Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

While weeds always pose a problem, they’re especially bothersome when you’re trying to raise a garden and conserve water at the same time.  Yes, it’s one of those cruel tricks of nature that you can nurture a plant, giving it everything that it needs to grow, and it can still wither and die; yet, at the same time, weeds seem to thrive no matter what, stealing nutrients and water from the plants you’re trying to cultivate.

Most of us spend a great deal of time trying to get rid of weeds, when we’d much rather be lying in our hammocks, relaxing on our patio chairs, or lazing in our porch swings.  There are many methods for getting rid of them, including pulling them up, digging them out, spraying them with herbicides, and putting down weed barriers; and each has its advantages and drawbacks. 

 Barriers, for example, which are generally made of fabric or black plastic, control weeds by blocking the sunlight from their seeds, and preventing them from establishing roots.  The fabric types allow a certain amount of moisture and air through to the plants’ roots; but if weed seeds land on them, they can take root right through the fabric, become tangled in it, and cause it to tear when you try to extricate them.        

On the other hand, as black plastic is impervious to the weed roots, it is equally impenetrable by the water, sunlight, and oxygen that plants need.  If you put holes in the plastic to benefit the plants, you break down the barrier for the weeds as well; and if even one weed sheds its seeds, you’ll end up with a ton of them.  Moreover, even moderate rainfall can wash away any mulch that you have put down over the slippery plastic surface.  So, your best bet is to use the fabric for flower beds, and the plastic in areas that you wish to keep 100% weed-free.   

Using mulch, on the other hand, is not only a good way to inhibit weed growth, but, with the many hues and varieties in which it is available, it can add color and texture to your landscaping, and even complement your outdoor furniture.  Mulch also insulates the soil, protecting delicate roots from being compressed by foot traffic, keeping bulbs from flowering too early in the season, and conserving moisture by slowing evaporation.     

Mulch should be applied in four-inch layers over flower beds, with the areas around the plants thinned to about two inches.  Keep it from direct contact with your house, and with tree trunks, because it encourages decay.  Like everything else, it needs some maintenance.  For one thing, because mulch erodes and blows away, it has to be replaced every so often. 

Another thing that’s a bit inconvenient is that you must remove leaves from mulch in the fall, and keep grass clippings from shooting into it when you mow your lawn.  Otherwise, they will decompose in the mulch, inviting weeds to seed and breed – indeed!  

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Getting back to that growing growing problem, which is the incessant drought that has risen to emergency status in certain parts of the country; whether you live in an area that is under water restrictions, or you just want to conserve, there are many ways to grow a nice garden, while still saving water.     

To begin with, making the most of the least water means that you will have to focus on the plants that are essential to the layout of your landscape.  Assess the yards and gardens by viewing them from different places, just as your guests would.  To get an idea of their first impressions, enter under the arbor and stroll down the path, if you have one, even pausing to sit in the garden bench.  Then, spend a few minutes admiring the scenery from your porch rocker or glider, before moving to the gazebo to see the sights from your settee.

It’s also important to determine at the outset how much water there already is in the soil.  To do this, dig at least a foot deep with a trowel, scoop up a handful of soil, and squeeze it; if there’s a decent amount of moisture, the soil will hold together in a ball.  An even easier way is to use a metal sampling tube, available at nurseries and garden centers, which, when inserted into the ground, will bring up a 12-inch, cross-section soil sample.  This is quite useful in showing you how deeply you will need to water, as sometimes, when the soil appears to be as dry as dust, there may actually be a fair amount of moisture a few inches down.  

Figuring out where root zones are will allow you to apply the water exactly where it is needed.  This is easy to do, because the zones for trees and shrubs are pretty much outlined by their drip lines, which encircle the perimeters of their canopies.  Another way to tell is to see where the canopies’ shadows fall at high noon.  Concentrate on watering in these zones, and you will be able to keep the roots moistened without wasting a drop.  Also keep in mind that, although plants’ roots will grow to various depths, most will stay within two feet of the surface.   

