Backyard Style - Outdoor, Backyard Pond and Birding

First of all, it is important to note that murky pond water is not necessarily an indicator of poor water quality in a pond.

Crystal clear pond water does not always represent perfect water quality, either. Most pond owners would like thier ponds to be crystal clear for thier own benefit. This is not a bad thing .. just a natural human response to wanting to view our fish or Koi more clearly!

If you were to ask your koi what water conditions (if they could communicate with you) they prefer, they would choose murky, cloudy water every time - as found in the mud ponds of Niigata.

In any case, before you jump to any conclusions, do a thorough water test on your pond. A complete test (like Laguna's Master Pond Testing Kit) would include:

• pH
• hardness,
• ammonia and
• nitrite/nitrate

If everything checks out with the above numbers, algae could be the cause of your murky water or cloudiness. Excessive algae growth suspended in the pond water can make the water resemble pea soup. Try Tetra's Algae Control if you are having algae problems.

Remember - a pond filter will NOT remove suspended algae without help from an UVC (Ultra Violet Clarifier). Most filters these days come equipped with an UVC included in the basic design. This is the best type of pond filter to buy.

If your water chemistry is satisfactory, and the algae is not the cause then the solution to improving your water clarity is to enhance your filtration. Many of our customers have found PondCare Simply Clear extremely effective in clearing thier pond water and is worth a try before purchasing larger or more expensive filtration.

Happy Ponding!

Labels: Pond Care

Labels: Pest Control

With the price of gas at a all time high, it is time to realize that we all must play a part in saving the environment. One thing that everyone should do is recycle because the Earth is running out of room for all of its garbage. Purchasing products made from recycled material is one of the easiest ways to protect the environment.

Rubicon International is manufacturing a line of bird feeders and birdhouses made from recycled plastics. Using recycled materials saves the trees (deforestation) that would have been used for the lumber and also reuses the recycled plastic milk jugs that would be sitting in our landfills.

These bird feeders and birdhouses, besides being environmentally safe, are a great way to enjoy the beautiful birds around your home. Only the highest quality recycled plastics are used to obtain a uniform look in color and texture.

• Environmentally Friendly


• High Quality Construction


• Won't Fade, Crack, Chip,Rot or Split


• Easy to Clean - Stain Resistant


• Easy to Disinfect - simply scrub down with a bleach solution


• Impervious to Insects


• Variety of Designs & Colors Compliment Homes & Gardens


• Lifetime Guarantee on manufacture defects and weather/age related damaged


• All feeders are designed with the birds' needs in mind

The Upside-Down Suet Feeder is a very clever feeder. For all your chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, and woodpeckers this is the perfect feeder. Simply lift one side of the feeder roof to insert a single standard suet cake. Included is a steel cable hanger, so just hang your feeder and you are all set. This upside-down feeder will keep starlings away as they cannot feed upside down. The Upside-Down Suet Feeder has an unconditional 100 year guarantee.

The Large Recycled Hopper Bird Feeder is an environmentally friendly hanging feeder that holds 2.5 quarts of bird seed and is perfect for attracting all types of wild birds. The Large Recycled Bird Feeder is a top loading hanging feeder that, of course, is made from recycled material. Easy to clean and guaranteed for life.

When you purchase a feeder made from recycled plastic, remember, not only do you save a tree, keep plastic out of landfills, but you help our feathered friends. Save gas - stat home and watch the birds enjoy their feeders.

Labels: bird feeder, environment, Rubicon

The USDA and Clemson University can not be wrong!




Getting the most out of your crops whether you are a vegetable-growing hobbyist or a large conglomerate company outputting huge volume is more important than ever in this day and age.

The Rapid Red Mulch is effective is proven to grow more abundant and flavorful crops. In addition the Rapid Red Garden Mulch Film conserves water by slowing evaporation from the soil surface, AND it helps control weeds. Reducing weeds will therefore reduce herbicide use.

