All Outdoor Patio Furniture

Birdfeeders are attractive – and, as far as I’m concerned, essential – elements of outdoor décor, as are bird houses and birdbaths.  Apparently, millions of others feel this way, too, as bird-feeding is one of the most popular pastimes in the country.

However, some people stop feeding the birds during the summer, usually because they feel that, at this time, they don’t need any help from us.  Well, that’s true in any season, because, even though it can make things easier for the birds when the ground is frozen over, they’ve survived on their own for millions of years.

The thing about feeding the birds is that, while it may give them certain advantages, it’s an incredibly enjoyable activity for people.  Moreover, in the summer, it attracts a wider variety of birds in their most colorful plumage of the year.  For example, male goldfinches are a brilliant yellow now; but soon, they will turn back to the dull, greenish-yellow hue of the females.

Providing birdfeeders in the summer is also good for the many types of birds that produce several broods during the season.  Having a steady, dependable source of food nearby will save them hours of foraging; therefore, they will be able to spend more time in their nests (and they won’t have to pay for daycare!).  Of course, as numerous studies have shown, this will also significantly decrease the chances that their babies will grow up to become delinquents.

Besides keeping the fledglings from eventually becoming jailbirds, you’ll be responsible for their first experiences at birdfeeders, once they leave their nests.  You will even have the pleasure of watching the parents teach the young birds how to use them, right in your backyard.

To get the most out of feeding and watching birds, offer an assortment of foods.  Black oil sunflower seeds are popular with many species, as are hulled peanuts, white millet seeds, and pieces of fruit, such as oranges, raisins, cherries, grapes, bananas, and apples.  Thistle (nyjer) seed is the absolute favorite of finches, and will draw flocks of them.  Safflower seeds are great, because they attract many desirable birds, but are a turn-off to grackles and squirrels.  Avoid using mixes that contain milo and sorghum, which birds will not eat.

You can never have too much suet; although some people think of it as a winter food, believe me, it gets eaten up like crazy in the summer.  I use no-melt peanut suet, because it not only brings in woodpeckers and nuthatches, but appeals to nearly every other kind of bird, too.

It’s best to use different types of feeders as well, such as hopper, platform, hanging, tube, and post-mounted birdfeeders, placed where you’ll be able to see them from inside your home.  Outdoors, situate patio chairs, chaise lounges, porch swings, hammocks, and other outdoor furniture, at a distance that will enable you to get an optimal view, without scaring the birds away.  You don’t want to do that, because they will bring you endless hours of amusement and delight; kind of like court jesters that you can respect.

Furthermore, I recently read of another bonus of feeding birds, which I – and countless other birders – have known all along.  Studies have now proven that watching birds actually improves our moods, and even makes us feel more optimistic.  I can say with certainty that this is true, because, even after those zany birds have spent the entire day gobbling up the food, I still see my birdfeeders as being half-full.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: bird houses, birdfeeders, chaise lounges, Hammocks, outdoor decor, Outdoor Furniture, patio chairs, porch swings

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

Trees!  This is a great time to stop and think about them; and even more than that, to appreciate them.  Although Arbor Day is celebrated at various times, in different states, this, the last Friday of April, is the official observation in many places across the country.  Founded by J. Sterling Morton, in 1872, its purpose is to encourage the planting and nurturing of trees.

I don’t think that there’s any doubt that this is a laudable endeavor.  I mean, what would we do without trees?  Just think about all of the benefits that they provide.  They have been proven to have positive effects on our health, as they improve the quality of air and water.  One acre of trees will absorb approximately six tons of carbon dioxide, while putting out four tons of oxygen.

It is also well-documented that healthy, mature trees in a home’s landscaping can increase the property’s value by 10%-20%.  They can help to conserve energy as well, thus reducing heating and cooling costs.  In fact, a young, healthy tree can have about the same cooling effect as ten window air conditioners, operating around 20 hours per day.  When planted strategically around buildings, as windbreaks, trees can cut winter heating bills by 25%.

Of course, these are just some of the fantastic bonuses that trees give us; we’d love them even if they merely stood there.  That’s because, simply standing there, they are majestic, gorgeous, wondrous, and glorious.  In their myriad varieties, displaying countless colors – of leaves, bark, and flowers – emanating heavenly scents, and offering blessed shade, they’re a feast for all of the senses.

Virtually everyone has vivid memories of lovely times spent in the company of trees.  We sway on porch swings on hot, summer nights, enjoying not only a cooling breeze, but the sound of the leaves, as they rustle in its wake.  We string our hammocks between two strong trees, and suddenly, we have it “made in the shade.”  We gather around picnic tables with friends and family, under the canopy of a mighty oak, as burgers sizzle on our grills.  We relax on porch gliders, recline in lounge chairs, and rest on around-the-tree benches, reveling in their splendor.

