Tag Archives: activelifestyle

The ‘Ferrari of Grills’: What’s the Deal with the Big Green Egg?

Tips, Trends, , , , , , , ,

Most people have at least heard of the Big Green Egg (BGE). The signature green color and egg shape make it unique amongst all other grills but the appearance is just the beginning of what makes the BGE the ‘Ferrari” of grills’. Simply stated, the BGE stands alone as the highest quality and most versatile outdoor cooking product on the market. Here’s why…

Versatility. The BGE is a grill, roaster, smoker, and an oven all in one that can be used year-round. Whether you are smoking at 200°F for up to 18 hours, baking at 350°F, or searing steaks at 750°F the BGE can do it all. With the BGE there is also no need for rotisserie because it cooks evenly from all four sides.

Unrivaled Results. Not only does the ceramic core make the grill incredibly efficient but it also holds moisture and flavor in your food unlike any other grill.  The BGE lump charcoal made from 100% natural oak and hickory sourced in the USA provides natural flavor without the use of harmful chemicals and lighter fluid.

Precision Temperature Control. BGE’s patented air flow systems allow precise temperature control from 150°F to 750°F. The unique shape cooks perfectly evenly while holding a constant temperature.  With EGGGenius you can also control your grill temperature and monitor your meat by degree directly from your phone.

EGGcessories. Punny, we know, but with BGE you will have an extensive line of accessories from baking stones all the way to pigtail flippers. These professional grade add-ons will enhance your cooking experience and make you look like a backyard hero while the EGG does all the real work.

Low Maintenance. BGE’s unique green glaze stands up to the elements and wipes off easily without the addition of chemical cleaners. Every few cooks EGGcessories such as the Stainless-Steel Fire Bowl and Ash Tool make it easy to clean out the small amount of soot that collects in the bottom.

Lifetime Warranty. Your investment in an EGG is protected by a successful company with a worldwide reputation for unmatched customer service. You will never need or want a new grill again (unless of course you want a second EGG).

If you are still unsure about the EGG, sign up for a grill class and experience the results yourself. You will be glad you did.

“The Ultimate Cooking Experience” is right here at Vande Hey Company. Stop by today and ask our EGGsperts about the Big Green Egg to see for yourself.

Pool Care and Chemical Maintenance: The Basics

Pools, Tips, Trends, , , , , , , ,

Unbalanced pool chemicals lead to water that will not only irritate and itch but also can cause damage to the pool. Slimy algae, stains, scale, and corroding pool equipment do not have to be part of owning a pool and maintaining chemicals does not have to be super complicated. Read more for some basic information about how to care for your pool and what all the different tests mean!

Basic pool care can be broken down into three simple steps:

  1. Sanitize routinely for a crystal-clear pool.
  2. Shock routinely to restore pool’s luster.
  3. Be proactive to prevent algae and other buildups.

What chemicals does my pool need? While there are many factors that determine how much chemicals a pool will need, regular testing will ensure you are achieving balanced water levels and maximum swimmer comfort. A pool will typically need more chemicals early in the season to balance the water and then fewer chemicals to maintain balance. Being proactive early in the season will help you save money on chemicals in the long run. At Vande Hey Company, we provide free pool testing and can recommend the necessary chemical quantities in order to achieve the perfect pool water. We recommend doing a complete test every 2-3 weeks and using strip testing intermittently to continue monitoring.

Desired Chemical Ranges:

What do my chemicals mean?

  • pH refers to the measure of acids and bases that exist in the water. Too much acidity in water will cause corrosion of pool surfaces and equipment while water that is too basic will result in scaling, deposits, and cloudy water.
  • Total alkalinity refers to acid buffers in the water that prevent the pH from bouncing up and down. When total alkalinity is too low, pools will not only see bouncing pH levels but also corrosiveness and staining. When total alkalinity is too high, the pool water will be cloudy.
  • Calcium hardness refers to the amount of dissolved calcium in the water. If there is not enough calcium, the water can cause plaster finish etching and shorten the life of vinyl liners. If calcium is too high, you will begin to find calcium deposits on your swim equipment.
  • Metals such as iron and copper should be removed from the water as much as possible because they can cause staining.

