Now that you’ve cleaned and repaired all of the concrete and asphalt around your house, it’s time to relax for awhile.  So, invite a few friends over, throw some steaks on the grill, and get the picnic table ready.  After you eat, sit back on your porch furniture and socialize, or take a snooze in the hammock.

Once you’re well-rested, you can start surveying the landscape again, with fresh eyes, to see what other tasks there are to be done before summer fades away.  For one thing, you may want to get a heads-up on the tree situation, as low-swaying, dead, or diseased branches can be quite hazardous, especially in cold, stormy weather.

For example, they can rub against, and damage, your roof, siding, and gutters, while steadily dumping loads of leaves and sticks.  They can also hurt other outdoor structures, such as garages, gazebos, sheds, cabanas, and pool houses.  Furthermore, in high winds, or when laden with ice and snow, they are famous for dropping entire limbs, or dropping entirely.  On top of that, they act as natural bridges and ladders to your home, for rats, mice, and squirrels trying to find places to hole up; and you don’t want to have these worries hanging over your head all winter.

Therefore, in order to preclude the impending peril posed by these precarious perches, it’s imperative that you pinpoint and prune them, pronto.  Identify the ones that are the biggest threats, and, as long as you can get to and remove them safely, cut them back, or cut them off completely.  If you see any branches that are obviously dangerous, but out of reach, or any that you’re not sure about, you may have to call a certified arborist and/or tree removal service.

This is also a good time to take another look at your deck.  By this point in the summer, it has probably been continually supporting a lot of people, pets, patio furniture, and planters; and it’s been constantly exposed to the elements.  If it has been treated regularly with a sealer, that shouldn’t be a problem; otherwise, it may have taken on a great deal of moisture.

Moreover, if it’s left to endure a winter of ice, snow, and rain, the wood will repeatedly absorb water, as it expands and contracts, and will develop cracks.  As they deepen over time, the water will penetrate further, and the deck will get weaker.  If you can’t remember the last time you sealed and/or stained it (or if you’ve recently moved in, and haven’t done it yet), do a quick test.  Just pour some water over the boards, and if it beads up, you don’t have to worry; but if it sinks in, the deck needs another treatment.

Besides looking for cracks, and making certain that it’s water-repellent, examine your deck, top and bottom, for loose boards.  Shake the railings to ensure that they’re secure, and inspect the stairs, too, as the expanding and contracting of the wood can also dislodge hardware.  Any nails or screws that are sticking up should be refastened, or replaced with galvanized deck screws.

There’s no over-emphasizing the importance of keeping decks strong and healthy, considering how many of them collapse every year.  So, remember – a check of the deck prevents a heck of a wreck!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

March is finally here; and rarely has a month been so anticipated by so many people across the nation.  After the record-breaking, branch-breaking, and back-breaking amounts of snow that fell on much of the country in February, millions of people have been waiting for the weather to break, so that they can do some serious ground-breaking in their gardens.

Although there are lots of places where it will be safe to start planting this month, there are also many regions that can have frost, and even more snow, well into April.  So, if you live in one of the latter locations, even though spring is just a few weeks away, and even if the temperature is rising, and the forecast calls for it to continue in an upward trend, you’ll still have to resist the temptation to start putting things into the ground too early.

Of course, as I always say, if you can’t plant, plan.  Start by designing the structure of your garden, and don’t forget to include your garden structures.  Whether you already have arbors, trellises, or pergolas, or are going to install any, make sure that they’re properly placed before putting seed to soil.

This Planter Bench is all ready for spring!

This is even more crucial when it comes to gazebos, pool houses, cabanas, and sheds, as it’s common to give these backyard structures some special landscaping of their own.  Furthermore, if you don’t have one yet, but intend to get one, some of your newly-established plants and flowers may be wiped out during its construction.

