I just returned from a fun family weekend get-a-way to St Louis, MO.  We enjoyed the museums, architecture and a busy day at Six Flags. While traveling, I couldn’t help but notice how the mighty Mississippi was overriding its banks.  We have had SO much rain this spring in many parts of the country.  All this rain has made me concerned about the mosquito explosion that is about to come our way.  It is our responsiblilites one by one to try to help reduce the mosquito population by taking the time to look closely at our own yards.  We all need to check for some of the following which can make for perfect mosquito breeding:

• Flower Pots, filled with standing water.
• Outside Toys, turn over to avoid catching water.
• Check to make sure outside faucets do not drip.
• Remove leaves and debris from gutters.

In addition to the irritation that these little pests bring, they can also carry disease such as the West Nile Virus.

Nobody likes these pests, but thank goodness we have products that help us keep these little guys away.  My favorite product is the SkeeterVac.

Think about it….It’s your property, your backyard, and you have every right to enjoy it whenever you want. However, sometimes biting insects can make the outdoors quite challenging at best.

Well, it is time to take your backyard back. SkeeterVac mosquito exterminators quietly and safely reduce the number of those pesky insects.

The SkeeterVac is definitely worth checking out!  Let us know what you think about the SkeeterVac…….

This past Fall, sadly, I had to remove and cut back a good portion of the enormous century old oak trees I had in my backyard.  Living in east Memphis, TN, I am used to the over abundance of trees and the shade they create.  Although I was sad to lose some of my big trees, it has really opened up my backyard.  I have even planted grass seedlings which are now sprouting in 2 areas of my yard.  I am in the process of creating a better backyard atmosphere.  The first thing I am doing is putting  in a few Shade Sails. I have found shade sails to be an interesting and decorative way to “fancy” up my yard.  I am amazed at how easily they fit into almost any backyard setting, and how easy they are to install. They are great around the pool offering the kids a well deserved break from the blistering sun as well as shade contiuing from what I already have from my existing trees over to the side of my house.  I now love sitting on my porch with a nice cool drink, grilling tenderloin for dinner.  So much that I even Twitter about it…  @KarenMR, and @backyardcity.  Recently, I also purchased new outdoor patio furniture and the shade sails provide UV protection for my new furniture and whoops almost forgot….myself and my kids.

School is out in about one week, and I am so glad I have most of my outdoor decorating finished.  We are going to have a great time this summer enjoying our own backyard. 

What’s In Your Backyard? Tell me about it……

What's In Your Backyard?

I am not exaggerating when I say it has been raining here in Tennessee for the past week, non stop. I have begun to wonder why I keep seeing pairs of everything as I gaze out into my front yard….two dogs, a pair of robins, two squirrels chasing each other up my pin oak tree…….????

Now it is Monday morning and I am going to have to blame the weather for my tiredness…what else could it be ?????…I slept all weekend BECAUSE of the rain!  One thing I did muster up the energy to do is go to the garden nursery store to get a myriad of lawn products that I am going to need once the rain finally stops.  I have so much to do in my yard!  and I know many of you feel the same way.

One product I was looking at was a wheelbarrow…I didn’t  realize how pricey those things can be?  I passed on getting one primarily because I don’t have anywhere to store it…..and the new shoes I saw last week seemed like more of a necessity! Priorities, please!…. Anyway, today I when I got to the office I saw a new product we have just added to our expansive product portfolio….Check this out…I did and I just love it!  It is the Folding Wheelbarrow, awesome, sturdy, compact, inexpensive and it won’t rust since you can fold it up and easily put it away.

Now, if it will just stop raining so I can use it.  Rain, Rain Go Away…………

Patio Lanterns

Elegant and unique, Starlight Outdoor Patio Lanterns are made to survive the outside elements. These beautiful ornamental lights create a dramatic, ambient glow in your outdoor living spaces, on the patio, by the pool, or in the garden.

