Rose Cottage Ltd

A cool 15 degrees in Central North Carolina this morning. Birds will be active later today – searching for food, and for water. Birds expend a LOT of energy this time of year just searching for food so help them out when you can.

Here are a few ideas for backyard bird reinforcement during this current cold weather…none will break the bank, birds will learn that you are a reliable human, and they will stick around your property all year long.

20 Inch EZ Heated Bird Bath

Care for your birds year round with this unique heated bird bath. This simple but durable bath attaches the bird bath to deck rails. Its unique design easily tilts and lifts for cleaning or storing of the bath. Simply undo the catch and tilt the bird bath up for cleaning and draining, or lift straight up to remove the bowl completely.

Provides Ice Free Water. Large 20″. Built in Thermostat Assures Birds Comfort 150 Watts of Power. Ships Fast!

Audubon Deluxe Feeder

Enhance the natural beauty in your yard with this Deluxe Hopper Bird Feeder. Made in the USA.

Birds That Use This Feeder: Cardinals, Chickadees, Finches, Goldfinches, Grackles, Flickers, Grosbeaks, Juncos, Titmice, Redpolls, Kinglets, Mockingbirds, Wrens, Siskins, Sparrows, Jays, Nuthatches, and Woodpeckers.

Type of Seed or Feed Options: Cracked Corn, Sunflower Seed, Safflower Seed, Peanut chunks, Mixed Seed, and Sunflower.

Bird Feeder Details:
Feed Capacity 2.5 Quarts
Dimensions: 9.5″L x 10″W x 13.75″H
Mounting Hang or Pole Mount

Esschert Design Bird Seed Ornament 3 Pk

Compressed Bird Seed ornaments are an ideal adornment for your trees and bushes during the winter. Keep your backyard birds fed and happy with these compressed bird seeds. They come in three different fun shapes with a red ribbon attached for hanging from your trees or bushes. Features: . Ideal for trees and bushes .

Assorted shapes with red ribbon for hanging Item Specifications:

Shapes: House Heart Wreath Dimensions: Large: 5.1″ x 2″ x 6″

Find hundreds of additional items at…

Leaves are changing color and MANY have already fallen in Central North Carolina. The lake is still somewhere around a foot low on rainfall but I’m hoping the remaining fall and then winter season to come will help raise the level of the lake. In the meantime, the geese do not seem concerned that nearly one-third of the water is missing!

Leaves falling on the surface of a lake or pond will add acid. If fish begin to show signs of stress (floating sideways on the surface or fish that seem to be struggling near the surface,) either add aeration as soon as possible or short of that, try to remove as many of the leaves from the lake itself and from any streams or brooks that feed your lake’s water.

Drought conditions of the last few summers have really put your fish – and your investment in them – at risk. A fountain is probably one of the quickest ways to improve lake oxygen levels but you’ll be looking at around $1000 investment in most cases. Keeping dead leaves and other debris out of your lake or pond will still provide long-term improvement in your water feature’s environment.

++ Fountain Mountain

No, I don’t mean global warming! I mean when the nights begin to get cool, the humidity begins to drop, and you want to sit outside and just enjoy the evening. Unfortunately, temperatures seem to go from “just right” to “too chilly” very quickly.

Here are some fire pit products that will allow you to extend your outdoor season this year…

This Gemstone Fire Pit is designed for years Of enjoyment.

The beauty and elegance of The Gem Stone speaks for itself-a masterpiece for your patio! This firepit comes complete with granite on the top and sides. This unit weighs approximately 400 pounds. Choose from a large selection of granite tile available at Dal-Tile for the top and from any of the 4 standard colors for the base.

~ Constructed of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete
~ 90,000 BTU
~ Color Selection

The Summer Nights Fire Pit offers a simple elegance with its smooth round design.

This fire pit is 46″ in diameter and 18″ tall with plenty of room to rest your weary feet. Comes complete with the 90,000 BTU stainless steel burner.

Included With Every Fire Pit: Free Black Vinyl Cover and 6 Outdoor Gas Logs.

~ Constructed of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete
~ 90,000 BTU
~ Various Colors

For those who have a smaller space to heat…

This Chalice Urn Fire Pit might be perfect for you!

