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Every year a wave of new products hits the shelves at lawn and garden stores, home improvement centers and online retailers. For 2008, a major trend is innovative outdoor lighting. Driving this trend toward creative outdoor lighting is the desire of homeowners to spend time outdoors and extend their outdoor time into the comfortable summer evening hours.

Strathwood Chaise Lounge

List Price: $189.99
Buy New: $99.99
You Save: $90.00 (47%)

Features:
• Made of Kapur wood, an all-weather hardwood that is dense and durable
• Mortise and tenon construction with rust-resistant hardware
• Pre-assembled components assembly easily using allen wrench provided
• Weathers to a warm grey or color can be maintained using teak oil
• Measures 24″ W x 74″ D x 13″ H

The abundance of interesting products for patios, decks and gardens is a testament to just how important outdoor living areas have become. According to a survey by the American Institute of Architects on Home Design Trends, there is surge in interest in building outdoor patios, kitchens and decks, and outdoor lighting extends the use of these spaces.

“With every deck I build I now factor in lighting solutions,” says Bob Lehman, owner of Creative Deck Designs in Maryland.

Today’s lighting comes in a variety of forms, including energy efficient illumination sources. “There are so many uses for lighting in an outdoor environment, both from a functional standpoint and a decorative one,” says Jay Savignac, senior vice president for Aurora Deck Lighting, one of the nation’s largest outdoor lighting manufacturers.

Building codes have also been an important driving force, as safety concerns have forced communities to require builders to add lights when outdoor stairs are involved. “Increasing the safety factor is definitely a reason for adding lights, and security has always been important. Today people want lighting that allows them to cook outside at night or entertain in a candle-lit sort of environment. Products on the market today make it possible to do both,” Savignac says.

Aurora’s Web site (www.auroradecklighting.com) showcases a variety of different types of outdoor lighting. The company’s most popular products are lighted post caps, which are designed to integrate into a backyard deck or fence and add both design features and function.

“Our newest products include solar powered lights, like the Polaris, which has a traditional lamp look that is designed to fit on a variety of post sizes. Because it is powered by the sun, the lights are easy to install and no special wiring or electrical knowledge is required,” Savignac says.

Lehman says his clients also are incorporating path lights into their backyard environments. New versions, like the Quasar Pathway Deck Light, mount on the bottom of a porch post, deck post or fence to illuminate stairs or highlight landscaping.

LED lights, like the award-winning Eclipse LED and the Nova LED from Aurora, are growing in popularity as technology has improved their intensity. These lights burn for thousands of hours without requiring a bulb change and are among the most efficient sources available today.

Ron and Nancy Snyder of Rootstown, Ohio, had a new deck added to their home and shopped extensively for outdoor lighting to compliment its design. They decided on simple lights that mounted on the posts on their deck.

“We are extremely pleased with these lights and have received many complements from our guests and friends. We especially like the way the glass defuses the light, and we are amazed at how well the lights weathered our vicious Northeast Ohio winter. They still look perfect in spite of record severe weather,” Ron says.

“We’ve come a long way from the ‘runway lights’ that people would stick in their yards along the sidewalk. Today the quality of the lighting and the options that are available make it possible to completely customize the look of your home and create a fantastic ambiance that lights up the night,” Savignac says.

Do you ever find yourself wishing you could use your deck or patio more often but find it to be useless because of the weather? Imagine turning your deck or patio into a usable outdoor living space where you can spend more time enjoying life no matter what the weather.

Sunsetter Pro Motorized Awning (10 Ft / Blue Stripe)

Buy New: $1,369.00

The sunsetter pro motorized awning gives you the ultimate in cool shade and weather protection instantly. Dual-cable system needs no vertical supports. Includes reliable somfy motor — the best in the industry — hidden inside the awning roller. Included remote control lets you operate your awning from anywhere. Comes with industry leading 5-year warranty. 7. 5ft minimum vertical clearance for installation. Easily installable in 2-3 hours. Unit can be installed on wood, brick, stucco, aluminum and vinyl siding as well as directly on eaves and overhangs. 12-ft cord plugs into any grounded outlet. Includes weatherbreaker vinyl front screen for blocking sun and breeze, or prevent light rain from blowing under your awning.

