This Fall Extend the Outdoor Season with the Addition of Heat
September 13—Bonita Springs, FL
When the chill of fall forces you inside long before you are ready, extend your outdoor living by adding warmth to the area with an outdoor fire pit, fireplace or heater. Create an inviting sense of warmth and welcome to your outdoor living space by the addition of a heat source. Determining the selection to meet your requirements can be confusing. There are many styles and designs available.
The wide selection of a heat source includes; Fireplaces, Fire Pits using wood or propane, Chimenias, and Heaters using electric or propane as the fuel. The construction varies with your design choice from stone, tile, ceramic, clay and marble to stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum and copper.
A fireplace built on your patio or in the garden can be functional and attractive. Similar to ones built inside the home, the outdoor fireplace may be space and cost restrictive. A fireplace is usually not a do-it-yourself project but takes an experienced builder to construct a fireplace that burns and draws properly so that it will burn the wood efficiently. Stone and brick fireplaces used for cooking and for warmth are a beautiful addition to your outdoor living space. As with indoor fireplaces, an outdoor fireplace requires cleaning and maintenance, this will keep the fireplace looking attractive and in optimal working condition.
Chimenea is a freestanding front-loading fireplace or oven with a bulbous body and usually a vertical smoke vent or chimney. Chimeneas are available in the original clay design or an updated version is available in cast iron or aluminum. Metal chimeneas are much more durable than ones made of clay but are more expensive. Clay chimeneas may experience cracking, flaking glaze and crumbling of the clay if exposed to thermal shock such as heavy rainfall. Usually Chimeneas have a total height of about five feet and are about two feet across the firebox.
Chimeneas have a long history in Mexico as the primary source of heat and cooking. Fires start very quickly after ignition with paper and small pieces of wood. In full burn after just 15 minutes, they give off tremendous heat. The design allows a considerable amount of air to be drawn in maximizing the warmth with a minimum amount of fuel and time. Commonly, pinonwood is burned for its aromatic scent and its bug repellent qualities.
Chimineas have become a popular backyard and deck accessory and are often acquired as garden ornaments. This may meet your requirements for warmth at a minimum amount of cost.
Propane and Electric Infrared Heaters provide warmth directly onto people and objects. These heaters are rated by the BTU heat output and the radius of warmth provided.
The term "BTU" is used to describe the heat value (energy content) of fuels, and to describe the power of heating and cooling systems, such as furnaces, stoves, barbecue grills, air conditioners and outdoor heaters. A BTU is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of liquid water by 1 °F at a constant pressure of one atmosphere. A BTU can be approximated as the heat produced by burning a single wooden match or as the amount of energy it would take to lift a one-pound weight to a height of 778 feet.
Outdoor heaters usually stand between 6 and 7 feet high while some models are available with a telescoping pole to adjust to the desired height. The heaters provide intense warmth that radiates out from the heater to create a circle of radiant heat. It is important to review the manufacturer specifications to determine the BTU output and the circle of radiant heat. A reflective shield on the top of the heater intensifies the heat. Push button ignition and adjustable heat control are necessary features in making your selection of an outdoor heater.
Electric or infrared heaters are plugged into a standard electrical outlet to provide fast efficient warmth in a matter of seconds. Electric heaters usually cost less to operate than propane heaters and produce no harmful UV rays. Electric heaters have an efficiency rate that is usually in the 90% range. It is important to review the manufacturer’s specifications to determine the rate of efficiency of the selected heater. If your outdoor living space has a limited electrical supply without extensive electrical extension cords, this may not be a good choice for you for safety reasons. Children, pets and even adults can experience injury from falls as a result of tripping over an extension cord.
Patio heaters are often seen at outdoor restaurants and cafes to extend their outdoor dining hours but have recently become popular with homeowners wishing to extend their outdoor living time. Propane tanks usually are not included with the heaters.
Safety first always
Regardless of the design or style of warmth added to your outdoor living space, it is always most prudent to take safety measures. When using a fire pit or chimenea caution should be taken to prevent the escape of very hot materials from its confines. One safety measure is to place a screen over the source of your heat which not only contains sparks underneath it, but also reduces the wind's impact on potentially enlarging the fire. When using electric heaters, regularly check your extension cords for any broken or cut wires and make sure that the cord is not in the primary path used in the area.
Remember the fun of a campfire when you were young, adding a heat source to your outdoor living space can bring those memories back and help create new memories with friends and family. Keep warm with your choice of heat and extend your time enjoying your outdoor living space.