 The globes of each Starlight Outdoor Patio Lantern are unique in design, ranging from contemporary to nostalgic. My favorite, the Orion Patio Lanterns, are designed to mimic old street post light globes and bring an old world character to any existing decor. A string of either 50 or 100 mini lights are used to illuminate each lantern. You are sure to find a Starlight Patio Lantern that fits your unique taste and style. Any Starlight Patio Lanterns make for stylish indoor accent lighting as well.

If you are looking to add beauty and ambiance to your outdoor patio, lanterns are an excellent choice and can give any space a warm glow that neither overpowers nor disappoints. These lanterns are perfect for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere to any outdoor occasion.

The word compost sometimes scares people.  We often think of smelly trash, worms, and spoiled food when we think of composting. Actually, it is a simple way you can “Go Green” in your own home in addition to the avid recycling you already participate in.

Composting benefits us in at the very least two ways.  It reduces waste and the more we compost the less we eventually send to our landfills.  And it also helps improve the quality of our soil when it is re-introduced to our gardens, shrubs and other landscape.

A great product for composting that never stinks because it uses the process of aerobic oxidation is the the Earthmaker Aerobic Composter.  It is for busy people wanting an easy, green way to deal with organic waste or gardeners who want an easy, fast way of making compost.  This is how it works…….In the top chamber of the Earthmaker Aerobic Composter the water, oxygen and heat help micro-organisms (fungi and bacteria) break down the raw material. In the cooler middle and bottom chambers, macro-organisms (worms and invertebrates) work to further break down material to mulch and, finally, compost. The Earthmaker Aerobic Composter has a 123 gallon capacity and is the first continuous cycle compost bin that can produce 10 gallons of compost every month. Independent trials have proven the Earthmaker processes kitchen and garden waste at twice the speed of traditional compost bins.

Start composting today and do your part to live a “Green” life.

Earthmaker Aerobic Composter

The gentle sway of a porch swing can soothe you after a long day or provide a comfortable setting for an after dinner conversation. Porch swings are an ideal spot for reading the morning paper, or for sipping iced tea on a hot afternoon. Handcrafted porch swings and resin wicker porch swings will whisk you away to that idyllic spot you’ve been envisioning.

If your porch is too small for a porch swing, or if you don’t have a porch at all you can use a Pergola Swing Set. They are stylish and sturdy free-standing swings that can provide all the romance and comfort of a traditional porch swing.

Many porch swings are handcrafted with Western Red Cedar or made with Resin Wicker. Both materials look just as beautiful and are durable and sturdy.

Start relaxing this spring and into the lazy days of summer on a beautiful Porch Swing.

Porch and Pergola Swings

Robotic Pool Cleaners

It is amazing how technology is constantly changing our lives. We hope for the better….creating more conveniences to everyday life. From computers to cell phones, to programmable thermostats to robotic pool cleaners, people have saved precious time and money.

Most people would like have a swimming pool in their backyard , but sometimes the maintenance that goes along with one is not very appealing. In the past, cleaning our pools typically has been either a significant time commitment on our part, or, if we could afford the luxury, a service we would pay a “poolman” to provide for us.  These days, a pool owner can benefit from the automation technology that is now available. Cleaning your pool has never been as easy as it is now if you chose to invest in a robotic pool cleaner.  It is amazing what these cleaners can do. With the variety of quality robotic pool cleaners now on the market, you can finally spend more time swimming in your pool than cleaning it.

Although these cleaners have proven to be very effective, many people have been hesitant to invest in one.  The main reason being that they are typically higher priced than other types of pool cleaners.  As the technology of these units have blossomed and improved, the costs have also gone down significantly. That is great news for pool owners.  You can purchase a very good model at a great price.  The time you save is definitely worth the expense.

