Enjoy extended evenings this summer courtesy of outdoor heaters and lighting.
Most of us are guilty of taking life for granted or wasting time, but what if I said there was a way of extending time, a way of giving you the gift of an extra couple of hours of “me time”? Pretty grand statement I know and strictly speaking it is false as the laws of physics state that you cannot obtain extra time, but only make the most of these fleeting moments. The sun will go down when it goes down, but there are ways of enjoying your lazy summer evenings for that little bit longer with the aid of outdoor heating and lighting.
Whether it be with your partner or a group of friends, enjoying a drink or food in the surroundings of your flourishing garden with the warm summer breeze around you, patio heating and lighting solutions mean that the party doesn’t have to retreat inside just because the light begins to fade.
Several options are available to you; fixed garden lamps, spotlights lanterns or outdoor candles dotted around the garden makes the garden come alive as the sun sets. Usually inexpensive and easily set up, this is one of the more popular choices among al fresco evening diners and those entertaining. This sort of lighting is widely available at retailers such as B&Q and garden centres and is best suited to landscaped gardens and those with flower bedding where the lights can be embedded in and around foliage and focal points.
Floodlights are generally designed for outdoor use throwing light over wide open areas. For gardens with tall shrubs and trees, floodlighting may be blocked, casting shadows over much of the area. These however often have motion detectors and will automatically switch off when no activity is detected which cuts down on running costs. However, these options offer little in terms of heat generation and the lack of sun can mean the party being moved inside as guests get chilly. As prices continue to fall as manufacturing methods and fuel economy becomes more efficient, many opt for outdoor gas electric & infrared heaters for their patios, gardens and balconies - gone are the days where these we reserved for pub beer gardens and restaurant terraces!
Patio heaters come in all manner of design variations and strengths. The most common design on the market are upright gas burner heaters with reflective ‘umbrellas used to direct the rising heat downwards. This effective design has been adopted by many manufacturers – good news for the consumer as an over-saturated market drives prices down as they compete for your business – and are available from £100.
Less common, though arguably more environmentally friendly designs incorporate infra-ref heating technology and there are two distinct advantages of using infra-red patio and outdoor heaters. Firstly they run off electric so no need to keep dashing out and buying gas tanks – safer for the environment and easier on the wallet. However you will need to position it near a power source or risk trailing wires around the garden. The second is they are more efficient – they heat the object surface they are pointed at rather than the surrounding air and therefore also aren’t affected by wind. The downside is they will not heat the circular area around it, only the direction it is pointed in so consider the positioning of the unit if entertaining. Most combat this problem by using reflecting surfaces to project heat in a wide area but familiarise yourself with the types of heater available before committing to a purchase. Upright stand-alone heaters, such as the Zeus Infra-red Patio Heater by Westminster, are good if your social gatherings are varied as they are easily moved around. For those of you that are likely to entertain your guests around a garden table, a Parasol heater that fits onto the parasol pole just under the umbrella may be a better option. Both of these Infra-Red Patio Heaters are available here.
However, none of thee above methods capture the attention of the beholder quite like an open roaring fire. Generating both heat and light and lending itself as a centrepiece to any social gathering, no matter what the size, outdoor fireplaces are the original and still the best solutions if you are looking to continue festivities into the night with inexpensive and easily obtained fuel, though beware of the obvious dangers involved with an open fire when children, loose pets and intoxicated revellers are around. Weber, Dancook and Westminster as well as a host of other brands all offer their variations of outdoor fire pits but the design fundamentals and materials are fairly consistent throughout. So add a touch of energy and excitement to your next barbecue or garden party and er…don’t forget the marshmallows!
Saturday, 6 March 2010
Saturday, 23 January 2010
Here's to a BBQ Summer (Hopefully!)
So a new year, another promise of a “Barbecue Summer” that we all so hoped for last year. With the white winter we have just been through, you almost feel like the big man owes us one and sure enough, the MET Office is already spouting promises of glorious summer temperatures and beach days we feel were stolen from us last year. But is term “Barbecue Summer” splashed relentlessly across the tabloids such as the Daily Mail and The Sun just tempting fate?
