Rose Cottage Ltd

I noticed this past Friday morning that the water in one of my birdbaths was frozen over for the first time this year. Considering the still-lingering drought of 2011, birds are a bit desperate for clean, clear water to drink. My Winter garden purchase this year might just be one of these heated birdbaths.

This All-Seasons Heated Deck Bath tilts up to empty – cleaning couldn’t be easier!

The tilting, steel mounting bracket fits deck rails up to 6 inches wide. For winter use, a thermostatically controlled heating system is contained within the basin and keeps water ice-free to -20 degrees F. In warm weather, the cord tucks under the basin to keep it out of sight. 3-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty.

Basin 20 inches in diameter, 2 inches deep. 150 watts, 6 inch cord.

Wild birds also like to “bathe” not just drink during Winter weather – help them out with a little warm water to use!

Molded of durable resin to withstand all temperatures and conditions. This All-Seasons Heated Bath has a hollow pedestal for weighting with sand or gravel and a heating system that’s built right into the bowl for winter use.

Basin is 20 inches in diameter, 2 inches deep, 26-1/2 inches tall. 150 watts with a 6 inch cord under the basin.

I’ve actually seen birds sitting on a frozen birdbath trying to tap their way through to the water. Water is just as essential for birds as it is for humans – especially during often dry Winter weather…

Take $10 Off Purchase of $85 or more! Shop at duncraft.com.

I’m not much of a shopper. I’m a retailer’s nightmare since I have plenty of sales resistance. But every once and awhile I do find some items that I need, I buy, and I am never sorry I have them. You can’t ask more from a shopping experience than that.

Here are a few garden tools that certainly come in handy and get a LOT of use…

The OXO Good Grips Garden Knife features a unique, non-slip handle for strength and comfort. OXO’s version of the all-time favorite Hori-Hori… perfection!

Made of durable, high-quality stainless steel, this versatile tool is great for propagating, transplanting, weeding and more. Measurements on the blade help determine distance when planting, and the serrated edge is perfect for splitting roots, cutting twine, and opening bags. Store safely in its sheath with a belt clip for easy transport.

This Bully Tools Dirt Ripper Garden Cultivator gives professional results with one of the best landscaping and gardening tools available. Do your part to protect the environment! Help preserve the environment by weeding without chemicals, watering, with less run-off while cultivating, edging, and aerating without the use of fossil fuels. Best of all….they’re Made in America!

This cultivator breaks up hard-packed soil up to 8” deep! Features: 8” chiseled steel times No twisting or bending required Cultivate flower beds and gardens quickly.

The Fold-A-Cart (6 Cubic Feet) is a Lightweight, Tough Multi-Purpose Cart. The 150 pound capacity cart is ideal for gardening around the home or cottage. It’s easy to maneuver and it isn’t hard on your back. The deep, durable tub keeps the load contained, while the two-wheel design keeps it balanced and prevents tipping.

Its handle height has been set at a position that is ergonomic to take the strain out of lifting and dumping. It’s also narrow enough to fit through interior doors, so bring your firewood right to the box! The tub is leak proof so you can even bathe the family dog! When you’re done, simply hose it down and fold it up. It requires 20% of the space a conventional wheelbarrow uses. Also available in a 200-lb capacity.

And here’s one for when you finally sit down after a hard day’s work in the garden!

How about a
Old Tool Box for carrying refreshments to your garden table?

This old rustic tool box from Uwharrie is crafted from hand selected pressure treated solid pine lumber, painted and lightly distressed for a beautiful, weathered antique look. All Uwharrie products require no additional protection from the elements. Exposure to weather will enhance their rustic appearance, but will not damage them.

For a limited time get 10% Off on your entire order:

I was surprised to see a temperature reading of 103 on my property’s weather station yesterday. The sensor was in full sun at the time, but this is still an incredibly hot day for Central North Carolina – last day of May.

I tested the water in my two bird baths around 2pm and found the water – which I had just refreshed on Sunday – at near body temperature to me. This means a not-so-refreshing break for the birds. Refilled with clean, fresh, and cold water, by the time I was redoing the second bird bath, it was standing-room-only at the first one.

No time like the present to encourage those who don’t have already to get a bird bath for your outdoor garden area. Great for them, and a good feeling for you to know you are providing a little blessed relief from the heat for all your feathered friends. Here are some really nice bird baths from my favorite Plow & Hearth:

Birdbath, 2-piece set

A celebration of topiary art, sculpted in stoneware pottery. Local artisans employ old-fashioned hand techniques to produce pottery of the highest quality, craftsmanship and detail. Each beautiful piece will make a lasting impression in your garden for years to come.The graystone birdbath, with lock-on top, includes an illustrated card that describes how to create a topiary garden. Classic graystone is a natural complement to your shade garden or other landscaping.

