Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

Okay, so you’ve determined what purpose your patio will serve.  The next step is to settle on a color scheme; and, if you wish to add a theme as well, figure out what it will be.  For the former, you may have fewer decisions to make, as you’ll simply (yeah, simply) have to choose some hues.  In the latter instance, however, you will further be committed to finding supporting accessories; and that can be quite time-consuming.

On the other hand, it can be a lot of fun; and, besides, you’ll be searching for the definitive items for your outdoor décor, no matter what.  It’s just that your selection will be somewhat broader if you’re not limited to things that must tie in with a specific subject.  Of course, if you declare your theme to be eclectic, you can throw in anything you like, and no one will question it.

One potential advantage of featuring a particular topic is that it is sure to be one of your passions.  Therefore, you may have already collected many related pieces; and many of them may be sitting in closets, collecting dust.  If so, this is the perfect opportunity to display them.  For example, if you spend all of your vacations at the beach, it’s likely that you’ve picked up lots of shells, beach bags, and other maritime-associated souvenirs, in your travels.

Well, now they can be part of your patio décor; and they’ll fit in splendidly with a beach, or a tropical, theme.  Furthermore, you can use them as creatively as you like, as you’re not bound by any rules.  For instance, there’s no law that says that arbors, trellises, and pergolas can be covered only with flowers.  No-o!  You can drape them with fish netting that’s filled with shells and sea glass, or hang starfish, and multi-colored (fake) fish from them.

Place potted flowers into upside-down beach hats, old beach bags, and pails, and use them as planters.  Then, for a nice, finishing touch, push some little, plastic shovels into the soil, just far enough so that they’ll stand at a slight angle.

If you’ve managed to acquire any bar or restaurant memorabilia, such as menus, glasses, signs (chairs, tables, kitchen sinks), or anything else, by whatever means (I know nothink! I see nothink!), incorporate them as well.  Not only will they look great on your outdoor dining table or patio bar set, but they’ll be sure to spark some interesting conversations and stories (like the ones about how you got them!).  Top off your outdoor tables with cheery patio umbrellas, and use beach umbrellas or market umbrellas in other spots, to provide more shade – and atmosphere.

When it comes to finding outdoor furniture, you’ll have another wealth of choices.  Wicker patio furniture with outdoor furniture cushions in bold patterns or stripes, and some wicker accent tables, will really complement the beach theme.  To make things even more festive, you can add some polywood Adirondack chairs and ottomans, in various colors.

Naturally, lighting is important, too; and there are dozens of fun styles and types available.  You can string your garden structures with twinkle lights, put torches around your patio and yard, set citronella candles on picnic tables, and use outdoor table lamps, lanterns, pendant lights, tree lights, solar lights, and decorative post caps.

So, how can you find all of these wonderful outdoor décor items?  Just do a little surfing on the ‘net, of course!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, beach umbrellas, decorative post caps, garden structures, market umbrellas, outdoor decor, outdoor dining table, outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor table lamps, patio umbrellas, Pergolas, picnic tables, Planters, polywood adirondack chairs, trellises, wicker accent tables, wicker patio furniture

It doesn’t take weeds, or even pests, to spoil a landscape.  Sometimes, people foil their own efforts to cultivate gorgeous lawns and gardens.  In most instances, it’s not because they start to neglect their outdoor chores.  I mean, sure, that does happen every now and then.  After all, it’s summer, and most people would rather be cooking burgers on their grills, hanging out around their picnic tables, and relaxing in their Adirondack chairs and porch gliders, than doing yard work.

However, that’s not the main problem; and it’s usually not that they’re doing all the wrong things, either.  Actually, it’s more likely that they’re doing the right things, but too often, or too infrequently.  For example, many people over-water their lawns.  This prevents the roots from growing far enough into the ground, which causes them to get tangled up among the blades of grass, and form a mat over the soil.

