All Outdoor Patio Furniture

I have to laugh when I think about what serious business Independence Day was for the kids on our block, when I was growing up. I mean, we spent so much time getting ready for the holiday in the weeks leading up to it; and I’ve rarely put anywhere near as much planning into anything as an adult.

The main thing was preparing for the big parade, to which the whole gang of us would ride in formation. That took some pooling of funds, because there were 80+ kids on our street, and all bikes, trikes, wagons, and scooters had to be decked out with red, white, and blue streamers, balloons, and pinwheels (and have cards in the spokes, to make that flapping noise).

The other challenge was that we were competing with the grown-ups. After all, those were standard outdoor décor items for the Fourth of July. Indeed, everyone had their porches, patios, gazebos, mailboxes, lampposts, and even outdoor furniture and picnic tables, adorned with the colors of our flag; and that’s one thing that hasn’t changed.

At the same time, not everyone is aware of the meanings of those colors; red indicates courage, white denotes purity, and blue stands for loyalty. On the other hand, everyone knows that there are 50 stars in the flag’s blue field, or union, which represent the 50 states, and 13 red and white stripes, for the 13 states that existed in 1776, when the country was new.

Truly, Old Glory is steeped in tradition, symbolism, history, and mystery; and there are many rules of etiquette for handling and displaying it properly. Although most of us are pretty familiar with them, it can’t hurt to refresh our memories, especially since the flag is going to be exhibited even more than usual in the upcoming week.

When displaying it outdoors, on a staff projecting from a building, balcony, or window, the union should always be at the peak, unless the flag is at half-mast. Incidentally, only the President of the United States, or a state’s governor can order flags on government buildings to be flown at half-staff.

If there are any other flags, such as those of states, communities, or organizations, on the same pole with it, the flag of the United States must always take the top position. It will be the first to be raised, and the last to be lowered; and it has to be the largest flag on the staff.

As a general rule, the flag should be flown only between sunrise and sunset; but if it is displayed at night, it must be illuminated. When it’s lowered, no part of the flag should touch the ground, or anything else. It should be folded neatly for storage, and cleaned and mended when needed.

When it gets to the point where it is so worn out, that it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, a flag should be properly destroyed in a dignified flag-retirement ceremony.

You know, going over these rules reminds me of something else that makes me chuckle. Our Independence Day formations were not all about frivolity, flamboyance, fireworks, and fun. Far from it, in fact; we were also out to find and fix any flagrant flag-flying infractions.
Funny, but I’d forgotten all about that. What a hoot!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Gazebos, Mailboxes, outdoor decor, Outdoor Furniture, picnic tables

Any home on the market today absolutely must have curb appeal.  If it doesn’t, its owners may be in for a lot of drive-by viewings.  However, getting people to stop for a better look is just the first step.  The next is even more significant.  They have to get out of the car; but if the yard is unattractive, they may not even go that far.

Indeed, the landscape of a house can make all the difference in potential buyers’ decisions about whether or not to take those first steps, and then, to continue to the front door, for the full tour.  The problem is that there are so many aspects of it to consider, that it’s difficult to get everything right.

Sometimes, home sellers are so wrapped up in getting the insides of their homes show-ready, that they don’t give the exteriors all of the attention that they need.  Certainly, they’ll cut the grass, prune the hedges, and weed the garden beds; but it takes a lot more than a lush, well-kept lawn, neatly-trimmed shrubbery, and beautiful flowers, to entice people to explore further.

Of course, they want to see a place that’s charming, inviting, and picturesque; and they want to be able to put themselves into that picture, living the good life.  Outdoor furniture can contribute greatly, in that regard.  Porch swings, gliders, outdoor sofas, lounge chairs, and hammocks can really make a house look warm and welcoming.

Other outdoor décor items can influence people as well.  While a few birdfeeders, birdhouses, and some planters are fine, yards that are cluttered with too many garish lawn ornaments, such as plastic deer and geese, gazing balls, and the dreaded gnomes, can be repellent.  It’s best to let the interested parties see the gorgeous greenery.

