizing the advantages of opting for the addition of an outdoor living space over

Patio product hunt – shop the Fall sales

The outdoor season for us at EP Henry is all year round, but many stores have no choice but to clear out their patio items in order to make room for the holiday merchandise. As the leaves fall, so do prices. Shop your favorite stores for outdoor furniture and accessories you can use now and

Patio fun for fall: fires, caramel apples and more

The crisp fall days are here. Relish the four seasons by getting outside to enjoy that patio. Here are a few fall favorites to get your ideas churning for a dreamy autumn patio day. Cozy blankets       There’s something comforting in being covered up. Keep several wool throw blankets handy out on the patio. Have one

Patio styles from the 1950s to today

Everything from hemlines and haircuts, architecture and art are subject to the whims of fashion. Patios are no exception. A few distinct styles have emerged over the years, but some parts of patio design will always be timeless. Let’s look at different patio styles over the past few decades. The 1950s “mid-century” look was popular

Wood burning facts you need to know

Often overlooked, the quality and material of what you burn is just as important as the quality and material the fireplace is made from. In 1930, Celia Congreve, a World War I era poet and author, penned the Firewood Poem, In it, she lists different types of wood and their burn qualities. Unfortunately, lovely rhymes

Dealing With a Winter Wonderland

It looks like the Northeast is going to get treated to yet another long, cold, wet winter this year. While no one can deny that the first snowfall of the season is somehow always magical, once the reality of icy sidewalks, snow covered driveways, and slippery roadways hits, some of us start to consider a

Cold weather worth-its: Fun activities to get the family outdoors.

The cold weather is no reason to stay indoors. This season holds lots of fun adventures for all ages. Dress for success As the people of Norway say, there is no bad weather, only bad clothes. Having the right gear is the secret to enjoying the outdoors in winter. Outdoor experts REI tell us the

4 ways a creative garden wall can make a cookie-cutter landscape unique

A new home in a new development is an exciting prospect. But in a neighborhood of similar home models, how does a homeowner make their house stand out? With a little creativity and perhaps the help of a landscape designer, adding a simple garden wall to your front landscape can change the entire look of

Embrace a new color for 2019

A trendy new hue for your outdoor decor has been named. Here’s how to welcome it into your summer patio plans. Living Coral, 2019 The Pantone Color of the Year for 2019 is called “Living Coral.” The Pantone Color Institute is a color-matching and trend forecasting company that caters to the fashion, marketing and branding

Knowing standard measurements for patio features helps with planning

Dreaming up designs for a new kitchen or patio is the fun part of the home improvement project. But spending hours with our heads in the clouds without knowing what is actually possible can set us up for disappointment. Getting familiar with some basic standard measurements can help you dream efficiently and plan accordingly. Contractors

Skinny spaces: Games and ideas for narrow outdoor areas

We all have those little strips of yard or patio that are too small to be decked out but too big to be ignored. Don’t despair. There’s hope for those skinny spaces. Here are a few ideas to turn those neglected spaces into destination spots. A shuffleboard court is a fun addition to any outdoor

A Welcoming, Rustic Christmas

Almost any style of decor can incorporate a few down-home, rustic elements for the holidays.  Adding a bit of rustic elements to your holidays will charm guests and lend a touch of warmth to your decor. Farmhouse decor gives us that cozy feeling we love for the holidays. Concentrating on three key spaces will help

Taking the mud out of mudroom: designing a mudroom that works

Pinterest-worthy mudrooms score high on the looks scale but often get failing marks for practicality. Designing a better, more efficient space can help the area stay clean and welcoming. Family members often enter through the mudroom area. Encountering – or encouraging – a mess when first returning home can be disheartening. Keeping it organized and

8 Ways to maximize your Home and Garden show trip

Spring is around the corner. You know what that means: It’s home and garden show season! From little township shows to huge, multi-acre extravaganzas, home and garden shows bring us dreams and inspiration for our own landscapes. All the new things to see and do can be a bit overwhelming. Without proper preparation, you may

Hardy yet beautiful plants for your landscape, Part I: Sedum basics.

