Articles by Kathy Moran on ArticleSnatch.com

Picnic Tables Deliver One-Two Punch

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Because winter has much of the country in its clutches, it may be difficult to think of this as picnic table weather. However, no matter how strong its icy grip, winter faces some stiff competition from the stronghold that most of the nation has on its love of outdoor living. Itâ€™s something that many of us are truly passionate about, and which we are unwilling to relinquish without a fight. Although the epic struggle between humans and Mother Nature has been going on since time began, rarely does it inspire such drastic measures as those that people take when their cookouts are threatened. In this on-going battle, employing a maneuver that grows more popular every year, many of us are enclosing our porches, patios, and gazebos. By bringing the outdoors inside, in a way, we can feel some sense of triumph as we enjoy outdoorâ€ meals while the elements rage. The only problem is that, having conquered the weather, to a certain degree, we now face a new challenge. With all of this indoor outdoor living, in many cases, the old picnic tables make our dÃ©cor look a fright. **End Summary** Topics: rectangular table]]> oval table]]> round table]]> square table]]> hexagonal table]]> octagonal table]]> extra-wide picnic tables]]> dining sets]]> red cedar table]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Picnic Tables | Patio Tables | Patio Dining Sets

Gazebos Make the Simple Life Grand

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

With the housing market in a slump, anything that promises to increase the value of a home is sure to be attractive to its owner; but, in order to make it worth the expense, it also has to be attractive to a prospective buyer. While many people believe that adding on, or remodeling, a room is the best way to accomplish this, many experts agree that it often pays more to enlarge the outdoor living space with a deck, gazebo, or other backyard structure.Besides boosting a homeâ€™s appeal, these are typically much less expensive than indoor additions, and usually return a higher percentage of the investment. At the same time, they can be a lot more expansive, creating beautiful, open areas for entertaining; and theyâ€™ll keep your guests from congregating in the kitchen while youâ€™re trying to prepare food for the crowd. Furthermore, now is the perfect time for such a project, as the trend toward outdoor living is huge and growing every year. So, building a deck or gazebo is a purely practical way to enhance your living area. **End Summary** Topics: gazebo]]> gazebos]]> vinyl gazebo]]> vinyl gazebos]]> backyard gazebo]]> backyard gazebos]]> cedar gazebo]]> cedar gazebos]]> pine gazebo]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Gazebos | Gazebo Kits | Pavilions

Arbors Cast a Captivating Spell

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Itâ€'s easy to see why arbors and trellises have been popular since ancient times. When gloriously draped with gorgeous climbing flowers and vines, they add an air of enchantment to any setting. They can be used as striking centerpieces, colorful focal points, and decorative camouflage for less-than-perfect landscape features. Arbors, trellises, pergolas, and lattice enclosures can also be strategically placed to create separate outdoor rooms,â€ or cozy backyard hideaways; and, when strung with lights, they are absolutely breath-taking.Indeed, there are countless delightful uses for these lovely garden structures; but, with Halloween quickly approaching, itâ€'s time to imagine all of the different ways in which they can add to the eeriness of the holiday. To begin with, you can achieve a truly bewitching effect, simply by decorating them with orange lights. On an arbor over the entryway to your front walk, this is a fun and spooky way to greet trick-or-treaters and party guests.Strings of light-up ghosts, skulls, or jack-o-lanterns are also perfect for the occasion, and can be found in most retail or Halloween specialty stores. **End Summary** Topics: garden arbor]]> garden arbors]]> patio arbors]]> patio arbor]]> wooden arbor]]> wooden arbors]]> arbor]]> arbors]]> trellis]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Arbors | Pergolas | Gazebos

