Photo: Unsplash

Many homeowners spend a lot of time improving their indoor spaces look and feel, redecorating the bedrooms, changing the floors in the living spaces, and refinishing the kitchen cabinets.

However, it's equally important to pay attention to the outdoor areas of your property as well.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your landscape and improve your backyard that won't just make it more enjoyable and attractive, but could also increase the resale value of your home as well.

An excellent way to upgrade your landscape and ultimately enhance your backyards look and feel is to plant a garden. Many homeowners simply content themselves with essential lawns and simple hedges, but gardens can add a lot of color, life, and beauty to any property. And they can work wonders on a home's sale value too.

Photo: Houzz

There are many ways you can add a beautiful garden to your outdoor spaces. You might choose to set up a large raised planting bed, for example, and then sprinkle over some flower seeds to let the pretty plants start to grow. Or you might choose a more functional garden, plating fruits, veggies, and herbs that you can actually eat and add to your recipes later on.

As well as having pretty plants and possible fruits and veggies growing outside, you shouldn't underestimate the importance of a good quality lawn and a well-maintained yard.

Studies show that homeowners who take the time to focus on landscaping and keep their yards looking clean and well-maintained tend to have a much easier time selling their homes, and it's easy to see why.

Photo: Jessica Merz / Flickr

When people visit your home, they can quickly be turned off by a badly-kept lawn or poorly-maintained plantings. They'll start to worry that if the property is in bad shape, the homes inside might not be very well looked after either.

So, make sure to take the time to tidy your lawn, mow it, fertilize it, keep plantings neat and orderly, and so on.

Photo: Unsplash

Many homeowners dream of having their pool, and there are so many advantages that come with this outdoor addition. A pool can be so much fun for the family to enjoy, giving you another option for exercise and personal fitness and being a great feature when it comes to hosting parties and special occasions.

However, many people worry about the cost of adding and maintaining a pool. It's essential to weigh up the pros and cons here and calculate your budget accordingly.

Remember that above-ground pools are a lot cheaper, on average, so you don't necessarily have to spend a considerable amount to get a pool, and they can add thousands of dollars to your home's sale price.

Fire pits are all the rage right now, and studies have shown that homes with fire pits sell, on average, for a 2.8% higher price than comparable homes without fire pits. They also sell a few days faster, on average, so not only can they make you more money, but they can also ensure a super speedy sale too.

What's more, fire pits are a lot of fun to enjoy on your own or with the company. They're basically like controlled outdoor fireplaces, perfect for gathering around on a fantastic night with friends or family, warming up deck and patio spaces, as well as making your yard look much more chic and contemporary than other yards in the neighborhood.

Another exciting and affordable addition you can make to your yard or garden to make it more functional, practical, and valuable is a path. Paths add structure and definition to outdoor areas, and they make it so much easier for people to walk around outdoors without needing to step on the lawn or get their shoes wet.

Photo: Paul Marcial / Flickr

Paths are straightforward to install too, and you can often do most or all of the work on your own without needing to spend too much, simply using large slabs to form a pathway. Or you can bring in a professional to get a more premium path. Either way, having a path is a great idea.

This tip doesn't necessarily apply to the garden or yard, specifically, but it does apply to your homes outdoor appeal and can make a massive difference to your houses resale value. Fixing the roof is so important to get a more straightforward and better sale and for your comfort and safety.

Roofs don't last forever. Over time, as they're exposed to changing weather conditions and extreme temperatures, they can start to crack and weaken. This can cause leaks and other issues that may be very costly to repair and make your home look tired and worn-down.

Fixing the roof on the house and the roofs on garages, sheds, and other outdoor structures is therefore essential.

Good lighting is another essential element for attractive outdoor spaces, and it's something that many homeowners forget or overlook.

Too many people only use their yards in the daytime, so they don't take the time to install lights and lamps to let them sit outside after dark. However, studies show that homes with outdoor lighting sell quickly and at higher prices than those without.

There are various forms of outdoor lighting you can set up. A good option is solar-powered lights. These lights absorb solar energy from the sun throughout the day and then automatically glow when the evening arrives.

Good lighting will give your home a more cozy and welcoming feel, as well as helping out with security because well-lit homes tend to deter would-be intruders.

Photo: Jana Perenchio / Flickr

Last but not least, we have to mention smart garden technology. You've probably heard of smart home technology, as many people are setting up things like smart speakers, smart fridges, smart door locks, and smart doorbells to make their home more futuristic and comfortable to live in.

Well, there are also plenty of smart garden essentials too. Innovative sprinkler systems, for example, can be programmed to automatically turn on at certain times of the day or in certain conditions and are easy to control via an app on your phone. Smart garden lights and cameras can also be set up for comfort and security.'

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8 Landscaping Improvements That'll Boost Your Home's Value - News & Features

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Baby Swimming Pool Market Analysis: The transformative Impact Due To COVID-19 The Courier - The Courier

From a Wash Park backyard with Mediterranean allure to a stone terrace with views of the Flatirons, these outdoor living spaces are sure to inspire.

Lots of time spent outdoorsyear-round!is a hallmark of the Colorado lifestyle, whether youre grilling al fresco, kicking back while taking in a picturesque sunset, or huddling around a fire pit with family and friends. No wonder, then, that around here, stylish outdoor spaces are always in demand. Weve tracked down five of themfrom a stone patio with sweeping views of rolling hills to a secluded urban oasisto inspire your patio upgrades this spring.