Pool maintenance is more than just chemicals. It is very important that the water is regularly circulated with a pump to keep the water moving and filtered in order to remove dust and dirt. Given the wide range of pools and sizes there is not really a “one size fits all” solution so we recommend checking with our pool team to ensure proper circulation and filtration.

Be Safe. Adding pool chemicals should not be a science experiment. Always read labels, do not mix chemicals, do not add chemicals while people are swimming, and make sure to wash your hands!

Stop by today to have your pool water tested! Happy swimming from all of us here at Vande Hey Company!

21 Ideas to Inspire Outdoor Living

Garden, Tips, Trends, , , , , , ,

Looking for fun and unique ways to inspire outdoor living? Tired of looking at Pinterest ideas that seem unrealistic? Want to create your own backyard paradise, but not sure where to start? These ideas are for you!

With ideas like these, little things go a long way! Try a few things this year, add a few more next year, and before you know it your yard will be looking like that backyard eye candy everyone dreams about! Contemporary, modern, rustic, alfresco dining…Sign us up!

#1) Bar Carts – Nothing says alfresco dining like a mini-bar or a bar cart. Bringing your drinks outside not only makes your trip for a refill shorter, but also creates a nice display item that all your guests can enjoy!

2) Stylish Outdoor Rugs – A rug brings a warm and cozy feel that can also add flare. Choose something with some color to accent your color scheme, or something more neutral-colored to tie everything together!

3) Planters – Nothing brings a backyard to life like something living. Custom arrangements and planters can bring color and also be updated seasonally to reflect different color schemes. Add some trellises or vertical plantings to create height dimension and watch the way your backyard transforms. Ask us about our Color 365 program to learn more!

4) Swimming Pool – Need we say more? Nothing builds a backyard paradise like your own pool! Something the whole family can enjoy; a pool will lead to many lasting outdoor memories. Add some lounge chairs with bright throw pillows to accent with bold color and you will have a tropical destination right in your back yard. Did we mention we install pools?!

5) Vacation Vibes – Tropical feels are not just for the Caribbean! Paint your railings white, pick out some Ratana furniture, some tropical planters, and maybe even a seagrass rug. Before you know it, you will be able to hear the ocean in your backyard!

6) Fire – Firetables, fireplaces, firepits, and fire features leave endless opportunities for warmth and flare. Nothing creates a cozy atmosphere like the crackle of wood or the soft flicker of a gas flame. One of 2020’s Top Garden Trends, fire is sure to always bring the heat. Build a modern contemporary look with straight lines and a rectangular firetable or a free-flowing rustic look with a rounded firetable.

7) Hot tub – Nothing heats things up in your backyard quite like a hot tub. If you want to really step up your game, you could even add a custom deck around the hot tub. Now you have the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine and the health benefits of spas!

8) Create Cohesion and Flow – Take your indoor themes and extend them out! Whether it’s color scheme or even just a few accent colors, your indoor style does not have to end at the doorway.

9) Lighting – Low voltage lighting not only provides beauty and safety at night but also expands your ability to use your outdoor space later in the evening. Create a warm glow throughout your backyard as you up light some trees, add some path lights, or spotlight different highlights!

10) Add some color – Adding fresh paint to a deck or staircase is a great way to create an eye catcher that brings new life to older landscaping.

11) Cover it up – Adding a sunroom, pavilion, pergola or other structure adds shade and protection while also adding a structural centerpiece. These structures look awesome and create the perfect place to relax and unwind outside.

12) Make it multi-level- A multi-level landscape means a multi-purpose landscape. Levels create unique structural diversity that break up the landscape and provide little nooks for all sorts of different things whether it’s cocktails, open lounge areas, or a fire pit.

13) Frame it with a Bench or Seat Wall- Seat walls create visual intrigue and structure as they wrap the border of your patio or deck. They create more open space adding seating without filling your area with chairs.

14) Outdoor kitchen – Nothing inspires outdoor living quite like cooking and eating outside! Whether it is an expansive outdoor kitchen area, a pizza oven, or one of our favorite grills (Green Mountain and Green Egg), a kitchen adds a place to spend quality family time and enjoy good food together.

15) Add new furniture – Berlin Gardens, Kingsley Bate, and Ratana (our favorite furniture lines), provide couches, chairs, tables, and more to help transform your outdoor space! The styles and colors are limitless, so choose something that fits your style!