+ Constructed of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete
+ 90,000 BTU’s
+ Stainless Steel Burner Assembly
+ Available in 4 Colors
+ Weight: 250 lbs
+ Dimensions: 26.5″ Top Diameter x 35.5″ H x 18″ Bottom Diameter

Check out these and many other selections at Garden.com and right now…

Weather discussions seem to be taking place more often this year due to above-average temperatures in many states, official “drought” conditions in so many counties, and because people are just miserable! We’re about in the middle of hurricane season which has been quiet so far. September and October might change that.

Here are a few home weather stations that will allow you to monitor those sometimes fast-moving summer storms. If you have lousy sinuses as I have, noting sudden barometric pressure changes may enable you to get some OTC sinus capsules going before you lose an afternoon to a sinus pressure headache.

This La Crosse Professional Weather Center will display current weather conditions, warn you of future storms, and much more. Time display (manual setting) •12/24 hour time display •Calendar display (weekday, date, month, year) •Time alarm function •Weather forecasting function with 3 weather icons and weather tendency indicator •Wireless outdoor temperature (°F or °C) •Wireless outdoor humidity (%RH) •Records MIN/MAX temperature and humidity with time and date of recording •Low/High outdoor temperature and humidity alarm •Relative air pressure (inHg or hPa) •Barometric pressure with 12 hour history graph (in inHg or hPa) •LCD contrast selectable •Low battery indicator •Wind direction displayed in 16 steps •Wind speed ( mph, km/h or m/s, and Beaufort scale) •Wind chill ( ° F or ° C) •MAX wind speed with time & date of recording •High alarm function for wind speed •Manual reset of outdoor temperature/ humidity, pressure and windchill data •Total rainfall (inches or millimeters) •Storm warning alarm and more…

At around $128 this station will have you truly informed about your local weather.

If you’re looking for a wireless option with a few less bells and whistles, this $55 La Crosse Wireless Weather Station will do the trick!

Never go outside again to see what the weather is like.

This wireless digital digital forecast station is capable of collecting and electronically transmitting weather data directly into the comfort of your home. The station’s weather-forecasting feature senses barometric pressure over time and adjusts the indicator icons to provide accurate forecasts based on pressure trends.

Features: Detailed Forecast based on changing air pressure, Indoor humidity (%RH) Forecast is 85% accurate for Next 12-20 hours, Indoor & Outdoor Temp.’s displayed in F or C, Air pressure tendency arrow Includes One TX29U-IT remote temperature sensor, Expand up to THREE outdoor temperature transmitters, FREE removable & versatile stand. Suitable for desktop or wall mounting.

If you are mainly concerned about our initial question, “How hot is it?” this weather station will answer that question – and provide a few other weather, time and temperature details. Around $50.

This La Crosse Wireless Thermometer conveniently shows your indoor and outdoor temperatures along with your MIN/MAX value of temperature and automatically adjust date and time.

Features:

•Wireless Outdoor Temperature (°F or °C)
•Monitors Indoor Temperature (°F or °C)
•MIN/MAX Records for Temperature with Time/Date Stamp
•Atomic Time & Date Set Automatically
•Automatically Adjusts for Daylight Saving Time.

Look for these and more options – some wireless – and be in the know with your local weather before it happens! When you’re talking weather, knowledge really is power!

I, like many others, like to keep a fairly close eye on the weather.

In summer I need to know about rain, or not, excessive high temperatures, barometric pressure readings, (for my sinuses!) and in my area, potential hurricane activity. My sister in Florida is practically a weather expert. In her area, heavy rains usually mean flooding – something homeowners and drivers need to know about in advance. In winter, cold snaps, surprise freezes, ice, snow, etc., etc. You can’t control the weather but it certainly is a good subject for that phrase, “Knowledge Is Power.”

I’ve had a wireless weather station at my property for about 7 years now. It’s helpful for many reasons and without it, weather and temperatures would be guess-work…not always good enough when you have animals, vegetable gardens, and a lake to attend to.