Tucked at the bottom of Morrisons hogback, this outdoor space (pictured above) presented design challenges from the get-go. Its an interesting site, topographically, says landscape architect Chris Turner, principal of Elevate By Design, referring to the steep slope on the east side of the lot. Instead of fighting against the natural grade, Turner and a collaborative team of engineers and contractors embraced it in order to design an outdoor area that blends with its natural surroundings and complements the homes modern architecture.

Now, a stream cascades down the hillside, meandering around strategically placed boulders before feeding into a heated pool that resembles a natural pond, thanks to its sinuous shape and black interior finish. A sleek fountain wall with a trio of spouts is fed by a spa tub perched on a terrace above. We ended up using the movement of water to soften the hard angles [of the home], Turner says of the aquatic features.

To tie it all together, the lounge areaanchored by a swanky Nisho firepitis bordered by large concrete pavers with a sandy finish that complements the homes exterior stucco walls.

Landscape Design: Elevate By DesignResidential Architecture: TKP Architects

After about four years of living in this 1980s-era house just south of Boulders Wonderland Lake, the owners decided to make it their forever homebut first, they needed to invest in some serious upgrades. Primarily, the work was about, How do we connect the indoor spaces to the outdoor spaces? says architect Steve Perce, principal of Boulder-based Bldg Collective. Though the homeowners loved that the set of trifold doors along the rear wall of the house opened onto a concrete patio, the homes disjointed layout prevented easy access to the outdoor space. The solution: By reconfiguring the fireplace, moving the kitchen, and formalizing the living room, Perce says, they created a more natural flow from interior to exterior.

The team also replaced the windows, doors, siding, and roof; replaced and updated the metal railing on the upstairs patio; and patched and repainted the stucco walls around the trifold doors. The end result is a breezy, modern dwelling that invites its inhabitants to move freely through its living areas when dining, relaxing, or entertaining. Best of all, as Perce says, you cant even see where the old and new come together.

Residential Architecture: Bldg CollectiveFurnishings: Studio Strongwater

On the outskirts of Aspen, theres an 8,500-square-foot dwelling thats invisible to those traveling along the main access roadsave for a tantalizing sliver of architecture that hints at the modern marvel hidden from view. A closer look at the property reveals that this unobtrusive quality extends to its sculpted landscaping, which unites the modern architecture with the softer, wilder feel of its surroundings. Its a very naturalistic landscape that creeps into the [modern living] spaces, says landscape architect Gyles Thornely, owner of Aspens Connect One Design.

The key feature of Thornelys design is a grassy berm that wraps around the living space, acting as this hugging arm that separates the wild from the human activities, Thornely says.

In the private sitting area, simple hardscaping provides an understated backdrop for an avocado-shaped fire pita custom design 10 feet in diameter, created by California stone sculptor Roger Hopkinsand a mirrored sculpture by Danish artist Jeppe Hein. [The art] is fun and whimsical, Thornely says, and complements the rectilinear geometry of the house. Yin, meet yang.

Landscape Design: Connect One DesignResidential Architecture: CCY Architects

What this patio lacks in space, it makes up for with Mediterranean allure. Located across the street from Denvers Washington Park, the lot is tight, with minimal privacy. Our goal was to make an outdoor living space that was a continuation of the house, says Scott Parker of Nest Architectural Design, the Denver firm tapped to dream up the entire 5,000-square-foot home, which takes its cues from Spanish styles of architecture. Led by project manager Laura Parsons, the Nest team designed two rustic wooden pergolasone off the front of the house, the other off the backto create secluded yet airy outdoor rooms. To tie them together, Parker explains, we ran two timber beams through the house from front to back, from pergola to pergola.

On the back patio, thoughtfully chosen design elements help maintain the intimate feel. A stone fireplace adds a cozy touch while providing a degree of privacy for the seating areas, and creeping greenery climbs up (and, eventually, across) the pergola for a romantic vineyard-esque feela slice of European charm in the city.

Residential Architecture: Nest Architectural DesignLandscape Design: R Design

Tasked with remodeling a South Boulder home after it was ravaged by floods, the team at Mosaic Architects & Interiors quickly realized that water damage wasnt its only flaw. Nothing was responding to the views and context of the home, says Mosaics senior architect Rachel Leeand that included the outdoor space. Everything was positioned the wrong way; it didnt take advantage of what was there. In other words, Lee says, the house wanted to realign itself to the view.

That meant adding about 350 square feet to the footprint, tilting the orientation of the home on its axis to face northwest, and angling the patiothe edges of which curve gently in harmony with the surrounding hillsto capture views of the Flatirons. In keeping with the clients Buddhist sensibilities and Zen approach to space, a natural buff sandstone sculpture provides an eye-catching endpoint to a sightline that begins at the front door and extends through the living room and outside to the patio. Its an unusual feature that draws you through the house, [invites you to] pause, then draws you out to the wilds beyond, Lee says.

Residential Architecture: Mosaic Architects & InteriorsLandscape Design: Altgelt & Associates

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Upgrading Your Patio This Spring? Take Cues From These 5 Outdoor Oases - 5280 | The Denver Magazine

COVID-19 caused homeowners to focus on ways to relax and entertain at home. And as everyone grew weary of spending time indoors, backyards have become more important than ever, with homeowners looking for ways to make these spaces more livable.

Backyard improvements increase your entertaining square footage says Jenny Usaj, employing broker and co-owner of Usaj Realty, a real estate brokerage in Denver, CO. While not technically heated or cooled to be calculated livable square feet, backyard living rooms are certainly a great addition, she adds.

But with so many different backyard ideas and projects to choose from, it can difficult to know which ones will provide the biggest bang for your buck. These are nine backyard improvements that add value to your home.