These cleaners have so many advantages and features that make them the envy of pool owners everywhere. A robotic pool cleaner, once you put it in you pool and turn it on, will independently vacuum up all the debris, dirt, and green algae it comes in contact with on the bottom, walls, and the steps of your pool. It will even work around drains and ladders. The newer models are smart enough to be able to detect the size and the shape of your swimming pool. Some even have internal memories, and after the first cleaning will be able to recall your pool’s shapes and curves making subsequent cleanings even more effective. Finally, many robotic cleaners have self-progamming software that scans and calculates automatically the most effective pattern of cleaning that is need

Overall, a robotic pool cleaner is an effortlessly and efficient way to keep your pool crystal clean so that you can get on with enjoying your swimming pool.  Now, you will have time to lounge by the pool with family and friends. Isn’t that the real reason we desire to have a pool in our backyard anyway?

Wishing Well

Let’s face it, maybe it is time we all turn off our TV’s and quit listening to the media about our failing economic system and polictical chaos. All the media hype only intensifies our fears and dwindles down our hopes and dreams.

Many of us have made bad decisions over the past couple of years that are coming back to haunt us during this period of time when wonder at all if the American Dream is still alive. Ideally, most will recover and be better for it. Universally, we need to not only concentrate on raising the level of economic activity, but also work to raise the standard for values and ethics of those influential to our economic systems.  One of the best places for us to start individually is in our own homes with our own children.

Maybe if we depend on faith, hope and believe in a little bit of luck we will find that the dream is still alive. 

Personally, I think we all need our own “wishing wells” to force us to take the timeouts we need to focus on the important things we want in life. On a much lighter note……seriously!  Here is the Wishing Well I am talking about.  Slowing down and spending more time in our backyards will help us find that balance we all strive to own.  As we struggle… just having the optimism and ability to have hope and wish for a better life is what keeps us going….

Go Make Your Wish Come True!!

Or better yet…need to hide something……..Here is a solution.

Rock Enclosures

Various Sizes Available

These Rock Enclosures are perfect for covering any unsightly items in your yard like sprinkler systems, pest control units, electrical transformers, pump systems, and well/septic systems. These top quality rock enclosures are made with an all-new textured material called RealRock™. The gritty, tough, and variegated rock-like surface is astonshingly realistic, and blends in with other natural textures.

With Realrock™, not only does the enclosure look incredibly real, but it will last for many years in virtually any climate. The commercial grade construction stands up to the elements and since the color and texture is part of the material, not painted on, you will enjoy these completely realistc looking enclosures for many, many seasons.

These are great storage and organizing solutions for a difficult and unsightly problem many of us have in our backyards.

Garden Water Fountain

The Benefits of Water Fountains and Waterfalls

Outdoor Fountains and Garden Planters are a beautiful addition to any backyard or patio. They are scientifically proven to soothe and relax us as we are able to slow down, listen and enjoy the sound of running water just as we would if we were out in nature. 

Water fountains and waterfalls – which come in tabletop, wall mounted, and free standing varieties – bring the soothing sounds of flowing water to the home, but they also bring a visual element. Not only are water fountains and waterfalls beautifully designed and able to complement just about any existing home décor, the water itself lends another dimension of stress relief to the equation. Watching the dance and trickle of water as it flows across rocks, down textured surfaces, and into a basin at the bottom enhances our auditory experience. When we listen to sound machines or audio recordings of nature sounds, we may feel the need to close our eyes to block out visual distractions around us that take our minds away from the goal of relaxation. In contrast, the visual attributes of water fountains and waterfalls bring us closer to that goal by giving us something beautiful and elemental to focus on with our eyes as we listen with our ears.

Learning how to relax and focus is the ideal way to start of 2009….Good Luck! Posted in Garden Decor, health Tagged: Garden Decor, outdoor water fountain, stress relief, water fountain ]]> http://backyardcity.wordpress.com/2009/01/05/relax-this-year-with-the-benefits-of-an-garden-water-fountain/feed/ 0 kratcliff village-pump