April showers bring … a laundry list of things to do!  Before you can have those May flowers, let’s get down to business … cleaning, pruning and planting!  Once you’re done, you’ll be in full bloom and ready for the season.

Firstly, survey your yard.  Make note of all the elements that need attention.  Remove tree limbs, especially those that may be brushing your home.  Cut down any of last year’s perennial foliage, and place into a compost pile.  Rake your beds and fluff your mulch.  Check fences, steps and other areas for damage.  Make a list of things that need a fixin’ … service lawn equipment and get ready to mow … prune and plant!

What will blossom beautifully in spring? Here are our top ten choices for our Texas climate.

Pink Discovery Azalea

Hellebore

Bloodroot

Snowdrop Anemone

Lilac

Iris

Grand Maitre Crocus

Daffodil

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Tulip

Once you have decided what you would like for your yard, follow these no-fail perfectly planted flower steps:

1.  Set plants atop the ground before you plant so you can space them evenly.
2.  Soak the plants while they’re still in their pots.
3.  Use your fingers or a pencil to gently pry apart matted roots so they’ll spread into the soil, not remain in a ball.
4. Add a couple of tablespoons of slow-release flower food to the bottom of each hole, and then stir with your trowel to mix it evenly into the soil before inserting plants.

Happy Spring!

A little salty and a whole lotta sweet … our recipes of the month were found in Hearth & Home.  TCP tested and approved, so enjoy!

Steak Diane

Ingredients

2 beef tenderloin steaks

Freshly ground black pepper

Coarse sea salt 2 tbsp.

Butter

1/4 large onion

Diced 1 clove garlic pressed

3 tbsp. whisky

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. dijon mustard

3/4 cup beef stock

1/4 cup whipping cream

Seasonal vegetables for serving

Mashed, boiled, or baked potatoes for serving

Directions

Oil your grids and preheat your grill to low, about 300 to 325°F. Crust your steaks in salt and pepper, nice and thick for a crispy outside. Grill your steaks over indirect heat for about 20 minutes, until an internal temperature of about 140°F. Using the Napoleon Wireless Thermometer for this is helpful, it will allow you to make the sauce while you’re waiting. To make the Diane Sauce, melt the butter in a frying pan and add the onion. Cook the onion for a minute or two, until it’s beginning to get translucent. Add the garlic and continue to cook for another minute. Add the whisky to the garlic and onion, letting it sizzle. Simmer for about a minute or two, to allow the alcohol to evaporate a little before adding the Worcestershire and dijon. Add the beef stock and bring the whole thing to a boil, letting the liquid reduce by nearly half before adding the cream and bringing the sauce back down to simmer and thicken to perfect gravy consistency. When the steaks have reached temperature, remove them to a plate for a minute to rest while you crank your lit burner to high and heat the grill up for searing, about 500°F.

Sear the steaks for about 1 minute per side, or until a crust forms and remove steaks to the plate again to rest. Before serving, add the resting juices to the Diane sauce, then cloak the steaks in the sauce. Serve with your favorite potatoes, such as Crispy Heirloom Potatoes and roasted broccoli.

Kitchen Sink Brownies

Ingredients

1 box premium dark chocolate brownie mix 2 eggs, beaten

1/3 cup canola oil

1/3 cup water

1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter chips

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 ½ cups halved walnuts

Fresh mint garnish, optional

Directions

In large bowl, blend all ingredients except for halved walnuts. Pour batter into greased large cast iron skillet. Top with walnut halves. Bake for 30 minutes at 325°F in an outdoor oven, or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.

We understand that in today’s economy, it may be more difficult for some people to afford their backyard patio dream.  So we decided we can build, you can finance, and then we all have it made in the shade.  We now provide many excellent choices for homeowners who wish to finance their backyard buildout.  A range of financing options such as 12 month no payments/interest plans, 0% interest plans, low fixed rate plans from 24 to 60 months, and no prepayment penalty plans are available.  That’s just covering a few of our options- we have a plan to fit just about any budget.  And if you really want that extra feature and it just isn’t in your budget right now, we can finance that part of the project.

Upon arrival for your estimate, we can do a speedy credit check and the decision for a payment plan can be mapped out that very day.  It’s simple, easy and quick … so that you can start building your outdoor living area without the stress of having to pay for your project all at once.    Life is short, we want you to enjoy every moment … so don’t delay, call us today.