To help the soil to retain its moisture, apply an organic mulch, such as shredded bark, hay, or straw, in two- to four-inch layers over the root zones of your permanent plants.  For trees and shrubs, extend the mulch all the way out to the drip lines, but keep it six inches away from the trunks to prevent root rot.  Mulch also helps to keep weeds from growing.  

We will have more tips for conserving water in future blogs, along with some information about drought-tolerant plants.  In the meantime, lie back in your chaise lounge and enjoy a nice, cold glass of lemonade.  Oh, wait – we’re trying to cut down on water usage.  Better make it a beer.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

While we have recently been discussing the challenges faced by beginning gardeners, that absolutely does not mean that veterans of the soil have it easy.  No-o!  Indeed, Mother Nature incessantly hurls her never-ending arsenal of obstacles into the paths of all who try to cultivate vegetation.  This means everyone, everywhere, and every time; it’s just that, the more experienced you are as a grower, the more likely you will be to know the solution to any particular setback.  Furthermore, she has tons of weapons up her sleeve, and the ones that she unleashes on you will often depend upon the part of the country in which you’re located. 

Over the past several years, however, one big problem that keeps getting bigger for people in specific regions is a serious, consistent lack of rain (I guess you could call it a growing growing problem).  Although periods of dryness are common during the summer in many cities, there are certain areas, sometimes entire states, where severe drought conditions are prevalent year-round. 

The hardest-hit areas are in the west, as residents in some towns in New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada are frequently asked, and sometimes ordered, to restrict water usage.  While every municipality imposes its own limits, it’s not unusual to find lawn watering restricted to two days per week in communities where the drought has not reached drastic proportions, and prohibited in places where it has.

If you live in such an area, or if you simply wish to conserve water, the first thing to do is to consider your gardens and yards carefully.  Survey them from different vantage points, such as a porch swing, a garden bench, or a patio chair, and decide which beds or plants are most important to you, and to the overall scheme of the landscape.  

Don’t waste time or water on diseased, ragged, or scraggly plants, or those that have refused to respond to your best efforts; forget about them now, and give them another try when conditions are more favorable.  Give precedence to your established trees and shrubs, no matter what.  

Another option is container gardening.  When you grow flowers in planters, you can more easily control the amount of water that is used, keeping it in the pot, instead of letting it seep into the vast underground.  Just make sure that you don’t over-water, or it will simply leak out the bottom of the planter and be wasted anyway.

You can find a great assortment of colorful, durable planters, plants stands, and planter benches right here at CedarStore.com.  Best of all, you can surf our site for hours, without using a single drop of water.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: planter, Planter Benches, Planters

If you’ve ever gotten an invitation to a barbecue, then shown up and claimed a spot at the picnic table, mouth watering for some tender ribs, only to find that the menu consisted of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, you were, obviously, misled.  Assuredly, nobody was trying to deceive you; it is more likely that your host, like millions of others, believes that the words, grill and barbecue, can be used interchangeably. 

Sure, this is rarely a big deal to most party-goers.  After all, the food, however it is prepared, is usually good, and everyone has fun playing lawn games, or just relaxing on patio chairs, porch swings, and gliders, snacking on appetizers, and conversing with friends.  In certain cases, however, the erroneous use of the word, barbecue, to describe food that is actually cooked on a grill, may also spark some lively discussion, because many people take the distinction seriously – as well they should. 

A quick way to state the difference is by saying that grilling is high and fast, and barbecuing is low and slow.  Indeed, grilling is generally done over hot coals, or a gas flame, when cooking hamburgers, hot dogs, or tender, thinner cuts of meat, at 500° or more, for an hour or less.  The intense heat and rapid cooking help to seal in the juices, making for more succulent pieces of meat.  Although you can use barbecue sauces when you’re grilling, apply them only when the meat is nearly done, so that the sugar that is in them won’t have a chance to burn.  It’s also important to tend the grill for the entire cooking time, not only because of safety concerns, but because the meat cooks so quickly that it can go from juicy to dry in a flash.       

