Outdoor Living Supplies

Posted on June 26, 2011 by admin

Great Winter Savings

Outdoor Life With Brown Bear on Lake

We live in a world where the protection from the natural elements of sun, rain and snow is a valued asset. And so we build houses made from wood, bricks, stone and steel in an effort to keep out the natural elements and keep us safe indoors. Unfortunately, we may have also forgotten the joys of another kind of asset – outdoor living activities and all the joys that these things provide for us in our daily lives.

Benefits of Loving the Outdoors
The good news is that we always have the choice of loving the life spent outdoors! Your family and friends have so many benefits waiting to be enjoyed once you start to take the first steps in spending more time communing with Mother Nature. Take a look at a few of these benefits and be encouraged to start looking into the outdoor living supplies like the Strathwood patio furniture as your next purchases.

Child With Backpack

Fresh Air – No matter how sophisticated the air filtration system in your house is, it will not compare to the refreshing feeling of being outdoors and enjoying fresh air. If you compare indoor with outdoor air, you will observe a plastic quality to the former that contrasts sharply with the natural sensation of the latter. Besides, the cold synthetic air of an air-conditioner pales in comparison with the cool natural air of a summer breeze.

Stress Relief – Studies have pointed out the positive effects of seeing green, literally, on a stressed mind and body. When you are outdoors and surrounded by the greenness of Mother Nature, you will experience significant stress relief. It must have something to do with green being relaxing on the eyes as well.

Physical Exercise – Bring your camping supplies and go hiking through the woods. Tend to your garden with your best garden equipment. These ways of using the outdoor living supplies bought online will definitely provide you with the physical exercises your doctor recommended for good health.

New Perspective – There is something good to be said about seeing yourself in the general scheme of the universe. Camping under the stars can be very relaxing, be it in the woods or in your garden, and be humbled by your small role in the universe and yet be inspired by just how important you are, too.

Indeed, physical, mental and emotional health benefits can be yours with living the outdoors life. You don’t even have to spend a fortune on travelling to exotic locations or on buying expensive outdoor living supplies either. Start with Strathwood patio furniture and then build your outdoor-loving life from this point.

Choices in Outdoor Living Supplies
Aside from the aforementioned patio furniture from Strathwood, you have many other choices in outdoor supplies. Just to name a few of these supplies:
Charcoal grills for enjoying barbecues on the garden with family and friends; Fire pits for campfire toasting of marshmallows, among other functions; Play houses complete with slides for the kids; Camping equipment from the tents to the stoves.

Here at Outdoor Living Supplies you can gain resources on outdoor supplies, landscaping, tools used to cut down your own christmas trees, camping ideas, and lots of outdoor living tips.

Watching The Birds             

Indeed, you can use whatever outdoor living supplies you have purchased for getting away from it all and yet still be within a few feet of your home sweet home. Now, that is outdoor living we can live with!

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Ideas Before Gardening

Posted on January 26, 2012 by admin

You should always take a second look at your ideas before gardening. This is to ensure the prevention of any major design or lifestyle catastrophes, before you create a garden.

garden arrangement

Before You Create a Garden
When looking at some of your proposed ideas before gardening, we are not talking about how to design your garden or, what or where to plant. What we will discuss in this brief article is some of the more physical and material aspects you need to take into consideration before you create a garden.

Garden Design
Certainly, you should let your imagination run wild with how you want your garden to look. Even so, it is quite easy to go overboard with garden design and there are important questions that need to be answered, before you create a garden on the scale of something like your version of the botanical gardens.

In no particular order of importance:

Available Space

* Although it sounds fairly obvious, one of the biggest traps for new players is, making the grand design fit comfortably into the available area of the garden. Having an outdoor entertaining area is a great idea, everyone should have one.

However, if it means that half of the picnic table is a permanent fixture of the pond, this may suggest some problems with your spatial awareness. I kid you not, I have seen people fall in ponds, trample garden beds, you name it – all because the construction of the pergola was left until last, then forced into an inappropriate space.

Then you are stuck with having to hire a contractor to save the situation and, if you hired me, I would charge you double, just to teach you a lesson.

* If it has always been your dream to have a swimming pool in the back yard, then by all means do so. However, depending on the size of you yard, a pool may very well be the only thing in it.

Stepping out the back door may be hazardous, also. I have also seen that one before, except the problem was actually opening the back door.

* If all you have is a courtyard, or pocket garden – NO, you may not plant an oak tree, nor a sequoia.

Budget

* You may be able to afford the fountain, but can you afford the pumps, filters and electricity to run it?

* Are you going to get professionals in to do the work? Professional landscape contractors do not come cheap. Nor do laborers, for that matter.

* A garden full of rare exotics may sound, well, exotic, but plants are not cheap if you have to purchase them all yourself.

* Regardless of the size of your garden, you will need tools, dependable tools. Certainly you can buy your tools from the supermarket – if you are prepared to do so often. Do yourself a favor and buy “real tools”, stainless steel, not diecast.

Cheap watering cans are not sun-stable, they become brittle quickly. Generally speaking, it is only when the thing is full and you have lifted it, that it is going to break. It will then land on your toes. Water is heavy.

