Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Wedding Arbors for Spring

Spring is in the air and summer is near. The air is filled with love, laughter and weddings. Nothing compliments an outdoor wedding better than wedding arbors. Wedding arbors add elegance and beauty to any wedding or beach setting. Wedding arbors also create the picture perfect setting for capturing all of your memorable moments on your special day.

wedding arborNantucket Deluxe Vinyl Wedding Arbor

Wedding arbors are normally seen in plain white and are easy to decorate. Decorating arbors are fun and easy by adding your own style and creativity. Within a matter of minutes you can have a wedding arbor decorated and looking like a true fairytale. With wedding arbors you are able to decorate it by using plant vines, tulle, garland and even lights to match your wedding colors. Not only are wedding arbors a cinch to decorate they are also effortless to maintain. Buying a vinyl wedding arbor from Yard Envy guarantees a 20 year warranty, no fading in color and no discoloration.

Buying an arbor is also beneficial. Once your magical day is over, you can use your arbor as a gateway to your garden and have a lasting memory every time you enter or look out the back door. You can also turn your wedding arbor into a bench overlooking the lake or your favorite rose garden. You may even accent an arbor with a vinyl gate, cottage picket wings or add an arbor to your vinyl picket fencing. Yard Envy offers many arbor accessories at an affordable price and something for everyone's personal preferences.

Vinyl arbors are fun to decorate and easy to maintain, giving you more time to spend with loved ones and in the garden. Spruce up any event and enjoy your backyard at it's finest with a stunning vinyl wedding arbor.

seat bench kit Camelot Planter Vinyl Arbor Seat Kit
wedding arborNewport Vinyl Arbor with Picket Fencing
wedding arbor with gateWindsor Vinyl Arbor Gate

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Choosing Your Outdoor Hammock

There is nothing more satisfying then walking outside after a hard days work and letting yourself get lost in a hammock. Imagine relaxing with a nice, cold glass of sweet tea and feeling the cool breeze pass by your face while enjoying nature at it's finest. Enjoy every season while lifted in the air and being swayed from side to side in an outdoor hammock.

rope hammock
Rope Hammocks

There are many styles of hammocks to choose from to suit your personal style and the temperatures of where you reside. Rope hammocks are very popular for warmer climates as they allow air to flow through them while keeping you comfortable. Rope hammocks are made from polyester or cotton. Cotton rope hammocks are softer and more comfortable than polyester hammocks, but are more susceptible to mold, mildew, and UV damage. Polyester rope hammocks are more durable and better suited for ocean side, humidity and sun. After two or three uses your hammock should reach its full length and you can adjust how it's hung. With proper care and use, rope hammocks will last for many years to come.

fabric hammock
Fabric Hammock

For people that live in cooler and windy climates, a fabric hammock would be the perfect choice. Fabric hammocks are also leaders in the comfort department. Express yourself with fun, vibrant patterns or solid colors. Grab a small pillow and snuggle up for a nice afternoon nap while listening to the birds singing.

camping hammock
Camping Hammock

Camping hammocks are perfect for those who love to hike, camp and explore the outdoors. They are portable and lightweight and keep the bugs and water out. Sleep with the trees and never worry about having to locate a flat spot to set up for the night. You'll be sleeping soundly while bundled up snug. With a portable camping hammock, there is no tedious tear down of a tent, so you will have more time to enjoy the hiking trails.

fabric hammock
Fabric Hammock without Spreader Bars

If you don't have the perfect trees to use, no worries. There are hammock stands made with the choice of wood or metal frames. Wooden frames are popular due to their natural look, and wooden hammock stands are very study. Metal hammock stands are easy to assemble and lighter in weight, which makes moving hammocks around easier.

When purchasing an outdoor hammock, you might want to consider spreader bars for the hammock. Spreader bars are positioned on the top and bottom of the hammock. Spreader bars are not a necessity, but do allow getting on and off the hammock a little easier. Spreader bars also allow the hammock to lay flat, instead of wrapping around the body with a cocoon effect.

Lay down, let loose and let your mind wonder off into a magical place of relaxation. Enjoy any sunrise and sunset in a hammock fit perfectly for you. Hope you have a safe and relaxing year while enjoying your hammock.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Tips on Hummingbird Feeders

Spring has finally sprung, and the birds are chirping, bees are buzzing, and the air is warm and sweet. Hummingbird feeders make such a delightful and colorful addition to the beautiful weather. If you have never used a hummingbird feeder, consider adding one to your yard or deck this year. Hummingbird feeders require their share of maintenance, but once the hummingbirds begin to pay regular visits to the feeder, it is all worth it.

To attract hummingbirds to your feeder, keep in mind that the feeder is filled with nectar for energy, not for food.

hummingbird feeders

Hummingbird Nectar:

  • Nectar is simply sugar water with a 1:3 ratio of sugar to water
  • Only use table sugar - never artificial sweeteners, honey, or brown sugar, as these can all be fatal
  • Use tap or spring water, never distilled water
  • Nectar will last 2-4 days in summer, 4-6 days in cooler spring weather
  • Change nectar whenever it gets cloudy or moldy
  • Always clean hummingbird feeders before refilling

Insects: If bees are an issue, you can set out another hummingbird feeder with a 1:5 sugar water solution to drive the bees to the sweeter feeder and away from the hummingbirds. Use ant moats to prevent ants from accessing the sugar water. Ant moats can be used above or below feeders.

Environment: Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors, so hummingbird feeders and flowers should all be vibrant in color for best results. Hummingbirds like open throated tubular pollinating flowers like fuchsia and sage, in colors of red, blue, orange, and yellow. Since hummingbirds are territorial, using more than one feeder, or feeders with multiple feeding ports, will attract many more hummingbirds. Hummingbirds like water to bathe and drink, so a bird bath is very inviting. Providing shade from sun and rain will also keep hummingbirds at your feeder longer, as well as help preserve the nectar in the summer.

Relax outdoors and enjoy the entertainment of hummingbirds. One of the many benefits of providing an attractive environment for hummingbirds is the appeal such improvements make on your general landscape. The smells of the fresh flowers, the reflection of the sun off the decorative bird baths, and the bright colors decorative flair of the hummingbird feeders all provide beauty and outdoor appeal.


hummingbird feedersHummingbird Feeder with Pagoda Shelter