#landscaping professionals

[fancyloverlove]

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Driveway Material

Your driveway is more than just a place to park your car. It's a welcoming entrance to your home, an extension of your landscaping, and a factor in your property's curb appeal. In the UK, with its diverse weather conditions, choosing the right driveway material is important. This guide will explore the most popular options, helping you find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.

Considering the Options:

Concrete: A popular choice due to its durability (lasting 30+ years) and low maintenance (occasional power washing and sealing). Concrete offers design flexibility through stamping, staining, and colouring. However, it can be expensive (£4.50-£9 per square metre), prone to cracking in extreme temperatures, and labour-intensive to install.

Asphalt: A budget-friendly option (£2.25-£4.50 per square metre) with a smooth, easy-to-drive-on surface. Asphalt is quick and easy to install, but design options are limited (usually black) and it requires regular sealing (every 2-5 years). It's also less eco-friendly than other materials.

Gravel: An affordable and eco-friendly option, perfect for drainage. Gravel driveways are low maintenance, but require topping up with additional stone over time. They can be inconvenient for walking on and may not be suitable for all vehicles.

Block Paving: Provides a stylish and durable driveway with a wide range of design possibilities. Block paving is permeable, allowing for good drainage. However, it can be more expensive than other options (£8-£16 per square metre) and requires some maintenance (like weeding).

Resin Driveways: These combine stones with resin for a smooth, weed-resistant surface. Resin driveways are durable and attractive, but they are a relatively new material with long-term performance unproven. They can also be expensive (£25-£40 per square metre).

Factors to Consider When Choosing:

Budget: Costs can vary depending on the material, size, and complexity of your driveway.

Durability: Consider how much traffic your driveway will handle and the weather conditions in your area.

Maintenance: How much time and effort are you willing to put into maintaining your driveway?

Aesthetics: Choose a material that complements the style of your home and landscaping.

Drainage: Good drainage is essential to prevent water pooling and damage.

Making the Right Choice:

By considering these factors and the pros and cons of each material, you can make an informed decision about the best driveway material for your UK home. Don't hesitate to consult with a landscaping professional for personalised advice based on your specific needs.

[adventure-waffles]

So Practical!

[mascamaiorum]

Buck Moon rising over Clavell Tower in Kimmeridge

Jack Lodge Photography

[photo-art-lady]

Landscapes Of Nature ~ Fine Art Photography By Veridity E. Milligan

Peak District, Bakewell, UK

[kheprriverse]

New kofi post for members! this one's relative small though, few hylia-related doodles, landscape practice, and a piece of Demise's relationship with Hylia and the world around him.

This page was done super on the spot after I got to thinking about the deities a little more again. + a silly concept I might delve into more later.

-> my Kofi page

[inkbery]

Forest Dragon + coloring page

[blastorillophotography]

The storm recedes.

[magentagalaxies]

just finished interviewing bellini for one of my finals in my comedy class and i'm losing my mind over bellini going on a tangent about how if he were grading my comedy over the past year he would give me an A+. like i didn't ask him to say that and it wasn't related to any of the questions i asked but you better believe i'm leaving that in to be like see professor? BELLINI gave me an A+!!!

[myblogs2024]

I Never Knew This Until I Transformed My Outdoor Space with Custom Landscape Lighting!

Yay! So I used to think that outdoor lighting was just a simple addition to a backyard—a few lights here and there to help with visibility at night. But after transforming my own outdoor space with custom landscape lighting, I realized it’s so much more than that.

It changed the entire look and feel of my home in ways I never expected. The warm glow highlighting my garden, the subtle lights leading up the pathway, and the beautifully lit trees completely redefined my outdoor experience. Here’s what I learned through this transformation—and why you might want to consider it for your own space.

The Power of Custom Landscape Lighting

It wasn’t until I had the lights installed that I understood the full impact of outdoor lighting. The transformation was immediate. Not only did it enhance the beauty of my yard, but it also added an unexpected level of safety and security. I thought I was just going for aesthetic appeal, but I got so much more out of the process.