Actually, though, even if the grass, plants, and trees all look spectacular, there can be other elements that people find disturbing.  One thing that can instantly detract from the impression of a meticulously-maintained landscape is the sight of weeds or grass growing in the cracks of pavement, or between the bricks of patios and walkways.  This can be taken as a sign that the inside of the house may not have been kept up properly, either.

On top of that, if the cracks are in the concrete, instead of between separate, solid sections, it shows, without a doubt, that the property is in need of some repairs, and, apparently, the pavement is not the most pressing issue.  This will get people thinking about all of the other things that they may have to fix; so, it’s definitely worth it to replace broken or cracked driveways and walkways.

After working so hard to get people moving toward your front door, don’t let them step on a crack on the way there.  It may not break anyone’s back, but it could break the deal.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: birdfeeders, birdhouses, gliders, Hammocks, lounge chairs, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor sofas, Planters, porch swings

In most areas of the country, this is considered to be the best time of the year for selling homes.  In fact, unless they have urgent reasons for doing so, many people won’t dare to put theirs on the market when the weather is cold.

The general feeling is that houses look a lot friendlier when the sun is shining, the sky is blue, the trees and grass are green, and flowers are in bloom.  Patio furniture is also a factor, because, in the winter, it is either stored away, or hidden under outdoor furniture covers.  Undoubtedly, a porch swing, some comfortable patio chairs, and a pitcher of lemonade on an outdoor coffee table, make a much more inviting tableau.

On the other hand, every season has its drawbacks; and, in summer, one of the biggest is that the fast-growing vegetation can quickly get out of control, making your home look unkempt.  Therefore, it can be a struggle to maintain “curb appeal,” the term that refers to the desirability of a home, when viewed by passersby, especially prospective buyers.

Indeed, this first impression can influence a person’s decision about whether or not to even bother taking a tour of the house.  Moreover, many realtors say that the landscape is so important that, if it looks shabby, some people won’t even get out of their cars.

Of course, even if you’re not selling your home, it’s a good idea to keep it in (or close to) showcase condition at all times.  For starters, practice regular maintenance, and you’ll catch minor problems that can be inexpensively repaired, rather than letting them sneak up on you and become major headaches that you may have to pay professionals to fix.

These things can take us by surprise, because we’re so used to seeing our homes and yards, that slight changes often go unnoticed.  They can be anything, from vines that are trimmed one day, and strangling roses the next, to a minuscule spot of mold that doesn’t draw attention until it destroys an entire wall.

To evaluate your own home’s curb appeal, try looking at it through the eyes of a potential buyer.  Every so often, park across the street, and approach it, as if for the first time, taking in every detail.  Start from the actual curb, and check to see if your parking spots, driveway, and walkways are free of debris.

Look at your mailbox.  If it’s battered or rusty, replace it with a nice, decorative mailbox; and get a new mailbox post, too, if yours is dilapidated or splintered.  Glance around and make sure that the greenery is perfectly manicured, and that your outdoor décor items, such as birdfeeders, planters, porch furniture, and outdoor lamps and lanterns, are clean and attractive.

Whether or not you’re going to be selling it, this exercise is a good way to, at least, get an idea of where your house stands.  I mean, appeal-wise, of course.  Obviously, you know where it stands, or you’d always be getting lost.  Well, you know what I mean!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: birdfeeders, decorative mailbox, outdoor coffee table, outdoor decor, Outdoor Furniture Covers, outdoor lamps, patio chairs, patio furniture, Planters, porch furniture

As I believe I’ve mentioned a time or two (hundred!), every year, millions of people turn their yards, porches, decks, patios, and gazebos into outdoor living rooms.  This has been going on for quite some time now; and it doesn’t appear that the trend will ever end.  In fact, it’s reaching new heights, as these exterior spaces are also being made into outdoor kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms, game rooms, guest rooms, and just about any other type of room you can name.