(Image credit: Getty / Deb Perry)

The beauty of an outdoor fire pit is that it allows you to be comfortable in your backyard when the weather turns cool or downright cold.

One of the hottest improvements a homeownercan add to their backyard is an outdoorfire pit installation - that is oftentimes gas powered - with stone dcor walls and patio tile, explains Jason Gelios, a realtor at Community Choice Realty in Detroit, MI.

If you spend $6,000 to $8,000 on a custom outdoor fire pit, Gelios says the ROI when you sell the home is roughly 60-70percent. This can be huge, because a homeowner could enjoy the comfort and ambience of an outdoor fire pit but not lose all their money when they decide to sell, Gelios says.

And if you dont want to spend that much, Bill Golden, a realtor/associate broker at RE/MAX Around Atlanta, GA, has another option. At my ownhome, wewere goingto build a fire pit, but decided to experiment by using a pre-made fire pit, and liked it so much that it became our permanent solution, he says. Regardless of which type of fire pit you choose, Golden believes it is certainly a worthwhile backyard project. The added value of a fire pit helps a potential buyer see that this home has the room and amenities in place to enjoy it across varying seasons.

(Image credit: Wayfair)

How much time homeowners spend in their backyards depends not only on physical comfort, but also the level of solitude and isolation afforded from neighbors. As the poet David Frost said, Good fences make good neighbors. However, if you dont have the budget (or the will) to put up a full-length fence, David Charette, licensed interior designer and founder of Britto Charette in Miami, FL, offers two alternative solutions. First, he recommends using greenery. Potted plants and trellises can provide privacy and also add color to your backyard. In fact, even if your only backyard space is a balcony, Charette says plants and trellises will work well.

You can also use decorative fencing - create layers of privacy using decorative panels made of wrought iron, stone, or wood, combined with fabrics and greenery, he recommends.

To Patrick Garrett, a broker/owner in Birmingham, AL, an outdoor kitchen is the first backyard improvement that comes to mind when deciding what will add value. A fabulous outdoor kitchen can really make a home stand out against its competition. However, he warns that not all outdoor spaces are created equal. To get the biggest ROI, you will want to ensure the outdoor kitchen space is truly functional, and one that can be used at least three out of four seasons, Garrett advises.

So, what does this entail? A ceiling fan to enjoy a cool breeze on hot summer days, and a fireplace or fire pit to warm up during those cool fall evenings, he says. In addition, Garrett recommends that the outdoor kitchen have plenty of counter space for prepping food and party supplies. It should also have a nearby sink for washing hands, and of course a space and electrical connection to hang a television for that big game event, he says.

A deck can increase your livable outdoor space, and thats why broker Ted Karagannis, of Warburg Realty in New York City, recommends it. In fact, he really likes tiered or multi-level decks. Creating wooden platforms for different level decks is a fantastic way to bring interest in creating exciting environments, and will add much value to your backyard experience, he says.

But before you build a deck (or have one built), there are a few steps you need to take first. Its vital that you check with your local ordinances to see whats required by the local municipalitys code to build a deck, advises Joe Raboine, director of residential hardscapes at Belgard. Second, be sure to have a professional engineer the deck to ensure that the joists are properly spaced, and that the number of supports/footings is correct.

(Image credit: Markus Spiske for Unsplash)

A pool is a significant investment, and Golden says the added value varies greatly but is increasing. In the past, there were as many people specifically looking for a pool as there were people who wouldn't buy a house with a pool, he explains. But the pandemic changed that equation. People are spending way more time at home now, and that has increased the demand for pools. Golden says there are around five pools being installed in his neighborhood right now since theyre in such demand.

Part of the value quotient here - as with many such improvements - is how long you plan on staying in your home. He admits that youre not doing to get a dollar-for-dollar ROI. But, if you get to enjoy it for many years and it's a selling point when you put your home on the market, it can definitely be worth the investment.

(Image credit: Made.com stock)

This is another backyard improvement that can add value and usable space. If a home has a large backyard, but there are no shaded areas for sitting and enjoying a cool summer breeze after a long days work, a pergola could be a great option, Garrett explains. There are many value-add options with a pergola, such as adding electrical outlets or building a fire pit in the center for enjoyment during those intimate conversations on cool days. In fact, Garrett says some homeowners even add a roof, lights, and a ceiling fan to increase functionality.

Usaj agrees, adding that an outdoor pergola with furniture and a rug does wonders in enhancing a standard outdoor space. Creating a sense of place within your backyard for entertaining will increase your home value as this is an amenity many people are looking for as they continue to work from home and entertain friends and family.

In fact, thats why Golden says he built a shade structure in his own backyard. We have a large deck adjoining our backyard pool, but it's in direct sun for much of the day, he explains. Building a shade structure not only gave us a way to better enjoy our outdoor space, but for relatively little money it created another outdoor room, which definitely adds value to the home.

Never underestimate the importance of landscaping even in the backyard as it relates to curb appeal. Many times, when I go to show a home with bad landscaping or no landscaping, my buyers are turned off by the whole property, reveals Gelios. Homeowners can spruce up their landscaping with low maintenance plants and shrubs to increase the curb appeal. So, what does he recommend? Concrete walkways, a medium sized tree and flowering shrubs can set you back around $6-7,000 but gain a return on investment of 80-85 percent. And as a bonus, youll enjoy this beautified space while youre living there.

Karagannis also believes that sprucing up your landscape can improve your homes value.