Succulents are the hottest trend in plants. Miniature succulents in cute pots grace many a dorm or office window. Many Millennials, 37% of whom grow indoor plants (as opposed to only 28% of Baby Boomers), have embraced and fueled the succulent fervor. Instagram’s “#succulents” hashtag alone has over 6.5 million posts. Related hashtags, like #succulent,

Hardy yet beautiful plants for your landscape, Part II: Garden Ideas

In Part I, we went over the basics of sedum plants. Often referred to by landscapers as stonecrops, sedum succulents have great appeal for gardeners for their hardiness, low maintenance needs and colorful foliage. Here we go over some different ideas for using stonecrops in your landscape. Borders Borders can pose different challenges. Some borders

What you really need in your car emergency kit

We’ve all seen the scenario: a lone car spins off a remote mountain road and lands in a ravine; the passengers must fight to stay alive. Car emergency kits are a good idea. Jumper cables, flares, a distress flag, Fix-a-Flat, etc. are the car kit standards. These are all good things to have if you

Varied Vege: Grow something different this year

Tip toe away from the tomatoes and dig into other delicious digestibles. We love tomatoes. They grow so easily and abundantly, we end up having plenty to share. But their convenience can also root us in our gardening ruts. Stirring up the soil with some new veggies can add some life to your summer and

Cooking with kids outdoors

As parents, we want to arm our kids with the skills they need to succeed. Preparing food is one of the most basic life skills, but it often is put off until it’s too late. Learning to cook is a source of pride for many kids and teens who live in a processed-food world. Studies

Why Hardscaping distributors are worth the trip

When it comes to sprucing up the backyard or adding some curb appeal, most homeowners think of the nearest big home improvement store as a place to get ideas and materials. While a big box store can help with smaller quick fixes, Hardscaping distributors are a better choice for major project inspiration and supplies. Many

Grow a dream: Imagining your best garden

In search of my mother’s garden, I found my own. -Alice Walker All great things begin with a spark. Imagining a garden that attracts and inspires, soothes and excites the soul is the first step to landscape planning. Endless day dreaming isn’t always the best path. A little bit of focus can help you take

Take your landscape to the next level with columns

Add visual and architectural interest to your landscape by incorporating different height columns and bases. You are not alone if you’ve forgotten the differences between the Greek Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns from your 4th grade social studies class. Unless you’re planning a Parthenon replica as part of your landscape, remembering the ancient styles isn’t

When to use stones or mulch in your landscape

It’s gardening season again! If you haven’t already, it’s time to take out that digging tool and break ground. April showers bring May flowers, but they also bring weeds. You can drastically cut down on weeds in your garden by adding mulch or pebbles. Mulch and stone coverings make flower colors “pop” by adding a

Busting the rumors of great grass care

Homeowners pining for gorgeous lawns sometimes fall for old tricks that just don’t work. A beautiful lawn is well within your reach. A little TLC goes a long way when it comes to a grass landscape. Seeing other lawns that seem greener or healthier than yours may have you seeking out solutions. Beware of false

Have a mocktail party on the patio

No alcohol? No problem! You can still party in the back with little umbrellas, fancy drinks and a festive atmosphere. Stir up a few “mocktails” (mock cocktails) on the patio. Spring begins the season for outdoor parties. Easter, high school proms, college graduations, weddings, baby showers and more dot the calendar from April until August.