So, even though we’re often advised to stop and smell the roses, today, we should take some time out to admire our beautiful old trees; or, better yet, sow the seeds of some new ones.

Just thought I’d plant that idea.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: around-the-tree benches, grills porch gliders, Hammocks, lounge chairs, picnic tables, porch swings

As we all know, conserving water is essential for keeping our planet healthy and sustainable for generations to come.  In most of this nation’s locations, people can do this with little or no sacrifice.  However, those in drought-prone regions, where curtailing usage is necessary (and, in some cases and places, mandatory), are doubly challenged, as they try to make the most of the little that they have, while constantly looking for ways to save even more.

Of course, there are millions of people, all over the country, who would gladly cut back on the water – and the work – that it takes to maintain their lawns and gardens.  Like everyone else, they’d prefer spending the summer cooking out on their grills, eating at their picnic tables, and relaxing on their porch swings, hammocks, porch gliders, and Adirondack chairs, to planting, mowing, watering, and weeding.

For most people, though, it’s not just the effort that’s required to keep up a lush lawn and a gorgeous garden that can be bothersome.  Often, it’s the added headaches caused by destructive wildlife and wild weather that bother some.  So, over the past several years, one method that has become popular for escaping landscaping is hardscaping.  Indeed, whether it’s because of a lack of water, time, or patience, millions of people, tired of tearing out their hair, have been tearing out their lawns and gardens, and replacing them with concrete and stone.

Certainly, these no-mow yards have been getting quite a lot of press lately.  In many places, they are touted as being the ideal fix for those who want a beautiful yard, without doing much yard work.  Furthermore, they can be very attractive, as there are nearly as many choices in the colors, textures, sizes, and shapes of stones, as there are in flowers, shrubs, trees, and mulches.

However, even if this idea appeals to you as being the perfect remedy for your situation, take the time to weigh the pros-n-cons (or, backward, as I prefer, the snoc-n-sorp), before you go out and bulldoze your yard.  Among the factors to consider is that a hardscaped lawn won’t eliminate all of your headaches; it may just bring you some different ones.  For example, it can be a nightmare if any underground water, gas, or electrical lines break, or need to be repaired for any reason, as it’s far more expensive to tear up concrete than sod.  You may also experience problems from the runoff of water that cannot be absorbed into the ground.

You should also take your local weather into account, if you are thinking about laying cement over a large area.  If you live in a cold climate, the constant freezing and thawing can cause concrete to crack.  You may end up having to treat it with special sealants every year; and even then, there’s no guarantee that this will completely prevent it from cracking.

So, just like everything else, hardscaping has its advantages and disadvantages.  For some, it may be just the right fix (in which case, I guess, it would become easy-scaping!), while, for others, a no-mow is a no-go.  Remember, nothing is set in stone – uh, that is, until you actually set it in stone!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chairs, grills, Hammocks, picnic tables, porch gliders, porch swings

Well, last Thursday was Earth Day; but I’m just getting around to writing about it.  That’s because I was off last week (way off!), and, like the butcher who backed into his meat grinder, I got a little behind in my work!

I really wanted to acknowledge it, though, because it was the “Big 4-0” for the Blue Marble’s celebration, which was established on April 22, 1970.  Luckily, there’s still plenty of time to say “Happy belated Earth Day!”  After all, even though it’s official on only one day, its purpose is to make us all more aware of the many ways in which we can be kinder to the planet throughout the year(s).

Furthermore, many areas observe Earth Week, during which, they sponsor environmentally-beneficial activities.  For example, a lot of communities organize volunteers to clean and beautify their neighborhoods.  In fact, I was a part of one of these groups in my town last Saturday.  Every year at this time, we meet at the gazebo in the main park, then go around picking up trash and putting it into waste receptacles.

We also sweep sidewalks, clear rubbish from the river banks, paint, and plant flowers and trees.  Because these tasks are spread over several weekends, it’s more like Earth Month.  No matter how you look at it, working for the welfare of this world is always a timely thing; and there are countless measures that we can take to improve its status, many of which are nearly effortless.

For example, take litter (please!).  There’s just no reason for it.  It’s the easiest problem to solve, yet garbage is everywhere – on city streets, along highways, and in wooded areas; and, now, it seems that even public parks are getting messier.  Instead of having a relaxing cookout, you often have to clean up the picnic tables and pavilions after reckless revelers have left their trash lying around, even though the entire area is surrounded by waste receptacles!  In many cases, you’ll also have to clean the grills before you can use them.

