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.
Thursday, 30 April 2009
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!
Hold the Ultimate Summer Garden Party!
Another gorgeous day outside and it is clear that a hot summer is just around the corner, so what better 'spirit-heightener' than planning the first BBQ party of the year? There is nothing quite like the prospect of a home-bbq'd hotdog to get the friends and family knocking at the door in their drooling drones, and with the economic climate, a house party is the perfect alternative to eating out. So read on for a stress-free, and mega-brownie-point acquiring BBQ party!
First and foremost, (and arguably more important than the BBQ itself in some peoples eyes!) are the beverages. Now immediately you may have let your mind wander to that cold pint beaded with condensation sitting in the sun, but why not use this party as an opportunity to wow your guests with your cocktail making skills and really get your party off to a flying start! Nothing screams 'Summer' more than a Woo-Woo poured over lashings of ice and garnished with all manner of fruit and Cocktail Decorations & Novelties, 'Delboy' style! Or perhaps you prefer a more classy summer cooler such as a nice chilled white wine to go with that barbecued lemon chicken. Either way we stock the supplies and quality barware designed to impress.
Now to the BBQ, the centrepiece and focal point of your party, which if not done right can, and will, taint the evening - no pressure! Unfortunately in these circumstances, a couple of cheap disposable barbecues just will not do. Both Weber and Broil King offer exceptional BBQs at exceptional prices, all you need to decide is whether you want a traditional charcoal, or a gas/electric BBQ designed for convenience. Each mode of cooking has its advantages so why not take some time to browse through our range of charcoal and gas BBQs, particular highlights being the Broil King Monarch 20 Gas Barbecue, the Weber Performer Charcoal Barbecue and the Weber Spirit E210 Gas Barbecue and decide what best suits your needs and tastes. Don't forget if you are planning to invite the masses, consider the size of your BBQ!
So now you have the food and drink sorted, what about seating arrangements? Obviously if the sun is shining and the party is in full swing people are unlikely to want to sacrifice this to go inside so you will need to consider bringing furniture outside, or better still, buying stylish garden furniture sets that you can enjoy again and again. In our opinion, nothing defines sophistication more than the Infinity and Valencia Ranges from Westminster, though affordability dictates that you cant go wrong with the ever popular Nova Garden Furniture. Parasols to shield the afternoon sun and outdoor heaters for when things start to cool down at dusk also offer nice little touches to the overall atmosphere and allow the party to carry on well into the night. And for when the sun has gone down yet party spirits are still high, outside lighting is a must to make sure the festivities continue. Candle lanterns or tea lights dotted around gives the garden a comforting feel though if windy of wet, could prove frustrating and can be dangerous around those who have enjoyed one too many of your now famous cocktails!
Obviously, the big worry about holding a garden party in Britain is the weather always seems to turn at the least opportune moment and could be the nail in the coffin of your party. Pavilions and Gazebos offer the perfect contingency plan for such events and offer you guests some cover while maintaining the feeling of still being outdoors.
On behalf of all at Riverside Garden Centre we hope any future parties / BBQ's run smoothly and hassle free as only they can with our quality products.
Last minute tips:
• Read up on Food Health and Safety literature on the internet – you don’t want the memories of your guests to be something similar to that of a zombie movie!
• Warn your neighbours of your impending party, particularly if it is likey to involve a late night, music and your brother in law pretending to be a rock star on the karaoke machine!...or better still, invite them, the more the merrier!
• Research the web for easy and authentic BBQ (and cocktail) recipes.
First and foremost, (and arguably more important than the BBQ itself in some peoples eyes!) are the beverages. Now immediately you may have let your mind wander to that cold pint beaded with condensation sitting in the sun, but why not use this party as an opportunity to wow your guests with your cocktail making skills and really get your party off to a flying start! Nothing screams 'Summer' more than a Woo-Woo poured over lashings of ice and garnished with all manner of fruit and Cocktail Decorations & Novelties, 'Delboy' style! Or perhaps you prefer a more classy summer cooler such as a nice chilled white wine to go with that barbecued lemon chicken. Either way we stock the supplies and quality barware designed to impress.
Now to the BBQ, the centrepiece and focal point of your party, which if not done right can, and will, taint the evening - no pressure! Unfortunately in these circumstances, a couple of cheap disposable barbecues just will not do. Both Weber and Broil King offer exceptional BBQs at exceptional prices, all you need to decide is whether you want a traditional charcoal, or a gas/electric BBQ designed for convenience. Each mode of cooking has its advantages so why not take some time to browse through our range of charcoal and gas BBQs, particular highlights being the Broil King Monarch 20 Gas Barbecue, the Weber Performer Charcoal Barbecue and the Weber Spirit E210 Gas Barbecue and decide what best suits your needs and tastes. Don't forget if you are planning to invite the masses, consider the size of your BBQ!
So now you have the food and drink sorted, what about seating arrangements? Obviously if the sun is shining and the party is in full swing people are unlikely to want to sacrifice this to go inside so you will need to consider bringing furniture outside, or better still, buying stylish garden furniture sets that you can enjoy again and again. In our opinion, nothing defines sophistication more than the Infinity and Valencia Ranges from Westminster, though affordability dictates that you cant go wrong with the ever popular Nova Garden Furniture. Parasols to shield the afternoon sun and outdoor heaters for when things start to cool down at dusk also offer nice little touches to the overall atmosphere and allow the party to carry on well into the night. And for when the sun has gone down yet party spirits are still high, outside lighting is a must to make sure the festivities continue. Candle lanterns or tea lights dotted around gives the garden a comforting feel though if windy of wet, could prove frustrating and can be dangerous around those who have enjoyed one too many of your now famous cocktails!
Obviously, the big worry about holding a garden party in Britain is the weather always seems to turn at the least opportune moment and could be the nail in the coffin of your party. Pavilions and Gazebos offer the perfect contingency plan for such events and offer you guests some cover while maintaining the feeling of still being outdoors.
On behalf of all at Riverside Garden Centre we hope any future parties / BBQ's run smoothly and hassle free as only they can with our quality products.
Last minute tips:
• Read up on Food Health and Safety literature on the internet – you don’t want the memories of your guests to be something similar to that of a zombie movie!
• Warn your neighbours of your impending party, particularly if it is likey to involve a late night, music and your brother in law pretending to be a rock star on the karaoke machine!...or better still, invite them, the more the merrier!
• Research the web for easy and authentic BBQ (and cocktail) recipes.
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