You can also tend to your compost pile, which may very well have been neglected – and, indeed, even forgotten – if it has been buried deep beneath the snow.  Begin turning it regularly, to get it all heated up and ready for action.  If you don’t have a compost pile (or if you accidentally shoveled or plowed yours away with the snow), start one now.

Your tools will also have to be ready for peak performance, so have your lawnmower’s blades sharpened, oil changed, bolts tightened, and other parts inspected and/or cleaned.

Sharpen your garden tools, using a file on trowels, hoes, clippers, and shovels, and a whetstone on pruning shears.  Once they’re sharpened, coat the metal with some penetrating oil; and, if they are moving parts, a heavier oil as well.  Sand rough spots on wood handles, and then apply some linseed oil.

In my next entry, I’ll have some more suggestions for March gardening projects.  I’m anxious to get started on mine, too, but, at the moment, I’m sitting here looking at a patio that remains covered with at least a foot of snow.  So, I’m still waiting for that big break!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

I hope I’m not pigeon holing our readers too much… but as I spent much of my weekend glued to the weather channel, it seems that the majority of our fine nation was dumped on with snow recently. Here in Pittsburgh, we’re still in a state of snow emergency… with the national guard and over a hundred out-of-state workers trying to dig us out.

But, enough about us… I’m sure you’re much more concerned about your gardens and lawns than the city with six superbowl rings (congratulations Saints)

So, when looking out your windows how, exactly, will you deal with all of that snow and ice covering your garden and landscaping?

Determine Snow-Type: Natural coverings of snow, from falling and drifting, are actually not damaging your flowers and vegetables. In fact, it serves as an insulating layer, and slow melting will provide a lot of much-needed moisture to winter’s dry vegetation. The problem comes when snow plows, snow blowers, and even shuffles pile dense and heavy snow that are slow to melt and too heavy for most trees or shrubs. If your snow removal is within your control, do your best to keep it away from any kind of growth.

Evaluate Trees and Shrubs: Even natural snow in large amounts can be too much for tender branches. To avoid damage to your tress or shrubs, take steps to protect the branches from drooping, bending, or even snapping. Leave you shovel on the driveway and pick up a broom, car brush, or just your gloves to gently sweep the snow from the branches. Remember, a broken branch is like a broken bone, so be careful! Don’t ever shake the plant as the brittle and stressed branches may snap. And, brush in an upward motion to avoid using force to further bend or break a branch. You’ll find best results if you do this before too many inches of snow accumulate… the more often you clean off your trees, the better off you’ll be. A word to the wise: these are great steps to take with snow… but ice is a different story. If the branches are already covered or incased in ice, no matter what you do, any sort of interference will cause more damage. Just let them be to melt naturally.

Protect Structures and Furniture: Though the snow piling up on the arms of your adirondack chairs or atop your accent table look comical and help to really define exactly how much snow has fallen… it’s best to remove the accumulation as quickly as possible. If you can do so safely, sweep snow from the roofs of gazebos, cabanas, and sunrooms. So much weight isn’t good for even heavy structures. If you have any arbors or lattice, you would be surprised at the immense weight piles of snow can boast, and should protect these more delicate garden enhancements. Sweeping the snow from your patio groups, dining sets, and picnic tables should be much less work and require less attention to safety measures… so don’t avoid cleaning them off. While the most durable of woods may not show damage from days under snow piles and ice…such heavy levels of moisture aren’t good for any material. Protect your outdoor furniture so it will serve you best in the spring!

After braving what many newscasters have called, “snow-magedden,” make sure to hang all wet and snowy clothes to dry fully without collecting mildew or mold from being stuffed back into closets or drawers, and make a hot cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. No matter how intelligent our weather-predictors get, you know (perhaps from years of trying to manipulate your garden to produce prize-winning flowers) that nature will always win over human strength. Shovel as you can and don’t let yourself be overworked. In fact, make sure to pull your family and snow-friendly pets out from under their beds’ blankets to make snow angels, snow men, and maybe even adventurous snow tunnels. Protect your lawn from the snow… but don’t forget to enjoy it as well!

now that’s a way to warm up!