Recycling is also simple, yet very important.  It includes not only disposing of garbage properly, but buying things that are made from recycled items; and there are all types of goods in this category.

For instance, polywood outdoor furniture, which is absolutely stunning, is constructed largely from recycled plastics.  Polywood outdoor dining tables, porch swings, patio chairs, porch gliders, and other pieces of porch furniture, look remarkably like real wood, but come in dozens of colors, and are practically indestructible.  You can also find hammocks made from Envirope, which consists of 100% recycled polyester fiber that is derived from discarded pop bottles, yet is as soft as cotton.

The list of eco-friendly merchandise gets more impressive every year.  These days, you can even find all sorts of stylish clothing that’s made from hemp, soybeans, water bottles, tires, paper, cardboard, foam cups, and tons of other stuff.

Just think – there may even come a day when everybody will be running around in their Earth Day suits!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: gazebo, grills, Hammocks, patiochairs, pavilions, picnic tables, polywood outdoor dining tables, polywood outdoor furniture, porch furniture, porch gliders, porch swings, waste receptacles

As the weather warms up, some people are eager to get back outside and start doing some serious gardening, while others would rather spend their time relaxing on their patio chairs, porch swings, and hammocks.  There are also those who would love to be able to produce gardens full of gorgeous flowers, but fear that it’s an unattainable goal.

Sometimes, their trepidation stems from the idea that the talent for nurturing plants is innate, and they simply weren’t lucky enough to be born with it.  In other cases, people think that their schedules are just too hectic, and they could never give a garden the time and effort that it needs.  Then, there are many instances in which people living in apartments, townhouses, or condominiums, feel that they don’t have the room to grow anything.

These concerns, however, are generally unfounded, because virtually anybody can raise a garden.  The thing to remember is that there are all types of gardens; and having one does not necessarily mean that you must cultivate a large plot of land, or even one little flower bed.  No-o!  In fact, you can create one in something as small as a single window box or planter; and that’s why container gardening is becoming one of the most popular pastimes in the country.

Actually, container gardening offers many advantages, including giving you more choices, and more freedom, than the traditional kind.  For example, it allows novices to start small, before deciding whether or not to try full-scale gardening.  It’s also a great way for extremely busy people to get all of the pleasure out of growing beautiful flowers, without having to devote a lot of time to them.  On top of that, it solves the problem of having limited space, because even people with very small terraces, balconies, or decks, can have lovely container gardens.

Furthermore, even a huge garden, or a lavishly landscaped lawn, can be enhanced by strategically-placed flowers, and even small trees, in attractive planters.  They can add color, life, and excitement to porches, patios, decks, and gazebos, and extra height, texture, and interest to garden beds.  They can also be used to brighten up trouble spots that are inhospitable to plants, and dull or empty-looking spaces; and they can easily be moved from place to place.

Moreover, besides having endless varieties of flowers and plants from which to select, you’ll find that there are so many more kinds of planters than there used to be, with options extending not only to the different materials that are available, but to the styles, sizes, and colors.  In addition to the standard plastic, terra cotta, and wood planters, there’s a wonderful assortment of metal, polywood, vinyl, and plastic-coated steel planters, as well as planter tubs, planter benches, and planter trellises.

Whether you use just one container, or a combination of several, you can create a garden that will take your breath away, while breathing new life into the scenery.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Hammocks, patio chairs, planter, Planter Benches, planter trellises, planters planter tubs, porch swings

Certainly, we love outdoor living, and we love our yards; but maintaining the latter can use up precious time that we would rather be spending on the former.  I know – tending to the lawn and garden can technically be called outdoor living, as we are outdoors, and we are living (and some people really like these tasks).  However, most of us would rather be sitting around our picnic tables, enjoying food hot off the grill, easing back in our Adirondack chairs, sipping a beverage, swaying lazily on our porch swings, or napping soundly in our hammocks.

In fact, some people so disdain the constant care that their landscapes demand, that they end up developing a deep-rooted contempt for their lawns.  This resentment often builds to the point where they completely rip out all vegetation (then nothing is deep-rooted).  That’s a shame, because, while they now have more time to relax on their garden benches, gliders, and patio chairs, they no longer have beautiful grass or flowers to admire.