How Paver Patterns Help Define Outdoor Living Spaces

If you’ve decided to have a patio, pool deck or walkway installed using pavers, you probably read it over and over again while you were researching your options: ‘The possibilities are endless” and “Limited only by your imagination”.  While not quite infinite, when you consider color, texture, and pattern options, there are quite a lot-

8 big ideas for a tiny patio

Urban and dense suburban spaces can be a bit forgotten in the design world. But don’t give up on the dream of an outdoor lifestyle. A tiny patio can be a great space. Whether it is a fire escape, a roof terrace or a tiny back porch patio, every space can become something more. With

5 Ways to add Color to your Backyard

Any gardener with a beautiful landscape design will tell you that they didn’t just get lucky when they decided what to plant. You can bet that careful planning went into making sure that their backyard garden “performed” throughout the seasons. With the exception of wildflower gardens (where color is purposefully sprinkled throughout) it is generally

The beauty of Kentucky Derby Roses in your own backyard

The most famous race of the Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby, is usually held on the first Saturday in May. The winning horse is draped with a blanket of beautiful red roses. The luxury of the velvet-like petals, the depth of the red, and the dream of the heady scents get us itching to have

From dreaming it to living it: The Hardscape decision process, step-by-step

Want to transform your outdoor space but don’t know where to start? Here is a step-by-step guide for bringing your dreams into a reality. All decisions you make goes through steps. Some decisions are instant. They feel as though they went through no process at all. Other decisions (where the stakes are usually higher) require

Every garden old is new again: Nostalgia plants for now

The small, dainty flowers of the foxglove plant, the wispy peony blooms and the lovely drops of the bleeding hearts all bring back the sights and scents of the gardens from years past. Recreating a garden of yore is the newest trend in home landscaping. Before the overly accessorized 1950s yards and the victory gardens

The look of wood with none of the worry

Capture the natural beauty of wood in a paver tile that is extremely durable and long lasting with Lastra Wood-look Porcelain Tiles. These porcelain tiles bring the stunning look of wood but are without wood’s inherent problems. Wood, especially when used outdoors, can quickly turn into a high-maintenance surface. Lastra tiles offer an alternative that

Beyond the Flintstones: concrete pieces for the patio

Want something that’s sturdy and will stand up to all kinds of weather? Concrete furniture has come a long way since the yabba-dabba-doo days. A concrete couch may be a fun patio accessory to a die-hard Flintstone fan, but its heavy look and feel isn’t likely to start trending. Concrete furniture can be harsh. Municipalities

Here they come! Getting the pool ready for kids

When the schools close their doors for the summer, our backyard gates open up. Take these last few days to prepare your patio for the fun-seeking, towel-snapping, sticky-faced (but loveable!) throngs. Summer is a celebration of all things outdoors. Picnics and parties, pools and patios are at the center of the activities. A little planning

Enjoying starry nights on the patio

Summer breezes and night skies on the patio are the best to share with friends and family. A basic understanding of your local astronomy and a few patio tricks can help make a magical night. Turn off the lights Light travels far and fast, but it’s difficult to see light from billions of miles away

Duraface, ArmorTec, HD-2. What’s it all mean? 

Here’s a short video that demystifies what goes into making a paver.

Fresh Father’s Day ideas for dads who like to cook

We love the hamburgers and hot dogs, but grills aren’t just for the standards anymore. This Father’s Day help Dad expand his repertoire with these creative outdoor grilling ideas. Innovative pans Whether it is gas, charcoal, or wood, Dad’s existing grill is perfect for these kitchen accessories. New cuisines can be unlocked with the right

Keep your pool area serene and cool while you’re away

If destination weddings, family reunions or vacations take you away from your backyard oasis, follow these pool care tips before you go. Coming home after a nice vacation to a clean house is a relief. Don’t leave out the deck, patio and pool from your pre-trip cleaning and care regimen. You’ll want to set down

Herringbone: this classic paver pattern is trending

Timeless features make a home distinctive. The brickwork pattern for your outdoor walkways or driveways is a place to express the home’s unique character. While there are many layouts and pavers to choose from, the classic herringbone pattern stands the test of time. It looks equally impressive in walkways, patios and driveways. According to lifestyle