Below are a couple weather station selections for your increased knowledge base. Amazingly affordable, and kids can also get really interested in the weather when they have something interactive to watch…education can come in many forms and is always a good thing!

La Crosse Technology. Never go outside again to see what the weather is like. This wireless digital digital forecast station is capable of collecting and electronically transmitting weather data directly into the comfort of your home. The station’s weather-forecasting feature senses barometric pressure over time and adjusts the indicator icons to provide accurate forecasts based on pressure trends. Good value at under $55…

Features Include:

Detailed Forecast based on changing air pressure Indoor humidity (%RH) Forecast is 85% accurate for Next 12-20 hours Indoor & Outdoor Temp.’s displayed in F or C.

Read more…

You’ll spend a bit more at $130, but this ADC (Atmospheric Data Center) unit is showing up everywhere! Whether you’re honing your shooting accuracy or reading the barometric pressure trends when the fish are rising, the ADC Summit lends necessary insight to your outdoor activity.

This portable atmospheric data center gathers and records a variety of key weather conditions, so when you question if you should you stay or you should you go, Summit gives you the data you need to make the call.

Features: Waterproof and submersible . Displays current temperature (°F, °C), current, maximum and average wind speed s(mph, ft/s, m/s, km/h, knots, beaufort) . Wind speed and wind chill alarms . Wind chill and minimum wind chill (°F, °C) .

More info:
Brunton ADC Summit Weather Station

This is similar to the weather station at Rose Cottage…Under $130…

See the Rose Cottage Ltd webcam and weather station data here.

This station will display current weather conditions, warn you of future storms, and much more. Dimensions: Receiver: 8.9″ x 6″ x 1.25″ Thermo-Hygro: 2.25″ x 2.44″ x 6.18″ Rain Sensor: 5.51″ x 2.75″ x 5.39″ Wind Sensor: 9.84″ x 6.45″ x 7.58″ All Features: •Time display (manual setting) •12/24 hour time display •Calendar display (weekday, date, month, year) •Time alarm function •Weather forecasting function with 3 weather icons and weather tendency indicator •Wireless outdoor temperature (°F or °C) •Wireless outdoor humidity (%RH) •Records MIN/MAX temperature and humidity with time and date of recording •Low/High outdoor temperature and humidity alarm…

More info:
La Crosse WS-1612CH-IT Professional Weather Center

If you need graphic “clues” about the weather – this wireless weather station is for you! Under $40…

Multiple Icons- suggest what to wear based on OUT temperature.

Wireless Outdoor Temperature Indoor Humidity (%RH) Indoor Temperature °F or °C Selectable MIN/MAX Temperature & Humidity Atomic Time & Date Set Automatically. Automatically Adjusts for Daylight Saving Time 12 or 24 Hour Time..

More info:
Wireless Temperature Station W/ Advanced Icon

Look for these and many other weather station choices at Garden.com…

Below are a few items that will come in handy at some point for anyone with a “water feature” on their property. Most are not high enough capacity or quantity for a 4-acre lake like mine, but for smaller ponds, etc., these are great ways to enjoy your water while keeping it clean and fresh!

We’re starting off with a great idea for anyone who wants to ADD a water feature – here’s one for under $100!

The Koolscapes Deck Pond Kit creates a Relaxing Environment with the Sound of Trickling Water.

The smartly designed Koolscapes Deck Pond Kit (with Stone Finish) combines the contemporary aesthetic of authentic stone with the enduring longevity of resin. The Koolscapes Deck Pond Kit with Stone Finish is ready to go. It comes with all that you need to set up, pump, riser, and fountain heads. The pond kit construction is UV protected, made to withstand harsh temperatures, at either extreme.

Dimensions: 21″H x 19″D

Aqua Shade Pond Dye is registered by the EPA for effective control of aquatic plant growth.

This is a unique blend of blue and yellow dyes that are specifically designed to screen or shade portions of the sunlight spectrum required by underwater plant and algae growth. This shading stops photosynthesis in young, bottom growth suppressing growth and development of nuisance conditions. A great blend of blue and yellow dyes . Effective at depths of two feet or greater . Inhibition of Planktonic (suspended) algae blooms has also been proven . Desirable, floating leaved plants such as lilies are unaffected.