Same with hoses. Cheap hoses tend to crack and, are more prone to end up tangled. I can promise you, dragging around a hose that now resembles a bird’s nest, will quickly exhaust any perseverance you may have had.

Available Time

* How much time will you be able to afford toward the upkeep of the garden?

It would be mighty disappointing to create even the simplest of gardens, if you don’t have  the time to look after it. Time constraints due to work commitments, or the family, must be considered.

* An entire garden made into a maze may very well be your dream, but who is going to trim it?

* Watering a garden takes time, if you are doing it by hand. Lush gardens will not survive the summer without adequate watering. If you habitually work late, an automated sprinkler system may be necessary.

* Vast expanses of lawn need mowing and vast amounts of water. Without having the time to properly maintain a lawn area, it very quickly starts to look like the tundra, or just ugly.

Physical Aptitude

* Are you physically able to look after a garden? If your age is under 35, great, you have energy to burn. As your age increases, so too, exponentially, does your desire to spend more time resting.

* If you have a dodgy back or knees, you are going to have to think of ways to lessen the discomfort. Maybe you will need special equipment for kneeling, or lessening the need to bend.

* Are you “tool dyslexic”. Charging off into the garden with a brace of tools you have never used before, could prove dangerous for the uninitiated.

So, before you create a garden, take a step back and think about what you are about to embark upon. Re-evaluating your ideas before gardening is a prudent idea, as this small task may, indeed, point out some glaring inconsistencies between what the garden dream is, and the actual reality.

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Preparation for Your Garden

Posted on January 26, 2012 by admin

The preparation for your garden should be the first thing you do when getting ready for gardening. Garden thinking  is a state of mind for the preparation of your garden. Such as, what goes where and water requirements, etc.

amaryllis flowers

Garden Thinking
The considered preparation for your garden, is what will ultimately make it a pleasure, rather than a chore. Likewise, getting into the habit of garden thinking, will save you a lot of heartbreak over the years of tending your personal oasis.

So, What is Garden thinking?
It is actually a great many things, but for the sake of this short article, we will keep it relatively simple. Garden thinking is taking the big picture into consideration. Where things will go and, what is the sequence of events.

There is little point in rushing out there, digging over the whole place, then whacking plants in all higgledy-piggledy and throwing a bit of water around. No, indeed there must be some sort of planning and preparation for your garden.

Water
Regardless of which particular style of garden you are after, or what you would like to plant in it, you are going to need some way of getting water to the garden. You have a number of choices here.

* Water outlets.
Garden taps need to be positioned where it is easiest to get at them. One tap at one end of the garden in medium gardens, means either lots of traveling, or miles of hoses.

* Watering cans.
Only advisable for small gardens. Takes time and – water is heavy. Using a watering can on medium gardens can become quite tedious, rather quickly. Do not even consider this method for large gardens, unless that is all you want to do for the rest of your life.

* Garden hoses.
A good choice for small to medium sized garden areas, either hand-held, or with sprinklers attached. Hoses can become a problem in some gardens, as dragging it around everywhere, gives plenty of opportunity for it to get tangled around things – like your plants. You can easily use this method in larger gardens, if you have the time and, well placed garden taps. However, using many lengths of hose means less water pressure at the business end.

* Sprinkler Systems.
Larger gardens really need a sprinkler system, as in in-ground, either manual operation, or on a timer. This means digging trenches, laying water pipe and the wiring.

* Trenches.
If you are going to be digging trenches, you may as well utilize them for any electricals you want to install. Such as lighting, fountains, pond pumps, general plumbing around the garden, etc.

* Hardscape.
This is all the heavy, or permanent stuff, like boulders, fountains, fish ponds, pergolas, etc.

Now, if you had gone out as mentioned before, and just thrown everything all over the place, you may well be digging it up again, when you discover that you really needed an automated watering system afterall.

Or that the extraordinary lengths of hose you have been dragging around, have at the same time, been destroying your plants, always getting jammed under the feature rocks,  or knocking over your garden gnomes with a regularity that drives you up the wall..

So, put on your garden thinking cap before you charge of and plonk all your plants in the ground. As we can see already, preparation for your garden plays an important role and, we have only discussed one aspect of it so far.

Next, we will be looking at Ideas Before Gardening.

 

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Learning How To Keep Your Fish Pond Healthy Leads To Happier Fish

Posted on January 5, 2012 by admin

There are few joys in the world that are more satisfying that a well maintained pond with fish living in it. For those of us that find fish soothing to observe, this can be a real treat that we get good out of for years to come.

If you want to know how to keep your fish pond healthy then you should start by thinking about the quality of the water. Since fish are living creatures, they do produce a certain amount of ammonia and this has to be dealt with. You want to check the levels of ammonia and nitrates in your fish pond on a regular basis so that you can make sure the fish are not poisoned by this waste. Biological filters are a part solution to this problem. Keeping the pond from becoming overstocked with fish or making sure you do not overfeed can also help stem this problem. Remember, too, that during the winter feedings are generally reduced due to colder temperatures leading to less active fish.

