Rose Cottage Ltd

Well, I’ve had about 1 day so far since the first day of Spring on Tuesday, that it didn’t feel like mid-summer instead. I’ve already pulled a tiny tick from its biting location, have seen a snake or two around the property, and have closed windows and turned on the A/C to combat heavy pollen.

Time to check my Neem supply for 2012…

There is a Botanical Outdoor Spray. You’ll want a bottle of this on hand if you plan to do any walking, hiking, working in weeded areas, in fact, for almost anything you do that puts you in or around tall grass. If you don’t use one of these products beforehand, chiggers WILL find you.

If you prefer, there is also a gel product – same effectiveness.

If you get chiggers – sometimes they come out earlier than anyone can predict, apply the Neem gel or spray – immediately! It may take a day or two, but it will kill the chiggers and keep them from spreading everywhere.

I posted a product article and link on this in May 2011 so things are happening earlier this year due to the warmer-than-usual temperatures. This year I’m posting in March. In June and July last year, many people were out looking for a product to repel chiggers – too late for most unfortunately.

Shipping is fast from Neem Tree Farms, but don’t push your luck. The product is around $14 per bottle and worth having at your home – before you need it.

Don’t forget your pets! CoCo has, in the DBN, (Days Before Neem) experienced a bad itching attack that I KNOW was chiggers! If you’re taking your dog with you on walks and hikes, don’t forget to protect them as well with Neem Pet Care.

TGIF!

Last year’s resin birdbath didn’t make it too well through even a mild 2011/2012 Winter. This year’s selection will not have the same problem.

The resin birdbath developed cracks near the base early on – making it a chore to keep it full of clean water. Repeated attempts to repair the cracks were temporarily successful at best. Sometimes you just need a better product. With temperatures expected in the 90s sometime this coming week – this was good timing for the birdbath solution.

This heavy concrete model is also not going anywhere on days when the winds coming from the adjacent open pasture can meet or exceed 50 mph during Spring and summer storms.

These 2 sweaters and Aran sweater vest were some of the most popular products on the Rose Cottage Ltd blog in 2011. The good news is, all 3 are on sale right now from Hammacher Schlemmer!

Cooler evenings are not past us just yet and a nice warm sweater at great savings is always a good thing!

Was $129.95 – now only $79.95! Huge savings!

The Dingle Peninsula Fishing Sweater provides the same exceptional warmth and durability required by fishermen plying the waters of the Dingle Peninsula. Traditionally synonymous with Ireland’s fishing trade, this crew-neck sweater is knitted in County Kildare from 100% wool with a generous rib stitch, forming a naturally lofty cable pattern that keeps out the cold while evoking a centuries-old Irish maritime motif of a wish of safety and good luck for fishermen. Its suede shoulder and elbow patches are faithful to the self-reliant, resourceful nature of the country’s fisherfolk, who were known to sew patches onto their “jumpers” for reinforcement against the wear and tear of hauling ropes and nets over the shoulders.

Was $149.95 – now only $59.95! Quantities limited!

This WWII Mechanic’s Sweater is reminiscent of the original A-1 mechanic’s sweater worn by USAAF ground crews during World War II. Favored for its overlapping v-neck that pulled easily over mechanics’ overalls, it was originally made from worsted wool, but this one is improved by using 100% cotton for comfort. Like the original, it uses a rib-and-rack weave on the cuffs and waistband that provides a relaxed fit, allowing ease-of-movement, one of the reasons it was worn by wartime mechanics as well as the pilots they supported. Enhanced for modern wear, the sweater includes suede elbow patches for durability and a button-down shawl collar for locking out the cold.

Over 50% Off! Was $129.95 – now only $59.95!

This Irish Aran Sweater is a machine-washable sweater vest knitted with a traditional Aran design that originated in the early 19th century among the fisherfolk of Ireland’s west coast. The vest’s tight cable, honeycomb, and basket stitch patterns evoke images of the fisherman’s rope (a sign of safety and good luck when fishing), just reward for hard work (like the hardworking bee), and the fisherman’s basket (hopes for an abundant catch). It is made in County Mayo in the country’s northwest from the fleece of Merino sheep, renowned for its durability, water resistance, and insulating properties.

To use the more Irish-approved comment on the day!

We got a start on this month of Irish celebration a few days ago with some products from ShopIrish.com.

Here are a few more ideas on great gifts for St. Paddy’s Day…

Perfect for porch, garden or hearth this whimsical Leprechaun Hat Planter will add a fun Irish touch indoors or out.

Resin.

11″W x 9″ H.

Mischievous Celtic Gnome – Reading

This happy wee guy donned his green outfit for reading. His other friends can be found either kneeling or standing next to their Celtic mushrooms and shamrock covered base.

Approx. 7″ tall.

