Backyard Casual

Coupon Savings on Adirondack Chairs

2011-12-30T09:46:00.000-08:00

It is hard to think about Spring when the snow is falling, but it is just around the corner. Get ready with a pre-season coupon special at Backyard Casual. Now through January 31, 2012, you can save $15 on each poly lumber Adirondack style chair. Use the coupon code adiron15 at checkout. The chairs are from the Siesta line of poly wood furniture made by Casual Living right here in the US.

Casual Living Siesta Adirondack chairs are available in several different styles and 20 different colors. Shown here is the Hampton in blue, but yellow, red and green are great too! Don't miss this opportunity for great savings on quality outdoor furniture. Beat the rush so when the season starts so you don't have to wait! Each chair is made to order for you.

Shop Backyard Casual for all your outdoor furniture and outdoor lighting needs.

Gama Sonic Solar Landscape Lighting

2011-12-28T08:31:00.000-08:00

For several years, Backyard Casual has been offering customers the opportunity to purchase Gama Sonic Solar light products for their home and garden areas. We would like you to know Gama Sonic now has 3 great solar light series to choose from when considering your outdoor lighting. The original Gama Sonic style was the Victorian Series. In the last year they have added 2 more, the Baytown and the Pagoda series.

The newest is the Pagoda line of solar lamps (GS-104) and as the name suggests, the lamp shape is that of a pagoda and features a convenient high/low brightness switch, allowing you choose between a brighter light or longer lasting light. The Pagoda series lamps will shine for up to 15 hours on the low setting and up to 12 hours on the high setting with a single day's solar charge. The Pagoda series of solar lamps is available as a solar lamp post, a wall mount, post mount or post fitter for replacement or upgrade purposes. Pagoda solar lamps are available in Black rust resistant aluminum.

Another new offering this year is the Baytown, GS-106, with a classic and elegant shape found along streets in quaint coastal villages. These beautiful solar lamps are available in Black, Weathered Bronze and Taupe. These energy efficient solar powered lamps feature beveled glass and a bright white LED lighting system that stays lit from dusk to dawn. You also have the hi/lo brightness switch to adjust depending on the area the lamp is being used. The Baytown also has a post lamp available with a planter base that would be perfect for a patio or pool area. Made of durable rust resistant cast aluminum, the Baytown series is the perfect choice for high humidity locales. This lamp series is also available in the wall mount (shown left), post mount and 3" post fitter replacement lamp.

The classic Victorian Series from Gama Sonic (GS-94) has been a favorite of homeowners for quite some time. The vintage gas light lamp brings a turn of the century look to your home or lawn. The beautiful lamps also feature the super bright white LED lights that shine through beveled glass reflecting from the patented cone technology that is true Gama Sonic. The Victorian lamp series is available post style, both 3.5" (GS-94L) and 6-7 foot style, GS-94S, GS-94D and GS-94T. These last are single lamp, double lamp or triple lamp posts that will certainly make a statement in your lawn, not to mention provide safety and security for you and your guests. The Victorian series also includes solar lamps that are wall mount, post mount or 3" post fitter style for replacing or upgrading your current outdoor lamp.

If you have been considering outdoor lighting for your home, Go Green. Conserve energy and save money on your electric bill by purchasing solar
lamps from one of these beautiful lighting choices. Solar powered lighting needs no electricity which means no digging up your yard to run wiring. Quick and easy, energy and cost efficient, the choice is easy. See all of the solar offerings from Gama Sonic at Backyard Casual, where we bring style and fashion to your backyard.

End of Summer Sale - Save 20% Siesta Poly Lumber Outdoor Furniture

2011-08-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

There is still plenty of pleasant weather ahead for outdoor relaxation and entertaining. In many parts of the country hot summer days will soon give way to warm days and cool nights, the perfect weather for the family and guests to gather outdoors. Make sure you have plenty of sturdy yet comfortable outdoor furniture in your outdoor living space. Depending on the size you have to work with you may need or want only 1 or 2 chairs and a side table or two. Or, if you have a large deck, patio, porch or pool area, you may wish to have room groupings.

A particularly functional yet attractive set for one of your areas is the Bistro table and chairs shown here from the Siesta line of poly lumber furniture by Casual Living Products Unlimited. Sold separately, the Bistro collection has 2 different style tables, 2 different style stools and 3 different styles of Chairs. Modern and easy to clean, these eco-friendly furniture pieces will fit easily into any outdoor living area.

Perhaps, you have a larger outdoor area you would like to have a grouping of chairs, tables or benches put together. Choose these items from either the Siesta Quest or the Siesta Classic Collection of poly lumber outdoor furniture. The basic difference is in the back of the furniture pieces; the Quest has a curved top, while the Classic is straight across the top.

Do you have a nice screened in porch area? Consider a Swinging Bench(porch swing)for this area. The Siesta Swinging Benches are available in 36", 48" or 60" lengths. Garden areas just cry out for a bench to sit on an relax in the heat of the day, and the Siesta Quest and Classic Collections offer you Rocking Benches, Gliding and Stationary Benches to fill in these cozy nooks.

Oh, and as the title says, you can now save 20% on all these great poly lumber outdoor furniture items as Backyard Casual. All prices are marked down 20% and this sale will be available for all orders placed by October 31, 2011. Casual Living Products Unlimited has informed retailers a price increase is coming for 2012, so now is the perfect time to get this great outdoor furniture. Don't wait!

Motion Sensor Solar Charged Accent Light - What a Great Idea!

2011-01-12T09:37:00.000-08:00

Solar lighting has taken over the landscape, literally. This type of lighting is perfect for your home, lawn and garden, or any outdoor area that receives a few hours of sunlight each day. Now, Gama Sonic has kicked it up a notch by adding a motion detection sensor to a solar charged accent light! What a great idea!

The Gama Sonic GS-334-PIR stays bright up to 15 hours on a single day charge. The GS-334-PIR will illuminate your garden, driveway, patio or walkway area without running wires. PIR means passive infrared sensor which makes the light shine brighter when motion is detected. This great accent light comes with hardware and instructions for ground, free standing or wall installation. How practical, how functional!

At Backyard Casual we offer a variety of Gama Sonic solar lighting options including the GS-334-PIR as well as other great Gama Sonic Accent Lights to bring style, fashion and solar lighting to your outdoor areas. Stop by and see!

Use Solar Wall Mount Lamps to Light the Night

2010-10-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

For your safety, shine a light on those dark areas around the house. To protect you, your guests or emergency workers, illuminate those dark spots with a wall mount solar lamp that can be attached to walls or posts. The Gama Sonic GS-94W comes ready to install and is a beautiful addition to your outdoor areas. These worry-free lamps turn on automatically at dusk and will stay illuminated until dawn. You will find the GS94-W is reminiscent of 19th century lighting with beveled glass panes and gas-light look.

The GS94W boasts a super bright LED light powered by a Mono Crystalline solar cell with a rechargeable NI-MH battery pack. The rust resistant frame can be bolted down for permanency and the lamp has a cone style reflector to increase the brightness of the light.

Want to see more? Click on this Video Link and watch the GS-94W at work. A picture is worth a thousand words and this will convince you, for sure.

To learn more and purchase this and other great solar lamp products from Gama Sonic, stop in to Backyard Casual where we bring style and fashion to your outdoors!

New Look For an Old Lamp Post - Gama Sonic GS-94F

2010-09-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

If you have an older lamp post in your front yard with an old lamp that has become tired and worn, consider replacing that lamp with a Gama Sonic GS-94F Solar Lamp Post Fitter. You can change the whole look of that lamp post if it is a standard 3" size pole simply by adding one of these great lamp fitters that are available in a single, double or triple lamp heads.

These energy efficient lamps use a super bright LED with a special patented cone protector for a brighter light. These special lights receive their energy from built in battery packs that are charged daily by the sun. Constructed of powder-coated cast-aluminum, these solar lamp posts are weather resistant & won't rust.

Did I mention they are beautiful! Each solar lamp post has real beveled glass panes that add to the late 19th Century appeal. The double and triple head lamp fitters have ornately designed arm supports for added interest. The single lamp fitter is available in white or black, while the 2 and 3 lamp styles are available in black only.

Take this opportunity to replace outdated technology and reduce your electric bill at the same time. To see more of the GS-94F and other great solar lighting options from Gama Sonic, come on over to our store, Backyard Casual, and take advantage of the limited time coupon available to use in purchasing the 94F. Use coupon code "My 94-F" at checkout. Now through October 31, 2010, save $10 on your purchase with this coupon.

Don't wait, light up the night in a beautiful way with a new Gama Sonic lamp post fitter from Backyard Casual.