Gazebo Wizard is No Ghost Story

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Soon, all the little boos and ghouls will be roaming the streets in costume, searching for goodies. However, because of safety concerns, many parents would rather have Halloween parties than let their kids go trick-or-treating. For these people, the scariest part of the holiday is the thought of the messes, stains, and, perhaps, broken items that they will have to clean up. If youâ€'re facing this problem, you may have the solution right in your own backyard if you have a gazebo.Every year, more people are putting their gazebos to practical uses, such as this. Although enclosed gazebos are best, even open ones can be used for parties, especially if you build a bonfire in the yard. After all, nothing evokes the spirit of Halloween like telling a good fireside ghost story, which has been a traditional part of the holiday for centuries. Moreover, the origin of Halloween is one of the best tales that you could tell.Unfortunately, most people donâ€'t know how it all got started. One reason thatâ€'s true is because there are so many different ideas of the way it really happened. **End Summary** Topics: gazebo]]> gazebos]]> vinyl gazebo]]> vinyl gazebos]]> backyard gazebo]]> backyard gazebos]]> cedar gazebo]]> cedar gazebos]]> pine gazebo]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Gazebos | Gazebo Kits | Pavilions

Picnic Tables Match Low-Maintenance Lifestyles

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Sometime in the late 20th century, there began a revolution against the long-held belief that weekends, evenings, and holidays were meant for doing yard work and other household chores. It seems that, after years of using their picnic tables mainly as places to collapse after slaving away with their lawn mowers and weed-whackers, something snapped (besides the line on the weed-whacker!), and people decided that they could have beautiful scenery without all the greenery.Although this trend may have been inspired by the desire for more free time, in recent years, it has picked up steam as a way of conserving water. As people become more aware of the importance of preserving the planetâ€'s resources, this appears to be one way of doing it.Whether youâ€'re cutting down on yard work to help the environment, or for your own, selfish reasons, there are many ways in which you can disentangle yourself from the hose, including doing away with grass altogether. Although this may seem a drastic measure (because it is!), it happens quite often. Every year, more people get so frustrated trying to keep up with upkeep, that theyâ€'re ready to tear their hair out. **End Summary** Topics: picnic tables]]> picnic table]]> wood picnic table]]> octagon picnic table]]> octagon picnic tables]]> child picnic table]]> child picnic tables]]> kid picnic table]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Picnic Tables | Patio Tables | Patio Dining Sets

Cabanas Help Fight Battle Fatigue

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

While some people find tending to their lawns and gardens tedious, others enjoy it immensely. However, even those in the latter group may now be spending more time lounging around their cabanas, as August can be a slow month for gardening.The good part is that itâ€'s time to reap what you have sown, with tomatoes, melons, garlic, onions, berries, and early apples among the things that are ready for picking this month. Be sure to harvest as soon as theyâ€'re ripe, lest the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor be lost to pests (or pets).As for actual gardening chores, the priority now is maintenance. Dead-head your flowers as they wither, not only to keep them looking spectacular, but to prevent them from producing and shedding their seeds, which could preclude the growth of new blooms. If you live in a milder climate with a longer growing season, give annuals another dose of fertilizer.Water perennials deeply every week. To make sure that the water is reaching their roots, dig a few inches into the ground with a trowel and check to see if the soil is moist. **End Summary** Topics: cabana]]> pool cabana]]> swimming pool cabana]]> cabanas]]> pool cabanas]]> swimming pool cabanas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Cabanas | Sunrooms | Gazebos

Nothing Scary About Patio Chairs

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

This is the time of year when everything starts getting spooky. Yes, 2008 has already been quite frightening; but itâ€'s unlikely that it has stolen the show from October. Because this monthâ€'s brand of scariness is also a lot of fun, thereâ€'s no doubt that millions of Halloween parties will be taking place in the coming weeks. Although many will be held indoors, there will still be plenty of backyard get-togethers, even in colder climates, where people will pull their patio chairs close to the bonfires, in order to keep warm.No matter where people are having their parties, they will all try to make things as spectacularly chilling as possible. However, even with the huge variety of terrifying decorations, nothing creates the perfect atmosphere like fog, which is by far the most popular special effect. Unfortunately, fog machines have long been too expensive and impractical for most people to consider buying. So, many often resorted to using dry ice; but that, too, has several drawbacks. Besides requiring a lot of effort, it can also be costly and dangerous, as its direct contact with skin can cause tissue damage. **End Summary** Topics: patio chair]]> patio chairs]]> wood patio chair]]> wooden patio chairs]]> plastic patio chairs]]> metal patio chairs]]> outdoor patio chair]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Patio Chairs | Adirondack Chairs | Rocking Chairs

