Around here, it has been unseasonably warm since late last week; and, this past weekend, it was downright hot, and relentlessly sunny.  In fact, the weather was so deceptively summerlike that people were dressing in shorts, tank tops, and sandals, and relaxing on their porch swings and gliders, drinking ice-cold beverages.

There were also many outdoor parties going on, as yards were filled with folks sitting on outdoor furniture, gathering around picnic tables, cooking on grills, and playing lawn games.  Moreover, with the temperature only a few degrees cooler today, it continues to feel like July.

Undoubtedly, it can be easy to forget how far autumn has progressed; and even the leaves are unreliable gauges, because the trees enjoy playing the game of stealth changing.  It’s kind of a combination of make-believe, and strip poker, wherein the goal is to keep up the pretense of summer for as long as possible.  The trees score points for every day that they can trick us into thinking that it’s still summer, rather than well into fall; and the last tree to lose all of its leaves is the winner.

Naturally, their success depends upon various outside factors, including having the weather as an ally, and getting full cooperation from all trees, plants, and shrubs.  Because there are so many types of them, a number of which are certain to be dissidents, it can be a challenging, unpredictable game.

Yet, it seems that the trees manage to fool us, to some extent, every year; but often, it’s because we don’t want to acknowledge what’s really happening.  I mean, even those who love this season, and prefer cooler weather, don’t like to see time passing so quickly.  Therefore, we tend to go into a short period of denial; and that always tilts the odds in their favor, even if some of the young, inexperienced trees start dropping their leaves too early in the game.

Truly, when we look up at the trees, from our hammocks and chaise lounges, if the big picture hasn’t changed much, we can ignore a brief, mysterious shower of leaves, now and then.  When eating at our outdoor dining sets, we can pretend that we’re using our patio umbrellas for protection from the sun, and not to keep leaves from falling into our food.  As long as the trees are standing around, acting all casual, as if everything is fine, we’re willing to play along with them.

Of course, this game has many exciting twists, and some spectacular turns, especially when, one day, we wake to find the trees sporting cloaks of magnificent colors.  Then, though we can no longer deny the calendar, we don’t care, because having such breath-taking scenery makes us feel triumphant.

That is, until the inevitable time when the north wind finally prevails, dropping temperatures sharply, launching blustery barrages of freezing rain, and stripping the defenseless trees of their remaining leaves.

Although that may seem a humiliating ending to the game, we can be sure that the trees will not stand bare for long.  No-o!  Indeed, they will soon be covered in blankets of snow.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

There’s no doubt that the things that you can find in your own backyard and garden, on a nature walk, or during a visit to a farmers’ market, can be used to make some spectacular outdoor décor.  After all, that’s what they are, anyway; you’re just gathering, arranging, and exhibiting them in strategic places, in and around your home.

At the same time, like most people who are dressing up their homes for fall, you will probably use artificial embellishments as well; and that’s understandable.  In fact, it’s necessary in some situations, such as those in which an item that you wish to use won’t hold up in a long-term display.  Luckily, however, a good number of autumn’s natural elements are quite hardy.

Pumpkins, as we’ve established, can often last through the entire season; that is, as long as they’re left intact.  I mean, once they’re carved, even the most menacing-looking, sharp-toothed, jack-o-lanterns will, after about a week, begin to resemble old men who have misplaced their dentures.  Twigs, berries, corn stalks, hay bales, Indian corn, pinecones, gourds, and acorns, are also extremely durable; but, alas, the multi-colored leaves, which are autumn’s proudest emblems, are also the most fleeting.

Therefore, we must take pleasure in them while they last.  Aside from hiking in the woods, or driving through the country, we can, of course, enjoy them from our porch swings, hammocks, and patio chairs.  Unfortunately, with the sun going down earlier every day, by the time we’re finished with work, and other obligations, it’s nearly dark.