Resin/stone mix.

First Day of Spring is March 20, 2012. There will be plenty of “solar” coming soon and here’s a St. Patrick’s Day gift that will be appreciated:

Solar Leprechaun For The Garden

By day this verdigris leprechaun is a charming garden accent, and by night his lamp, powered by solar cells, provides up to 12 hours of illumination.

Resin. Total height 21″ on a 7″ wide base.

Instructions for Solar Leprechaun – Remove pole and push light on to one end. Insert pole back into base. Remove film covering solar panel. Note that there is an on/off switch below rim of lantern. The switch is always in the off position for shipping. Move the switch to the on position before placing lantern on pole.

Check the web site for details on free shipping in March – but don’t delay…St. Paddy’s Day is just over 2 weeks away…

Find out more about what goes on in Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day…

If you want to get a quick fix on the personality of any garden, or on any gardener for that matter, have a look at their selection of garden planters.

Other than some desert-type gardens where you can almost plant and walk away, it takes work and consistency to keep a garden alive. I always feel bad when I see small plants sitting in someone’s yard, still in the small plastic containers they were sold in – usually with the plants showing great signs of distress. So for those who take an active role in their garden, planters – which can be moved to adapt to weather and sun requirements – are a good half-way measure between backhoe-level landscaping and those little plastic pots.

Here are a few I really like for 2012…

This Weathered Rust Brunello 26-inch Planter is a lightweight planter hand crafted through an exclusive eight-step process. Using only the highest-grade resin and innovative technology makes these planters lightweight and incredibly durable.

The exclusive anti-shock manufacturing process provides years of enjoyment. Weatherproof & UV-Protected deep inner lip enhances durability.

Lightweight and incredibly durable with a 10 Year Warranty to never Fade, Crack, or Chip.

The Victorian Parasol Hanging 20-inch Bronze Planter is sure to be a point-of-interest wherever it hangs with its elegant design that will bring a touch of sophistication to your patio or deck area.

For a unique accent piece, this planter will accommodate a variety of flowers in its 14 or 20″ inch pot. The design of this planter has a basket, surrounded by curved metal finished with an upside-down parasol base.

This Victorian Parasol Planter can be hung from the three attached chains.

This Aged Moss Arbor Bowl Planter would fit in well on my rather rustic country property.

The Wildwood Collection features large and free tree leaves that wrap around the pedestal and bowl, mirroring the environment that surrounds us. The relief is touched with a mossy green compelling your eye to blend the sculpture in the foreground with the leafy growth in the background.

The expert finish given the Arbor Planter Bowl and Pedestal allow it to blend naturally with its surroundings.

Handcrafted and made in America from high-fired Terra Cotta. Outdoor use – but bring inside before freezing temps hit.

The Thames Bowl Planter was originally created as a special commission for London’s County Hall.

For more than twenty years, skilled designers, craftsmen and engineers have been producing decorative plant containers and architectural features for homes, gardens, hotels and public buildings around the world.

High Quality Fiberglass planter – 40″ in diameter; 20 inches high.

Maintenance Free Material: Fiberglass Frost proof, but not “freeze-proof.”

Over a 1,000 possible choices from large square planters to amphora planters….wine not included…

March is a busy month:

- Daylight Savings Time begins March 11, 2012
- St. Patrick’s Day is March 17, 2012
- First day of Spring is March 20, 2012

I posted some pithy Irish saying plaques, etc. in a post last year – most of which are still available from ShopIrish.com.

Here are a few new items for gardeners who like a bit of Irish flair, and also some Irish-oriented gift ideas for anyone on your shopping list with a St. Patrick’s Day birthday. I have one on mine, so always keep an eye out for things uniquely Irish.

This guy is still one of my favorites!

This Garden leprechaun has an empty pot of gold that’s just the right size to hold your favorite plant.

Richly detailed weather resistant resin.

Size: 7.5″D x 12″W x 17″H

Leprechaun Planter

And here’s his friend!

This delightful character is at home in the garden, patio or porch.

Perched on his pot of gold this wee fellow captures the essence of Irish charm.

Weather resistant resin.

14 inches tall.

Garden Leprechaun

Perfect for those cool Spring evenings and a great personalized gift!

Subtle shamrocks have been woven into this 100% cotton throw. 48″ x 68″ made and embroidered in the USA.

Don’t forget to include name requested for this personalized item. Allow 3-4 weeks so you may not get this there right on the day – but the thought will be appreciated nonetheless!

Personalized Shamrock Throw

If you’re looking for a great St. Patrick’s Day gift and know someone who loves silver jewelry, this Trinity Knot ring will certainly be a big hit!

Uniquely fashioned design where the Trinity knot and the band are interwoven to form this contemporary ring.

Made in the USA.

Whole sizes only 6 – 10.

