The Outback Blog

Everybody loves a fire pit.

Warm, flickering flames offer the perfect gathering spot. They keep you cozy on a chilly night, extending the time you can enjoy beneath the stars.

And, one word: s’mores.

Before you break out the sticks and marshmallows, you have a decision to make: gas vs wood burning fire pit?

We get this question a lot. How to decide?

Here are 5 things to consider when choosing a wood or gas fire pit.


Once your great new plants are in the ground, brightening up your landscape, it’s time to decide the finishing touch — what goes on top?

Mulch? Rocks? Or keep it simple with a top dressing of soil?

Let’s take a look at mulch vs rock vs soil for planter beds and see how it all shakes out.


Pergolas are beautiful garden structures that add drama to your landscape and provide the perfect little getaway spot in your own backyard.

But there are some decisions to make. What size pergola do you need? Should it be attached or detached? What material is best?

Let’s take a closer look at pergolas, how they can improve your landscape and how to decide what size is right for you.


Everybody loves to come home to green lawn, shade trees, pretty flower beds. So when potential renters are looking at apartment buildings, appearances matter.

Landscaping plays a huge factor in an apartment building’s curb appeal. Beautiful, well-tended landscaping tells potential occupants that property managers care about the place.

A few key areas need special attention. Let’s take a look at a few great landscaping ideas for apartment buildings.


Retaining walls are practical and aesthetically pleasing elements to include in your backyard or front yard landscape.

They can help solve a variety of problems in your landscape, as well as create unique planting opportunities. Retaining walls are most often used on sloped terrain to restrain soil and improve the value of your space.

With the help of retaining walls, landscape designers and architects can ensure soil is bound between the levels of a hillside, as well as create picturesque views in your landscape.