Picnic Table is One Less Winter Worry

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Fall is the time of year when people take steps to eliminate drafts inside of their homes, in order to reduce their heating bills. While fixing up the interior is essential, itâ€'s just as important to winterize a houseâ€'s exterior. In fact, itâ€'s a good idea to start outside. You can take advantage of the last days of good weather to work outdoors, and even have a barbecue, which will give you another chance to use your picnic table.Begin with roof repairs, which should be done on a warm day, as asphalt shingles are more flexible, and easier to work with than when it is cold. Seal or re-attach torn, cracked, or curled shingles with roofing cement, which can also be used to fix wood shingles. Secure old or replacement shingles with galvanized roofing nails, and cover their heads with the cement.Fix any holes, splits, or cracks in your home with materials appropriate to its type of siding. For wood, you may need wood putty, nails, screws, or waterproof glue. Mending stucco may require wire mesh, stucco patching compound, a chisel, and a trowel. **End Summary** Topics: picnic tables]]> picnic table]]> wood picnic table]]> octagon picnic table]]> octagon picnic tables]]> child picnic table]]> child picnic tables]]> kid picnic table]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Picnic Tables | Patio Tables | Patio Dining Sets

Off to See the Wizard for a Gazebo!

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Every so often, thereâ€'s a year in which the warm weather holds on firmly well into October, while the trees hold on firmly to their green leaves. While there was a time when such a scenario could fool us into believing that it was still August, the abundance of increasingly popular fall decorations, found on front doors, houses, yards, fences, trees, lampposts, garages, and gazebos, undeniably puts the nails into summerâ€'s coffin.Speaking of coffins, you may even see some of those in peopleâ€'s yards at this time of the year. Of course, theyâ€'ll be fake (I hope!), or, at least, occupied only by dummies dressed as vampires (I really hope!!). Thatâ€'s because Halloween, which used to be one simple day of dressing in costumes and going trick-or-treating for kids is now treated like a major holiday by millions of adults. Furthermore, it has also been extended so long that itâ€'s become almost a seasonâ€ of its own, like Christmas, with decorations and parties that are just as ostentatious.Indeed, there is an awesome amount of revelry that takes place during the month of October. **End Summary** Topics: gazebo]]> gazebos]]> vinyl gazebo]]> vinyl gazebos]]> backyard gazebo]]> backyard gazebos]]> cedar gazebo]]> cedar gazebos]]> pine gazebo]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Gazebos | Gazebo Kits | Pavilions

A Wise Choice for Picnic Tables

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Our theme of late has been about the various ways that people can gain more free time, and, in turn, get more enjoyment out of their picnic tables and porch furniture. One popular method for doing this is to cultivate drought-tolerant plants, which require much less maintenance than traditional flowers. This approach has become even more favorable recently, as it also helps to conserve water.In our last article, we listed many varieties of such plants; and, as promised, we will drop a few more of their names here. To begin with, letâ€'s try Perovskia Atriplicifolia. Now thereâ€'s a name and a mouthful! Also known as Russian Sage, its splendid, sweetly-scented silver foliage is interspersed with lovely violet blossoms. This robust plant, which can grow up to six feet tall, flourishes in full sun and well-drained soil. On top of all of its other great attributes, itâ€'s also repellent to deer and most other wildlife.As long as weâ€'re talking about sage, Salvia â€˜Raspberry Delightâ€' is another great choice. A delightful plant with gorgeous raspberry-colored flowers (you didnâ€'t see that one coming down Main Street, did ya?), it is commonly referred to as Bush Sage. **End Summary** Topics: picnic tables]]> picnic table]]> wood picnic table]]> octagon picnic table]]> octagon picnic tables]]> child picnic table]]> child picnic tables]]> kid picnic table]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Picnic Tables | Patio Tables | Patio Dining Sets