Barbecuing, which is normally done over wood or charcoal, is used when cooking larger, tougher cuts of meat, at 225° or less, with smoke, for well over an hour.  While this method definitely takes longer (in fact, if you’re cooking a pig, it may take all night), when done right, it’s well worth the wait.  Throughout the process, you can brush on the sauce as often as you wish, as it will create a delicious glaze; and throwing some damp wood chips into the fire will give it a great smoky flavor as well.  The long, slow pace helps to dissolve the connective tissue that makes meat tough, causing it to become tender enough to fall off the bone, which is the goal of all barbecuers.      

Of course, being able to distinguish grilling from barbecuing is only the beginning.  Mastering the proper cooking techniques for each of them will make the difference between food that is flawless and flavorsome, and fare that is only fair. 

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: barbecue, barbecuing, grill, grilling

There are many safety measures that should be observed when you’re grilling and barbecuing.  Although some – or all – of them may seem like they’re just common sense (I know!), countless accidents happen each year because some people fail to follow them.  Sometimes, it’s because they think that nothing bad will happen to them; in other cases, people may feel that they’re safe as long as they don’t leave their grills unattended.  However, as we’ve all seen too many times, things can occur in a split second.

So, to begin with, never use a grill indoors.  Yes, that seems obvious, but, for some reason, many people who would never think of taking grills into their homes will use them in their garages.  Why?  Perhaps they feel that the openness of the garage makes it safer; but, in some cases, it could be more perilous.  For example, one good gust of wind could send flames shooting up to the rafters; and that’s a case in point for things that can happen in an instant.  

Furthermore, many people store paints, solvents, and kerosene heaters in their garages (although that’s not a good idea), and a grill should never be used near anything flammable, inside or out; nor should lit cigarettes, matches, or open flames be allowed near it.  Keep the grill out of all structures, including garages, porches, gazebos, sheds, cabanas, pool houses, carports, tents, and breezeways.

Do not put the grill under or near things that can catch fire, such as branches, overhangs, outdoor furniture, clotheslines, power lines, decks, and siding; and keep it at least 25 feet away from the house.  Move gas hoses as far away from hot surfaces and dripping grease as possible, or install a heat shield to protect them; and always place the grill on a level surface. 

Another important precaution, which, now that I think about it, should probably be first on the list, is to always know exactly who is going to be doing the cooking.  The reason that this is an issue is because, as we all know, there’s a lot of debate among backyard chefs about the best methods for grilling different things; and there are at least 100 different “best” ways for each thing.  In fact, some of these arguments get so hot that they could cook – nay, char – the food without the grill ever being ignited. 

Consequently, after a lengthy bout, I’ve seen the contenders retreat to separate corners, one flopping into a hammock, another continuing his harangue from an Adirondack chair, one settling at the picnic table, conducting a Grilling 101 lecture to everyone within earshot, and all of them saying, “fine, then – let them do it!”  So, the most judicious thing to do is to have only one chef’s hat and/or barbecue apron (once again, funny saying optional), and whoever wears them is it.  Remember, too many cooks can spoil a heck of a lot more than just broth!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: grill, grilling

Well, we’re in the thick of grilling and barbecuing season, which means that many people are eating more meals at their picnic tables and outdoor dining sets than they are in their kitchens.  Unfortunately, it also means that we’re hearing many sad stories about fires and other injuries caused by incorrect use of outdoor cooking equipment.

The reasons for this are many.  Sometimes, accidents happen because people are inexperienced in cooking on grills; other times, they may occur when people are using new grills, with which they are simply not familiar.  There are also many cases in which the equipment itself is faulty; and then, of course, there’s just plain carelessness.           

The good news is that a great number of these incidents can be prevented; and being meticulous about safety practices means that there will be fewer instances wherein you’ll ever even have to hear the bad news, which is that you could have kept someone from getting hurt in the first place.   