Of course, we can only hope at this point. One thing is for certain, there will be plenty of opportunities, regardless of the weather for breaking out the Barbie this year. The summer music festivals have never been more popular, with new bands with seemingly endless energy bouncing around on stage, quite literally singing for their supper as the inevitable collapse of the music industry draws ever closer as illegal downloading and free music streaming tightens its stranglehold on Lily Allen and co’s pay checks. For the festival goers, it is a chance to discover new bands, drink beer and socialise with like minded people whilst grilling sausages on disposable or portable BBQs.
Though the benefits of disposable barbecues are limited to the short term cost savings, investing in a quality portable gas or charcoal barbecues such as those in the Weber range, with proper looking after are designed to last a lifetime and are ideal for taking on camping trips, to the beach or indeed to the festivals. The charcoal ‘Smokey Joe’s and aptly named ‘Go-Anywhere’ barbecues from Weber are compact enough the shove in the boot of your car leaving plenty of space for the wellies and hangover tables, yet provide the cooking facility to easily cater for a family of four or a small group of friends. Both are lidded to ensure thorough cooking of food without cremating the exterior of the food and come with nifty transporting functions.
If you prefer the convenience of gas, the ‘Q’ range from Weber might be right up your street. The affectionately nicknamed ‘Baby Q’ aka Weber Q100 primarily runs off gas cartridges (roughly the size of a pot noodle) which will provide fuel for around 10 sessions each negating the need for lugging around heavy gas tanks. Additionally, Weber also supply the optional extra, caravan adaptor meaning you can run the bbq directly from the caravan.
And how can we talk about Summer 2010 without a mention of the World Cup, with Wayne Rooney, Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi the subject of choice for the majority of June and July. Again, another fine opportunity to grace the garden, fire up the barbecue, and soak up the pre and post-game atmosphere with friends, beer in hand. Possibly one of the most iconic scenes of the modern day summer – one I am personally very much looking forward to, and a bigger crowd means a bigger barbecue!
Both Weber and BroilKing offer very well-made, upright gas barbecues at reasonable prices with similar tried-and-tested features and have the cooking area and space to accommodate for small and large groups alike. Plus with rotisseries, side burners and griddles available, the types of food that can be cooked varies sufficiently for even the most fussy guests.
Of course, we can only hope at this point. One thing is for certain, there will be plenty of opportunities, regardless of the weather for breaking out the Barbie this year. The summer music festivals have never been more popular, with new bands with seemingly endless energy bouncing around on stage, quite literally singing for their supper as the inevitable collapse of the music industry draws ever closer as illegal downloading and free music streaming tightens its stranglehold on Lily Allen and co’s pay checks. For the festival goers, it is a chance to discover new bands, drink beer and socialise with like minded people whilst grilling sausages on disposable or portable BBQs.
Though the benefits of disposable barbecues are limited to the short term cost savings, investing in a quality portable gas or charcoal barbecues such as those in the Weber range, with proper looking after are designed to last a lifetime and are ideal for taking on camping trips, to the beach or indeed to the festivals. The charcoal ‘Smokey Joe’s and aptly named ‘Go-Anywhere’ barbecues from Weber are compact enough the shove in the boot of your car leaving plenty of space for the wellies and hangover tables, yet provide the cooking facility to easily cater for a family of four or a small group of friends. Both are lidded to ensure thorough cooking of food without cremating the exterior of the food and come with nifty transporting functions.
If you prefer the convenience of gas, the ‘Q’ range from Weber might be right up your street. The affectionately nicknamed ‘Baby Q’ aka Weber Q100 primarily runs off gas cartridges (roughly the size of a pot noodle) which will provide fuel for around 10 sessions each negating the need for lugging around heavy gas tanks. Additionally, Weber also supply the optional extra, caravan adaptor meaning you can run the bbq directly from the caravan.
