It’s officially 2011.  And, if you’ve returned to work, you’re well aware that the holidays are over.  The everyday stresses of gift-buying, family visiting, and home decorating are behind us.  But, I’m still finding some Christmas tunes in my head.

While, I’m not sure if the show tune “Favorite Things” from the Sound of Music is considered a Christmas song, they certainly play it a lot this time of year.  It makes sense, after all, some of her favorite things are warm woolen mittens, sleigh bells, brown paper packages tied up with strings, and snow flakes that stay on noses and eyelashes.    These are all things that are fairly prevalent during the holiday season. Paired with other favorite things that span seasons, like whiskers on kittens, crisp apple strudels, and wild geese, I found myself particularly struck by the simplicity of all of her favorite things.

The modern equivalent of brown paper packages, our heaps of expensive wrapping paper with bright colored ribbon, have all been thrown out with the leftover green bean casserole that no one was going to reheat.  So today, especially, this tune struck me for its simplicity of enjoyment.  Is it possible for working, parenting, frantic adults to truly appreciate warm woolen mittens? Does snow smudging your mascara make you smile? Will the cheerful sound of sleigh bells ever catch your attention as quickly as the ringing tone your smart phone makes when you get an email? Perhaps this is a good time for us all to be grateful for simpler things.

Cultures across the globe celebrate a mid winter holiday.  It’s a chance to gather together and know that we’ve made it halfway through the dark winter.  So, after the Winter Solstice, I can never stop thinking about the coming spring. I spend my days dreaming of the end of the dark and frigid weather necessitating those warm woolen mittens.

So, here’s to silver white winters that melt into springs.  Here are a few of my favorite things:

Walking on nature paths with quaint garden bridges

Casual meals enjoyed outside on picnic tables with friends and families

Sharing naps and stories with a loved one in the informal comfort of a hammock

Family get-togethers in gazebos and backyards

What are some of your favorite things that you’re looking forward to this year?

Have Fun!

Hazel

The porch swing is a classic piece of outdoor furniture that is associated with easy living and relaxation.  Today, the humble front porch swing of yesteryear has evolved into a myriad of different styles and options.  With so many types to choose from, there’s sure to be a porch swing for every taste and preference.

Here are some of the most popular types of porch swings that are currently available:

• Swing Beds provide the ultimate in relaxation.  These swings are usually suspended from chains and feature a wider bench that allows one or two people to stretch out and enjoy the gentle rocking motion.  A swing bed is perfect for reading, napping or snuggling.  Offering more structure than a hammock, a swing bed provides full lumbar support.  A front porch, patio, deck or gazebo is a great place to hang a swing bed.

• Face to Face Porch Swings (also known as Dual Porch Swings) are designed to be used by more than one person at a time  Two facing benches and the gentle gliding motion provide the perfect atmosphere for conversation and togetherness.   A face to face porch swing is a real crowd pleaser, especially among children and grandchildren.   Many face to face swings have a roof that will provide shade if the swing is placed in a yard or garden.

• Porch Swings with Stands allow you to enjoy the old-fashioned comfort of a porch swing in any location.  Porch swings with stands can be placed on a patio or deck, in a garden or next to a pool.  This portable swing can be located in the midst of your outdoor activity area or tucked away in a serene corner.  Porch swings with stands are available in many styles and materials and are the most flexible outdoor swing option.

These days, when you’re shopping, you’ll notice that there are tons more choices, for pretty much everything, than there used to be.  Sometimes, this is good; but other times, it’s just overkill.

For instance, the spectacular improvements in outdoor furniture that have occurred over the past several years, are wonderful, and long overdue.  No matter what you’re looking for – porch swings, patio chairs, or picnic tables – in addition to the classic wood types, you’ll also find polywood, vinyl, and aluminum pieces that are nearly indestructible, and available in dozens of colors.  So, it’s great to have a huge selection of patio furniture.

On the other hand, the constant expansions of some product lines can reach ridiculous proportions.  One example, which is truly monstrous, is in the world of Halloween decorations.  It wasn’t that long ago that most people would simply have a few cardboard witches, skeletons, cats, and jack-o-lanterns in their front windows.  Moreover, among the store-bought items were many things that were made by the kids who lived in the homes, including those tissue-and-pipe cleaner ghosts (of course, that was when it was strictly a kids’ day); and nothing went up until deep into October.

