(ARA) - Sprucing up outdoor spaces doesn't have to cost a lot to create a big impact. Rather than buying new, consider refreshing or upgrading furnishings, equipment and features you already have. You will save some green and give new life to items that might otherwise wind up in the trash - and ultimately in the landfill. Here are some summer spruce-up ideas:

Reviving patio furniture

Time, use and weather can leave outdoor furnishings looking withered and faded. Whether your patio set is wooden, painted aluminum, cast iron or even wicker, you can make it look new again with a fresh coat of paint. Gentle sanding and the right type of paint will have your set looking new in no time. Add in new cushions in bright colors and you've created a whole new look at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

Winning water features

Water features can add a splash of beauty and relaxation to an outdoor environment. Consider repurposing a flower pot or large colorful vase into a fountain by waterproofing it and adding a pump. Or if you bought a fountain a few seasons ago and it's sitting there unused because the original pump has burned out, it's actually simple and cost-effective to get it going again with a replacement fountain pump found at your local home improvement store.

As the weather heats up and evaporation causes water levels to drop in fountains, traditional pumps can burn out from too-low water levels. smartpond's Fountain Pump with Low-Water Shut-off, found at Lowe's, automatically turns off the pump when water levels dip low in your fountain, and automatically turns back on when you add water. The energy-efficient pumps are ideal for small- to medium-sized fountains and come with or without a light for evening enjoyment.

Fences and decks

Large surface areas such as fences and decks are the first to get noticed. Improve the aesthetics of worn, neglected surfaces with a new coat of waterproofer and stain. First, inspect for damaged boards and replace with appropriate materials when necessary. Check to be sure deck fasteners are secure and tighten them if they've come loose over the winter. If a fastener can't be tightened, you may need to replace it. Next, power wash and waterproof (either in clear or stain finishes) decks and fences.

You can also spruce up decks by making small changes, such as adding decorative rails or post caps. Lighting, decor and accessories can also freshen the look of an existing deck.

Keeping your grill great

New gas grills can cost from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. You can refurbish your old grill for a fraction of the cost. Start by cleaning all parts and surfaces by following the manufacturer's instructions. If you no longer have the manual that came with your grill, check the manufacturer's website to see if you can download one. It's possible to repaint rusted, faded or scratched parts as long as you use a paint rated for high temperatures. For stainless steel surfaces, use an appropriate polish to freshen the shine.

Worn-out igniters are also a common problem with gas grills, so check yours to see if it still works. If it doesn't, you can likely buy a replacement either through a home center or from the manufacturer.

With a few cost-effective upgrades, it's possible to spruce up the outdoor equipment you have, so you can enjoy it - and the savings you'll reap - for another season.

(ARA) - "The month of June, it is well if it be partly wet and partly dry." Despite that idealistic statement from an 1854 article on agriculture in The Cambrian Journal, no farmer, in the history of the world, has ever had the ideal weather for a perfect growing season. The same holds true for today's homeowners.

"Season creep" is a meteorological fact - spring arrives earlier than it used to, making homeowners scramble to protect tender new plantings when a sudden but short-lived frost arrives. This year's weather changes are more dramatic due to El Nino winds and more moisture content in the air. This is causing severe flooding in some communities and drought in others. In addition, people now stay in their homes longer than ever, averaging 9.2 years in very lived-in homes. So like farmers, homeowners need to figure out how to adapt to extreme weather conditions in order to get the long-lasting and beautiful flower beds, yards and gardens they want.

All plants need the same basic nourishment: good soil conditions, adequate water, sunshine, favorable temperatures and protection from predators. Of all of these factors, homeowners can most affect their soil content.

Good soil is the foundation of a good garden. Farmers know they have to amend their soil through a variety of methods: rotating crops, adding organic compost-type material, adding chemical fertilizers, and growing cover crops. The average homeowner can take on the simplest of these tasks: Feed the soil that is feeding your plants and use a landscape fabric to prevent weeds from taking root and competing for those same nutrients.

Adding a long-lasting organic growing mixture to your garden bed is easy. You can find them at a local garden center or from www.espoma.com. The idea is to make the soil a crumbly texture so that air and water can get to your plant roots and to put organic material into the soil that will give your plants a season's worth of nutrients.

Adding a landscape fabric to your garden bed will help with weed control and moisture retention. These can also be bought at your local garden center. It is a good idea to check the warranty on this type of product. One brand, WEED-X from Dalen Products, comes with a 20-year warranty.

