Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

Today there’s a kind of strange, almost eerie, sight outside my window.  My birdfeeders, which are normally bustling with activity, have gotten very few hits.  I haven’t seen a lot of movement around the birdhouses, either; and, oddly enough, even the birdbaths aren’t getting as many visitors as usual.  So, the heat wave that we, along with a large portion of the country, are experiencing is, not surprisingly, affecting the wildlife as well.

Whether or not your area is now being scorched by temperatures that are nearing 100º, you’ve probably, at one time or another, been in the grip of a heat wave.  Indeed, nearly everyone knows how this feels (awful!), and that, when it gets life-threateningly hot, it’s vital to find a way to stay cool.  Although everybody is at risk, the ones who are the most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses are the elderly, the very young, and those who must work outdoors.

If you’re in that last group, it’s imperative that you take it easy, drink plenty of water, and stop frequently for breaks.  Otherwise, it’s best to stay inside, in the air-conditioning, as much as possible.  Don’t do any unnecessary outdoor chores, either; forget about yard work for the time being.  If you don’t want to stay in, take an ice-cold glass of lemonade out to a patio chair, porch swing, or hammock, and just relax.

Even if you’re in a location, such as this, where it’s going to stay dry for several days, don’t worry about your lawn.  Although it may get thoroughly baked, it will spring back to life when it rains.  However, if you can’t be dissuaded from watering it, let your sprinkler do double duty, and set yourself up in a lounge chair or steamer chair, in a spot where it will spray you, too.

During weather like this, you should also wear light, and light-colored, clothing.  Take cool baths or showers if you don’t have a pool, or have access to one.  Even if you have one, however, the water can get pretty warm under these conditions; so keep cold drinks handy on a nearby picnic table that’s shaded by a tree or, at least, a patio umbrella.  It’s also a good idea to put some ice packs and wet cloths into a cooler, in case someone gets overheated.

Of course, as the birds are reminding me today, this weather is just as dangerous for animals.  So, provide some water for the wild creatures, and, please, don’t leave your pets out in the heat – especially in a car!  They’re depending on you to keep them safe and cool.  You should also check on elderly neighbors, or anyone who lives alone and doesn’t have air-conditioning.

You know, I sure could go for a heapin’ helpin’ of some of that wonderful snow that we had last winter!  No, I’m not just saying that; I’m one of the few who enjoyed it even when it was over two feet deep.  Believe me, I’d rather see 28º than 98º any day of the year.

Yours (I cannot tell a lie – for now, I’m staying) Indoors,

Kathy

Tags: birdfeeders, birdhouses, chaise lounge, hammock, lounge chair, patio chair, patio umbrella, picnic table, porch swing, steamer chair

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

When creating your hummingbird garden, remember that you’re building a complete habitat for hummingbirds.  While other birds will eat at your birdfeeders, and nest in nearby birdhouses, they’ll still spend most of their time scavenging in the wild.  Hummingbirds, on the other hand, if conditions are right, may come to think of your backyard as their home, and even rely on your hospitality.

Putting yourself in that mindset will help you to choose all of the proper elements for your garden.  For example, when selecting the flowers, besides making sure that they are brightly-colored, mainly tubular or trumpet-shaped, and heavy on nectar, you should also try to get varieties that bloom at different times of the year, so the hummingbirds will always have something to eat.

By the way, because they need protein as much as they need nectar, hummingbirds also eat small, soft bugs, such as gnats, spiders, mosquitoes, aphids, and caterpillars, along with insect eggs.  In fact, the resourceful hummingbird will eat all of the bugs, including the spider, out of a web, then use the web in building its nest.

Therefore, one of the important points to keep in mind about your hummingbird garden – and it’s a very favorable one – is that it is low-maintenance.  Not only do you not have to worry about killing bugs, as the birds will do that for you, but you absolutely must not even think about using any pesticides, because that will kill the birds.  Hummingbirds also help with the upkeep by pollinating the flowers as they make their rounds.