That’s not a good fashion statement, as the well-coiffed lawn is not sporting dreadlocks this year.   It’s also a waste of water.  The best thing to do is to water deeply, and less frequently, giving the lawn about an inch of water each time.  An easy way to figure out how long it takes to reach that amount is to set an empty tuna can on the grass, then run the sprinkler until it fills to the top.  Just don’t fall asleep in your hammock or swingbed when you’re supposed to be timing this, or you’ll have to start all over.

You may find that watering only once or twice a week will be sufficient.  So, before you water, make sure that your lawn truly needs it.  To determine whether or not it does, simply walk across it.  If the grass springs back into place, it’s in good shape; if it stays compressed in your footprints, it could probably use a drink.  Another way to tell is to push a screwdriver into the ground; if this is difficult, it’s a bit too dry.  Color is also a good indication, as thirsty grass may develop a slight blue tinge.

While watering less is a good way to get a healthier lawn, mowing more often will also help, as it will force the grass to grow thicker, enabling it to crowd out more weeds.  Just be certain that the mower’s blades are very sharp, so that they can make clean, even cuts.  This is important, because ragged edges make the grass more vulnerable to disease.

Furthermore, split ends are not in style for lawns, either; and neither is the close-cropped ‘do.  If you cut the grass too short, it will need more water and herbicides, and become difficult to manage (and they don’t make mousse for grass).  Although the ideal length will depend upon the type of grass that you have, as a rule, you shouldn’t cut off more than one-third of its height at a time.  That’s referred to as scalping, and it takes awhile for grass to recover from it (besides, it’s a really bad look).  Mowing it higher will make its roots grow deeper, increase its immunity to disease, and decrease its need for water.

Naturally, when the weather is extremely hot, you should take breaks whenever necessary.  Keep a pitcher of ice water or lemonade on an outdoor dining table, and enjoy a glass as you rest on a patio chair.

If your lawn is wet, don’t mow it, because the blades won’t be able to cut sharply enough.  Moreover, it will compress the soil and crush the roots, so they won’t be able to breathe.  Then, the grass will die, and your lawn will develop bald spots.

And – you guessed it – baldness is not in vogue for lawns, either!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chairs, grills, hammock, outdoor dining table, patio chair, picnic tables, porch gliders, swingbed

The Fourth of July is this weekend, so get your grills ready, set up those picnic tables, and reserve your favorite Adirondack chair; and don’t forget to set a place of honor for your most distinguished guest, Old Glory.

Although we’ve already covered some of the rules for displaying and handling it properly, there are still many more.  One states that the flag should never serve as a drapery, such as would be put over a speaker’s desk, or a platform, or be used as any decoration in general.

The flag should never be used in advertising, nor have any advertising signs attached to its staff.  It shouldn’t be embroidered, printed, or otherwise impressed on anything, such as a handkerchief, napkin, or cushion, that’s designed to be used briefly, and then discarded.

Furthermore, the flag should not be used as clothing, or as any part of a costume, or athletic uniform.  However, flag patches can be used on the uniforms of firefighters, police officers, and members of the military and patriotic organizations.

There should never be any kind of mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, number, symbol, or drawing put on the flag, or attached to it.  Moreover, it must never be used as a receptacle for holding, carrying, receiving, or delivering anything.

Apparently, we’ve really strayed from the original tenets of respect for the flag.  After all, it’s used in decorations all the time; in fact, everywhere we look this weekend, we’ll be seeing glaring examples in items such as flag tablecloths, placemats, and napkins.

Certainly, there are tons of red, white, and blue decorations that are perfectly acceptable, even if they have stars or stripes on them, because they don’t depict the actual flag.  There are streamers, balloons, pinwheels, candles, paper and plastic plates, glasses, and utensils, and much more.  You’ll also find red, white, and blue bunting for doorways, porches, balconies, and gazebos (when you hang it, make sure that the blue is on top).

You can also use it as a runner for your outdoor dining table, set over a plain, white tablecloth.  To make it more striking, use solid red napkins, solid blue plates, and utensils in all three colors.  If you don’t want a runner, sprinkle the tablecloth with red, white, and blue glitter, and top it with another, clear tablecloth.