Fall is a Grand Time for Simply Siesta Polywood Chairs

2010-08-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

As summer draws to a close, we begin to think of school beginning, Labor Day and leaves turning colors. In many ways, this is my favorite time of the year. The nights start to get a bit cooler and the days are bright and warm. Fall days are a perfect time to share with friends and family outside.

There is still plenty of time to entertain your favorite people and treat them to elegant casual living on comfortable, fantastic looking, Simply Siesta poly wood outdoor furniture. This is a picture of the Simply Siesta SS-300 Adirondack Chair. Made by Casual Living Products Unlimited here in the United States, you can see from the picture how fantastic these chairs can be in your casual entertaining areas. A recent customer of ours kindly shared a picture of how she is using her SS-300 chairs. Thank you, Leah, for sharing and for your glowing accolades of this chair:

"I wanted to let you know how much I LOVE my polywood chairs (see attached.) I assembled them myself. The first one took about 30 minutes..and the second one took all of 8 minutes. VERY easy once you get the hang of it.

You can use me as a testimonial any time. These chairs are an amazing addition to my Zen garden. There was a garden tour through my neighborhood the day I set these out and people were hanging over the gate asking me where I got them. I'm so happy to not have to waste my summers staining/painting wooden furniture anymore. They're sturdy, comfortable AND beautiful. (And I'm VERY picky, so that's a huge compliment.)"

So, don't delay there is still lots of time to get your chairs and create your own outdoor oasis with these or other great Adirondack style poly wood chairs from the Siesta line of products from Casual Living Unlimited. Stop by Backyard Casual and let's get started!

Backyard Casual is an Authorized Retailer for Casual Living Products Unlimited, New Holland, PA. Poly Wood or Poly Lumber, as it is sometimes called, is designed and manufactured with extreme durability and style using recycled HDPE milk jugs and water bottles. Siesta Poly Outdoor Furniture will not rust, splinter, fade or chip. The result is safe, maintenance-free, stylish furniture that is affordably priced for your backyard or patio.

Adirondack Chairs for Kids - Just Their Size

2010-06-17T05:34:00.000-07:00

If you have children or grandchildren, you know they love to have what the big people have, and that holds true for outdoor furniture, as well. While it is true, that it seems kids are always in motion, never sitting, it is important not to forget them when purchasing your outdoor seating. Pint sized versions of Adirondack chairs make the little ones feel right at home.

We have two such styles of Adirondack chairs as Backyard Casual. The style you see above is from Casual Living Unlimited Products in their Siesta line of poly lumber outdoor furniture. This is the Siesta Child's Adirondack Chair. Just like the adult size, this kid size Adirondack chair is made of recycled, high density polyethylene recycled plastic and is available in 20 colors. It is easy to maintain, splinter free (most important with kids)and is sun and fade resistant. The measurements are Height - 29", Width 20", Depth, 31" and Seat Height - 11". Choose a bright color and make a favorite of the little ones in your family.

Another great, fun little Adirondack chair that is sure to be the one the kids fight over is Julie Jellyfish.

The Julie Jellyfish Adirondack chair makes a perfect gift for any boy or girl. Julie is built from solid wood pieces and designed in such a way that will provide strength and durability for many years to come. Weight-bearing sections are assembled with strong nuts and bolts rather than screws. Rounded heads and rounded acorn nuts are utilized to eliminate any sharp hazards. These are far superior to hardware whose sharp edges can possibly harm little fingers.

Julie's base color is a fun, bright Aqua Green that grabs your attention and is proven to be a real hit with boys and girls of all ages. Julie herself is hand-painted on the seat back in a bright pink color. Kids love being able to associate a character with a name they can easily remember and tell everyone about! All paints used comply, not only with the original ASTM standards, but also with the new CPSIA (HR 4040) standards. Bottom line: No need to worry if these chairs are safe for kids, because they are. While the paint coatings are very durable, they are not meant to be left outdoors in the elements for extended periods of time. Indoor storage is recommended when not in use.

So, come on over to our store and see both of these great Kid's Adirondack Chairs and give the kids a fun chair for summer.

Bayfront Adirondack Chair - Not Just for t he Shore!

2010-05-29T04:38:00.000-07:00

Summer is now fully upon us and we are headed to our favorite outdoor spot, whether it be the beach, a summer home or our own backyard. This is the time to think about giving our tired and worn outdoor furniture a new look and feel.

Everyone loves the classic and casual look and feel of a comfortable Adirondack style chair. This is the perfect chair in which to relax and read a book or watch the children play. At Backyard Casual we feature several styles of poly wood Adirondack Chairs from the Siesta line of poly lumber outdoor furniture by Casual Living Unlimited. Shown here are two of the styles available, the Bayfront shown in Tan and the Hampton shown in Blue. One of the many wonderful features to these chairs is the 20 different colors from which you can choose. There is sure to be a color that will accent your outdoor living area.

While color is always important to us when selecting any furniture piece, the most important feature of the Siesta line of outdoor furniture is the fact that it is eco-friendly. Made by a special process from recycled milk and water bottles into poly lumber, millions of pounds of waste has been removed from our landfills and recycled into a high quality, easy care, heavy duty outdoor furniture.

To learn more about this process and the features of poly lumber furniture, please visit the About Page in our store and see why purchasing a Siesta Adirondack Chair is more than just a great idea, it is a "Green" idea.

Rock Away Summer With A Siesta Poly Wood Rocking Chair

2010-05-08T06:36:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves to sit in a Rocking Chair and rock. It is comfortable and soothing to just sit for a time and read or visit with friends and family. Now that the warmer days are here it is time to move your rocking chairs outside and there is not a better outdoor rocking chair than a poly wood or poly lumber rocking chair from the Siesta line of outdoor furniture.

Siesta is manufactured here in the US by Casual Living Products Unlimited. This great quality poly wood line of outdoor furniture is made from recycled water and milk bottles that are processed into the poly lumber and thereby reducing the waste in our landfills. It is truly a "Green" product.

The Rocking Chair you see in this photo is the Classic High Back Rocker. Available in 20 different colors, this rocker is sturdy mortise and tenon construction, has Color-matched stainless steel hardware and is virtually maintenance free. There are so many wonderful features to this line of outdoor furniture you will be impressed and want to buy more.

If you are considering new outdoor furniture for your casual living areas, come on over to our store and learn all about the Siesta Poly Wood Outdoor Furniture line of products. Poly Wood can be left outside in any weather so it is perfect for your home, the beach or a mountain retreat.
Our store is Backyard Casual and our specialty is bringing style and fashion to your backyard. See you there!

Gama Sonic Solar Lamps - Light A Dark Night!

2010-04-06T05:26:00.000-07:00

One of the most important things you can do for your home and garden areas this spring is lighting. Lighting your driveway or sidewalk is not just for ambiance but safety, as well. Outdoor lighting helps keep you and your guests safe both in arriving or leaving your home. Gama Sonic has many great options to help you light your world in an eco-friendly, cost efficient, yet attractive fashion. One of them is the Gama Sonic GS-94P., available in either White or Black.

Get a visual of the GS-94P lamp at work with this Video.

One of the great options available is the GS-94P Solar Lamp. Solar lamp lights receive their energy from built-in batteries charged daily by the sun, which in turn light the 8 super-bright LED bulbs. Each solar lamp post has real beveled glass panes that add to the late 19th Century appeal. No maintenance is required with the powder-coated cast-aluminum solar lamp posts that are weather resistant & won't rust. Worry-free, the solar lamp post turns on automatically at dusk and off at dawn.

Come see more of the GS-94P and other great solar lamp offerings by Gama Sonic at Backyard Casual. You can also find these great lamps at our other outdoor store, Green Garden Solar Shop.

Siesta Outdoor Furniture - Perfect for Spring!

2010-03-07T05:05:00.000-08:00

Spring! It is almost here and for many parts of the US still dealing with record snow and cold, that is a welcome thought. The warmer weather also brings mental images of being outdoors enjoying warm nights with family or entertaining guests. Now is the time to plan your outdoor living areas.

The Siesta line of poly lumber outdoor furniture offers you the perfect blend of functionality, durability and easy maintenance. And, it looks great! The Siesta line is manufactured by Casual Living Products Unlimited in the U.S. Poly lumber is made from recycled milk and water bottles so if you are concerned about our environment you will love the fact that this is millions of bottles that are no in land fills. This company has used recycled materials to create environmentally-friendly recycled poly outdoor furniture, great for backyards and patios.