Visual Impact: As soon as the lights were installed, my entire outdoor area came to life. The shadows cast by my trees, the highlights on the stone walkway, and the soft illumination of the flower beds created an entirely new atmosphere. It made my home look more inviting and warm, even from the street.

Increased Security: I hadn’t given much thought to security when I started this project, but the difference was clear. With custom lighting placed strategically around my home, it eliminated dark areas where intruders could potentially hide. I instantly felt safer.

Extended Living Space: Before, my backyard was a space I only used during the day. After the installation, it became an extension of my home. I found myself spending more time outside in the evening, enjoying the warm glow as I relaxed or hosted small gatherings.

Why Customization Matters

What surprised me most was how much customization made a difference. Sure, I could have gone with basic, off-the-shelf lighting, but having a custom plan tailored to my space made it feel personal and unique. The lighting wasn’t just functional—it was designed specifically to highlight the best features of my home.

Personalized Design: The team helped me choose lighting that complemented my home’s architecture, highlighting features I hadn’t even noticed before. From the small tree in the corner of the yard to the stone wall that runs alongside the house, everything suddenly had a spotlight.

Energy Efficiency: I was worried that all these new lights would send my electric bill skyrocketing, but thanks to modern LED technology, they’re incredibly energy-efficient. I could enjoy the ambiance without worrying about high costs.

Tips I Wish I Knew Beforehand

As I went through the process of transforming my outdoor space, I picked up a few tips I wish I had known earlier. If you’re considering landscape lighting for your home, here are some things to keep in mind:

Layer Your Lighting: Using different types of lighting—like uplights for trees and path lights for walkways—adds depth to the design. It’s not just about one kind of light; mixing and matching can create stunning effects.

Think About Functionality: While aesthetics are important, don’t forget about the practical aspects. Lighting your pathways and driveways not only looks good but also helps prevent accidents at night.

Hire Professionals: I initially thought about doing it myself, but I’m so glad I hired experts like the team at Got Lights. Their expertise ensured that everything was installed correctly and designed with precision.

The Impact It Had on My Home

After experiencing the transformation firsthand, I realized that custom landscape lighting isn’t just for show—it’s a game-changer for how you interact with your outdoor space. My yard went from being a basic backyard to a cozy, inviting space that feels like an extension of my home. I had no idea how much lighting could elevate the experience until I saw it for myself.

Transforming my outdoor space with custom landscape lighting opened my eyes to the power of light. It didn’t just brighten up my backyard—it changed the way I use and enjoy the entire space. The combination of aesthetics, security, and functionality was something I didn’t fully understand until I went through the process.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your own space, I highly recommend exploring landscape lighting near me. It might surprise you just how much it can change your home. What’s stopping you from creating your own outdoor oasis? Check out Got Lights? for inspiration and expert solutions that fit your unique style.

Have you ever transformed your outdoor space with lighting? What challenges or successes did you experience? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments! And if you’re ready to see the difference for yourself, Got Lights? has the expertise to bring your vision to life.

[renycat]

Cape Elizabeth, Maine

[gregor-samsung]

Белые ночи почтальона Алексея Тряпицына [The Postman's White Nights] (Andrei Konchalovsky, 2014)

[rabbitcruiser]

National Piercing Day

Celebrated yearly on May 16, National Piercing Day is a fun observance that focuses on the art of piercings and its intriguing history. Are you a fan of body piercings? Maybe reading more about the day will convince you to get another one!

History of National Piercing Day

The art of piercings has existed for centuries and was not always used as a fashion statement. In fact, piercings have a different meaning for people belonging to varying cultures across the globe. This is why National Piercing Day was formed — to bring the history and importance of piercings to the forefront, as well as to spread awareness regarding the numerous forms and styles of body piercings across different cultural traditions.

For example, piercings were an essential part of the Native American religion where the act was performed during the Sun Dance ceremony to encourage powerful spiritual visions. Piercings are also said to have Ayurvedic benefits and were often done to cure ailments.