Another tip for how to keep your fish pond healthy is to make sure that you have plenty of oxygen in the water. You may need to add in a pump to circulate the water, preferably half the pond’s volume each hour. This ensures your fish stay healthy.

Keeping chemicals out of your pond is extremely important, so if you are sensing problems in this area, try to see if there are ways that rainwater might be bringing in toxins.

Much literature on how to keep your fish pond healthy will tell you that they should be protected from extremes in temperature. This means you should give them depths of 4 to 5 feet for avoiding sun, as well as shade to hide beneath. It also means that having a pond heater in the winter is a good idea if you live somewhere cold. Provide for your fish and they will definitely keep giving back to you over the years.

Finally, it is a smart idea to think about the way you design your pond. Edges are crucial, especially for fish that are prone to jumping, such as carp. You want the edges of the pond to slope back into the water, and never put sharp things along the edge of the pond itself. If you follow all of this advice on how to keep your fish pond healthy you are going to find that owning a pond can be an amazing experience that really does give you joy for many years to come. Plus, it is not as difficult to do as some people might make it sound. Mostly, it is a matter of some knowledge and a little common sense.

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Gardening Helps With Stress Relief

Posted on January 4, 2012 by admin


When it comes to stress relief management it seems the residents of Okinawa have it all sewn up. And they have a number of centenarians living there who can testify to that fact.

Part of the Okinawan’s stress relief techniques come from doing something that most of us can do – gardening! Yes, gardening is an activity that provides exercise for the body (and mind) with a wide range of physical motion, involving a number of parts of the body, not least the back, legs, and arms/hands.

And better still, a garden can provide us with vegetables to eat, and herbs which are claimed to have medicinal values. And isn’t it nice to be able to know what pesticides haven’t been used on the food you eat?

Another benefit of gardening is that it gets you out of your house. Nothing beats the fresh air, and when it is sunny vitamin D is built up in your body, again promoting good health. That doesn’t mean it is necessary to go out and spend hours each day in the sun, we all know about the warnings of over-exposure to the sun. Just a little each day can be of tremendous help though. Whether you are one of the estimated 7 percent of the population who suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of winter depression, or not, the fact remains that we all like some sun, and most feel the better for being out in it, even if only for a limited time.

For those of us who go out to work, or spend hours in front of the TV or computer, it’s important to get out, and connect with nature. Some fortunate people manage to do that by going on regular hiking or camping trips. But not all of us have the time or the inclination. A garden however can be something of a substitute in helping that connection with nature.

And of course it isn’t just a case of digging, planting and weeding. Take time to relax in your garden. Get a patio chair out and enjoy a glass of juice. After all, you’ve earned your time of contemplation enjoying your surroundings.

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Creating an Outdoor Oasis in Your Backyard

Posted on December 16, 2011 by admin


Winter has set in across most of the country, with cold temperatures making most of us want cover up with a blanket on the couch and watch TV. But you know what else it’s a good time for? Planning spring changes to your outdoor living space! Whether yours is fully furnished or you’re just starting out, we’ve got a rundown of the essential areas you need to create an outdoor oasis right in your own backyard.

Relaxation
Kicking back and relaxing is the primary use of the outdoor space in most homes, so it’s important to make sure yours is well set up for it. Furniture is the main consideration, as you want everyone to feel comfortable while they’re spending time out there. Quality patio furniture is an investment, but a good set will give you years of use. If you prefer wood, go with teak, a time-tested material that looks great and lasts forever. For those looking for something low maintenance, resin makes an affordable, easy to maintain choice.

Cooking
Cooking has become another top use for the outdoor space, with many homeowners spending tons to install fancy outdoor kitchens that sometimes put the kitchen inside the home to shame. Whether you’re a master chef or just enjoy a burger on the weekends, a cooking feature is a great feature for any outdoor room. You don’t have to go all out – a simple gas or electric grill may be all you need to cook your favorite treats, plus it will let you utilize the rest of your space for other things.

Greenery
No outdoor area is complete without some greenery. Plant life just gives the place a vibrant look and makes it more inviting. Everyone has their own preferences on plants and flowers they prefer, and with all the styles of planters out today you can something that matches your overall theme perfectly. For a smaller patio, a few strategically placed decorative planter bowls can be all you need. For a larger area, try a raised planter, a garden bed, or even a mini-greenhouse.

Finishing Touches
The details can make all the difference in any room of the house, including the outdoor room. While focusing on the larger things, don’t forget to add those small accents to really tie it all together. Items like wind chimes and bird feeders are easy ways to decorate without using up floor space. A water feature placed in a corner of the patio will inspire a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for de-stressing after a long day at work. And if it’s sitting around a fire you love, invest in a fire pit. It’s one of the top outdoor accessories and always a hit with friends and family.

This winter, don’t just sit around longing to be out on the patio – start thinking about what you’ll do with it in the spring! Keep these 4 areas in mind and you’ll have a fabulous outdoor living space in no time!
About The Author – Tina Foreman is a writer with Outdoor Living and an outdoor design enthusiast. For more on items like planters, grills, wind chimes, and picnic tables, visit OutdoorLiving.com.

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