Interwoven Silver Knot Ring

Hundreds of other items available for home and garden, jewelry, glassware, gourmet food products and more – all from Shop Irish – a great online resource for quality Irish gifts! Check out their shipping deals for order placed by March 1st…

Here are several great software packages for landscape, garden, and outdoor living space design. If you’re in a hurry – one or two of these are available for immediate download…have fun!

Recalling the hardwood platform rockers from the early 1900s, this glider furniture is made from sturdy weatherproof Brazilian eucalyptus.

Eucalyptus has a Janka hardness rating of 1,125–30% higher than mahogany–making it one of the densest, strongest woods in the world. Eucalyptus natural oils and tight grain prevent damage from rain, mold, and termites, allowing confident outdoor storage. The eucalyptus is kiln dried to enhance its durability, and the furniture is crafted with hardwood doweling and stainless steel hardware to ensure years of reliable use. A ball bearing suspension system provides smooth, relaxed gliding forward and backward with minimal effort. Left alone, the wood will develop a unique silvery gray patina, or it may be oiled to retain its original appearance.

Glider Bench. 48″ W x 26″ D x 36″ H.

NOTE: Brazilian Eucalyptus Glider Chair is also sold separately.

I took a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia a couple years ago and immediately noticed the distinct Williamsburg/Colonial style. Thankfully, this historic tourist area has made a conscious effort to retain architectural elements of its past – most of which would not be out of place in quaint, old, and from what we hear – Merry England.

Here are some items you might choose to add a touch of Colonial Williamsburg to your yard or garden…

The Williamsburg Pineapple 2 Tier Fountain is beautifully designed with inspiration deriving from Colonial Williamsburg.

A beautiful pineapple, a symbol of friendship and hospitality, sits atop the highest tier of the Williamsburg Pineapple 2 Tier Fountain. Water flows out the very top of the pineapple, into the top tier just before overflowing the top tier and gracefully falling into the grand tier below. A beautiful accent piece for your garden that will create a symbol of history, friendship, and hospitality, the Williamsburg Pineapple 2 Tier Fountain is sure to be the one piece your guests can simply never forget.

Taking off into the sky, this little three pound bird adds a playful nature to any garden while it flies amongst the flowers and grasses.

The Williamsburg Flying Bird comes with a 36 inch steel pole making it easy to “plant” in your gardens and move from place to place to create accents anywhere you choose.

Bring a touch of the sea into your garden or outdoor area with the Williamsburg Seaside Birdbath.

Standing at 23.75 inches tall, the Williamsburg Seaside Birdbath is the perfect choice for your outdoor area. Sea shells adorn the entire top on the Williamsburg Seaside Birdbath. The sea shells continue down the pedestal of the birdbath and onto the very bottom of the pedestal. The textured pedestal makes it seem as if you have collected this treasure at the beach and brought it home for your own special collection!

Order 2 or more of this planter and receive 30% Off!

With its grand scale and classic garland embellishments, the Williamsburg Neoclassic Urn Garden Planter makes an impressive statement in any garden or patio setting. You’ll love the timeless beauty this premium, cast stone planter brings to your outdoor decor.

The Williamsburg Delft Dog is another item in the Williamsburg Collection. The Williamsburg Delft Dog’s inspiration comes from the whimsical tin-glazed ceramics in Colonial Williamsburg’s extensive antiques collection.

The Williamsburg Delft Dog is based on a hand painted figure. Great for any garden decor. Manufactured with exceptional detail, your new puppy measures 13.5 inches tall and weighs 32 pounds.


There’s one for cat lovers too: Williamsburg Delft Cat. Most items with Free Shipping in the US…

Here are a few suggestions for resources that will familiarize you with local nature and wildlife – wherever you might plan to travel in the US this coming vacation season. I’ve made the point before for hikers to “Know your Local Snakes” before heading out to tramp in unfamiliar territories. Better to know what might be there “before” rather than “after.”

This National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Birds of North America will come in handy – even for the estimated 60 million people who identify themselves as bird-watchers, and most hone their skills right in their own backyards.

Vivid illustrations of 150 common species make identification a snap.

And how many times have you spotted a tree and had no idea what it was?

The National Geographic Field Guide to the Trees of North America will certainly help!

Ideal for backpacks and back pockets, this indispensable reference makes it easy to identify any tree commonly encountered in North America—more than 350 species in all. It’s a natural for birders, hikers, and other outdoorsy types, but even confirmed urbanites will find plenty of information on city trees as well.

Hundreds of gift ideas and titles for you at the National Geographic Online Store:

+ Shop National Geographic’s Best Selling Gifts!

+ SAVE $30 on The Complete National Geographic! Every page of every issue in digital format.

+ Great Migrations DVD & book: buy them together and SAVE 50%!