Patriotic Celebration
1. Use front porch banners
2. Hang flags
3. Plant red, & white flowers in pots
4. Decorate with food
5. Create a small nook area for relaxing
6. Include red, white & blue lighting
7. Add candles and vases to make it memorable

Lights, Color, Texture, and so much more.  Adding an umbrella as an accessory with your other patio furniture with lift the mood.  Umbrella's are airy accessories that make a statement.  They provide shade, privacy and structure.  If you are looking to update your outside space adding an umbrella by popping a color of yellow, red, or blue will make a huge impact at your next outdoor gathering.  Great conversation piece. Details matter!

Have you been thinking about getting outside and planting a flower garden, or adding a little bit of charm to your backyard or porch? Here are some simple idea's to freshen up outdoor spaces. 

Front Porch - add color with rugs, potted plants, and other garden accessories. 

Front Door - wreaths made from organic leaves, vines, or metal make a warm entry. 

Birdwatching Hobby For Everyone By: Judith Stanton

Winter Bird Feeders 
Depending on what part of the country you live in, there are a variety of birds, in different, sizes and colors.  Some might even be sitting in your back yard.  It's winter in Nebraska, while the snow is falling with brisk winds, the blue jays are gliding through the air, and landing on frosted branches.  In North America the favorite feedings for birds include peanuts, black oil sunflower seeds, mixed seed, thistle seed, cracked corn, meal worms and fruit.  Homemade bird treats are fun to make with the grand children. Ex. Pine cone with peanut butter rolled in bird seed.  The cone can be hung in the tree with a string.  The bright colors on birds can be easily recognized during the winter months against the snow.  Feather friends are always welcome, and bird watching makes a great hobby for outdoor adventures. 

A little elbow grease, and preparation in your garden will ensure a beautiful garden for spring.  Now is the time, to remove the dead twigs, leaves, flowers, and weeds. It's time to clean up the old unwanted growth and put the garden to bed. USDA Planting recommends specific zones during each season. Check out what zone you live in. Removing the debris, racking, washing and putting away the lawn furniture is all in a days work.  Time spent now, saves time and money in the spring and the elements won't age your investments such as outdoor furniture pieces, pillows and accessories. 

Make It Colorful
1. Create a space with multiple layers of plants, sizes and colors.
2. Include a water garden, or outside fountain.
3. Small buildings are the perfect place for small spaces, and gatherings. 
4. Solar lights add a glowing touch to the garden path. 
5. Large flower pots are perfect for garden tools, and misc. colorful objects as decorations. 
6. Collections - frogs, geese, bird houses, ducks, bikes, or metal petals & hardware add a vibrant look. 
7. Bright colored baskets and glass milk bottles add a whimsical look.