With this Two-Tier Fountain Birdbath
17-3/4″ dia. x 31-1/2″H You’ll provide needed nourishment while you relax to the soothing sight and sound of water in motion, no wiring or installation needed. The built-in solar panel circulates water whenever the sun shines. Includes one gentle shower and one bubbling fountain head. Stainless steel construction with real antique copper finish.

The Telford Birdbath with its clean lines and beautiful detail highlights the unique iron glaze, creating the look of a well-loved, time-worn accent.

22″ in height.

Whether you chose the Fern Planter or the Fern Garden Birdbath, each beautiful piece will make a lasting impression in your garden for years to come.Mossy, hand-carved stone detailed with woodland flora gives our Fern Garden Birdbath a simple, earthy look. Its natural style and finish make it the perfect complement to your woodland or shade garden. Fern Planter sold separately.

Available Color: Aged Moss

Still one of my all-time favorites…The Fisherboy Sundial Birdbath!

With this both decorative and functional birdbath, his pole tracks the time on the Roman numeral sundial while the bowl is the perfect depth for birds to bathe.

Landscape like a Pro – give your birds a cool break, and check out the new hammocks and new garden accessories from Plow & Hearth – Products for Home, Hearth, Yard, & Garden.

Whether you’re roughing it in the wilderness or perched poolside at your child’s swim meet, you can protect yourself from potentially dangerous insects that can cause West Nile virus, Lyme disease and malaria just by relaxing in this Insect Shield® TravelChair with Insect Shield Repellent Technology.

The chair fabric is infused with a human-made version of the natural, odorless insect repellent permethrin, derived from chrysanthemums. It repels mosquitoes, ticks, flies and fleas and lasts through six months of constant exposure to sun and rain. Safe for infants, children and pregnant or nursing women.

I think I might get one of these for my lake property – but probably not until AFTER my mother’s visit! Might help keeping fishing trespassers away though…

Do your own research for the perfect 2011 new garden “animal”…or get your own Alligator

Home & Garden Fountains and Statues

While planning a paver stone design for my new backyard patio I stumbled upon a great tool from Eldorado Stone and Eldorado Outdoor.

Photo

Click anywhere on their “gallery” links and you will have a pretty handy design tool at the ready. They show “before” and “after” views of some really nice outdoor kitchens – the main focus being upgrading with Eldorado Stone products. But, the design tool itself, with a short learning curve, might come in handy for anyone in design-stage of an outdoor living or kitchen area.

There goes a couple hours of my Saturday morning – but time planning is always time well spent.

Read more about creating your own outdoor living space on the Rose Cottage Ltd website.

Nature Hills online is a great place to learn about plants. On every product page they include plant size, plant color, location recommendations, flower colors, foliage colors, and a variety of suggested uses. Plus, you see photos that show you exactly what the plant looks like.

For low-maintenance color in your garden – particularly for a spot with low shade – think Hosta. Below are just a few of the varieties available from Nature Hills Nursery. Grab your free Nature Hills Nursery Catalog and start planning your 2011 garden!

PS: “Spring” your clock forward one hour, March 13th, 2011…

Hosta – Patriot	Hosta – Flavocircinalis
Hosta – Minuteman	Hosta – Paradigm
Hosta – T-Rex	Hosta – T-Rex
Hosta – Albomarginata	Hosta – Big Daddy
Hosta – Francee	Hosta – Golden tiara
Hosta – Guacamole	Hosta – Liberty
Hosta – Patriot	Hosta – Revolution
Hosta – Sun Power	Hosta – Touch of Class
Hosta – Bressingham Blue	Hosta – Wide Brim
Hosta – Francee	Hosta – Fragrant Bouquet
Hosta – Paul’s Glory	Hosta – August Moon
Hosta – Lancifolia	Hosta – Wide Brim

White With Green Metal Roof by Heartwood. Also available with a solid copper roof.

Four-sided with reverse board and batten vertical siding with side modules of beveled horizontal siding and eyebrow gables. Each of the eight compartments is functional for roosting or nesting. Roof comes off for easy cleaning. Mounting bracket and screws provided.

Dimensions 15″ x 15″ x 27″ with 2-1/4″ Hole.

Heartwood – Victorian Mansion – White With Green Metal Roof

Gardening Essentials: Perfect Patios and Terraces

Use fire pits to make any patio a dream escape.

Birds have been around all Winter, but they will really appreciate the supplies you have ready for them come Spring. Save up to 75% and shop for some fantastic outdoor “food” items from National Geographic!