First, you prepare your soil, then you lay down landscape fabric, then you add 1 1/2 - 2 inches of mulch on top of your bed. Studies have shown that WEED-X does an excellent job of preventing weeds from taking root below the fabric. Most weeds arrive in your mulch as airborne seeds and a few will root above the fabric. A little two finger weeding can easily remove these stragglers. Limiting the mulch to a depth of no more than 2 inches also helps prevent this problem. The landscape fabric will also help with the issue of getting your new plants enough to drink.

Homeowners generally realize that their new plants need more water in the beginning to establish their root systems. If Mother Nature does not provide rain on a regular schedule, it is time to drag out the hose and gardening can. Putting a bucket under your downspout or eave is a good way to collect wasted water to use for this needed chore (and it is probably near the plants you need to water anyway). A good landscape fabric will allow the right amount of moisture to reach your plant roots and will help the soil below the fabric retain moisture.

Homeowners can do very little to affect sunshine and temperatures, but they can protect tender new plantings from sudden frosts. Most folks empty their linen closets on nights when frost is predicted, but there are frost protection covers and blankets specially engineered to protect your plant in extreme weather available at your local lawn and garden center.

And finally, what can you do about garden predators? Good soil techniques do much to discourage insects and fungus from attacking a stronger, healthier plant, and not all insects are bad. "Farmscaping" is a technique to give a small percentage of your growing space to plants that will attract organisms and insects that arrive "with benefits." Barley, basil, borage, cosmos, rye, and lobelia are just a few examples of plants which can encourage biodiversity by providing the continuous blooms which nourish "good" insects and pollinators at all stages of their lives.

Homeowners will still need to purchase fencing, netting and scarecrow devices to contend with birds and other small animals who are attracted to fruit and vegetables meant for your table. Many homeowners use owls to scare off those scavengers. Read the owl story at www.dalenproducts.com to see how their Great Horned Owl (with either a rotating or solar head) does just that.

The idea behind these labor-saving techniques is help homeowners get to play and enjoy the beautiful days Mother Nature does provide in their easy-to-maintain, but lovely gardens.

(ARA) - A colorful fall garden is as simple as knowing what to plant. Although gardening sources may suggest seasonal projects, these might not be ideal for your region. To prepare for autumn, follow these simple guidelines based on your local climate. It's easy to have a beautiful fall garden - no matter where you live.

Settlers of the Southeast: Revive your garden by adding color with plants that thrive in cool weather, like pansies, foxgloves, snapdragons, sweet alyssum and edibles such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, greens and radishes. Container roses love autumn and are an easy addition to any outdoor space. Planting beauties like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocuses now will bring a splash of color to spring. Start a compost heap for conditioning your soil or feeding your garden.

Citizens of the Southwest: Temperatures are perfect to enhance your fall menu by planting herbs like cilantro and dill, as well as delicious vegetables like peas, carrots, beets and collard greens. Add color to your outdoor space with bloomers like poppies, dianthus, black-eyed Susans and moss roses. Remember, for rose bushes, now is the time to prune and feed to encourage further blooming. Fall is the best time to feed, dethatch, aerate and overseed grass with fescue or rye. Be sure to stop feeding and watering Bermuda grass before overseeding.

Residents of the West: Take full advantage of a second growing season. Bring culinary creativity to your dinner table by planting fall favorites such as carrots, fennel, potatoes, herbs, parsley and dill, which add extra flavor to your cooking. Grow beautiful cool season flowers like snapdragons, pansies, sweet peas and foxglove. Divide spring-blooming perennials, and plant wildflowers, ground covers and roses. Prepare grass for the season by aerating and feeding. Look forward to spring by pre-chilling bulbs like tulips, hyacinth and crocuses.

Members of the Midwest: The vibrant colors and bountiful harvests of summer fade into fall, but incorporating a few simple ideas can ensure the beauty of your garden lasts well into the autumn. Begin by adding colorful plants like mums and ornamental kale that will grow through the coming months. Fall weather is ideal for planting trees and shrubs - insert long-lasting tree spikes into the soil now for winter feeding. It's also a great time to plant edibles: lettuces, broccoli and other quick-growing, cold-tolerant vegetables can still thrive in the temperatures of the fall. Lastly, planting daffodil, hyacinth and tulip bulbs now will ensure a vibrant spring.

Natives of the Northeast: Transition your garden from summer splendor to fall finery in style by planting annuals that will add liveliness. Pansies are perfectly suited for cooler temperatures, as are chrysanthemums, and jewel-toned ornamental kale. While enjoying your still-blossoming garden, dig and store tender bulbs, like dahlias, cannas, gladioli and tuberous begonias, which could be damaged by the chill of winter. Interested in a little landscape? Fall is a great time to plant deciduous trees and shrubs. Feed properly so these have enough nutrition to survive the winter.

Courtesy of ARAcontent