Window Box Gardening

Increase Your Fruit Harvest with our Mason Bee Nest Kits!  Bees are vital to American agriculture, and the more pollinator-friendly locations we have, the more likely we are able to retain bee species and provide the pollination needed for our gardens, fruit trees, and other Spring flowering fruits and ornamentals.   Honeybees, a non-native species from Europe, are the pollinators of choice in American agriculture, but the decline in honeybees has generated an interest in finding new ways to boost the bee population.

 If you have ever considered bee keeping for pollination purposes, our native Mason bees are the perfect choice.  In the wild, Masons build their mud-sealed nests in natural tubes like reeds or holes in dead trees.   You have probably seen these mud homes built  in various places around your property.   It only takes 250-750 Orchard Mason bees to pollinate an acre of apples vs 60,000-120,000 honeybees to do the same job.  Though they won’t give you honey, they won’t ever chase or sting you either (unless severely provoked). 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends providing 6″paper-lined tubes 5/16″ in diameter, somewhat weatherproof, and contained in a protective shelter.  That’s where our Mason Bee Nest Kits come in.  Each kit is housed in a sturdy 6 1/2″ long PVC tube.  The Kraft paper nest tubes have acetate wrap for strength and moisture protection and are 5/16″ in diameter x 6″ long.   Just position Nest Kits 6 to 8 ft. high, firm and level, in a sheltered sunny spot facing East or South where they won’t be disturbed.   Each kit comes with it’s own instructions and information on raising Mason bees. 

When people think of wreaths and garlands, typically they only think of the classic holly or pine weaves traditional for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.  However, wreaths and garlands can be used for most any holiday occasion, including Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, and Easter.  Wreaths and garlands tailored to these holidays will include items suited to that particular season or theme.  Thanksgiving wreaths might include autumn leaves, small pumpkins, or berries, while an Easter silk garland would have pastel colors and colored eggs. 

Wreaths and garlands are a great way to dress up your home, and regardless of the occasion, will add festivity and seasonal appeal.

Now that fall (and the fall weather) is officially underway, why not get decorating to add a little spirit and excitement to your home decor? Here are some festive outdoor-decorating ideas, from sheknows.com:

1. Silk wreaths: This could be a wreath of fall leaves or flowers, or one themed for Halloween.
2. Pumpkins: The quintessential fall decoration, and if left un-carved, they will last quite some time.
3. Gourds: Come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and add some variety to your pumpkin collection.
4. Mums: A perfect fall-time flower.
5. Scarecrow: Inexpensive and easy to find this time of year, a scarecrow will give your visitors the perfect seasonal greeting.
6. Candles: Can add both ambiance and a touch of creepiness to your decorating. Candles come in many fall colors, such as orange, yellow, cream, black and dark red.
7. Candy: Always a festive touch, especially in a holiday bowl at the door.
8. Cornucopia: A traditional autumn decoration. You can be creative and fill it with anything from flowers to gourds to artificial fruit.

Wreaths are traditionally seen most often around the Christmas season, whether made of pinecones, berries, or plants.

Silk floral wreaths are extremely versatile and are available in many seasonal themes and color palettes to celebrate any time of year, not just the holidays when government agencies may be closed! Wreaths can also be incorporated into home decor to provide a fresh look that can be changed often for a reasonable price.