16) Make it comfy – Don’t just get furniture—class it up and make it comfy! Take a look at fabrics for outdoor pillows or throw cushions and create a seating area that you won’t want to leave! Express yourself with unique designs and colors and watch how it brings life and style to your space. We have extensive brochures of options for every taste.

17) Embellish with Little Things – Little details make big statements! Add lanterns throughout your yard, your favorite smelling candles, some of our favorite towels or napkins from June and December, and more! Stop by our retail center for fun ideas on how to create a space that fits your style!

18) Play Some Tunes – Every outdoor space needs some classy dinner music and late-night dance music. Whatever vibe you’re looking for, a nice Bluetooth speaker or an outdoor sound system takes your backyard party to the next level.

19) Add a Water Feature – When it comes to aesthetics, nothing quite relaxes like the soft trickle of a water feature in your backyard. Add lights to it and you have a whole new highlight to your outdoor oasis.

20) Build an Herb garden – Seems simple, but fresh herbs take every dish to the next level. They look cute in a small corner planter, highlight your green thumb, and make you look like an alfresco dining pro.

21) Get Active – Add a basketball hoop, a turf putting green, or maybe even a multipurpose court! Spending active time outside is great for your health and a great way to grow your outdoor living lifestyle.

10 DIY Planters: Recycle, Re-purpose, Reuse.

Garden, Tips, Trends, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Are you looking for creative ways to bring new life to your yard? Are you looking for a fun DIY project that saves you money? Look no further! Recycling is not just separating some plastic bottles from the rest of your garbage; it’s also about reusing and re-purposing old items! Check out these unique planter ideas and show off your go-green zeal!

Before we jump into the ideas, we want to share a couple of notes. When it comes to plants, you want to be strategic about the plants you choose for your new pots. Because many of these ideas are smaller in size, we recommend succulents! Succulents can thrive in just about any nook or cranny because of their shallow root system. They all bloom, come in different colors and textures, and are easy to propagate. Not to mention the stellar names like tiger jaws, Shrek ears, and baby toes. Choose some tall ones, some hanging ones, and combine them to make a visual masterpiece. Just ensure you add a hole to the bottom of your planter, so the water can drain out.

Now without further ado, here are 10 DIY Planters: Recycle, Re-purpose and Reuse!

#1) Bottles or Tin Cans- It seems like canned goods are making a comeback, so maybe they can come back in your yard, too! Paint them, wrap them in fabric, cluster them together, or even stack them!

From Balcony Decoration

2) Pots and Kettles– Grab old scratched up pots that just sit in your drawer, add some paint, drill a hole in the bottom and TA-DA: new planter.

From Homesthetics

3) Clothing– Hang some old boots on a fence, set them in your garden, or even add a pair of jeans to make these unique “lower-half” planters.

From Home Stratosphere

4) Legos– If you are sick of stepping barefoot on those Legos that never seem to make it in the closet, put them to good use! Build a planter of any size and color, and just make sure to skip some holes in the bottom.

From In Habitat

5) Tires– Go BIG with some old tires. Stack them up, paint them, and create a new planter unlike anything in your neighbor’s yard.

From Favim

6) Bikes- Not only do bike wheels make a great trellis for climbing plants, but an old rusty bike can add a nice accent piece to your garden!

From The Micro Gardener

7) Broken Pots– Just because a pot is broken doesn’t mean it’s useless. This has got to be one of the coolest ideas we have seen! Just be careful with sharp pieces!

From Better Homes and Garden

8) Dresser– Looking for a big rustic looking planter? Just slap an old dresser down, cut some holes in the bottom for drainage, and decorate.

From i Creative Ideas

9) Sports Equipment-Make a hanging basket with half of a basketball, or use tennis rackets to build a trellis. You can even cut a smaller hole and place a pot in it as a centerpiece item! These make great gifts for sports team banquets!

From Balcony Garden Web

10) Bird Cages– Not all of us may have one of these laying around, but this is one really unique way to add a hanging accent with some trailing plants!

From Home BNC

While these suggestions are great, don’t be afraid to walk around the house and get creative! Once you have your new planter designed and decorated, we can provide the potting soil and some plants to fill it! Bring it in, show it off, and let us help you create a beautiful arrangement to fill your new planter.