With the simple push of a button, automated retractable awnings are the perfect solution to a deck or patio that isn’t used often because of intense sun and other weather factors that would disrupt you from enjoying outdoor living. Great protection from the sun and creating a more comfortable and enjoyable space are just some of the benefits you will get from an automated retractable awning. What makes them an exceptional value are all the additional benefits they provide.

Retractable awnings are a great way of preventing the sun and heat from entering a home. By providing shade to windows and patio doors, interior temperatures can be significantly reduced which will ultimately help to reduce cooling costs. According to an energy study conducted by PAMA (Professional Awning Manufacturers Association), more energy is lost through glass doors and windows than through any other part of the home. On a hot day, more energy comes through one square foot of glass than through an entire insulated wall. Solar radiation through glass is responsible for approximately 20 percent of the load on an air conditioner.

An awning, for example, can help solve this problem by reducing heat gain by 55 to 65 percent. For western exposure, the reduction in heat gain is 72 to 77 percent. And that’s not all you save, because an automated retractable awning reduces the amount of sunlight and glare that enters a home, it protects your interior carpets, window treatments and furnishings from fading as well.

“Automated retractable awnings also enhance the beauty of your home. Retractable awnings come in a wide variety of decorative colors and designs which will give your home added value,”says Mitch Klein, business development manager for Somfy Systems, Inc., a leading manufacturer that specializes in motors and controls for awnings. “Automated retractable awnings are powered with a concealed motor that can simply be plugged into a standard 120V electrical outlet. The awning will effortlessly extend or retract with a hand-held remote or a wireless wall switch.”

For the ultimate in convenience, your retractable awning can be controlled automatically with a wind sensor that will draw in the awning upon detecting a strong gust of wind or with a sun sensor that will extend the awning based on the sun’s intensity. The functional control options are WireFree and operate via either battery or solar power which means no additional wiring or complicated installation.

Don’t let your deck or patio become a lifeless space that you wish you could use. Give it a new life with an automated retractable awning. Creating the perfect backyard is a homeowner’s dream and an automated retractable awning is the perfect complement to outdoor kitchens, spas, entertainment centers and furniture. An automated retractable awning creates an outdoor family room in less then 60 seconds and defines a space on your deck or patio so you can spend more time outdoors.

The real estate market may be in a slump, but not all industries having to do with the home are in trouble. Companies that specialize in remodeling and renovation, particularly in the area of outdoor living, are doing extremely well right now.

“People don’t want to lose money on their biggest investment so instead of moving, they’re improving their homes,” says Joe Rey-Barreau, an associate professor at the University of Kentucky’s School of Interior Design and education consultant for the American Lighting Association (ALA). He says now that warmer weather has arrived, people are adding decks, patios, gazebos and outdoor kitchens to their homes, and they aren’t just planning to use them in the daytime.

Malibu Low Voltage Metal 10-Watt Halogen Landscape Floodlight

List Price: $13.00
Buy New: $8.25
You Save: $4.75 (37%)

Features:
• Energy efficient 10-watt halogen bi-pin bulb
• Non-corrosive metal construction
• Adds beauty, safety and security
• Black finish
• Quick clamp system to any low voltage cable

“The trend towards expanding outdoor living space has been growing for some time now,” says Richard Lentz, president of Lentz Landscape Lighting in Dallas, Texas. “In past years, our goal was focused on lighting the space and showing off the garden. Now we’re concentrating a lot more effort on finding innovative ways to light outdoor spaces so they can be used at night, much like they’re used during the day.”

Backyard decks no longer just have a small light near the door. Lentz says lighting designers are now installing down lights in trees and attaching them to chimneys to shine light down on the space. “We’re also putting in a lot of step lights to make the transition from the upper to lower level easier,” says Lentz, who adds that people no longer have to feel like they’re under a spotlight when they sit outside under the stars. “If there’s a tree nearby, we can shine light down from it. Attaching fixtures to a chimney is also a nice way to get light from above that feels like moonlight.”