Put red, white, and blue flowers into vases of the same colors for centerpieces, or get some red geraniums, white impatiens, and blue salvia in containers, from a nursery, and group them together in planters.  Place red and blue candles on white trays; they’ll look great in the daytime, and add a festive glow after dark.

Truly, after the sun goes down, you’ll really want things to sparkle, so don’t forget to decorate gazebos, arbors, pergolas, trellises, and trees with red, white, and blue twinkle lights.  For an extra-special touch, get red and blue bulbs for your outdoor lamps and lanterns.

Indeed, there are hundreds of ways to bring patriotic colors to your Independence Day party, while displaying the flag in a proper place.

Of course, that rule about not using the flag in decorations is not the only one that’s been stretched to the limit over the years.  How about the one that prohibits its use in clothing and costumes?  I mean, that ship sailed a long time ago.

Just for starters, I think Uncle Sam has got some ‘splainin’ to do.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chair, Arbors, Gazebos, grills, outdoor dining table, outdoor lamps and lanterns, Pergolas, picnic tables, trellises

As I believe I’ve mentioned a time or two (hundred!), every year, millions of people turn their yards, porches, decks, patios, and gazebos into outdoor living rooms.  This has been going on for quite some time now; and it doesn’t appear that the trend will ever end.  In fact, it’s reaching new heights, as these exterior spaces are also being made into outdoor kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms, game rooms, guest rooms, and just about any other type of room you can name.

If you’re trying your hand at this kind of landscaping, and you have a large area to develop, it may be difficult to know where to begin.  That’s no wonder, because it’s like trying to decorate a house that doesn’t have walls or ceilings.  Wait a minute.  Like that?  No.  It is that!  After all, without walls and ceilings, it’s not a house; it’s a yard.  So, there you are.

Still, you can approach the task as if you’re remodeling the inside of your home.  All you need is some structure; or, rather, structures, as in, the garden varieties.  Yes, you can use garden structures, such as trellises, arbors, and pergolas, to define your outdoor rooms, and then work on each section as a single, manageable project.

Start by determining how much space you have, and how many outdoor rooms you want.  Make sure that they will all be large enough to suit the functions that you have in mind for them.  Otherwise, you may have to give up a room, or design one for dual purposes, as you don’t want things getting too crowded.

A dining area should be spacious enough for, at least, a grill, a picnic table (or outdoor dining table), some patio chairs, and a few accent tables.  To add more privacy or shade around a pool, place some trellises in key locations, leaving an adequate expanse of grass open for playing lawn games.  If you want just a quiet little retreat, you may need only a remote corner of your yard.

If you already have a gazebo, pool house, cabana, or sunroom, use it as a focal point, and build around it, tailoring the other areas to specific uses.  You can use anything, from a simple trellis, to a paneled garden screen, depending upon the degree of isolation, and the style, that you desire.  Even if you have limited space, one carefully-chosen piece, such as a gated arbor with a swing, or a double planter bench with a lattice back, can instantly become a miniature haven.

Actually, you can have a lot more fun – and a lot more freedom – designing rooms in your backyard, than you do when working within the confines of your house.  For one thing, having trellises as walls lets you change the size of an area any time you wish.  Moreover, with patio furniture now available in so many styles and colors, there are tons of decorating options as well.

Of course, you’ll also be able to select from thousands of varieties of gorgeous climbing flowers, which will surround you with color, and bring your outdoor rooms to life.  So, I guess that would make them living rooms, in the truest sense.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: accent tables, arbor with a swing, Arbors, cabana, double planter bench, gazebo, grill, outdoor dining table, paneled garden screen, patio chairs, patio furniture, Pergolas, picnic table, Pool house, sunroom, trellis, trellises

Those who have spacious backyards can fill them with all sorts of wonderful outdoor furniture.  Along with their porch swings, patio chairs, and accent tables, they may also have room for outdoor sofas and loveseats, outdoor coffee tables, rocking chairs, ottomans, garden benches, face-to-face gliders, grills, and even gazebos.