Chilling on the patio: How to keep those drinks cold

The Fourth of July is coming. It’s time to kickback with a cool drink. Here’s how to keep the chill in your chilled drinks. A moment of warm sun and a cool drink make for a mini vacation on the patio. We have many suggestions for what to mix up, from frozen fabulousness to marvelous

Firework fear is very real for some pets

Our furry, feathery and leathery pets can get mildly upset or have full panic attacks during 4th of July celebrations. Here are a few tips to keep them calm.  The loud booms of fireworks and thunder can cause anxiety in our pets. Astraphobia is the fear of thunder and lightning, and dogs, cats, birds, reptiles

Cool looks for a hot patio

Oppressive heat and humidity can put a damper on outdoor living space enjoyment. Fear not, mid-summer heat can be beat.  Unless you have a pool that you can jump into, July and August’s soaring heat and humidity can sometimes stifle outdoor fun. While inexpensive, portable water bottles are easy to come by, they’re not ideal

Pool apps add another level of function and fun

Lighting tricks, temperature adjustments and more, all on your phone There’s an app for that is the newest cliché, but in terms of pool features it’s true. Many new mobile applications make life for the pool owner easier and much more fun. Pool maintenance used to be the sole realm of the professional, but now

Planning a new patio? Consider installing an automatic sprinkler system

“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” -Cicero, Roman orator Moving water from its source to where it is needed is an ancient craft. Aqueducts helped cities flourish in ancient times. Today, various water sprinklers help maintain the lawn’s lush look. Homeowners use everything from a simple watering can

How to be a hipster gardener

If you think vintage accessories, old traditions and careful tending are the bee’s knees, you may be a garden hipster. The hipster aesthetic is marked by an obsession with independence, eco-friendly living and vintage style. This group has its own style in clothes, food and yes, gardening. Aside from the new urban chickens movement, hipsters

Celebrate the best melon of them all! National Watermelon Day is here!

A day to laud the watermelon should be spent enjoying its refreshing recipes and delicious dishes. August 3rd, 2019 is National Watermelon Day. A staple of summer, watermelon has been a favorite of people everywhere for millennia. Scientists surmise that the plant and its fruit were cultivated first in the South African deserts, and tombs

Paint the patio with colorful accessories

Pops of color bring some excitement and a personal touch to a patio. Many times, we end up settling for the typical neutral fare offered in patio furniture. Stores and manufacturers cater to the widest audience possible, leaving us with few bold choices. Fortunately, a neutral palette is a great starting point for adding statement

Don’t let the “crider” sit down beside ya: Give the spider cricket a ticket out of the house

Called by many names like camel crickets, sprickets, cave weta, or just plain “AAAACK!,” these crawling, hopping insects are found all over the world. They scare us with their creepy moves and high jumps. Spider crickets lunge at threats to frighten them (apparently a very effective strategy against grown men), but other than giving an

Send off your student with a trunk party on the patio

Skipped a grad party or took a gap year? A trunk party can be the perfect send-off for your student. Back in the day, luggage was a traditional gift for the high school graduate. Bags of one’s own were deemed necessary for a young person’s life ahead. Now we pack up the minivan with storage

Spot and destroy the spotted lantern fly this fall

The spotted lantern fly (SLF) is an invasive, destructive insect that is native to China. Over 70 species of trees in southeastern Pennsylvania and surrounding areas are in danger of disease and death because of these sap-sucking pests. It’s imperative to seek out and destroy the SLF, as they are predicted to cause a billion

Grand ideas to celebrate Grandparents Day

Shower the grandparents with love this weekend on Grandparents Day.  In The United States, the first Sunday after Labor Day is designated as Grandparents Day. Celebrated in many countries on varying days, this holiday is meant to honor the big role grandparents play in the nurturing of the nation’s children. Here are some ideas to

Friluftsliv: Get a Norwegian breath of fresh air for a boost to mental health

Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.   -Albert Einstein While other cultures have emphasized the role of mental wellness in overall health for centuries, in the US it has only been relatively recently that more attention is being given to developing our mental, not just physical, strength. Increased urbanization takes us further

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, beginning this week!