Create outdoor furniture groupings in your outdoor living areas that you will use year after year. Virtually maintenance free, poly lumber, or poly wood, will not rust, splinter fade or chip. Most importantly, you will find it is very affordable. Siesta is available in 20 colors or combine colors as you see above for a true decorator look.

There are several lines to choose from including the Classic Collection, the Quest Collection, the Bistro Collection and the new Simply Siesta Collection. You can also find your favorite Adirondack style chair!

To see more of Siesta by Casual Living Products Unlimited, follow me over to Backyard Casual and build your new outdoor living space. Spring is coming!

Gama Sonic GS-94S, On Sale Now!

2010-02-19T04:52:00.000-08:00

If you have been thinking about placing a lamp post in front of your home, now might be just the perfect time to make that purchase. Until the end of February the Gama Sonic GS 94S is on sale. Save $20 by using the coupon code "20 Off" at checkout. This elegant, energy efficient lamp is available in either black or Antique Red Rust.

The vintage gas light design of the GS-94 makes an attractive statement in your landscape as well as providing light to help you or your visitors safely navigate to the entrance of your home. Worry-free, the solar lamp post turns on automatically at dusk and off at dawn.

Using efficient solar-powered technology, the solar lamp lights receive their energy from built-in batteries charged daily by the sun, which in turn light the 8 super-bright LED bulbs. Each solar lamp post has real beveled glass panes that add to the late 19th Century appeal. No maintenance is required with the powder-coated cast-aluminum solar lamp posts that are weather resistant & won't rust. The solar lamp post can be bolted down (bolts included.

Come on over to Backyard Casual to learn more about the GS-94S and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to save on the most reliable solar lamp post you could ever want!

Simply Siesta - New, Affordable and Eco-Friendly!

2010-01-28T05:42:00.000-08:00

Casual Living Products Unlimited has added a new line to it's already terrific line up of outdoor lawn and garden furniture. Siesta brand is a line of residential recycled plastic outdoor furniture that is ready to assemble and is available on-line at authorized Internet based retailers. Casual Living Unlimited LLC recycles post consumer plastics, primarily milk jugs, and manufactures residential furniture and commercial site furnishings that are durable, colorful and low maintenance.

The product featured here is a part of the new Siesta line. This is the Simply Siesta Adirondack Chair SS-100. The SS-100 has the stair step back found in many traditional Adirondack style chairs and offers its occupant true comfort. The poly lumber has all the wood grain beauty but without all the care, just use a normal household cleaner and soft brush, if needed. No painting and no splinters!

You will find the Siesta line of poly lumber outdoor furniture, or poly wood, as it is sometimes called, attractively priced and very affordable. With 20 colors to choose from, you are sure to find a color, or a combination of colors, that will fit nicely into your lawn, garden or patio areas.

We invite you to come in and shop with us at Backyard Casual. Our Internet store is always open and our customer service can't be beat! See you there!

A Pop of Color Brings Joy to the Backyard

2010-01-12T15:06:00.000-08:00

In January, facing a few more months of winter, it is fun to think about warm weather coming and getting back outdoors in our yard or casual areas. Perhaps, you are looking at the outdoor furniture you have stacked and stored in your garage or basement and are thinking you would like to have a few new pieces or a whole new look. I know I am, and I am thinking I want a bright new look in the yard this year.

To show you how a bright color can bring joy to your yard, a recent customer of Backyard Casual was kind enough to share a photo of how he used the Pink Siesta Folding Adirondack Chair with matching Footrest, to bring color and charm to his backyard. By adding the matching Accent Table and Headrests, he has created a cozy, casual outdoor living area in his yard. You too, can create this inviting look in your own yard.

The Siesta line of poly lumber outdoor furniture is made right here in the United States by Casual Living Products Unlimited. Poly lumber, or polywood as it is also called, is an eco-friendly product as it is made from millions of recycled water and milk bottles that would otherwise be dumped in our landfills. After an intense sterilization process, the bottles are made into very fine flakes that are turned into the poly lumber. A part of this process also includes infusing the color right into the poly lumber so you will not have to paint each year. Although the poly lumber has a wood grain effect, neither you or your guests will be injured by a splinter.

So, come on over to our store, Backyard Casual and check out the great line of poly lumber furniture you can use to bring a pop of color to your outdoor living area. With a choice of 20 colors, or mix two together, there is no end to the possibilities! Be sure to read our About page for more great information on Casual Living Products Unlimited and the poly lumber process.

Have Your Own Outdoor Cafe with Bistro Collection

2009-12-30T06:06:00.000-08:00

Backyard Casual is an authorized internet retailer for Casual Living Unlimited, maker of eco-friendly poly wood lawn and patio furniture. Recently, Casual Living Unlimited added many new items to their already great line-up of outdoor furniture. You may already be familiar with the Quest and Classic Collections, but have you seen the new Bistro Collection from the Siesta line of poly furniture?

You are, no doubt, familiar with the Bistro style tables and chairs that are used in many coffee or sandwich shops. The tables on tall legs and the long legged, high chairs are popular in many trendy cafes. Now you can bring this same look and feel to your pool, patio or outdoor room.

The intimate Bistro style collection consists of two different style tables, two different styles of backless seat stools and three styles of chairs. Because of the poly wood material and sturdy construction these outdoor furniture pieces can be left outside in any weather. The Bistro collection is available in 20 different colors; you can even choose to combine two different colors. Think team colors or matching your home decor!

Poly wood is made from plastic milk jugs and water bottles that are purified and processed into safe, maintenance-free Poly Lumber. The process begins as white plastic flake, pieces of milk and water jugs that would otherwise end up in landfills. During the process, the color pigments are infused into the poly lumber so you will never need to paint your outdoor furniture. Cleaning is a snap with an ordinary household cleaner. These chairs and tables are perfect outdoors as they are mildew resistant. The Poly Lumber has a wood-like grain and is solid throughout – unlike many poly products, Casual Living Unlimited products do not include any wood fillers. And, there are no splinters to hurt you, your family or your guests.

To see more of the beautiful Bistro Collection offerings please visit us at Backyard Casual.

Thanksgiving - What Are You Thankful for This Year?

2009-11-01T05:27:00.000-08:00

Each year as Thanksgiving draws near, I find I must pause and ask myself: What am I thankful for this year? And, each year, I have many of the same answers; home, family, children, grandchildren, my country. This year, though, I find I must reflect on not just on those but on being thankful I still have a job and an income.

So many members of my family and extended family have been devastated in the last year by loss of income. Not that they haven't planned for emergencies or set aside for a rainy day, if you will. It is just that the rainy day has lasted more than the Biblical 40 days and 40 nights. The emergency funds are long gone, savings accounts have been wiped out, second cars have been sold, anything that is not necessary to sustain life has been sold, if possible. 401k funds have been tapped and working means 2 or 3 part time jobs, if you can get one. Some of the young men in my family have joined the military to serve our country as well as to have a job and provide for themselves and their families.

I realize so well it is not just my family; this scenario is playing out across this great nation of ours. I don't profess to have a solution, I am just thankful, thankful that I still have a job and an income, thankful that my family is strong enough to help one another in difficult times, thankful that I live in a country that while not perfect, is fundamentally strong and viable, and most of all thankful to God for the grace that he shows me each and every day.

Won't you take some time this month leading up to Thanksgiving to prayerfully reflect on what you are thankful for this year? Through these tough economic times, if you are able, share your bounty with others. Reach out a helping hand and give a boost to someone who is struggling to put food on the table or keep a roof over their family. Be thankful, be prayerful and be generous. You never know when it might be you that is out of a job, out of a home and out of options.

Regular posting was put aside at this time for this reflection, but, I thank for you for your patronage of Backyard Casual and invite you to shop with us during this holiday season.

Solar Lights Help with Halloween Safety

2009-10-16T11:54:00.000-07:00

Addition to Post - 1/28/10 - Gama Sonic Products have moved to Green Garden Solar Shop. Please visit us there as well as Backyard Casual.

Halloween will soon be here and it won't be long until the neighborhood children will scamper up and down the street hooting and hollering "Trick or Treat"! Remember how much fun that was as a child? I remember coming home from school, racing through dinner (had to eat, couldn't fill up on candy, right? ha ha), jumping into my costume and away my friends and I would go. Now, I enjoy watching all the ghosts and goblins coming to my door begging for their treats.

The one thing we must do as responsible homeowners is make sure our sidewalk and porch areas are well lit for the safety of these children. A great way to do this is with solar lighting lining your sidewalk. GAMA SONIC is the leading company in the field of solar charged and Rechargeable lights. GAMA SONIC produces wide ranges of products, which incorporate plastics, stainless steel, electronics and OEM products in various markets. GAMA SONIC was established in 1985 as a manufacturing and marketing company of emergency lights and other electronic products.