Most people, however, either have smaller backyards or patios, or only terraces, porches, or balconies; and, in many cases, they feel that these spaces are too dull or cramped for entertaining.  If this is your quandary, you probably have more options than you think, because even the most lackluster area can be turned into a beautiful outdoor living room.  Beyond getting the right outdoor furniture, which you can find in sizes, styles, and colors to grace any space, you can do things to make it more accommodating, while playing up its coziness aspect, which is very appealing.

If you don’t know where to start, try going from the bottom, up.  Truly, the floor can have just as much of an impact on the look of an outdoor room, as it does on an indoor room.  Paint a slab of concrete, or old, worn-out decking, with paint that’s made for porches and decks.  You can also use marine paint, designed for the hulls of boats, which is available in several bright, bold colors.

Choose a solid color, or add stripes, or geometric shapes, to create the illusion of a larger space.  To make it even homier, put down some colorful area rugs, just like the ones that you use indoors.  Toss in some cushy outdoor throw pillows in vivid, mix-and-match colors, and people will be comfortable sitting right on the floor.  For extra seating, put a picnic table bench along a wall, or off to the side.

You don’t have to worry about having your outdoor living room completely packed with furniture and accessories all of the time.  On special occasions, you can bring out some indoor pieces, such as serving carts and end tables, and even hang some art on exterior walls for the duration of the party.  Even a small outdoor dining table will look spectacular when you set it with your good china and silverware, crystal wine glasses, and cloth napkins with napkin rings.

Naturally, lighting is very important as well; and, while candles always spark a festive atmosphere, they’re not the only things that can light up a party.  There are several styles of outdoor table lamps, outdoor floor lamps, and outdoor lanterns that will get glowing reviews.  Other great choices are hurricane lamps, LED candles, paper lanterns, and strings of white Christmas lights, wrapped around trees, railings, planters, arbors, trellises, and pergolas.  For a really magical touch, you can even place candles inside your planters, as long as they’re in spots where they won’t set anything on fire.  Just don’t forget to extinguish all of the candles when the party’s over.

Of course, if someone breaks one of your good wine glasses, it may be over sooner than you had planned!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: accent tables, Arbors, face-to-face gliders, garden benches, Gazebos, grills, ottomans, outdoor coffee tables, outdoor dining table, outdoor floor lamp, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor lanterns, outdoor loveseats, outdoor rocking chairs, outdoor sofas, outdoor table lamp, patio chairs, Pergolas, picnic table bench, Planters, porch swings, trellises

Certainly, style and color will be key issues when you’re shopping for a picnic table, whether you want it to complement the décor of an enclosed porch or gazebo, match your outdoor furniture, or just look good standing in your yard.  Even so, there are many more factors to consider before you make a decision.

For one thing, figure out what size you need, based not only upon the amount of space that you have for it, but the number of people who will be using it regularly.  If you have a large family, or if you do a lot of entertaining, you’ll need a bigger picnic table, or outdoor dining table.  If you don’t have room for a long, rectangular picnic table, a round, oval, square, octagonal, or hexagonal picnic table may fit in nicely.  An outdoor bistro set, or even a bar table with stools, can work well in a tight spot.  Kids’ picnic tables can also solve many seating problems at large get-togethers.

Extra-wide picnic tables are great for entertaining as well, because they offer more space for food and place settings.  They also keep things within easy reach of everyone, and are conducive to conversation, as people can sit on all four sides, in comfortable benches with backs.  Naturally, these styles usually require roomier areas.

Size also comes into play if you’re going to put your picnic table away for the winter.  If you have limited storage space, you might want to get a picnic table with detached benches, which can be put on or under the table, stacked, or stored separately.  If you don’t have a storage shed, a garage, or any other outdoor structure in which to place it, there are some other ways to keep it in good shape during the months of harsh weather.