Just Call Ã¢â¬Ëem Picnic Tables

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

In previous articles, we have been discussing the trend toward lower maintenance landscapes. As people are spending more time with their families and friends, enjoying their backyards, patio furniture, and picnic tables, they are finding many ways to cut down on yard work. One alternative is to use drought-tolerant (xeric) plants. This method has become quite popular, as it not only saves time, but conserves water as well.If the mention of such plants conjures only images of cacti, be assured that their varieties are numerous, colorful, and helpful to the environment. For example, lavender, which is loved and cherished by millions and famed in song and story is a hardy plant that hardly needs attention. Lavandula Angustifolia, as it is technically known, thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, growing up to three feet tall, and producing heavenly-smelling lavender, blue, or white flowers in the summer.Yarrow is another striking perennial thatâ€'s easy to raise, even under very hot, dry conditions. There are several types of this flower, which may be seen in many stunning shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, and white, growing up to four feet tall. **End Summary** Topics: picnic tables]]> picnic table]]> wood picnic table]]> octagon picnic table]]> octagon picnic tables]]> child picnic table]]> child picnic tables]]> kid picnic table]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Picnic Tables | Patio Tables | Patio Dining Sets

Try to Remember Porch Furniture in September

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

As August fades away into the sunset, try to remember thereâ€'s still time in September to enjoy outdoor living. Even though the Labor Day weekend has come and gone, heralding the unofficial end of summer, the season isnâ€'t really over until close to the end of the month. So donâ€'t put away your porch furniture and picnic tables yet! You can still get plenty of use out of them, even into October and beyond.Another thing that youâ€'re not through with is yard work. Besides mowing the lawn a few more times and raking up the leaves, thereâ€'s a lot to do before your garden closes down for the winter. For example, this is an ideal season for planting perennials, trees, and shrubs, so that they will have the entire winter to establish their roots. By the time spring arrives, theyâ€'ll be strong and healthy enough to expend the energy necessary to produce flowers and foliage.Beginning around this time, and over the next couple of months, when the soil cools down to less than 60Âº, you can also plant the spring-blooming bulbs of tulips, anemones, daffodils, and hyacinths. **End Summary** Topics: outdoor furniture]]> garden furniture]]> patio furniture]]> wood furniture]]> wooden furniture]]> deck furniture]]> porch swing]]> porch swings]]> garden bridge]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Outdoor Furniture | Patio Furniture | Porch Furniture

101 Uses for Your Outdoor Furniture

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

CedarStore.com features one of the largest selections of outdoor furniture of all kinds, in countless styles, materials, sizes, shapes, and colors. Besides the huge variety, each piece is incredibly versatile; and here are 101 uses for several of the most popular ones.Porch or Patio Chair1. Beginning with the obvious – sit in it.2. Play Musical Chairs.3. Seat guests at an outdoor wedding4. If someone gets too drunk and rowdy at the reception, use it to fend him off, lion-tamer style.5. Tame lions.6. Seat audience members in your backyard theater.7. Use them as stage props for your backyard theater.8. If you do your fitness routine outside, use it for some of your exercises.9. Wait up for someone to come home.10. Set stuff on it.11. Sit in it on your front porch on Halloween, dressed like a scarecrow, then jump up and scare the @#$&% out of trick-or-treaters.12. If that’s too much effort, put a real scarecrow in it, just for decoration.Outdoor Patio Dining Set or Picnic Table13. Eat all of your meals at it when the weather permits.14. Have a roast – the kind that you eat. **End Summary** Topics: outdoor furniture]]> garden furniture]]> patio furniture]]> wood furniture]]> wooden furniture]]> deck furniture]]> porch swing]]> porch swings]]> garden bridge]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Outdoor Furniture | Patio Furniture | Porch Furniture

Top 10 Outdoor Furniture Pieces

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Over the past several years, outdoor living has become a huge part of our lifestyles. In fact, it is so prominent, that people are bringing the indoors outside (and vice versa), by turning their porches, decks, patios, and yards into outdoor living rooms, kitchens, and even bedrooms. This has greatly elevated the status of outdoor furniture, which plays a vital role in making these rooms of the wild cozy and comfortable.To complement the wide range of motifs, today’s patio furniture has to be as stylish and versatile as anything found in the home. Fortunately, CedarStore.com offers such a collection; and if you’re planning some outdoor rooms of your own, here’s how the top ten pieces compare to their indoor counterparts.1. Patio Chair - Starting with the living room, number one is, of course, the chair. Sure, there was a time when the patio chair bore no resemblance to the one in the living room. Often made with a flimsy aluminum frame and uncomfortable, woven plastic strips, it rarely lasted for more than one season. CedarStore. **End Summary** Topics: outdoor furniture]]> garden furniture]]> patio furniture]]> wood furniture]]> wooden furniture]]> deck furniture]]> porch swing]]> porch swings]]> garden bridge]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Outdoor Furniture | Patio Furniture | Porch Furniture