Even though there will be all of those delicious flowers and delectable bugs around, you should still have some hummingbird feeders in your garden.  This is advisable because, for one thing, no matter how carefully you try to coordinate the blooming times of your flowers, it is likely that there will be a dearth of nectar during certain periods.  Furthermore, some hummingbirds are aggressive and territorial, and will take ownership of a flower, not letting any other birds go near it.

To keep these selfish birds (which should be ashamed of themselves) from monopolizing the feeders, you can either place them about 30 feet apart (the feeders, not the birds), or put a bunch of them together.  Of course, hummingbirds do need some room to maneuver (that’s what gives them their ‘hum’), so even flowers should have some space between them.  If you run lines between the feeders, you will also give the birds a place to perch.

Another good way to let the hummingbirds spread their wings is to have flowers in planters, and on trellises, arbors, pergolas, and gazebos.  You can also put some in places that are slightly removed from the area of concentration, and even make a kind of flower trail that will lead them to feed a bit closer to your patio or porch.  That way, you can enjoy their antics while eating at your picnic table, or sitting on your porch glider, outdoor sofa, or garden bench.

Creating a hummingbird garden is well worth the time and effort – especially since it doesn’t take a lot of time and effort, once it’s established.  Moreover, it will also attract tons of butterflies, and, if you put regular birdfeeders in the vicinity, many other types of birds.

That way, when one bird sings a beautiful song, a hummingbird can hum along.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, birdfeeders, birdhouses, garden bench, Gazebos, outdoor sofa, Pergolas, picnic table, Planters, porch glider, trellises

Birds give us much more than beauty, song, and constant entertainment (and that’s a heck of a lot).  Even those that are often considered nuisances help to get rid of pests in the garden.  Starlings, for example, gobble up the larvae of Japanese beetles and gypsy moths.  So, when you see them canvassing your lawn, just sit back in your Adirondack chair, or relax on your porch swing or glider, and enjoy the rainbow of colors reflecting off their iridescent feathers.

Certainly, birds deserve to be rewarded with a reliable source of their favorite foods; and, no, putting up birdfeeders and birdhouses won’t make them dependent, and cause them to lose their natural instincts and abilities to survive in the wild.

Now, the number of birds that will come to your newly-installed birdfeeders will vary, depending upon what time of the year it is.  If the weather is warm, and natural sources of food are abundant, there may not be as many, especially at first.  No matter when you begin, your birdfeeders may stand neglected for a few days; but, once word gets around, which it will, quickly (after all, birds mastered the art of twittering millions of years ago!), you’ll be in business.

There are several types of birdfeeders, including hopper, platform, tube, hanging, and post-mounted, some of which are available in octagon, pagoda, gazebo, and log cabin styles.  Different birds like various foods; so, to attract the widest variety, offer an assortment of black oil and striped sunflower seeds, hulled peanuts, thistle seeds, suet mixed with seeds or fruit, peanut butter, and white millet seed.

It’s best to have multiple feeding stations, and to put thistle (or nyjer) seed in a separate, hanging birdfeeder, with smaller ports, specifically for finches.  This is their favorite food, and it’s difficult for them, with their tiny bills, to feed with the other birds.  In fact, you may not see a goldfinch unless you do this; but you’ll be elated when dozens of them start descending on their special birdfeeder!

Birdfeeders should be placed between five and twelve feet from shrubs, or other sources of refuge from the elements and predators.  Vines provide great shelter as well, so you can also put birdfeeders near arbors, trellises, and pergolas.

Soon, you’ll build up a regular clientele of cardinals, sparrows, tufted titmice, black-capped chickadees, finches, woodpeckers, blue jays, wrens, slate-colored juncos, mourning doves, nuthatches, and whatever else is native to your area.

Although these characters will keep you thoroughly entertained, every once in awhile, a rarely-seen bird will suddenly emerge from the woods to partake of your largesse.  While such surprise guests will surely give you a thrill, unfortunately, they often fly in for just one show, sing for their supper, then take off again.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chair, Arbors, birdfeeders, birdhouses, Pergolas, porch glider, porch swing, trellises

We’re always looking for ways to put more color into our lives.  Indoors, we carefully choose particular types of paint, wallpaper, furniture, and other home accents, so that we can be surrounded by our favorite shades.