Light the Garden for Free Using Energy from the Sun and Enhance your Existing Landscaping
June 25--Bonita Springs, FL
Accent a garden path, pond, fountain, garden feature or favorite flower for free using the sun’s energy and solar powered garden lights. One of the easiest ways to improve the appeal and increase the use of your outdoor living space is to add solar powered accent lighting.
Solar garden lights are an excellent choice for creating an enchanting ambience in your garden at night. A few strategically placed solar lights can change the day focus and create an entirely different night atmosphere by focusing on a feature or creating a shadow effect in a favorite area. Solar accent lights offer a soft glow or some solar lights add a gentle flicker of a faux candle-like effect to the selected area. Change the day focus of a fountain feature with the soft LED solar light highlighting the fountain and the gentle flow of water and you have created a romantic spot. Add solar party lights to the garden and you have an instant festive atmosphere. Solar lights along a path can provide a caution for a possible hazard. And you save on electric costs…the sun is free.
Unlike the traditional electric garden lighting, solar lights offer an affordable, easy to install lighting solution that can be relocated any time you desire. Solar lights, usually with a mini solar cell on the top of light, need access to sunlight to store up enough energy during the daylight hours to provide light at night. After dark, the energy is released to create a soft glow to your featured outdoor living area. The newest and brightest solar lights have the dependable, long –life LED bulbs. The high-efficiency of the LED provides bright ambient light for 6-10 hours each night and is ready to be recharged the next morning in the sunlight.
Since there is no electrical wiring, solar powered lights are safe to light areas around the pool, sauna or outdoor spa adding a romantic illumination to this outdoor living area or take your solar powered Tahiti lights to the beach and create an island party atmosphere.
One of the most popular uses of selecting solar lighting is to line a driveway or outline the edge of the garden. There are many different designs and various color choices available to compliment your home. This is the time and place to get creative and add a dramatic look to your home. It’s easy to do, there are no rules, be creative, have fun, experiment and enjoy the outdoor living space
Get started today, add Solar lights to your outdoor living spaces and provide a warm inviting glow to your home. Remember “sun-power” is free.
Your Best Vacation May Be as Close As Your Backyard
June 10, 2011--Bonita Springs, FL
Escape from the daily routine is the goal for a summer vacation. Why not have the best vacation every day all summer. Escape to your backyard. Not the perfect setting. Then with a few easy steps and family time working and sharing together you can make it happen.
Your best vacation may be a “staycation” in your own backyard. As the days grow longer, it’s only natural that you will want to spend time outside. Enjoying nature has an element of relaxation and peacefulness to it. Before you can enjoy the beauty of your backyard you may need to do a little improvement to the space. Turn your backyard into a garden paradise for the entire family in several easy steps.
Create a Family Plan. The first important step is to create a family plan. The design for your backyard should be personal and unique to the personality of your family. This is to be your private escape place. Be sure to include every member of the family in your plan even your furry members. Children can learn from working together with their parents to create a place for family fun and relaxation. Even young small children can help with teaching moments from Mom and Dad.
Next define the space. It may be too much to improve the entire backyard this summer but outline the design to avoid reworking the same area next year. Fences or hedges can define boundaries and create order in the yard. If children need a play area be sure to define the “children’s space.” Get their input about how large it should be and what they want to do in their area.
Organize the area with paths. How to get from one area to another is easy with a garden path. The path selection material available is varied; select the material that matches your garden design; brick, gravel, mulch or simply a dirt path. You may not want to complete all paths this year but again your plan should include future additions. Develop a plan to include needed lighting along the paths. There are many different types of lights available from electrical to solar and a wide variety of styles for your selection.
Analyze the soil. Nothing can spoil your garden faster and discourage the family than dead grass and dead plants. Take the time to review the products that improve the soil at your local garden center. This can save time and money and avoid disappointed gardeners.
Choose your plants wisely. Have a planting scheme that includes trees, scrubs and flowers. Determine how much time you want to devote to the maintenance of the plants when selecting annuals or perennials. It is also important to carefully read the plant labels for sun and water requirements. Your watering system may be simply holding a garden hose spraying at the end of the day or an automated installed drip irrigation system. If watering requires your attention, allow time for recommended watering or use the set-it and forget-it irrigation system. The way you space the plants in the garden is important to avoid stunting the growth of the plants if planted too close or if too far apart weeds have the space to grow. Some plants are better for attracting birds and butterflies to the garden than other plants, review the plant label usually the grower indicates if the plant is a butterfly favorite.