Patio Furniture for the Safe Side of Summer

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

With summer in full swing, it’s easy to get caught up in our outdoor fun and let certain chores fall by the wayside. It’s understandable that we want to squeeze every bit of zest out of the season, making full use of our backyards, patio furniture, and picnic tables, and enjoying outdoor activities, without worrying about the daily grind. With so many things to do, and so little time in which to do them, who can blame us?While this behavior is normal, and usually harmless, problems can arise if we get so involved in our merry-making that we overlook important safety measures. Some of the things that may pose threats are obvious, such as a grill placed too close to a wooden deck, low-hanging branches, flammable liquids, or other combustibles. This is something that anyone can see, and everyone should be aware of at all times. To make it safe, there should be at least ten feet of clearance between the grill and anything that may catch fire; and never use it indoors, or in an enclosed area. **End Summary** Topics: outdoor furniture]]> garden furniture]]> patio furniture]]> wood furniture]]> wooden furniture]]> deck furniture]]> porch swing]]> porch swings]]> garden bridge]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Outdoor Furniture | Patio Furniture | Porch Furniture

Picnic Tables Change for the Better

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

It’s no surprise that things are always changing; but sometimes, the reasons behind the changes can be very interesting, especially when something that has stayed the same forever suddenly undergoes a revolution. For example, it used to be that everyone had luxuriant front lawns, vibrant gardens, and neatly trimmed hedges. In their backyards, they had plants and grass that were equally well-manicured, and, perhaps, recreational items, such as swing sets, volleyball nets, basketball hoops, and swimming pools. However, even if there was no sports equipment, almost everyone had a grill and a picnic table.That was always the standard, and people would spend weekends, evenings, and holidays working to keep their yards and gardens verdant. Then, somewhere toward the end of the 20th century, a movement away from this practice was started by some who were weary of spending all of their free time tending to the greenery. The dissatisfaction of the faction was evident to varying degrees, as some members simply decided to give up on raising blue-ribbon roses, while others completely paved over their lawns. **End Summary** Topics: picnic tables]]> picnic table]]> wood picnic table]]> octagon picnic table]]> octagon picnic tables]]> child picnic table]]> child picnic tables]]> kid picnic table]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Picnic Tables | Patio Tables | Patio Dining Sets

Picnic Tables Make Pretty Pictures

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Ah, at last, it’s here – summer, in all of its glory. It’s the time of year when you can’t drive down a street without encountering the enticing aroma of burgers, steaks, ribs, or chicken, being cooked on a grill or barbecue. It’s the season when families gather around their picnic tables, rather than their kitchen tables, at mealtime.However, no matter how charming the backyard tableaus, or how appetizing the smell of outdoor cooking, there is a dark side to this blissful slice of Americana. The truth is that there are little disasters happening all of the time within the confines of the white picket fences, which often result in the literal dark side of what used to be a decent cut of meat. Yes, overcooked (or undercooked) meat is the bane of the hungry picnicker. Every year, many people, looking forward to juicy steaks, are presented with platters full of charred remains from which to choose.The reason that this happens so often is that novice grillers and barbecuers often believe that the only talent required for outdoor cooking is the ability to get a grill hot and throw some meat onto it. Not so. **End Summary** Topics: picnic tables]]> picnic table]]> wood picnic table]]> octagon picnic table]]> octagon picnic tables]]> child picnic table]]> child picnic tables]]> kid picnic table]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Picnic Tables | Patio Tables | Patio Dining Sets