And how can we talk about Summer 2010 without a mention of the World Cup, with Wayne Rooney, Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi the subject of choice for the majority of June and July. Again, another fine opportunity to grace the garden, fire up the barbecue, and soak up the pre and post-game atmosphere with friends, beer in hand. Possibly one of the most iconic scenes of the modern day summer – one I am personally very much looking forward to, and a bigger crowd means a bigger barbecue!
Both Weber and BroilKing offer very well-made, upright gas barbecues at reasonable prices with similar tried-and-tested features and have the cooking area and space to accommodate for small and large groups alike. Plus with rotisseries, side burners and griddles available, the types of food that can be cooked varies sufficiently for even the most fussy guests.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
New Weber Barbecue 2010 Models
The Future of Barbecuing is Here…As Weber announce the release of their 2010 range, we take a look at what we can expect in terms of new models and improvements on last year’s.
The most significant enhancements coming from the new charcoal range include a brand new charcoal barbecue in the form of the One-Touch Deluxe and perhaps the most striking update comes courtesy of the Q Black Line, all of which we will look at in more detail in the full article.
Read the full article here: New Weber Barbecue 2010 Models
Riverside Garden Centre Returns to Former Glory
After a disastrous start to 2009, in which Riverside Garden Centre fell victim to intense flooding as the River Lee burst its banks back in February, the Garden Centre has opened its doors to the new building today, housing extensive Pet and Kitchenware shops .
The Garden Centre itself remains in the east side of the building, extending out parallel to the river with dedicated showroom space now available where the pet and kitchen products temporarily lived. Over the summer, the garden centre's pet and kitchen departments has grown with demand to the point in which it warranted shop space of its own, and the decision was made to reserve much of the new building for these shops with the remainder being allocated to a brand new stylish restaurant, due for completion in early December, which was all but destroyed in the flood.
Riverside's Thai Restaurant set in its idyllic setting overlooking the river and fields was always a big draw, particularly in the summer months, and it was never a question whether a new restaurant should be built.
"I would always be answering calls from customers throughout summer to see if the restaurant was still open. They would be travelling long distances just to visit the restaurant and didn’t want a wasted trip, and unfortunately this year because of its closure, I had to disappoint every time" says Rick Eliason, part of Riverside's Internet Marketing team.
As much of the garden furniture showroom space, always one of Riverside's biggest sellers, had to be converted to hold other stock, meaning Riverside could not possibly operate at its full potential. However, with a lot of hard work from staff and management alike, and many late nights from Russell and Jo Jeffery, Riverside's dedicated owners, the result, even in its early stages seems to be a justified success.
Today marks that turning point, and with customers lining up before the doors had even opened and a brimming car park as I write this, suggests that the rest of 2009 will be bright for Riverside Garden Centre as former glory is restored.
The Garden Centre itself remains in the east side of the building, extending out parallel to the river with dedicated showroom space now available where the pet and kitchen products temporarily lived. Over the summer, the garden centre's pet and kitchen departments has grown with demand to the point in which it warranted shop space of its own, and the decision was made to reserve much of the new building for these shops with the remainder being allocated to a brand new stylish restaurant, due for completion in early December, which was all but destroyed in the flood.
Riverside's Thai Restaurant set in its idyllic setting overlooking the river and fields was always a big draw, particularly in the summer months, and it was never a question whether a new restaurant should be built.
"I would always be answering calls from customers throughout summer to see if the restaurant was still open. They would be travelling long distances just to visit the restaurant and didn’t want a wasted trip, and unfortunately this year because of its closure, I had to disappoint every time" says Rick Eliason, part of Riverside's Internet Marketing team.
As much of the garden furniture showroom space, always one of Riverside's biggest sellers, had to be converted to hold other stock, meaning Riverside could not possibly operate at its full potential. However, with a lot of hard work from staff and management alike, and many late nights from Russell and Jo Jeffery, Riverside's dedicated owners, the result, even in its early stages seems to be a justified success.