Well, things are different now – and how!  First of all, many people treat Halloween like a major holiday, and begin decorating for it two months early, as elaborately as they do for Christmas.  There are also enormous Halloween “superstores,” filled with costumes, outdoor lights, full-sized mummies, zombies, skeletons, and vampires that actually rise from their coffins.  Then, there are those ghastly, gigantic inflatable decorations, which feature ghosts popping out of pumpkins, skeletons riding motorcycles, and witches on broomsticks.  Sheesh!

Okay, sure, it’s fine to have more Halloween decorations to pick from; but the true, uh, spirit, of the day calls for more of the homemade touch.  After all, kids still love to make Halloween decorations; and, in fact, because they have help from their computers, they can produce things that look as good as any that you can buy.  Of course, it’s even more fun when you go to a craft store and get them some supplies, or even dig up things around the house, that they can use to create their decorations by hand.

Don’t worry, though; there are many larger things that adults can tackle, like, say, making corpses, monsters, scarecrows, and giant spiders.  Heck, with all of the phony blood, stick-on scars, and severed body parts that are available at those Halloween stores, it’ll be a cinch.  You can sit them in your porch glider, pose them in a lounge chair, stretch them out in a hammock, or even hang them from the roof of a gazebo or garden shed.  You can also make fake spider webs for your handmade arachnids, and wrap them around arbors, pergolas, and trellises.

Naturally, the kids can help with these projects, too.  It’ll be a great way to spend more quality time together as a family, teach them the lost art of Old World craftspersonship, and let them feel the pride of creating things, such as authentic-looking monsters and spiders.  At the same time, they’ll be learning how to use porch furniture to its fullest potential, as well as the proper techniques for applying fake blood.  You know – all of those good, old-fashioned family values.

That is, if you’re the Addams family.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

As September drops temperatures, many people are looking for solutions for winter storage.  Patio furniture covered in outdoor furniture covers, gardening equipment, outdoor furniture cushions, and other supplies and pieces often must be stored inside over the winter.  But, most of the time, garages and basements are already filled with other storage. What to do? Sounds like it’s time for a garden shed!

Forget the boring particle board sheds you may remember, garden sheds have made a complete turn-around in styling and options!  And, just as New York Fashion Week is gracing the streets of Manhattan this week with brand new fashions, so too are sheds shocking people with their brand new features! Here are some highlights:

Sheds with Cedar Tongue and Groove Siding: For a rustic appearance, try a storage shed with cedar tongue and groove siding.  The cedar wood is naturally resistant to insect damage and decay and will keep the interior smelling fresh. The horizontally stacked siding almost looks like a log cabin, and will blend in flawlessly with any country inspired space.  Plus, going with a high quality material like cedar will ensure you can use your shed year after year, instead of having to replace it after a few seasons.  There’s no reason for your garden shed to be an eye-sore, so get one with a gorgeous exterior to compliment your home

Sheds with Porches: Surprised? Don’t be! After all, porches are one of the most coveted features on a home… why not have  a garden shed with a porch?  Aside from the aesthetic benefits and the perk of being able to hang a hammock or set out some patio chairs, porches are also extremely functional for a storage shed.  Shielded from the rain and the harshest of the weather conditions, a porch becomes the perfect place to work on a bicycle when the grass is still muddy or to let a garden bench dry after you’ve painted it for the spring.  Plus, if you’re worried that a shed will bring down the look of your garden, a garden shed with a porch makes the structure almost look like a guest house!

Potting Sheds: If you have more plants and garden tools to store than patio furniture and outdoor décor, a potting shed might be your perfect option. With an expansive polycarbonate skylight, your potting shed can be used for both storage and growing! The Polycarbonate skylight is actually a 4′ x 8′ sheet of a multi-wall insulated material that is often used in greenhouses.  If you always wanted a greenhouse but worried about space… a potting shed is a perfect solution.  There’s still room for your family’s storage, but the skylight allows you to use your potting shed to keep plants warm and healthy!

Though the coldness of winter may seem far off, now is the perfect time to start thinking about and planning your storage shed.  It will be installed and ready to go by the time your patio furniture and gardening supplies need to be put away, and you can enjoy the peace of mind of quiet winter!

Have Fun!

