Getting All Abuzz About Bees
In 2006 a new phenomenon in beekeeping hit the news. Both commercial and hobbyist beekeepers saw dramatic losses of bees in their apiaries, also known as beehives. This problem became known as CCD, or colony collapse disorder, and news items began to run regularly on this threat to human food production. Bee pollination is responsible for one-third of our food sources. The story is that as the bee goes, so does mankind. Today, another problem threatens bees, in that there seems to be an overabundance of people getting into apiary or beehive management without a great amount of knowledge, according to Marygael Meister of the DenverBee.org. For this reason, her organization is approaching beekeeping interest from the perspective of education. "We have an opportunity twice a month for applied learning at the apiary and theory learning from those who come to speak," said Marygael. "We're very serious about that; that people have strong foundations in their understanding and their education. I feel it's very important that we do no more harm to bees." She encourages people[...]
Is There a Pergola in Your Future?
As summer approaches, our thoughts naturally turn to spending as much time outside as possible, and why not? Colorado has some of the best weather conditions in the country, with warm, bright days and cool, comfortable evenings. We want to make the most of these ideal conditions by turning to our backyards, oases of pleasure in our busy lives. One of the best ways to take advantage of your backyard retreat is to give it focus and purpose with a pergola. Recently, Eric Veronesi of the DeckTec team gave us a few minutes to talk about the ageless beauty and function of owning a pergola. "I have a pergola on the back of my house," said Eric. "It's south-facing and cuts down on the sun with pretty tightly spaced beams, and in the middle of the summer the space is definitely cooler." He said that this shade, while not as totally weather resistant as a covered deck, provides a nice amount shade and air circulation. Other benefits of pergolas that Eric pointed out include: Creating focal[...]
Rolling Out The Red Carpet for Hummingbirds
Wild Birds Unlimited, in Lakewood on Wadsworth Boulevard, is a wonderful shop of all things birding. There are books and videos, birdhouses and feeders. The shop has a resident cat, Oliver, and as you wander the aisles, the happy chirping of recorded bird sounds help sooth your stresses away. It's no wonder, then, that when we write a blog post about birds of all kinds, our first stop is to Wild Birds and owner, Scott Menough. Recently, we talked with Scott about the hummingbird season, which is full on at this point. Hummingbird Season "April 15th," said Scott on a chuckle. "Years ago I wrote an article for the Denver Post and I said April 15 is hummingbird day. Of course the first hummingbirds we usually hear about arrive closer to April 8, but nobody remembers that date. Everyone remembers April 15. It's much more fun to get your hummingbird feeder out on that date than to think about paying your taxes." Scott said that hummingbirds are one of the most popular first birds to watch[...]
Anticipating A New Deck
Dear DeckTec Friends, I hope you don't mind my talking in first person today. Just wanted to tell you about the new deck the team at DeckTec is putting in for us. I am so excited! Spring is a great time for new beginnings, and so it is no wonder much of the work DeckTec does is ordered in February and March. Their maintenance and construction teams are in full swing by May and are likely to be busy right through Halloween. My deck started as an annual walk through with Vince. We checked out a few backyard projects, some walkways that need maintenance and the like. As we came around front I mentioned wistfully how nice it would be if my front entry could look as nice as the back, where five years ago, DeckTec built what has become a showpiece for our back yard; a roof-covered deck. For five years we have enjoyed many happy gatherings on deck, and my husband has barbecued year round out there. Friends and family have been very complimentary[...]
Be a Water-Wise Gardener This Summer
Quick. What's one of the simplest, most effective tools to help keep a healthy lawn this summer? While you're thinking this question over, let's talk about the good news. The major drought that had us all wondering if and when we could comfortably water our lawns is on the downswing. However, whether you're new to the area or you've lived in Colorado a long time, being permanently aware of water use is a big responsibility for everyone who enjoys the Art of Outdoor Living. According to Travis Thompson, Denver Water Spokesperson, Colorado is considered a dry state, and it is up to all of us to be living within water-wise constraints. "Our customers did a really good job last year," said Travis. "We reached our conservation goals which put us in a better position to keep providing a healthy water supply to everyone. We just want to remember that conservation isn't an emergency drought response, but a way of life for anyone who lives here." Therefore, beginning May first and lasting through the fall, water use[...]