See you Outside!

Hazel

If you remember, I talked about five useful January projects about a month ago.  Unsure what to do this month?  I’m here to help!

1. Prune Deciduous Trees.  By now, the winter has really started to take a toll on your trees or shrubs.  The snow and ice can weigh down branches and the cold, dry air isn’t helping either.  Tend to these plants by removing dead or dying branches that have been injured by disease, insects, animals, or weather.  Getting rid of the dead or dying branches will make room for new growth as weather gets warmer.  Pruning your trees and shrubs now will also improve their appearance for the spring.  You will have plenty to focus your attention on in April and May to keep your garden looking great; this is a step that can be done early to keep your entire lawn neat and fruitful.
2. Plant Bare Rooted Fruit Trees and Shrubs. Unlike many other plants, you can plant dormant bare-rooted trees and shrubs anytime the ground isn’t frozen.  Just like pruning your deciduous trees, this is a garden project that can be started now to make time for other activities in the coming months.  February is the perfect time to start planting these (as long as the ground isn’t frozen, of course!) because not only are the prices low while the weather is still cold, they will have plenty of time to take root and thrive in the coming seasons.  Choose a tree or shrub with strong, fresh, and plump looking roots and branches, and then plant it as soon as you get home.  Remember, the roots will perish if not kept covered and moist!
3. Start your Seeds. If you live in a part of the world where the cold creeps into March and even April, it can help to start your seeds indoors.  Purchasing fresh seeds meant for the upcoming season will give you the best results, and then it’s just a matter of creating your garden inside.  All plants and vegetables need rich soil, water, and light.  Line your containers up on a window sill or near plenty of natural light and keep an eye on moisture levels to give your plants a head start.  If it starts to warm up toward the end of February, you can prepare your plants for the outdoors.  Start by letting the containers sit outside in a shady area for a few hours or the day, then bringing them in to protect them from the cold nights.
4. Get Inspired. If you’re spending time looking out the window above your kitchen sink wondering how you want to make this spring and summer better than the last, finish the dishes and grab your keys.  Don’t let yourself get into a routine of planting the same flowers and vegetables every year! Stretch yourself and get a little uncomfortable by trying something new, interesting, and different.  Take a trip to a green house, conservatory, or nursery to gain new ideas and talk to experts in the field.  Or, if all else fails, grab a pile of gardening and outdoor magazines and start tearing out pages of gardens or plants you particularly like.  Get the family involved by asking your kids if they have any ideas for the garden, and let them help you choose which flowers to pursue!
5. Plan Landscaping Projects.  Speaking of trying new things, now is the perfect time to start planning any landscaping projects.  If you’ve always fancied a garden bridge or gazebo, don’t wait to start exploring the opportunity until the spring is here.  Designing structures and planning whole landscapes needs time to ensure every detail is perfect, so don’t sell yourself short by waiting until the last minute.  Starting your planning now can also ensure that installation will be completed by the time you would like to start enjoying it.  Gazebos erected and finished early will get a lot more family use when everyone can’t wait to be outside.  Spend time browsing selections of pergolas, gazebos, and cabanas to decide which will suit your needs best.  If you haven’t taken time to see where structures have evolved lately, you may be surprised to see the variety of gazebo shapes, sizes, roof profiles, and materials.  The same goes for pergolas and sunrooms.  Remember, don’t be afraid to employ an experienced landscape designer for more intensive projects; again, the earlier you get into the appointment book, the more time they will have to dedicate to your project.  Starting early will allow more warm months to enjoy your hard work!

See You Outside!

Hazel.

Another year is ending, and millions of people are making their New Year’s resolutions; but I am not in that number.  It has never made sense to me.  For one thing, no one ever keeps them.  For another, if there’s something that you really want to – or have to – do, why in the world would you wait until the next year to do it?