Outside, there are even more possibilities, which include the countless varieties and hues of flowers, plants, and shrubs that are available for our landscaping, as well as those that exist naturally.  We also have scores of color choices for our patio furniture and picnic tables, which we can further embellish with other outdoor décor items, such as outdoor furniture cushions, and patio umbrellas.

Among the things that nature adds to the kaleidoscope, birds are the most enchanting; and bird-watching is one of the country’s most popular pastimes.  This is quite understandable, for many reasons.  For one thing, some birds have spectacular plumage that will absolutely take your breath away.  Then, there are the endless, beautiful tunes that they sing; and even those common little brown sparrows are a delight to watch.  Indeed, birds of all feathers can bring us joy.

While it’s a lot of fun – and great exercise – to go hiking through fields and woods to observe different species, you can bring them in droves to your own backyard, by putting up some birdhouses and birdfeeders.  Believe me, you’ll never regret this move.  In fact, once you start feeding the birds, you’ll be so fascinated, and entertained, that you will never want to stop.  They’re captivating, playful, and downright hilarious; and the more you watch them, the more you’ll want to read and learn about them.

I cannot tell you how much enjoyment these little winged creatures have brought me over the years (and, yes, I’m watching them at my birdfeeders at this very moment).  There are several types of birdfeeders that you can use, including hopper, platform, hanging, tube, and post-mounted.

In future entries, I will have some tips about using these birdfeeders, and information on the kinds of foods that will soon have them brimming with living color.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: birdfeeders, birdhouses, home accents, outdoor decor, outdoor furniture cushions, patio furniture, patio umbrellas, picnic tables

The tasks that await you in your yard and garden in February will depend upon where you live. However, for everyone here, in the Pittsburgh area, along with the huge chunk of the Eastern United States that just got covered with two or more feet of snow, I can make one blanket statement about your main outdoor chore now: just shovel! (As if you needed anyone to tell you that!)

Now, I happen to love all of this snow, and, for some reason, I thoroughly enjoy shoveling, which I did for more than five hours straight on Saturday. Naturally, though, there are some down sides to this weather. For one thing, it makes it difficult for wildlife to find food; so, besides filling my birdfeeders, I cleared the snow off my picnic table and put some ear corn and bread crumbs out for deer and squirrels. Because animals desperately need fresh water, too, I placed some shallow bowls of it on my patio chairs and tables.

Unfortunately, this storm has also caused many hardships for people, leaving millions without electricity (mine has been going off and on for days) and heat. Furthermore, shoveling, which is a great form of exercise, can also be dangerous for those who are not used to heavy physical activity, as it puts a sudden demand on the heart, and causes a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure. In fact, people who are normally sedentary can experience, in only a few minutes of shoveling, a rise in heart rate that’s higher than recommended during aerobics.

The situation can be made worse by the colder temperatures, which make it harder to breathe while working, thus putting extra strain on the body. Then, there are the risks of hypothermia and back injuries. Luckily, with the proper precautions, all of this is entirely preventable. For some people, that may mean no shoveling at all, while, for others, it can be a matter of making simple modifications, and going at the task slowly.

So, in my next blog, I will have some tips for protecting yourself while doing this chore. If you live anywhere in the already-dumped-upon areas, you’re going to need them, because another front is coming through, which is predicted to drop up to another foot of snow.

Yikes! It’s a good thing I really know how to shovel it!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: birdfeeders, patio chairs, patio tables, picnic table

1. Create an Entry Way

Even if your whole yard or property isn’t fenced in, it’s good to create a sense of transition from the outside world, to the whimsical home of your garden.  Guests will be put immediately at ease knowing that they are entering a place of tranquility and hospitality.  Most people spend a lot of time decorating their front doors to give their visitors the same feeling, so make sure to do it with your garden as well.  A good way to create an entry way is through the use of arbors or gates.

