All Outdoor Patio Furniture

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chairs, arbor, Croquet, grills, hammock, lawn games, outdoor dining table, Outdoor Furniture, patio furniture, picnic tables, porch chairs, porch swing, Quoits, trellises

While umbrellas are commonly associated with rain, they are also used to shield us from the sun.  In fact, the latter is the larger, nobler purpose, as it is more important, health-wise.  After all, getting wet in a cloudburst is not going to hurt anyone (except, perhaps, the Wicked Witch of the West, but I believe she’s dead, anyway).  On the other hand, as we all know, if we’re exposed to them for long periods, the sun’s rays can do a lot of damage to our skin and eyes.

Actually, that more dignified use is the one that served the members of nobility so well, centuries ago.  Back then, the original umbrellas were carried over the royals, not only to keep them shaded and cool, but to protect their skin as well.  The same was true of the early patio umbrellas that were used in ancient Rome and Greece.

Even now, staying out of direct sunlight seems to be the bigger concern for many of us.  For example, when looking for a seat on a restaurant’s patio during the day, most people will avoid any outdoor dining table that doesn’t have a patio umbrella.  When we take our beach umbrellas with us to the shore, it’s generally not because we’re afraid of rain, but because we want shelter from the sun.  That’s also why street vendors have market umbrellas over their carts.

Undoubtedly, there are even more, very gallant, acts that these outdoor umbrellas perform, besides simply safeguarding us from rays and rain.  Remember, there are other things that can fall out of the sky, which would be quite unpleasant to have land on our skin, clothes, picnic tables, food, or drinks.  Naturally, I’m talking about the leaves and sap that often drop from the trees.  I certainly can’t think of anything else.

Now, I am absolutely not downplaying the importance of the patio umbrella in keeping things dry.  That definitely is a great thing, as outdoor party plans don’t have to be canceled just because there’s a chance of rain.  I mean, it’s quite comforting to know that you won’t have to endure the disaster of having your hair get all wet!

Of course, like outdoor furniture, patio umbrellas have undergone significant improvements over the years.  For one thing, you can get one that features a tilting mechanism, which lets you adjust the angle of the umbrella’s canopy in accordance with the sun’s position, so that you will always have full coverage.

Another wonderful thing about today’s outdoor umbrellas is that they are available in every color imaginable, as well as scores of patterns, and endless color combinations.  Therefore, you can match them with your outdoor décor, as well as the outdoor furniture cushions on your patio chairs and chaise lounges.

Among the greatest attributes of an outdoor umbrella, however, is its aptitude for providing privacy, whether your picnic table is set up in your backyard, or on your patio.  Even if you have fences, walls, trellises, arbors, or garden screens, a nosy nearby neighbor may be able to look down on your outdoor living space.

On the other hand, if you have a patio umbrella, you’ll block the view from above; and, no matter how valuable it is in any other area, its ability to foil a prying neighbor’s curiosity is priceless!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, beach umbrellas, chaise lounges, outdoor decor, outdoor dining table, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor umbrellas, patio chairs, patio umbrella, patio umbrellas, picnic table, picnic tables, trellises

With this nation’s love of outdoor living, it’s no wonder that so many people are reluctant to make complete retreats to closed quarters when the weather gets cold.  It’s also no surprise to find that, each year, millions more are refusing to relinquish their summer lifestyles.  This accounts for the huge resurgence in the demand for sunrooms, as well as the growing practice of enclosing porches, patios, decks, and gazebos.

These indoor/outdoor rooms allow at least a semblance of being in the open air, and help to keep us in touch with nature, and prevent us from getting full-blown cases of cabin fever.  Because of the popularity of these rooms, as well as the increasing trend toward turning our yards into outdoor living rooms, where we spend much of our time during the warmer months, outdoor furniture is no longer a seasonal thing.  These days, people are shopping for porch swings, porch gliders, Adirondack chairs, and accent tables, year-round.

Furthermore, in keeping with the meticulous décor of these living spaces, patio furniture is also available in more styles, colors, and materials than ever.  Of course, there are some kinds that are perennial favorites, such as wicker porch furniture.