First of all, outdoor furniture covers can provide wonderful protection, as long as they are of good quality, and can withstand temperature extremes.  This is especially important for wood picnic tables, which should also be coated with a UV-resistant stain/sealer, if they’re going to be left outside in the winter.  Actually, they should be shielded in the summer as well, because the sun’s powerful rays can hasten the fading of the wood; and that’s why patio umbrellas are as good for picnic tables as they are for people.

The material that you choose can also make a big difference in the way that your picnic table fares over the winter.  For example, polywood picnic tables, which look amazingly like natural wood, are maintenance-free, impervious to the elements, and, in fact, virtually indestructible.  The same is pretty much true of high-quality aluminum picnic tables, which can also endure severe conditions, without breaking, bending, chipping, or rusting.  Another advantage that these types of picnic tables offer is that they are available in tons of colors.

Weight may also be a concern in some cases.  If you’re going to be moving your picnic table around, or putting it on a deck, make sure that you don’t get one that is too heavy.

Yep!  That means that you’ll have to worry about weight before you even sit down to eat!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: aluminum picnic tables, extra wide picnic tables, gazebo, outdoor bistro set, outdoor dining table, Outdoor Furniture, Outdoor Furniture Covers, outdoor structure, patio umbrellas, picnic table, picnic table with detached benches, picnic tables, polywood picnic tables, rectangular picnic table, storage shed

While many people use electric and gas grills, there’s no question that charcoal grills are the most traditional.  Undoubtedly, it would be difficult to find anyone who doesn’t have childhood reminiscences of family gatherings, where the smell of charcoal-grilled burgers – and lighter fluid – hung heavily in the air.

Of course, memories continue to pile up as the years go by; and charcoal, which is much easier to light these days, is still the favorite of purists, who savor the flavor that it adds to all types of meat and fish, and even fruit and vegetables.  Furthermore, the mouth-watering aroma of succulent burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or steaks, sizzling on a charcoal grill, makes the anticipation almost as delicious as the food itself.

Another significant aspect of the cookout experience is sitting around the picnic table, on the porch swing or glider, or in an Adirondack chair, chatting pleasantly with your family and friends.  Besides being a big part of the memories-in-the-making, this also helps to take everybody’s minds off their hunger pangs; and the more stimulating the subject, the more effectively it distracts from growling stomachs, as it gives everyone something to, uh, chew on.

So, the next time you’re gathered around an outdoor dining table with other ravenous revelers, you can give them a morsel that’s more than a mouthful, by telling them that the father of the automobile, Henry Ford, is also the founder of their feast – in a way.  Indeed, the grills on his cars were not the only ones that concerned him.

In the early 1920’s, as scrap wood from components of his Model T was piling up, then being discarded, Ford set out to find an efficient use for it.  Consequently, he and E.G. Kingsford, who was a relative, a lumberman, and an owner of one of his first dealerships, set up a charcoal manufacturing plant next to the assembly line.  There, the charcoal was ground, combined with starch, formed into briquettes, and sold, under Ford’s name, in his dealerships, where it was touted as “the perfected fuel with a hundred uses.”  In 1950, the charcoal was renamed for Kingsford; and you may even be able to turn around and point to a bag of it as the perfect wrap-up to your tale.

However, if, after you bring this juicy tidbit to the table, your fellow picnickers are still starving for stories, you can give them a bonus bite, by telling them that Ford’s charcoal assembly plant was designed by his good buddy, Thomas Alva Edison.  You know, it actually seems quite appropriate that Ford would become friends with Edison, because, with all of his great ideas, he must have had light bulbs going on over his head all the time.

But that only leads me to wonder what went on over people’s heads before the light bulb was invented.  A candle?  I don’t know; somehow, that just wouldn’t have the same effect – unless, of course, the idea isn’t particularly bright.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chair, glider, grills, outdoor dining table, picnic table, porch swing

Once you’ve gotten hummingbirds to come to your garden, you’ll want it to be a safe, hospitable environment, where they can flourish.  Therefore, there are some safety measures that you should take, so that you don’t inadvertently cause them any harm.

