Ideas For Your Backyard

Have you always wanted to do something with that bland garage wall but you just can’t figure out what to do with it. 

Bring the sounds of your water fountain into your backyard with a wall water fountain.  Wall Fountains are a special addition to your surroundings. Studies have shown that the
splashing water puts healthful negative ions into your surrounding environment.  This helps to control allergies by keeping airborne dust partials to a minimum. 

The sound of flowing water also helps to relax and de-stress you after a long hard day.

The Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) lives in all states east of the Rockies and is common in open deciduous forests and orchards.  It is a dark olive gray on the back, with a yellow underside and light gray throat.  Its distinctive crest gives it its name, and it has a large bill.  It is nearly 9″ long and is the only eastern flycatcher to nest in cavities.  In fact, it will nest in nearly any kind of cavity.  It is a fiercely territorial bird.

In spite of its long bill, the flycatcher does not make its own cavity, depending on rotting trees or posts, or on holes made by woodpeckers or those provided by bird-loving humans.  Flycatchers feed in the tops of trees, primarily on insects, and emit a loud “wheeeeep.”  They frustrate bird watchers, as they are more often heard than seen.

They are aptly named, as they may sit on a perch watching for insects, and then dart out and catch even a dragonfly in mid-air.  They also eat beetles, bees and wasps, but do not eat many mosquitoes or gnats.

Flycatchers are known for using the skins shed by snakes in making their nests.

There are many ways in which to add decor to your backyard.  Hanging birdhouses not only help give our feathered friends a place to rest but actually add interest to your backyard.  You too will benefit from this.  Not only will you begin recongnizing a particular bird, but you will also recognize its call, song and habits.  You may even catch a glimpse of its nesting habits…see eggs and be able to watch them hatch.

Inspired by the abstract artifacts found in the nation’s foremost modern-art museums, the sleek lines and simple shapes lend distinction to this magnificent water sculpture. Cascading water gets extra sparkle when backlit by the light in the lip of the spout; faux-stone finish exactly resembles hand-hewn granite. Impressive and sophisticated!

It is easy to add beauty, art and a water feature to your home.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Did                   Did you know that Doves are members of the pidgeon family?   They also make great pets .  Doves are actually very gentle and they tend to adopt to a family.  They will set with family membets or a personal object belonging to a family member. 

Doves are also very inexpensive.  They are quite charming birds and it is fun to watch their little antics and the different “coos” that they have.  They actually have rituals that are fun to watch .  Doves require very little.  Given fresh food and water they will do quite nicely.

As you get close to the Lake or Beach you see that many homes and/businesses use a nautical theme to decorate their spaces or yards.  This is an easy theme as boats, ropes, statues of seamen are pretty accesible on the market.

You can use this same idea in your backyard on a smaller scale.  Place sand near the edge of your pond and incorporate the above mentioned items and add some sea shells to make it more realistic

Urban sophistication meets nature-made serenity in this handsome tabletop fountain! Miniature modern-art masterpiece’s center sculpture elegantly attests to the the power of love; from beneath the lovers’ clasped hands, a glowing crystal sphere and dancing cascades of water create a bewitchingly beautiful display.

Well it is finally Spring, and you will see more and more birds.  Wouldn’t it be nice if they were in your backyard?  It is possibe.  All you need to do is put up a few birdfeeders and birdhouses to attract them.  It also helps if your backyard is bird friendly. Trees and  bushes will help them  to feel safe as they move about.  Water features such as ponds, streams and /or birdbaths will also help.

It’s Easter and it is soooo tempting to purchase live chicks and bunnies for your children and grandchildren.  But, please reconsider.  They really are not good pets for young children!  Children want to play and handling these young animals and birds so much it is not good.  In fact too much handling can cause stress for them and the baby chicks  could die, and this in turn causes stress for the child and you.  It’s a vicious circle. 

Why not take them to a farm or the petting zoo?

Well the warmer weather is just around the corner!!  We have had some nice days then the cold returns again, but, we know it will not last.  Now is the time to get things in order.  I hope you have already cleaned and bleached your planters and pots.

 It’s still a little early to put those plants outside, but you could put the smaller statues that you brought in outside. And even some of the furniture.  Once the weather warms and you’re working in the yard, you’ll want a place to sit down.