Certainly, there are times when misfortune strikes no matter how careful you are, because, whether you’re grilling, driving, boating, or just sitting in your patio chair or lying in your hammock minding your own business, potential dangers are lurking everywhere.  It’s just not possible to foresee them all; that’s why it’s so important to be prepared for the things that you can anticipate.  

To begin with, remember that, because a grill is used repeatedly throughout the summer – and beyond – its parts can wear out easily.  In fact, they can even become damaged, or somehow compromised, when the grill is just sitting in storage.  Therefore, it’s important to inspect all hoses, gauges, tanks, and other components, thoroughly for rust, cracks, leaks, or breakage, before you begin using it for the season, and at regular intervals throughout the summer.    

If you are using a new grill, be sure to read and follow all of the manufacturer’s guidelines for its safe operation.  Because it may very well have features that your old one didn’t have, reading up on it will also help to prepare you for properly cooking on your new grill, so you won’t ruin those gorgeous steaks.  Remember the old saying, “an ounce of preparation is worth a pound of meat!”  Okay, so it’s a new saying that I just made up; but hey, it’s just as important to prevent cooking disasters!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: barbecuing, grilling

If you’re a beginning gardener, all it takes is one small error, such as planting in poor soil, planting the wrong thing at the wrong time (or maybe, the right thing at the wrong time), over-watering, or under-watering, to foil your attempts.  After all, as I said, it takes more than just putting seeds into the ground and watering them to cultivate a colorful, flourishing garden.

On the other hand, there are some things that spring up and thrive with little or no help; e.g., weeds.  I mean, you certainly don’t plant weed seeds; yet, there they are.  You toil in the sun for hours, yanking them out of the ground by their roots.  Finally, with that exhausted-yet-triumphant feeling, you grab a well-deserved beverage, find your way to your hammock, porch swing, or chaise lounge, then survey the yard to admire your work; and, yet, there they still are.

Therefore, the truth, not surprisingly, is that most of the plants that grow with little effort or encouragement on your part are completely unwelcome.  Unfortunately, some of these undesirables are attractive, colorful, and pleasantly scented.  The problem is that, after using their irresistible appeal to seduce their ways into your garden, these beautiful-but-deadly thugs will completely take over the territory, showing other plants no quarter. 

The highly-adaptable, Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum Salicaria), for example, will choke the life out of anything that gets in its way.  In wetlands, it forces out native grasses and flowering plants that provide important nutrition to wildlife, thus destroying their habitats.  Wickedly prolific, its seeds are spread by animals, insects, wind, and water; and a chip from a broken root can start a new plant. 

Also called “beautiful killer” and “marsh monster,” it is on many “weed watch” lists.  Because sprays won’t kill it, environmental agencies are trying to reduce its populations by releasing special beetles that feed on its leaves and roots.  However, those beetles are facing a monumental task, because this gorgeous brute grows up to 7 feet high and sports stunning purplish-red flowers that can produce up to 2.5 million seeds per year.  Yikes!                               

Though not related to Purple Loosestrife, Gooseneck Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia Clethroides), is nevertheless a menace.  Also known as Japanese Loosestrife or Shepherd’s Crook, this charming ruffian, a native of Asia, blooms from spring to fall, bearing delicate white flowers.  Safe from its natural predators, it reproduces with abandon in the U.S., aided by millions of seeds and a horizontal root system, and seizes control of entire gardens. 

So, the next time you hear something or someone referred to as a “delicate flower,” take heed; you could actually be dealing with an insidious beast, instead of a shrinking violet.  Remember, there are many flowers that you should never allow into your garden (or, for that matter, into your neighborhood, if you can help it).  If you do, you may find yourself wishing that your newfound green thumb would wither up and fall off. 

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: weed, weeds

Speaking of deciding what you should put in, on, and around your garden pond, another thing to consider is a filtration system.  While most small ponds (which are generally defined as having up to 1,000 gallons of water) don’t necessarily need them, especially if they are stocked with the correct balance of plants and fish, installing them will clarify the water sufficiently for optimum viewing of the aquatic life within.