Indeed, wicker outdoor furniture has been around since, at least, 3,000 B.C., when it was used in Egypt.  It is also known to have been common in ancient Rome and Greece.  In fact, it arose from one of the oldest recognized crafts, which is basketry.  Apparently, soon after they began using pieces of reeds, rattan, willows, osiers, twigs, and bamboo, to make baskets, people realized that they could weave these materials around stiffer rods, shaped into various forms, and create furniture.

The first piece of wicker outdoor furniture in America actually came over on the Mayflower; but the wicker furniture industry didn’t get started in this country until sometime after 1850, when a young grocer came across large quantities of rattan on the docks of Boston.  Having never seen the likes of it, he made some inquiries, and found that it was a climbing palm that is native to Southeast Asia, and was used in ships that had been to that region, to keep cargo from shifting on the return voyages.

Shortly thereafter, this entrepreneur sold his grocery store, and established his own rattan company.  Before long, his business was booming, and he had his own fleet of ships that he used for importing rattan, which was highly sought-after by basket and furniture makers.  After starting his own furniture business, he enjoyed quite a bit of growth for a good part of the mid-to-late 19^th century, and had nearly cornered the market, until many other companies began making wicker furniture.

Before the turn of the century, the Victorian style, with its ornate curves and intricate patterns, was quite popular.  However, in the 20^th century, people started looking for simpler designs with cleaner, straighter lines.  Although manufacturers changed their styles to accommodate the public’s shifting tastes, the demand for the furniture declined over the next few decades.

In the 1960’s, however, wicker patio furniture began its comeback.  Today, along with authentic wicker, you can even find synthetic wicker pieces that are nearly indestructible.  Available with outdoor furniture cushions that come in every color and pattern imaginable, wicker remains among the most popular outdoor furniture in existence, and is central to the décor of millions of indoor and outdoor rooms.

Don’t you just love a happy ending?

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: accent tables, adirondack chairs, Gazebos, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor furniture cushions, patio furniture, porch gliders, porch swings, Sunrooms, wicker outdoor furniture, wicker patio furniture, wicker porch furniture

The end of August beckons pencils, notebooks, school buses, and that fated end of summer.  As children and teachers prepare to head back to school, it’s hard to not assume your endless afternoons of family outdoor living are headed toward a close. But, rather than bidding farewell to your outdoor furniture, why not plan a party to bring everyone together to celebrate one last “hurrah!” Encourage your children to invite friends that will soon be classmates and their families.  That way, you can meet any neighborhood parents that you have not yet had a chance to get to know.

This is always the time that it feels like the Summer season got away from us.  And as many parents have a tinge of sadness as the Autumn season puts our children out of reach for nearly 8 hours a day, this is a wonderful time to bring everyone together.  Lounging in outdoor rocking chairs and porch swings will give the parents a no-stress occasion to talk about the upcoming year and perhaps solutions for car pooling to athletic practices or play rehearsals. Meeting the families of your kids’ classmates is an important part of getting involved with their overall education, so let this be a time to celebrate the end of summer and prepare for the upcoming school year through good food and meaningful introductions.

Especially if you’ve missed opportunities for outdoor entertaining, crafting a dinner party for a time other than Labor Day weekend is a grand idea.  That way, guests that have already committed to family reunions or other engagements will still be able to attend your event.

Try to strike a balance between Summer and Autumn.  This gathering will be your opportunity to start to bring in Autumn decorating influences, while still celebrating summer.  Decorate picnic tables with vases or planters that mix daisies and hydrangea with mums and asters.  It’s not time for pine cones and pumpkins yet, but past due for Fourth of July décor.  Have fun mixing and matching your more subdued summer and autumn outdoor décor for an End of August celebration that hits the nail right on the head.

Give the kids, and yourself, a grand opportunity to enjoy that casual summer fare.  Keep it simple with hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill and potato salad. This is also a great opportunity to use a lot of the vegetables and herbs that your garden is producing too fast for you to use!  Tomatoes, cucumbers, and green beans will all do terrifically in a big salad created from your homegrown lettuce.  Share the bounty of your garden with guests to celebrate what an amazing summer we’ve enjoyed this season.

