BARBECUE:

Barbecue has many regional variations, based on several factors:

* the type of meat used
* the sauce or other flavouring added to the meat
* when the flavouring is added during preparation
* the role that smoke plays in preparation
* the equipment and fuel used to cook the meat
* how much time is spent cooking the meat

To learn more about different types of bbq styles from around the world see Wikipedia



Memphis hosts the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (WCBCC), an annual event which regularly draws over 90,000 pork lovers from around the world.
The title of "the largest pork barbecue cooking contest in the world" was bestowed in the 1990 Guinness Book of World Records.


For barbecue equipment and grills look no further then: Outdoor Eating



LIGHTING:


Lights are a must when it comes to outdoor eating and entertaining.
It sets the right kind of ambiance from romantic muted lighting to sparkly, flashing party lights!
Nowadays you are not stuck with just one kind of lighting, they come in various shapes, sizes and colors.


Incandescent lights, the type most commonly used in Christmas lights, produce a broad-spectrum white light, and are colored by coating the glass envelope with a transparent or translucent paint which acts as a color filter.

Light-emitting diode (LED) lights are becoming popular due to their low energy usage (about one tenth the energy used by incandescent bulbs), very long lifetimes, and associated low maintenance.
There are two types of LEDs: colored LEDs and white LEDs.

For some really novel ideas for your patio, yard or garden visit: Outdoor Lighting here you'll find things like Lanterns, ropes of light and light up palm trees!



GARDENS/YARDS:


Gardening has a long history, and there have been many pioneering gardeners of note, none more so then the great landscape gardeners of the 18th century.
In addition, television lifestyle programs have spawned a number of celebrity gardeners.

If you are wanting to get started in gardening be that plants, vegetables or fruit, or if you just want to get your hands on some more power tools for the garden! take a look at: Garden and Yard Store for some sensibly priced garden equipment and plants.

There are also those who are in favour of a "no-dig" system of gardening which makes for an interesting idea!
If you want to find out more about the "no-dig" method, take a look at: No-Dig


POOLS:


Privately owned outdoor pools in backyards or gardens started to proliferate in the 1950s in regions with warm summer climates particularly in the USA.

Construction methods for private pools vary greatly.
The main types of In-Ground Pools are concrete, vinyl liner, and fibreglass.
Above-ground pools (also called "on-ground pools") are usually cheaper to build.

Hot tubs and spa pools are common heated pools used for relaxation and sometimes for therapy.
They first became popular in America during the 1960s and 70's.

For pools, spas, hot tubs, pumps, cleaners, covers and toys go to Pool Parts and Maintenance Store

If you want to teach your kids about safety around pools in a fun way, take a look at: Splashzone