It is believed that National Piercing Day originated in 2007 when a group of individuals with an interest in body piercings joined forces and declared May 16 a day where the art of piercing is to be celebrated. While the day is still not officially recognized, it is gaining popularity yearly and is celebrated by piercing lovers across the U.S. Apart from promoting the cultural value of piercings and the history attached to the practice, National Piercing Day also celebrates piercing as an art form in today’s time and the essence of it as a medium of self-expression. Numerous piercing stores and boutiques around the country also offer discounts to customers on this day.

National Piercing Day timeline

3300 B.C. Pierced Iceman

The ears of Ötzi, a natural mummy found in the Austro-Italian Alps, are pierced 7–11 mm in diameter.

49–44 B.C. Do as the Romans Do

Julius Caesar brings piercings into fashion.

16th century The Elizabethan Era

A single ear piercing is seen as a sign of wealth and nobility.

1960s and 1970s The Nonconformists

Nose piercings become a part of the punk movement in the West.

National Piercing Day FAQs

What is the most popular body piercing?

The list includes ear-, nose-, and belly-button piercings.

What is the safest piercing to do yourself?

Earlobes are the safest area for piercing.

Can an 18-year-old sign off for a piercing?

Yes, but no one under 18 can be pierced without the consent of a legal guardian.

How to Celebrate National Piercing Day

Get a piercing

Read up on piercings in different cultures

Promote safe piercing

There’s no better way to celebrate the day than by getting a new piercing. Lucky for you, numerous piercing stores offer discounts on May 16!

There’s so much more to the art of piercing than we are aware of. Why not dedicate the day to finding out more about different piercing styles and stories from various cultures across the globe?

Make flyers regarding piercing safety and distribute them around your town. Numerous young people get unsafe piercings, therefore it is essential to educate them.

5 Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know About Piercings

The Guinness record for piercings

The Masai from Kenya

Earlobe piercing is common

It can cause infection

Piercing complications

Elaine Davidson has 9,000 piercings.

Adults from the tribe have lower lip piercings that are more than 6 inches big.

80% of American women have pierced ears.

Lip and tongue piercings can cause oral infections including gum disease.

A 1998 study revealed that 35% of piercings have complications.

Why We Love Piercings

We can adorn our bodies

They are trendy

Its an expression of body art

Piercings give us an opportunity to decorate our bodies with different accessories. In fact, a simple outfit can be uplifted by wearing the right earrings.

If done in the right places, piercings can be super fashionable and can add an edginess to your overall appearance.

For many people, piercings are a form of self-expression and art. Different areas of the body are pierced to showcase people’s individuality.

Source

[photo-art-lady]

Landscapes Of Nature ~ Fine Art Photography By Veridity E. Milligan

[beonled]

In today’s era of smart technology, the evolution of outdoor lighting has reached new heights with Beon LED’s innovative solutions.

[skimmeh]

oh here's a tip ...from my own experience with art

If you find you really like your sketches...but find your lineart always looks way more stiff and empty, and you miss the messiness and shapes you had in the sketch

Try-

instead of doing the classic, draws a sketch, lowers the opacity of sketch and draws the lineart on a layer above. Just draw into and erase at your sketch layer. Make your sketch layer into your lineart layer.

Play around with it, there is literally no rule on the 'proper' way to lineart your work. You'll have so much more fun with art if you just let yourself explore different ways of drawing ..rather than the stereotypical way.

I get this might be an obvious statement....but this is more advice that young me needed to hear, and might be helpful for some artist out there.

There is no rule to drawing. If you were finding drawing lineart the way you thought you was supposed to, really boring and unsatisfying. You could just not do it all together, find your own way where you're having fun with it.

I get that some people might find my art style annoyingly messy or not appealing. But I enjoy drawing this way, with how I mix lineart and sketches together, and I'm glad that some people also like the look.

[blastorillophotography]

Two skies.