Have you been considering updating or improving your outdoor areas? Many people are looking at environmental concerns along with functionality and design in their yards.

Using plants and trees that are native to the area helps to reduce problems of invasive species harming local wilderness ecologies. In water-limited regions xeriscaping – choosing plants that use less water – can make a real difference in the water cost of a landscape.

Another concern that is gathering attention involves the natural drainage patterns of a landscape. Using too much hardscape – patio and paths – can negatively affect the natural requirements of your outside areas. The solution may not be to limit your outdoor living space but to choose to include water-permeable elements.

This spa in Bali provides some ideas. The gravel naturally allows water to drain from the area into the soil while still providing a walkway with selected pavers or tiles. If you want a more straightforward patio, you could reverse this approach and have large squares of concrete, pavers or tile separated by narrow bands of gravel. This would be easier to walk on and for placing furniture while still providing a place for rainfall to drain.

Another option is taking a look at a wide variety of permeable surfaces currently available. In response to this concern, outdoor flooring experts have been creating options that resemble standard hardscape materials in appearance and function, but allow rainwater to drain through them.

When you’re ready to redo your outdoor living space, be sure to investigate these options to help the drainage patterns in your yard as well as your neighborhood’s environment.

School vacation can mean traveling, visiting relatives or seeing sights. It may include swimming and other sports, time to play and picnics.

Here’s one fun idea that you can plan no matter what kind of weather you’re facing – a night of camping indoors.

Start with a tent that doesn’t need any posts to set up – no risk to your nice flooring. Bring some houseplants into sight and turn off all the lights.

Candles are too risky for children, but today’s LED lights are made to mimic candles of all sizes.

Have your children pack their own knapsacks with snacks and favorite toys. Add a few surprises for each child, including their own flashlights. Spread out sleeping bags if you have them or a pile of pillows, cushions and blankets will work.

Hotdogs and beans make for good camping fare. You may want to head outside to the grill for smores before bundling back to the tent for scary ghost stories before turning in. One of the best lessons you can teach your children is how to make their own fun rather than relying on movies, television and video games.

Have your children make a plan for the next at-home event. They’re not only developing their imaginations and planning skills, they’re making memories that will last a lifetime.