Spring Into Training With Your Dog
They shed, yet we love them. They often suffer "doggie breath," but it doesn't matter. If you're like most pet parents, there is no truer saying than that dogs are man's best friend. No wonder. Dogs (or any furry pet) can help lower your blood pressure, calm your anxiety, and even help get you dates. So why not take your doggie-caregiver relationship to the next level? Now is a great time to head out to your back yard and enjoy some quality training time with Champ. We spoke with Ted Terroux of Terroux Dog Training recently to get some tips and tricks for working well with your dog. First, the notion that you can't "teach an old dog new tricks" is, "a complete fallacy," said Ted. "We recently had two older dogs, perhaps 10 and 12, complete our basic training program successfully. Their owners had adopted them later in life. It took a little longer, but they still learned their stuff." Training Starts With Reward Management One of the keys to training your dog is to[...]
10 Great Ways to Vacation Near Home This Year
Is there something the rest of the world knows about Colorado that we don't? Nearly sixty million people visit our state each year to enjoy the weather, mountains, and other great attractions we have to offer. This is, after all, the land that inspired "America the Beautiful," micro-brewing as an up and coming cottage industry, and hiking in our wonderful "Fourteeners" (A fourteener is a mountain whose peak sits above 14,000 feet). Why shouldn't we "natives" enjoy some of this fun? Perhaps this is the summer you choose to stay close to home for your vacation time. Or maybe you're looking for a quick weekend get away that won't put you out-of-pocket and late for work on Monday. Here are ten attractions unique to Colorado you can enjoy right here in the Denver area. So make the most of life just off your deck and enjoy touring near home: Parks and Outdoor Walks 1) Red Rocks State Park Just 15 miles west of Denver, Red Rocks pulls people from all around to listen to great music[...]
Dealing with the Wicked Old Weeds of the West
Faster than a controversial Twitter chain, more powerful than a Political Action Committee—Look! Down on the ground. It's a lawn, it's a garden, it's weeding time again! Yep. Weeds. Those persistent party crashers of everyone's yard are beginning to pop up once again. Before you run for your shovel or your sprays, let's make a plan for weeding that will have you enjoying your yard this year, instead of cursing the amount of work you have to do in it. What is a Weed? It's always good to start with a definition. A botany college professor once said that a rose planted in the wrong place could be called a weed. Any plant growing where you don't want it, is a weed. But seriously, here in Colorado we have a selection of nearly 100 species of wild plants growing in competition with our lawns and gardens. Dandelions, bindweed, thistles and more make their presence known from April through the end of the growing season, and gardeners are always on the lookout for more. Preventing Weeds One[...]
Featuring Water in Your Yard
Are you looking for something a little different in your back yard this year? Do you need a relaxing sound to listen to at the end of your busy day? Have you been thinking about having fish as alternative pets to allergy-inducing dogs or cats? Perhaps now is the time for you to consider the beauty and benefits of installing a water feature in your yard. Recently, we caught up with water feature specialist, Shane Hemphill to talk about what it takes to put in a beautiful fountain, waterfall or other feature. Shane has over 20 years experience in the business, and four years ago, started his own company, Art of the Yard. "There are a lot of choices in water features," said Shane. "I break them up into the following categories: Tabletop, or small fountains Contemporary features, like walls with water flowing down Pondless waterfalls, where the waterfall disappears into a rock formation Natural Eco-System, which balances water, fish, plants and filtration systems Lakes, retaining ponds, ice rinks and other large projects." These backyard additions[...]
It’s Baby Time—Let’s Keep Our Hands Off
Shh! Someone may be sleeping nearby. It's baby time in Colorado and our state is enjoying a burst of new births. But just as with humans, wild baby animals need to be treated with care. Jennifer Churchill, public information officer for Colorado's Parks and Wildlife, spent some time with your friends at DeckTec to update us on best nursery practices in the wild. "This time of year, the end of March through April, is baby season," said Jenn. "We can see all sorts of wonderful wildlife right now, especially baby birds and small mammals, out and about. The best thing to do when you see a baby critter is to let it be." Jenn said she realized this is difficult, because, as humans we want to nurture and care for babies, but Mother Nature looks after them pretty well. Jenn broke the animals you may see into these categories and care suggestions: Birds and Raptors "While it is a myth that touching a baby bird will scare its parents away permanently, you should still leave it[...]
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