Today marks that turning point, and with customers lining up before the doors had even opened and a brimming car park as I write this, suggests that the rest of 2009 will be bright for Riverside Garden Centre as former glory is restored.
Saturday, 31 October 2009
Weber Performer (Charcoal and Gas Ignition Models)
Overview
Currently there are two types of Weber Performer available;
1. The Weber Charcoal Performer (RRP: £299.99 / Our Price: SOLD OUT)
2. The Weber Performer with Gas Ignition* (RRP: £349.99 / Our Price: 279.99)
* The Performer with gas ignition system is designed to speed up the coal lighting process – just turn on the gas (propane) and press the ignition button. After around 10 minutes, the coals are lit and you are ready to cook. No lighter fluid, firelighters or additional lighting aids are necessary. This combines the charcoal taste that every barbecue fanatic looks for, but with the ease and simplicity of gas cooking and no unpleasant aftertaste that lighting aids give.
Both have identical features (with the exception of the gas ignition lighting system incorporated on the latter model) of which are detailed in the Description chapter, however, at this stage I wish to stress that for 2010 Weber have decided to do away with the Charcoal Performer and concentrate on the Gas Ignition model as standard with a few minor adjustments to aesthetics and usability. These are outlined fully in the New For 2010 section. As always, Weber continue to develop their range with enjoyability, convenience and cooking results in mind and this is reflected in the updates they have made.
Description
The Performers have been designed around the phenomenally successful Weber kettle design with key additions including transport trolley, work table, lid holder, charcoal storage facility and integrated thermometer with all the quality you have come to expect from Weber. Below you should be able to find all the information you need if you are considering buying a Weber Performer.
Bowl and Lid
The bowls and lids are constructed from steel with a porcelain enamelled coating inside and out for excellent heat reflection and rust free durability. The lid includes a heat resistant glass reinforced nylon handle and the dual purpose removable thermometer not only shows the barbecue temperature when in its cradle but it can also be removed and poked into food to test whether the food is cooked! The heat and rust resistant swivel vent allows you to adjust to allow for perfect airflow, or shut off completely so that the flames go out.
Cooking Grates
Heavy duty, steel plated cooking grates offer a total cooking surface of around 2500cm² (54cm diameter). These have hinged sides so you can easily insert the charcoal briquettes without removing the entire grate.
Side Table
The side table is a simple but great addition to any barbecuing experience. At grate level it is easy to transfer meat and other foods to and from the grill as well as storing all your condiments/marinades etc. The table is a subtle granite-look heat resistant plastic measuring roughly 65x52cms and comes with built in tool holders – very handy if you are always misplacing them! Covers the Char-Bin keeping briquettes dry.
Steel Cart
The Weber performer is built on a heavy-duty steel black frame with a handy wire bottom storage shelf. It comes with two all-weather crack proof main wheels and two lockable caster wheels for easy mobility. This barbecue also comes with a weatherproof CharBin™, exclusive to the Weber Charcoal Performer and Weber Performer with Gas Ignition. This is a convenient method of storing around 10kg of charcoal and as it is on a tilt system means that access cannot be simpler.
Ash Catcher System
The Performer comes with a high capacity ash catcher system that makes clean up a doddle. Once you have finished cooking close the slide vents at the top and the lack of oxygen will quickly kill the fire and stop the remaining coals from burning any further. Once cool, give it a shake to dislodge the excess ash, and sweep across Weber’s patented One Touch leaver to push the ash into the catch pan. Remove the ash catcher and dispose of the contents. The remaining coals can even be re-lit and used for your next session!
Gas Ignition System (Only available on the Weber performer with Gas Ignition)
Attach the bottle (patio gas – available at petrol stations, garden centres, and DIY stores – or Weber’s own 445g cartriges), pour in the briquettes and press the ignition button. Within ten minutes, the coals will be white hot and ready to cook on. This system is the answer traditional barbecue’rs have been looking for. Perfect charcoal infused taste with no hassle and no mess that charcoal barbecues bring. As no additional lighting aids are needed, you won’t be left with chicken a la lighting fluid.