There are many styles, sizes and shapes available, surely something that is perfect for your needs. Come over to our store Green Garden Solar Shop and see the different models of Gama Sonic solar light fixtures available for purchase. Let's keep our little ones safe on Halloween and every day.

Fall is Coming - Light Up the Night!

2009-08-20T16:42:00.000-07:00

Update to Post - 1/28/10

Gama Sonic Solar Products have moved to Backyard Casual's companion store - Green Garden Solar. Shop for these and other fine products there!

When the middle of August arrives and Labor Day is around the corner, my thoughts turn to cooler weather, fall colors, Halloween and shorter nights. I almost think Fall is my favorite season because I do so look forward to long walks with leaves crunching under my feet and a chill in the air. Of course, I have to drive to another state to get that because I won't get it here in Central Florida. Perhaps, that is why I like it so much.

It does get darker sooner now, even here. This is a good time to make sure the lights along your sidewalk or path to your front porch are all working. It is also a good idea, as we all know, to have a nice light on your front port or at the head of your walkway. There are many to choose from, but I like the Gama Sonic Solar Lamp Post, Model 94L. A smidge more than 2' tall it will cast a very nice light over your porch or enclosed area. The best part, it is solar!

The model 94L will illuminate or line your walkway with our energy efficient, super-bright low lamp post. The LED lights use a special patented cone reflector to make the light brighter in each of our solar lamp posts. The gas-light design of our solar lamp lights is classic and adds an elegant appeal to your front or back yard.

Using efficient solar-powered technology, the solar lamp lights receive their energy from built-in batteries charged daily by the sun, which in turn light the 8 super-bright LED bulbs. Each solar lamp post has real beveled glass panes that add to the late 19th Century appeal. No maintenance is required with the powder-coated cast-aluminum solar lamp posts that are weather resistant & won't rust. Worry-free, the solar lamp post turns on automatically at dusk and off at dawn. The solar lamp post can be bolted down (bolts included) and is available in either black or rust red.

To see more of the Gama Sonic Solar Lamp Post, Model 94L, as well as other great Gama Sonic solar lights, come over to our store, Green Garden Solar Shop and pay us a visit. Always great customer service and our internet store is always.

Whoo Hoo! Don't Miss This!

2009-07-11T06:03:00.000-07:00

***SPECIAL COUPON SALE*** Take $25 off any piece of Casual Living Poly Lumber Outdoor Furniture Now Through July 31, 2009! Hurry, This Does Not Happen Often! Available in 20 different colors, there is one style and one color perfect for your needs.

We are only half way though Summer, there is still plenty of time to be outdoors enjoying all the great activities we love, cooking out, having picnics and swimming. There is also still plenty of time to invest in some great outdoor furniture that is perfect for your yard, patio, porch or pool area.

These products are manufactured in the United States. Poly Lumber is a high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic derived from post-consumer waste such as milk jugs and plastic packaging that would otherwise end up in a landfill. This material is then cleaned in a decontamination process to a high purity level. This purified recycled plastic is formulated with Ultra-Violet (UV) stabilizers and color pigments, and then formed into various shapes and profiles used to create environmentally-friendly, maintenance-free items that will not fade.

Poly Lumber has a wood-like grain look. It does not splinter, crack, rot or peel and never needs to be sealed or painted. Stains can be removed with a mild household cleaners. It is solid plastic all the way through with no wood fillers. Since Poly Lumber is not affected by weather it can be left outdoors year round. This product is shipped in ready to assemble condition.

Simply put, Casual Living poly lumber outdoor furniture is eco-friendly, easy care and beautiful. Come on in to Backyard Casual and take advantage of this limited time offer. Use the Coupon, enter the code "CASL25" at checkout. See you there!

Parkway Picnic Table - A Must Have for Summer

2009-06-24T17:19:00.000-07:00

It's Summer, time to pack up the family, or maybe just a cozy couple, and head out the beach or a park. Why not save money and take a great picnic lunch with you to enjoy. You know food always tastes better outside for some reason. Your appetite is peaked by the fresh air and sunshine. I have found a wonderful, convenient and portable picnic table for you to take along.

Made by Blue Ridge Chair Works, the Parkway Picnic Table is the perfect take along. The table is 15 inches tall. For easy transport, the legs unscrew and the whole table rolls up and stores in its own stuff sac with an adjustable shoulder strap. Like all Blue Ridge Chair Works furniture, the Parkway Picnic Table is constructed with solid Ash hardwood, stainless steel hardware, and finished with Danish Oil. When the table is set up it is 22” x 28” and 15” tall and weighs 9 lbs.

So, come on over to our store Backyard Casual and check out this great table as well as the other quality Tables we have to offer that are made by Blue Ridge Chair Works. The quality and craftsmanship are head and shoulders above the competition. See you there!

Show Dad Some Love and Respect This Father's Day

2009-05-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

June is such a busy month, school is out, and there are graduations and weddings, and Father's Day. Sometimes it seems like dear old Dad's day gets lost among all the other activities that are ongoing in June. So often we take for granted that our fathers will be around forever, and we know they won't. Each days with them is a gift. Some of us, me included, have already lost their fathers and there will forever be an empty spot in our hearts and lives caused by their absence. Perhaps, you are fortunate enough to live close to your Dad, or maybe you are separated by distance and time. Whatever the case may be, take time on Father's Day to call or visit him if you can. Tell him he is special and let him know how much is appreciated.

If you are looking for a Father's Day gift for your Dad or Hubby, consider shopping in our store Backyard Casual. If the man in your life likes to hang out in the yard on summer after noons, give him a great Earth Friendly Rope Hammock from The Bay Hammock Company. This rope hammock is made from 100% recycled polyester fiber, mostly from plastic bottles. The large rope is soft as cotton yet has the durability of polyester. When Bay Hammock makes the rope for this hammock they put in just enough stretch to make your naptime the most comfortable possible. You can learn more about the feature of this hammock Here. Or, shop for any other great hammocks or garden decor ideas for Dad.

Be Green and Beautiful with Breezesta

2009-05-08T05:12:00.000-07:00

With summer fast approaching and the weather getting warmer each day, we all want to be outdoors. It is time to get our yards green and growing again, time for the park, beach or summer home. Just anything that will take us out in the fresh air and sunshine. As you are taking inventory of what you may need or want to have for your yard, summer home or cabin, please consider being eco-friendly, or "green" if you will.

If your outdoor furniture is looking tired, and worn, if it is sun faded and in need of paint, consider replacing these items with beautiful, eco-friendly poly lumber furniture. At Backyard Casual we offer you a wonderful line of poly lumber furniture from Casual Living Products Unlimited. The Breezesta line is made from recycled milk and water jugs that have been decontaminated and processed into a white plastic flake that is safe for use. These white flakes are the basis for the poly lumber which are then infused with different colors. Casual Living Unlimited Poly lumber has a wood grain like finish, is solid throughout and does not contain any wood fillers.

Casual Living Unlimited's manufacturing process focuses on product quality. They use sturdy mortise and tenon construction and long-life Sure-Lok® joints for product durability and stability. They also use color-matched stainless steel hardware to provide a consistent color exterior.

When you visit our store you will see the variety of pieces available. There are Adirondack style chairs, rockers, garden and park benches (with our without arms). We also offer swinging, gliding and rocking benches. All great outdoor furniture to accommodate family and guests in style and comfort. If you would like to make a room grouping pair a bench with the Adirondack style chairs or rockers, add an end or cocktail style table and top with the colorful head cushions. You are ready for a quiet evening alone or entertaining!

If you would like to see more of this great outdoor furniture and the 20 colors available to you, please come by Backyard Casual. The chair shown above is the Shoreline Adirondack Chair in Sunshine Yellow. So, be eco-friendly and a savvy shopper. Invest in outdoor furniture that is low maintenace and high quality. You won't be sorry!

A Kid's Summer Begins in a Summer House

2009-03-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

It won't be long and school will be out and you know what that means. The children are at home and wanting fun things to do. Get the Kids ready for Summer fun in the backyard, park or campground. You know the kids are ready for school to be out and the long days of summer play to begin. But, are you ready? Do you have those all important play time activities planned? Sometimes, kids just want and need to play outside and use their imaginations. So, get them out from in front of the television and away from the video games. Give them a play tent to use this summer.