If the weather is right, it might even be a chance pull your outdoor dining sets out from under your porches or gazebos, and out further into your garden.  Try setting up a few outdoor bistro sets or your picnic table as deep into the greenery as possible.  If you’re worried about the state of the food, you can always keep the eating under your pergola or other usual spot, and simply move your patio chairs or garden benches out into the yard.  Desserts and conversations can move seamlessly out into your late summer blooms as the longer summer day turns to dusk.

Give everyone something to take away with them to remember the experience.  If you have any seeds that your flowers have begun to produce, make little bags for guests to plant for next summer.  If you still have vegetables or herbs left over from your garden, this is a wonderful opportunity to give them as gifts.  Encourage new acquaintances with classmate-children to exchange contact information.  The end of August is the perfect time to allow families to spend some last quality time together before the start of school, as well as meet and greet the parents you’ll be sure to see throughout the school year!

Have Fun!

Hazel.

Tags: garden benches, Gazebos, grill, outdoor bistro sets, outdoor decor, outdoor dining sets, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor rocking chairs, patio chairs, pergola, picnic tables, Planters, porch swings

Because wood patio furniture is more susceptible to damage than other types, such as polywood and aluminum, it’s more likely to end the season with some scratches, chips, gouges, and even burn marks.  Fortunately, you will often be able to fix such afflictions, or, at least, hide them.

Before you attempt any repairs, however, clean the porch swing, patio table, Adirondack chair, or whatever the injured party happens to be.  Start by using a soft, dry brush, to remove dirt, dust, and debris; then smooth out scratches and chips with sandpaper.

Although it’s best to use a product that’s specified as a wood wash, you can clean most outdoor wood furniture with very mild soap diluted in lukewarm water.  Dip a sponge into the mixture, wring out the excess, and gently wipe the surface.  Then, rinse it, blot it with a towel, and allow it to dry thoroughly in the sun before you operate on it.

Superficial scratches are pretty easy to handle, as there are several products made to cover them.  Many solutions can also be found in things that you may already have in your home.  Of course, some of them may sound a bit nutty; for example, you can often rub out a scratch with a pecan (or another nut that has a high oil content), a dab of peanut butter, or olive or vegetable oil.

Another pantry item that can rescue dark wood outdoor furniture is coffee.  Mix one teaspoon of the instant variety with one tablespoon of vegetable oil or water, and work it in gently with a soft rag.  This method can be very successful; but don’t use it on shellac, or antique wood.

Other things that can work well, but which should be tested on inconspicuous spots, are iodine (on reddish finishes, such as mahogany), and liquid and paste shoe polishes.  You can also use felt-tipped markers and softened crayons, and, if necessary, mix their colors to match the wood on your outdoor settee, loveseat, accent table, or whatever you’re mending.

You may be able to fix gouges on outdoor wood furniture with a furniture filler stick, made of wax or putty, and some dark furniture wax, which you’ll find at a wood-finishing supply store.  After cleaning the area with mineral spirits, apply a filler stick that matches the lightest shade of the wood, and then smooth it with a small piece of wood.

Next, buff it gently with superfine steel wool, and then use the dark furniture wax to even out the color.  Because this is a soft filler, it works best on outdoor table legs, the backs of patio chairs, and other parts of outdoor furniture that are not as heavily put-upon as tabletops.

To apply a harder fill, you’ll need a shellac stick, matched to the finish, some superfine, wet/dry sandpaper, mineral oil, alcohol, and a grapefruit knife, or a curved burn-in knife from a supply store.  Apply the shellac by (repeatedly) heating the knife, then pressing it against the stick, to make it melt and drip slowly into the hole.  When it’s filled to just above the surface, smooth it with the knife, and let it cool.  Then, even out the spot carefully with sandpaper and some mineral oil, and use the alcohol to remove the excess shellac.

Because this technique requires a little more skill, you should practice on a piece of junk furniture or scrap wood before trying it.  After all, you don’t want anyone giving you a bunch of shellac for ruining a good porch chair.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chair, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor settee, outdoor table, outdoor wood furniture, patio chairs, patio table, porch swing, wood outdoor furniture, wood patio furniture

Naturally, wood outdoor furniture has different care requirements than those of polywood, vinyl, aluminum, or plastic.  There are many types of wood from which it may be constructed, and each has specific characteristics that give it a beauty all its own.  While these traits also affect a wood’s durability, there are other factors that will determine how long it will actually last.