For those of our less crafty friends, we also have our own succulent kits, custom arrangements, and even a full seasonal planter program with Color 365. We would love to help you create new centerpieces and accent containers that add fresh beauty and life to your yard. Call 920-788-6344 today with questions or to begin your journey.

Pool Face Off: Concrete Vs Vinyl Vs Fiberglass

Pools, Tips, Trends, , , , , , ,

Congratulations. You have finally decided to pull the trigger on the big pool install in the backyard—the new centerpiece of your landscaping, and your next big investment. Now you are likely deciding between the big 3 types of in ground pools: concrete, vinyl, and fiberglass. Let’s break down some of the key points between these pools.

Concrete Pros

Concrete undoubtedly provides the greatest versatility with almost unlimited customization. If you want a pool bigger and deeper than your neighbor’s house, or maybe one that’s shaped like a guitar, you can do it. You can create unique shapes, water features, and levels that flow flawlessly with your landscaping.

Concrete Cons

Along with the ability to customize comes a rough surface, by far the most expensive maintenance, and an install time that takes months. The rough concrete surface not only can lead to scratches, but also becomes a desirable home for algae. Concrete pools require vigorous scrubbing and vacuuming, yearly acid washing ($200-800), more chemicals because of concrete’s alkalinity, and resurfacing which typically happens about every 10 years (~$10,000). Concrete also absorbs heat from the pool requiring more energy to keep the pool warm. 

Vinyl Pros

Undoubtedly, the biggest benefit of vinyl is the lower initial expense. While not as customizable as concrete, vinyl allows for customization and addition of steps, seating, etc. at an additional cost. Vinyl is non-porous, smooth to the touch, and therefore requires less maintenance than concrete. 

Vinyl Cons

Vinyl liners, which often tear and fade, need to be replaced about every seven years or sooner if punctured by pet claws, toys, or sticks. Unfortunately, most liners have minimal warranties and these replacements typically cost $4,000-5,000 plus labor and water cost. In the long run, the costs will surpass fiberglass. These liners can also be very slippery, show seams and sometimes even wrinkles depending on the quality of installation. If you would sell your house in the future, vinyl pools have the lowest resale value, especially if you are nearing the end of your pool’s vinyl life.

Fiberglass Pros

Fiberglass pools have the lowest maintenance costs, require about 30% less chlorine, and can be installed in 2-3 days. Prefabricated in a climate-controlled factory, fiberglass pools maintain a beautiful façade over time, are smooth, but not slippery, resist algae, and are also more flexible as the ground naturally moves. They are by far the most durable and come with the best warranties. With a fiberglass pool, you save big in the long run on maintenance and time while having a pool that continues to look beautiful year after year.

Fiberglass Cons

 Fiberglass pools have the least amount of customizability because they come prefabricated. That being said, they can be customized by adding tile and mosaics, lighting, water features, etc.

Conclusion

The choice is yours. If you want a unique pool customized to your imagination and are willing to pay extensive long run costs—concrete is probably a good option. Vinyl is cheap to install, but fragile and more expensive than fiberglass in the long run. Lastly, fiberglass has the most benefits by far, but somewhat limited customization.

As you consider your options you should also consider your pool surroundings! You have the opportunity to create a tropical paradise right in your backyard. Our pool team at Vande Hey Company would love to help you make that paradise a reality!

Backyard, Now What? Part 2: Top 5 Questions You Should Be Asking Yourself to Create the Backyard of Your Dreams.

Design 101, Tips, , , , , , , ,

If you read “Backyard, Now What? Part 1,” you are already on your way to turning your backyard “blank page” into a beautiful masterpiece for you and your family to enjoy.  However, like a good student, you should also make sure you are asking the right questions. Asking the right questions will not only help you increase your own understanding, but also make sure you get exactly what you want with top notch quality. Here’s the Top 5 Questions You Should Be Asking Yourself to Create the Backyard of Your Dreams.

#1 How do I want to use the space?

This is arguably the most important question you will ask yourself throughout the entire design process. Are you looking to entertain groups of people? Are they large groups or small groups? Do you want a more intimate space for relaxing with just your family? What about your kids? How old are they now and how will their needs change as they get older? Do you want a pool, playset, basketball court, etc., that encourages an active lifestyle? What about grilling or other forms of outdoor cooking? What about privacy, protection from the elements, and light for enjoying your space at night? We know there are a TON of factors! That is why our team of experts recommends you “start with the end in mind” and then fill in the little details.