NOTE: You’ll want to be very specific when looking at the item below. Make sure to buy the right size pump/filtration system for your water capacity. GPM (gallon per minute) sizes other than this shown below are available.

This Fish Mate Pressurized UV/BIO Filter (1000 Gallon) combines UV clarification and biological filtration to guarantee crystal clear, purified pond water.

These external filters can be buried underground or set above ground on a solid surface. Water flows through the filter in front of the UV light, which will cause algae to clump together ensuring clear water. The water then flows through specially developed filter sponge pads that will trap algae clumps and other large particles, then it will flow through the SUPRA biological filter media.

Before you get started on Summer 2012, a test for current water quality might be in order…

A Master Liquid Test/Kit An Essential For Any Water Gardener Pond Care Master Test Kit is a complete kit for testing either tap water or pond water.

Tests water 4 different ways to protect pond fish from dangerous water conditions. Tests include: pH, ammonia, nitrite, and salt. Kit contains instruction book, improved color cards for easier reading, 4 test tubes, and a holding tray.

This item cannot be shipped to either Connecticut or Rhode Island…

Garden.com has hundreds of items use in ponds and lakes – and about a thousand other products to enhance your time spent in the great outdoors!

I like to create what I call “points of interest” on my property. I have a lot to work with on 7 acres and don’t expect to ever have it all “managed” but here are a few products that might help you create a point of interest in your yard or garden. Don’t worry – no pink Flamingos…

I’ve seen these offered at a price of around $300 but this Sun and Moon Sundial is more reasonably priced at just under $70.

Each piece is crafted from rust-free recycled aluminum and carefully finished with weather-resistant paints to withstand any climate. A centerpiece for any garden, the Sun and Moon Sun Dial rests inside a half moon to add dimension to your garden paradise.

The sundial mounts on an optional pedestal or stakes into the ground (stake not included). Item Specifications: Dimensions: 12″L x 8.75″W x 15.5″H Material: 100% recycled, sand case aluminum. Country of Origin: Made in the USA.

I have a few too many turtles around and in my lake already but these garden turtles look pretty harmless.

This Moss Covered Turtle Topiary is highly detailed and uniquely handcrafted and will add elegance and charm to your yard or garden.

The frame, constructed of high quality metal and finished in an elegant matt black powder coating, resists the elements. The Sphagnum Moss is the “soil” you can use for additional plants or you may leave it as is for a more natural design. With every frame being handmade and hand-filled, it makes each topiary an almost one of a kind sculpture.

If you could use a good bell to ring to get the kids inside for dinner, here’s a decorative choice!

The Whitehall Black Country Bell adds a touch of flair and originality to any home. These decorative all-weather products can be used indoors or out.

Bell measures 8 inches in diameter and the bracket is 13 inches.

Okay, I promised no Flamingos…but I do like this particular garden gnome!

This little garden-greeter Gnome is just lying on a log enjoying the garden.

This piece is sure to bring the spirit of adventure to your garden. Made of weather resistant cast-stone resin, this gnome is bound to enchant all who set foot in your garden or yard.

I like this gnome because it is big enough to see! Many small garden ornaments just get lost in a larger yard. Measures 10″ Long x 4.5″ Wide x 19″ High.

+ Memorial Day Sale – $10 off orders $100 or More OR $20 off orders $150 and More at Garden.com! Now through 5/28.

I’m actually in the market for outdoor dining furniture at the moment. I’ve looked at Bistro sets – but most of the tables are just too small for my current need. I found one extraordinary round mosaic table that was about 48″ which would be near-perfect, but they wanted $2500 – just for the tabletop! If I wanted a heavy and expensive Frisbee – and no chairs, that would be just dandy.

Below you’ll find some reasonably-priced outdoor dining options – with chairs!

This Gateleg Patio Table And Stowable Chairs set has appeared on Rose Cottage Ltd before – and for apparently good reasons as it was one of the most popular products of 2011. In fact, if you don’t want to wait for a “backordered” situation, now might be the time to make this purchase.