If you’re trying your hand at this kind of landscaping, and you have a large area to develop, it may be difficult to know where to begin.  That’s no wonder, because it’s like trying to decorate a house that doesn’t have walls or ceilings.  Wait a minute.  Like that?  No.  It is that!  After all, without walls and ceilings, it’s not a house; it’s a yard.  So, there you are.

Still, you can approach the task as if you’re remodeling the inside of your home.  All you need is some structure; or, rather, structures, as in, the garden varieties.  Yes, you can use garden structures, such as trellises, arbors, and pergolas, to define your outdoor rooms, and then work on each section as a single, manageable project.

Start by determining how much space you have, and how many outdoor rooms you want.  Make sure that they will all be large enough to suit the functions that you have in mind for them.  Otherwise, you may have to give up a room, or design one for dual purposes, as you don’t want things getting too crowded.

A dining area should be spacious enough for, at least, a grill, a picnic table (or outdoor dining table), some patio chairs, and a few accent tables.  To add more privacy or shade around a pool, place some trellises in key locations, leaving an adequate expanse of grass open for playing lawn games.  If you want just a quiet little retreat, you may need only a remote corner of your yard.

If you already have a gazebo, pool house, cabana, or sunroom, use it as a focal point, and build around it, tailoring the other areas to specific uses.  You can use anything, from a simple trellis, to a paneled garden screen, depending upon the degree of isolation, and the style, that you desire.  Even if you have limited space, one carefully-chosen piece, such as a gated arbor with a swing, or a double planter bench with a lattice back, can instantly become a miniature haven.

Actually, you can have a lot more fun – and a lot more freedom – designing rooms in your backyard, than you do when working within the confines of your house.  For one thing, having trellises as walls lets you change the size of an area any time you wish.  Moreover, with patio furniture now available in so many styles and colors, there are tons of decorating options as well.

Of course, you’ll also be able to select from thousands of varieties of gorgeous climbing flowers, which will surround you with color, and bring your outdoor rooms to life.  So, I guess that would make them living rooms, in the truest sense.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: accent tables, arbor with a swing, Arbors, cabana, double planter bench, gazebo, grill, outdoor dining table, paneled garden screen, patio chairs, patio furniture, Pergolas, picnic table, Pool house, sunroom, trellis, trellises

If you haven’t heard yet, today is the official first day of the summer season.  You may be thinking that it has felt like summer for awhile now, and that summer actually starts when it gets hot.  Who even decided when a season starts anyway? Is it another Hallmark Holiday?

Actually, the first day of summer always falls on the historic Summer Solstice.  The Summer Solstice is an astronomical event when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is most inclined toward the sun, creating more hours of sunlight within that rotation than any other rotation for the year.   Little too scienc-y for you?  After all, this is a blog about outdoor furniture… not astrophysics! Basically, there is more daylight today than any other day.  Tomorrow, it will be daylight for a few less minutes.  These changes aren’t as noticeable as they used to be in ancient times.  First, because we have so much unnatural light to trick us and because the way we change our clocks for daylight savings time alters what time it is when it’s light out and when it’s dark.

Pre-Christian cultures saw the Summer and Winter Solstices as holy days.  Since the Summer Solstice has been celebrated world-wide, across cultures and civilizations, it’s impossible to “sum up” how most people have celebrated this extraordinary yearly event.  But, after all, doesn’t that say something about its importance?  A moment in our precious Earth’s cycle so momentous, that nations who did not know about the other nor share any religious or political beliefs… celebrated the same event on the same day. Common themes usually center on celebrations of light, life, fertility, and health, and celebrating all the prosperity the Earth and the Sun provide us.

And what does the Earth and Sun bring us more than anything else? Plants! Some cultures believed that plants and flowers that flourished during this time and were picked on this day would have miraculous healing powers.  [Note: This blog is not approved by the FDA.  Eating the dandelions from your backyard today is not likely to cure anything!]