Choose a flat top or arch top arbor to fit your personality and vine it with colorful and eye-catching plants.  This wide array of climbing color will immediately spark your guests’ interest, inviting them in to see what else your home carries.

A gate can be another way to transition visitors from the outside world to your garden.  If your yard is fenced in for privacy or pets, an arbor with an attached gate will allow you to keep your garden and lawn enclosed, while giving you plenty of space to vine plants and flowers.  Remember that no small touch in your garden will go without notice, and though we should not judge books by their covers, your entry way will set the tone for the entire journey through your yard.  A rusting metal gate will not welcome people in like a friendly gated arbor.

2. Plant Gardens that Work Together

Your entry way will be more interesting if you use a variety of plants; shrubs, vines, and perennials can be plotted to work together if done with a bit of forethought.  Your guests will be surveying the entry way throughout their walk, so make sure they are never bored by breaks in vegetation or jolted by sudden changes in plant life.

Variety is the spice of life, so don’t stick to one color pallet or one type of flower.  Shrubs, like the Winter Gold Winterberry, that produce colorful berries will make sure that your garden is still vibrant with interesting hues long after the flowers have faded.

If you thought you only had plants to work with, think again!  Use fragrant plants to attract wild life, such as butterflies and hummingbirds, to animate your garden and produce endless hours of entertainment.  Planting Shasta Daisies, Cosmos, and Delphiniums will be sure to invite colorful wild life.  And, to entice all sorts of birds, using an out of the ordinary bird feeder will add more curiosity to your space, while inviting the birds to come and play as well.

Make sure your entry way garden is exciting and varied to keep your visitors’ interest, but don’t allow any large breaks or sudden changes to draw the eye to one specific spot that would pull them out of the entire scene.

3. Have a Place to Gather

Having a welcoming entry way garden will put your guests into a calming mindset, eager to enjoy your tranquil space.  The cruelest trick would be to catch their every interest, then force them inside and away from all the natural beauty.  Having a porch swing, patio group, or garden bench will give you and your friends a bright spot to gather for coffee, tea, and conversation.  Folding Adirondack chairs will allow you to move your party anywhere in the garden, while heavier dining sets and deep seating will form an outdoor living room where guests will feel free to lounge and feel at home. But don’t forget, it’s not always just about your guests!  A well placed hammock or swing bed will give you the perfect spot to relax and enjoy all your hard work (without any outside interruptions!)

See You Outside! (in your entry way garden!)

Hazel

Tags: adirondack chairs, Arbors, birdfeeders, deep eating, dining sets, entryways, garden bench, gates, hammock, patio group, porch swings, swing bed

This time of the year is often called the dead of winter.  At a glance, that can seem an appropriate description, whether everything’s covered with snow and ice, or there’s just a brown landscape with barren trees, shrubs, and plants that look, well, dead.

Of course, we know that’s not the case.  Some things are in a state of dormancy, while others are just as active as always.  For example, those tracks in the fresh snow prove that the animals are out in full force, foraging for food; and if you throw some scraps out, or hang a birdfeeder or two, you’ll see plenty of life in your backyard.

You can go out and put down some tracks, too, because there’s plenty to do in the garden in January.  Even when it’s blanketed with snow, the soil is still active, and certain plants and trees, such as evergreens, continue to take nutrients from it.  Because they’re crucial to the overall health of your garden, it’s important to replenish them for your spring growing season.  Composting is one of the best ways to do this, and you should keep tending and turning your compost pile, as well as adding organic materials to it, throughout the winter.

Mulching is another thing that you can do now to keep your plants thriving.  Applying a layer of shredded bark or wood chips, three to four inches thick, will give the soil, your plants, and their roots, extra protection from the elements, especially if an early warm spell tricks them into thinking that it’s time to make their spring debut.

If you’re just not in the mood to go outside right now, or it’s dangerously cold, you can do some indoor container gardening.  Go to a nursery and find the plants that will best fit your needs, your available space, and your level of expertise.