And when it comes to lighting outdoor kitchens, innovation is key. “We do a lot of task lighting in the outdoor kitchen,” says Lentz. “We’ll utilize the arbors to hang task lighting over the sink, the grill and the table, for example, and put them on dimmers so when the light isn’t needed, it can be turned down.”

Lentz credits the recent innovations offered by various lighting manufacturers for making those projects possible. “Technology sure has come a long way in a short amount of time,” he says.

Rey-Barreau agrees. “Manufacturers realize there’s a growing market for outdoor fixtures and they have responded by stepping up to the challenge to develop chandeliers, table lamps and sconces that are rated for wet conditions so they can be safely installed outdoors,” he says.

Safety isn’t the only factor being considered by manufacturers. So is operating cost. Not so long ago, the U.S. government mandated that the lighting industry find ways to cut energy consumption of their products. Kichler Lighting of Cleveland, Ohio, responded by coming out with a line of outdoor fixtures that use highly efficient L.E.D. bulbs that require one-third the energy of incandescents.

“When people realize they can get the same light output, a nice comfortable color and reduce energy use by 75 percent, they are more than willing to make the change,” says Jeff Dross at Kichler Lighting.

There have been innovations in the area of lighting for curb appeal purposes as well. “Landscape lighting is about safety, security and aesthetics. As far as the latter goes, the key to success is being subtle. Less is always more,” says Monty Gilbertson, manager of Lighting Design by Wettsteins in La Crosse, Wisc.

Doug Prexta, who works for the landscape division of Cleveland, Ohio-based Hinckley Lighting confirms lighting the outdoors is a trend that’s here to stay. “Our business is way up in the landscape division because people are investing in their homes more and more,” he says.

The impact phosphorus – a common component of lawn fertilizer – has on the environment is drawing a lot of attention as summer approaches. Phosphorus from fertilizer can leach into lakes and streams, contributing to excessive algae and water plant growth that harms fish and impedes recreational use of these waters.

40LB Milorganite

Buy New: $14.29

Urban areas have many sources of phosphorus: including lawn fertilizer, leaves, other organic yard waste and pet droppings. Regulators have targeted lawn fertilizers as a primary source of interest. However, any source of excessive phosphorus will cause problems in lakes and rivers.

Phosphorus is essential to sustain life. It plays a key role in how living creatures use energy from food to power growth and reproduce. Limiting phosphorus limits growth and reproduction. Eliminating phosphorus from the environment eliminates life.

Not all sources of fertilizer phosphorus are the same. The water extractable phosphorus test, or WEP test, is a new way to show how easily phosphorus in a particular fertilizer moves into groundwater. A low WEP means that phosphorus will stay out of groundwater. A high WEP means that movement is likely. Phosphorus in groundwater may move to surface water and cause excessive water plant growth.

Synthetic fertilizers, the traditional kind used to manufacture common lawn fertilizer, contain more than 85 percent water extractable phosphorus. If these fertilizers are ove- applied, some of this phosphorus may enter groundwater and move to bodies of water.

Fertilizers such as Milorganite 5-2-0 contains less than 2 percent water extractable phosphorus, making them better choices for the environment. This phosphorus is far less likely to move into groundwater. Research also shows this phosphorus is still available for plants to use.

“Milorganite 5-2-0 fertilizer should be the fertilizer choice for homeowners and regulators concerned about phosphorus movement to lakes and streams,” says Mike Archer of Milorganite. “Our research shows that Milorganite fertilizers consistently are better stewards of the environment.”

Milorganite fertilizers contain high amounts of iron. This iron combines with phosphorus, holding it away from soil water until plants can use it. Thus, lawns still have an adequate supply of phosphorus to grow and repair themselves from damage by mowing and playing. However, this phosphorus does not move to groundwater. “Milorganite 5-2-0 fertilizer not only adds non-staining iron to help keep lawns green, but it uses this iron to keep phosphorus out of lakes and streams,” Archer says.

Other sources of phosphorus also contribute in polluting surface waters. Leaves and grass clippings contain phosphorus. Keep them out of curbs and from washing into storm sewers. Recycle their nutrients and organic matter back to your plants by mulching them. If you are mowing near open water, point mower discharges to land.

When you spread any fertilizer, blow or sweep it off drives and walks back onto your lawn. When it rains, any fertilizer left on these hard surfaces washes into storm sewers then to bodies of water, causing pollution.

Finally, pick up pet droppings and place them in the trash. These droppings contain high amounts of phosphorus. Dropping them into storm sewers is like dropping fertilizer pellets onto open water.

Everyone can do something to protect the environment. Using eco-friendly fertilizers, taking care when disposing of lawn debris, and properly disposing of pet droppings are actions that help keep our lakes and rivers clean and clear for future generations.

Whether it is roses for a special birthday, daisies for Mother’s Day or carnations just because, people receive special bouquets of flowers for many reasons. But how do you care for your beautiful flower arrangement to keep it fresh and enjoy it longer?

Dr. Bridget Behe, also known as the Flower Doctor, is a professor in the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University and hosts “Ask Bridget”, a question and answer section on the Web site www.FlowrMD.com. Behe offers her top five tricks of the trade on how to prolong the life of your beautiful blooms.

Food for Thought
Commercial flower food/preservative solution is a must. Carefully follow the mixing instructions on the packet.

Water Wonder
It is best to use warm water in the vase with your fresh-cut stems. If the water feels too hot or cold for you, then it’s not the right temperature for the flowers either. Warm water is taken up by stems faster and the warmth makes it easier to dissolve the flower food/preservative.

Leaf ‘em Out
If any leaves from the stems fall below the water line, remove them. Leaves in the water will promote bacterial growth that may limit the water uptake by the flowers.

Under the Knife
Before placing flowers into water, re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife or scissors. Be careful not to crush the stems.

Climate Control
Keep fresh flowers out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources and drafts such as air vents or fans.

Still have questions on how to keep your fresh flowers from withering away too soon? Log on to www.FlowrMD.com for more information or to e-mail a question to the Flower Doctor.

Sick of those saggy silk drapes? Does the trendy color you painted your walls last year now look so “last year”? Your décor leaves you uninspired, yet the current economy makes you hesitate to spend a bundle on a total redesign. The good news is you don’t need the skill – or budget – of a TV decorating diva to give your home a fresh new look. Small, inexpensive changes can make a dramatic difference.

Here are some ideas to transform your room for less than $100:

Lighten Up

The type and placement of lighting can completely change the look of a room and create different moods. Most of us stick with light fixtures that were in our homes when we bought them. Those aren’t always the most attractive or illuminating options.

Overhead lighting – the kind that comes installed in most new homes – can be great if you’re quilting, but might not set the mood for more relaxing moments. Supplement your overhead lighting with lamps strategically positioned around the room. Light cast from the side, rather than from above, will create a cozy, homey feel. Four $25 lamps purchased at a discount store can make your room feel like a million dollars.

Create with Color

Repainting in this season’s hot colors can give a room a contemporary, trendy look – even if you don’t update any of your furniture. Or, opt for more classic colors that will still be in style for years to come. Whatever color you choose, repainting is a powerful way to make a room feel fresh and new.

You don’t have to stop with simple painting. Many home improvement stores offer free classes on decorative painting techniques and the use of color. Total cost of doing a decorative sponge effect in your powder room? About $26 for a gallon of paint, and another $25 for sponges and paint trays.

Make it Better with Murals

Wallpapering an entire room is a big commitment, but you’re still not content with just repainting a room. You want something that’s going to make the décor pop – without busting your budget. Wallpaper murals are a great compromise. You can find images to match virtually any décor – from an underwater scene for a kid’s room to the view from the verandah of a Tuscan Villa for your kitchen.

Home improvement store Lowe’s carries a variety of these easy-to-install wallpaper murals by Environmental Graphics, for less than $100. You can find a style and size to fit in nearly any room. To find a Lowe’s near you visit www.lowes.com.

Accessorize your Bath

Americans tend to spend their at-home hours in the kitchen. But the next-most-used room is the bath. If walking into your bathroom feels like walking into a bad thrift store – nothing matches and toiletries everywhere – it may be time to spend a few dollars and take control.

It’s easy and not costly to replace mismatched accessories such as toothbrush holders, cups and lotion dispensers with ones in the same design. Major retailers and home specialty stores carry a wide array of patterns to appeal to virtually every taste. A full set can easily be bought for less than $100.

If you’re willing to be a “big spender,” you can also pick up shower curtains and window treatments to compliment your new all-matching accessories.

Go Green and Get Moving

Nothing says “home” like green plants. You don’t need a green thumb to green up your living space. Opt for low-maintenance live varieties like a philodendron or pothos. Or, if you just can’t keep plants alive, consider artificial. Many modern artificial plants duplicate the look of life so well only the aphids who try to eat them can tell the difference.

Forever Silk 17-FL4548 Silk Bamboo Palm Tree

List Price: $59.99
Buy New: $27.99
You Save: $32.00 (53%)

Place tall palms next to chairs and windows to bring the outdoors inside. Smaller plants are marvelous accents for tables, shelves and windowsills. And a hanging basket with cascading leaves will add drama to large entryways.

Finally, don’t think you need to replace your furniture to make it work in your new room décor. Sometimes simply moving it around is enough to create a new effect that will please you and work well in your room.

There’s no slowing down Mary Cordes of Hayden Lake, Idaho. The 85-year-old recently came out of retirement only two years after ending her life-long career. “I closed down the art gallery and framing shop I had run for 25 years back in 2006, thinking it was time to retire, but retirement just didn’t agree with me,” she says. “I went stir crazy.”

Retro Sun Sunburst Wall Mirror with Contemporary Circles

List Price: $79.99
Buy New: $59.22
You Save: $20.77 (26%)

Features:
• Sun Mirror
• Contemporary Design
• Perfect for Any Room
• Unique & Wonderful

So she decided to open a new art gallery on a smaller scale. It was originally supposed to go up in her backyard, but instead ended up on the site where her old home once stood. “I used to live in a house on beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene, but it burned down in 2005. We were planning to rebuild, but then my husband died and it became too much for me to handle on my own, so I changed my plans.”

Before the fire, she had planned to set up a backyard pottery studio next to the lake inside a yurt — a portable, tent-like structure with circular lattice walls and a cone-shaped roof supported by rafters that meet a center ring. But with the house and her husband gone, she decided to make it into something more: an art studio/gallery where local artists, including herself, would be able to gather, customers could come to find unique pieces, and everyone could enjoy the scenery.

The majority of people who purchase a yurt are putting them on vacation properties and some in remote areas where they were only going to be used for a portion of the year. However, Mark Altmann of Rainier Industries, a leading manufacturer of yurts, indicates that recently there have been a lot of people buying them to expand living space instead of adding on to their homes. Among the more common uses for yurts: as a guest house, home office, secluded spa enclosure, art, music or fitness studio.

“They make a lot of sense from a cost savings perspective,” says Altmann. “Starting at just $5,500 for a 16-foot structure, they are an affordable alternative for people who want to add living space, but are on a tight budget.” The average home addition now costing upwards of $78,000, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2007 Cost vs. Value Report.

Cordes spent about $15,000 on the Eagle Yurt she purchased from Rainier in late 2007. The structure is 30-feet in diameter, which offers plenty of room for her gallery. “I got help from my son and we got the structure up in November right before the snow came,” she says. “As soon as the snow melts and temperatures warm up, we’re going to add on a deck overlooking the lake, and an entryway. I’m also going to move in the easels and partisans where the artwork will be put on display.” Cordes plans to open her new business in the late spring or early summer.

It’s a sticky subject – not all glues are created equal. There are different types of glues for different surfaces and different applications. Using the wrong one may mean your project won’t hold together or, worse, you ruin what you were trying to repair.

Dremel 1200-02 Glue Gun Kit With Bag

List Price: $29.99
Buy New: $19.95
You Save: $10.04 (33%)

Features:
• Anti-drip tip with silicone protector
• Red & Green LED indicator lights
• Dual Temperature settings with separate On/Off switch
• Soft-grip handle & extended trigger
• Kickstand and wide base

So how do you know what type of glue is right for your project? James and Morris Carey, home improvement gurus and hosts of the nationally syndicated radio program “On the House with the Carey Brothers” offer some advice:

First, answer some basic questions about your project.

1. What type of materials needs to be bonded?

2. Is clamping feasible?

3. Will the project be exposed to moisture?

4. How much stress or weight will the object endure?

With answers in hand you can match the glue to the job, usually by just reading the label on the bottle.

The next equally important step is applying the glue properly, because again, failure to read and follow directions can lead to a sticky situation. This brief overview should help you get the job done right the first time.

Woodworking and Craft Projects

Wood glue is designed for carpentry, craft and hobby projects such as building cabinets and furniture and making wooden toys, cutting boards, dollhouses, birdhouses, etc. It is available for interior use, as well as in moisture-resistant and even waterproof versions for outdoor furniture.

Wood glue won’t adhere to surfaces that are already stained or painted, so only use it on “bare” woods that have been sanded or planed. Work pieces have to be clamped together until dry, which typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the temperature and humidity.

Most wood glues are non-toxic and can be cleaned up with water and a damp rag. Dried wood glue can be sanded and scraped just like the actual wood surface, so you can paint over the glue. Clean and sand glued surfaces thoroughly as leftover residue will prevent stains and finishes from penetrating the wood.

Polyurethane for Tough Building Projects and Repairs

Polyurethane glue is an extremely durable adhesive that can be used to bond a variety of surfaces like wood, metal, stone, foam, brick, concrete, ceramic and fiberglass.

It’s 100 percent waterproof, making it an ideal choice for building and repair projects indoors and out. This characteristic makes it a favorite among boaters, hunters and fisherman as well as do-it-yourselfers, builders and remodelers, who use it to attach or mount equipment, repair indoor or outdoor furniture, cement urns, fountains, decks and more.

Polyurethane glue expands as it cures to achieve a better bond, cosmetically filling in small cracks and gaps in the process. Because of this expansion or “foaming,” it’s important to use a clamp when gluing pieces together as well as wipe away any excess glue with a dry cloth in the first 10 to 15 minutes of set-up. Clamp time ranges from 30 minutes to four hours, depending on the brand. The bond is fully cured or set after 24 hours. Once dry, the glue can be sanded, painted or stained.

This type of glue requires moisture to cure, so be sure to dampen one side of the substrates being bonded. Wear gloves to avoid staining your hands. The glue expands as it dries, so a little dab goes a long way. To apply the glue in small, hard to reach places, try one of the new applicators now available like the Gorilla Glue Precision Glue Pen. It provides added control, dries a white color and has a clamp time of just 30 to 60 minutes.

A Quick Fix

“Instant glue” is ideal for small “emergency” repairs, especially when clamping is not an option. Curing in less than a minute, this glue forms a nearly invisible bond on surfaces like rubber, metal, ceramics, porcelain and some plastics. Super glue performs best when the break is clean and tight fitting. Although a great solution for many applications, super glue has its shortcomings, namely, a reputation for being very brittle.

Gorilla Super Glue Impact-Tough Formula addresses the brittle problem with tiny rubber particles that give it impact resistant strength and reduce the chance of the repair breaking when the object is bumped banged or dropped. It works on wood, glass and plastic.

Whether Puxatawny Phil sees his shadow or not on Groundhog Day, there’s one thing for certain — spring will arrive as scheduled on March 21st and so will families of groundhogs, rabbits, squirrels, deer and other troublesome animals, each ready to pounce and plunder your garden, digging burrows where they’re not wanted, and otherwise coming into conflict with their human neighbors.

But these creatures don’t have to be the enemy of our gardens, and trapping them won’t solve their relationship problems with humans. As we all are well aware, the arrival of spring brings the wildlife out of hibernation, and most likely right into our backyards and gardens. As spring is sprung, we suddenly are faced with long gardening to-do lists and a wide variety of pesky critters.

As a rule of thumb, it is far better to prevent wildlife damage than to wait until it occurs and try to combat it. This spring, Messina Wildlife Management can help you protect your beautiful backyards and your gardens with a full line of OMRI certified (100 percent) organic animal repellents. The products are all easily applied in a ready to use spray-on bottle. They dry clear, are all pleasant smelling, and work for 30 days before reapplication is needed, no matter the weather. The full product line can even be used on edibles, and none of the products cause harm or physical irritation to the animals they repel. The products work by smell and taste, repelling pesky critters from your backyard, and they’re all pleasant smelling and safe to humans.