#2 Are there plants or features that I know I want?

What are your “must haves”? Is it a shade structure, the sound of water trickling for relaxation, or maybe a favorite plant? If you are not sure what you want, brainstorm! Check out our Garden Trends of 2020, research online, ask us for resources, and bring everything you collect with you when you meet with a Vande Hey representative. You do not need to make every decision right away, but get some ideas and we can help fill in the gaps!

#3 What is my budget?

Be realistic with your budget, but also remember to keep the end in mind—there are many adjustments that can be made to meet your budget, while not sacrificing your dreams.  For many people this means landscaping in phases; our team can help recommend steps so adding additional features like lighting, grills, or pergolas is not as costly in the future due to having to remove or relay pavers in order to run conduit or pergola posts. It could mean selecting younger plants that are much more economic than larger sizes of the same plant. Or you may want to DIY part or all of the installation; for example, Vande Hey Company could install the beds and you could install the plants with special instruction from us! These are just a few options to consider before settling for lower quality materials or installation.

#4 How do I choose a landscape designer?

A good landscape design and a great landscape design are two different things with differing aesthetic and functional results. You should consider factors such as reputation, services offered, cost, and their design process (see question 5). How many years has the company existed, and what examples of work can they show you? Are the designers degreed/licensed? Do they provide both design and build or do you need to hire install separately? Do they install all the elements of your design: plants, pavers, pools, structures, lighting, athletics, etc.? What about providing maintenance after the project is finished? Asking these questions will help ensure beautiful quality and longevity for all of your landscaping.

#5 What is my time frame?

When do you want the project completed by and what does the process look like? For spring install, it is best to start the process in the fall; and for fall install, it is best to start the process in the spring. It is also important to understand that weather such as rainy seasons or extended snow could also impact the scheduling of your project. In addition to scheduling, each landscape company will have their own unique process. It is important to ask about the process and understand the expectations. You can learn more about Vande Hey Company’s interactive analysis, design, and install process here.

Don’t flunk on your landscaping since you were not paying attention during class. Be part of the process, participate, and ask these questions to ensure that your yard becomes everything you want and more.

Vande Hey Company has been creating a legacy of landscape excellence since 1950. Call or stop by today to learn more about our process and how we can help you answer these 5 questions!

Why the Lawn Face? Fun Facts and Lawn Care Tips

Garden, lawn care, Tips, , , , , ,

April is National Lawn Care Month and we want to share 10 fun facts and 10 fun tips about lawns and caring for them. With these facts you will not only appreciate your lawn more, but also learn how to take your lawn game to the next level. No more lawn face, it is time for your lawn to show that fresh cut, pearly green smile. 

Fun Facts About Your Lawn

  1. A 50×50 foot area of healthy lawn generates enough oxygen to supply a family of four.
  2. Lawns are 3x more productive at producing oxygen than trees. 
  3. 1 acre of grass produces more oxygen than 1 acre of rainforest.
  4. Using turf instead of concrete on road embankments reduces traffic noise by 200%.
  5. Eight healthy lawns have a cooling effect similar to air conditioning needed to cool 16 homes.
  6. There are about 10,000 different species of grass worldwide.
  7. Lawns trap about 12 million tons of dust annually.
  8. Lawns reduce runoff, the average golf course receiving one inch of rain absorbs 4 million gallons of water.
  9. Well maintained turf grass can increase the property value of a home by 15-20%.
  10. Various species of grass are found in bread, whiskey, and beer, some of our favorite things!

Lawn Care Tips

  1. Make sure your mower blades are sharp. Sharp blades prevent the grass from tearing which can result in brown tips 
  2. Aerate! Compacted grass does not grow well. You can even use a garden fork by pushing it into the grass about 3-4 inches and gently rocking it back and forth. 
  3. Smart irrigation saves about 15-20% on your water bill and has sensors that determine how much water your lawn actually needs.
  4. Water in the morning or later in the evening. This helps prevent large amounts of water from evaporating.
  5. Different species of grass have different needs. Talk to a professional to ensure you are using the right fertilizer, at the right time, in the right amounts. Do not over apply fertilizer and pesticides!
  6. Leave your lawn longer in the summer (~3.5 inches when cut) to help prevent drought. 
  7. Cut your lawn short before the winter to prevent vole/mice damage (~2 inches).
  8. Fertilize when rain is in the forecast or water in your fertilizer so it gets down to the roots.
  9. Thatching your lawn pulls out valuable organic matter and is not recommended except for in extreme cases.
  10. The best time to sow grass seed is late summer to early fall when the temperature is more consistent and many competitive weeds are at the end of their life cycle.

