Articles by Todd Arend on ArticleSnatch.com

A Guide to Attic Circulation

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:46:16 -0400

Many people use their attic to store their possessions that, although precious, are not used in day to day life. To protect your attic-stored valuables, it is essential that your attic stays properly ventilated. One way to improve the ventilation in your attic is a round gable vent. Adequate ventilation aids in keeping both the temperature and the moisture in your attic at their optimal levels for the season. In the winter months, it is best for your attic to be the same temperature as it is outdoors. However, when summertime rolls around, it is preferable to keep your attic cool through a lot of air movement. One benefit of increasing the ventilation in your attic during the summer is that it decreases your cooling costs. This decrease is due to the fact that ventilation will cool your attic without having to pay for air conditioning. Another benefit of decreasing the temperature in your attic is that it increases the life span of your roof shingles. Even though asphalt shingles are designed with the intense heat of the sun in mind, an poorly ventilated attic will cause the roof decking to overheat, destroying the life of your shingles. **End Summary** Topics: round gable vent]]> outdoor picnic table]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about round gable vents and outdoor picnic tables .

The Many Kinds of Outdoor Picnic Tables

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:45:23 -0400

Your backyard is an excellent place for you and your family to get together and enjoy each other. The natural beauty of the outdoors contributes greatly to creating a fun and pleasant environment. To make your yard an even better place for your family gatherings, you should invest in an outdoor picnic table. If you are in the market to buy a picnic table, you are already well aware of the many options from which you have to choose. Before making a decision, it is important to consider the theme of your yard, how durable you want your table to be, and what your price range is for your purchase. These considerations will help you to choose the best and most appropriate table for your backyard. The most basic type of outdoor picnic table is the A-Frame table. These tables are typically rectangular in shape, and include attached benches on which people can sit. An A-Frame picnic table is very portable, and can easily be moved around your yard to suit your needs at a moment's notice. A-Frame tables are also the most affordable of picnic table options. **End Summary** Topics: outdoor picnic table]]> round gable vent]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about outdoor picnic tables and round gable vents .

Double Garden Swing Gliders: Many Pieces In One

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:45:21 -0400

Outdoor furniture can become a hefty investment, especially if you are looking to furnish an entire brand new patio or yard. Deciding on what pieces to purchase is also a difficult process when you are attempting to satisfy a budget requirement. Making this decision could become quite simple with a double garden swing glider because it has the potential to save you money and time by acting as many types of furniture built into one with added benefits. A double garden swing glider features two glider swings facing one another which sit on a large base. The double glider can sit four or more individuals at once and often comes with the option of a canopy covering, a center table, and nets to place around it to shield you from insects. These double gliders are perfect for yards which do not have a deck or porch. One piece of furniture which a double garden swing glider will replace is a picnic table set. With an option for a table to be placed in the center, sharing a drink or playing a game with your family and friends can be accomplished more comfortably and in the heart of nature. **End Summary** Topics: garden]]> swing]]> gliders]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Garden Swing Glider and Double Garden Swing Glider

Positives Of Double Garden Swing Gliders

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:04:04 -0400

A double garden swing glider could be one of the most enjoyed pieces of furniture outside of your home because of its comfort and ability to sit you and your family right in the center of nature. Double garden swing gliders consist of two gliders facing one another. For those who have a difficult time deciding what their next piece of outdoor furniture will be, here are a few positive aspects of owning a double garden swing glider. There are many optional accessories available to purchase which will make your experience even better. One possible accessory is a canopy. Adding a canopy to your garden swing glider will make sitting under the sun a safer and more comfortable experience. Families with children will also benefit from adding a canopy to the glider because they will be free to sit, swing, and play without the risk of getting a sunburn. If the canopy material is waterproof and fade-proof, it will also be beneficial in protecting the wood on the glider from weathering quickly. The canopy material will act as a shield for the wooden furniture if it is left out during a heavy rain or a period of extended sunlight. **End Summary** Topics: garden]]> swing]]> gliders]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Garden Swing Gliders and Garden Swing Glider