One of the variables is the way that people decide to treat (or not treat) it from the start.  Of course, the best way to ensure that your outdoor wood furniture will hold onto its good looks and structural integrity is to know something about the individual kinds of wood.

Western Red Cedar, for example, is one of the most popular woods, as it is gorgeous, and exceptionally durable.  With its rich texture, inherent radiance, and deep, warm tones, which range from light amber to honey brown, it makes spectacular porch swings, outdoor dining sets, and garden benches.  Cedar has innate oils that repel insects, and make it highly resistant to decay, as well as dimensionally stable properties that help to keep it from warping.

If you wish to maintain its original hues, use a sealer on your cedar outdoor furniture when it’s new; otherwise, leave it unfinished, and it will eventually turn to a rustic gray.  If you want it somewhere in between, wait until it reaches the tone you desire, and then seal it.  You can also change the shade of the wood by staining it.

Treated Southern Yellow Pine also makes stunning, sturdy outdoor chairs, chaise lounges, and picnic tables, that will withstand years of heavy use and harsh weather.  Treated pine undergoes a process of kiln-drying, before and after a special pressure treatment, which helps to prevent decay, and minimize warping, checking, and twisting.

As with cedar, you can seal and/or stain treated pine outdoor furniture to retain its yellow hue, or allow it to weather to a yellow-tinted gray.  Applying a stain/sealer once a year will preserve the wood’s luster, and protect it from the elements; and it’s best to use one that offers UV protection, and is resistant to mildew.

Teak is one of the best of all hardwoods for making outdoor furniture.  It grows in rich soil that infuses the wood with a high concentration of mineral deposits, which make it heavy, dense, waxy, thermally stable, water-repellent, and resistant to decay, insects, and warping.  You can sustain its resplendence with a stain/sealer, or let it turn to a silvery-gray.

You’ll find quality stain/sealers at any hardware store, in many color options, including clear, honey, cedar, and redwood.  Darker stains are better for maintaining the natural look, as they provide more protection from UV rays and body oils.  Applying a couple of coats every few years may be sufficient; but a lot depends upon your region’s climate, and how much your wood outdoor furniture groups are exposed to the elements.  If you leave them out all year long, unprotected by outdoor furniture covers, you may have to treat them annually.

The good news is that virtually every kind of wood patio furniture, when properly treated and maintained, will stay attractive and solid for quite a long time.  Knock on wood.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: cedar outdoor furniture, chaise lounges, garden benches, outdoor chairs, outdoor dining sets, Outdoor Furniture, Outdoor Furniture Covers, outdoor wood furniture, picnic tables, porch swings, wood outdoor furniture, wood outdoor furniture gruops

It’s hard to believe that Labor Day will be here in just a few weeks.  In some parts of the country, that means the end of the season for patio chairs, picnic tables, and grills.  Of course, those who live in warmer climates, or have enclosed porches, patios, sunrooms, or gazebos, can use their outdoor furniture all year long.  However, millions of porch swings, chaise lounges, outdoor dining tables, and patio umbrellas will be cloaked with outdoor furniture covers, and/or headed for sheds and garages.

No matter where your porch furniture will be spending the cold months, now is the time to clean and, if necessary, repair it.  After all, at this point in the summer, it has probably seen a lot of action, and is likely to have been spilled upon, or somehow marred, along the way.

So, if you’re going to continue to use it, you’ll want to spiff it up for the fall; and if you’re not going to be seeing it until next spring, you’ll be glad you cleaned it before you put it into storage.  Furthermore, depending upon the material that it’s made from, and the type of injury that it has sustained, there’s a chance that the damage could worsen over the winter.

For example, certain kinds of metal, such as cast iron, or wrought iron, may develop rust patches.  Naturally, these will get larger anyway; but if left untreated for several months, they can really get out of hand.  Therefore, you should do regular inspections for rust, and get rid of it immediately.  Whenever you spot a spot, sand it down, cover it with primer, then apply a rust-resistant paint that is made for outdoor use.

