All Outdoor Patio Furniture

The longer this heat wave – as it has officially been declared – goes on, the harder it is to cool off, especially without spending a fortune on utilities.  Heck, even during normal summer weather, it’s tough to stay comfortable and keep energy costs low; but when temperatures really soar, it’s a major challenge (that can make you really sore).

What makes it worse is that the higher-than-normal usage of cooling devices puts such an extraordinary demand on electric grids that there’s a greater chance of power outages.  Therefore, you have to be aware of every appliance you use, and everything you do, which can further drain resources, while increasing the temperature in your home.

An oven, for example, in just the time it takes to bake cookies, can add at least 10 degrees to the room temperature, and 2%-5% to your cooling costs.  You’re better off cooking on your grill (which you’re probably doing frequently, anyway), and eating at your picnic table, under a UV-resistant patio umbrella (or indoors, if it’s too hot outside).  If you have to cook or (especially) bake, it’s best to do it in the morning or evening; and the same goes for running the dish washer and clothes dryer.

Another simple, yet effective, measure is to close the blinds on windows that get the most sunlight.  When allowed to shine through, it can account for up to 20% of the heat in your home during the summer.  Windows that face west are the biggest culprits, so cover them with reflective blinds or curtains in the afternoon.  I do this every day, and it really works.  Unfortunately, it also blocks the view of my birdfeeders and birdhouses; but, in this heat, I can put up with that for a few hours.

If it gets cool enough after sundown, you can give the air conditioner a break, and use window and ceiling fans to bring in the night air and help it to circulate.  Just remember to close the windows in the morning, before the hot air makes its return.  If your house isn’t air-conditioned, and it’s still too hot to sleep, lull yourself into drowsiness on a porch swing or an outdoor rocking chair before going to bed.

Of course, your air-conditioning system must also be operating at peak efficiency; and that will be impossible if any ducts are leaking.  Moreover, besides being intact, ductwork must be balanced between the supply and return sides of the system; so, fixing one section could cause problems in another.  Unless you really know what you’re doing, the safest thing to do is to have a professional check ducts, filters, coils, fans, and other components, and do any necessary repairs.

Indeed, the best way to combat high energy bills during a heat wave is to have all of your ducts in a row!

Yours (still, and unapologetically) Indoors,

Kathy

Tags: birdfeeders, birdhouses, grill, outdoor rocking chair, patio umbrella, picnic table, porch swing

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

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

As I said before, there are many outdoor tasks to do in January, besides shoveling snow.

Yes, I realize that there are places that never get any snow.  In fact, some people in these areas probably had their Christmas dinners at their picnic tables instead of their dining tables.  Right now, they’re doing gardening as usual, then relaxing in their Adirondack chairs, porch gliders, hammocks, or patio chairs, and having a cold one.

Then, there are regions where the temperature rarely goes below freezing, and snow comes infrequently, in negligible amounts.  Residents of these places can do a good bit of gardening now, and will have many days where it’s warm enough to sit on their porches or patios and enjoy their outdoor furniture.

However, because those of us who are snowed under right now, and dealing with below-zero wind chills, actually have to tussle with nature, I’ll concentrate on our priorities.

First, we must remember that wild animals have a tough time finding food when everything is covered with snow.  If you’re not already feeding the birds, start now (you’ll be glad you did).  Set up some birdfeeders and birdhouses where you can enjoy the show that they put on (as I am doing right now), and where there is shelter close by.  If you still have your Christmas tree, prop it up a few feet from the feeding station and use it for this purpose.

Its branches can also be used to cover any plants, root vegetables, shrubs, or perennials that need extra protection from the cold.  Speaking of branches, now is a good time to prune most shrubs and deciduous shade trees.  If snow has accumulated on your trees, knock it off, in an upward motion, so as not to snap any branches; and prune any that break.

You can also use this time to plan for spring.  Make a map of your garden, and list what you’d like to plant where, keeping your seed and bulb catalogs nearby for inspiration.

Oh, I forgot to mention that other wildlife shouldn’t be left out in the cold (so to speak), either; so get some inexpensive bags of ear corn for squirrels and deer.

I probably should have brought that up earlier, but (wait for it) I always like to end with something corny!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chairs, birdfeeders, birdhouses, christmas trees, Hammocks, Outdoor Furniture, patio chairs, picnic tables, porch gliders, reusing christmas trees

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: there are very few things that are more rewarding – or more amusing – than feeding wild birds.  It’s particularly fun for me, because, as a writer, I sit at my computer all day long, so I can enjoy the show as I work.  My birdfeeders are out on my patio; and, as far as I’m concerned, they’re as essential as my picnic table, patio umbrella, garden benches, porch swing, Adirondack chairs, and all of my other outdoor furniture.

On the table next to me, I also have bird books and binoculars, in case I glimpse a bird I’ve never seen before, or have seen only once or twice in my life.  That happens a lot when you have a birdfeeder.  Word gets around, I’m telling you – you can hear the birds tweeting each other – and they literally flock to your backyard.  As it turns out, sometimes, those rarely seen birds are rarely seen only because they haven’t had the proper enticement to show themselves.  Without it, even the most common birds can go undetected for great lengths of time.

In my case, finches are good examples of this.  I know there are tons of them around, but I hadn’t seen one in years.  Rather, I had only been seeing purple finches.  Now, I’m not complaining, because I love purple finches; but, for some reason, I hadn’t seen a goldfinch practically since I was a kid.  Well, because I offer a variety of food in my birdfeeders, and because there were purple finches out there eating it, and because I figured that if a purple one would eat it, so would a gold one, I started to think that maybe there actually was a shortage of goldfinches in my area. 

Then, one day, I read that nyjer seed is the favorite food of finches.  So I tried it, and sure enough, later that week, suddenly, there was a goldfinch at my feeder.  Well, that was awhile ago, and, now that I see dozens of them at a time, I can say with certainty that there’s no dearth of goldfinches around here.

This is just one of the many rewards of feeding wild birds.  If you want to experience all of the other delights that come with it, start by going to CedarStore.com and choosing from our selection of hopper, platform, hanging, tube, and post-mounted birdfeeders.  To further ensure that the birds will hang around, select one of our durable birdhouses as well. 

Oh, yeah, and, while you’re there, don’t forget to get a birdbath, too.  After all, no one likes a dirty birdie.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: birdfeeder, birdfeeders, birdhouse, birdhouses