Garden Bridges Help You Go With The Flow

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Most of us have, at one time or another, been advised to go with the flow. As is the case with cross that bridge when you come to it, the grass is always greener on the other side, or any of hundreds of other platitudes, we all know what it means, even if we don’t know where it originated.However, almost anyone who gives even a passing thought to going with the flow will think of water first, because we all have water on the brain. Uh, that is to say, humans have been attracted to – and fascinated by – water since they first appeared on this planet. Beyond being vital for survival, it’s an irresistible force, full of mystery, magic, and magnetism.People have always gone to great lengths to reach water, and to develop ways in which to bring water great lengths to them. Besides using it for drinking, bathing, and washing things, they craved the look, sound, sight, and feel of it so much that they wanted to dive right in and revel in it. Eventually, they even began creating magnificent water features in their gardens. **End Summary** Topics: garden bridge]]> garden bridges]]> backyard bridge]]> backyard bridges]]> cedar bridge]]> cedar bridges]]> handcrafted garden bridge]]> handcrafted garden bridges]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Garden Bridges | Pedestrian Bridges | Gazebos

Patio Umbrellas Bring People Together

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

April showers are long gone, and we’ve put away our umbrellas. Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, is a quickly fading memory. The season has now officially begun, and the Fourth of July will be here in a couple of weeks. Uh-oh. That’s the second big holiday, with only Labor Day left, to signal the unofficial end of summer. Although this happens every year, it does so with such stealth that we barely get our grills fired up before it’s time for Christmas shopping. So, if you’re not yet ready for outdoor entertaining, it’s now or never.If you’re like most people, you probably already have a grill and a picnic table or outdoor dining set on your porch, patio, or deck. However, even though these are the all-important basic elements for cookouts, if you don’t have a patio umbrella, you’re missing an essential component.While some may consider an umbrella to be an accessory, unless an entertainment area is completely shaded, it’s actually a requirement. **End Summary** Topics: outdoor umbrella]]> umbrellas]]> patio umbrella]]> umbrellas for picnic tables]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Patio Umbrellas | Picnic Tables | Patio Furniture

Best Intentions for Outdoor Furniture

Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Summer has always been the time for having cookouts, relaxing on outdoor furniture, and going on vacations. Because it’s also a season of whims, much of our leisure time is spent in activities done on a lark, sometimes inspired by gorgeous weather. Vacations are different, however, as we normally plan them months in advance, and look forward to them more than anything else.Unfortunately, according to numerous reports, for the first time in decades, thousands of people will be scrapping their travel plans because of astronomical gas prices. Many of those who have chosen not to take vacations are finding great consolation in making their outdoor living spaces more enjoyable. Although this is a trend that has been building for the past several years, the outrageous cost of fuel has caused it to explode. In fact, people are coming up with ever more inventive ways of turning their yards, porches, decks, patios, and gazebos into spectacular havens.The decision to spend more time and money on their outdoor living rooms is paying off for many people, in many ways. **End Summary** Topics: outdoor furniture]]> garden furniture]]> patio furniture]]> wood furniture]]> wooden furniture]]> deck furniture]]> porch swing]]> porch swings]]> garden bridge]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Outdoor Furniture | Patio Furniture | Porch Furniture

No End to the Uses for Pool Houses

Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

With the approach of summer, the focus is shifting to outdoor living. No longer held to the monotonous confines of their homes, millions of people are looking forward to spending more time around pool houses.While many still associate them with public swimming places and seaside resorts, GazeboCreations.com has gorgeous pool houses that are making huge splashes in backyards across the country. One of the things that makes them so popular is that they are thoroughly practical even if you don’t have a pool, because they incorporate the best qualities of other outdoor structures, such as gazebos, cabanas, and sheds.Like gazebos, these pool houses are attractive, and available with tons of exciting options. You can customize one right on the site, choosing from features such as finished interiors, screened floors, cupolas, sliding glass doors, double-paned windows, shutters, and steel doors. If you wish to design your pool house to complement your home, you’ll have an easy time of it, as there is a great assortment of siding, trim, shingle, and shutter colors from which to choose. **End Summary** Topics: poolhouse]]> pool house]]> pool-house]]> pool houses]]> pool-houses]]> poolhouses]]> houses]]> pool]]> house]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Pool Houses | Gazebos | Cabanas