Hazel

When thinking about Labor Day weekend, people often picture large backyard cookouts, where burgers are sizzling on the grills, folks are gathered around the picnic tables, and every patio chair, porch swing, glider, and garden bench is occupied.

Of course, not everyone is into this kind of mob scene.  As difficult as it is for many to imagine, there are those who have other things that they would rather be doing on their holidays, besides socializing with tons of people.  Furthermore, even if some are planning to attend one of the events that they are invited to, they may not wish to be overwhelmed with hectic schedules of party-hopping for three days straight.

After all, it is a long weekend; and, because the fair weather may be waning soon, some people look at it as an opportunity to get things done around their houses, before it gets too cold to work outside.  They may be looking forward to getting their gardening tools and wheelbarrows out of their sheds, and spending their holidays just getting dirty in their yards.

Actually, September is one of the favorite months for gardeners, as the temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for working.  At the same time, it’s usually still warm enough for them to relax on their porch chairs or hammocks when they want to rest; and there will be a great need for that, because they have plenty of outdoor chores to keep them busy now.

While many people believe that the only thing to be done in the fall is to reap what was sown in the spring, if you’re a gardener, you know that this is not true.  There is still a lot of planting to do, along with regular maintenance and preparations that will give your lawn and garden a head start on looking their best next year.

For example, the end of the summer is the ideal period for planting several varieties of perennials, shrubs, and trees, including, in many regions, evergreens and heathers.  By putting them into the ground now, you will give them time to establish their roots over the winter months, so that they can produce healthy foliage in the spring.

If you’re not going to be hanging out with the crowds this weekend, you can enjoy browsing nurseries for trees and shrubs that will thrive in your area.  You may want to select some that have edible berries for winter wildlife, or choose ones with leaves that will exhibit spectacular fall colors.

Once the soil temperature drops to below 60 degrees, you can also begin planting the bulbs of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, about three times as deep as their diameters.  Although some people like their tulips in neat rows, you can create a magnificent group display, by planting up to twenty bulbs in a hole that is one foot in diameter, making sure that they are not touching.  If you want to add bursts of fall color, plant some mums, winter pansies, and flowering kale and cabbage.

You can also help to give your lawn a healthy start next spring, by keeping up with your raking.  As fall is usually quite rainy, built-up leaves and grass clippings can turn into thick, wet clumps that are quite inviting to pests; and nobody wants that.

In fact, that’s the very reason why many people avoid large parties – because of all of the pests that are invited!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

This is one of those strange weeks, when some prominent beginnings and endings converge, causing a mixture of excitement, wistfulness, anticipation, and melancholy to permeate the air.

First of all, we’re nearing the end of summer, and the indications of fall’s imminent arrival are getting stronger.  In my case, I’ve noticed that my outdoor dining table, patio furniture, and hammock are getting covered with leaves; and when I sit on my porch swing, I’m looking at brown, wilted vines on my arbor and trellises.  I try to tell myself that the leaves are dying early because of the abnormally hot, dry summer, but the truth is hard to deny.

Well, actually, it’s impossible now, because I recently spotted some goldenrod, which is one of the surest signs of autumn.  Then, I saw something else (which, coincidentally, is the same color as goldenrod) that left no doubt about what time of the year it is.  Yes, it was a school bus.

Indeed, that’s one of the things that is fueling this blend of emotions that seems to be affecting everyone right now.  After all, to kids, the close of summer means the opening of school, which is something that they dread.  At the same time, to adults, the close of summer means the opening of school, which is something that they love.

On the other hand, nearly everybody is looking forward to the upcoming holiday weekend.  Because it is widely considered the last blast, and the unofficial end, of summer, it naturally conjures some feelings of sadness.  Still, it is enthusiastically welcomed by kids, who have been working so hard in school for a few days, as well as adults, who have been working so hard all year long, with only a few, brief breaks.  So, it’s an occasion for all to celebrate.

Of course, some people aren’t exactly sure what, or why, they’re celebrating; and many don’t really care, as long as they get a day off, and a chance to use their grills, picnic tables, and Adirondack chairs.  First observed on September 5, 1882, in New York City, Labor Day arose from the labor movement, as a tribute to the social and economic achievements of American workers, and their contributions to the country’s prosperity.