This compact table set has six chairs that stow under the tabletop for unobtrusive storage. The tabletop leaves fold down and the folding chairs stack neatly between the table legs, allowing the entire set to be stored in less than 9′ sq. of patio space.

The weatherproof set is made from Brazilian eucalyptus that’s 30% harder than mahogany and its natural oils and tight grain prevent damage from rain, mold, and termites. The oval tabletop provides ample room for six adults and the chairs’ backrests and seats provide comfort and stability. Left alone, the wood will develop a unique silvery gray patina, or it may be oiled to retain its original appearance.

For just under $600, this is really good value and beautiful furniture for your deck, patio, or garden.

Sizes:
Table- 30 1/2″ H x 67″ L x 40 1/2″ W
Chair: 32″ H x 19″ W x 19″ L

Another best seller from 2011 is the Trestle Patio Table and Stow Away Chairs.

Similar to the Gateleg table set above, the chairs fold and stack between the two trestle supports, allowing the entire set to be stored within the table’s footprint. The weatherproof table and chairs are made from Brazilian eucalyptus that is 30% harder than mahogany and has natural oils and a tight grain that prevent damage from rain, mold, and termites.

The 40″-wide octagonal tabletop provides ample room for four adults and each chair has a slightly curved backrest and supports up to 300 lbs., ensuring comfort and stability. Left alone, the wood will develop a unique silvery gray patina, or it may be oiled to retain its original appearance.

Just under $400 for this set – and you can order extra chairs if you need them!

Sizes:
Table: 28″ H x 37 3/4″ Diam.
Chair: 34 3/4″ H x 18 1/4″ W x 16 1/2″ L

Need a smaller set for a smaller area? How about some of these Bistro set options?

Here’s the stylish Manchego Round Swirl Bar Bistro Set

With its 30-inch tabletop, this set is perfect in intimate corners or along walkways and it is no surprise why it is the favorite of streetside cafes.

The table originated in France but the name itself is a puzzle. Some say it has Russian origins as it sounds similar to a Russian word for “hurry up.” Others claim it originates from the French word “bistrouille,” a term from Northern France meaning a mixture of coffee and brandy or an inexpensive drink.

Wrought Iron Furniture and cushions shown are included.

Need something a little more contemporary?

Free shipping on this item!

The Vento Wicker Granite Bistro Set comes with a 30″ round granite top and 2 stackable side chairs.

This all weather wicker is constructed using high density Polyethylene resin with color, temperature and UV stabilizers and powder coated aluminum frames.

Sizes
Table: 30″W x 29″H
Side Chairs: 22″L x 33″H x 24″W

Later this week: Potting benches and gardener’s accessories…

+ Hammock recommendations

+ Non-dining outdoor seating options

I have to be honest and say that this 8′ by 8′ Gardener’s Shed would not be large enough to hold all the tools and equipment I need to manage a 7-acre property. However, on the three-quarters acre property I had prior, this gardener’s shed would have been perfect.

The good news is that garden shed kits are also available in sizes 8′ by 12′ and 8′ by 15′. Now we’re talking STORAGE!

Western Red Cedar construction is panelized for quick assembly. Includes 1 fixed window (15″ w x 22″ h) 2×3 Frame Construction Mahogany Veneer on Interior Panels – Cedar Roof with Shingles. Already attached hardware is included (screws and nails)

Ships in About 3 Weeks (click the link below to find out how to get this shed shipped free.) Enhance your outdoor living space, house your tools, create privacy, or use this shed as a workshop or playhouse.

+ The Gardeners Shed 8×8

+ The Gardeners Shed 8×12

+ The Gardeners Shed 8×15

As a child, I remember being worried about that old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

Having the doctor “away” sounded fine to me, but I was worried about how he knew about the apple AND, if this meant he also knew about other things like Halloween candy. My mother eventually explained the meaning of this quotation to me – probably saving me from a potential bout of anorexia!

I’m hoping that seeing a new rose per day would cause no trauma for anyone – so here’s today’s image…

Here’s the first bloom of my favorite rose bush at Rose Cottage for 2012. Incredible scent and I love the color!

Look for all your Spring and Summer garden supplies at Garden.com. First day of Summer 2012 is June 20.