Key Features at a glance:
Currently there are two types of Weber Performer available;
1. The Weber Charcoal Performer (RRP: £299.99 / Our Price: SOLD OUT)
2. The Weber Performer with Gas Ignition* (RRP: £349.99 / Our Price: 279.99)
* The Performer with gas ignition system is designed to speed up the coal lighting process – just turn on the gas (propane) and press the ignition button. After around 10 minutes, the coals are lit and you are ready to cook. No lighter fluid, firelighters or additional lighting aids are necessary. This combines the charcoal taste that every barbecue fanatic looks for, but with the ease and simplicity of gas cooking and no unpleasant aftertaste that lighting aids give.
Both have identical features (with the exception of the gas ignition lighting system incorporated on the latter model) of which are detailed in the Description chapter, however, at this stage I wish to stress that for 2010 Weber have decided to do away with the Charcoal Performer and concentrate on the Gas Ignition model as standard with a few minor adjustments to aesthetics and usability. These are outlined fully in the New For 2010 section. As always, Weber continue to develop their range with enjoyability, convenience and cooking results in mind and this is reflected in the updates they have made.
Description
The Performers have been designed around the phenomenally successful Weber kettle design with key additions including transport trolley, work table, lid holder, charcoal storage facility and integrated thermometer with all the quality you have come to expect from Weber. Below you should be able to find all the information you need if you are considering buying a Weber Performer.
Bowl and Lid
The bowls and lids are constructed from steel with a porcelain enamelled coating inside and out for excellent heat reflection and rust free durability. The lid includes a heat resistant glass reinforced nylon handle and the dual purpose removable thermometer not only shows the barbecue temperature when in its cradle but it can also be removed and poked into food to test whether the food is cooked! The heat and rust resistant swivel vent allows you to adjust to allow for perfect airflow, or shut off completely so that the flames go out.
Cooking Grates
Heavy duty, steel plated cooking grates offer a total cooking surface of around 2500cm² (54cm diameter). These have hinged sides so you can easily insert the charcoal briquettes without removing the entire grate.
Side Table
The side table is a simple but great addition to any barbecuing experience. At grate level it is easy to transfer meat and other foods to and from the grill as well as storing all your condiments/marinades etc. The table is a subtle granite-look heat resistant plastic measuring roughly 65x52cms and comes with built in tool holders – very handy if you are always misplacing them! Covers the Char-Bin keeping briquettes dry.
Steel Cart
The Weber performer is built on a heavy-duty steel black frame with a handy wire bottom storage shelf. It comes with two all-weather crack proof main wheels and two lockable caster wheels for easy mobility. This barbecue also comes with a weatherproof CharBin™, exclusive to the Weber Charcoal Performer and Weber Performer with Gas Ignition. This is a convenient method of storing around 10kg of charcoal and as it is on a tilt system means that access cannot be simpler.
Ash Catcher System
The Performer comes with a high capacity ash catcher system that makes clean up a doddle. Once you have finished cooking close the slide vents at the top and the lack of oxygen will quickly kill the fire and stop the remaining coals from burning any further. Once cool, give it a shake to dislodge the excess ash, and sweep across Weber’s patented One Touch leaver to push the ash into the catch pan. Remove the ash catcher and dispose of the contents. The remaining coals can even be re-lit and used for your next session!
Gas Ignition System (Only available on the Weber performer with Gas Ignition)
Attach the bottle (patio gas – available at petrol stations, garden centres, and DIY stores – or Weber’s own 445g cartriges), pour in the briquettes and press the ignition button. Within ten minutes, the coals will be white hot and ready to cook on. This system is the answer traditional barbecue’rs have been looking for. Perfect charcoal infused taste with no hassle and no mess that charcoal barbecues bring. As no additional lighting aids are needed, you won’t be left with chicken a la lighting fluid.