The second Labor Day was held exactly one year later; but, in 1884, the first Monday of September was chosen for the holiday, and the Central Labor Union, which started it, urged similar organizations in other cities to mark it as well.  The idea took hold, and, in 1885, it was observed by many industrial centers across the nation.

In the first proposal for the holiday, it was suggested that it should include a street parade, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of workers and their families.  In the ensuing years, different states adopted it, one by one, before Congress passed an act, on June 28, 1894, declaring it a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

So, take full advantage of summer’s last hurrah, by making it a full day of merriment and revelry.  Have a cookout, relax in your favorite porch chair, go swimming, play some lawn games, such as volleyball, croquet, or quoits, and watch some fireworks.

Remember, it’s your day, and you deserve to enjoy it; and, no matter what, don’t feel the slightest bit guilty about making your outdoor furniture and grill work so hard on a holiday!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Another thing that sometimes makes people hesitate to feed the birds – at any time of the year – is that they are afraid that the birds will become dependent, and lose their ability to find food for themselves.  This is a myth, as birds never rely on any single source of food; and, as we all know, they have survived for millions of years on their own.  Actually, even when they have easy access to birdfeeders, they get most of their daily sustenance elsewhere.

In fact, they eat tons of insects, as a matter of necessity.  This makes it a good idea to attract them to your yard, because, along with the food that you give them, they will devour many garden pests.  So, go ahead and include birdfeeders, birdhouses, and birdbaths as part of your outdoor décor.  To draw the widest variety of birds, offer several kinds of food, in hanging, tube, platform, hopper, and post-mounted birdfeeders; and always provide ample amounts of water.

Just remember, it’s important to put them where they will afford the best viewing, and, at the same time, be the most beneficial to the birds.  For example, you should locate birdfeeders within ten feet of your house, because, for one thing, you’ll be able to see them clearly when you’re indoors.  Moreover, this helps the birds get used to being near the windows, which will decrease the chances that they will fly into them.  Then, even if they do, they will probably not have built up enough momentum to do themselves much harm.

Every once in a great while, a bird will ping off my window, ever so slightly; but I’ve never even seen one fazed when this has happened.  Usually, they just tweet a few little curses, and go on their way.  They’re probably more embarrassed than anything.  However, you can further help to prevent such mishaps, by having curtains, blinds, sun-catchers, or decals, visible in the windows.

Birdfeeders should also be positioned near a source of shelter, from the wind, as well as from predators.  Ideally, this will be a few feet from shrubs, vines, or even a brush pile, where they can quickly take cover; but make sure that it’s not a good place for prowlers to hide, for sneak attacks.

Naturally, you’ll want to watch the birds when you’re relaxing on your outdoor furniture.  Now, if you’re sitting quietly on a garden bench, or lying in a hammock, they may ignore you and go about their business, even if you are fairly close to the birdfeeder.  On the other hand, if there are lots of people around, talking and laughing, the birds will be intimidated.  Therefore, you should situate your patio chairs, lounge chairs, and porch gliders, far enough away, so as not to frighten them.

The same goes for picnic tables, outdoor dining tables, and grills.  After all, even if you wish to enjoy the birds’ antics while you’re cooking out, you surely aren’t planning to share the same eating space with them.

Obviously, there are also a few other reasons why you won’t want the birds hanging out too close to your outdoor chairs and tables; but I won’t go into detail.  Let’s just say that you should keep your patio furniture at a safe distance, and when you’re not going to be using it for awhile, protect it with some outdoor furniture covers.  Of course, this is a smart thing to do, even if you don’t have any birdfeeders, because birds are everywhere.

And that’s a wonderful thing, because they bring color, song, and joy to the world!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

A few days ago, I attended one of my favorite annual events, which is my family reunion.  Every year, on the first weekend in August, for as far back as I can remember, we have assembled at Fort Niagara, in Youngstown, NY, just north of Niagara Falls.  We always meet at the same pavilion, and eat at the same picnic tables.  Cousin Jim always cooks on the charcoal grill, and the aunts always bring plenty of outdoor chairs and lounge chairs.

Indeed, no matter how much is changing around us, or in our lives, we know that we have that old, familiar picnic shelter waiting for us every year.  It’s among the few things in life that we can count on; a comforting constant.  It’s that one same that helps to keep us sane.

