Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer with a Pergola

The extensive "nesting" movement of the late 1990's created the drive toward extending the living room--outside! Accenting pools, patios and decks are just part of the home improvement frenzy spawned by TV networks such as HGTV.

Homeowners are choosing classical solutions to "fresh-air room dividers". Backyards across the country are being transformed into extra entertaining areas by extending the home past the patio. Requests for arbors, trellises and pergolas have jumped...shady and airy spaces are high on a homeowners list of "must haves". Real estate brokers are finding that outdoor spaces are becoming just as important to buyers as an upgrade to the master bath!

What to call it anyway: Arbor or Pergola?

1. An Arbor is a trellis or other structure of latticework that is used to support plants, climbing shrubs or vines.
2. A Pergola is a structure usually consisting of parallel columns supporting an open roof of latticework.

Romanticized by old world architects, these shade areas called arbors or pergolas are the perfect accent to a deck or patio where climbing plants can offer a ceiling of green, interspersed with flowers. Climbers can be placed in two categories: fast growing annuals for pots, and more established vines for gardens that will be growing for years. Container climbers include morning glories, moon flowers, nasturtiums and climbing petunias. Fill the edges of the pots with drought tolerant geraniums, rock rose plants and silver sage which will shade the seedlings as they emerge. Fixed climbers include climbing roses, grapes, wisterias and clematis.

A pergola can be installed quickly and is useful to have in the garden during summer as it provides a shady canopy for relaxing, entertaining and al fresco dining. Add trellis sides, your choice of climbing plants for more privacy and decorate with hanging baskets to add fragrance and more flowers. You’ll forget all about the heat and humidity!

Going to the Dogs During the Dog Days of Summer!

Everyone knows that the “dog days of summer” occur during the hottest and muggiest part of the season. Webster defines “dog days” as

    1 : the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere
    2 : a period of stagnation or inactivity

But where does the term come from?

The phrase is actually derived from the “dog star” Sirius, found in the constellation, Canis Major. In the summer, Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, rises and set in conjunction with the sun. Ancient Romans thought the Earth received heat from this star and its heat added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot, sultry weather, which today is known as the “dog days of summer”.

During the dog days of summer, be sure to keep an extra eye on your four-legged friend. Dogs can suffer from heat stroke, often faster than a human. Panting is a dog’s way of regulating body temperature since they can't sweat in the same way that humans do. They are limited to perspiration through the pads of their paws and exhaling heat from their mouths when they pant.

Your dog is at a greater risk of heat stroke if he is a working dog that exercises outdoors daily, or is confined to a crate, kennel, outdoor doghouse or a vehicle. Although your dog needs shelter from the sun, and a kennel may be your only option, be sure the area is well ventilated, shaded and a supply of fresh water is always available.

If your dog is confined to the yard, be sure the yard is safely fenced and offers shade. If your yard is not well-shaded naturally, consider a retractable awning. Dogs dehydrate very quickly in the summer sun, so be sure to refill a large water dish often throughout the day. There are self-watering products on the market that attach to your hose or outdoor faucet. Unlike a water bowl, they will never tip over and spill, leaving your dog thirsty.

If your dog has a lot of space in the yard, you may want to invest in an inexpensive baby pool that he can lay in to cool off. Fill the pool up in a shaded area to keep the water from heating. Be sure and change the water often as well, to prevent mosquito larvae from taking up residence. The best size for a plastic pool is about eight to twelve inches (for larger dogs), less for short dogs. Make sure your dog is supervised at all times, and that a smaller dog can easily get in and out of the pool.

And finally, why not let your dog enjoy a cool summer treat?

Chicken Meat Pops

This is a summer dog treat that any canine will go crazy for. It's also very simple to prepare. To make this summer dog treat, simply combine low-sodium chicken broth, cooked hamburger meat, and brown rice. Then pour the mixture into popsicle molds or an ice cube tray depending on the size of your dog. This is a treat that should be enjoyed outside, because it will make a mess. You could place these summer dog treats in a zip top bag and take these to the park for your dog to enjoy on a hot summer day. treat because it gives your dog a lot of different flavors and textures to enjoy.

Every couple of years it's a good idea to give your wood fence a fresh coat of paint or stain to help protect it from the elements. And the key to a good looking, long lasting result is proper preparation.

Materials:

Power sprayer
Stain
Detergent, bleach and a bucket
Pressure washer
Drop cloths

• Start by mowing, raking, weeding or spraying a weed killer along the base of the fence to get rid of any leaves, grass or weeds that block access to the fence or they will contaminate your applicator. Place a drop cloth below or adjacent to the fence to catch drips.
• Replace any damaged wood and sand areas where the previous coating has peeled, and then thoroughly clean the fence with a detergent-water solution using either a pressure washer or a brush and hose.

  Note: If any mold or mildew has developed, be sure to remove it with a 50/50 solution of bleach and water.

• After the fence has dried for 48 hours, lay down drop cloths along the fence and cover all plants and shrubs.
• Stir the stain, pour it into the power sprayer and select the appropriate nozzle. Now you're ready to start applying the stain.

  Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection (goggles are best) and wear a dust mask to prevent paint particles from being inhaled. If you're applying an oil-based paint or stain, use a NIOSH certified respirator during the spraying process.

• Begin at the top of the fence and work your way down. To prevent drips, always have your hand in motion before you pull the trigger, and release the trigger at the end of each row.
• To ensure even coverage, always hold the sprayer 10" to 12" away from the surface, and apply the stain in the direction of the grain. Check periodically for drips, and spread them with a roller.
• When the job is finished, clean the power sprayer according to the manufacturer's instructions so it's ready for your next painting project.