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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW More thunderstorms expected ... Stay out of the creek, officials warn ... Motor home destroyed in Talent-area fire ... More thunderstorms expected ... Stay out of the creek, officials warn ... Motor home destroyed in Talent-area fire ... Home Help: Low-maintenance landscaping ideas Comment DailyTidings.com Writer Posted Feb. 23, 2015 at 12:01 AM Posted Feb. 23, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News TIP OF THE WEEK Low- and no-maintenance features top the list when making over outdoor living spaces because less time maintaining means more time enjoying. Landscape professionals love to share their secrets when designing low-maintenance outdoor spaces. Armed with know-how, DIY-ers also can employ tips the pros use for a landscape makeover. Landscaping with hardscapes Landscape professionals use retaining wall systems for a variety of landscaping solutions. Segmental retaining walls are commonly used to transition elevations, shore up slopes along foundations and define spaces such as creating planters, tree rings and other features. Retaining wall systems combined with concrete pavers can be used to create beautiful raised patios, replacing high-maintenance wooden decks, says Scott Arnold, manager of Villa Landscapes in St. Paul, Minnesota. Low-maintenance practices Landscaping practices can make it easier to control weeds and manage lawn care as well. The use of rock mulch and natural rock in gardens and beds, as walkways and as stepping stones offers an attractive solution to weed control and also lessens the need for irrigation. At least 3 inches of rock mulch or 4 inches of natural mulch will prevent weeds. A landscape fabric under stepping stones and rock mulch offers even more insurance against weeds. Maintenance-free accessories Hardscape kits are some of the most popular low-maintenance landscaping products, Arnold says. “Using easy-to-install kits like those from Willow Creek Paving Stones, homeowners and contractors alike can create beautiful features such as grill islands, bar islands, fire pits and fireplaces that are long-lasting and low-maintenance,” Arnold says. — Brandpoint HOME-SELLING TIP Clarification: The Home-Selling Tip in last week’s Home Help rail covered getting your home listed in the MLS database for a flat fee. DIY home-sellers who want their homes listed in the MLS still need to work with a Realtor or other real estate broker to secure their flat-fee listing. — More Content Now DECORATING TIP A trip back in time: Roomy, old-school claw-foot tubs are back in style this year, and they’re a great way to add some retro flair to your bathroom. Though they don’t have fancy features like whirlpool jets, they do afford you some solitude and time to reflect on your day. Luxurious vintage-style tubs are available at a number of different price points, made from lighter materials than their clunkier counterparts that originated in the late 19th century. — More Content Now GARDEN GUIDE Short-term savings solutions: Renting tools or equipment you use occasionally or only once a year can save you time and money. Many home improvement stores now offer a wide range of tools for rent, from bench saws and floor sanders to augers and overseeders. By renting, you avoid storage issues and maintenance chores. — Brandpoint DailyTidings.com Writer Posted Feb. 23, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with DailyTidings.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Alerts Email alerts RSS feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. DailyTidings.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501