Key Features at a glance:
- Gas powered charcoal lighter with push button lighter (Only on Performer with gas ignition)
- 57cm diameter porcelain enamelled bowl and lid
- Dual purpose thermometer built into lid
- Triple plated heavy duty hinged cooking grates
- Tuck-away lid holder
- Tool hooks x3
- Charcoal Fuel holders for indirect cooking
- Crack proof all-weather wheels
- Aluminium (Non-rust) vents and removable ash catcher
- Long lasting glass reinforced heat resistant nylon handles
- Large built in table area (Approx 65x52cms)
- Built in tilting charcoal bin for easy storage/access
- Weber cookbook included
- 10 year limited warranty
- Two charcoal dividers for indirect cooking
Dimensions:
- Height 102cm
- Width 128cm
- Depth 72cm
- Weight 47kg
- Benefits
- Built to last for life
- Almost mess free
- Quite possibly the most convenient charcoal barbecue on the market
- Excellent cooking results from Weber’s Direct/Indirect cooking methods
- As the majority of the BBQ is built from aluminium, it won’t rust.
- Large cooking area
- Built in charcoal bin
- Plenty of workspace
Drawbacks
- Steel plated cooking grates can rust over time if not properly cleaned and maintained
- Inflated price tag for which essentially is a One Touch Gold with side table
Our Verdict
In essence, this is just a Weber One Touch Gold 57cm with a work table attached to it, so is it worth the additional £140-190? Well if you can justify the initial cost, these barbecues are designed for life so think of it more of an investment than splashing out. In addition to the table, the performers also come with a number of improvements on the One Touch Gold including a removable dual purpose thermometer, tuck away lid holder, robust trolley for easy manoeuvrability and storage, tool holders and a host of other benefits that will earn their keep.
The Performer with gas ignition is about as close to the convenience of a gas barbecue as you will ever get while maintaining the principals of a charcoal barbecue and cheaper than Weber’s bottom end gas grills.
New for 2010
Due out in February 2010, the new Weber Performer (with Gas Ignition as the standard model) holds its original design but with a few improvements and tweaks in colour:
- New ergonomic handle with added heat shield limits the potential of it getting warm (a slight design flaw with the 2009 models)
- Fixed lid-mounted thermometer
- Black ash catcher
- New-style wheel cover
- Stylish tool holder with ‘Performer’ logo
- Silver cart frame
- Larger elegant looking control panel blends in with design
- Dark grey Thermoset work surface
- Charcoal measuring cup included
Recommended Accessories
- Weber Performer cover
- Weber Barbecue cleaner fluid
- Weber Firespice wood chips
- Weber 3pce Stainless Steel Tool Kit
- Weber T-Brush
FOR IMAGES OF THE 2010 MODEL AND INFORMATION ON TROUBLESHOOTING PLEASE CLICK HERE
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Summer Garden Pests
It is getting to that time of year where those pesky critters start coming out from every corner of the garden with what seems to be their sole intention to annoy the hell out of you! They say the early bird catches the worm but in this case, early action will result in catching ants, wasps, flies, small garden mammals and a number of other creatures intent on ruining those lazy summer evenings sipping wine in the garden.
Do you ever wonder why within a short few hours of dropping blob of jam on the counter, your kitchen becomes the new 'in-place' for ants? What humane methods are there for removing the threat of mice? Or how wasps build their nests? By identifying possible invaders and equipping yourself with prevention methods, you will well prepared to rid problem areas and really concentrate on enjoying your summer.
Read the full article on Avoiding Potential Summer Garden Pests.
Do you ever wonder why within a short few hours of dropping blob of jam on the counter, your kitchen becomes the new 'in-place' for ants? What humane methods are there for removing the threat of mice? Or how wasps build their nests? By identifying possible invaders and equipping yourself with prevention methods, you will well prepared to rid problem areas and really concentrate on enjoying your summer.
Read the full article on Avoiding Potential Summer Garden Pests.
