Showing posts with label holiday gardening ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday gardening ideas. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

How to Make a Bird Feeder

The weather is turning colder and if you haven’t already noticed the birds are starting to take notice too. Birds and squirrels are starting to squirm everywhere looking and searching for food so that they can stock up for the winter months. One of the favorite things that a lot of kids and adults like to do is make bird feeders. Making bird feeders can be fun and enjoyable as well as adding quality time if you have kids that love arts and crafts.
There are many different ways to make bird feeders using just some common household items like milk cartons, soda bottle, glass bottles, glass jars and even things found outside such as pinecones can be easy and fun to use. Pinecone bird feeders are easy and can combine exercise in the mix as well! Many of us don’t live right where pinecones can be found, so why not take your kids or even yourself on a nature walk so that you can find some pinecones and make your birdfeeder?
Once you have found the pinecones of your choice, all you will need is some string or yarn, a plate, bird seed and peanut butter. Take your peanut butter and put it onto the plate, then take your pine cone and roll it through the peanut butter coating it well and then while it is still sticky you can sprinkle birdseed onto it. Lastly but not least tie the string or yarn onto the top of the pinecone and hang it from a tree. Not only are you recycling what we find in nature but as the birdseed is eaten off the pinecone returns to nature, the string can be used in helping aid with nesting and nothing is left outside that can’t be used by the birds or squirrels!
Make bird feeders can be fun and creative all at the same time. Using things like pine cone bird feeders allow you to make something that benefits everyone because it uses what you can already find in nature! Why not let your creative juices run and make some bird feeders that you can hang outside?





Monday, September 2, 2013

Prepping your Garden for Labor Day Festivities

Labor Day is a time to celebrate those who work hard for a living.  Nothing is better than having a Monday off and enjoying a cookout with friends and family.

When hosting a Labor Day party, everyone wants to have a landscape that will leave people awestruck.  While there is no simple, overnight way to revamp an entire yard.

Pull Weeds and Prune Plants

Weeding your flower beds and garden can sometimes be overwhelming when left unattended for a period.   It is best to go after them when the soil is moist, so you are sure to pull the root with the rest of the weed.  If you are not a big fan of being on the ground in your garden, try planting beds of thick wild flowers.  Many wildflowers offer lush ground cover, making need for weeding much less when compared to a standard garden.

If you have set conifers, vines or trees,pruning can go far  For long, backyard vines, try 'training' them to grow in the desired shape by tucking in loose vines that fray out from the bunch.  When dealing with conifers or some types of trees, getting rid of dead leaves and branches on or around the plants will keep your landscape looking healthy and alive.

Be Sure to Water

Before tackling the weeds, water your flower beds and garden early in the morning to ensure things run smoothly.  Watering your plants in the morning will make them perk up for guests that may arrive in the evening.  Be careful not to water the leaves, as plants can burn during the day in the hot afternoon sun. 

Protect Delicate Flower Beds

When guests arrive for your Labor Day party, dont worry about your flower beds being trampled by excited children.  A simple solution is to install a small, decorative fence that surrounds any wildflower beds or gardens that are not divided from your regular yard space.

Get on a schedule to do landscaping every other day, to every three days.  This ensures that weeds and overgrowth does not get beyond your control.  There are a number of hassle-free vines, bushes and conifers that require less attention for those who have a busy schedule.  Consulting a plant nursery is a great first step in deciding what plants are best for your landscape and plan.


Photo Credit: http://fogmistandlight.com