Consider a water feature. Enjoy the peaceful sounds of bubbling water. A simple urn fountain or an elegant stone fountain adds beauty and a peace that only the sounds of water can bring. The soothing sound of water cascading not only attracts birds to your backyard but calms the soul after a busy day. A pond may be too much work in the first year plan but a fountain is an easy addition. Solar-powered fountains are available without the hassle of extension cords or installing new electrical wiring. Fountain designs are available classic and traditional to whimsical in a wide range of prices. The wonder that a water feature brings to the garden is well worth the cost. There is little maintenance to keep the fountain feature a beautiful addition to the garden. If a fountain is not in the budget this year, then consider a bird bath while not the same dramatic effect for the garden it will attract birds especially if the birdbath has moving water. Moving water attracts birds. Also the moving water will help eliminate stagnant water in birdbaths. When filling the birdbath be sure there is a place for the birds to stand that isn’t too deep. If a fountain and birdbath are both out this year, a simple garden pot can turn into a water feature for the birds and provide many hours of enjoyment watching the antics of your feathered visitors.
Invite feathered friends. In a addition to a water feature a birdhouse or birdfeeder will encourage birds to visit your yard. There are many different birdhouses, some designed for specific types of birds. Your library has books that identify local birds and the type of nesting they prefer. A birdhouse is not only an attractive addition but an educational one as well.
Visit the Library. Now with the backyard turned into a garden paradise it is time to grab a couple local bird books at the library and help the children to identify feathered visitors to their yard. A great time to enjoy the beauty of nature, and tell the children about catching fireflies when you were their age and maybe catching a few fireflies with them.
Invite some friends over to enjoy your outdoor paradise and have a great summer.
Fire pits have been in existence for a long time and the versatility of a fire pit continues to make it a popular choice for outdoor warmth. A fire pit can vary from a temporary pit dug into the ground surrounded by rocks or stones to one of the popular pre-made commercial models available in a wide variety of styles and designs. To make a fire pit, create a suitable hole that can contain a fire safely or build one by carving out a brick or rock pillar. The pre-made models are mostly made of metal and can be wood or gas burning. Often these fire pits are portable and can go from the backyard to the patio or to the beach. A fire pit constructed of stone or concrete is usually locked into a specific location. The common feature of any fire pit is to contain a fire and prevent it from spreading. Fire pits are also available built into a decorative table usually with a tile top and a compartment under the table for the propane tank or as a freestanding feature for your outdoor living space.
Garden Pottery and Fountains adds Garden Tips by Lawn Medic
May 2, 2011--Bonita Springs, FL
Adding a fountain or decorative items to the garden isn’t enough to create a garden paradise in the backyard. Review expert care tips from Lawn Medic at “Garden Tips” at gardenpotteryandfountains.com.
Keeping your garden in tip top shape often leads to many questions about mowing, watering, aeration, weed and pest control. Professionals at Lawn Medic focus on tips to help you improve the garden. These experts are concerned with improving our environment while advising or caring for gardens. The Professionals at Lawn Medic are State Certified and knowledgeable about lawn and environment concerns. Over the summer and fall, Lawn Medic will cover a variety of topics as well as invite questions that are specific to an area. The first in a series of “Garden Tips” focuses on “Keeping your lawn looking healthy and beautiful all year.” Important guidelines are given that are easy to follow for a healthy lawn.
Lawn Medic is available to respond to your specific questions at 239-939-9001. If you don't live in the Florida area, e-mail questions to lawnmedic@embarqmail.com or customerservice@gardenpotteryandfountains.com .
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Introducing The Solar LED Tahiti Torch Accent Light with Mosquito Bug Light
Apr 19, 2011 – Bonita Springs, FL
Gardenpotteryandfountains.com helps turn a simple garden into a tropical paradise with the Solar LED Tahiti Torch Light integrated with a solar panel on the top of the light. The torch area can be changed to a mosquito bug zapper with a change in the switch setting. Three switch settings; bug light on, flicker light on, or off. The long-lasting LED works up to eight hours on a full charge. The bug light or flicker light may only be used one at a time.
Easy to change locations, no oil to spill or run out. Create a tropical paradise at the beach, on the patio, lanai or in the garden. The Torch Accent Light is easy to install, no wiring is necessary. The light package includes one amber LED light and one bug light. The Tahiti Torch Accent Light stands 59” high adding a tropical touch to any event.
A stainless steel Solar LED Torch Light is another model available in the Torch Light style to create a path through the garden or light a pathway.
