Awsome Outdoor Kitchens

IA Refines Strategy, Standards

The Irrigation Association has refined its mission statement and strategic initiatives following its July meeting of the Board of Directors. This includes the addition of “standards” as a new strategic initiative, which will focus on establishing product and practice standards that drive efficient irrigation.

Mission Statement:  Promote efficient irrigation technologies, products and services.

Strategic Initiatives:  Education, certification, government/public affairs and standards.  

“At its core, the Irrigation Association is a trade association, so the mission statement was refined to ensure it reflects our industry knowledge and expertise,” said IA President Mike Harrington. He emphasized that the organization’s unifying statement – to ensure water is available for irrigation for future generations – remains the same.

IA’s Board of Directors also updated the organization’s strategic initiatives, defining a new focus on standards.

“Government entities, businesses and the public are becoming increasingly cognizant of water’s value and finite state, so the ability to prove our industry’s efficiency is going to be pivotal in our continued growth,” said Harrington. “Therefore, IA has chosen to add a strategic focus on establishing product and practice standards that drive efficient irrigation.

“Our strategic focus on influencing public policy remains unchanged; because certification and education have increased in importance, the Board felt that each category should stand alone as a strategic initiative.” IA’s marketing/communications efforts will continue to support all initiatives

Ground Cover

 From a purely practical point of view, groundcovers offer alternatives to turf in hard-to-mow sites and reduce the need for watering and other maintenance. Groundcovers conserve moisture, maintain even soil temperatures and stabilize soil in erosion-prone areas.

Groundcovers can create visual pathways to help direct foot traffic and can help link ornamental plants or provide transitions among outdoor spaces. Many groundcovers spread quickly to form dense plantings, which can help to inhibit weeds.

Selection

When selecting groundcovers, consider their spread, height, location, function, foliage texture and color. Since no single species of plant works for every landscape situation, pay attention to soil conditions, light and moisture requirements. Some plants prefer partial shade, while others thrive in deep shade or full sun; a few tolerate a wide variety of light conditions. The most effective selections are chosen with an eye for how plant sizes relate to the intimacy or expanse of particular landscape sites. When groundcover will be used to prevent soil erosion on a steep slope, it should have an extensive root system and vigorous growth habit. Some groundcovers do not withstand excessive foot traffic. Before planting anything, create a walkway through areas intended for pedestrians

 Soil Preparation

A key to successfully establishing groundcovers is proper soil preparation. Before planting, eliminate weeds and turf from the area. For large areas, use a sod-stripping machine to clear turf. For weed control, consider a glyphosate herbicide or soil solarization. The process of solarizing uses the heat of the summer sun to raise soil temperatures high enough to kill harmful organisms and seeds in the ground. Solarize soil by laying strong transparent plastic over cleared and moistened soil. Seal the edges with soil and leave plastic in place for four to six weeks.

Kitchens by Outdoor Kitchens Depot

Outdoor kitchens offer many immediate advantages over conventional indoor cooking.   The first advantage that comes to mind is that guests and family are more easily involved in the cooking process and in the production of the meal. Foods that you may love, such as fish or curry, that tend generate lingering odors are also better cooked and enjoyed outdoors

Outdoor kitchens set-ups can range in price from $2,000 for a small counter with a simple grill to $30,000 or more for high-end versions containing an assortment of appliances. High-end versions may incorporate features like an outdoor fireplace and a roof.

Your design will reflect your taste and needs. How elaborate it will be, will depend on what features are important to you and your family. This may often be impacted by how often you cook outdoors and what you can afford. If you cook outdoors only occasionally, you can keep things down to a bare minimum. However if you cook outdoors as often as the weather will allow and you live in an area with good weather most of the year. You may be justified in going all out.

Outdoor kitchens need to be more practical and functional, often with fewer appliances. Indoors kitchens must have a refrigerator with a freezer. Outdoors this would be a plus, not a necessity. The same can be said for a sink, drawers, etc. Outdoors the absolute necessities are great cooking appliances. You’ll need at least a good quality grill and a small wood-burning oven. The grill can be used for cooking meats and grilling vegetables. The oven can be used for breads, pizza, roasts, pies, pasta, meats and more. The versatility of these small wonders never cease to amaze even the most experienced chef.

Another important factor is that with the increase in the popularity of outdoors kitchens, combined with the current trend in real estate prices, means that the return on investment associated with these features has increased drastically. You can now count on a return on you investment that is at least 100% of your cost. Depending on the complexity and functionality of your design, you can actually make money on an outdoor kitchen, as much as 200% or more of the initial cost in some cases. In order to maximize your return. It is important to add features with wide appeal. Covers or roofs, heating elements or outdoor fireplaces are important. Just like with a pool, the level of comfort directly affects the usefulness. The more comfortable everyone feels the more enjoyable the experience, the more often you’ll wish to cook or entertain outside.