A patio misting system is easy to install and like having an air conditioner outside. These systems easily attach to an ordinary garden hose and come with all the hardware you need for installation.
They spray a fine mist that cools the air by 30 degrees but there are also some drawbacks. The walking surface can become very slippery when wet and the mister heads are so fine they may become clogged.
Knowing the dangers can cut down on accidents and the heads can be soaked in some CLR or Lime Away for instant cleaning. The parts are also easy to replace and the system is easy to put up and take down for winter storage. Using a water filter between the garden hose and lead line on the mister will help cut down on mineral build up.
Every patio system comes with a 10 foot lead hose before you get to the first misting jet. These are FANTASTIC for home use and I highly recommend them.
It may be easy to make your own cement castings for water features, bird baths and stepping stones but there is a limit on the color you can acheive. While it may be easy to find red or black tint most of products used to achieve a vibrant color are only available to licensed contractors and not available to the general public. Greens and blues are VERY difficutl to maintain and to keep the color, they fade extremely fast if you can even achieve the color. If you are looking to achieve a particular color and can’t find it you might consider calling local concrete contractors, they may have extra stain leftover from a job that they may sell you.
Just last week I saw an adult sitting in the nest. I thought they were not going to use the nest this year because it is almost the middle of July. So… everyday I check and everyday one of them is in there!
Putting a bird bath in your yard will attract birds of all types of birds to your home and provide them with fresh water. Watching the birds drink and splash while they bathe is a relaxing pastime for many people. Deciding where you want to put the bird bath before you buy one will make it easier to shop for it.
There are a lot of different styles to choose from and each style is suited to particular placement around your home. When considering where to put your new bird bath remember that bird droppings can be unhealthy and unsightly.
1. If you don’t have a yard or want your birdbath off of the ground there are models made to attach to a deck rail with a clamp. This placement is very convenient for cleaning and filling. When a birdbath is close to the house and off the ground it will attract smaller birds. Hummingbirds and other small birds prefer this type of birdbath or feeder because of the safety it offers.
2. Hanging your birdbath from trees might not be so convenient. You will need to hang it within easy reach so you can refill the water, and it may get dirty much quicker with insects and debris from the tree. Robins and woodpeckers would appreciate this type of birdfeeder.
3. In a small garden area a birdbath attracts the birds and insects needed to help cultivate the crop. Water fountains doubled as a bird bath are nice additions to a backyard garden. The sound of running water is relaxing and helps attract a variety of birds. Large backyard water fountains also add a decorative touch to your home.
4. Although putting the bath under trees to provide shade will be appreciated, you would have a couple of issues to deal with. Falling leaves and debris from the tree means frequent cleanings and you may not be able to watch the birds come and go.
5. Putting a birdbath in an open area of the yard can add a decorative touch to your home. This location will also draw the larger birds and you will have easy access to clean and refill the water. It might be inconvenient to cut the grass around it but you will be able to see the birds better.
The main reason you would buy a birdbath for your home is to attract birds. The style of bath and where you decide to place it is a personal matter. It may take a little time for the birds to discover it is there but they will find it.
Every year I see baby birds that have fallen from their nest and it’s a sad thing. Usually they are found after a hard rain but we haven’t had any rain for a couple of days. I have a robins nest at the back of the house and I watch the activity there everyday. Early this morning I heard the birds and knew there was a problem. It was still dark so I waited until light and went outside. Mother bird was very upset and noisy. I didn’t see anything in the nest and started to carefully check the ground. Surely enough I found 2 of the 3 babies without much trouble. The third one was found alive, huddled in the grass! With gloves and a box I bent to reach for the little bird and it opened it’s mouth for me to feed it. When I got back with the ladder the mother was waiting nearby with food. She worked her little wings off flying back and forth feeding that baby today.
This went on for a few days, each day I would go out and check for the baby, find it on the ground and put it back into the nest. I began to wonder if I should let them be, thinking that maybe this is how the baby learns. It makes good sense that he wouldn’t have as far to fall while he practices his flying if he starts from the ground. Then one day the baby was gone.
A backyard fish pond can be fun and relaxing. They attract many different types of animals such as butterflies, frogs and birds. The fish and plants used in this type of pond are hearty and should “winter” well.
Most of these ponds are small, maybe no larger than 3 to 4 feet in diameter. They can even be built in patio containers and barrels.
If you have been wanting to design a soothing, relaxing area in your yard, a pond or water garden will do just that.
A fish pond will also provide a focal point of your backyard conversation. So spice it up with these tips and techniques.
Where to Put a Backyard Pond
When deciding where to place your fish pond, you’ll need to find a place where you can view it while relaxing or entertaining. Do not place it in where it will have direct sun all day as this could overheat it. Not directly under trees since you will have much more maintenance.
Find a spot where the pond will blend in with the natural surroundings. This will ensure that you get the most pleasure out it.
Landscaping
The soil around the pond should be slightly elevated to keep the surrounding run-off from flooding it. When you are planning your pond, be sure to keep in mind that any run-off from the pond needs to slope away from your house.
Landscaping your pond with plants and rocks provides a natural shelter for birds and frogs. These animals require both and land. Having your pond landscaped will help to ensure that you attract them.
Don’t forget about electricity. If you plan to use lights, filters, or a pump to circulate the water, you’ll need to have electricity readily available.
Pond Liners
The reason for pond liners is to keep the water from leaching into the soil. A liner is required, even in clay soil. Although the clay soil will absorb the water much more slowly, it will still draw the water from the pond.
