Sorry to disagree with the majority, but Thompsens is garbage.
It's parafin based, which is why everything beads up. It is also why it turns to crap and has to be re-done every year.
If you haven't used it already, and the stuff already on the deck is an oil based stain, try Sikkens deck treatment after a good bleaching. Big $, but you will be highly satisfied with the finish and durability.

Bing

 

I grew tired of the deck staining ordeal and went with Olympic's deck paint. Its only a year old but still looks good. We'll see after 8years. Although I did thoroughly powerwash the decking before applying. This makes a big difference.

 

I absolutely agree with Bruce!

 

Although I do like the deck, there is actually something in this picture I like better.




Your shrubbery

 

We have those on three sides. One wall of shrubs was there when we moved in. The original owner planted them because he really, really didn't like the family that lived on one side of him.

There was no separation between our yard and the house in back of us as the two families were related. The folks in back were nice people, but I really didn't care to share a yard, so we planted the same kind of shrubs all around.

Nice and green, and gives great privacy. A haircut once a year keeps them in line.

 

^ Ya know off hand what kind? I could use something like this in my back yard on one side for sure.

In my front yard one of my neighbors has a super ugly metal fence. My hedgerow is getting better and better each year, another couple and it should be fantastic. I planted 20 some red Rose of Sharon bushes all along the fence.

All summer they are bright rich thick and green, and then in the fall they just explode with blossoms.

 

I have about 30-40 abravites <sp?> that I will be willing to give away when we do our addition to the house. You dig em, you keep em'

 

What are they? I googles but it didnt match anything.

 

not sure on the spelling. ab-ra-vite-ees

 

close arborvitea.

deer love 'em