So, how should we celebrate this day?  No matter your religious affiliation, celebrating the day with more light than any other is perfectly justified!  I plan to really tend to my flower garden today, paying special attention to how lucky I am to live in a fertile world that produces such glorious blooms.  Then, I’m having a few friends over to cook up fish on our grill.  As we gather around my picnic table and chow down on fish with blueberry salsa and some other side I haven’t planned yet… I plan to give thanks for the endless bounty that the dirt provides us.  So, join me on this meaningful day, and enjoy the view from your garden bench or porch swing, patio chair or hammock.  It doesn’t matter if you live on an organic farm or just have a container of daisies you picked up at the supermarket one day.  The sun rises every morning as a gift to us all, and today is the perfect day to remember that we shouldn’t take it for granted.

Shine Today!

Hazel.

Tags: garden bench, grill, hammock, Outdoor Furniture, patio chair, picnic table, porch swing, solstice

Ask Dear Ol’ Dad what he wants for Father’s Day, and he’ll probably say that he desires only to spend the afternoon in his favorite patio chair, reading the Sunday paper, and not worrying about doing any chores.  Then, maybe it’ll be a snooze in the hammock, before throwing some burgers on the grill, and eating at the picnic table.

Certainly he’s not asking for much; but you still wish to do something a lot more special for him.  After all, being a father is a job that’s always challenging and demanding, and alternately joyful, heart-rending, fun, difficult, rewarding, puzzling, uplifting, and thankless.

Raconteur, singer of songs, reader of poetry, teller of jokes, player of music, killer of spiders, puller of wagons, dryer of tears, remover of slivers, and so much more, Dad has taught you everything, from the simplest games, to life’s most profound lessons.

He has also, on many occasions, been the victim of cruel irony.  He bought you a scooter, you left it lying outside the door, and he tripped over it and tore his good suit.  (Yes, from here on out, I’m blaming “you,” even though, when something went wrong at our house, “nobody” did it!)  He got you a guinea pig, you let it loose, and it got into his dresser drawer and chewed up his underwear and socks.  He taught you to ride a bike, and you ran over the seedlings that he had just planted.

Still undaunted, he showed you how to fish, and caught a hook in the neck as you were casting your line.  He taught you how to hit a ball, and got whacked in the head – or someplace even more painful – by your bat.  Then, he came to all of your games and sat on those splintered old benches; and he stayed the whole time, even when you, too, were just sitting on the bench.  He wound up with ants in his pants – literally – after you broke the ant farm that you had begged for, and which he, to his everlasting regret, had finally given you.

Yes, Dad gave you his all – and you gave him gray hair.  The most amazing part of it all, however, is that, if you ask him, he’ll say that he’d do it all (or, most of it, anyway) over again (right, Dad?).

Nevertheless, you’re determined to give him something wonderful for Father’s Day.  So, if he truly wants to hang around the house, get him a nice porch swing, in return for the countless hours he spent pushing you on swings, only to have you spend years pushing him as far as you could.

An Adirondack Chair would be a good way to thank him for that vacation in the Adirondacks; and a new garden bench would compensate for the slivers that he got from those ballpark benches.  You could also get him an outdoor rocking chair, for all of the times that you drove him off his rocker.

Naturally, he would also enjoy it if you let him know that all of the advice that he gave you while you were growing up, which you so blithely dismissed, turned out to be spot-on.  If you now have kids of your own, it would further delight him to discover that his wish has come true, as you have, indeed, found out “what it’s like.” (Perhaps it’s no coincidence that diaper, spelled backward, is repaid!)

Actually, the best gift that you could give him would be to have a big family gathering.  I mean, he definitely wants to see those adorable grandchildren; and it would really make his day if he could just sit back, relax, and watch you get yours!

Happy Father’s Day!

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chair, father's day, garden bench, grill, hammock, outdoor rocking chair, patio chair, picnic table, porch swing

One of the things that many people love about summer is being able to relax on their porch swings, chaise lounges, and Adirondack chairs, and admire their gardens.  If you’re in that number, you know the feeling of satisfaction that comes from having created such beauty through hours of hard labor.  Unfortunately, for a lot of people, much of that effort has gone toward trying to keep pests from destroying their handiwork.  In fact, they will continue their struggles in on-going, and, what often turn out to be losing, battles.

