Outdoors

Help! Invading bamboo!

Help! Invading bamboo!

Question: Could you post an article on the responsible way to plant bamboo? Proper selection and planting could help neighbors retain friendship as well as money. My neighbor’s bamboo invaded my landscape, costing us a few thousand dollars and a huge headache. Thank you, Riley E. P.S. Thanks about the previous post on horsetail. I…

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The new world order: SoCal style

The new world order: SoCal style

My entry into the world of barter — the new world order referenced above — is the result of a perfect storm consisting of (1) a broken Pottery Barn market umbrella, (2) my ridiculously fruitful avocado trees and (3) the miracle that is Craigslist. The umbrella is a delightful red and blue paisley that goes…

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Virtual tour of Venice backyard retreats

Virtual tour of Venice backyard retreats

If your backyard isn’t what it could be, check out the Home section’s virtual tour of Venice gardens. I’m loving this simple tea house. You can see this and other Venice homes and gardens tomorrow, Saturday, during the Venice Garden & Home Tour. Tickets cost $70. (Photo: Annie Wells / Los Angeles Times)

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When bad solar fountains happen to good people

When bad solar fountains happen to good people

You don’t need to share with me the definition of insanity: trying the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Been there (bought junk), done that (had it fail), still slipping into it. Specifically, I’m talking about the solar fountain I bought ignorantly and impulsively at Home Depot last October. I paid…

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Outdoor room: Here’s what I’m talking about

Outdoor room: Here’s what I’m talking about

Isn’t this just the most sumptuous, comfortable, amazing outdoor room? Isn’t this why we live in a Mediterranean climate? This lovely outdoor space is in a Manhattan Beach backyard, featured in the L.A. Times’ Home section, and I could move in today. See the photo gallery. My favorite elements: The cushions hanging against the retaining…

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Honey, who put the 90-foot power pole in front of our house?

Honey, who put the 90-foot power pole in front of our house?

So imagine this: One day you look out your front window and see a gleaming 90-foot power pole in front of your house that was not there before. You’re shocked because you had no notice or warning from the power company, Edison. And that’s because Edison has the right of way and is not required…

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In the garden, it’s Earth Day every day

In the garden, it’s Earth Day every day

Here’s a clever idea, seen in a Santa Monica garden, for paths in your own patch of paradise. You can reuse old bricks, garden tools, tiles, terra cotta pot bottoms and whatnot to make your green journey a little more interesting. (Photo: Sharon Cavanagh)

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The accidental froggery

The accidental froggery

I never planned on creating a gathering place for frogs, known as a froggery. But I did nevertheless. It started with a simple fountain on my back patio, which I set up in a pot to hear the sound of water. I added some water plants for variety. One day, as I was adding fresh…

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Remodeling trend: males abandoning man-caves?

Remodeling trend: males abandoning man-caves?

Men, could this be true? You’re abandoning your man-caves for man-kitchens and man-patios? This emerging (get it?) trend was announced in a press release for ReVision, a remodeling company that won an award for the outdoor man-kitchen you see here. Todd Senft, from the Canadian remodeling company, said the project was created for “a young…

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New Products: deck boards in new colors, composite railing systems

New Products: deck boards in new colors, composite railing systems

In case a new deck is in your future, your decision-making-process just got more complicated. Here are some new products being introduced by TimberTech: BuilderRail (top photo) is kind of cool looking with black metal balusters and composite rails. It was introduced at the 2008 International Builders Show in Orlando, Fla., and the rails are…

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