Tools & Tips
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Christmas shopping can be fun and relaxing.
Whether you're shopping for your Christmas gifts ahead of time or doing some last-minute shopping, avoid the hectic malls come to the Olde Mistick Village. Spend less money, and find Christmas gifts that everyone will really appreciate. Here at Garden Specialties the sales help is very knowledgeable and friendly we will help you find the perfect gifts. Christmas shopping can be fun just take a look at what we have and you will see.
Gift Ideas
 As you wonder around the store enjoying the music and the relaxing sound of water, or browsing the online store, you are looking for that perfect gift for your parents who are so hard to buy for.
Well we have several ideas for you. How about a Himalayan Salt lamp these lamps provide a soft orange glow. For thousands of years, natural crystal salt has been used for its cleansing properties. They give off negative ions that fight off pollutants. In ancient times and even today it is used as a natural alternative in the treatment for a variety of ailments, a perfect gift for people of any age. Himalayan Salt products range from $15.00 to $75.00.
You arrive at the section of the store where all the gadgets and tools for the gardener are kept. Suddenly you remember that Uncle Harry loves to garden. Well a popular gift this holiday season for the avid gardener is our line of ergonomic garden tools made by Radius. There are 4 styles of hand tools for $9.99 each, and 4 mid length tools at $39.99 each. Just recently we added the Pro Lite tools which are perfect for women. These tools are good looking, durable and ergonomic!
 As you wonder the store enjoying the smells of the Tyler Candles and the Sonoma Lavender you see so many unique things. Handmade trees from copper wire, rock cairns, statuary for the home and garden, hummingbird feeders, little birdhouse and large birdhouses, the list goes on and on. So what should I buy for Mom? The hand blown glass hummingbird and songbird feeders look beautiful. The colors, violet, green, blue, red and even more! Every holiday these feeders fly out of here. Prices range from $20.00 to $60.00.
As the water trickles in the background you suddenly remember your husband dropping you a hint about a water fountain for the house. We have a great selection of fountains to choose from. Our staff can answer any questions you have to assist you in picking out just the right one. Prices range from $75.00 on up.
We have several thoughtful gifts for your friends and co workers. There is the “flip note” pad which comes in an assortment of colors. Price $8.95. Our Guardian Angel collection also $8.95 is a nice gift for a friend. Toys for the kids and stocking stuffers for everyone we have a large selection of gifts.
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Winter Care of your Cast Stone Planters, birdbaths and fountains.
 Proper winter care is required for all cast stone and terra cotta products to protect them from the freeze‐thaw cycles which occur in winter. Any product that can hold water, snow, or ice such as a planter, birdbath top or fountain and any product that rests directly on the ground, such as a statue, birdbath base, planter, or bench leg, can be damaged by the winter freeze‐thaw cycles. In order to minimize any possible winter damage, please follow the simple suggestions outlined below.
If a planter is to be left planted over the winter, we suggest that it be raised off the ground by placing two wood strips or plant feet underneath the planter making sure the drainage hole is clean so it can drain. If the planter remains in contact with the ground surface over the winter, the freeze‐thaw cycles may cause the planter to crack or crumble.
If a planter is not to remain planted over the winter, we suggest that it be stored out of the elements in a garage or a shed. If a planter is to be left outside, unplanted, we suggest that you empty the planter of soil, turn the planter upside down onto wood strips, and cover or wrap the planter with clean burlap or other absorbent material and then cover with dark plastic.
Birdbath tops and shells should not be left outside in winter because if the bowl fills with water, snow, or ice and freezes, expansion will cause the top to crack. Birdbath bases, bench legs, and statuary should be raised off the ground in the winter to avoid damage which will result if the product freezes to the ground surface.
All terra cotta planters are porous and absorb moisture. Winter freeze‐thaw cycles will cause terra cotta planters to freeze and crack. We strongly recommend that all terra cotta planters be stored indoors over the winter.
Do not allow water to accumulate and freeze in the bowls of your water fountain. Empty the all the fountains' bowls, take inside or at least if you keep outdoors then turn the bowls upside down. Ice expands and creates massive expansion forces in the cast concrete.
If you cannot do either of the above here's my suggestion store the pump indoors, then empty the fountain and stuff some absorbent material like carpet underlay, hessian, or even newspapers into the empty bowls. This will "trap" any moisture after you completely cover the fountain with a waterproof cover. You can buy or order specially designed water fountain covers for this purpose.
TOOL: How to Clean Birdhouses, Birdbaths and Bird Feeders
Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are many peoples favorite bird to watch. Perhaps it is their uniqueness among the bird population. They are among the smallest of birds; they can hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings 12-90 times per second (depending on the species). They can also fly backwards, and are the only group of birds able to do so. It could also be that people enjoy what the hummingbird stands for in different cultures. The Hummingbird has be said to be the messenger, stopper of time, symbol of optimism, sweetness, beauty, agility, pure love, joy and celebration of life. Every description that I found associated with the hummingbird represented good thoughts. So whether it is the gracefulness of the bird or it’s symbolism that attracts us all to them, I have found them to be one of the most admired birds to watch and feed. If you haven’t tried to attract Hummingbirds to your yard, I suggest you do!
Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
Bring the water to a rolling boil. Stir in sugar until completely dissolved. Let mixture cool to room temperature before filling feeders. Any extra nectar can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10. Click here for a great resource to learn more about hummingbird.
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