“Rebuilding Together San diego” is an organization we’ve been working recently in promoting the idea of “neighbors helping neighbors.” We find it incredibly important to give back to the communities, especially ones in which we are so much a part of. Rebuilding Together San Diego approached us with a wonderful idea and mission, that we were honored to be able to be a part of:
” In partnership with volunteers, donors and organizations, Rebuilding Together San Diego revitalizes homes and neighborhoods for low-income homeowners and communities in need, especially the elderly, disabled and families, helping them to live in warmth, safety and independence.”
In joining with Rebuilding Together San Diego, we were able to liven backyards with a fresh new look for spring. Here are some of projects.
This bounteous garden look was created using black bamboo fencing, spare wooden crates/boxes or drawers, a palm tree, extra plants and pumpkins. What’s useful is that the boxes are not only decorative but are also functional as creative planters.
Replacing an older fence or wall can be costly so for a charming and charismatic look, our natural 4ft fence is paired with our mahogany 4 ft fence which works with the gate and borders the tall trees.
To give a walk way to a home more character, our rock bench was paired with matching path stones.
It’s nearly impossible to not hear about going green, the 3 Rs (reduce reuse recycle) and the infinite ways in which you can help the planet. For your next home decorating or landscaping project, we wanted to give you 5 reasons why we are buzzing about Bamboo and what makes it so great!
1) Bamboo is STRONG
Different species of bamboo are stronger than oak, harder than cedar and have the tensional strength comparable to steel. By purchasing bamboo, you’re getting a quality building material at a fraction of the cost, and is also incredibly versatile.
2) Bamboo is GREEN Being that bamboo is not a woody tree but in fact a weed like grass, it grows at an incredibly fast rate. Unlike traditional trees that can take years or decades to grow, Bamboo can be grown and harvested at a much quicker rate. It’s a renewable resource that serves as an alternative material that can be used for an infinite number of possibilities for goods.
3)Bamboo is VERSATILE From sheets to cutting boards, fencing, tiki bars, furniture and so much more, Bamboo is being used world wide in various types of production. You can even customize your own building project with rolls of fencing or individual poles.
4)Bamboo is AFFORDABLE Let’s face it, economic times have not been at their greatest in the past few years and investing in upgrading your home or landscape can be a hefty investment. Bamboo offers an affordable way to instantly give your home and garden that tropical or zen revival. Replacing a wall or fencing around your yard can also be quite expensive but at times necessary if you’re looking to sell your home or are required by home associations; Bamboo fencing can offer a cost effective and easy solution.
5)Bamboo is an ECONOMIC SOURCE Rural and tropical environments are prime places for Bamboo to grow, but some of these areas are also some of the poorest areas in the world. Bamboo has become a viable economic resource for developing countries, providing jobs and a livelihood for many people. In addition to the economical benefits, the ecological ones are extremely prevalent as well, by reducing industrial and urbanization impacts.
The advantages and possibilities when it comes to bamboo are endless. The support and promotion of eco friendly products helps individuals today have a viable livelihood, while it is also a renewable resource that will also preserve natural resources for future generations.
Last week’s CLCA landscape industry trade show was a hit and we wanted to extend our thanks to everyone for stopping by our booth to say hi and entering in our Tiki Bar Contest. Congratulations to T. Mahlman from LCIS Inc. on winning, we hope your Tiki Bar has made a tropical paradise out of your home or backyard.
It was spectacular how the Los Angeles convention center was literally transformed by all the exhibits, lush greenery, towering trees and serene water gardens. In addition to the colorful visuals, the CLCA show offered informative demonstrations on the specifics to tree trimming, building a wall, water conservation and more. We enjoyed networking and meeting people from different industries and the wealth of knowledge they had to offer when it came to home improvement and landscaping.
We decorated our booth with bamboo fencing, artificial grass,pottery, a tiki bar and 8 ft banners displaying our products and services. Our TV which had rotating images of projects in which our products were used, was a big hit and sparked a lot of interesting “how to” questions.
The biggest hit was our Tiki Bar contest! Everyone dropped their business cards into a jar and at 2pm on Thursday the cards were transferred to a large box to be efficiently shuffled, then a name was drawn.
Over the two day show, they offered 3 demonstrations that explained the technical aspects that go into tree trimming.
Our booth became the center of a lot of attention and questions especially in regards to our bamboo fencing, pottery and Tiki Bar.
We had a wonderful time meeting with everyone and our updated catalog will be emailed to everyone that requested one very soon. We look forward to seeing you at the next show and don’t forget to check your email or back here frequently to see where we’ll be next.
As a long time member of the California Landscape Contractor’s Association, we will be attending the CLCA Industry Trade Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center February 3rd-4th and would love to see you there! Our booth number will be 649 and we’ll be showcasing our best products and answering any questions.
If you’re an industry professional, please stop by and talk to us about how we can help provide for your business and save you money!
Feel free to take a look at our Catalog and please contact us if you have any questions. We look forward to meeting you!
