Any time you’re dealing with an open flame you should always be responsible and take the necessary precautions to avoid any accidents. An open fire is a beautiful, warming accent to any yard or garden setting. It is inviting and invigorating as a central point of congregation and socialization. Make sure it is also safe so that you are free to enjoy it without the worry of an unforeseen accident.

Wood burning fire pits give the most authentic outdoor fire experience. The smell of the smoke, the crackling of the logs and the glowing embers combine to create an atmosphere that is magical, one that makes you feel like you’re deep in the woods though you’re only in your backyard. That being said, a wood burning fire also requires the most attention. Be sure to clear away brush and dead or dry vegetation in a 10’-20’ circle around your fire treatment and don’t place your fire pit under low hanging trees where errant sparks and heat might ignite dry foliage and branches. Always use a spark screen, especially with wet or sappy wood, to that sparks cannot escape the fire. Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose with a spray nozzle nearby so that if anything does escape the fire area you can smother it quickly and effectively. Finally, be sure to protect yourself. Use a poker or log grabber to move and arrange logs and never try to move a fire treatment that isn’t cold. Another way to protect yourself and your investments is to not use lighter fluids to start your fires. They can be unpredictable and dangerous; instead, use kindling and build your fire up slowly so that it is always under control and manageable.

Liquid Propane (LP) and natural gas (NG) fire treatments require less attention and tending and are more convenient and easy to light, but that doesn’t mean that you should be any less diligent and cautious. Every time you intend to use your LP or NG fire treatment you should check all the hoses, valves and attachment to make sure there are no leaks or holes before you introduce any kind of flame or spark for ignition. If your fire treatment runs on a pilot-light be sure to check it from time to time to make sure it hasn’t been blown out and that combustible gases aren’t filling your fire area. Always know how and where to shut of your LP or NG supply in case of an emergency.

Fire treatments are lovely additions to any outdoor décor. With a little care and forethought they can be safe, almost worry free additions that will bring you warmth and joy for years to come. Protect yourself, your family and your home by using safe fire tending practices and a little common sense.

An outdoor water fountain is a great complement to your garden or other outdoor space. Not only are water fountains elegant, they also have a soothing aura about them that is very relaxing. Depending on how much space you have, and your budget, you can find the one that is ideal for your needs from among the hundreds of types, sizes and materials available. Your outdoor water fountain can be wall mounted, freestanding, tabletop, floor fountains or the traditional statuary type. You will find a wide choice of materials ranging from metal, stone, concrete, terracotta, slate, etc. Let us take a look at how you should care for your outdoor fountain during winter.

Winter Care For Outdoor Water Fountains

After enjoying your outdoor garden water fountain through summer and spring, it is time to take care of it when fall arrives with winter not far behind. Winter brings extreme cold temperatures and while your outdoor fountain might be sturdy enough to withstand the weather, you cannot allow the water to freeze in it since this could result in damaging the fountain and its pump. Portable outdoor fountains can simply be carried indoors or even stored in the garage until winter is over. But if you have a large outdoor water fountain, then there are several things you need to do to ensure that it is up and running after winter.

If your fountain can be moved, ideally is should be stored in your garage. It is often possible to dismantle tiered fountains, making them easier to store. Large fountains and fountains made of cast stone pose a problem with portability. Hence just before the temperature becomes sub zero, make sure that you drain the water out of the fountain. The pump must also be preferably removed and stored indoors through winter. This is a good time to clean out the pump to remove any build up of dirt and algae. A fountain cover would be a good investment now, so that you can keep the fountain from accumulating moisture. Covers are usually water proof material with a drawstring that help you fix it really tight, preventing it from blowing away in a breeze. These covers are available in different sizes to suit different outdoor fountain.

Outdoor fountains often come with nightlights that highlight the fountain after the sun has set. Illuminated fountains are available with their own LED lights. If not you can easily buy your own. Spotlights are also in vogue so that if you have an outdoor garden party, your fountain can provide the lighting you need. In summer, you can also relax in your garden during the cool evenings, enjoying the sight of your outdoor fountain and the water cascading down.

Nowadays there are trendy outdoor fountains that do not have a conventional shape. They are designed with abstract ideas and unusual materials. A majority of them are made of lightweight material, enabling you to move the fountain when necessary. Earlier outdoor fountains were common only in public places but today, they have become quite popular, especially the outdoor wall water fountains, at business houses and large homes.

Landscape and outdoor backyard bridges are garden accents indispensable for landscape designs with garden ponds. What could be more natural than to design wooden bridges over scenic garden ponds? Smaller landscape bridges are garden accents well worth considering, Landscape bridges can be either functional or purely decorative.