your recommendations?

[keryx]

Kids, I am all about the advice today.

Advice point #1: I require a privacy fence. One that is not ecologically damaging and is relatively sturdy (as I suspect it will get peed on). I've thought about bamboo or composite. I don't really know much about fences, though. Thanks to the purchase of the house, my tax refund could possibly cover fence costs (well, probably not all, but enough that I feel ok shopping for this now).

Advice point #2: What is the best place in Richmond to get a steak? My definition of "best" involves two things: tastiness, and service that's neither obtrusive nor obsequious.

Advice point #3: Since I wasn't ready to seed the lawn last fall (what with the just moving in), a suggestion for a soft grass that would grow effectively if seeded in the spring. Also, ideally one where I could avoid the massive tilling and aeration thing.

Comments

[vagal-nerve.livejournal.com]

I have no idea what Richmond weather is like, but, I once tossed grass seed onto snow in Montana and it came up thick in the spring.

[keryx.livejournal.com]

Hrm. Maybe I'll acquire some grass seed now, then... and see what happens.

[tupelo.livejournal.com]

I can tell you not to use Fencing Unlimited. We used them, and our fence is okay outside of some settling that makes the latches wonky -- but they made it out of cheaper wood than they promised and didn't give us the guarantee that was pitched to us. We reported them to the Better Business Bureau but I ended up withdrawing the complaint because the paperwork to go forward came on 9/11/01 and at the time it seemed like such a petty thing to be mad about. But yeah, don't use them.

[keryx.livejournal.com]

Noted. Thanks for the warning.

Mmmmmm ... steak ...

[goodgothgirl.livejournal.com]

Our favorite place is out in Short Pump, in the new plaza where Trader Joe's is located. It's called Longhorn, and it had the best steak and the best service Jess and I have had for a $50 meal. We were shocked!

[noralita.livejournal.com]

plant seed anytime 'tween St Patty's Day and Memorial Day (in our neck of the woods) is a good rule per my gardening store, who says this to me every year when I forget, but this year is really the one i WILL DO IT since I a kindly contractor finally fixed the back hose fitting

Don't skip the tilling and aeration thing. A) it breaks up the soil so little plantlets dont' have to work so hard B) if you don't do it, seed sits on top and gets eaten by birds and critters, vs spreading and tamping in rolling afterwards, C) they're inexpensive to rent and operate like a gas mower, so what's the fuss? It's a nice one-day outdoor project.

[luguvalium.livejournal.com]

Around here, planting seed then is too late, as the summers are so harsh the new plants have little time to establish root. I've had good luck with planting in November, and now.

[noralita.livejournal.com]

good grief we're only 2 hours north!

[keryx.livejournal.com]

Richmond has killer summers, though. I mean, I like them, but tiny plantlets not so much.

[luguvalium.livejournal.com]

1) Define ecologically damaging in this context?

I don't know the lifespan of bamboo outside.

Other than treated lumber, I would look into Trex. Its mostly used for decking, which I've seen many places, but they also have fencing, which I have not seen.

http://www.trex.com/

The factory is in Winchester and the product is a mix of sawdust and recycled plastic bags.

2) Topeaka's Steakhouse. I've also heard good things about Buckheads

http://www.topekas.com/

http://www.buckheads.com/

3) Based on my experience with seeding, get sod, but be ready to water.

[steamedwords.livejournal.com]

Buckheads is the best!!!!!! Ugh, I'm drooling now. (But if you go to Topeka's and lie and say its your birthday they will give you a funny hat)

[keryx.livejournal.com]

The Topeka's birthday hat is like a giant foam cowboy hat, right? I think I've worn that hat.

I've never been to Buckheads, but if it makes you drool it's probably worth trying.

[keryx.livejournal.com]

I think I will first try the slacker approach of scattering seed and ignoring it. I'm not looking for a perfect lawn, just an improvement.

Ecologically damaging = made of a non-renewable resource, will last forever if left in a landfill, etc. The Trex stuff is intriguing. I've also only seen the decks, and that's apparently because no one in Richmond sells the fences.

[riotkat.livejournal.com]

ruth chris for steak and ask stephen about grass and fence

[keryx.livejournal.com]

I hate Ruth Chris. :P