Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2006
PDFfile available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/giftsdecor.html

We've Gotcha Covered 
November/December 2006 
Sallie Strole, Johnson's East Store

    As winter approaches and our activities move us inside, we tend to
forget the beloved garden accessories we leave behind outside.
Birdbaths, fountains, pots, chimeneas and statuary can all be adversely
affected by winter weather.

    The cold itself isn't the problem; it's moisture getting into small
hairline cracks and under finishes. The repeated freezing, expanding
then thawing will enlarge cracks and flake off finishes. The same
freeze/thaw cycle will expand moist soil in pots, pushing it out. The
resulting pressure causes cracks and breakage. For pots, emptying out
the soil is the first step.

Protecting Outdoor Accessories
    For all these pieces, one way to avoid damage is to move them under
cover in a shed or garage. This is alright for smaller articles, but
isn't always practical for large or heavy things. That is when bringing
a cover out to them comes in handy.

    We carry a line of Bosmere Garden Essential covers for birdbaths,
fountains and chimeneas. These covers are heavy duty polyethylene, like
a tarp, but conveniently shaped to fit specific items. They are also UV
stabilized to hold up for years outdoors.

Protect Your Birdbath With a Warmer or Cover
    Birdbaths can bring as much enjoyment in the winter as the summer;
as other water freezes birds and squirrels are drawn to any open water
source. But if you don't wish to keep the water thawed with a birdbath
warmer, empty out any moisture and cover it with a birdbath cap. The cap
fits bowls 18" to 21" and is held on by elastic around the bottom, like
a giant hairnet.

Fountain Covers
    Fountains are different because there really is no good way to keep
them running in the winter. It's best to remove the pump, dry out the
bowls and then cover it. Our fountain covers come in three sizes--small,
medium and large; and are secured by brass eyelets and heavy ties.

Protect Chimeneas When Not In Use
    Chimeneas are a special case since you definitely want to enjoy
burning them during the winter months. But many are made of clay, which
is porous and can be permeated with moisture making them susceptible to
freezing and cracking. Because of that, you may want to cover your
chimenea when moisture threatens. Just remember to let it cool down
first.

    These Bosmere specialty covers are an easy and relatively
inexpensive way to safeguard the monetary and sentimental investment in
your esoteric landscape accessories.