So, if you’re starting to have disparaging feelings toward your greenery, but don’t want to ruin your scenery, nip them in the bud.  There are ways to compromise.  For example, you can have a yard full of color, texture, and variety, with minimal effort, by planting ornamental grasses.  Although they have, in the past, been used mainly as borders or accents for flower gardens, one of the biggest trends these days is to use them alone.  You can find several types, in all sizes and colors, which will turn your high-maintenance lawn into a breath-taking landscape that requires almost no upkeep.

Ornamental grasses can flourish in, and adapt to, a wide range of climates and soils, from the richest, to the poorest.  Whether you live in a cool, moist region, and have a yard that’s mostly in the shade, or in a sun-baked part of the country, with rocky terrain and parched soil – or even clay – in your yard, you can find some that will thrive in your area.

The easiest option, for the bulk of your yard, is to plant masses of sedge grass, which is very low-growing.  Once it establishes itself, it’s simple to maintain, as it needs very little water, and hardly ever has to be mowed; and there are hundreds of varieties of sedges, so it won’t be difficult to find one that will work well in your climate.

Take care to use the appropriate grasses in the right places.  Taller grasses, which include Giant Reed, Eulalia, and Amur Silver, can reach a height of ten feet, so don’t plant them unless you have enough space to let them grow.  If low maintenance is your goal, inquire at a nursery to make sure that you are not buying self-seeding grasses.

When planted correctly, ornamental grasses will give you a knockout yard that you won’t have to knock yourself out to maintain.  When they are in full bloom, they will set the scenery ablaze with spectacular colors, such as bronze, orange, red, yellow, blue, and purple.  They also attract large numbers of birds and butterflies.

So, if you’re sick of spending all of your time doing yard work, this is just one solution to consider, before taking any drastic measures that you may regret.  I’d hate to see any innocent grass mowed down in the prime of its life.  Besides, I’m always on the side of lawn order.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chairs, garden benches, gliders, Hammocks, patio chairs, picnic tables, porch swings

Among the many indoor projects that people are working on at this time of the year, painting is one of the most common.  This is understandable, as it’s a great way to give a room a whole new look, without the expense of remodeling; and virtually anyone can do it.  For first-timers, however, the myriad choices in paints can be rather confusing.  Heck, it’s difficult enough just to pick from the millions of available colors.  Then, after you make that monumental decision, you have to figure out whether flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, or gloss paint, will best suit your purpose.

So, if you’re not familiar with these terms, remember that flat paint has a matte finish, with no sheen, shine, or shimmer.  Because it doesn’t reflect light, it can hide some minor imperfections; but it’s less durable, more porous, and harder to clean, than glossier types.  This makes it more hospitable to mold and mildew growth, so it shouldn’t be used in high-humidity rooms, such as bathrooms and kitchens, or in backyard structures that aren’t insulated.

Eggshell has just a slight hint of luster, but can add a bit more depth and warmth to a room.  Easier to clean than flat paint, it still disguises small defects, and is less attractive to mildew.

Smooth and somewhat shiny, satin paint is much more durable than flat and eggshell varieties.  Very easy to clean, and resistant to mold and mildew, it’s great for use in bathrooms and kitchens, as well as high-traffic areas.

With its beautiful, sparkling finish, semi-gloss paint is extremely durable and easy to keep clean.  It’s used mostly for trim, doors, and bathroom and kitchen cabinets; but it’s highly reflective, and will draw attention to even the slightest blemish.

Gleaming, glistening gloss paint is mainly for trim, wainscoting, and cabinets; but it can also make a home look stylish and welcoming when used on the front door.  Because it spotlights every imperfection, however, wherever, whenever, and if ever you use it, be sure that whatever you put it on has no flaws whatsoever.

Once you’re done with the indoors, you can start planning a fresh look for the outdoors.  Adding patio furniture to your porch or lawn is a great way to add an entirely new living space to enjoy.   Of course, with the thousands of patio chairs, porch swings, garden benches, swingbeds, picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, chaise lounges, hammocks, accent tables, gliders, outdoor dining tables, garden structures, and ottomans available, there’s practically as many varieties of outdoor furniture as there are paint colors!

Luckily, though, this will cause you no consternation.  Because materials can be easily split into two categories; cedar, pine, oak, cherry, teak, eucalyptus, and cypress, verses aluminum, synthetic wicker, polywood, and vinyl.  Your decision is simple: either you wood, or wood not.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: accent tables, adirondack chairs, aluminum, backyard structures, cedar, chaise lounges, cherry, cypress, eucalyptus, garden benches, garden structures, gliders, Hammocks, oak, ottomans, outdoor dining tables, patio chairs, patio furniture, picnic tables, pine, polywood, porch swings, Swingbeds, synthetic wicker, teak, vinyl

As we anxiously await the arrival of spring, it’s being reported that all of the lower 48 states have snow at this time.  So, it looks like Punxsutawney Phil was dead serious.  In fact, he seems to be downright angry, for some reason.  Well, I don’t know what happened to displease him, but it appears that there’s nothing more dangerous than a vengeful groundhog.