Planting perennials is very important, as perennials will reappear year after year and will be a constant reminder of the different seasons of the year, he explains. Annuals are also very important for bringing added color and will remain flowering from early spring into fall, and each year you have the opportunity to change the selection.

(Image credit: iStock)

In addition to adding plants to your backyard to beautify your landscape, Karagannis believes theres something else you can plant that would be appealing to buyers. Its also great to create an herb and vegetable garden, especially now that many of us are cooking three meals a day from our homes, he says. There is nothing more satisfying than growing your own herbs and vegetables and being able to handpick your spices, tomatoes, lettuce, etc. to complete your fine meals.

One person who has always been a huge advocate of screened-in porches is Golden, and hes glad the market has finally caught up. Buyers tell me all the time that they want some sort of outdoor room, which is how a screened porch functions, he says. They can run from a simple screened structure to an elaborate room like one of my recent listings had, including a fireplace, heater, and hidden TV. He recommends consulting with a realtor familiar with your area to determine what makes the most sense for your home. This is another scenario in which the ROI is hard to calculate, but since it is more of an extension of your home than other backyard updates, you are likely to see a great ROI.

Excerpt from:
9 backyard improvements that'll increase your home value - Real Homes

If you are all out of salt right now, you might have given up. We wouldn't blame you.

We checked several Cincinnati Home Depot, Lowe's and Ace Hardware stores on Tuesday, and all were sold out. You can use kitchen salt or vinegar for some at-home defrosting, as we demonstrated on Monday, but that will only cover a step or two.

But we found some unlikely places that may still have ice melt for sale.

Check swimming pool stores

Chris Schwitzer, store manager of Eastgate Pools and Spa on old SR-74 in Eastgate, has a better tip: Try swimming pool salt.

"It does seem to work," he said.

On Wednesday morning, Schwitzer's store still had plenty of bags of pool salt, which is just ground differently than driveway salt.

"It's a more granulated salt then rock salt, so it is a finer powder," he explained, meaning it can be tougher to spread.

Other pool supply shops in the region should have good supplies of pool salt as well.

Farm, landscape, mower stores

You might also check with farm supply and landscape stores.

On Cincinnati's East Side, Evans Landscaping in Newtown still had both bagged and bulk rock salt.

Also check Neff Landscape and Garden Center in Batavia, which posted that they still have salt.

On Cincinnati's West Side, Klei Mower on Colerain Avenue posts on their Facebook page when they get salt shipments in.

They just received a shipment Tuesday afternoon.

In Kentucky, Mullins Supply Barn in Crittenden told us Tuesday they had buckets of salt for sale. They also post salt updates on their Facebook page.

Some locally- owned hardware still have salt, so check around. Cliff Hardware in Sharonville had good supplies as of Wednesday.

Note that any of the places listed here could run out at any time, so check their Facebook page, call or email before you make a 20-minute drive.

Or you can just hope to get lucky, as Gary Dent did.

His son called to say Speedway in Mt. Carmel had just received a shipment of bags late Tuesday.

"He says, 'Dad you won't believe it. Speedway's got ice melt!' So I came here to get a bag," a thrilled Dent told us.

These days, finding a pile of salt bags is almost enough to make you cry.

If you know of other stores with plentiful supplies, send us an email so you don't waste your money.

__________________________________

Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps").

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Where you can still find salt in the Tri-State - WCPO

KENNETT SQUARE, PA Longwood Gardens recently unveiled plans for a sweeping yet deeply sensitive transformation of its core area of conservatory gardens, in the most ambitious revitalization in a century of Americas greatest center for horticultural display. Adding new plantings and buildings across 17 acres, Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experiencewill expand the public spaces of the renowned central grounds and connect them from east to west, offering a newly unified but continually varied journey from lush formal gardens to views over the open meadows of Pennsylvanias Brandywine Valley.

The project originates from a master plan developed in 2010 by West 8 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture with WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism. Longwood has continued working with WEISS/MANFREDI as lead designer, in collaboration with Reed Hilderbrand, onLongwood Reimagined, which continues the institutions distinguished history of commissioning and collecting outstanding garden designs and glasshouses. The project will be managed by Bancroft Construction Company, based in Wilmington, Delaware.

In keeping with Longwoods tradition of blending fountain gardens and horticultural display, the centerpiece and largest single element ofLongwood Reimaginedis the creation of a new 32,000-square-foot glasshouse, designed by WEISS/MANFREDI, with gardens and pools designed by Reed Hilderbrand. This new West Conservatory with its asymmetrical, crystalline peaks seems to float on a pool of water, while the garden inside, inspired by the wild and cultivated landscapes of the Mediterranean, is conceived as seasonally changing islands set amid pools, canals, and low fountains. In the tapestry-like garden design, iconic plants of this ecology such as aloes, laurels, blueblossom, and Greek horehound hug the ground, with higher plants such as cypress and 100-year-old olive trees rising up into the soaring space while other plantings are suspended from above. Building on the great 19th-century tradition of glasshouses through new sustainable technologies, the West Conservatory is a living, breathing building, with earth tubes and operable glass walls and roof that allow the interior garden to thrive.

Longwoods Cascade Garden, the only design in North America by the great Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, is being relocated in its totality to an all-new, 3,800-square-foot glasshouse of its own, a jewel box where the tropical plantings will be preserved and can thrive at the heart of the conservatory ensemble. A new outdoor Bonsai Courtyard, built alongside the West Conservatory, will exhibit one of the most outstanding collections of bonsai in the country. Wood walls and hedges will create an intimate, gallery-like space with bonsai displayed on free-standing pedestals and on ledges mounted to walls. Carved into the topography that faces the Main Fountain Garden, a new public restaurant and private event space with a series of vaults reveals the spectacular fountain displays. Above the restaurant and event space, the landscaping of a new South Terrace and South Walk provides a shady promenade extending along the existing and new conservatories to a new West Terrace, where the landform echoes the arc of a stand of hundred-year-old plane trees and frames views out toward the Brandywines meadows.