The Perfect Locations For Your Cedar Garden Bench

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:55:27 -0400

Cedar garden benches may be one of the simplest styles of outdoor seating, but this simplicity can be a huge advantage. Cedar garden benches can be placed in a few areas where other outdoor furniture cannot, it is easy to match with other furniture, and they are extremely easy to accessorize. If you have a cedar garden bench or if you are looking for a reason to purchase one, location is key in making the most this versatile piece of furniture. Cedar garden benches can come in a lot of different designs and styles. Regardless of the shape, size, and style, garden benches function well when placed on a patio or deck. They come in a variety of sizes in terms of length and this size will determine how many people will be able to fit on it at one time. Even long benches are easy to place on patios or decks because they fit well in corners and sides where other furniture such as bulky gliders or porch swings do not. **End Summary** Topics: cedar]]> garden]]> bench]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Cedar Garden Bench and Cedar Garden Benches

The Wood Door Mat and Other Green Ideas for the Front Porch

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:36:08 -0400

Being green doesn't mean having to give up the little luxuries that make our lives easier. Rather, the green movement has so permeated popular culture that it is not hard to find products and adopt practices that are eco-friendly and easy to align with our regular lives. Looking at a very narrow area, the front porch of your home, start small and expand on the following ideas for green living, such as owning something as simple as a wood door mat. Having a green sensibility oftentimes just means thinking outside the box. Start with this area and once you've got the creative juices flowing, you can extend those same green ideas to the rest of your home. Wood Door Mat A wood door mat is a small but useful thing you can do to support the environment. That's because doormats are made from a variety of materials, including wood, coir, palmyra, nylon, rubber, cloth and metal, but most of these are bad for the earth in some way or another. For instance, synthetic materials like plastics, rubber, nylon or things like metal are produced in factories where waste and byproducts are usually an issue. **End Summary** Topics: doormats]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Wood Door Mat and Doormats .

Top 5 Reasons For Owning a Wood Door Mat

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:35:42 -0400

About half of the dust that tries to get inside your home on the shoes of your family and friends is trapped by a wood door mat. These simple yet effective devices are aesthetically pleasing and offer the user a variety of benefits. Here now are the top five reasons for owning one: 1. A wood door mat saves you money Spending a little more money on a wooden, quality doormat will actually save you money in the long run. That's because after other cheaper doormats have fallen apart and ceased to function, you have to spend money buying a replacement. At the same time, woo door mats keep out harmful particles that can cause disease, so you save money on the medicines you would be buying to alleviate cold and flu symptoms caused by these particles getting tracked indoors. Many people also choose to spend large amounts of money on air purifiers and dehumidifiers when oftentimes all they really need is a good doormat. At the same time, you can spend less money on cleaning products, because with a wood door mat there are fewer footprints and things to be swept up or dusted off. 2. **End Summary** Topics: doormats]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Wood Door Mat and Doormats .

Finishing an Outdoor Picnic Table

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:22:23 -0400

If you and your family are looking for a fun way to enjoy your backyard together, an outdoor picnic table is one of the best purchases you can make. However, if you do not properly treat and finish your wooden picnic table, the fun will not last for long. It is essential that you finish your wooden outdoor furniture to protect it from everyday wear and tear, the weather, and the other various elements it will face. Before you begin finishing your picnic table, it is generally a good idea to sand the surface of your wood. Use a fine sandpaper to create a smooth surface before applying your final finish. Once you have sanded your table, you have to decide what kind of finish you want you use on the picnic table. There is a plethora of outdoor wood finishing options. Your choices include wood stain, polyurethane, lacquers, shellacs, oils, and paints. All of these options will protect your outdoor picnic table and keep it attractive and functional for your family's enjoyment. Wood stains are an important treatment for your wooden furniture. **End Summary** Topics: outdoor picnic table]]> round gable vent]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about outdoor picnic tables and round gable vents .