Floating in the Great Pacific is an enormous patch of garbage in which is composed of 80% plastic and said to be twice the size of Texas. Also known as the “Pacific Trash Vortex”, the garbage in these areas of water are so dense with debris and garbage that have been collected by the water currents of the North Pacific Gyre. Water samples taken from recent years in comparison to collected samples in the past, shows an increase in the abundance of broken down plastics in the water.
“Researchers believe this enormous trash zone accumulated over many years from trash being dumped off boats and ocean-going ships, and from trash accumulated on beaches, where it eventually washed in the Pacific Ocean and into the huge zone.” ~cnn.com
Water bottles and plastics from consumer packaging rarely make it to the recycling bin and are the largest contributors to our landfills and in our waters. The pollution of plastics in the ocean not only presents eco-system and environmental concerns but also health risks as well. Larger plastics breakdown into smaller pieces in which small fish eat and as they are eaten by larger animals and fish, the toxicity concentration of the plastics multiply by the time they reach our food supply.
The Great Pacfic Garbage Patch on Good Morning America
Because of the abundance of debris, and the constant accumulation of more trash, cleaning up the waters is becoming a near impossible task. The best way to start is to prevent the further build up of pollution in our oceans. The next time you’re at the beach or by a river, be mindful of the garbage left and dispose of trash properly. Save money buy investing in a re-usable water bottle!
Americans buy an estimated 29.8 billion plastic water bottles every year.
Nearly eight out of every 10 bottles will end up in a landfill.
It is estimated that the production of plastics accounts for 4 percent of the energy consumption in the U.S.
HDPE and PET bottles showed the highest recycling rates of any plastic bottles types, at 27.1 and 23.1 percent, respectively.
Less than 1 percent of all plastics is recycled. Therefore, almost all plastics are incinerated or end up in a landfill.
Recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60-watt light bulb for up to six hours.
It is easy to forget that minor decisions we make create a great impact on this earth that we live in and that the damage eventually cycles back to harm our health as well. The food we eat, the air we breath and the water we drink is all impacted by the environment and what we dump in it.
Support the use of renewable resources such as Bamboo, that can be re-grown, re-cycled and re-used for multiple purposes. For your next purchase, whether it’s a desk from Ikea, a new computer from Apple, or even a book or CD, pay attention to how much packaging is involved in your purchase and try to recycle. Support stores and companies that make conscious decisions to be green.
It’s an uphill battle, but we have to start somewhere so that future generations can enjoy this planet.
What makes Bamboo Fencing so popular is it’s versatility and low maintenance. Despite how easy it is to utilize and care for bamboo fencing, since it is a natural material, there are still things you should periodically do to ensure the life and look of your bamboo.
To prevent molding on your bamboo we always suggest keeping it from being submerged in wet ground. If you live in an area with frequent rain or if your grounds are constantly wet from a sprinkler system, we suggest placing a spacer of some sort between the actual bamboo fence and the ground.
To remove dirt and some stains, you can use a mild detergent and water to clean your fence. Once a year, or depending on need, you can use a pressurized spray to remove any caked on debris. Once your bamboo fence is dry, it is recommended that you use a waterproofing sealant. Depending on your climate, you can re-apply this sealant once or twice a year, this will also help maintain the color of your bamboo. Remember that certain colors such as Mahogany, are more prone to fading than the natural color.
Remember that can also paint or stain your bamboo. You can do this by first sanding the natural coating, then applying your stain/color of choice. After you reach the desired color, and your bamboo is dry, you can apply the sealant.
Some solutions to getting rid of mold on your bamboo are using either vinegar or a fungicide spray on your fence. It is important to ensure that the mold is gone and that your fence is dry before applying sealant.
Bamboo fencing can be used anywhere in your home and garden for almost every decorating or functional purpose, but because it is a natural material, to prolong the length of your investment, you should practice these simple steps to keep it looking beautiful.
All over the news and media recently is the disaster that has struck Haiti just around the Port-Au-Prince area. An earthquake measuring 7.0 on the richter scale has left what is feared to be thousands dead and many more homeless and in devastation. Homes, buildings, roadways and more have been destroyed and the country is in a severe state of emergency.
Although no one can plan for natural disasters, we can come together and offer aid during times as such. The Green Revolution is not only about recycling or preserving resources but helping our planet as a whole, including its people.
To promote social awareness, we are donating to assist in providing aid to those in need in Haiti.
Here’s how you can help.
For US residents:
You can text Yele (the Haiti Earthquake Fund) to 501501 which will automatically donate $5 on your behalf.
You can also donate and find our more ways you can help through
The trend of eco-friendly living has spawned the positive trend of using Bamboo and a building material. Incredibly versatile, bamboo is being used commercially to produce everything from roofing and bridges to towels, bedsheets and cutting boards. What makes bamboo “green” is it’s ability to grow incredibly fast, unlike traditional woods.