One important point to remember is that hummingbirds have very tiny, sensitive organs, which cannot tolerate certain things.  Pesticides are tops on this list; but, as we’ve already established, you won’t have to use them in a hummingbird garden, as the bugs will be exterminated by the birds.

Moreover, hummingbirds cannot stomach food coloring, or dye of any kind, so don’t buy any commercial brand of hummingbird food that is colored.  Although it is advisable to have supplemental hummingbird feeders in your garden, the best, and most economical, thing to do is to make your own nectar.  Not only is it simple, but, as long as you follow the strict, yet very easy, guidelines, it’s the safest and healthiest thing for the hummingbirds.

All you need is one cup of pure, granulated sugar, and four cups of boiling water.  Just put the water into a large bowl, add and mix the sugar until it is dissolved, and place it in the refrigerator to cool.  That’s all there is to it.  The main thing is to use only pure, granulated sugar, as any other sugar will have a different chemical makeup, and can cause a hummingbird to get sick, or even die.  Never use brown or powdered sugar, saccharin, or any other type of sugar or sugar substitute, maple syrup, or any other kind of syrup, or any of the kids’ drink mixes.

Because you won’t be using food coloring, make sure that your birdfeeder is colorful.  Most of the commercial ones will have plastic, trumpet-shaped flowers on them; but you can also make your own feeders, using old bottles that have been thoroughly cleaned, and decorate them with the red or orange fluorescent flagging tape that surveyors use.

Among the other dangers facing hummingbirds, cats pose the biggest threat, especially when the birds are hovering close to the ground.  This is another good reason to train flowers up arbors, trellises, pergolas, and gazebos, where the birds can feed out of the reach of cats.  Even if you have very little room for a garden, you can use a Skyscraper Garden™ Trellis, which takes up only four square feet of space, and can be used alone, or against a wall, even on terraces or patios.

Once hummingbirds start visiting your garden, you’ll want to be able to enjoy watching them while you’re lazing in your hammock or lounge chair, eating at your outdoor dining table, or having cocktails at your bistro set.  Although, at first, they may scatter when they see you approaching, you can help them get used to you, by spending a little more time in the area.  Start by sitting quietly and, perhaps, having your morning coffee, at your picnic table, or on your porch swing, or outdoor rocking chair.

You’ll be surprised how bold they will get when they become familiar with you.  Eventually, they may even start greeting you by playfully zipping around your head.  If this happens, though, let’s just hope that you’re fully awake, so that you don’t mistake a hummingbird for a fly, and swat it with your morning newspaper.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, birdfeed, bistro set, Gazebos, hammock, lounge chair, outdoor dining table, outdoor rocking chair, Pergolas, picnic table, porch swing, skyscraper garden, trellises

Besides being some of the cutest creatures on the planet, hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating.  Flitting from flower to flower, in their endless quest for nectar, they beat their wings some 70 times per second; during a high-speed dive, it can be up to 200 times per second.  Yep.  That’s all in the blink of an eye.

These spectacular wonders of nature are a joy to behold; so it’s no surprise that people are always trying to attract them to their yards.  This is pretty easy to do, once you get to know about these birds and their needs.  Then, you can establish a hummingbird garden that will draw them like crazy.  Actually, much more than a simple garden, it will be a complete habitat for hummingbirds.  Done correctly, it will be a kind of Garden of Eden for them, where they can live happily ever after.

Of course, you’ll be pretty durned tickled, too.  When you share your outdoor living space with them, you’ll be able to watch your playful little charges as you lie in your hammock, relax on your porch swing, or dine at your picnic table.  Moreover, even when there are no hummingbirds in sight, you’ll have a stunning, vividly-colored garden to enjoy.  Anyway, once they find that paradise, where there is a steady source of nectar, they will never want to leave.

The first thing to do is to decide where you’re going to put it.  Naturally, you’ll want to be able to observe the hummingbirds, whether you’re sitting at your kitchen table, or your outdoor dining table.  You will also have to figure out how much space you have available for the garden, which can be as small as a window box, or as big as all outdoors.