At Backyard Casual, we have a wonderful variety of play tents from GigaKids to stimulate their imaginations and provide hours of entertainment. These tents are sturdy, easy to set up and fire retardant. Here, were are featuring My First Summer Home. (How appropriate!) This play tent will give your little ones a place to relax and get away from their hectic lives. This little slice of heaven will keep them busy for hours while they pretend to be out in the country at their relaxing home away from home. 4 large windows for gazing out at the countryside and a large front porch give them somewhere to relax under. All of the windows and the large door have flaps that can be closed using Velcro tabs for privacy. This play tent is equally at home inside or outside the house. The floorless design makes clean up easy, just lift up the house and vacuum underneath.

The Giga Kid Summer Home comes ready to move into complete with carry bags for the poles and tent and stakes to keep it from blowing away. Made from durable and fire retardant coated polyester to last for many years of fun and enjoyment. • Large closeable windows and door for ventilation and easy viewing by parents.• The large 58”x45” floor size easily accommodates several children and their toys.• An attached porch shades the door and gives your little one somewhere to kick back and relax after a hard day.• Fiberglass poles go together easily to make set up quick. • Designed to be used inside or outside Pole Material 6.5mm fiberglass Floor Material Polyester 190T 600mm P.U. Wall Material Polyester 190T 600mm P.U.

So, while you are pondering summertime activities for you and your children, come on over to our store Backyard Casual and check out the selection of play tents available for loads of summer fun. Or, if you just have to have it you can Buy It Now.

Get Ready for Spring!

2009-02-08T17:36:00.000-08:00

Spring, that wonderful time when we throw open our windows to warm days and cool nights. When I lived up north, years ago, it was always so exciting for me to see the Crocus peek their heads through the last remaining snow on the ground. That last little bit of snow that was packed hard and sprinkled with black dirt as a reminder of how long and difficult the winter days had been. It was such fun, then, to start planning and shopping for the garden and yard. Before all the wonderful online shopping, I would visit the local garden supply store to see the newest garden whimsy available to brighten the landscape. You don't have to trudge out in the snow and cold now, you can do all your shopping in our store, Backyard Casual.

One of the first and best things you can do in the yard is install solar lights along a driveway, walkway or garden path. Check out our large selection of outdoor solar lights from Gama Sonic that are both decorative and functional. GAMA SONIC is the leading company in the field of solar charged and Rechargeable lights. GAMA SONIC produces wide ranges of products, which incorporate plastics, stainless steel, electronics and OEM products in various markets. GAMA SONIC was established in 1985 as a manufacturing and marketing company of emergency lights and other electronic products.

At Backyard Casual you will find Gama Sonic solar lamp posts, decorative atmosphere color solar lights to create a festive atmosphere or decorative accent lights for use in just about every part of your yard. One really great idea from Gama Sonic is the Solar Address Light. This great piece will guide your guests or emergency emergency vehicles to find your home. It will stay bright up to 15 hours per night. The address light charges by day and automatically turns on at night. It requires no wiring and comes with hardware and instructions for ground and wall installation.

So, while you are counting down the days until Spring, do something fun. Plan to spruce up and light up your outdoor areas and stop by Backyard Casual to purchase Gama Sonic Solar lights and great garden furniture and decor. You will be glad you did!

Be a Friend - Set an Elegant Bird Table!

2009-01-31T04:53:00.000-08:00

Seems like it is very cold everywhere right now. Even here in Central Florida we are having a cold snap. Of course, it is January so we expect that. While many parts of the country are covered in snow and suffering through ice storms, we are shivering in our 30's and 40's. I know, you folks up north are laughing at us. I went to Disney World last Saturday and it was absolutely gorgeous weather, but wore jeans and sneakers, when the sun went down, a jacket. All around me were friendly tourists in shorts and sandals. They thought it was great, I was cold. It is all relative, I guess.

Our feathered friends have a lot to deal with this time of year, as well. Food is scarce, even for those native birds here and the non-migratory species in the colder climes. I am an advocate of helping to feed the birds, especially this time of year, no matter where you might live. So look outside your window and see if you can't find a spot to place a Bird Table like the one you see above. The birds add so much to our lives and our ecology, but also there is great enjoyment is watching them on a cold morning visit your dining table you have arranged for them.

There are two types of bird tables in our store, the hanging one and also one that comes on a 6 foot pole. This decorative yet functional hanging bird table from Rainbow Gardman is in the oriental style with antique bronze effect finish. Made from tough weather resistant material, the surface is easy to wipe clean. Requires simple assembly. Measures 13 1/2" high by 12 1/2" in diameter. So, come one, treat your feathered friends to seed or suet on their own elegant table!

To purchase or view the Rainbow Gardman Click Here. To view the 6' tall Bird Table and other fine garden decor just follow this Link.

Come visit us at Backyard Casual where we bring style and fashion to your outdoor space. And, take heart, Spring is just around the corner!

Take Heart - Spring is Coming!

2009-01-01T04:45:00.000-08:00

It is so cold in many parts of our country right now. If you live in one of these areas, to you I am stating the obvious. For you folks this is a tough time of year right now as you know you are facing two or three more months of tough weather. I am sure you are looking forward to the spring thaws and getting outside in your yards again. Now that the holidays are over, the trees and lights and presents are, or are being put away, it is time to think about what you would like to have in your yard, patio, porch or pool area.

Here, at Backyard Casual, our spring starts early. In Central Florida we have an interesting combination of spring and fall going on. The oak trees lose their leaves (we have five big trees here so you can imagine the piles of leaves we have) and begin renewal almost immediately. The process takes six weeks to two months but it is like fall and spring immediately following one another. Once in a while in January we will get a freeze but that does not happen very often so we begin all our spring pruning and planting early.

We also are thinking about what great new additions we can make to our outdoor furniture for the coming year. One terrific item we have found is the Gama Sonic Solar Powered Umbrella. This is such a great addition to any outdoor area for use in entertaining or just enjoying your own quiet time with family. The top of the umbrella has a solar panel consisting of 24 LED lights embedded into the inner upper poles in a unique patented construction. The solar panel is discreetly mounted on top of the canopy, removing the need for extra wiring. The Solar Umbrella automatically brings a warm glow to your gatherings once the sun has gone down. It uses rechargeable battery to hold the day’s solar reserves. It also features a manual on/off switch, for those times you’d rather just take the sun for granted. This umbrella features:

No electricity needed (solar charged)
Burns 6 to 8 hours with a day of charge
On/Off switch
White light
Water resistant coating
No wires are seen as for a special inner electronic construction

Specifications
Rechargeable battery Ni-Mh
Voltage 4 x 1.2V AA
Charging Capacity 2000MA
Lamp type 24 Super Bright LED
Power Source Mono Crystalline Solar

I can think of so many occasions and uses for this solar umbrella. How perfect for a pool or patio area to enjoy at night without a great deal of artificial light. The kids could sit out there and play games or Mom and Dan can use it after the children are in bed for some quiet time together. The umbrella offers a perfect spot for entertaining friends. It is very portable for take up and put down in the event of a windy day or storm.

I invite you to stop by Backyard Casual and see some of the great products we have to bring style and fashion to your backyard this spring. If you would like to purchase the Gama Sonic Solar Umbrella you can Buy It Now.

Take Heart - Spring is Coming!

Count Down to Christmas

2008-11-30T18:54:00.000-08:00

It is not as if any of us needs a countdown banner to remind us that the Christmas Season is here. The signs are everywhere. For us Christians, today is the first Sunday in Advent. This weekend was perhaps the biggest shopping weekend of the year for retailers. Yards are being decorated and in windows of my neighbors homes I can see some decorated trees appearing. Oh, yes, tis the Season!

If you are looking for a gift idea for your children or grandchildren, may I suggest a tent? Now I know you are thinking, why the heck do I want to get my kids a tent! It is snowing outside! But, think about it a minute. A play tent is the perfect gift that will give children hours of fun in the backyard or campsite. It can be their fort, their hideout, their place to have a friend sleep over (with adult supervision, of course). For those folks who live up north with a large basement, set this up for the children to play and sleep in on those days they can not go outside. Set it up in their bedroom (if it is big enough) or the family room and let them drag their toys in there and a little TV or snacks. I can think of so many ways this can be your children's favorite play place and your best friend not only in warm but cold weather too.

The tent you see above is called the Dream Catcher tent. It is a Gigakids tent by Gigatent. This tent has lots of windows to let light in so the little ones won't get scared and if they want more light just hang a lantern or flashlight from the loop at the top. The tent is attached to the Poly/Cotton sheet by Velcro and can easily be removed for washing. The Poly/Cotton top is comfortable to sleep on and fits easily over any mattress. A large door on the side makes getting in and out easy for children. It is easy set up and take down. The price of this tent is $59.99 plus shipping. You can see more on this tent Here.

