The Hidden Health Benefits of Winter Outside
As temperatures dance around the bottom of our thermometers this winter, you may want nothing more than to crawl inside under a blanket and forget about going outdoors. You may want to wait until the crocuses pop up once more in springtime before venturing out. No one can blame you for this, but try to think things over again. Enjoying the great outdoors, even in your back yard, offer opportunities to enjoy a healthier winter this year. First, consider air quality. We spoke with Dr. Jennifer DenBlyker of Fluid Chiropractic who said that breathing in outdoor air is better for you than working with the recycled air of homes and offices. "It may be uncomfortable to breathe cold air," said Dr. Jen. "This is because air needs to be filtered and warm. Try to breathe in through your nose at all times, as this will heat the air properly for your lungs." She also recommended pulling a scarf around your face and nose in the coldest weather. "That way you have another layer of heat and[...]
Winter Care for the Denver Garden
On one day, temperatures skyrocket into the sixties, and the next, they plummet to zero. The sun blazes away for weeks, and then suddenly hides behind a wall of grey clouds. Welcome to a Denver winter season. And with climate change, no stable temperatures or weather conditions are likely for some time to come. What's a gardener to do with this situation? Are there ways to ensure that your yard survives the roller coaster of temperatures and precipitation? Recently, we had a chance to check in with local landscape designer, Annie Houston, of Columbine Design, Inc., a sister company to Birdsall & Co. She helped level out what good gardeners should do to keep a healthy yard and garden throughout the winter. "The most important thing to remember," said Annie, "is that gardeners need to trust their own green thumbs, and then, of course, to water even in the winter." She said that the amount of snow we receive in this part of the country is not enough to feed the roots of any new[...]
What Is The Best Grade Of Wood For My Deck?
Wood. We knock on it for luck. We walk on it for support. We make furniture, boxes, and all sorts of useful items from this readily available commodity. There is a timeless beauty to wood, even in the age of technology. So why would anyone consider using any other material to build the centerpiece of their back yard—the backyard deck? Recently, we had the chance to talk with Marketing Manager, Kelly Lusa, of the California Redwood Company (CRC) to go over why a wood deck still makes great sense for the beauty and value of your home. "You can't go wrong with redwood for a deck," said Kelly. She explained that of all the options available for people wanting to build a deck, this is one of the best. "Redwood's a product known for its beauty and sustainability. It's also easy to work with, and if installed by someone who knows what they're doing, a redwood deck can last for decades." Kelly mentioned other kinds of wood a homeowner could invest in, such as Ipe,[...]
Keep your ideas organized
There's no doubt that when you're in the process of planning your new outdoor living space that you'll be doing quite a bit of research. It may involve perusing the Internet or making a Saturday afternoon outing to a variety of home and garden material stores. Here are some handy apps and web sites we think will help you capture and organize your ideas: 1. Pinterest. Are you pinning? This web site is the modern day equivalent of clipping all those dreamy photos out of home & garden magazines. Organize your boards by features, styles, concepts or anything else you can think of. 2. Evernote. This app is great because it integrates with both your smart phone and your desktop computer, allowing you to take notes on the go and access the files when you get home. One of the most handy features is the ability to tag both notes and images so you can keep them organized by type. Download the app: Apple | Android 3. QR Code readers. Everyone's beginning to use these funky[...]
7 tips to make the most of your home show visit
It's home show time! Are you ready? We are very excited about participating in the annual Colorado Home and Garden Show for the 24th consecutive year. It kicks off this weekend at the Colorado Convention Center and we'll be there looking for YOU! Whether you're a seasoned home show veteran or this is new territory to you, here are some tips on how to get the most out of your home show experience: Have a reason. Whether you're attending for inspiration or you have a specific project in mind, know why you are spending time at the show in the first place. With almost 700 exhibitors, there is surely something for everyone. Make a plan. Now that you know why you're going, grab a floor plan and a cup of coffee and plan out your time at the show. Have an idea of which exhibitors (or which types of vendors) you want to visit and find out where they are located on the show floor. From there, you can formulate a plan of attack. Be sure[...]