Then, visit CedarStore.com and choose from our great selection of red cedar, white cedar, and pine planters, planter boxes, planter tubs, window boxes, polywood planters and planter trellises, and metal planters, which are available in over a dozen bright colors.

This way, you’ll be doing something positive – bringing the dead of winter back to life!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: birdfeeders, container gardening, metal planters, planter boxes, planter trellises, planter tubs, Planters, polywood planters, red cedar, white cedar, window boxes, winter gardening

1. Feed the birds! This was mentioned before, but it’s worth bringing up again.  Many birds and small creatures are having an awfully hard time finding food in the snowy cold.  Put out birdfeeders and birdhouses full of seeds and birdfeed.  Without spending a lot of money, you can help a wide variety of creatures.  For our non-feathered friends, try putting out a piece of old plywood on the ground and spreading nuts, seeds, beans, oats, corn, or other wildlife friendly foods.  And don’t worry, your work won’t be completely selfless (though you can tell everyone how charitably kind you are), because you’ll get to enjoy a show of birds and other animals right in your own backyard! Note: Urban Gardeners Beware, birdfeeders will work great, but plywood left out with food might be a project best left to more rural dwellers.
2. Keep an eye on your bulbs! While weather changes that create one or two warm days can sometimes trick bulbs into thinking spring is on its way, we know that frigid weather is not finished yet! So, if you see your bulbs peeking out of the soil, cover them with a thick layer of mulch and compost to protect them from the snow and ice.  And remember, this is a great way to reuse the branches of your old Christmas tree!
3. Turn your soil! Now is the perfect time to turn your soil (assuming the ground is not frozen or sopping wet).  A rich loose soil is vital for ideal gardening.  To keep it rich and crumbly in the spring, remove any grasses or weeds from the area you are planning to garden and spread two or three inches of compost or other organic matter (old Christmas Tree branches?) on top of the soil.  Then, using a garden spade or fork, break up any heavy clods to keep the soil movable.  Good garden soil should have the perfect balance of air, water, and nutrients to support a strong system of roots.
4. Prepare to work! Now is a good time to start inventorying your tools.  Make a list of tools you want to buy or replace.  Willi Galloway outlines ten basic tools every gardener needs: a sturdy hand trowel, a stirrup hoe, a square blade spade with a D-shaped handle, bypass hand pruners, a garden fork, a leaf rake, a bow rake, a hand cultivator, a wheelbarrow or garden cart, and a hori hori knife, which is a serrated Japanese garden knife used for dividing plants, making furrows, and weeding.  In a few months, many garden supply stores will start jacking up prices.  But, if you start early and plan well—you won’t have to spend a lot of money to have the proper tools for your garden.
5. Prepare to Enjoy! So, you’ve helped the animals, you’ve protected your bulbs, you’ve turned your soil, and you’ve prepared your tools.  Now– help yourself.  It may seem like the warm weather will never come… but just as we have to work hard to prepare to… well… work hard, sometimes there are simply delightful tasks to prepare us to enjoy our gardens.  You envisioned the different vegetables and flowers you will grow in the “just right places” as you turned your soil, and you planned which plants will get the most use out of each tool.  But, have you taken time to arrange your patio furniture?  A garden can be more than just plants: add a garden bench, rocking chair, or porch swing for a small place to sit and enjoy your hard work quietly.  Consider a picnic table, outdoor dining set, or patio group if you’re hoping your whole family will come out and enjoy the beauty over the spring and summer months.  And, if you’re planning a garden so wonderful you could practically live in it… a gazebo, cabana, or pergola would be the perfect structure for your outdoor parties and afternoons to revolve around.  And, unlike jeans… garden structures and furniture are FUN to shop for!

See You Outside!

Hazel

Tags: birdfeeders, cabana, garden bench, garden furniture, garden structures, garden tools, gardening, gazebo, January, outdoor dining set, patio furniture, patio group, pergola, picnic table, porch swing, rocking chair, wheelbarrow