Putting in a pump and filter that’s the right size for your pond will also allow it to support more fish, and is, in fact, essential for koi.  Basically, there are two types of filters, which are known as mechanical and biological.  Both kinds keep the water clear by trapping floating particles, including fish waste, uneaten food, algae, and dirt.  Moreover, biological filters, as well as certain mechanical types, also remove toxic chemicals, such as ammonia.

The most commonly used systems for small ponds are comprised of mechanical filters with complementary pumps.  These may contain replaceable foam filter wraps, or corrugated polyester cartridges, which are comparable to those used as oil filters in cars.  In order to keep them operating at maximum efficiency, mechanical filters must be cleaned frequently, especially during the summer, when you shouldn’t let them go for more than three days.

If you want to make your pond even more breath-taking, by adding fountains or waterfalls, you will need a submersible pump that will recirculate the water.  Available in a variety of sizes, the labels will help you to determine the one that’s best for your pond, depending upon factors such as its size, capacity, and how many gallons per hour go over the waterfall.  Some of these also have separate attachments for fountains.    

While a pond is one thing that’s certain to enhance your landscape, the ways of beautifying your surroundings are too numerous to count, because CedarStore.com has hundreds of outdoor décor items, including decorative mailboxes, birdfeeders and houses, garden trellises, pergolas and screens, weathervanes, planters, planter benches, and much more.

Oh, yeah, and, although I’m not sure, I think that they may have a piece of outdoor furniture or two – or three – thousand!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy   

Tags: garden pond, pond

Happy Friday to you all!

Once again, some humor to help wrap up your work week ~

——–

A tourist walks into a pet shop in Silicon Valley, and is browsing around the cages on display. While he’s there, another customer walks in and says to the shopkeeper, “I’ll have a C monkey, please”.

The shopkeeper nods, goes over to a cage at the side of the shop and takes out a monkey. He fits a collar and leash and hands it to the customer, saying “That’ll be $5,000″. The customer pays and walks out with his monkey.

Startled, the tourist goes over to the shopkeeper and says, “That was a very expensive monkey, most of them are only a few hundred dollars. Why did it cost so much?”

“Oh”, says the shopkeeper, “that monkey can program in C with very fast, tight code, no bugs, well worth the money.”

The tourist starts to look at the monkeys in the cage. He says to the shop keeper, “That one’s even more expensive, $10,000! What does it do?”

“Oh”, says the shopkeeper, “that one’s a C++ monkey; it can manage object-oriented programming, Visual C++, even some Java, all the really useful stuff.”

The tourist looks around for a little longer and sees a third monkey in a cage on its own. The price tag round its neck says $50,000.

He gasps to the shop keeper, “That one costs more than all the others put together! What on earth does it do?”

“Well,” says the shopkeeper, “I don’t know if it actually does anything, but says it’s a Consultant.”

——–

Enjoy your weekend!

Shari

1. Hey, I watch television. Every year, he’s there clucking in the Cadbury egg commercials.

2. Who do you think delivers all the baskets and stuff, the little chicks? Doubtful.

3. When I was six, I saw a bunny at the scene of the crime. He put his finger aside his nose, and up the chimney he rose.

4. It was a little cafe somewhere in France, I was young, and yes, I believed everything he told me.

5. Someone is posing for those chocolate rabbit molds, and I think you’re thinking what I’m thinking.

6. Who else has time to color all those eggs? Not me, Jack.

7. Yeah, and Peter Rabbit didn’t think Mr. McGregor was going to catch him in the cabbage patch either — get with the times.

8. I had a pet rabbit in the 4th grade, and he told me it was all true.

9. Once, I put a tooth under my pillow, and in the morning I had a marshmallow Easter egg.

10. Someone has to believe in the Easter bunny.

——–

Have a Wonderful Spring Weekend!

Shari