Wherever you put it, though, it must provide shade, as well as sun.  While hummingbirds love the sun, they also need shady places where they can rest, cool off, and build their nests.  It’s also important to provide water for them to drink, and to bathe in.  You can buy a small birdbath, or use a shallow bowl; just remember to change the water and clean the bowl frequently.  You can also get a mister, which hummingbirds love.

Of course, the main attraction will be the flowers.  Hummingbirds are extremely visual, and they love bright, vibrant colors, especially red; and this is what will bring them into your garden.  Because they don’t really have a sense of smell, fragrance is unimportant.  They particularly like tubular, or trumpet-shaped flowers, like the ones that grow on Trumpet Vines.

Once they arrive, they’ll be looking for that sweet nectar, which they need for survival.  They have very high metabolisms, and must eat every 15-20 minutes.  Because some hummingbirds like to feed at ground level, while others prefer higher altitudes, it’s a good idea to train some flowering vines up pergolas, trellises, arbors, and gazebos.  Be careful in selecting flowers, because some hybrid versions may not produce as much nectar as their wild relatives.

These are just a few of the things that you should know before you start your hummingbird garden; in future entries, I will have more information.  But, speaking of wild relatives, I just reminded myself that it’s my Aunt Lulu’s birthday, and I have to run out and get her a present!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, Gazebos, hammock, outdoor dining table, Pergolas, picnic table, porch swing, trellises

There truly is a lot to planning a garden, and each step is crucial, as one thing directly affects another.  For example, you can buy the healthiest plants at the nursery, but if you put them into poor soil, obviously, they’re not going to thrive; and that’s just one of hundreds of important details.

Remember, your garden is an integral part of your outdoor living space, and picking the right flowers and plants is just as important as selecting the perfect patio furniture.  Of course, the latter is much easier; you just have to figure out whether to get wood, metal, or synthetic outdoor furniture.  Well, maybe there are a few more decisions to make, such as whether you want, say, an outdoor dining table, as opposed to a picnic table, a bistro set, or even a bar set.  Then, there are definitely many more color choices than there used to be; but, all in all, porch furniture is a lot simpler to choose, and to care for, than plants.

For instance, one common mistake that people make, when shopping for plants, is buying ones that are unhealthy.  When trying to gauge the condition of any particular plant, the leaves can be a dead – or a near-death – giveaway.  If they are wilted, brown, or yellow, there’s a good chance that the plant is diseased, or, at least, has been neglected.

You should also check the foliage for insects, such as aphids, which are tiny, green bugs, or any signs of damage that they may have caused.  Other undesirables include spider mites, which might make their presence known through the existence of tiny webs, and scale insects, some of which can appear as translucent bumps or blisters on the leaves.  Leave plants with any such indications alone; the thousands of pests that are already in your garden don’t need any outside help.  Take home only those plants with vibrant, thriving foliage.

Avoid anything that’s root-bound as well.  A plant in this condition will have a mass of roots coming out of the bottom of its container.  Tangled roots can suffocate a plant, and keep it from getting all of its nutrients, so root these poor specimens out of your collection.  On the other hand, you don’t want any that have underdeveloped roots, either; but, because these can be harder to recognize, you may have to ask an employee at the nursery for help.

Another thing that many people do, which I find surprising, is to ignore the labels on plants.

These contain vital information about light, water, and nutrient requirements, when they will bloom, how large they will get, and everything else you need to know.  So, unless you’re already familiar with a certain plant, pay attention to those little plastic tags sticking out of the soil.

This applies to everything that you will grow in your garden, including vegetables.  In fact, I believe there’s a famous motto that reminds us all just how important it is: “Always Look for the Onion Label.”

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Integrate your outdoor living spaces with your well-planned gardens to create serene and beautiful areas for relaxing and socializing!

Tags: bar set, bistro set, outdoor dining table, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor living space, patio furniture, picnic table, porch furniture