Teaching Kids to Appreciate Garden Wildlife.
By teaching our kids to appreciate the natural world and its inhabitants, we can ensure the welfare of our planet for generations to come. This may sound like a big claim but it all starts with something small like the garden, and there are many things you can do to interest your offspring into venturing into the garden and caring for the wildlife contained within. For most, the back garden of your home will be the first point of contact for your kids to the natural world and a chance for them to experience insects and animals in their natural habitat.
This can have many positive influences on your child particularly in the early years. Besides the obvious fresh air and exercise and increased concentration levels, the child will build a rapport with the wildlife and a tolerance to allergies such as hay fever. Also, the fact that they are constantly learning new things means their brain will develop quicker than if they were stuck in front of the TV for hours on end. There are a number of things you can do to solidify your child's interest in caring for wildlife and the environment, some of which are outlined below.
Introducing brightly coloured and interesting flowers into the garden will encourage kids favourites such as bees and butterflies into the garden adding a visual element of life that will engage the child from day one. Sunflowers are a perfect example of this; the seeds are easy to handle and plant by kids and the heights they reach will give them an added sense of accomplishment and admiration. Even when the flower dies, the fun doesn't stop there are kids can eat the seeds as a reward.
By mimicking natural habitats of other animals such as squirrels, hedgehogs and birds, the kids will get a feel for larger animals which will remove the notion of animals being a threat and may even negate the need for costly pets! Remember that for animals to feel at home, a sufficient food and water supply needs to be established, particularly during the colder months. High energy fat and suet feeds are especially recommended. Water supplies could be in the form of a pond, boggy area or a bird bath though make sure this is constantly topped up with fresh clean water so that algae does not form. Also check that this does not freeze over in frosty weather as this could cut off the only water supply to some animals. A wide range of practical wildlife and wild bird products as available which will encourage visitors to your garden year after year.
Hands on projects and activities will keep the kids entertained while they learn. By allowing them to 'own' their own section of the garden to work on and plant their own plants and vegetation will heighten their sense of accomplishment when flowers flourish and vegetables grow. Kids tools are also available for purchase which will give the child a real sense of ownership, a vital lesson in life.
Building a pond or water feature is also an excellent way of attracting wildlife such as frogs and invites the possibility of introducing some goldfish, fascinating to watch from a kid's point of view! Remember to have sloping sides where possible to allow creatures easy access into and out of the pond and add lots of plants which are not only visually pleasing, but are an excellent source of oxygen for the water.
Other activities could involve the child exploring the garden armed with a magnifying glass, a clear container or jar, a pencil and paper and really learning about the inhabitants and recording their findings through pictures and words. Helping them build a makeshift ant farm or wormery is an easy and satisfying task allowing them to get up close and personal with the insects.
The simplest way is to obtain a clear empty 2Ltr bottle and cut off the top. Poking holes in the bottom will allow excess water to drain and covering the top with kitchen roll will allow sufficient air to get through while stopping the creatures from escaping. Imitate the insect's natural habitat and make sure sufficient food and water is available, then you are ready to introduce the creatures into their new home. Remember to release them after a week and replace with new ones if necessary as to not cause any distress.
Building birdhouses and feeding stations out of wood is another fun task that the child will really enjoy, however, this can be very dangerous if not supervised properly. Quality, cheap bird houses and boxes can be purchased from garden centres and the results can be very encouraging.
Although there is a lot of fun and learning to be had in the garden, there are also many hazards that need to be avoided where possible. Many of these are common sense and an additional learning opportunity for your child. Prickly and thorny plants should be avoided where possible or sectioned off as should plants with poisonous and toxic berries which may be appealing to young eyes. Water is always a big hazard and if you have or are thinking of introducing a pond then necessary precautions should be taken. This could be in the form of wire netting over the top or fencing around the perimeter making it inaccessible to unsupervised children.
