Zone 8 gardening tips for Autumn

Image via Wikipedia

If you live in South Carolina you know that the cooler weather is all but here. Many of us

spend a good deal of time and money winterizing our homes, however, our gardens, even in zone

8 need some winterizing and planning ahead too. Here's a few tips for tending to your zone 8 garden and lawn right now before winter sets in.

Start covering your perennial varieties of bulbs and also strawberries now in their beds for the winter.

Plant winter- and spring-flowering bulbs

During the cooler months, it is an ideal time to go ahead and either plant

grass or make improvements to lawns.

If you enjoy ornamental grasses like Pampas or other varieties, now in zone 8 is the time to

get it in the ground.Image via Wikipedia

Winter perennials that bloom should be planted now.

Plant bare root roses, trees and shrubs right now to ensure they winter over in your yard.

If you have a vegetable garden going and are interested in planting a winter veggie crop now is the time to put those seedlings in the ground.

For a list of some interesting plants for zone 8, check out HGTV's link.

For more on Southern gardening, see: The Southern Garden

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Pier 1 Imports can add style to your garden

If you are getting a taste of Spring fever like we are in South Carolina, then it's time to make a trip to your local Pier 1. Pier 1 has some of the most tasteful old world garden accessories and furnishings to create those beautiful little Vistas all throughout the garden. All of these wonderful pieces are in stock at the Pier 1 Stores located throughout Columbia, SC now.
Take a look at these suggestions:
We can't all live in France, but we can certainly create a french inspired garden complete with these lovely furnishings:

Jardin De Marie Trellis

How wonderful is it to sit under a garden trellis that is covered in wonderful roses? Well this trellis has seating as well and will be a beautiful addition to any garden landscape.

Jardin De Marie Trellis
$399.95

Jardin De Marie Armchair

For beautiful seating in french elegance, how about creating a little spot on your patio or in your garden for this lovely chair?
Jardin De Marie Armchair
$149.95

 Angelique Foam Dining Cushion

Want some extra comfort that has plenty of color in case your green thumb fails you? Why not add these great indoor/outdoor cushions for your lovely french inspired garden chairs?
Angelique Foam Dining Cushion
$24


Jardin De Marie End Table
To enjoy your iced tea, you need a lovely matching table like this Jardin De Marie End Table..
Jardin De Marie End Table
$129.95

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9 foot Pagoda Umbrella
Needing a little shade with a little punch of color?
See: 9-Foot Pagoda Umbrella
$199.95

Outdoor Perched Bird Table
For adding a little rustic charm, add this adorable table with the twig-like legs with the extra little birds perched on them. It doesn't get anymore charming than that.
Outdoor Perched Bird Table
$199.95
Copper Outdoor Clock
An outdoor clock can add style and purpose to a blank wall, or a privacy fence. Check out this awesome Copper Outdoor clock.
Copper Outdoor Clock
$99.95
Metal Plant Stand

Metal plant stands never ever go out of style for that touch of elegance on a deck, patio or even the front stoop. See this charming outdoor embellishment:
Metal Plant Stand
$69.95
To view these items in a video see:
Pier 1 and your garden

For more home and living decorating ideas and inspiration, visit :
Dawn's Interior Decorating Solutions

Suggested by the author:

• HGTV announces 2011 Green home giveaway
• How to make frozen lemon delight
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• Carolina style Mint Julep
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Pier 1 Imports can add style to your garden - Columbia home and living | Examiner.com

How to keep squirrels out of your bird feeders

There are many crafty ideas involving keeping squirrels out of the bird feeder. Some work, some don't and other ideas just aren't practical. If you live in South Carolina, pay a visit to Wild BirdsUnlimited in Columbia, and check out their squirrel proof feeders and great selection of bird feed too. There are certain things you can do that will keep the squirrels away from your bird feeders. Try these ideas.

1. Buy weight sensitive bird feeders- Certain bird feeders are built with ports on them that are weight sensitive. Each perch that the bird lands on is calibrated to the weight of a standard songbird. When a larger animal grabs onto the perches, they push downward, seeming to break away from the ports, and bring a metal cover down over the seed openings. A squirrel simply can not gain entry. For a sample of this type of bird feeder see: Perky Pet Breakaway Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder .
2. Feed the squirrels- Make sure to leave feed out specifically for the squirrels. There are a number of wonderful squirrel feeders, and some designs are basic enough that you can make them yourself. Squirrels love bird seed, and dried corn on the cob to feast on.
3. Spice up your seed- Make bird seed less desirable to the squirrels by adding Cayenne pepper to the mix. While completely harmless to birds, squirrels can't tolerate it and will not eat the seed. Also try mixing safflower seed in with the regular seed, squirrels are not a fan of this type of seed. This may wear off in time so try number 4 if this doesn't work long enough.
4. Peppermint- Place peppermint oil or even round/ ground up peppermint candy around and in the bird seed/feeder. Squirrels don't like the smell and will be turned off by it.
5. Grease your pole- If your bird feeder is on a pole, use WD-40 or Vaseline on the pole, the squirrels can't climb up it. For more tips and gardening info, see: Dawn's Secret Garden

Suggested by the author:

• Pier 1 Imports can add style to your garden
• HGTV announces 2011 Green home giveaway
• How to make frozen lemon delight
• How to make a peach smoothie
• Carolina style Mint Julep