One thing for sure is that we all want to put this behind us, and welcome the warmer days, when we can put out our patio furniture, picnic tables, porch swings, hammocks, gliders, and outdoor sofas, and get back to some refreshing outdoor living.

However, the recent, crippling winter storms, which caused week-long power outages, impassable roads that took days to clear, and nearly-empty store shelves, have taught us that it is possible to have trouble surviving in our own homes.  That’s a lesson that is worth remembering, because, even without snow, at any time of the year, many things can happen, from natural disasters that affect millions, to individual emergencies that occur in our homes.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to have an emergency survival kit, which will include many things that you already have around the house; you may just have to stock up on some items.  Although, in most cases, you’ll probably just have to get through a power outage, you should still be prepared for the worst.

Naturally, the first thing you’ll want is a supply of batteries and flashlights.  Yes, you can use candles, but they pose a real danger, especially when people light a bunch of them in every room, to try to keep their entire houses bright.  Forget about that.  After all, you’re supposed to turn out the lights in empty rooms anyway, so it’s better to use only flashlights, or battery-powered lanterns, particularly with the powerful, long-lasting, LED flashlights that are available today.  Having a portable generator can be a blessing; but it has its own, long list of hazards and safety precautions, so make sure that you know how to use it properly.

You’ll also need a source of heat.  Even if you’re not in danger of freezing, you’ll still want to be comfortable, so, for starters, dress in warm layers, and always have plenty of extra blankets on hand.  If you have a fireplace, that’s great, but make sure that it’s clean and safe to use.  In fact, that should be a part of your yearly routine maintenance.  Kerosene and propane space heaters are also excellent for providing heat, but they, too, require many safety measures, and must be clean, fully operational, and constantly attended.

You should also have a supply of non-perishable foods, such as energy bars and canned goods (make sure you have a manual can opener) on hand.  Try to get things that can be eaten – and enjoyed – cold.

I know, right now, in many areas, it seems like everything’s cold, and impossible to enjoy; but spring will come soon, and winter will be a distant memory.  You know, I’ve heard that they may be making a movie about this month of monstrous storms, which they’ll call “Snowmageddon.”  Hmm.  I prefer, “The Wrath of Phil.”

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Don't worry, you'll be using fire places for marshmellows instead of warmth quite soon!

Tags: gliders, Hammocks, outdoor living, outdoor sofas, patio furniture, picnic tables, porch swings

There are places where people are going to be grilling hamburgers and chicken tonight, and having dinner at their picnic tables.  Certainly, somewhere, there are people who are looking forward to getting home from work and relaxing on their porch swings and gliders, having cocktails at their outdoor bistro sets, lying around their pools on chaise lounges or steamer chairs, or napping under shady trees in their hammocks.  Indeed, I know that all of these things are happening somewhere.

A February Evening... for some!

But it ain’t here!  No-o!

In Western Pennsylvania, and many other parts of the country, from the Midwest, to the East Coast, we’re buried under a few feet of snow.  Furthermore, even as utility crews work around the clock to clear roads and restore power to millions of people left in the dark by this past weekend’s storm, round two is dumping several inches on top of what we already have.  Now, meteorologists are saying that even more is on the way this weekend.

Worse yet, besides electricity and heat being out in many places, the shelves in some grocery and hardware stores are almost bare; and even gas supplies are getting low.  Suddenly, so many different types of calamities are occurring, that people are realizing that it can actually be a struggle to survive in their own homes.

Undoubtedly, the cold and snow can wreak all kinds of havoc, from knocking down trees and power lines, to causing roofs to collapse and pipes to burst.  These things can happen in an instant, so it’s important to know where all of the main valves and circuit breakers are in your home, and what controls what.  So, if, for instance, your home is suddenly being flooded, you’ll know how to shut the water off at its source.  Then, at least, you won’t have one catastrophe on top of another.  Make sure that everyone who lives in the house also knows where these things are, and how to operate them.

It’s also a good idea to put together an emergency home survival kit.  Next time, I’ll have some tips on what should go into one.  This can really be a worthwhile project.  Even if you never see a single flake of snow, cheer up; there are tons of other disasters that can happen, so you may still get to use it.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: chaise lounges, gliders, Hammocks, outdoor bistro sets, picnic tables, porch swings, steamer chairs