Tips When Working With Red Cedar

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:57:07 -0400

Building a cedar garden bench is a fairly easy process which can yield amazing results. Red cedar garden benches are simple yet strikingly beautiful when placed in the perfect area. When building a bench or any project which is to be made specifically of red cedar, there are a few facts and tips to keep in mind to make the process go quickly, easily, and successfully. Cedar is a popular type of wood to use for outdoor furniture and has been used for making other materials such as pencils, boats, and storage boxes for many years. Its durability, strength, beauty, and aroma make red cedar one of the most popular materials for outdoor furniture. Before building a garden bench made of red cedar, it is important to remember that red cedar is in fact a softwood even though it is often marketed as a hardwood. This is beneficial because softwoods feature a lower price tag and are rated more environmentally friendly because they grow faster than hardwoods. They also resemble redwood but have a higher strength. Building a red cedar garden bench is also easier than building a bench with hardwood because softwoods are easier to work and build with. **End Summary** Topics: cedar]]> garden]]> bench]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Cedar Garden Bench and Cedar Garden Benches

The Benefits of Potting Bench Gardening

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:54:36 -0400

Anyone who is serious about gardening knows how difficult it can be sometimes. It can be almost impossible to keep your garden organized and orderly. When you get older, or if you have back problems, it is also painful to spend a lot of time down on your knees, digging in the dirt. For these reasons and more, a potting bench is the perfect addition to every garden. Not only is a potting bench attractive and adds a different element to your patio or yard, but it also is very practical and quite versatile as well. By using a potting bench, you will be able to have all of your seeds, pots, and gardening utensils within easy reach. You can store items such as potting soil, pots, and planters on the bottom shelf. A potting bench can also be used as a carving area, a work table, or even for serving drinks to your friends. A potting bench is also a great spot to transplant, prune, root, and cut your plants. You can save your back from unnecessary strain by doing all of these activities on your potting bench instead of on your knees in the garden. **End Summary** Topics: potting table]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about outdoor cat houses and potting benches .

How to Choose the Right Potting Bench for You

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:54:26 -0400

A potting bench is an excellent way to bring life to your patio, and to keep you off your knees and out of the dirt. These benches are great workstations to for a patio-top garden. Before you go out and purchase one of these wonderful pieces of furniture, it is important to make sure you know what you want. For what style should you look for? Of what material should it be made? And of course, don't forget to purchase one that ties in well with the rest of your patio furniture. There are thousands of different potting benches from which you can choose. This variety of options can be quite overwhelming, and can lead you to settle for a bench that isn't really right for you, which will probably cause you to be disappointed with your product. Before you go shopping and end up buying the wrong potting bench, it is good idea to educate yourself on the different types of potting benches. By becoming a better informed customer, you ensure that you will purchase a potting bench that you can use and enjoy for years to come. **End Summary** Topics: potting bench]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about outdoor cat houses and potting benches .

Help Out Stray Cats with an Outdoor Cat House

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:54:24 -0400

A huge problem facing many cities and suburbs is stray animals. Often, a pet will wander away from their home and get lost. Or some heartless owners will abandon their pets on the side of the road, leave them to fend more themselves. Unfortunately, if you have stray cats in your area, it is impossible to help them all. Stray animals often have fleas, ticks, or other similar problems that make it dangerous to allow them into your home. It is also expensive to adopt a cat, so even if you would love to take every stray cat you find home, it's probably too expensive to do so. One way you can help these poor animals is by putting an outdoor cat house in your backyard. Outdoor cat houses provide a shelter for these unfortunate stray cats on cold nights or during stormy weather. That way, you can help out strays without having to risk letting them into your home. If you decide that you want to purchase a cat house to provide strays with a safe and warm place to sleep, there are several different things you will have to consider. **End Summary** Topics: outdoor cat house]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about outdoor cat houses and potting benches .

How to Adopt a Cat

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:54:02 -0400

Across America today, in thousands of humane societies and animal shelters, both kittens and adult cats are waiting to for a loving home. Unfortunately, only about 24% of the cats in shelters are ever adopted. According to the American Humane Association, over 70% of cats that enter shelters eventually euthanized, since there is no one to adopt them and shelters do not have the funds to take care of them indefinitely. If you are thinking of adding a cat to your family, please consider adopting from a shelter instead of buying from a breeder or pet store. Not only is it much cheaper to adopt from a shelter, but you can also save an animal from being one of the 9.6 million dogs and cats that are put to sleep in shelters each year. Your first step in adoption is to decide what kind of cat you want. It can be dangerous to go the shelter with no specific breed or age in mind, because you may fall in love with a cat that you cannot handle or is just not a good fit for your family. For example, longhaired cats require regular brushing. **End Summary** Topics: outdoor cat house]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about outdoor cat houses and potting benches .

