Archive for January, 2010
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.
Facts About Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are such amazing creatures. About a year ago, my husband bought me a hummingbird feeder. I never was much of a birdwatcher so I was not that excited about the feeder at first. Don’t get me wrong, I love nature and birds are delightful creatures. I just never thought bird watching sounded very interesting. That all changes last summer when my feeder started attracting these precious little birds. They were so fasinating to watch. I got excited everytime one would hover by the feeder. They are simply not like any other bird out there. They are so unquie.
For those of you out there that are as fasinated by these little creatures as I am, here are some facts I found on Wikipedia.
~The Giant Hummingbird’s wings beat at 8-10 beats per second, the wings of medium-sized hummingbirds beat about 20-25 beats per second and the smallest can reach 100 beats per second during courtship displays.
~Nectar is a poor source of nutrients, so hummingbirds meet their needs for protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, etc. by preying on insects and spiders, especially when feeding young.
~The two halves of a hummingbird’s bill have a pronounced overlap, with the lower half (mandible) fitting tightly inside the upper half (maxilla). When hummingbirds feed on nectar, the bill is usually only opened slightly, allowing the tongue to dart out and into the interior of flowers.
~Like the similar nectar-feeding sunbirds and unlike other birds, hummingbirds drink by using protrusible grooved or trough-like tongues.[3]
~Hummingbirds do not spend all day flying, as the energy cost would be prohibitive; the majority of their activity consists simply of sitting or perching.
For more visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hummingbird
How A Garden Fountain Can Improve Your Health
Everyone loves the peaceful babbling of a brook or relaxing flow of a waterfall; there is something about the sound of trickling water that just puts a person at ease. With the increase of stress and anxiety in daily life, people are continually looking for ways to relax.
As I searched the internet for proof that a garden fountain can improve your health, I found that there is much debate but very little evidence to support this claim. I, on the other hand, feel that there must be some health benefits derived from anything that can help you relax. In this day and age, stress is causing us to age faster and our bodies are developing all sorts of ailments. Garden fountains can do more to improve your health than harm it so creating a serene atmosphere is my ultimate goal.
During my search I came across an interesting website that had a pretty convincing story. See what you think. http://ezinearticles.com/?Indoor-Fountains—Add-Beauty-and-Improve-Your-Health&id=885476