As it gets on toward dusk, the long (and I do mean long!) good-byes begin, before most of the relatives fade away with the sun.  Naturally, there’s always a group of us, the resistant stragglers, who remain, dodging the park patrol cars until the last possible minute.  Then, another of my favorite annual events is about to begin.

We drive a couple of miles to my cousin’s house, on the shores of Lake Ontario.  After hanging out around the outdoor dining table on the patio for awhile, we head down to the beach.  There, we look out, across the lake, at the passing ships; and, on clear nights, we can see Toronto.

Then, moving on to more important sights, we position ourselves in chaise lounges, steamer chairs, Adirondack chairs, and on blankets, and focus our gazes skyward.  It’s time to watch the Perseids!  Although it’s a few days before they peak (they begin in late July), we always see many spectacular meteors.

The Perseid meteor shower has been observed for centuries; but it wasn’t until 1867 that it was discovered that the “shooting stars” are actually fragments from the Swift-Tuttle comet.  As the Earth passes through the trail of space grit that it left behind, the particles enter our atmosphere, heat up, and create bright streaks, which appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus.

If you’ve never seen this breath-taking display (or even if you have), you really shouldn’t miss it this year, as it promises to be particularly brilliant.  That’s because, when it peaks, around August 12-13, the sky conditions will be nearly ideal, as the faint, crescent moon will be far below the horizon by midnight, causing no interfering glare.

Of course, artificial lights can spoil the show as well; so find a dark spot, with a wide view of the sky, and settle into a lounge chair, hammock, outdoor reclining chair, or a swingbed, with some comfortable outdoor furniture cushions and outdoor throw pillows.  Prime time for viewing is between 3:30-5:30 a.m., when you may be able to see at least one meteor every minute.

Now, if you’re not a nocturnal creature, that’s okay.  You can still see some magnificent meteors earlier in the evening, when, though fewer, they streak across the sky at a narrow angle, and often produce longer trails.

There are many people who have made it a yearly tradition to watch this magnificent meteor shower with their families.  Like our reunions, it’s a comforting constant that we can count on; a same that helps to keep us sane.

On the other hand, there’s no denying that our families can sometimes drive us crazy!  Oh, well, I guess we just can’t have it all.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

It’s Friday afternoon.  Are you feeling pumped up for the weekend?  Have you already begun to plan a day trip, a gardening chore or two, or a big baking exertion? Or, has your mind wandered to the evenings out sure to come stumbling your way?

I am not feeling any of that pre-weekend excitement.  I am feeling that pre-weekend exhaustion.  Anyone else?  I have every intention of spending my swinging and crazy Friday night curled up in my hammock with outdoor living magazines and a smoothie.

So, for you, oh embracers of the weekend nap… I invite you to create an outdoor napping spot! Sit back, relax, and get comfortable!

Hang a Hammock: Ah, the hammock. Mine hangs in my backyard to constantly beckon me with a sweet invitation.  If you still don’t have one, (or worse, if you have one and it’s not hanging up) I highly suggest that you get it ready for Saturday. Its lazy way of hugging your body while swaying in the breeze is everything an August afternoon should have. Hang it in the corner, away from the hustle and bustle.

Curl up in a Swingbed: Remember when they came out with the iphone? The thought of one device to be your music library and your telephone, as well as provide internet access was inconceivable.  My excitement over the iphone does not even begin to touch my awe when I saw my first swingbed.  Are you ready? It’s porch swing that’s also a day bed.  If you haven’t experienced this yet, now is the time. With a ridiculously deep seat, you can literally curl up into perfect comfort on a porch swing… a swingbed

Lounge in a Chaise Lounge: Ready for a no-brainer? Chaise lounges have “lounge” in the name! Go vintage and sprawl out on a piece of outdoor furniture often called a fainting couch.  A cool drink is required, as well as huge sunglasses. Relax, dah-ling.

Get Comfy in Deep Seating: You know the neighbors you have with the TV and old couch falling apart on the front lawn? This is not that! Deep seating is interior style outdoor furniture.  The deep, comfy, cushiony feel of a sofa or loveseat… designed to take on the elements.  Too good to be true?  Nope, it’s totally possible.

Ready for an afternoon nap? I am.  No matter where you stretch out or curl up… just do it outdoors and in style.

Oh! And Have Fun!

Hazel.

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