One more thing to consider is visibility from the house as household tasks will demand attention meaning that you will be unable to spend all day supervising at close proximity. With this in mind, tying back or removing bushes, hedging and trees should be taken into consideration if it hinders the view of any part of the garden, though remember, these often provide the homes for many animals.
Above all else, have fun and enjoy your garden!
This can have many positive influences on your child particularly in the early years. Besides the obvious fresh air and exercise and increased concentration levels, the child will build a rapport with the wildlife and a tolerance to allergies such as hay fever. Also, the fact that they are constantly learning new things means their brain will develop quicker than if they were stuck in front of the TV for hours on end. There are a number of things you can do to solidify your child's interest in caring for wildlife and the environment, some of which are outlined below.
Introducing brightly coloured and interesting flowers into the garden will encourage kids favourites such as bees and butterflies into the garden adding a visual element of life that will engage the child from day one. Sunflowers are a perfect example of this; the seeds are easy to handle and plant by kids and the heights they reach will give them an added sense of accomplishment and admiration. Even when the flower dies, the fun doesn't stop there are kids can eat the seeds as a reward.
By mimicking natural habitats of other animals such as squirrels, hedgehogs and birds, the kids will get a feel for larger animals which will remove the notion of animals being a threat and may even negate the need for costly pets! Remember that for animals to feel at home, a sufficient food and water supply needs to be established, particularly during the colder months. High energy fat and suet feeds are especially recommended. Water supplies could be in the form of a pond, boggy area or a bird bath though make sure this is constantly topped up with fresh clean water so that algae does not form. Also check that this does not freeze over in frosty weather as this could cut off the only water supply to some animals. A wide range of practical wildlife and wild bird products as available which will encourage visitors to your garden year after year.
Hands on projects and activities will keep the kids entertained while they learn. By allowing them to 'own' their own section of the garden to work on and plant their own plants and vegetation will heighten their sense of accomplishment when flowers flourish and vegetables grow. Kids tools are also available for purchase which will give the child a real sense of ownership, a vital lesson in life.
Building a pond or water feature is also an excellent way of attracting wildlife such as frogs and invites the possibility of introducing some goldfish, fascinating to watch from a kid's point of view! Remember to have sloping sides where possible to allow creatures easy access into and out of the pond and add lots of plants which are not only visually pleasing, but are an excellent source of oxygen for the water.
Other activities could involve the child exploring the garden armed with a magnifying glass, a clear container or jar, a pencil and paper and really learning about the inhabitants and recording their findings through pictures and words. Helping them build a makeshift ant farm or wormery is an easy and satisfying task allowing them to get up close and personal with the insects.
The simplest way is to obtain a clear empty 2Ltr bottle and cut off the top. Poking holes in the bottom will allow excess water to drain and covering the top with kitchen roll will allow sufficient air to get through while stopping the creatures from escaping. Imitate the insect's natural habitat and make sure sufficient food and water is available, then you are ready to introduce the creatures into their new home. Remember to release them after a week and replace with new ones if necessary as to not cause any distress.
Building birdhouses and feeding stations out of wood is another fun task that the child will really enjoy, however, this can be very dangerous if not supervised properly. Quality, cheap bird houses and boxes can be purchased from garden centres and the results can be very encouraging.
Although there is a lot of fun and learning to be had in the garden, there are also many hazards that need to be avoided where possible. Many of these are common sense and an additional learning opportunity for your child. Prickly and thorny plants should be avoided where possible or sectioned off as should plants with poisonous and toxic berries which may be appealing to young eyes. Water is always a big hazard and if you have or are thinking of introducing a pond then necessary precautions should be taken. This could be in the form of wire netting over the top or fencing around the perimeter making it inaccessible to unsupervised children.
One more thing to consider is visibility from the house as household tasks will demand attention meaning that you will be unable to spend all day supervising at close proximity. With this in mind, tying back or removing bushes, hedging and trees should be taken into consideration if it hinders the view of any part of the garden, though remember, these often provide the homes for many animals.
Above all else, have fun and enjoy your garden!
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