Indeed, it seems unfair that, even as you toil in the soil, there’s a host of bugs looting the leaves, pillaging the petals, stalking the stems, and ravaging the roots, of the plants that you are trying to nurture.  It appears that the only course of action is to assault them with a barrage of sprays, powders, and anything else that’s available at garden centers.  These days, however, because people are becoming increasingly loath to use pesticides that can harm the environment (thank goodness), they’re searching for other ways of rubbing out those little wretches.

Luckily, there are dozens of organic products to choose from; but applying these will also take up precious time that you could be spending cooking on your grill, eating at your picnic table, and napping in your hammock.  Moreover, they will wipe out things that are valuable to your garden as well.  Remember, not all of those creepy creatures have malicious intent; many of them are actually waiting in the, uh, wings, to support your endeavors.

Seen and unseen, they are always there, patrolling above and below the soil, and carrying out their vital missions.  With pistils at the ready, these unsung heroes deliver much-needed supplies of pollen to waiting troops.  At the same time, special units are deployed to devour enemy insects that would cause the annihilation of your vegetation; and all of this is accomplished without the use of chemical warfare.

Therefore, instead of attacking everything that crawls, start a recruiting drive to enlist these beneficial bugs as allies.  Whether you’re trying to cultivate flowers, fruits, shrubs, trees, or vegetables, your first tactic is to strategically place the nectar-rich plants in your garden that will entice them over to your side.

These powerhouse pollinators and elite exterminators include bees, lacewings, ladybugs, flower flies, and mini-wasps.  In many cases, their larvae alone have insatiable appetites.  For example, a ladybug larva can consume up to 40 aphids per day, while a single lacewing will eat as many as 10,000 of them over the course of its lifetime.

The favorite flowers of these famished forces include Dill (Anethum graveolens), Korean angelica (Angelica gigas), Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus), Poached egg plant (Limnanthes douglasii), Goldenrod (Solidago), and French marigold (Tagetes patula).

Add these lovely plants to your landscape, and you’ll soon have some selfless soldiers doing your drone work for you.  Of course, you’ll have to return their thoughtfulness, by being kind to them as well.

So, the next time you’re bothered by buzzing as you snooze in your swingbed or steamer chair, look twice before you bring in the swat team!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chairs, chaise lounges, grills, hammock, picnic tables, porch swings, steamer chair, swing bed

Every year, millions of people get married outdoors.  Some take their vows in their own backyards, as they stand in beautifully-decorated gazebos, or beneath arbors or pergolas, while others choose public places, such as parks or beaches.  No matter where the ceremonies are held, however, those who are planning outdoor weddings must be prepared for every eventuality.

For example, I once attended an outdoor wedding in Minnesota, during the second week of October.  Naturally, when I first heard of it, I was worried that the event could be ruined by cold temperatures, rain, or, considering the location, even an early snow.  Instead, there was a freak heat wave, and it was 94º on the big day!

Now, even in August, that would have been a bit uncomfortable; but it wouldn’t have been the nightmare that it was for the out-of-towners who had packed for chilly weather.  So, if your ceremony is going to be outside, stay abreast of weather conditions, and e-mail your local forecast to long-distance guests a few days in advance.

Remember, their comfort is key to the success of your event; and, aside from the weather, seating is one of the most crucial considerations.  For the actual ceremony, of course, you’ll probably have to rent some wood outdoor folding chairs.  If you want to dress them up, you can use ribbons, or, for a more formal look, go to any event planner and get some of those white outdoor furniture covers that are designed to slip right over the chairs.

Afterward, during the period when people will be mingling, make sure that they will find patio chairs, garden benches, outdoor sofas, settees, porch swings, and porch gliders, in all areas where they are welcome to wander.  Don’t leave anyone without a place to sit.