All About Gables and Gable Vents

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:41:15 -0400

Many people have heard the terms "gable" or even "gable vent" thrown around in conversations about houses. However, that does not mean they actually know what they mean. Here is a brief guide containing the basics about gables and gable vents. A gable is the section of a wall between the edges of a sloping roof. This portion is typically triangular in shape, although the angles and details of this shape depend on the structural system that was used in the design of the home. Generally speaking, it is the type of roof in use that determines the shape of the gable. There are two basic types of gables used in today's architecture. The traditional gable is the most common variety, and features smooth, straight rooflines. The other less popular kind of gable is the crow-step gable. While this type still forms the symmetrical gable triangle, the roof lines are in the shape of steps instead of one straight line. Crow-step gables are typically found on homes which boast a Southwestern or European style. The higher the pitch of a gable roof, the more likely it is to suffer wind damage. **End Summary** Topics: round gable vent]]> outdoor picnic table]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about round gable vents and outdoor picnic tables .

The Correct Way to Read a Sundial

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:41:02 -0400

Sundials are an ancient method for telling time. Sundial time is actually more accurate than clock time, according to some people, since sundials give solar time, which is based on the position of the sun in your exact location. However, everything is not based on solar time, but on clock time. So, if you want to figure out the exact time from your sundial, the Planetary Society has suggested three adjustments to make to the time reading from your sundial. First, you should adjust the reading for your location within your time zone. In example, if you live on the western edge of your time zone, your sundial will read about thirty minutes slow, while sundials on the eastern edge will read about thirty minutes faster than clock time. The basic rule for adjusting within your time zone is that for every degree of longitude west of the center of the time zone your sundial is located you should add four minutes from the time your sundial reading. If you live east of your time zone center, subtract four minutes for each degree. **End Summary** Topics: sundial]]> patio heater]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about sundials and patio heaters .

A Brief History of the Sundial

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:33:56 -0400

The sundial is an ancient method of timekeeping. The Egyptians were the first group of people that we have hard evidence that saw keeping time as important. Some experts believe that the Sumerians had timekeeping methods thousands of years before the Egyptians, but the proof for this theory is purely speculative. A sundial works by following the movement of the sun around the earth's celestial pole by casting a shadow or a point of light on a surface that is marked with hour and minute lines. The shadow-casting device, which is called the gnomon or the style, must point towards the north celestial pole, which is very close to Polaris, also known as the North Star. The gnomon serves as an axis around which the sun seems to rotate. The thinner the shadow line is, the greater the accuracy of the sundial. In other words, the larger the sundial is, the greater its accuracy will be. This is due to the fact that the hour line is capable of being divided into smaller portions of time. However, if the sundial gets too large, a point of diminishing returns will be reached. **End Summary** Topics: sundial]]> patio heater]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Teak Storage Boxes and Teak Outdoor Storage Boxes .

Make Comfortable Memories On An Outdoor Glider

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:52:51 -0400

Many memories can be made outside. Whether you are having a cookout, a family gathering, or simply relaxing with a significant other, there are many good times to be had on your deck or patio. Making those memories as comfortable as possible is easy with an outdoor glider. Outdoor gliders are an alternative option to swings because they do not have as large of a range of motion, allowing you to put them in places you could not have put a porch swing. They do not require a sturdy place to hang like a porch swing, which may make you and your guests feel a bit more secure when sitting on a glider. Outdoor gliders come in a variety of sizes. These range from single chairs, loveseats, and group gliders which fit four people at once. A single chair outdoor glider is a nice choice for those who love a relaxing place to read and sway. Loveseat style outdoor gliders are made to seat two individuals and can make the perfect gift for a newly married couple. Gliders which seat up a group of four people are known as garden gliders. **End Summary** Topics: outdoor]]> glider]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Outdoor Glider and Outdoor Glider