September 15, 2019 to October 15, 2019 is Hispanic (or Latino/Latinx) Heritage Month. Hispanic heritage is wide and deep, and holds within it the incredible flavors, colors, music and more that have become an essential part of American culture. With almost 60 million Americans reporting Hispanic heritage in the 2018 US Census, it’s important to

Fire Pit or Fireplace? Things to Consider When Planning your Outdoor Living Space

If you are planning a fire feature for your patio, you may ask yourself “Should we get a fire pit or fireplace?” Both give off light and warmth and help create a cozy, welcome atmosphere. While cost is typically a question (and can sometimes be the deciding factor) here are some other differences that you

Rosh Hashanah: Traditions and planning for an outdoor celebration

Celebrating outside brings us back to time-honored customs. This month is Elul, a time of repentance in preparation for the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah (the New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). At sundown on the Gregorian calendar day of September 29, 2019, and on the Hebrew calendar day 1 Tishrei 5780,

Mums the word! Mum sale plants and 2 purple fall favorites

See a mum sale? Go ahead and get the mums! Then add these 2 companion plants for drama and height in your landscape. It seems like every weekend we see school teams holding up signs to hawk colorful, fall-friendly chrysanthemums. Don’t pass them up. Mums look great in the garden and work well indoor and

Another way to binge on the patio: An outdoor TV

Football season and binge watching are elevated to another level when you include an outdoor TV in your patio design. A long weekend filled with snacks and an unwatched season of your favorite TV show. A Sunday with fellow fans watching the game. A movie just released for streaming. These are banner weekend plans! But

Halloween Patio Pizza Party

Delight your little monsters with homemade pizzas topped with creepy crawlies. With a long night of trick-or-treating ahead of them, kids need a meal to keep that energy up and prevent goodie bag snacking. Fire up that outdoor pizza oven and give them ingredients to make their own personal pizzas with “creepy crawly” toppings. One

Choosing a Fire Pit: Points to consider

Patios should be designed like rooms, with attention paid to elements like shape and height, color and function. Fire pits add a wealth of choices for the space. Design is basically drawing with shapes. A cohesive and useful patio design considers how patio furniture and Hardscape elements combine to make a room. Fire pits are

Host a Casino Night on the Patio

Gaming for fun at home puts a party on the patio over the top. Kids parties can be a blast, but sometimes adults just want some time to themselves. A casino night is an exciting twist on milestone birthdays, team meetings or holiday parties. A private party at home is also typically free from the

Getting to know your indoor fireplace

It’s fire season again! The warm glow of a fire is one of the finest comforts of the colder months. To keep everything in working order, it’s good to become familiar with all the parts and workings of your home’s fireplace. Don’t have a fireplace? No problem. Adding one has become cost effective with the

Paver Planning Series: Patterns

When planning a new Hardscape, there are lots of choices and decisions to make. In this short series of articles, we’re going to talk about the patterns, colors and textures available with concrete paving stones. Masonry is artistry. Laying brick and stone is an ancient practice that has been handed down throughout millennia. Pavers benefit

Paver Planning Series: Colors

Choosing pavers for your hardscaping project can be overwhelming at first. It helps to break it down into smaller choices, like product attributes, because all will play a part in the overall finished look. We’ve already talked about paver patterns, so let’s look at how the color choices in pavers can influence the look and

Paver Planning Series: Textures

A new patio, outdoor kitchen or outdoor living area is an exciting and valuable addition to your home. But like building a home, building a Hardscape comes with a lot of decisions. In this short series of articles, we are looking at how the patterns, colors and textures in concrete paving stones can influence the