 Give Vande Hey Company a call today to set up your lawn care package! With our help there will be no more lawn faces, only pearly green smiles you can show off to your neighbors.

Sources: Vande Hey Company Professionals, National Association of Landscape Professionals, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, International Society of Agriculture

Get Outside! 33 Outdoor Activities You Can Do Right Now!

Garden, Tips, Trends, , , , , , , ,

33 ideas for you, your family, and even your kids that will help you get outside, transform your yard, and have fun while doing it!

  1. Create some “Patio Playlists” for your upcoming summer events.
  2. Clean your grill.
  3. Learn about the trees in your backyard. Can you identify them based on the bark? The leaves?
  4. Start slow-growing annuals indoors. PRO TIP: download a light meter app on your phone to ensure your plants will get plenty of sun!
  5. Make a flower press. You can even do this with just cardboard and rubber bands at home. They make beautiful additions to cards, bookmarks, resin paperweights, pictures, and more!
  6. Start your spring cleanup—pick up sticks and leaves, cut back plants, and begin to prepare your beds for spring!
  7. Build a plant inventory list of all the plants in your yard.
  8. Create a plant wish list for plants you want to add this year. Check out our Plant Finder for lots of resources!
  9. Research new grill recipes for your next family cookout.
  10. Research recipes with fresh garden vegetables and herbs to step up your game this summer.
  11. Plant an indoor herb garden.
  12. Begin planting seeds for your vegetable garden indoors.
  13. Build a homemade bird bath.
  14. Enjoy some quality time in your backyard hot tub or learn about the health benefits here.
  15. Prune! The end of the dormant season is the best time to prune almost all trees and shrubs.
  16. Pick out some new houseplants to bring new life to your home.
  17. Take your outdoor furniture out of storage and clean it up.
  18. Start a rock garden with hand-painted rocks.
  19. Start your own DIY landscaping project. Check out our DIY kit here!
  20. Oil up or WD40 your adjustable basketball hoop.
  21. Make a homemade bird feeder.
  22. Go green! Pick out a few pollinator-friendly plants to create a little “buzz” about your landscaping.
  23. Rake your lawn when weather conditions permit
  24. Order a succulent arrangement from Vande Hey Company to bring low-maintenance, sun-loving succulents into your home.
  25. Have a picnic outside when it warms up.
  26. Mulch your yard to freshen it up and prepare ahead of time for your summer events.
  27. For a more detailed list of landscape management things to do check out our March Landscape Management 101 blog post.
  28. Keep an eye out for our April Landscape Management 101 blog post coming soon!
  29. Build and paint fairy houses for your garden.
  30. Get the outdoor firepit going and make s’mores or some other fire treat. PRO TIPs: Try adding peanut butter cups to your s’more or roast Peeps for Easter.
  31. Challenge your family to see who will be the first one in the swimming pool or pond.
  32. Listen to a podcast on gardening or landscaping.
  33. Accessorize your outdoor living space with outdoor furniture, firetables, grills, and more!

Backyard, Now What? Part 1: The Top 6 Benefits of Great Landscape Design

Design 101, Tips, , , , , , , ,

Sometimes staring out your window can seem like staring at a blinking cursor at the top of a blank page. You want to make something happen, but have no idea where to begin. Or maybe you feel like an HGTV guru with a thousand ideas, but not one idea that helps you make it happen. In this week’s blog we are going to talk about why design is important and The Top 6 Benefits of Great Landscape Design. Stay tuned for Part 2 where we discuss the top 6 questions you should be asking to create the backyard of your dreams.

Why is Design Important?

Grab some plant names from an HGTV show, order them online, and put them in the dirt. Easy right? WRONG. At Vande Hey Company we have degreed horticulturists who think about the size, spacing, and location of plants to maximize the health of the plant as well as visual appeal. We also think about factors such as the blooming season for each plant, grading and drainage, and even the amount of maintenance plants require. We make sure all the elements of your design, both softscape and hardscape, create a backyard that maximizes flow and function.

