Today’s back-yard spaces have become so much more than a square deck and a charcoal grill.  More than just a square deck and a charcoal grill, today it is more of an extension of the indoor living space.  At Plantique, we are experts at creating outdoor living spaces. And what living space is complete without a place to prepare a meal?

Outdoor kitchens have become a requirement of the outdoor experience.  Think about it, why would you want to confine yourself indoors to cook, when your guests are all outside?   Plantique can create a well-designed and constructed outdoor kitchen, where you can prepare everything from ‘burgers and dogs’, to steaks, boiled seafood and vegetables, homemade pizzas, and all the cocktails to go along with them.  Best of all, you can do all this in the company of your guests, instead of being inside confined to the stove!

Call or email us today to discuss your outdoor kitchen, and the next time someone tells you ‘well-done,’ it won’t be just about their hamburger!  Mike Wimmer

Now that the weather is getting warm and it seems like spring is here to stay, I’ve been anxious to get to work in my garden.  One thing that I absolutely love about gardening is all the various wildlife that you can attract.  My weak spot happens to be hummingbirds. 

I’m sure most people just assume that hummingbirds appear in the summer, and so that is when they bring out their bright red feeders.  In actuality, hummingbirds begin their 500 mile non-stop flight from Mexico as early as February!  By the time they reach our area, it is late April to early May, and after that long trip, they are HUNGRY!  So now is the perfect time to be putting out your feeders and preparing your garden for these cool little birds.

As far as feeders go, anything that is red will really grab the hummingbird’s attention.  A ratio of 4 parts water to 1 part sugar is the perfect solution for them.  Most experts recommend using granulated white sugar, NOT honey or brown sugar.  I also shy away from the pre-packaged mixes you can buy at the store, just because you never know the negative effects that different dyes and chemicals can have on them.  

 And it doesn’t hurt to plant some flowers near the feeder as well.  The more things to attract the hummers, the better!  Red, orange, and pink flowers are most attractive to hummingbirds, but there are certain ones in particular that they love.  These include: monarda (bee balm), honeysuckle, annual salvia (the ones with bright red flowers), coral bells, and cardinal flower.  Planting them in groups will increase your chances of success because they will be drawn to the bright color.

Hummingbirds can visit up to 1,000 flowers in just one day!  Once they find a garden that they like, they will continue to return to it year after year.  So start your hummingbird garden now and enjoy these winged jewels for many seasons to come!

Contact me if you’d like to find out more information or need help with any other landscaping ideas.  Rebecca Conrad