Here, again, store-bought decorations can come to the rescue.  For example, we can string miniature, twinkling bulbs through our vine-covered arbors, pergolas, and trellises.  This will afford a twofold advantage, as it will prolong the time that we have for viewing the foliage, while allowing us to see it, literally, in a completely different light.  Indeed, as lovely as those crimson, bronze, and golden leaves are during the day, they’re absolutely dazzling after dusk, when highlighted by a soft, orange-white glow.

Actually, once you adorn your garden structures with lights, you may even start looking forward to the early sunsets.  Not only does this enhance the beauty of your landscape, but it automatically creates a festive atmosphere.  This is especially exciting when you’re hosting an outdoor dinner party, where delighted guests can enter through an arbor that’s sparkling with lights.

To make things even more striking, you can illuminate the path with walkway lights, put post cap lights on fences, and wrap strings of lights around trees, shrubs, and planters.  You should also have lots of candles, along with outdoor lamps and lanterns, on picnic tables and outdoor accent tables, in the main party area.

Now, if you have a gazebo, it will be, at least, a stunning focal point; but, if it’s large enough, you may be using it as the center of the gathering.  Whatever the case, if it’s decked out with lights, and other fall decorations, the effect will be downright spell-binding.

So, if people start asking how you managed to conjure such a magical evening, you can just tell them that you have your own, personal Gazebo Wizard.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Certainly, the more you investigate the assortment of outdoor furniture that is available, the more you realize just how many options you have for decorating your outdoor (or indoor/ outdoor) living spaces.  When you get right down to it, you probably have just about as many as you do when you’re selecting indoor furniture.

Yesterday, in comparing the two types of furniture, I mentioned the huge variety of patio chairs, outdoor sofas, loveseats, settees, porch swings and gliders, garden benches, and outdoor rocking chairs, which can be used to create spectacular outdoor living rooms.  Of course, there are also millions of outdoor kitchens and bedrooms to be furnished as well; and, luckily, porch furniture, once again, stacks up favorably against its indoor counterparts.

Naturally, there are several pieces that can cross over from room to room, just as daybeds, pull-out sofas, and chaise lounges do in our homes.  In fact, the outdoor chaise lounge is a good example, as it can be used for sitting, reclining, or sleeping.  Undoubtedly, lounge chairs are as important to outdoor furniture collections as they are to living room suites; and they are just as comfortable, as they have adjustable backs, wide armrests, and seats that are raised in the middle, to keep knees elevated.

When it’s time to lie down and take a snooze, truly, hammocks rival the comfort of even the softest beds.  Among the most popular pieces of outdoor furniture, they come in all colors, and can be made of canvas, rope, or mesh; and many of them have attached pillows.  They can be used anywhere, because, if you don’t have a place to hang one, you can always get a hammock stand; and the same goes for hammock chairs.  Swingbeds are also great for sitting, swinging, or napping.

As in indoor rooms, end tables are integral to the décor of all outdoor rooms; and they’re available in choices that are nearly, well, endless.  You’ll find an array of accent tables, such as outdoor coffee tables, terrace tables, and conversation tables, in cedar, pine, oak, cherry, teak, and polywood, in all colors and styles.

As for the eating arrangements, there’s no denying that, in most homes, picnic tables have always ranked right up there with kitchen tables.  Furthermore, because they have undergone such impressive changes over the past several years, they feature more styles, sizes, colors, and shapes than ever.  Along with the traditional rectangular picnic tables with attached benches, you’ll find hexagonal, octagonal, trestle, and extra-wide picnic tables with backed benches.  If you want something a bit more contemporary, you can get an outdoor dining table or a bistro set.

Indeed, whether in an open area, or an enclosed porch, patio, or gazebo, you can create any motif imaginable, as today’s patio furniture comes in such a wide range of materials, styles, and colors.  Moreover, the countless colors, color combinations, and patterns available for outdoor furniture cushions, patio umbrellas, and outdoor throw pillows, give you even more artistic opportunities for your outdoor décor.

It’s no wonder that we’re so crazy about outdoor living!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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