Top 6 Benefits of Great Landscape Design

#1 Year-Round Usage

A great landscape design provides a yard for you to enjoy all year. Whether it is seasonal blooming plants to provide color, shade structures to keep things cool, lighting to keep the party going, or bug prevention, a great design can greatly expand your backyard capabilities.

#2 Enhanced Curb Appeal and Property Value

If you ever decide to sell your gorgeously designed piece of property, great design means selling faster for higher dollar amounts. Not to mention you will be “that neighbor” with the beautiful yard everyone else is secretly jealous of.

#3 Save Time and Money

Small things make big differences in the long run. Simple design tweaks such as shading your AC can increase AC efficiency up to 10% while shading your house can save even more. Choosing native or other low maintenance plants requires less water, fertilizer, and pruning, saving you both time and money.

#4 Protection

Tired of your neighbors checking you out? Privacy screens and other strategically placed plants not only keep the neighbors out, but also act as wind shields protecting you from the elements.

#5 Environment Friendly

Good plant choices result in more nutrient-dense soil and cleaner air. Great design also increases biodiversity, attracting birds and pollinators to your. Added elements such as no mow areas, or rain gardens can also decrease maintenance and help filter water.

#6 Good Drainage, Longevity, and Quality

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. Protect your property from water and ensure beautiful landscaping that lasts. Great design will take into account how you plan to use the space over time and account for how plants and trees will evolve into the space as they grow.

At Vande Hey Company, you will receive a great design from a degreed professional, that is unique to you—catered toward your needs, your wants, and your budget. Our team of professionals will work closely with you from start to finish to ensure absolute quality and satisfaction.

Boom. Your blank page is now a dissertation on outdoor living instead of a sad face drawn in crayon. That’s the benefit of great landscape design, plain and simple!

Vande Hey’s Top 5 Health Benefits of Spas

Spas 101, , , , , , , ,

Yes, you read that right. There are actually health benefits to relaxing in the warm waters of your backyard spa! From helping lower stress, to easing lower back pain and sleeplessness, hydrotherapy is proven to improve your overall well-being. Let’s dive into these benefits from our spa team!

#1 Stress Relief

Warm water to relax your body, hydrotherapy jets to ease tension, lighting system to set the mood, and a sound system to put on your favorite tunes. That sounds like something to look forward to after a long day at work!

#2 Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery

When you sink into your luxury spa, you are immediately experiencing three things: heat, buoyancy, and therapeutic massage. First, heat will cause your blood cells to dilate thus increasing blood flow and bringing valuable nutrients to your muscles. If you regularly exercise at high intensities, increased blood flow can also reduce the buildup of lactic acid. Second, the buoyancy from the water eases the constant pressure on joints and muscles allowing them to relax and heal. Lastly, therapeutic massage releases tension in muscles and can even help work out knots. As your body relaxes from the hydrotherapy you will also release positive endorphins that act as the body’s natural painkiller.

If you have pain, stiffness, soreness, knots, etc., a spa can help. In fact, it’s even more efficient than a sauna. It heats your body faster and is easier on your body because you are buoyant in water rather than weighed down on a hard, wooden seat.

#3 Better Sleep

Now that you are relaxed and de-stressed, of course you are going to sleep better. You also reset your body’s natural thermostat allowing you to fall into a deeper sleep faster.

#4 Exercise?

We put a question mark here because this just seems too good to be true. Let’s focus on the facts.  

1) Increased heart rate and improved circulation do simulate the effects of exercise. 

2) A study by the New England Journal of Medicine found that spas can lower blood sugar levels when used regularly. 

3) There are multiple other real studies that support the links between spas and exercise. 

“So you’re telling me there’s a chance?” Our spa experts at Vande Hey Company certainly agree there’s a chance, but we also recommend regular exercise and a healthy diet to help boost the effects of your hot tub health machine.

#5 Quality Time

A spa provides a great opportunity to have some alone time or have some great conversations with friends and family.

Whether you have a spa or not, we just want you to be happy and healthy! So pour yourself a glass of wine and jump on in. Enjoy the little things, and don’t forget to take care of yourself. It’s a beautiful life and you should enjoy it!

As always, if you need help or have questions, give us a call. Our team of professionals is here for you.