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April 13, 2011
Bonita Springs, FL
GardenPotteryandFountains.com Donates to Annual Benefit in Support of Local Food Bank
The Annual Benefit for Interfaith Caregivers of South Lee, Inc (ICSL) was chaired by GardenPotteryandFountains.com partner, Carol Tindall. This annual event is a major fundraiser supporting the food pantry that serves Lee County, Ft Myers, Florida.
The Annual Fundraising Benefit, “Neighbors Working Together to Make Room at the Table…Take a Bite Out of Hunger” raised funds to support the programs at Interfaith Caregivers of South Lee, Inc. (ICSL). The primary focus of ICSL is to provide food on a weekly basis for those who would otherwise go to bed hungry. Many in the community continue to be affected by the economic situation and for the first time need help to provide the basic necessities of life for their family.
Local businesses including GardenPotteryandFountains.com contributed prizes to be offered at auction during the evening. GardenPotteryandFountains.com offered the popular garden statuary of a pair of cranes as a prize. The natural elegance and grace of the crane pair is well known in SW Florida. Serenity surrounds this pair of cranes wherever they are placed in the garden. “I am delighted to be part of a community that cares about others and wants this community to be a good place for everyone,” said Tindall. “If everyone does a little to help, we will be able to take a bite out of hunger in our community.”
GardenPotteryandFountains.com supports local charities throughout the year and encourages other businesses and organizations to get involved in their local community.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2011 Bonita Springs, FL
GardenPotteryand Fountains.com celebrates National Garden Month
National Garden Month is recognized and celebrated at GardenPotteryandFountains.com. New fountain designs and products are introduced in the product line increasing the wide selection of choices of garden fountains and decor for the Professional and Weekend gardener. The new fountain designs include wall fountains, courtyard fountains for the smaller garden area, and garden fountains. These new fountains add drama and beauty to outdoor spaces with sound and texture to create a peaceful atmosphere in the garden. A water feature is a great way to bring life to the landscape.
Expanding the fountain line to include both the classic traditional fountains and whimsical fountains featuring childhood memories. The classic fountains feature lions with water spouting from the lion's mouth. The whimsical fountains with precise detail in cast resin construction and weathered bronze finish, feature adorable scenes that reflect memories of carefree childhood summer days when fun was the only thought for the day. The water in the fountains is operated by electric or solar power to keep the water flowing and attracting birds to your garden.
GardenPotteryandFountains.com recommends National Garden Month as a good time to give your garden fountains, bird baths and statuary a check-up. A new maintenance product at GardenPotteryandFountains.com is a Bird Bath and Statuary Cleaner. This cleaner is a natural, soy-based cleaner that combines the power and versatility of the soybean to create a powerful yet safe, renewable alternative to petroleum-based products. It is easy to use, requires just a spray of the cleaner directly on the surface of the garden fountain and statuary. Wait a few minutes for the dirt to loosen and lift off. Fountains and statuary are bright and beautiful again to be enjoyed through the summer months.
The April National Garden Month focus is getting started on your garden today and enjoy the benefits of the beauty and peaceful setting all the days of summer. For more information on garden fountains and décor, visit www. GardenPotteryandFountains.com.
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April 4, 2011 Bonita Springs, FL
GardenPotteryandFountains.com introduces New Shopping Opportunity
GardenPotteryandFountains.com offers a wide variety of high quality, reasonably priced garden fountains and decor for the professional and weekend gardener with the convenience of on-line shopping without leaving home or office. GardenPotteryandFountains.com offers a solution to enhance a garden retreat for the professional and weekend garden with selected fountains, birdbaths, birdfeeders and garden decor. With busy hurried lives it is important to set aside time to escape to a calm, relaxing and peaceful retreat with nature whether the outdoor living area is a patio, lanai or garden. High quality, reasonably priced garden decor items have been carefully selected from a variety of sources and are presented in one convenient on-line shopping location. Garden Fountains are the featured products at GardenPotteryandFountains.com. "The gentle sound of water from a fountain will enhance the tranquility and peacefulness of the garden, and attract beautiful birds for the gardener's pleasure," stated Carol Tindall, partner at GardenPotteryandFountains.com. Fountains are available in a wide choice of styles from courtyard to wall fountains with electric or solar powered pumps to meet conectivity requirements. The Fountains provide a continuously re-circulating flow of water or if preferred simply quiet waters. Unique birdhouses and birdfeeders designed for specific types of birds will blend into the greenery for safe and secure bird stations. GardenPotteryandFountains.com also features a wide selection of garden focused gifts. To encourage the weekend gardener to get started, GardenPotteryandFountains.com is offering a special discount on many fountains, birdhouses, birdfeeders and birdbaths.
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