Other elements of the $250 millionLongwood Reimaginedproject include construction of a new education and administration building with a state-of-the-art library and classrooms; renewal of the beloved Waterlily Court designed by Sir Peter Shepheard (1913-2002); and preservation of six historic Lord & Burnham glasshouses from the early 20th century, to be relocated at a later date and used for year-round garden displays. As part of the initial phase of transforming the area, Longwoods beloved century-old Orchid and Banana Houses will close on March 1 for preservation and will re-open in time for Longwoods 2021 year-end holiday display.

Paul B. Redman, President and CEO of Longwood Gardens, said: In the tradition of our founder Pierre S. du Pont, who transformed a rural arboretum into one of the worlds most beautiful places for horticultural display, Longwood Gardens has been growing and evolving for more than half a century from a private estate into an inviting center for public enjoyment. Each generation of Longwoods stewards has both preserved and renewed the Gardens, commissioning the eras leading landscape designers and architects to add to the grounds. Over time, Longwood has assembled one of the worlds most important collections of garden designs and glasshouses. With the assistance of the brilliant team of WEISS/MANFREDI and Reed Hilderbrand,Longwood Reimaginedwill be the largest undertaking in our history, enhancing the dazzling and deeply satisfying Longwood Gardens that will continue to enthrall our public for decades to come.

Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi, founders and principals of WEISS/MANFREDI, said: Were inspired by the sense of discovery and invention that are signatures of Longwood Gardens. We conceived of the design as a cinematic journey, a sequence of experiences that range from intimate to grand. The West Conservatory, with its pleated crystalline ridge, appears to float on water and is magically reflected by day and night. The vaults of the new restaurant and event space are carved into the hillside to reveal views of the Main Fountain Garden. A new arcade frames the historic Waterlily Court, and the great Cascade Garden is sheltered in a custom-designed glasshouse. These transformations extend the DNA of Longwood Gardens through the creation of new settings for public enjoyment and delight.

Douglas Reed, partner and principal of Reed Hilderbrand, said: We felt our first responsibility in reimagining this expansive area of the grounds was to give expression and identity to the idea in the master plan to extend the conservatory complex along the high ridge. We drew inspiration from existing features of Longwoods landscape, among them tree-lined walks. The expansion scheme structures trees to define space and direct movement, recognizing Longwoods origins as an arboretum. Above all, we felt this ambitious project must retain the character and warmth associated with Longwoods origin as an arboretum and country estate.

A multitude of subtle and imaginative architectural elements link the components across all 17 acres of the project site. The graceful curvature of the steel tree-branch columns of the West Conservatory enables them to be slender while bearing their load. At its highest point, the roof of the West Conservatory matches that of the Main Conservatory, reinforcing the connections across the site. At the same time, the West Conservatorys roofline surprisingly dips and rises again in a catenary, carrying WEISS/MANFREDIs sense of gentle, organic processes into the architectural forms. Within the new restaurant and event space, trellis-like ceiling vaults and arches echo the forms of the Main Fountain Garden and further reveal connections between the architecture and garden. This theme is extended to reimagining the Waterlily Court, which is framed by a new arcade that redefines the court as an outdoor room and central destination.

Reed Hilderbrands design for the expanded landscape offers visitors an itinerary of grand walks and new and restored gardens, with places for gathering and pause provided throughout the intensive experience. Each garden reflects its identity and purpose: a West Walk that serves for strolling and orientation, a Central Grove along the Waterlily Court that serves as an entry to the new West Conservatory and relocated Cascade Garden, a walled Bonsai Courtyard that provides space for the exhibition of rare bonsai, and the expanded green of the West Terrace celebrating the grove of hundred-year-old plane trees.

A key element ofLongwood Reimaginedis the relocation and reconstruction of the Cascade Garden. Planned in consultation with WEISS/MANFREDI, Reed Hilderbrand, Burle Marx Landscape Design Studio, and a panel of preservation experts convened by Longwood, this is the first time that a historic garden has been relocated as a whole. Burle Marx designed the Cascade Garden in 1992 within an existing structure, which was retrofitted to accommodate hundreds of tropical plants, 35 tons of rock, and 3,000 feet of heating cable. Now this ensemble of richly textured plants that evokes elements of the rainforestpalms, bromeliads, philodendrons, and moreset amid vertical rock walls, cascading water, and clear pools will be moved into a new, custom-designed glasshouse.

Anita Berrizbeitia, Professor of Landscape Architecture and Chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, said: The Cascade Garden gathers in a condensed space all the recognizable elements of the work of Robert Burle Marx, one of the 20th centurys most influential landscape architects. Its unique esthetic vision was delicately realized and is exceptionally well preserved. The new space, custom-designed for the Cascade Gardens optimal health and well-being, will allow it to thrive for many decades to come.

Longwood expects to break ground on the project in Spring 2021. The Main and East Conservatories will remain open throughout the transformation, and Longwood Gardens will continue to present an ongoing schedule of events and performances.

