SMITH & HAWKEN® TOP TEN: PLAYING IT SAFE - Enjoy Idyllic Summer Days without the Worry
As kids, summer was one relaxing day in the sun after another. With a tough economy, the high cost of gas, wildfires, drought, power shortages, etc, as adults it can be one worry after another. To bring back the anxiety-free days of summer, Smith & Hawken offers a few easy ways to reduce the worry and increase the peace:
1. "Flame Out" - reduce the risk of fires by using battery-powered candles, which mimic the soft glow of candlelight without the worry of an open flame. Made of real wax, they're a safe and stylish way to illuminate summer nights. They also have a convenient timer that can be set to turn on and off at the same time each night.
2. "Shine On" - to conserve energy without sacrificing safety, line solar lights along pathways or any outdoor area that needs illuminating.
3. "Let's Dish" - less wasteful and a lot more stylish than paper plates, melamine plates are a great solution for outdoor dining and since they're shatter-resistant, there's less worry of broken glass while in the backyard or poolside.
4. "Drink Up" - like durable melamine, polycarbonate tumblers, goblets and pitchers are the way to go when serving wine, soda, lemonade, or any other refreshing liquid poolside or outside where breakables are an accident waiting to happen.
5. "Sun Screen" - enjoy the warm weather outside without the worry of sunburn or skin damage by seeking shelter under umbrellas, cabana veils, pavilions and gazebos.
6. "Bug off" - avoid irritating bug bites, pesky picnic invaders or potentially harmful allergic reactions with ceramic bug catchers or by using products that contain natural oils, such as cedar, thyme or citronella, which can repel insects.
7. "Keep it Moving" - stagnant water can be a dangerous breeding ground for mosquitoes, which carry diseases such as West Nile Virus, but birds need to stay hydrated, so add a Water Wiggler to birdbaths. It sends a constant ripple through the water, preventing mosquitoes from landing.
8. "Give Plants a Chance" - going on vacation doesn't mean letting plants die or begging a neighbor to come over, simply fill a Water Ball (made of mouth blown glass) and place it inside a pot where it will gradually water the roots for the next 10 days or so. That's one less thing to worry about!
9. "Go Native" - to save precious time and water, landscape the yard with native trees and plants, succulents and/or drought-tolerant plants, such as Lavender, Gaillardia, Rosemary and Echinacea.
10. "Pinching Pennies" - summer products usually go on clearance in July and August, so it's a great time for bargain hunters to stock up on outdoor furniture or entertaining items that will still get plenty of use as the weather continues to be warm well into October.
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About Smith & Hawken, Ltd.Smith & Hawken® is the premier authority in outdoor garden living, dedicated to providing products distinguished by authenticity, style and above all, fine craftsmanship. Smith & Hawken's products are sold across the country through 59 Smith & Hawken retail stores, its catalog, Internet site and select high-end independent garden centers. An exclusive line of branded products is also sold at all 1400 Target stores nationwide. Based in Novato, California, Smith & Ha