Wind is another thing that can blow your plans; and it can kick into high gear on any day of the year.  Therefore, it’s best to avoid light fabrics, such as chiffon or silk, for bridal, and bridal party, gowns.  Likewise, long trains and veils may prove to be injudicious selections if it really gets gusty.  You should also plan for wind when you’re getting your hair done for the occasion.

Of course, even more substantial materials will be tossed around in very high winds; so, for good measure, you may want to use fishing weights, which can be spray-painted to match any color, to hold down veils, dresses, and tablecloths.  You can also use the weights on ribbons, and attach them to place cards, to keep them where they belong; or put the cards into decorative photo frames, which will be your favors.  Moreover, be sure that the patio umbrellas on your outdoor dining tables and picnic tables are held down firmly with heavy umbrella stands.

Indeed, there’s an endless list of details to tend to, in order to be certain that your outdoor wedding will go off without a hitch.  Uh, I’d better make that, in order to be certain that everything will go smoothly.  After all, if there’s not a hitch, it won’t actually be a wedding!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, garden benches, Gazebos, outdoor ceremonies, outdoor dining tables, outdoor folding chairs, Outdoor Furniture Covers, outdoor sofas, outdoor weddings, patio chairs, patio umbrellas, Pergolas, picnic tables, porch gliders, porch swings, settees, umbrella stands

When designing your outdoor spaces, it’s hard not to take inspiration from country lifestyles.  When our pace of life seems to be constantly racing, it’s no doubt that we dream of simpler times full of sweet iced tea and lazy afternoons.  Anyone who grew up on a farm will certainly be quick to tell you that the country lifestyle has just as much, if not more, work than a suburban dwelling.  But, let’s keep our dreams idealistic and create country-rustic-wonderful outdoor living areas to enjoy!

The best outdoor space to decorate for country living is a large, hopefully wrap-around, porch.  If you are lucky enough to have a big porch to work with, there’s no need to gloat! But, do consider yourself incredibly lucky.  Everyone else out there, don’t sweat it.  Gazebos, pergolas, and other outdoor spaces can just as easily transition to country living.

Use Functional Storage: It’s hard to say “southern” without adding “hospitality” after it. My grandmother can tell you that part of living in rural areas of the south is always being ready to entertain guests.  While, you may not agree with being quite so available, make your porch or outdoor area transition to a gathering space as quickly and easily as possible.  Keeping outdoor buffets and patio shelving stocked with outdoor dishes, table clothes, and even table games will make hosting get-togethers no problem at all.  One way to truly harness country charm is to make it obvious that your porch or outdoor space is not just an area you occasionally use… but one of the central spots of your home.  The more functional and lived in it is, the better.

Mix Bright Whites with Color Accents: Using bright clean whites will make the whole area look sunny and dazzling.  You can do this by using white wicker outdoor furniture or painting your patio furniture white.  Don’t go overboard, it’s not a hospital, but mixing  white garden benches or picnic tables in with your designs will recall that white washed country charm.  Then, add focal points with light blues and deep greens.  Don’t feel limited into only adding a blue patio chair or maybe a green outdoor table, weave these colors throughout your outdoor dishes, table dressings, center pieces, and ever flowers.

Don’t Skip the Porch Swing: There are few pieces as essential to a country porch as a porch swing.  Luckily, your options are endless.  Whether you choose to paint a wood porch swing white or one of your accent colors, choose a classic wicker, or even just stick with the natural wood… it will add immediate appeal to your outdoor space.  Plus, besides its stylistic perks… a porch swing is just a wonderful addition to your home!  Sway away your cares as you devour that book you’ve been meaning to read, catch up with a friend, or even just close your eyes and listen to the wind blow.