You can find pond liners in different shapes and sizes. You can even get a liner with built in waterfalls. Shop around to see the varieties that are available before you make your final choice.
Pond liners are durable and convenient.
If you are building your own pond, you can use a polyvinyl chloride liner (PVC liner). The way to determine the size of the PVC that you’ll need is to take the maximum depth of your pond and multiply it by three (3). Add this number to both the width and the length. This should give you enough PVC to securely hold down the pond edges.
Another consideration in choosing a pond liner is the thickness. Obviously, the thicker pond liner is going to be more durable and more resistant to punctures.
Cement is another option for a liner. It requires a lot more work and know-how to install, and it is much more expensive.
Choose carefully if you decide to design your own liner. Many plastics don’t hold up to the sun very well and they may even give off toxins into your pond.
Pond Installation
There is quite a lot of digging involved with installing a pond. Be sure that you time your installation with the ground. If the ground is still frozen, or wet from recent rainfall, you are much better off to wait a bit before starting.
Mark out the grass in the area that you’ll be placing the pond. Mark carefully so that you do not dig a hole that is too big to support the liner, or so small that you have to dig again. Keep a tape measure with you and monitor the depth as you get closer.
After you have secured the pond liner, carefully check the surrounding area and remove any unwanted rocks. If your pump will be placed in a deep area of the pond, now is a good time to set it.
Next, landscape the area around the pond. If you plan your landscaping right, you should be able to hide any excess electric cord and probably even the receptacle.
Once the landscaping is complete, it is time to add the water.
You should let the pond sit for a few days before adding plants. This will give the sun a chance to burn off any chlorine or other chemicals that may harm the plants.
At this point, you’ll want to let the plants settle for at least a week before you add the fish. At the end of this time, your water will be settled, and the plants have had a chance to take.
All that’s left at this point is to sit back and enjoy your new backyard fish pond!
A bird bath is stylish way to entice birds to your yard. There are many designs to choose from and they come in styles that enhance any area. Place your bath where you can relax and watch the birds splash and refresh themselves.
If you don’t have a lot of space in your yard or have no yard at all, you can find a bird bath that will clamp securely to a deck rail.
A bird bath that will hang from a tree branch may be more inviting to birds, especially if you have pets in the yard.
A stylish water fountain makes a great bird bath too. It will set your bird bath apart from the others in the neighborhood and makes an attractive yard decoration. The sound of running water will be relaxing for you and be attractive to the birds.
A bath is a place for birds to escape the heat of the summer and refresh themselves so you might want to put yours in the shade.
Your bird bath will need to be cleaned and refilled throughout the season so placement will be important.
It doesn’t matter what you plant, gardening has many benefits. A flower garden can enhance the beauty of your yard and a vegetable garden will provide healthy food.
Many people find it very relaxing to work in the garden. A garden does require a lot of work but for those of us who enjoy it, we don’t consider it work. Gardening can be a fun family activity, children like to be helpful and they love to play in the dirt.
There is nothing mysterious or hard to understand about using natural elements produced by the earth and animals, to plant and grow your own organic garden. Many people are under the impression that the idea of organic gardening was started in the 1960’s as part of a revolution against society. The truth is, gardening without the use of chemicals and manmade pesticides has been around for centuries.
Farmers have practiced all natural growing for centuries. The Amish culture and many other countries still practice this form of gardening. These farmers could certainly go out and buy any of the pesticides and fertilizers available, but they continue to farm the way their forefathers have for generations. Their gardens and crops grow very well; in fact they support entire communities and generate income.
Research and plan your garden before you get started for best results. Organic gardening uses natural elements to fertilize and protect your garden. Protect your garden from damaging winds by planting close to a fence, hedge or tree line. You can plant flowers and plants that repel unwanted pests and others that attract birds to keep insects away. Choose a location that gives you maximum exposure to the daylight.
If you were to list your home for sale, the realtor would pay attention to the outside of the home as well as the interior. He would likely suggest that you primp the landscaping to add “curb appeal” to any potential buyers.
Why on earth would you save this for a buyer? Isn’t it you that comes home each day to the house and yard? How much better would arriving at home be if you enjoy the view when you are pulling in? How much more relaxing sitting in the yard with a view that is all that you imagine?
Landscaping your yard takes a bit of hard work. But the effort is sooooo worth it!
First, take a good look at the lawn. An open lawn space is always beautiful. It is restful, and it adds a feeling of space to even a small yard.
Look carefully.
Are there areas that are difficult to mow?
Are there trees that were planted too close to the house?
Any dead or dying trees?
Areas that could benefit from dressing up or cleaning up?
How about overgrown or overcrowded bushes?
Now that you have honestly evaluated the yard, the next step is to get it into shape. Clean up or clear out anything that needs it. Get the yard green and peaceful.
Any shrubs that you want to keep you can cut back, even beyond the thin green layer that is on the outside. It will take a few seasons for them to fill in again, but they will remain strong and healthy.
Use a stiff rake and dethatch the grass. This will encourage the lawn to thicken and help it green.
Use a can of spray paint to outline any areas that you have chosen for flower beds. This will not only keep you in line as you are digging, but it will give you a clear visual of the plan before you start.
Plan trees and shrubs carefully. Pay close attention to the adult height before you plant. Many homeowners have made the mistake of planting a “small” tree or bush close to the house only to find out that it becomes a nightmare as it grows.
Let your imagination run wild! Create your version of paradise in your own yard. You will enjoy it for many years and be grateful that you spent the time doing it.
