Get Your Yard Game On!

Who was the first human to look at a wide, pristine expanse of grass and think, “This looks like a good spot for a game?” The answer is lost to time, but modern Americans definitely owe a debt of gratitude to that long-forgotten ancestor. He or she was the unwitting inventor of the yard game, the ultimate summer pastime.

Many of us remember playing yard games as children, the same games that we later taught our own children when they came to us looking for something to do on a warm summer afternoon. They are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise, and most are appropriate for all age and skill levels.

So what elevates a simple game to the level of “great American yard game?” To qualify, a game must be:

• Played on grass;
• Include multiple players
• Involve fun, challenging physical activity
• Be appealing for both children and adults

Here are five great American yard games:

1. Horseshoes – Horseshoe historians are pretty sure the game traces its origins to ancient Greece. People who could not afford a discus like the ones used in the Olympic games of the era, collected discarded horseshoes and began tossing them at a stake in the ground.

Fun factor: High. Practically anyone can play and you can adapt the game to be simple and easy or challenging, depending on the age and skill level of the players. For more information on horseshoes, visit www.horseshoepitching.com.

2. Ladder Golf – A relatively new game among the old standards of American yard games, Ladder Golf originated in California. Two teams toss bolas – two colorful balls connected by nylon rope – at a three-rung ladder. Hooking your bola on the top rung will score you three points, two for the middle and one for the bottom. The first team to score 21 wins. The game has become popular enough to rate its own tournament, held annually in California.

Fun factor: Very high. Who can’t throw a couple of bolas at a ladder? Although often played as a yard game, Ladder Golf can also be played on sand, pavement, bare ground or even indoors. A new twist adds a bag toss to the existing game.

3. Badminton – Another game that traces its origins to the ancient Greeks, Badminton involves using light racquets to bat a shuttlecock (feathered projectile) back and forth over a net. No net, no problem. The game can also be fun without a net, and can be played by individuals or teams.

Fun factor: Strong, since you can play as casually or as cut-throat as you prefer. Younger children, however, may find the racquets and fine motor skills required a bit too challenging. Check out www.usabadminton.org for more information.

4. Washer Toss – A uniquely North American derivative of horseshoes, washer toss pits two teams of two against each other pitching round washers into wooden boxes. Although its origins are unknown, one story states that the game originated in Ontario in 1988, when there weren’t enough horseshoe pits for all the players who entered a tournament.

Fun factor: High. Like horseshoes, the game can easily be adapted to casual or serious play for all ages. Young children may find the round shape of the washers easier to manage than horseshoes.

5. Croquet – Croquet is a game played both as a recreational pastime and as a competitive sport which involves using wooden mallets to gently tap balls through wire hoops embedded into the grass playing arena. The game most likely originated in Europe but it is unsettled as to whether it got its start in Great Britain or France.

Fun factor: Medium to high. Unlike some other yard games, croquet isn’t easily adaptable to surfaces other than grass. While young kids may have difficulty maneuvering balls through the wickets, they’ll probably have loads of fun trying. For more information go to www.croquetamerica.com.

Yard games will likely be around, played and loved for as long as Americans have yards. They’re a great – and timeless – way to enjoy the outdoors in warm weather, providing fun and exercise for participants of all ages.

Courtesy ARA Content

Patio Umbrellas: Use, Care and Maintenance

A large sun umbrella is a must-have in gardens that lack shade trees. Stand-alone umbrellas can be moved where needed -- to shade a lounge chair, for instance -- while table umbrellas generally stay put. Most umbrellas can be tilted to deflect the sun's rays at any time of day. In order to get the most out of your umbrella, it is important to care for it properly.

Cleaning

Cleaning your patio umbrella is more or less the same regardless of its component materials or fabric. Begin by using a damp cloth to wipe away any dust or dirt. To remove tougher soiling, use soapy water before wiping down with a clean cloth. Biodegradable soap is best (to prevent harming your garden or the environment). You may also hose down your patio umbrella while open and leave open to allow to dry. Mildew can be removed with a solution of one cub bleach, two caps biodegradable soap, and a gallon of water. Spray this solution on, let it soak in, scrub if it needs it (with a sponge or rag), then sponge with clean water, and air dry. Avoid using chemicals, abrasive materials, or other harsh cleaning products, as these may cause undue damage to your patio umbrella. Regular cleaning is recommended to keep your patio umbrella looking great and performing well. For longer life, always clean your patio umbrella before storing or covering with a protective patio umbrella cover.

Opening Your Outdoor Umbrella

It may seem obvious, but taking care to open your patio umbrella properly can ease stress on your umbrella. When closed, typical patio umbrellas are set in a locked position. Before turning the crank or pulling the cord, we recommend pulling the ribs gently away from the pole. If the crank or cord resists, the umbrella is likely still in its locked position. Proceed with a gentle, consistent motion until your patio umbrella is fully opened.

Closing Your Outdoor Umbrella

For crank-style patio umbrellas, simply crank in the direction opposite of opening, as indicated by the arrows on or near the crank handle. Continue with a smooth motion until your umbrella is closed. If you have a manual patio umbrella or a pulley-style umbrella held in place by a pin, push the umbrella up before attempting to remove the pin. This will relieve pressure and allow the pin to slide out easily. Be sure that there are no obstructions in the ribbing as you close your patio umbrella.

Extending the Life of your Patio Umbrella

If the chance for inclement weather is high, close your patio umbrella or store it in a sheltered area if possible. Be sure to close your umbrella completely into its locked position and secure ties (if any) around the shade. Also, check that your patio umbrella is securely positioned in its umbrella stand. If storing your umbrella isn't an option, use a patio umbrella cover to protect your investment.

Storage is the best solution during foul weather. When doing so, store your patio umbrella in an upright position rather than on its side, which can cause warping of the ribbing. Even in storage, a protective patio umbrella cover is advisable, as it offers an effective defense against dust, dirt, mildew, and insect damage.

With a few considerations to care and maintenance, your patio umbrella will give you colorful enjoyment season after season.

Source: patioumbrellasusa.com

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