Mix Rustic and Refined: My mother’s house is bursting at the seams, all full of furniture and “stuff” that my great grandmother saved for my grandmother, that my grandmother passed along with a bunch more “stuff” to my mother, and now I am laying in wait for all of it, plus more, to be passed on to me! Sound familiar?  No self-respecting country porch would go out and buy all new furniture and décor, so don’t be afraid to use patio furniture that is well loved.  You can paint it to add color and hide some major wear-and-tear, and continue to use it and enjoy it.  But, of course, every generation keeps accumulating more wonderful décor! Mixing older rustic pieces with highly styled luxury makes a perfect balance of comfort and fashion.  Prize your keepsakes and show off your style!

Add Some Green: You certainly don’t need to have the best tulips on the block to have a great country porch.  If you’re an avid gardener, pull those container gardens and planters up into your space and fill up those window boxes.  Using green ferns and other plants will create warm and inviting spaces.  While brightly colored flowers will add those “simply nice” touches we all love.  Not into digging your hands in the dirt? Stop by a farm stand or other garden supply center and fill vases or old mason jars full of fresh cut flowers to enjoy their splendor.

And, if you’re really passionate, you’ll add the last perfect finishing touch: a big woven sun hat with a brightly colored ribbon and a tall glass of sweet tea.  Ahh, sounds perfect to me!

Have Fun,

Hazel.

Tags: garden benches, Gazebos, outdoor buffets, outdoor table, patio chair, patio furniture, patio shelving, Pergolas, picnic tables, Planters, porch swing, wicker outdoor furniture

It’s no surprise that outdoor weddings are more popular than ever; in fact, it seems only logical.  After all, millions of backyards have been turned into luxurious exterior rooms, complete with outdoor sofas, loveseats, lounge chairs, outdoor dining tables, and other comforts.  Furthermore, many people also have gazebos and pavilions, which are perfect settings for weddings and receptions.  With all of these amenities, who wants to go anywhere else?

The trouble is that insects also enjoy hanging out in these backyard havens; and they wouldn’t think twice about crashing an outdoor wedding.  So, if you’re planning one, take all possible measures to prevent them from ruining the occasion.  You can begin by spraying the area the day before the ceremony.  Using citronella candles is also a must; and, fortunately, they’re much more attractive than they used to be.  No longer available only in big, silver buckets, they now come in all colors of votive candles, which can easily be worked into any centerpiece, or used separately, in decorative holders.

Of course, taking steps to reduce the insect population is a good move anyway, because, aside from being mere annoyances, they can sometimes even be deadly.  Such is the case with mosquitoes, which can carry the West Nile virus.  Luckily, you can control them by eliminating their favorite breeding grounds, which are pools of stagnant water.

Don’t leave anything lying around outside that will collect water, such as empty buckets, flowerpots, planters, wheelbarrows, sandboxes, sandbox covers, wading pools, waste receptacles and lids, or old tires.  If you’re not using these items for their intended purposes, bring them inside, put them in your garage or shed, or get rid of them.

If you have any low spots in your yard, where puddles remain for days after a heavy rain, build them up with topsoil.  If there are sunken areas on hard surfaces that cannot be raised, put a few drops of dish detergent into the puddles.  This will make them uninhabitable by mosquitoes, and kill their eggs as well.

Keep wasps away by destroying their nests, which are usually found under the eaves of houses, sheds, and garages.  Just wait until dusk, when all the wasps are tucked in for the night, and squirt them with wasp and hornet spray; it shoots a steady stream that travels 20 to 30 feet, and kills on contact.

To get rid of maverick wasps, fill some margarine containers halfway with sugar water, cut tiny holes in the lids, and set them around the outskirts of the yard.  The wasps will go into the holes, and get stuck inside the containers.  Yellow jackets often nest in the ground; so, wait until after dark, pour boiling water down the hole, and you’ll wipe out the entire colony.

As for flies, well, they’re really tough to control.  I mean, they can certainly be trapped on fly paper, but it’s never a pretty sight.  So, I guess you’ll just have to do something creative, like having fly swatters for favors.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Gazebos, lounge chairs, loveseats, outdoor dining tables, outdoor sofas, pavilions, Planters, shed, Sheds, waste receptacles