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Longwood Gardens to Expand and Transform Renowned Conservatory Grounds - MyChesCo

Agar Plates Market Therapeutics 2021 Global Industry Research Report by Classification, Product Study, Trends Overview, End-User and Regional Analysis, Forecast to 2025

The Agar Plates research report Evaluates the major key Aspects of this Industry which are Probably Impacted by Covid-19 Scenario. Theres almost an 80% rise in consumption of digital healthcare services after Covid-19. The Research study also Provides key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development by Providing Historical and Futuristic Data. These Research Study on Agar Plates Market makes substantial R&D investments in developing new products and advanced technology under the Insights on WHOs key consideration.

Competitive Landscape and Industry Players with Innovation & Related News:

Agar Plates market competitive landscape provides details including company overview, company total revenue (financials), market potential, global presence, Trends, sales and Demand Drivers, Pricing Policy, production Status, Technology and Other Services on Industry Analysing Factors Like SWOT analysis, PESTEL Aspects, Ansoffs Matrix and others.

Industry key players covered in Agar Plates Market Research Study are: 3M, atect Corp., Cherwell Laboratories, Asiagel Corporation, Merek, Liofilchem, Central Drug House (CDH), Teknova, BD, Thermo Fisher Scientific

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Market Segments:

The key market drivers influencing global Agar Plates Industry growth, Future opportunities, current challenges and the risks Factors faced by Top key players and market Stakeholders. For the purpose of this Industry study, the Agar Plates Market has segmented the report on the basis of Type, Applications:

By Types:

50mm

90mm

140mm

Others

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Environmental Monitoring

Hygiene Control

Food Science

Medical and Pharmaceutical

Others

The stringent regulatory framework of Applications and high cost of these Services are projected to curb the growth of the Agar Plates market. But increasing Number of diagnostic centres, hospitals, and clinics may have the Opportunity globally.

Regions Analysis:

For the historical and forecast period 2015 to 2025, it provides detailed and accurate country-wise volume analysis and region-wise market size analysis of the global market, including: The Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.

The Americas FDA is anticipated growth to dominate the global Agar Plates market owing to the increasing demand for medical care for the diagnosis and Treatment of various health conditions.

According by The National Health Service (NHS) England: The growing economy, increasing healthcare expenditure, and the presence of a large number of medical device companies in this region drive market growth by rising expenditure toward research & development on healthcare bodies and government.

Asia-Pacific market is expected to be the fastest-growing region owing to the increasing geriatric population with health issues. The increasing patient pool increases the demand for medical care, which boosts the contrast media market in this region.

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Agar Plates Market Demand, Size, Competitive Landscape With Global Industry Forecast To 2025 KSU | The Sentinel Newspaper - KSU | The Sentinel...

KENNETT SQUARE, PA Longwood Gardens today unveiled plans for a sweeping transformation of its core area of conservatory gardens, in the most ambitious revitalization in a century of America's greatest center for horticultural display.

Adding new plantings and buildings across 17 acres, Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience will expand the public spaces of the renowned central grounds and connect them from east to west, offering a newly unified but varied journey from lush formal gardens to views over the open meadows of Pennsylvania's Brandywine Valley, according to Patricia Evans, Communications Director for Longwood Gardens.

The $250 million project originates from a master plan developed in 2010 by West 8 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture with WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism. Longwood has continued working with WEISS/MANFREDI as lead designer, in collaboration with Reed Hilderbrand, on Longwood Reimagined, which continues the institution's distinguished history of commissioning and collecting outstanding garden designs and glasshouses. The project will be managed by Bancroft Construction Company, based in Wilmington, Del.

Longwood said it expects to break ground on the project in Spring 2021. The Main and East Conservatories will remain open throughout the transformation, and Longwood Gardens will continue to present an ongoing schedule of events and performances.

In keeping with Longwood's tradition of blending fountain gardens and horticultural display, the centerpiece and largest single element of Longwood Reimagined is the creation of a new 32,000-square-foot glasshouse, designed by WEISS/MANFREDI, with gardens and pools designed by Reed Hilderbrand.

This new West Conservatory with its asymmetrical, crystalline peaks seems to float on a pool of water, while the garden inside, inspired by the wild and cultivated landscapes of the Mediterranean, is conceived as seasonally changing islands set amid pools, canals, and low fountains.

Building on the great 19th-century tradition of glasshouses through new sustainable technologies, the West Conservatory is a living, breathing building, with earth tubes and operable glass walls and roof that allow the interior garden to thrive, a news release explained.

Longwood's Cascade Garden, the only design in North America by the great Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, is being relocated in its totality to an all-new, 3,800-square-foot glasshouse of its own, a jewel box where the tropical plantings will be preserved and can thrive at the heart of the conservatory ensemble. A new outdoor Bonsai Courtyard, built alongside the West Conservatory, will exhibit one of the most outstanding collections of bonsai in the country.

Wood walls and hedges will create an intimate, gallery-like space with bonsai displayed on freestanding pedestals and on ledges mounted to walls. Carved into the topography that faces the Main Fountain Garden, a new public restaurant and private event space with a series of vaults reveal the spectacular fountain displays.

Other elements of the $250 million Longwood Reimagined project include construction of a new education and administration building with a state-of-the-art library and classrooms; renewal of the beloved Waterlily Court and preservation of six historic Lord & Burnham glasshouses from the early 20th century, to be relocated at a later date and used for year-round garden displays.

As part of the initial phase of transforming the area, Longwood's beloved century-old Orchid and Banana Houses will close on March 1 for preservation and will reopen in time for Longwood's 2021 year-end holiday display.

Paul B. Redman, President and CEO of Longwood Gardens, said: "In the tradition of our founder Pierre S. du Pont, who transformed a rural arboretum into one of the world's most beautiful places for horticultural display, Longwood Gardens has been growing and evolving for more than half a century from a private estate into an inviting center for public enjoyment."