So, if you are running out of ideas or simply haven't had time to think about what to get the kids this Christmas, consider a play tent for hours of fun. Gigakids play tents are moderately priced and easy on the budget which is more important now than ever. You can see this and other great kids tents, for play and for camping, at Backyard Casual.

What Are You Thankful For This Year?

2008-11-21T04:28:00.000-08:00

The time is almost near for those of us who live in the United States to celebrate one of our national holidays - Thanksgiving. I know that many of my international friends have their own version of this holiday, a time to pause and be thankful for who we are and what we have. Each year we celebrate I have something going on in my life that causes me to stop and think about how fortunate I am, and this year is no different.

My family (and by that I mean my children, nieces, nephews, sisters, brothers, etc.), like so many families, has been deeply touched by the state of our economy, both nationally and globally. By touched I don't mean their 401k's have been rocketed to the ground, which some have, but I mean unemployed, lost homes, lost cars. Severely and seriously wounded.

When I say lost homes, this is not due to a sub-prime mortgage, no, it is just not being able to pay the rent because of a lost job. A lost car, not because the payment was too high or the term too long, no, but a lost job. So what are these folks doing? Well, they move in with other family members, or family members share cars, run taxi and provide bus money while the unfortunate and frightened search for the ever elusive new job. The best that can be found sometimes is a part time job which they take because some money is better than no money.

So, with all of this gloom and doom what do I have to be thankful for this year. The prospects for the coming year or more (if you care to believe the financial pundits) is more of the same, a deeper recession than originally thought. Maybe, even that "d" word. Well, I will tell you.

First, the beloved family I have who is struggling so hard this year. They are a testimate to the true strength and bonds of love and family ties. As the old saying goes, "when the going gets tough, the tough get going". We who still have incomes are sheltering, feeding and nurturing those who do not. No one turned on the streets here.

Second, I still have a job, a roof over my head and plenty of food on the table. And, no one has died. I have a car, paid for, that transports me to and from that most necessary employment.

Fourth, I have a wonderful church family who reaches out into the community and feed and support those less fortunate in our community.

Fifth, I am grateful for my four nephews who are bravely serving our Country in the Armed Forces of these great United States. Their sacrifice, and that of all who went before them to preserve the freedoms we so enjoy every day, make my heart swell with deep pride and honor. I will be honored to have them all at my table for Christmas this year.

Lastly, I am grateful to God for the United States of America, for all its warts, we are still, as far as I am concerned, the greatest nation in the world. These are trying times, this is a test, will we like my family, put our shoulder to the wheel and push through it all? Or, will we lay down and whine about the circumstances we now find ourselves deeply embedded?

So, I say "Thank You God" for these difficult times for through them we will grow and mature, for my family, my community and my country. May each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and take some time along the way to reflect on what you are thankful for this year.

Karen is the owner/operator of Backyard Casual Stop in and browse for wonderful outdoor furniture and garden decor. Our gate is always open and you are always welcome.

Warm a Feathered Friend's Heart!

2008-10-31T09:48:00.000-07:00

Do you live in a cold climate? Has the snow already started to fly? If so, don't forget our feathered friends who don't migrate for the winter. Help out a bird buddy by providing him with a drink of water from a heated bird bath. At Backyard Casual, we have several bird baths available for purchase as well as a deicer for your present bird bath. There are both pedestal and deck mount styles available. There is also as one on a metal stand.

You can see one that I especially like opposite this article. This plastic heated bird bath, with pedestal, is thermostatically controlled, and is 20" in diameter. The Bird Bath comes with hardware which will mount the bath to almost any pedestal (Stone or plastic) up to 12" in diameter, or any deck railing up to 12" wide. The bath has been tested at temperatures down to -20°F. The heating element is 150 watts.
The blow on the bath is 4" deep and when mounted on the pedestal, stands 24.25" high.

Backyard Casual is in Central Florida, so we do not need a heated bath for our birds. But we do have a bird bath as we believe in helping mother nature care for her creatures any way we can. I know that if I did live in a colder climate I would be purchasing a heated bird bath or a heating element for the one I have. I love to watch the birds splashing about the bath in the morning sun. It is one of the things that just seems to start my day out right.

Now fly on over to our store and shop for a heated bird bath for your garden, deck or patio. Warm a Feathered Friend's Heart! Backyard Casual

Light Up The Night - It's Halloween!

2008-10-16T18:09:00.000-07:00

Halloween, it's almost here. That spookiest of nights when all the ghosts and goblins are merrily running up to your door shrieking in unison"Trick or Treat"! Remember how much fun that used to be? I do, even when I was 13 and 14 years old it was a delight to race around the neighborhood at night, meeting up with other goblins and trying to guess who was hiding behind the Frankenstein mask.

Who can forget climbing into the family car the week before Halloween and driving out to the pumpkin patch to find just the right pumpkin for carving into your goulish front porch greeter. I don't know how it was at your house, but at ours, you had to find just the right pumpkin with symmetry. It had to be big, but not too big, a good stem for easier lifting and one side that would be perfect for carving (a little flat was good). You couldn't carve it until the night before, so it was always an anticipated production to make the first cut. We would first begin by drawing on the face we thought we wanted on our pumpkin. Of course, by the time we had finished there would be no resemblance to our drawing, but we didn't care. It was Halloween.

When at last the big night would arrive, we could barely eat our dinner we were so excited. But, again, that was the rule. You had to eat your dinner before you could go Trick or Treating. So, we would race through the meal and the dishes, throw on the costume and away we went, bounding up the next door neighbors steps and singing in unison "Trick or Treat"! At last, the fun could begin.

This is not the usual post tonight, I know, but here at Backyard Casual we plan to have our porch light on and our pumpkin on the steps and celebrate with those few brave families who still trick or treat. Sadly, Trick or Treating has begun to die out for safety reasons. More and More parents are taking their children to Trick or Treat at the malls or private parties, not just here, but in many of America's cities. Gone are the days like I had or my own children had, where we could fly through the neighborhood with our Superman cape or on our witch's broom with great abandon and just drink in the night with its ghostly sounds. There was no evil,it was just plain fun.

If you are having a Halloween party at your house, yard or camp site, include some party lights to add decoration and illumination to the area. Visit Backyard Casual where you will find a variety of Artline party lights to bring gaiety to any occassion. Now, get out there and find a pumpkin and a witch hat! It's Halloween!!!

It's A Beautiful Evening at Backyard Casual

2008-10-04T05:54:00.000-07:00

It is evening at Backyard Casual. This is perhaps my favorite time of the day to be out in the yard. In Central Florida in October, the days are still in the upper 80's, but the evenings are blissfully perfect. A cool breeze has picked up from the lake (enough to keep the mosquitoes away) and the evening twilight is illuminating the sky.

As I was walking around trying to decide the next day's project, I realized that many of the beautiful blooms on the hibiscus plants would not be there tomorrow. You will see two I captured in their full beauty that are all closed up this morning and will go through the natural process of drying up and falling off the plant. It is a wonder to me how they can be so beautiful and yet only last one day. All the work the plants go through to put out such temporary splendor.

The hibiscus on the right is a triple peach, and you don't see too many of them around. Many red and yellow, but not to many peach. Ours is a very old plant, witnessed by the thick size of the branches of the plant and its height. Every year in February we cut it down to about a height of 2 1/2 feet, and every summer it returns to it height of approximately 8 feet and is loaded with the beautiful blooms.

The white with the ruby red throat is one of my favorites for its simplistic beauty. This lovely bloom reminds me of a beautiful woman in a simple white dress with a dazzling ruby necklace. How elegant she looks!

I love our hibiscus plants because they are are easy to maintain. Plant them in sun, give them a little fertilizer once in a while and they are happy. They are somewhat drought tolerant, but do love the tropical rains of summer. In Florida, unless it freezes, which is rare, they will literally bloom year round. Interestingly enough, however, in January, most of their old leaves do fall off and they look very sticky and naked. This is your cue to cut them way back in order to insure the return of their beauty.

I have wandered off track, but that is okay. Evening is the best time of day in the backyard. The birds are looking for a place to roost for the night, the bats are out and the illuminaries are glowing. The illuminaries are decorative and provide a welcoming light along a path, walkway or planting group. I invite you to view the variety of illuminaries available in our store Backyard Casual. Or, if you like the Echo Valley illuminary shown above you may Buy It Now. By Echo Valley, this attractive illuminary is available in two different heights and is a beautiful, yet functional, addition to any outdoor space.

There's Beauty in Those Berries!

2008-09-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

Several years ago when we bought our house, we spent countless hours digging up and relocating like plants, trying to make some sense and order out of the one plant here, another plant there theme. Just when we began to think we were making headway, we would find something else, new and different and oddly planted. Now, I am from the school that if you have a large area to landscape you need to plant like plants together to make them showy. The family before us obviously had a different thought pattern.

One of the plants scattered here and there was the American Beauty Berry plant you see pictured. I understand there is also a Japanese variety. We found them in the front, under the azaleas, we found them in the side mixed with ferns and we found them in the back coming up as small plants under the oaks. We almost threw them out as weeds until we began to notice the similarity in the leaves.

At that time, the plants were just that, plants, no flower, no berries, just leaves. The first spring we were here, (which in Florida much of this type of work is done in February) we painstakingly dug up each one and located them in a row, hedge fashion, along the back fence. We truly did not know what we would get, if anything, maybe just a row of weeds. Now where we found them was all shady, and the fence is all sunny, they were either going to fry or thrive in the sun.

We basically ignored them, except for water if it did not rain, and before we knew it they were three feet high and blooming with the most beautiful, delicate pink flowers. To our joy, the butterflies were in love with them. They were lovely, and we were thrilled, but we had not idea what would happen next.

When the flowers are done blooming, they form clusters of deep purple berries so tightly knit you could not stick another one into the bunch if you tried. Smaller than a pea, the berries start out green and turn a bright purple. Evidently, planting them in the sun was exactly what they needed as the plants now grow well over 6 feet and are full of berries. The berries are the delicacy of the day, for the birds and squirrels and will feed them well into January, when the leaves fall off and the plants appear to be a pile of ugly sticks. Every February we cut them down to about 2 feet and every year the process repeats itself, beautiful pink flowers and butterflies, bright purple berries and birds.

Little did we know that day several years ago when gathered like plants into a grouping that we had hit the jackpot for attracting butterflies and birds. We could not know the joy we would receive every time we looked out the kitchen window and watched our resident cardinals happily dining away on one of their favorite dishes. There truly is beauty in those berries and in God's plan for taking care of His creatures.

Well, it is time to get back outside for the next project. With a yard this size there is a never ending "to do" list. But, it is a beautiful day here and I am going to just enjoy it for a while before I do anymore work. I am going to be Backyard Casual and I invite you to do the same. The products you see listed here can be purchased in our store by clicking on the highlighted link or purchased here using the "Buy Now" buttons. Thank you for visiting Backyard Casual, where the gate is always open and you are always welcome.

Rock The Blues Away

2008-09-07T04:37:00.001-07:00

September is the month that signals us that summer is over and fall will soon be here. Each day it seems that dusk comes a bit earlier, the leaves begin to take on a tinge of their fall color and the nights are a bit cooler. It is a beautiful time of year, really, but for some it signals the onset of snow and cold weather when outdoor activities become limited and cold weather gear must be worn.

Soon, the leaves will start to fall and that means raking, raking and more raking. Perhaps, you are one of the fortunate folks who has a riding mower/vacuum. Ah, can I borrow it next week? Just kidding. Our raking time here in Central Florida is in February when the oak trees shed their leaves, and then after the leaves fall and the new growth is sprouting, the tree sheds what I call brown wormy things, so we are cleaning up for weeks after our trees. Actually, the brown wormy things look more like small brown, fuzzy caterpillars, but they are all part of the trees renewal process.

While this time of year can be a little sad for some folks, I urge you to do what I do when the raking, mowing, pruning, etc. becomes a daunting task. I sit down in my rocking chair like you see above with a nice cool beverage and I rock my cares away for a while. I love this chair, it is made of poly lumber, which if you have not heard of this material before, is made of high density polyethylene recycled, purified plastic. This type of material makes for Eco-friendly, mildew and stain resistant outdoor furniture that you never paint and cleans up with regular household cleaning products.

What is so perfect about this type of outdoor furniture is the fact it can be left outside in all kinds of weather and will always look attractive. It does not splinter or chip paint as the color is infused into the materials when made. If you are looking for high quality, low maintenance, always attractive outdoor furniture for your porch, patio, yard or pool area, you need look no further than the poly lumber products we sell at Backyard Casual. This attractive furniture is available in 20 different colors so there is a color for every decor theme. If you would like to purchase this chair (cost is $299.99, our pricing is very competitive) your may do so using this link Quest Rocker.

Well, the backyard is calling me again, so I have to get back out there. But, please stop by and visit us anytime at Backyard Casual. The gate is always open and you are always welcome.

Plumbago - Plum Lovely

2008-08-28T14:56:00.000-07:00

I am a little tardy in posting to Backyard Casual's blog this week. You see, all of last week, and by that I mean Monday-Friday, we had a most unwelcome visitor in the form of Tropical Storm Fay. While Backyard Casual's backyard did not suffer any major damage, there was a great deal of clean up to be done in the form of downed tree limbs and tree trash. What a mess, but we are back on track and grateful not to be flooded out like so many of those around us. That said, I am having to use pictures taken before the storm as some of our flora are a bit sad looking.

I would like to introduce you to Plumbago. Is it hot, sticky and steamy outside? Ah-Ah-Ah, Perfect. You see, that is what the Plumbago are saying this time of year. Bettter yet, if it isn't raining, they are even happier. This plant will fool you if you don't know better. The little Plumbago plants that you buy at the nursery are soft, wispy and delicate looking. But, watch out, because if left unchecked this plant can grow 4-5 feet high.

I am not sure why they call it Plumbago, it isn't plum colored at all. In fact, the small flowers that form clusters are a beautiful corn flower blue. When it is hot and dry, the plants produce many clusters of flowers. When it rains so much like it did last week, they will be without flowers for a time until they dry out. These are such great drought tolerants plants that our highway department and parks and recreation department use these along the major highways and in parks for shrubs as they require little water and less care.

The thick shubery this plant forms makes for marvelous cover and shade for the cats to take shelter under during the heat of the day. Many times they come out from under the plant with blue flowers hanging from them. If I am looking for them that is usually where they can be found.

So, life continues on at Backyard Casual after the storm. This is hurricane season and we must keep a wary eye for the next storm,which is already forming. I am going to need that comfy Adirondack chair I have to rest up in after all the yard work. It is a wonderful Poly Lumber Adirondack Chair made by Casual Living Unlimited that you can purchased at Backyard Casual, and it is available in 20 colors to fit in with any yard furniture theme you have going. The best part,along with comfort, you can leave this chair out in any weather and it is not fade, stain or wood rot. Poly Lumber is made from recycled materials and is eco-friendly. Stop by and visit, the gate is always open to our store and you are always welcome.

The Shoreline Adirondack Chair shown above is available at our store or you can purchase it now by using the "Buy It Now" button. If you have any questions on this or any other product available at Backyard Casual, send an e-mail to: Karen@backyardcasual.com.

Summer Blaze Lights Up the Yard

2008-08-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

August is not the best month to live in Central Florida. For the most part, it is hot, muggy and each day is punctuated with rain and/or thunderstorms. But, there is one thing that happens in our yard every August that makes my month. We have, at last count, approximately 400 Bromeliads in a variety known as Summer Blaze. Starting the end of July, I start peeking down into the little cups formed by the bromeliads hoping to see the red stalk appear. Their appearance seems to happen almost overnight. At first, you may see 4 or 5, the next day, poof, a swath of red splashes across the yard under the oak trees. At that moment I realize why I look at these usually nondescript plants all year. The yard is literally blazing with vivid red stalks poking out of the bromeliads.

I really know very little about these plants save one fact. They multiply like crazy, I call them the rabbits of the plant world. There were around 75 of them planted in the backyard when we moved here, and in the wrong spot at that. I really had not seen the plants before, but I could tell they were planted in the wrong spot. They were in full sun and their color was an anemic yellow. So, we decided to plant them under the big old oak trees to see what they would do.

We began by trying to dig them up. Hah! They are all connected together by what I call "toes", so you get old ones, young healthy ones, and "babies" all connected together. Although very shallow rooted, they are tenacious and their leaves have a serated edge to cut you hands. But, we persisted and relocated all of them. Now, 9 years later, they surround the oak trees, climb the oak trees, and mix in with the ferns wherever they please. We have dug up at least a hundred in the last two years, piled them by the side of the street with a "Free Bromeliads - Take" sign. Overnight, they disappear, to begin their propogation elsewhere.

These great plants require little care. The cups or rosettes formed by the leaves catch the rainwater or water from the sprinklers. That is it, that is all you do for them. Talk about low maintenance! If you live in a subtropical or desert area of our country, this is the perfect plant for the yard or patio. They can be planted in the yard or grown in containers. Summer Blaze only blooms once a year but when it does, there is a red carpet "blazing" across the yard.