We wanted to focus on one specific product that can be versatile to use in an infinite amount of ways. Here are 5 different ways in which Bamboo fencing can be used.
In Place of Traditional Fencing
Rather than going through the hassle and costly efforts of replacing an old fence, bamboo fencing is a cost effective way to give your old chain link fence or brick wall a brand new look. The rolled bamboo fencing is connected by a sturdy galvanized wire, so bending it and customizing it to match various landscape terrains is easy. Installation takes a fraction of the time that installing a new fence would, and bamboo offers a unique look which is different from the traditional planked wood fencing.
Accenting Your Patio
Your front or backyard patio serves as a place for you to escape from the rest of the world and relax on those beautiful Sunday mornings or after a hectic day at work. Rather than the typical white picket fencing, try adding a bit of tropical flare by using bamboo as fencing for your front porch, or even as a roof for your patio. Typical awnings and wood floorings are not only expensive but can be costly and time consuming to replace or maintain as well.
Adding Feng Shui to Your Home or Garden
Although many of us cannot take off at a moment’s notice for an across the world getaway, you can create a place of Zen at home. It is said when enhancing the Feng Shui in your home, that bamboo and water have both healing and energy balancing properties. Simple elements such as live bamboo plants, a pond or rock garden and bamboo fencing to enclose your garden, can instantly create an exotic place for you to escape to.
Decorating Walls
The common misconception is that bamboo fencing is meant for outdoor use. The magic of bamboo is it’s versatile ability to enhance and adapt to any decor. Rather than committing to a color of paint and spending a day prepping your walls, try accenting with various colors of bamboo fencing and hanging your favorite artwork. In addition to adding a new look to your room, you’ll also be adding a textural dimension to your walls.
Using Your Imagination
As we mentioned earlier, bamboo can be used for an infinite amount of things. When you purchase a roll of bamboo fencing, you are not limited to just outdoor fencing uses. Our bamboo fencing can be used in place of driveway gates, as room dividers, accenting ends of a baby crib or even as decorative roofing.
No matter your decorating style, modern, industrial, classic or contemporary, by incorporating bamboo, you are infusing a unique and tropical look while also promoting the use of a renewable resource.
Happy New Year everyone! It’s that time again for resolutions, starting fresh and of course putting away the holiday decor, which for some reason always seems a lot more arduous then putting it up. This year before you pack everything up, or trash your tree and broken ornaments, support the green movement by re-using or recycling the holiday decor.
After each holiday season, one of the biggest items to unfortunately end up in the landfill is Christmas trees. The ideal solution is to promote the use of artificial trees that could be re-used or keep a tree planted that can not only be re-used but also grow with the family. If you have a cut tree that is in need of disposing of, look up local recycling centers that you can drop your tree, wrapping paper, paint and more to be recycled. If you can trim your tree down to smaller pieces, many areas now offer recycling pick up.
Over the years of holiday decorating, many of us end up with mis-matched ornaments or even broken ones from storing and moving. Rather than throwing them out, or purchasing new matching sets each year, take broken ornament pieces and fill a vase with other mixed ornaments to reflect color and create a surface centerpiece for any table.
Instead of buying new art, why not create it? Pick up a canvas at your local art store, spray with adhesive and sprinkle varying sizes of the broken ornaments to create an abstract and colorful art piece. Re-use your candles for dinner parties, as bathroom or even kitchen accents.
Holiday colors such as greens, reds, silvers and blues work wonderfully in contemporary color schemes.
Many home decor stores often sell pricey decorative balls to fill vases, accent bowls, or even hang from ceilings. They are made from wicker, bamboo, wire and more. Rather than purchasing abstract decorative items, save money and take the DIY (do it yourself) route. Take the string of holiday lights that have burn out bulbs, cut off the lights and use the green wire to create various sized balls that you can make into a wreath for the following year or just as a table or wall accent.
Stringed lights can be used for more than just your roof and Christmas trees. Restaurants such as Rubios use white or colored LED lights to accent their tropical decor or dinner setting. You can line them under your Thatch Umbrella to provide dining light at night and add ambiance.
So with this New Year, in addition to your resolutions and plans, take time to support going green and re-use or recycle your holiday decor.
Wow did time fly by! It’s that time of year again to look back, give thanks and reflect on everything 2009 has brought us. Our re-launched website, Inc5000 Award, and new products are just a few of the exciting things that have happened this year. We’re hoping 2010 will be an even greater year.
With that Backyard X-Scapes would like to take this moment to wish you a warm and wonderful Holiday season and an amazing New Year in 2010.
Thank you for supporting us and allowing us to be a part of your projects, designs, decor and more. We will continue to strive to bring you quality products and provide ultimate service to you in the New Year.
“Rebuilding Together San diego” is an organization we’ve been working recently in promoting the idea of “neighbors helping neighbors.” We find it incredibly important to give back to the communities, especially ones in which we are so much a part of. Rebuilding Together San Diego approached us with a wonderful idea and mission, that we were honored to be able to be a part of:
