nature Archives - DeckTec Outdoor Designs

Thoughts About Birds

May 9th, 2018|Blog, Outdoor Living|

In our busy, nosey, electronic media dominated world, we are told to “stop and smell the roses.” I think we should, especially this time of year. However, there is something else that often gets overlooked in the hustle of our everyday – the birds that surround us. As you sit out on your deck, porch, patio, or go for a leisurely walk, take a moment to relax, breathe, and listen. You will notice the beautiful sounds and songs through the busy sounds of traffic, lawn mowers, and kids playing. Like gardening, bird watching is a stress reducing and relaxing activity. It gets you outdoors and in touch with nature without travel or leaving your home. So, get outside, quiet your mind, and open your eyes. For many people, birding is a passion, and we are happy to introduce you to one of the “Bird Talk Guys” from Wild Birds Unlimited, [...]

Container Tomatoes

June 26th, 2017|Blog, Garden & Lawn Care|

Imagine picking a ripe, juicy tomato right on your deck! All you need are some starts, and pots of various sizes. You can extend the season by covering plants, or taking them in overnight, as the weather cools. Pick a spot with good sun, but don’t overdo – tomatoes can wilt or burn under the hot Colorado sun. Test out and adjust locations as needed. Grouping pots together provides some shade and wind protection. Tomatoes need plenty of water and good drainage. Soil should be evenly damp to the touch, not dry, hard, or soggy. Transplant tomatoes in a timely manner as they outgrow containers. “Patio” tomatoes intended for pots may not taste quite as good. You can grow regular tomatoes and even some heirlooms in containers. Talk with your local gardening expert. Stake potted plants for support and monitor for disease – just like tomatoes planted in the ground. [...]

Forever Living with California Redwoods

October 25th, 2014|Blog, Deck Design Tips & Trends, DeckTec News & Updates, Outdoor Living|

As a member of the DeckTec community you have, no doubt, heard about our love affair with California redwood. This wood is strong, long-lasting, bug and disease resistant, and one of the finest building products ever discovered. And chances are if you have a DeckTec deck, you have it right under foot. But is redwood's existence going to be there when I need a new deck? We don't tend to talk in terms of the wood's natural state, unless there is something in the news that might affect either the quality or the price of the great wood we use. Lately, the drought in California has been frequently mentioned on television and in magazine articles, so we thought we'd check in with the California Redwood Company (a subsidiary to the Green Diamond Resource Company) to see if there is cause for concern. Gary Rynearson, Manager of Forest Policy and Communications, [...]

Mule Deer, Icons of the West in Decline?

October 18th, 2014|Animals Out the Back Door|

For many people, one of the great attractions to Colorado is our abundance and wide array of beautiful wildlife. Some of us with homes in the foothills have the added advantage of being able to watch that wildlife from the comfort of our backyard decks. And this time of year is a great time to get out the binoculars for a glimpse at the magnificent wild mule deer. What is a mule deer? There are two main species of deer in our region—the whitetail and the mule deer. Both animals weigh between 130 and 280 pounds, support large antlers or "racks," and are seen in abundance throughout the year. The whitetail tends to be found more on the eastern plains of our state, while the mule deer or "muley" is scattered throughout Colorado and the entire west. The big visual differences between the two species are in the tails and [...]

Keeping Cats Indoors

September 27th, 2014|Animals Out the Back Door|

Once, at a local veterinarian, I saw a cartoon that read, "When you call a dog, he comes right to you for a treat… But when you call a cat, he'll take a memo." You have to love these independent, self-content creatures that wander in and out of our lives and who allow us meager humans to service their needs. But should you keep your cat indoors for 100% of its life? Shouldn't Fluffy enjoy the exercise and fresh air of a life outdoors? Isn't it inhumane to curtail such independent tendencies and hunting instincts? This is a topic that sparks debate at any time, and at every cocktail party. We love our pets and want what's best for them, yet our neighbors don't necessarily appreciate our intentions nor the "presents" of dead birds, mice, or poo left in their yards. Beyond the impact on neighbors and friends, there are [...]