Colorado, Coyotes, & You
Just about every science and science fiction magazine has a list of "species most likely to survive the Apocalypse." If you want to expand your list of cockroaches and crows, you may want to think about the coyote. This venerable member of the canine family is smart, adaptable, curious, and much more, according to Jennifer Churchill, Public Information Officer of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife department. Far from being on anyone's endangered species list, Jenn says you can find coyotes just about anywhere. "These animals have recorded populations in every state, except Hawaii," said Jenn. "And with Hawaii, there very well could be one stowed away on a ship headed that way." She explained that coyotes, while once a native of the plains areas, are highly adaptable and have become prolific around human populations. Here in Colorado the coyote population is such that it would be as easy to estimate the number of squirrels living here. Our human population seems to have a love-hate relationship to these animals. In rural areas, coyotes are shy creatures, easily[...]
2014 Out Your Back Door New Year’s Resolutions
Yes, it's that time of year again to sit down and take stock. Time to think about what's going well in our lives and where we can make improvements. In short, it's time for making our New Year's resolutions. And because DeckTec is focused on making outdoor living a grand experience, we thought we'd put together 14 resolutions to make 2014 the best year yet. Here's what we envision: Get outside more – According to a 2013 article in the Huffington Post, just 20 minutes outside can revitalize your outlook and your energy. Take care of what's yours – Pride of ownership can only take you so far, especially if what you own becomes run down. Get a jump on feeling great by taking good care of your deck with a maintenance service twice a year. Build a closer relationship – Create a good place to talk in your yard with a couple of chairs, a blanket for when the weather is chill, and quiet away from electronics of all kinds. Who knows what you'll[...]
Shooting Photos this Holiday Season
As the holidays approach, everyone likes to run for their cameras. Grandma's hugs need to be captured along with the little ones' joy over gifts and holiday lights. The outdoor sights glisten with snow, and promises of winter adventure. Why not make this year's photos, both indoor and out, look better than ever before? We recently spoke with Lakewood photographer Ben D'Andrea to see how he comes up with his best shots. "Good photography always boils down to composition and light," said Ben. "This lesson is easy to understand, but is an ongoing process of learning the entire time you take photos." After thirty years as a professional photographer, Ben knows a lot about both elements. We asked what to focus on first, and Ben recommended learning about the rule of thirds or the golden mean. "The rule of thirds is a great skill to master because it doesn't matter whether you shoot your photos inside or out, in whatever season you choose," said Ben. He explained that this rule is a matter of training[...]
Cold Weather Getting To You? Try A Fire Pit!
As the thermostat continues to drop over the winter season, it may seem difficult to imagine a great Outdoor Living Experience for you and your family. Yes, you can head to the mountains for a day of skiing or snowshoeing, but what happens when you get home again? Where's the après ski experience? Why not continue your fun with a family gathering around your own fire pit in the back yard? According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are among the most popular outdoor additions with a 97% rating in popularity for 2013. Here are some of the reasons we found for this: Fire pits extend your Outdoor Living season – the added heat, while not enough to warm your entire back yard will keep those gathered at your pit comfortable. Fire pits bring people together—Let's face it. Part of the human experience is to gather close together, share stories, and enjoy each other's company. We have been gathering in fire rituals since time began. Fire pits add beauty[...]
Protect Your Pets This Winter
Pets add so much fun and love in our lives that it is no wonder we have as much as 164 million furry friends throughout homes in the United States.* But as winter's cold and snow keeps us humans inside, it is important to realize that our pets need much of the same sheltering and care. "Our highest times of lost animal intake is after heavy winds, snow, and thunder storms," said Operations Manager Susan Fredinburg of the Humane Society of the South Platte Valley. This low-euthanasia and not-for-profit shelter takes in strays and lost animals from seven cities in the Denver area, and does their best to either reunite a pet with their owner, or prepare the animal for adoption by another family. Susan said that the changing weather conditions she mentioned cause pets to jump backyard fences, dig holes underneath, and generally look for ways to escape their current conditions. Another concern is that pets used to being indoors with owners, or even outdoors in Colorado's hot summer conditions are not acclimated properly[...]
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