The Different Types of Patio Boxes

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:23:24 -0400

Patio boxes can bring the warmth and natural beauty of flowers into your backyard. They give you an opportunity to express your creativity and show off your green thumb. There are several different types of boxes, and it is important to select the right one for your backyard. Make sure you choose planters that are conductive to both your plants' health and your environment in material, size, and shape. There are several basic materials from which patio boxes are made. These materials include wood, glazed clay, terra-cotta, stone, plastic, and wrought iron. Wooden planters are the most traditional of all patio boxes. They are especially popular with those who take their gardening very seriously. These boxes have a sophisticated look which of are an attractive addition to your backyard. If you choose wooden patio boxes, make sure that you purchase one made of a rot-resistant wood such as redwood or cedar. Planters made of pine or another rot-prone wood won't last as long once the inside is in contact with moist soil. Make sure you finish the wood with a plant-proof preserver to ensure extra durability. Another kind of patio box material is glazed clay. **End Summary** Topics: patio boxes]]> cedar planter box]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about cedar planter boxes and patio boxes .

Choosing the Right Annuals For Your Patio Box

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:23:23 -0400

Patio boxes are a charming feature for any home. The best way to enjoy these boxes is by picking the right flowers. The first step to choosing the right plants is to consider the climate of your location, the amount of sunlight your planter boxes will get, and the amount of time you have to care for your plants. If you choose to plant annuals, you will be able to enjoy different flowers each year, if you wish. You could even switch flowers with the seasons. Several excellent annuals to plant are petunias, impatiens, nasturtiums, marigolds, and snapdragons. Pansies and flowering kale grow in the winter and provide color in those dull months. Petunias grow to be eight to twelve inches tall and are available in shades of blue, white, red, and pink. They will grow in full sunlight or in partial shade. They also do not need a rich soil, and can withstand drought. Impatiens flowers in shades of white, red, and pink. They grow best in partial shade, and some varieties of impatiens can even bloom in heavily shaded areas. **End Summary** Topics: patio boxes]]> cedar planter box]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about cedar planter boxes and patio boxes .

How to Choose the Right Garden Bridge

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:19:53 -0400

Small garden bridges are becoming a popular way to decorate your backyard. They add a whimsical touch to any backyard, and transform an average garden into something that seems like it came from a postcard. Bridges are an ancient structure that has been used for thousands of year for crossing un-traversable terrain. There are many different names by which bridges are known, including foot,landscape, ornamental, oriental, Japanese, timber, and garden bridges, to name a few. Most small garden bridges are slightly arched and usually are between 5 and 20 feet long. A standard width is about 3 feet. The simplest kind of garden bridge is an arched or flat plank structure that does not have side rails or hand rails. Many decorative bridges also have decorative and functional hand rails. Some of these rails are designed to keep children from falling off the bridge, while others are purely ornamental. Selecting the perfect bridge for your garden does not have to be terribly difficult. First, consider the space you have and decide where a bridge could best fit. Be sure to pick more than one area, and then decide on your favorite. **End Summary** Topics: garden bridges]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about garden bridges and Adirondack chairs .

The Different Types of Patio Heaters

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:02:37 -0400

If you are in the market for a patio heater, there are many different options from which you can choose. All of these options will provide warmth for your patio, which will allow your family to use your porch for an extended period of time. The first option from which you can choose is a portable patio heater. These are full-sized patio heaters that do not have a fixed fuel line. They are transportable to any spot that you need heat, and can create a twenty foot warmth diameter. One of the best qualities of these heaters is their flexibility. They can be moved to wherever you need heat at the time. These heaters are typically mounted on wheels, so you can roll it where it needs to go. The majority of these heaters are designed with a compartment specifically for their propane fuel tank. They can provide up to 40,000 BTU's of radiant heat, and they typically feature adjustable thermostats which allow you to set the temperature to whatever is most comfortable for you. Another kind of patio heater is the tabletop heater. This option is compact, portable, and typically more inexpensive. **End Summary** Topics: sundial]]> patio heater]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about patio heaters and sundials .