"Over time, Longwood has assembled one of the world's most important collections of garden designs and glasshouses. With the assistance of the brilliant team of WEISS/MANFREDI and Reed Hilderbrand, Longwood Reimagined will be the largest undertaking in our history, enhancing the dazzling and deeply satisfying Longwood Gardens that will continue to enthrall our public for decades to come," Redman added.

Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi, founders and principals of WEISS/MANFREDI, said: "We're inspired by the sense of discovery and invention that are signatures of Longwood Gardens. We conceived of the design as a cinematic journey, a sequence of experiences that range from intimate to grand. The West Conservatory, with its pleated crystalline ridge, appears to float on water and is magically reflected by day and night. The vaults of the new restaurant and event space are carved into the hillside to reveal views of the Main Fountain Garden. A new arcade frames the historic Waterlily Court, and the great Cascade Garden is sheltered in a custom-designed glasshouse. These transformations extend the DNA of Longwood Gardens through the creation of new settings for public enjoyment and delight."

Douglas Reed, partner and principal of Reed Hilderbrand, said: "We felt our first responsibility in reimagining this expansive area of the grounds was to give expression and identity to the idea in the master plan to extend the conservatory complex along the high ridge. We drew inspiration from existing features of Longwood's landscape, among them tree-lined walks. The expansion scheme structures trees to define space and direct movement, recognizing Longwood's origins as an arboretum."

Reed added, "Above all, we felt this ambitious project must retain the character and warmth associated with Longwood's origin as an arboretum and country estate."

Reed Hilderbrand's design for the expanded landscape offers visitors an itinerary of grand walks and new and restored gardens, with places for gathering and pause provided throughout the intensive experience.

A key element of Longwood Reimagined is the relocation and reconstruction of the Cascade Garden. Planned in consultation with WEISS/MANFREDI, Reed Hilderbrand, Burle Marx Landscape Design Studio, and a panel of preservation experts convened by Longwood, this is the first time that a historic garden has been relocated as a whole.

Burle Marx designed the Cascade Garden in 1992 within an existing structure, which was retrofitted to accommodate hundreds of tropical plants, 35 tons of rock, and 3,000 feet of heating cable. Now this ensemble of richly textured plants that evokes elements of the rainforestpalms, bromeliads, philodendrons, and moreset amid vertical rock walls, cascading water, and clear pools will be moved into a new, custom-designed glasshouse.

Anita Berrizbeitia, Professor of Landscape Architecture and Chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, said: "The Cascade Garden gathers in a condensed space all the recognizable elements of the work of Robert Burle Marx, one of the 20th century's most influential landscape architects. Its unique esthetic vision was delicately realized and is exceptionally well preserved. The new space, custom-designed for the Cascade Garden's optimal health and well-being, will allow it to thrive for many decades to come."

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Excerpt from:
Longwood Gardens To Add 17 Acres With Eye On Future - Patch.com

Longwood Gardens, the celebrated botanical garden spanning over 1,000 acres of the Brandywine Creek Valley just outside of Philadelphia, announced today that New York-based multidisciplinary practice WEISS/MANFREDI will lead a dramatic redesign and revitalization of the gardens 17-acre core conservatory area.

WEISS/MANFREDI, which previously teamed up with West 8 to develop a 2010 master plan for Longwood Gardens, will work in close collaboration with Cambridge, Massachusetts-headquartered landscape architecture firm Reed Hilderbrand for the $250 million revamp project, titled Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience.

Working alongside Beyer Blinder Belle and West 8, lighting design and consulting firm LObservatoire International received a 2017 AN Best of Design Award in the Lighting category for its new ambiance-enhancing lighting scheme at Longwood Gardens executed as part of an earlier renovation project.

As detailed in a press announcement, WEISS/MANFREDI and Reed Hilderbrands sweeping yet deeply sensitive transformation will expand the public spaces of the renowned central grounds and connect them from east to west, offering a newly unified but continually varied journey from lush formal gardens to views over the open meadows of Pennsylvanias Brandywine Valley.

At the center of the reimagining will be a new 32,000-square-foot glasshouse designed by WEISS/MANFREDI with gardens and pools designed by Reed Hilderbrand. Longwood Gardens described the new West Conservatory as a 21st-century take on iconic, Victorian-era hothouses that will incorporate state-of-the-art sustainable technologies including earth tubes and operable glass walls and roof. Featuring a tapestry-like design, the West Conservatorys interior gardenspopulated by aloes, laurels, blueblossom, Greek horehound, and lankier specimens such as cypress and centenarian olive treesreference the wild and cultivated landscapes of the Mediterranean and were envisioned by the design team as seasonally changing islands surrounded by pools, canals, and low fountains.

The glasshouses exterior will also take on an island-like effect. With its pleated crystalline ridge, [the West Conservatory] appears to float on water and is magically reflected by day and night, said Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi, cofounders and principals of WEISS/MANFREDI, in a statement.

Were inspired by the sense of discovery and invention that are signatures of Longwood Gardens. We conceived of the design as a cinematic journey, a sequence of experiences that range from intimate to grand, added Weiss and Manfredi. These transformations extend the DNA of Longwood Gardens through the creation of new settings for public enjoyment and delight.

In addition to the new West Conservatory, an additional new 3,800-square-foot glasshouse will be erected to house Longwoods tropical Cascade Garden. Designed by prominent Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, the Cascade Garden opened in 1992 and is the only North American landscape designed by Marx. For Longwood Reimagined, the Cascade Garden, previously located at the site of what was once the Desert House, will be painstakingly relocated in its totality to its new custom-designed glasshouse.

