I loved the backyard of my childhood home. My parents took such pride in taking care of the lawn, and the flowers were beautiful. I remember we had daisies, daffodils, roses, geraniums, dahlias and carnations. Many a summer evening I would bring a blanket outside and lie on the grass admiring the flowers and watching the birds. My parents were also avid birdwatchers and had put several birdhouses out in the yard.
One evening when I was sitting outside I kept hearing a weak chirping noise coming from a nearby laurel bush. After a while I decided I would go see what was causing the little noise. When I neared the bush I spied a tiny little blue bird. It looked as though the baby bird may have injured his wing in a fall because the wing drooped a bit. I knew what I had to do; I fetched a clean towel and scooped up the little bird. After conferring with my parents we decided we would nurse the bird back to health. By the end of that summer the bluebird was as good as new. We let him go on Labor Day. The whole experience was so beneficial to me that I still think of it whenever I look at the birdhouses in my own backyard.
Often times, when buying someone a gift, the thought you put into purchasing it matters more than the gift itself. For example, if someone loves birds, try finding that perfect decorative birdhouse to shelter their flying friends! I know that I love animals, and if anyone were to get me a gift, I would be impressed if it was something addressing my favorite creatures. This could be anything, from a birdhouse to a cat tree, it matters most that they had my thoughts in mind.
There are some many pet gifts available in the stores these days that it can be hard to choose which one is best for your loved one. Find something out of the ordinary, like a cute little casino-themed bird house. The recipient will be charmed that you spent the time to pick out something perfect for the feathered friends in their back yards.
Every day there are many negative events in the daily news and stress in our lives. Making or buying garden décor will help to counterbalance these. A whimsical wind chime, a decorative stake, a garden statue or a birdhouse gives us something pleasant focus on when the stress starts mounting up.
Garden accents help a person to create meaning and inspiration in their lives as they put time and effort into their lawns and gardens in such a way to reflect their deepest thoughts and feelings
Your Garden Decor is only limited by your imagination. As an ardent potter, I have many beautiful vessesl that don’t make it to the final finished stage without a mishap. Sometimes the casserole lid is glazed on tight, or the piece develops a crack in the firing. I decided to create a ‘Garden of Injured Pots’.
I can use some of the cracked vessels as flower pots - one holds my gazing ball. The shallow containers become birdfeeders - or should I say ’squirrel’ since they are so easily accessable to the little critters. So let your imagination soar, and make your garden a reflection of your personality!
When you think of lawn décor, do you think of gnomes and birdbaths? Garden décor can contain a wide variety, from birdhouses and birdfeeders to wind chimes and banners.
Your own personal touch in your yard and garden will highlight natures beauty while adding flavor to you overall garden design.
When my wife and I relocated from midtown Manhattan to a rustic cabin in upstate New York, we were seeking a lifestyle change. At first the culture shock was almost too much to bear. We had to go without many of the cultural touchstones and conveniences that had characterized most of our lives. No more quick trips to Whole Foods or daily walks through Central Park for us.
In time we came to embrace the peace and solitude that country life has to offer. I began taking our dog for romps through the thick undergrowth in the forest, and my wife put up a few decorative wooden birdhouses. Right around twilight, it’s relaxing to sit out on the back stoop and watch the colorful winged critters flocking to their food. At this point, I can’t imagine returning to the hustle and bustle of city living.
Observing a hummingbird in flight, one can’t help but marvel at the rapid clip of the wings. They beat at such a fast rate that it’s no surprise the tiny birds require plenty of fuel. Hummingbirds are notorious for their sweet tooth – or sweet beak – and you can lure them to your window by setting up a hummingbird feeder. These specialized feeders should be replenished with a steady supply of nectar.
Nectar is deceptively simple to make in your own home. Just mix four parts water together with one part granulated sugar. You’ll likely attract a few bees and wasps at first, which could actually deter a hummingbird from dining at the feeder. In order to prevent a swarm of insects from taking over the feeder, dilute the nectar with some additional water. Once you find the right mix, the hummers will come fluttering in.
The most common birdfeeder is a seed feeder. Sunflower seed or mixed seed are popular for use in these bird feeders and will attract many songbirds such as cardinals, finches, and chickadees.
There are specialty “finch birdfeeders” with smaller openings to dispense niger (incorrectly called thistle) seed which is a favorite of smaller finches. Goldfinches are especially attracted to nyjer seed.
Hummingbird feeders, supply liquid food to hummingbirds in the form of a sugar solution. This mixture often is colored red to attract birds. There are many different styles to choose from to enhance your unique garden décor.
Mold tends to grow in hummingbird feeders, so they must be refreshed frequently and kept very clean to avoid harm to the birds. Ants and other insects are also attracted to hummingbird nectar. Smearing petroleum jelly on the feeder’s hangar will prevent the ants from crawling down to the bird feeder below.
Squirrels will usually help themselves to the contents of your bird feeders. They are quite greedy and not only feed, but carry away the food to be hoarded. There are several types of anti-squirrel birdfeeders. Some Birdfeeders have perches that collapse under the weight of anything heavier than a bird. Caged bird feeders are often designed so that birds can easily go through the cages mesh, but the squirrels cannot reach the seed inside. Another way of detracting the squirrels is to add crushed red pepper flakes to the seed. Don’t worry, the capsaicin does not irritate the birds.
The placement of your bird feeder can also prevent squirrels from getting the seed. Or you can try baffles to prevent squirrels from getting a good foothold above or below the bird feeder. Just keep in mind that squirrels are very acrobatic and persistent. They often find a way to overcome any device you try. Watching them try can be quite amusing!
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice. Sound is one of the most significant factors concerning the flow of Chi, or energy. Wind chimes help by attracting lucky Chi and distributing inactive Chi through the air.
To bring good luck, Wind chimes with four, six, seven, eight, or eighteen rods are best. Metal Wind chimes are best placed in the West, Northwest and North of the house. Bamboo Wind Chimes do best if hung in the South, Southeast or East of the house.