Archive for the ‘Patio’ Category
Its that time of the year again when getting your backyard into shape for your up coming family gatherings becomes a priority. There is nothing more relaxing than sitting outside with family or friends enjoying nice weather and fresh air. Besides trimming the lawn and racking the leaves, adding new whimsical touches can be fun. Give your lawn character by adding a garden statue or a water fountain. No matter what your taste may be, fixing up the backyard can be a lot of fun.
Backyard Makeover
My garden is the most relaxing part of the house for me. I love seeing the assortment of colors of my plants and trees; they have this certain kind of serenity that rests my senses. If I’m not busy with anything, you could just find me in my garden as I consider it as my sacred private space.
For some reason, I’ve just decided to give my backyard a makeover, with so many decorating ideas I have in mind like adding other variety to my collection of flowering plants, improve the curb appeal by using different garden stones and placing a garden bench for an extra place to hangout while in the garden. Accenting my backyard is an exciting activity for me, it doesn’t just improve the look of it but it also brings out the creative juices in me.
Quick and Easy Hummingbird Food
Hummingbirds are one of the most unique bird species because their diet consists in large part of nectar. In addition to the oriole, hummingbirds are the only species that will feed off sugar water as part of its primary diet. Because sugar is a household product, owning a hummingbird feeder is an easy and cost efficient bird feeder to own. To make hummingbird food, all you need is sugar and water. You’ll want to maintain a ratio of about 1 parts sugar to 4 parts water; in other words, for each ¼ cup of sugar, add 1 cup of water. Place the mixture on your stovetop and bring it to a boil, then let it cool until the water once again becomes cold.
Once your mixture has cooled, simply funnel it into the hummingbird feeder and place it outside. Hummingbirds are naturally attracted to red, so they’ll come to your feeder and poke their beaks in to sip the liquid. You can also make a large batch of sugar water and freeze it in plastic cups for later use.
Relaxing in the Garden
Your garden should be a place where you can relax and forget your stresses and worries. Here are a few ideas for sprucing up your garden and enhancing your relaxation experience. Fountains are great additions to a garden, adding both aural and kinesthetic appeal.
Bird feeders or bard baths will further increase the aural appeal of your garden, but ensure you don’t attract the kinds of birds that will eat your plants! A garden hammock will give you a comfortable place to recline and admire your garden. Remember, your garden is your space; don’t buy something because someone else likes it, buy it because you like it.
Tips on Bird Watching
Birds are amazing creatures and a delight to watch. It is no wonder there are so many people that enjoy bird watching. With their graceful aerodynamics, ability to defy gravity and their many species. Whether you bird watch from you backyard or travel to distance places to see rare species, bird watching can be enjoyed anywhere. Here are a few tips to make your bird watching experience more enjoyable.
~You will need a good camera or video camera
~For best bird watching you will need binoculars, and a spotting scope with tripod, a notepad
~Pick up a field guides for your area to help you identify the birds.
~Read about the birds habitats to help find them.
~Plant flowers or hang a bird feed to attract your favorite birds
Feed Flapping Friends Clean Food
Hummingbird lovers know that hummingbird feeders are notoriously hard to keep clean. Keeping feeders clean for our little winged friends is necessary to their health. Hummingbird feeders that are not regularly maintained will trap dirt and bacteria, and can do the little birds more harm than good.
The sugar solution kept inside the feeder should be replaced every 2 to 3 days. The inside of the feeder should also be cleaned at this time. Cleaning the inside of the feeder can be safely accomplished using a bleach solution consisting of ¼ cup of bleach to each gallon of water. A brush should be used to scrub the container and get to hard-to-reach places. A bottle brush will do the trick. After scrubbing, make sure to rise the inside and outside of the feeder with water. If your feeder remains stained soak it in bleach solution for a few hours.
Developing an Outdoor Pond
Ponds add the unique appeal of water to an outdoor space, and can also bring a multitude of different water loving animals to your yard. With a pump, a filter, pond lining, and a lot of elbow grease, you can create an outdoor pond without professional help. You’ll want all the standard things you would find in an outdoor pond: rocks, gravel, water plants, logs, even fish. The first step is to dig a hole for your pond, and line it with pond lining after you’ve filled the hole in with gravel and a few sturdy rocks. Next fill in the pond lining with gravel, and ensure that it is secure. This is also a good time to place your pump in a concealed location. You might consider purchasing outdoor garden fountains to distribute the water, or you can create your own with river rocks.
The rest of the pond building process mostly involves decoration, but you should at least put in the water and make sure it doesn’t leak before you start decorating. Releasing your fish into the pond should be the last step, and remember, if you do have fish you will probably want to cover the pond with a mesh so they don’t jump out.
Preparing for Summer-Adding Charm to Your Backyard
Summer is just around the corner and if you are anything like me you are looking forward to those warm summer days by the pool, grilling and having picnics. There is no reason to have a dull backyard when you can add charm and with some simple touches. Add a wind chime to your patio or a garden statue in your flower beds. Another item that will make your backyard look more inviting is a hammock swaying in the breeze. Bird feeders are also an inexpensive touch that will add charm to any backyard. So give your backyard a little character by spiffing it up.
How to Clean Bird Feeders
If you have bird feeders in your backyard, then you know that with as many birds they attract, they can get rather dirty. The upkeep on a feeder will ensure that the birds that fly on in will be healthy after they’ve eaten. Here are some tips:
Obtain a tub big enough to hold your bird feeder, a scrub brush, outdoor hose, gloves, scent-free liquid soap or detergent, and white distilled vinegar.
Place your feeder in the tub outdoors; fill it with warm water and a squirt of liquid soap or detergent. Wearing gloves, scrub the parts of the feeder you can reach, and rinse thoroughly with a hose. Empty the tub and fill it with clean water and 4 cups of vinegar.
Let the feeder soak for one hour. Rinse thoroughly.
Hammock Setup and Use
Once a hammock has been purchase, one of the most important questions that may be asked is how and where should I hang it. A couple of questions to consider before hanging your hammock are: Do I want it in direct sunlight or the shade? Do I have trees the right distance apart? How high do I want the hammock from the ground?
Wikipedia.com says:
For non spreader-bar styles, the way in which they are hung is critical for comfort. Generally, a higher attachment point is preferred as well as sufficient length between points, though these two dimensions can be adjusted to compensate for a lack in one or the other. The optimal angle of the attaching lines to the post / wall / tree is usually about 30 degrees.
Though one can lie in a hammock lengthwise or across its width, most hammocks are best used with a diagonal position, as it provides the most room and support. Users with back and joint pains often report some relief from these problems when sleeping in a hammock in this manner.
How high should I hang my Hammock?
As a general guideline most manufacturers recommend hanging your hammock so that, when empty, the lowest part of the hammock is about waist high. This will make it easier to get in and out of your hammock.