One could say that Rapid Red is Green :)

Here how to work with Rapid Red:

1. Unroll Rapid Red onto prepared soil. Place drip or other irrigation hose into the prepared soil at this time.
2. Hold the beginning and sides in place with soil, stones or garden staples.
3. Unroll in 5 foot increments, maintaining a taut, smooth surface. Continue to cover the edges as in step 2.
4. Cut a 3" diameter hole in the center of the film for placement of seeds or seedlings.
5. Space plants so at least some reflected light reaches every side of the maturing plant.
6. Periodically wash the film's surface with a garden hose to maintain the reflective capability.
7. Avoid spraying chemicals directly on the film, as this may change the color.
8. Once your crop is planted, water as needed;

Rapid Red aids in moisture retention so be careful to avoid over watering.

Order $75 worth of gardening merchandise and you can save $5.00 with coupon code: rachels5

Labels: Rapid Red Garden Mulch

Labels: globelight, outdoor solar light, pond light

We read a recent article about the dangers of gardening without gloves. Although it is rare, there have been a number of recent reports of illness and even death from scrapes and cuts that were gotten when gardening.

Granted, the primary cause of the problems is that people did not have recent tetanus shots - but possibly the cut would not have occurred if gardening gloves were worn.

Our recommendation are one of the following gloves:

• Essential GardenArmor Garden Gloves


• Landscaper GardenArmor Gloves


• GardenArmor Advantage Gloves

A little about the gloves: They are manufactured by Super Protection. GardenArmor (SafeGrasp) Garden Gloves have earned the National Home Gardening Club Member-Tested Seal of Approval. They not only manufacturer the above 3 gardening gloves, they also have a line of work gloves called WorkArmor and also SportsArmor gloves.

What really caught my eye is that these gloves are machine washable - unlike many of the other brands on the market these days. The gardenArmor gloves are perfect for garden and yard – for handling rose, cactus and other thorny bushes. Avoid cuts and avoid serious illness.

They boast about powerful protection against punctures and cuts, as well as 90X the puncture resistance of regular gloves. This will be the last set of gardening gloves that you will have to buy.

Ordinarily you wouldn’t think of gardening gloves as a life-saving product, but when you take into account the recent scares in newspapers, blogs and articles across the Internet .. it just may be the right time to buy yourself, your Mom, Dad or loved one a simple pair of gardening gloves and make them wear them when working in the yard!

Labels: Gardening Products

The beauty of a lit pond sparkling in the evening with the sound of gently falling water is peaceful beyond imagination.

The hectic rushing of the summer days can always end in peaceful serenity if you have a pond in your backyard. As I get older, slowing down and enjoying nature is becoming increasingly more important to my spiritual and emotional health.

Buy 4 or more (one of each color ..or even 4 of the same color .. your choice) of the Pondmaster solar pond lights at our store: www.backyardstyle.com/shop and save $5.00 with coupon code: rachels5 (use this at checkout and make sure you type it in all lowercase)

These new solar powered floating pond or swimming pool light from Danner are clear spheres that produce an array of sparkling color at night. They depict a modern, unique and attractive design.

These solar lights allow you to provide lighting in your pond, fountain or swimming pool. They are available in a choice of five colors, red, white, blue, green and amber.

As with all of Danner products the quality is excellent - featuring a plastic sealed construction with base weight for stability. These solar lights come complete with a sectional pole and ground stake for the optional use as a garden/yard light.

Great for a secondary use if you close down your pool for the winter months. For festive or party use, this light may be hung in trees as a moulded eye is incorporated in the design.

These are economical and we offer our normal product guarantees along with the manufacturer's warranty.

Labels: Danner Pond, Solar Pond Fountain

Personally, I like squirrels. My backyard has a group of squirrels who get their morning exercise chasing each other around the yard. It is particularly funny when 2 chase each other and then all of a sudden, they reverse roles- the one being chased turns around and is now the chaser. My kids love watching this. There is the cutest little black squirrel who keeps to himself, but is still entertaining as he leaps from tree branch to tree branch.

Now, as much as I like squirrel, I also like birds. What does a squirrel lover and bird lover do? Buy squirrel proof bird feeders. The variety of squirrel proof bird feeders available is amazing.