Pining for more: Pine branch decor keeps the season fresh

A pine tree’s branches, with their rich aroma and deep seasonal symbolism, add beauty and meaning to your home’s winter decor. You don’t need to celebrate Christmas to enjoy the comforting scent and beauty of pine. All around the world the pine evergreen has special meaning, including wisdom, longevity, power, and virtue. A winter staple

Ever loving evergreens: know the difference between the trees

Not all “pine” trees are the same – some aren’t pines at all but are fir, cypress, cedar and spruce trees! The aromas, needles and cones differ between them. Here’s a quick rundown to help you get to know the varieties of Christmas trees that you may come across this holiday season. Conifers        A conifer

Yule logs of all kinds for the holidays

Nothing says Christmas like a traditional yule log. But what kind? There are yule logs to put in the fireplace, others to eat, and even some to watch! Here we bring you all the yule log information that’s fit to blog. “Yule” comes to us from the Old Norse language’s word, ylir, for the month

Exterior Bi-fold doors make a versatile patio

An outdoor room is a wonderful extension of the home. Access to that room is usually found via a standard back door or sliding glass doors. Bi-fold doors that stack away to the sides opens up the indoor room and provides free, open access to the patio. This staple in Hawaiian and Californian outdoor design

A nice hot tub soak staves off the winter blues

Luxuriating in an outdoor hot tub as snow falls on the landscape is a lovely winter dream, but it has its practical side too. It’s good for our health as hot tub soaks are known to relieve pain, calm itchy skin and reduce stress. Using your hot tub (or spa – the terms are interchangeable)

Winter simmer pots of potpourri freshens our homes in the new year

Using herbs and spices to clean the air, disinfect rooms, improve moods and boost health has been a tradition for centuries. Scent is the sense most closely linked to memory. An unexpected whiff of a familiar aroma can whisk us back to our childhoods. The effect is immediate and at times, overwhelming. The right scents

Cozy up with some Brunswick stew and other winter soups on the grill

Cooking outdoors doesn’t have to be a solely sunny-weather activity. Many backyard chefs enjoy grilling and cooking over an open fire all year round. One of the well-heeled secrets of winter grilling is to cook comfort foods that don’t require constant flipping. A hearty soup, stew or chili cooked in a cast-iron dutch oven over

Why pavers are better for landscaping

There’s no denying that trees and large shrubs are the fastest way to update a landscape or add drama to a new property.  They add visual interest; they help lower home temperatures by providing shade, invite and shelter wildlife, and increase property value.  While the benefits of adding trees to your landscaping far outweigh away

Landscaping Ideas to Add Character to Your Backyard

Spring is here – the perfect time to do your outdoor remodel projects. Now that most of the world’s population is quarantined due to the current pandemic, here are a few ideas as to how to make good use of your time to spruce up your backyard. Whether you’re looking to boost your home value,

Cleaning your patio

Cleaning your patio-DIY or Call in a Pro? With so many of us spending more time at home these days, getting the patio in tip-top shape has become a priority. While pavers are known for being easy to care for, occasional maintenance is needed to keep them looking their best. Some patios may just need

How To Modernize Your Pool Area With Functional Updates

More people are looking ahead to a summer spent at home than ever before. And for many, that means making the most of their yards and outdoor spaces. If you already have a pool, then you know that the pool area is often the focus of nearly all outdoor activity. For this reason, if you

Keeping stains off the patio: Tips from EP Henry

As homeowners extend the enjoyment of their outdoor spaces well into fall, it likewise extends the season of wear and tear for surfaces like patios, driveways and walkways. That includes more potential for stains to mar the look of those surfaces — especially for families with kids and pets, and those who enjoy outdoor dining.

Introducing Cast Stone Wall Ledgestone

The warm weather is just about here, and there’s never been a better time to upgrade your outdoor entertaining space. An ordinary backyard can easily be transformed into an oasis with the use of some great products. It just takes a little bit of inspiration and some beautiful landscaping and hardscaping to take your outdoor