The Cascade Garden gathers in a condensed space all the recognizable elements of the work of Robert Burle Marx, one of the 20th centurys most influential landscape architects, said Anita Berrizbeitia, professor of landscape architecture and chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Its unique esthetic vision was delicately realized and is exceptionally well preserved. The new space, custom-designed for the Cascade Gardens optimal health and well-being, will allow it to thrive for many decades to come.

Additional new landscapes and spaces realized as part of Longwood Reimagined include a new outdoor Bonsai Courtyard adjacent to the West Conservatory that will provide an intimate, gallery-like new venue for Longwood Gardens to display its world-class bonsai collection, and a new public restaurant and private event space that will be tucked into the hilly topography opposite the Main Fountain Garden. Located directly above the restaurant and event space will be a new South Terrace and South Walk featuring landscaping that provides a provides a shady promenade extending along the existing and new conservatories to a new West Terrace, where the landform echoes the arc of a stand of hundred-year-old plane trees and frames views out toward the Brandywines meadows, according to the press announcement.

Whats more, the Longwood Reimaginedproject will also entail the construction of a new education and administration building featuring a library and classrooms, a refresh of Sir Peter Shepheards historic Waterlily Court that will see it framed by a new arcade, and the preservation of six historic early 2othcentury Lord & Burnham glasshouses that will eventually be relocated and used for year-round displays. The Orchid and Banana Houses will also be subject to preservation work beginning on March 1 and re-open ahead of the winter holidaysa popular season for Longwood.

We felt our first responsibility in reimagining this expansive area of the grounds was to give expression and identity to the idea in the master plan to extend the conservatory complex along the high ridge, said Douglas Reed, partner and principal of Reed Hilderbrand, in a statement. We drew inspiration from existing features of Longwoods landscape, among them tree-lined walks. The expansion scheme structures trees to define space and direct movement, recognizing Longwoods origins as an arboretum. Above all, we felt this ambitious project must retain the character and warmth associated with Longwoods origin as an arboretum and country estate.

Work on Longwood Reimagined is slated to kick off this spring. The Main and East Conservatories will remain open throughout the project and planned events and performances will continue to be held pending pandemic-era restrictions. Opened to the public in 1921 by founder Pierre S. du Point, today Longwood Gardens is most visited paid public garden in North America. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

The Delaware-based Bancroft Construction Company will manage the project.

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WEISS/MANFREDI and Reed Hilderbrand reveal an expansive reimagining at Longwood Gardens - The Architect's Newspaper

The Cape Cod house at 186 Long Hill Road in Middletown is modest in size and price, but big on modern amenities.

The seven-room, three-bedroom, two full-bath house was built in 1926 and has 3,666 square feet of living space. It features a long list of attractive amenities, including a Buderus boiler with five heating zones, Harvey triple pane windows, a water softener with a PH neutralizer, 200 amp electrical service and central air conditioning. All of that, is topped off by a GAF lifetime architectural shingle roof, according to Jeff Petersen, the listing agent.

Updated kitchen with farm sink at 186 Long Hill Road, Middletown.

The level property of almost two acres also contains a detached two-car garage with a separate in-law/au pair suite or legal rental space above it.

The 798-square-foot unit above garage was recently renovated and features a large kitchen with a cathedral ceiling, one bedroom and one full bath. The property also comes with a 12x36-foot red barn with a cupola and loft for additional storage. Also outside, there are heated gutters with a Hott Topper to melt ice and snow and an electric dog fence installed around the perimeter.

Family room at 186 Long Hill Road, Middletown.

The grounds are amazing as one of the owners owns a landscaping business, and you can see the pride of ownership, Petersen said. That pride of ownership will be evident as soon as Mother Nature stops dumping feet of snow on the state. The 1.76 acres consists of perennial gardens, fruit trees, and space for a vegetable garden, he said. The yard also features a 20x40 foot in-ground pool and the pool house for storage.

Back inside the main house, The family room is the main attraction, Petersen said. It features a cathedral ceiling, exposed beams and a wall of red brick housing a wood-burning fireplace with a rounded firebox. There is also an updated kitchen and a first-floor master bedroom.

Seven-room Cape Cod house at 186 Long Hill Road, Middletown.

This house is less than 10 minutes from downtown Middletown, which has an abundant amount of shops and restaurants, Petersen said.

There are walking trails across the street from the house and hiking trails at Wadsworth Falls State Park which is only five minutes away, as is Wesleyan University and major highways.

This house is on the market for $469,900.

Kitchen in in-law or legal rental apartment at 186 Long Hill Road, Middletown.

Kitchen and breakfast room at 186 Long Hill Road, Middletown.

Kloter Farms barn with horse weathervane at 186 Long Hill Road, Middletown.

Living room with pellet stove at 186 Long Hill Road, Middletown.

Family room with red brick wood-burning fireplace at 186 Long Hill Road, Middletown.

Main house, garage/apartment/pool and barn at 186 Long Hill Road, Middletown.

Main house and detached garage/ apartment at 186 Long Hill Road, Middletown.

In-ground swimming pool and pool house at 186 Long Hill Road, Middletown.

For more information contact Jeff Petersen and Patricia Raffile of Century 21 AllPoints Realty; Petersen at 860-670-0548 or jeffpetersen.century21@gmail.com, and Raffile at 203-213-5200.

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On the market: Middletown house with barn and in-law suite - Middletown Press