I really like a platform feeder and that type is the hardest to keep squirrel off. The Squirrel Blocker Champion Feeder works great. You know that platform feeder work great for sizes of birds. They are welcome to a platform feeder because of the easy and open access to the food. You also know that open access means you will need to keep the squirrels away! The Blocker Champion Feeder foils the squirrels with the two Squirrel-Blocker grids. This feeder is filled with a layer of black oil sunflower seed, so the bottom grid rests on top of the seed. The two-grids fence squirrel noses and squirrel paws and they are prevented from reaching the seed. The birds, however, feed easily. Every piece is completely chew proof, so the squirrels have nothing to gain. The seed capacity is one pound of black oil sunflower seed. This feeder is easy to clean, easy to fill and has built in drainage. Best of all is its beautiful antique copper finish.



The Spiral Sunflower Feeder/Twirl A Squirrel Combo is a great choice for a feeder that uses extra large mixed seed. This feeder is not only effective, but it is hilariously funny to watch the squirrels on the Twirl-a Squirrel. The part that is squirrel-proof has a patented "locking lid." Just twist and lock those squirrels have no chance at the seed. The patented spirals on this feeder attract more birds and allow more birds to feed. Birds love to perch on the patented spiral and love to "run the spiral", instead of flying to another perch. This feeders allows up to 12 birds to feed at once and has a 3 quart seed capacity. The Spiral Sunflower Feeder/Twirl A Squirrel Combo comes completely assembled and is easy to clean. The "Twist & Clean" easy-clean bottom comes completely off for easy cleaning. There are no screws to worry about, just twist and clean.



The BIRDS ONLY! Squirrel-Proof Feeder is the ultimate squirrel proof feeder. It utilizes patented Double Defense system against squirrels. First, the unique baffler design dome tilts easily, causing squirrels to fall to the ground below when the try to get to the seed. Yes, more entertainment! Second, the patented squirrel-proof collar closes due to the squirrels own weight and this will block off access to the seed. Easy to use- easy fill top and really easy to clean. The large 4 pound capacity allows you to go longer between filling.


Happy Bird Feeding (and squirrel watching)!!

Labels: bird only, squirrel, squirrel proof

Many of us outdoor types are horse lovers also. BackyardStyle carries many products for the farm and home and also carries select products for equine and livestock care. Our "brother site" is Shane's Tack which carries thousands of Equine products.

I wanted to talk a short while about a new product that I found for our horses that has a number of applications because it is portable. The NEW EZEE corral by Zareba.

We know that horse riders on the go want quick and simple solutions for safely containing their horses when away from home. This equine kit is self-contained and is the perfect solution for trail rides and horse shows.

It also does a great job keeping critters out of backyards when not in use at a show!

Fits any terrain. Secure corner posts with eight tie-down stakes and six ft (1.8 m) of cord, included. Corral design is easily configured to fit available terrain.

• No special tools necessary to install the electric corral or fence. Assembling the EZEE Corral is easy. Simply step on post anchor and press it into the ground. Drive plastic stake through the center of the anchor. Then slide each post on an anchor and lock in place. Four corner posts and four line posts included.
• No complicated wiring with this system! Stretch poly tape, which carries electrical current, around the perimeter of the corral. Tape is firmly held in place by built-in insulator clips on line posts.
• No grounding needed—poly tape carries both positive and negative charge.
• Easy connections. Attach poly tape reels to corner posts (adjust height as necessary). Use plug-in connectors to attach poly tape to poly tape reel, completing the circuit.
• Reels dispense and store 30 ft (9 m) of tape, which quickly rewinds for re-use.
• High visibility. Rest easy. Your horses are safe and secure. White components mean high visibility by day, reflective strips command attention at night.
• Easy entrance/exit. Turn system on/off with toggle switch, then come and go as you please. Quick disconnect feature makes it easy to enter or exit the corral from any corner post.
• Reliable power source. Don’t worry about running out of power. The EZEE Corral will operate up to 30 days, 24 hours a day, on four alkaline D-cell batteries (not included).
• Produces up to 8,000 volts and .05 joules per shock. Fencer control box is self contained in corner post.
• Features on/off switch and LED light that displays green when in operation or red if batteries are low.

Have a great week everyone!

Labels: Electric Fence