There is still lots of time to spend in your backyard, so stop by and visit my store, Backyard Casual, where the gate is always open and you are always welcome. I'll be looking for you.

Persian Shield and the Swinging Bench

2008-08-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

Ahhh! Another gorgeous day in the backyard. I have been trimming, weeding, pruning, all those chores that I put off because I don't particularly enjoy them. However, as I was trimming up this plant you see I decided it would be a great topic for Backyard Casual's blog.

This particular plant is called a Persian Shield. I had never heard of it before, it was not in our yard when we bought the house, but my nephew gave me a small cutting a few years ago and so I planted it to see if it grow. Well, it grew all right, and grew and grew. Little did I know the Persian Shield loved the hot Florida weather, was drought tolerant and was hard to kill. Hey, just my kind of plant. I leave it to the horticulturists or botanists or others to write on the specifics, I just like it and appreciate it for its beauty.

I think you can tell why it is called "Persian Shield", the leaves are shaped like a shield a soldier may have used long ago. But the true beauty is in the purple and silver hues displayed across the leaves that are thick and dense on the plant. Sometimes, it gets a very small stalk growing from one of the branches that has very delicate pink flowers. The first time I saw this I thought it was odd, not at all what i would have expected. We have it planted on either side of the swinging bench which seems to be the perfect spot.

The other evening, I was walking to the swing and happened to look down in the thick of the Persian Shield, there was my favorite black snake. Of course, the minute he saw me he slithered off into the ferns, but not before the dog (a big yellow lab) spied him and the chase was on. Lou chased after the snake through those ferns, ignoring the bromeliads and their spiny edges, and doggedly (no pun intended) pursued him until he reached the fence and the snake was gone. Mr. Snake is not used to seeing Lou (he was just visiting) so it may be a while before he ventures back into the backyard again.

It is quiet today, no rain expected, so I will have more to do in the backyard this evening when it is cooler. But,you know, I just might sit down in that swinging bench and watch the sun set.

If you don't have a swinging bench you can find one at Backyard Casual's store. Made from eco-friendly poly lumber, there are two styles available in 20 different colors. You will also find gliding, rocking and garden style benches for your porch, patio or backyard. Please visit us anytime at Backyard Casual, where the gate is always open and you are always welcome.

Every Bird Needs a Bath!

2008-07-29T12:18:00.000-07:00

backyard casualWell, once again, I am tardy in updating my writing, seems like there just are not enough hours in the day. But, it is raining here this afternoon, nothing new about that, so it is a good time to do some catch up work. It rains just about every afternoon in Central Florida this time of year. The mornings are alway warm and a little humid; as the sun heats up the day the coastal sea breeze picks up from both east and west. We are a peninsula, remember, so we have breezes from both directions. They will collide somewhere in our area and then we have storms, sometimes, quite violent, others just a great deal of rain and distant thunder. But, nevertheless, rain it will be, every day.

We have a bird bath in the side yard, I can see it from the bedroom window. It is always a hub of action early in the morning. In drier months, we keep it full, just so the birds have water. But, this time of year, it is almost overflowing from all the rain water. Every morning there are several birds competing for a bath. It is fun to watch as they dive bomb each other, trying to chase one out so another can get its turn.

This morning, I watched a fat little dove just sitting in the water watching the world go by, minding her own little business. Swoosh, in comes yakky Mr. Bluejay trying to run her off. Well, there was wing flapping, water splashing and screeching. Ms. Dove left, but not until after she had given old bluejay a scolding.

A pair of cardinals has made its home in some of the bushes around our home. We see them every day at the bird bath, but never bathing at the same time. One will splash around while the other sits on the fence or on a low branch, standing guard. Then, they switch. I think they are on a lookout for the old black cat but they have no way of knowing he is to lazy to give them a merry chase.

If you don't have a bird bath (or maybe it is birdbath, I have seen it both ways) please visit my store, Backyard Casual, (http://www.backyardcasual.com/) and see the different styles available. Perhaps, you live in an apartment, condominium or patio home without much yard or a yard at all. Do you know there are mounted bird baths for just such a scenario. If you live in a colder climater than I, there are heated bird baths. Also, there are solar bird baths, hanging bird baths, bird baths on stakes, and even illuminarie bird baths. So, help out our feather friends and bring yourself some relaxing amusement. Every bird needs a bath!

The bird bath shown in the picture above is available at Backyard Casual.

Japanese Pagoda Plant - Wild Yet Beautiful

2008-07-12T05:22:00.000-07:00

It occured to me that I needed to update my blog a bit. While I was sitting at the computer, looking out the window into the backyard and wondering what was out there that would make a good subject, I spied the Japanese Pagoda plant that runs through our yard. I say "runs" as that is what it does, it seems to send out root runners all around and grows in the most inopportune spots in the yard.

Now the Japanese Pagoda plant is really quite interesting. I am sure you are wondering why it might have this name. During the summer months this plant, which grows to a height of about 6 feet, tops itself with bright coral colored flowers that looks just like a pagoda. The pagoda is actually made up of many small flowers arranged in clusters on stems that are about 3 inches long. The leaves on this plant are about 8-9 inches in their span and are on stems a foot long. As you can tell from this description, this is not a small plant.

backyard casual

I am not sure how it got in our yard, I think the startings of it were here when we bought our home nine years ago. It has spread from one plant to many across the backyard, and if we let it, will take us over. The runners seem to be everywhere and we have determined to hold it to a certain area, so that means detecting and removing the early growth. It doesn't seem to care if it grows up in the middle of the azaleas or ferns, or the roses. It is happy anywhere in our backyard it can get a foothold.

Don't get me wrong, I do like the plant and I do enjoy it during the summer months, so it's aggressiveness is tolerated. When it declines, which in Florida is not until December, we cut it to the ground. In Spring, well, it is back as strong and big as ever. I must confess, I have not taken the time to look up its origin or its care (not that it seems to need any care), so if anyone has any information on this plant they would like to share, please leave me a post.

Thanks for visiting my blog, please stop back by, as always, Backyard Casual's gate is open for you 24/7. Please visit our new store (albeit, still under construction). You will find many products to make your backyard your personal oasis, http://www.backyardcasual.com/.

Backyard Casual - Your Personal Oasis

2008-06-25T14:45:00.000-07:00

I don't know what you are doing this summer, but I am staying home, right here in my own back yard. The price of gas is too high to take a road trip and the theme parks around here are all full of tourists (great for the local economy, but not us locals). So, here I sit, staring at my beautiful, big old oak trees with Spanish moss hanging from them. My crepe myrtles are in full bloom, gorgeous pinks and purples. We call them the Southern lilacs and when it rains (which it does every afternoon this time of year), the flower heads are so wet they droop, much like the head of a scolded child. The white fence needs painting and the grass needs mowing again, but, AAH, here I sit. This is backyard casual at it's best.

Over in the golden dew drop tree, a misguided bird has built an architecturally perfect nest. I say misguided as I fear my old black cat may spy it and try to investigate. The other day I took out the ladder and climbed up to have a look inside. I was expecting to see little eggs, but, nothing. Seems abandoned, but yet it is in perfect condition. Speaking of birds, we have a beautiful pair of cardinals that flit from the plumbago to the bird bath and back again. Oh, and did I mention the black snake that lives in our yard? He just loves all the ferns for ground cover; he startles me every now and then, or I, him. Not sure who startles whom the most. He warms himself many evenings on the sidewalk, I know he's there and he knows I'm here, but we try not to cross paths.backyard casual

At night, one of the best things in our backyard is the owl. He is so gorgeous, sometimes we get to see him sitting in the tree before he begins his nightly hunt. I have tried several times to capture him in pictures, but the trees are so dense and he blends in so well, that I have not been successful. Late at night, you can hear his calls and I wonder what he has found on his hunt. What a gorgeous creature he is, I pray every time I hear his soulful call, that no one will harm him.

If it seems that I love the outdoors, I do. I have been fortunate to have a wonderful yard with swings, and bird baths and picnic tables and chairs. I hope you have a space, large or small, you can make your own personal oasis.

To that end, I have a store, aptly named Backyard Casual (http://www.backyardcasual.com/) that I am filling with all kinds of hammocks, chairs, tables, swings, etc. from quality, name brand manufacturers. Stop by. I just know you will find the right pieces to help you enjoy your own back yard. Oh, and did I mention, the customer service is great!

Leave me a post and let me know what you are doing this summer, and don't forget to stop by Backyard Casual. The gate is always open and I'll be looking for you.