Fortunately, today’s aluminum outdoor furniture is a lot more durable than some of the flimsy specimens of old.  In fact, many of the newer aluminum outdoor chairs and picnic tables can be exposed to the elements, year-round, without ever rusting, bending, chipping, or breaking.  You may be able to clean these with only a wet sponge.

However, for outdoor aluminum furniture in general, or other aluminum items, such as patio umbrella stands, or lounge chair legs, use dishwashing liquid and water.  Never use a product with an alkaline base, such as window cleaner, or anything else that contains ammonia.  Clean the piece with a cotton cloth, rinse thoroughly with a hose, and dry.  Then, with a soft cloth, rub on some non-abrasive car wax, and buff when dry.

To clean plastic outdoor furniture, apply the same dishwashing liquid solution with a sponge, and let it soak in for a few minutes.  Use a toothbrush to get dirt out of crevices.  You can also make a paste out of baking soda and water, spread a layer of it on with a sponge, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly.  To keep spilled liquids from penetrating and setting in as stains in the future, follow up the cleaning with a coat of car wax.

Now, if you don’t have, or don’t want to use, dishwashing detergent or baking soda, there is another alternative.  Although it is not widely recognized as such, shaving cream is a gentle, non-toxic solvent and cleaner.  Just spray it on, let it soak in, rub with a soft cloth or toothbrush, and rinse it off completely.

Hmm.  Shaving cream, wash cloth, toothbrush; well, if nothing else, your patio furniture will certainly be well-groomed!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: aluminum outdoor furniture, chaise lounges, Gazebos, grills, outdoor aluminum furniture, outdoor chairs, outdoor dining tables, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor furniture coveres, patio chairs, patio furniture, patio umbrella stands, patio umbrellas, picnic tables, porch furniture, porch swings, Sheds, Sunrooms

Sometimes, I think August can have an eerie similarity to February.  You start the summer eager and excited for summer entertaining and outdoor dining.  But, by August the heat has exhausted you.  You yearn for cooler Autumn afternoons full of pumpkins and mums.  But, just as you tire of the snow and cold in February, don’t you regret missing that last chance to build a snowman with your kids?  As far as I’m concerned, wishing away a season is a travesty.

But even if the August heat makes you feel sluggish, a few simple tips can allow you to enjoy your picnic tables and outdoor furniture with the same eagerness that you did in May!

My favorite tip for keeping outdoor entertaining easy and fun is to ensure your outdoor buffet or outdoor storage is stocked.  Clean and dry your outdoor dishes and keep them all stacked and ready.  Remember, when it comes to outdoor dining, there’s a balance between paper plates and your grandmother’s fine china.  If you’re used to scrambling for dishes when eating outdoors, choose dishes to designate for the outdoor dining area.  Perhaps a set of dishes you picked up inexpensively at a thrift shop, or even indoor dishes that you don’t see fit for your formal dining room.  However you choose your outdoor dishes, creating a selected collection and keeping them outdoors will keep materials handy when friends stop by. Don’t forget cutlery, placemats, and napkins as well!

Another trick I picked up this summer is to keep a spray bottle of cleaner and a roll of paper towels in your deck box or outdoor buffet.  Unless you have an enclosed outdoor living space, like a gazebo or cabana, your picnic table or outdoor dining set is likely to get dirty sitting outside.  So, have a cleaner handy to quickly and easily wipe down your eating surface.  If you’re feeling a bit more formal, keep an outdoor table cloth on hand to throw over the table as well.

To keep everything clean, make sure you keep eating and serving supplies separate from gardening tools.  Though, there are two things I do keep in the potting bench that are essential to my outdoor entertainment enjoyment… bug spray and sun screen!

Don’t let the heat beat you down, and don’t lose a moment of outdoor living!  Keeping outdoor storage stocked will allow you to enjoy an impromptu garden or porch party without stress.  The most important part of outdoor living is making sure you enjoy yourself, and sometimes a few simple steps can make a huge difference!

Have Fun!

Hazel.

Tags: cabana, deck box, gazebo, outdoor buffet, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor storage, picnic tables

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: birdfeeders, birdhouses, garden bench, grills, hammock, lounge chairs, outdoor chairs, outdoor decor, outdoor dining tables, Outdoor Furniture, Outdoor Furniture Covers, patio chairs, patio furniture, picnic tables, porch gliders

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