DECK Ideas
Control for Larvae in Water Features Water features, such as ponds or fountains, should ideally always have moving water (via a recirculating pump or electric aerator). For shallow water features and bird baths, change the water twice a week. Moving water dissuades mosquitoes from laying eggs, and changing the water every few days interrupts the mosquito life cycle, preventing mosquito eggs or larvae from reaching maturity. While introducing mosquito fish is often touted as a solution for keeping mosquito populations down, this is not recommended, as the introduced fish could spread to local waterways (if a pond overflowed, for example) and become an invasive species.
The Energy Pergola from Gibus Spa, a line of sustainable pergolas equipped with solar panels, will be available starting in fall 2021. Sustainability was also top of mind for industry groups. “We must focus on accompanying and supporting our companies as they convert to full sustainability,” says Claudio Feltrin, president of Federlegno, the Italian federation of the wood, cork, furniture and lighting industries.
Throw Some Shade Investing in a proper shade structure, shade sail or vine-covered trellis can up the comfort of your backyard entertaining area for summer gatherings. The sliding shade sail pictured here is great for controlling just how much sun or shade you’d like, as the shade fabric can slide across the wires to expose or cover certain areas.
For a dramatic container display that can take summer heat without needing frequent irrigation, take a look at this planting trio in San Luis Obispo, California. Landscape designer Jeffrey Gordon Smith used a simple trio of a large-scale agave, a low-growing filler of blue chalk sticks (Senecio mandraliscae, zones 9 to 12) and orange-flowering parrot’s beak (Lotus maculatus, zones 9 to 11) for a hit of color. This drought-tolerant “recipe” could easily be reproduced with plants with similar attributes. For example, one could choose a focal-point succulent like an aeonium, a low-growing filler such as stonecrop (Sedum sp.) and a bright accent such as hot-orange blanketflower (Gaillardia sp.) or lime-green ‘Angelina’ stonecrop (S. rupestre ‘Angelina’, zones 3 to 11).
For a modern vibe indoors, try cable rails with black wood frames, as seen here. The pairing offers an airier feel than just wood, which would’ve been too heavy here next to the accent wall and cabinetry. Zurek likes to pair stainless steel posts and cable rails with a walnut cap, “for a clean and classic modern look,” he says.
“We had painted the brick exterior of their home white during a previous renovation phase, so they wanted a white brick element on the porch,” Parker says. She gave it to them in the form of beautifully curved walls that flank the chimney. These were one of the more challenging elements to construct, and they required footings to be poured beneath them for support. These walls provide privacy from the house next door while allowing for air and views through the openings. And their curves contribute to the porch’s refined look.
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