Pesky Problems
1. Groundhogs: During the spring, summer and early fall, the Marota monax, also known as the Woodchuck, Whistlepig, or Groundhog, is a voracious, wild herbivore. It’s the groundhog’s goal to eat as much as possible which puts him on a collision course within your garden.

Groundhogs are tunnel boring pests that can cause damage to your garden in two ways. First, they eat vegetables in the garden, attacking both the root crops and above ground crops. A second problem with tunneling rodents is the mass disruption of root systems, this weakens and can even kill the plants.

2. Rabbits: These furry creatures seem to multiply at the advent of every spring. They come out to feed overnight and in the predawn/dawn hours. Rabbits are accountable for severe damage to woody plants in your home landscape. The damage can be identified by the characteristic appearance of gnawing on older woody growth and the clean-cut, angled clipping of young stems. Distinctive round droppings in the immediate area are a good sign of their presence.

Luckily, 90 percent of the rabbit’s diet is grass. Those of us that have rabbit damage would swear that 90 percent of the damage they cause is to our gardens and expensive flowers! Rabbit damage can be identified by the clean, angled cut on the food source in question. The browsing of a rabbit will usually be no higher than 2.5 feet above ground.

3. Deer: For non-gardener’s, there’s a captivating fascination with spotting a deer in a field, or perhaps in your yard. For gardener’s, it can be quite the opposite. You love the sight of deer, anywhere but not in your garden. Yet, they seem impossible to keep away. Deer are responsible for a considerable amount of damage to plant and vegetable gardens. To determine if your flowers and vegetables are disappearing due to deer damage look closely at the half eaten plants. If you see a jagged, rough edge you can be sure the damage was done by deer as they have no incisor teeth and tear at the food source, leaving tell-tale signs of their presence.

4: Squirrels and Chipmunks: These cute, furry, funny creatures can be quite destructive when it comes to your gardens and landscapes. Both ground squirrels and chipmunks are burrowing animals. Their burrow entrances are always open, unlike those of pocket gophers who plug theirs with soil.

Ground squirrels and chipmunks can be seen foraging for food during the day. In nature, they feed on green leafy material during the summer and switch to seeds and grains during the fall and winter. One of the biggest complaints about squirrels and chipmunks is their attraction to wild bird feeders. They not only devour the feed they scare the birds away.

For most animals scent and taste are the primary senses that attract them to food sources. If you disrupt the animal’s sense of smell and taste you have won the battle against the constant parade of critters in your landscapes. Visit www.messinawildlifemanagement.com for more information on safe, effective pest repellents.

Raise your hand if you know what an inspiration room is. Anyone? While it sounds like a place to meditate or quietly think, it’s actually an attractively decorated room from a magazine, showroom, or even a friend’s home that you admire but don’t have the budget to afford yourself.

Zojirushi Mr. Bento Stainless-Steel Lined Lunch Jar

List Price: $65.00
Buy New: $31.95
You Save: $33.05 (51%)

Features:
• Round jar with 4 food bowls for hot or cold lunch storage
• Vacuum-insulated stainless-steel construction keeps food warm
• Microwaveable bowls measure 15.2, 10.1, 9.5, and 6.8 ounces
• Easy-to-clean container washes quickly
• Includes convenient carrying bag for transport

However, with a few easy tips, you can achieve a similar look without the hefty price tag. The trick, experts say, is to draw “inspiration” from these examples and emulate the look and style with more affordable furnishings and decorations.

Here are a few tips from the experts at JELD-WEN on essential elements when emulating an inspiration room:

* Invest in dramatic differences.
* Focus on details.
* Focus on color.
* Bargain shop.
* Remember it doesn’t have to be exact.
* Look for overlapping features.

Sometimes national manufacturers offer similar features in both their high-end and more affordable products, so do your homework to see if these benefits are available across the board. For example, JELD-WEN offers on many of its window lines simulated divided lites (SDL), or a grid system, that divides the window into smaller sections and creates an interesting look.