Still, the tradition of making resolutions goes back, at least, to 153 B.C., and the Roman god, Janus, for whom the first month of the year was named.  With an extra face on the back of his head, he was the god of beginnings and endings, and the symbol for resolutions.  At midnight on December 31^st, Romans imagined that he was looking back at the old year, and ahead, to the new one.  Many began exchanging gifts with, and asking for forgiveness from, their enemies.  They often gave branches from sacred trees, for good fortune, or nuts or coins imprinted with the image of Janus.

Certainly, no one knows exactly when the first New Year’s resolution was made; but this is believed to be the oldest celebrated holiday, begun by the Babylonians, more than 4,000 years ago.  I’m sure that there were people back then who thought that they could magically quit their bad habits at the stroke of midnight on the first day of the year (which, at the time, was on what would be March 23^rd today).

Still, I say that the best strategy is to just try to improve yourself every day, regardless of the date; and that’s also the philosophy here at CedarStore.com.  We have always been dedicated to enhancing the outdoor living experiences of our customers, by offering the highest-quality wood, metal, and synthetic outdoor furniture, along with garden structures, such as gazebos, sheds, pool houses, cabanas, and sunrooms.

We speak with – and listen to – our customers every day, and work year-round to provide them with everything that they need for comfortable, stylish, and gracious outdoor living.  That’s our resolution, 365 days of the year; and we’ve kept it since our first day in business.

So, here’s listening to you in 2010, and hoping that it’s a great one for us all!

Happy New Year!

Kathy

As you may or may not know, today is the Winter Solstice for those residing in the Northern Hemisphere.  Though many believe that the biggest celebration of this week is coming up on the 25^th of December, varied cultures have been celebrating this momentous occasion for several centuries.

The Winter Solstice occurs sometime between December 21 and December 22, depending on the shifting of the calendar, and is commonly known as the shortest day of the year.  No, there’s no need to change your clocks; the sun’s maximum position is at its lowest on the solstice, therefore producing the fewest hours of sunlight.

You may be thinking—Why would so many cultures be celebrating the darkest day of the year?  Well, in truth, most were not celebrating the darkest day… but the return of light.  After the Winter Solstice, the sun slowly starts to increase its arc creating more daylight to each 24 hour period.  World Wide, countless generations have feasted on the Solstice to celebrate the rebirth of the sun and the meaning of hope.  And now, within the Christian age, people celebrate the birth of the Son and a similar sentiment just a few days later!

The importance of the Earth’s phases and astrological cycles have been a central point to a multitude of cultures and societies; making this turning point a vital day across the globe.  Many of the ancient wonders of the world, like Stone Hedge and the Pyramids of Giza, are very intimately connected to astrological happenings. 

Far Eastern traditions see the Solstice and the changing in light as an essential part of their balanced and harmonious Taoist philosophy of the Yin and the Yang.  While Western Slavic cultures saw the Winter Solstice similarly to the way we see Halloween, as a night when evil spirits come out to enjoy the night, but are eventually defeated by the resurrected sun.     From India to Chile, ancient traditions have marked the Winter Solstice as a feast day to celebrate the return of sunlight. 

Now that I have you all excited about the return of lazy summer afternoons where the sun stays out long into the evening… you can start dreaming of outdoor barbeques and quiet mornings with coffee… despite the snowy piles outside your window.  With garden benches available in Western Red Cedar, Synthetic Wicker, and even luxurious Teak, how could you not be ready to pull your whole family outside? 

But, remember, though we’re celebrating the return of the sun… we still have plenty of Winter ahead of us.  But, don’t worry! Cedarstore.com and GazeboCreations.com have Cabanas, Poolhouses, and Sunrooms available with insulation to keep you warm while enjoying outdoor living until the Spring Equinox comes around!

See You Outside!

Hazel