Spring and Summertime Garden Bench Planter Ideas

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:35:51 -0400

A garden bench planter makes for a convenient and colorful seat in any garden setting. Plus, you have the control and versatility of using a planter box, so you can plant what you want where you want. The spring and summer are the two main growing seasons (though not necessarily the only planting seasons). Here are some warm weather tips and ideas for first half of the year gardening. What to plant in your spring garden bench planter: Springtime is obviously the time when most people set about planting their flowers and vegetables. As far as perennial and annual flowers, if you're growing from seeds or bulbs, you will need to do so much earlier in the season so that they have a chance to bloom. As a rule of thumb, this should be done about 6 weeks before the last frost, but it can vary slightly by the type of plant. With vegetables you can also grow plants from seeds, although many people tend to opt for already sprouted plants that they can easily transplant into their own gardens. **End Summary** Topics: planter boxes]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Garden Bench Planter and Planter Boxes .

Late Season Garden Bench Planter Ideas

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:35:40 -0400

Having a garden bench planter combines the comfort and convenience of an outdoor bench with the infinite growing possibilities of a planter box. These wonderful innovations can hold anything from flowers to vegetables, shrubs and herbs. But don't just limit your imagination to the popular growing seasons of spring and summertime. A lot of major planting can (and should) actually be done in fall and winter. Here are some tips for cool weather gardening. What to plant in your autumn garden bench planter: The fall is actually quite an active time for growing. As such, you should take the same pains that would for springtime planting, namely adequate pruning, fertilizing, and the clearing away of old and dead plants. Believe it or not, you can plant a good many vegetables in autumn, including cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, spinach, silverbeet, broccoli, beans, leeks, onions, potatoes, garlic. You might even have some stray tomato plants left over from your summer gardening. Don't waste and throw away green fruit or dig up your tomato plant while it is still bearing fruit. **End Summary** Topics: planter boxes]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Garden Bench Planter and Planter Boxes .

A Well-Built Dog House Will Help Keep Your Pup Warm This Winter

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:32:33 -0400

Ever worry about your dog when cold weather hits? Do you wonder how you can help keep your pet warm on chilly days? A well-built, well-constructed insulated dog house may be a good choice. When shopping for a dog house for your pet, consider the following: - Choose a color suitable to your climate. Black absorbs the heat from the sun and white absorbs very little heat at all. If you live in a climate with mild winters but blistering summers, you may want to buy a light-colored dog house. However, if you live in a climate with mild summers and frigid winters, a dark colored house will help keep your pet warm. - Size of your pet and the size of the dog house should be compatible. You don't want to squeeze a large dog into a small house, nor put your small pet into very large accommodations. The dog should be able to lie down and turn around in the house. However, a cozy house will enable your dog to use its own body heat to keep warm. To be accurate when making your purchase, measure your dog while laying or sleeping. **End Summary** Topics: insulated dog house]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Insulated Dog Houses and Outdoor Furniture .

If Your Home Has Heat, Why Not Your Dog's Too?

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:54:21 -0400

No matter how bitter cold the weather, most people enjoy homes that are insulated and well heated, allowing them to escape the 24/7 harshness of winter. But is your pet as lucky as you are? Many people believe that dogs, because of their fur, are immune to the cold winter temperatures. This simply is not true. A dog's fur is often not sufficient enough to keep it warm during the winter. Even a dog house with straw or blankets inside may not be enough to keep your pet warm. This year, you may want to consider investing in a dog house heater for your pet. A dog house heater operates on standard home electrical current. You may also be able to find a dog house heater that will run on propane or a generator. A licensed electrician can usually install a dog house heater and implement any upgraded electrical systems that might be needed to accommodate your new dog house heater. Cold warnings are often issued during the worst days of frigid temperatures, with media warning pet owners to bring pet indoors on these days. Bring a pet indoors is a great idea but not always a practical one. **End Summary** Topics: dog house heater]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Dog House Heaters and Outdoor Furniture .