These Picnic Tables Will Grow on You

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

With all of the graduation parties and pre-summer cookouts going on, grills, picnic tables, and patio furniture will be in full use well before the arrival of Memorial Day. In preparation for these occasions, people everywhere are working to get their gardens into showcase condition. While this may be a matter of course for some, it can be frustrating to those who have never worked with soil and seed.It’s common for first-time gardeners to make small errors, such as planting in poor soil, planting the wrong thing at the wrong time (or maybe, the right thing at the wrong time), and over-watering, that can cause big disappointments. Any of these, or countless other missteps, can leave you wondering whether you’ll ever get anything to grow.Then, there’s the flip side. You could make the mistake of planting the wrong thing – period – and if you do, you may find yourself wishing that your newfound green thumb would wither up and fall off. Indeed, there are many flowers that you should never allow into your garden – or, for that matter, into your neighborhood, if you can help it. **End Summary** Topics: picnic tables]]> picnic table]]> wood picnic table]]> octagon picnic table]]> octagon picnic tables]]> child picnic table]]> child picnic tables]]> kid picnic table]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Picnic Tables | Patio Tables | Patio Dining Sets

Gazebos Have Great Safety Records

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Whether or not the start of summer, official or unofficial, has arrived, cookout season is already here. It comes earlier every year, as more people bring their grills out before the snow melts; and many of them set up picnic tables in glass-enclosed porches or gazebos to get the feeling of outdoor living even in winter.People are always trying to get a jump on summer, as it’s one of the most anticipated times of the year. The only problem is that it can also be very dangerous. Although many people think that it’s the most hazardous for kids, as they spend much of their summer vacations unsupervised, they’re not the only ones in harm’s way.Adults, too, must be more careful, especially since the biggest perils can be right in our own backyards. As painful as it is to hear, among the worst hazards at this time of year are our beloved grills and barbecues. Furthermore, because today’s models are very safe, many of the things that go wrong with – or around – them are caused by human error. **End Summary** Topics: gazebo]]> gazebos]]> vinyl gazebo]]> vinyl gazebos]]> backyard gazebo]]> backyard gazebos]]> cedar gazebo]]> cedar gazebos]]> pine gazebo]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Gazebos | Gazebo Kits | Pavilions

Outdoor Furniture May be Most Rewarding

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Now that May is here, you probably have tons of outdoor projects and chores waiting for you. If you’re not looking forward to that, make sure that you also have some comfortable outdoor furniture waiting for you when you’re finished. For many people, yard work will take up a lot of time; especially for gardeners, whose busiest season is just beginning.The first part of the month is usually a good time to plant summer-blooming annuals, especially hardier varieties, such as petunias, pansies, and snapdragons. Although most areas of the country won’t see any more sub-freezing temperatures until the fall, be careful if you live in an area that’s prone to late-season frosts. When putting in tender plants, make sure that the soil is warm, moist, and workable. If there’s another frost, cover up your plants with burlap or newspaper.One more thing to look forward to is the re-emergence of your favorite perennials, which should be welcomed with a light coating of fertilizer. If you want to plant new perennials, wait until you’re sure that there is no more danger of frost.Now is also the time when people start dreaming about getting lush, emerald lawns. **End Summary** Topics: outdoor furniture]]> garden furniture]]> patio furniture]]> wood furniture]]> wooden furniture]]> deck furniture]]> porch swing]]> porch swings]]> garden bridge]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Outdoor Furniture | Patio Furniture | Porch Furniture

Picnic Tables Are Easy to Plant

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

With spring in full swing, many of us are working ardently to erase any remaining signs of winter from our backyards. Besides putting out the picnic tables and patio furniture, we’re mowing, weeding, seeding, pruning, and planting, in order to create spectacular gardens.As with everything else, this is easier for some people than it is for others. While certain individuals seem to have innate talents for growing things, others can’t even keep thriving potted plants alive. There are also those who inherited their green thumbs from parents or grandparents who were skilled gardeners. Then, there are the ones who have the huge and unfair advantage of living in areas that have inherently fertile soil.Whether you’re an expert or a novice, good soil makes all of the difference in whether the seeds that you sow will flourish or falter. Naturally, experienced gardeners already know this, while many beginners get disappointing results, even when they’re sure that they’ve done everything right. In many cases, their only mistake was planting in poor soil. **End Summary** Topics: picnic tables]]> picnic table]]> wood picnic table]]> octagon picnic table]]> octagon picnic tables]]> child picnic table]]> child picnic tables]]> kid picnic table]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Picnic Tables | Patio Tables | Patio Dining Sets

Articles by Kathy Moran on ArticleSnatch.com

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