Latest news with #backyardBBQ
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Celebrate the Joy of Outdoor Living with Raeburn Winery's Gather & Grill Sweepstakes
Enter by September 30 for a Chance to Win a $4,000 Prize Package to Create a Dream Backyard Escape Raeburn Winery's Gather & Grill Sweepstakes Raeburn Winery's Gather & Grill Sweepstakes Launches August 5 (Photo Credit: Carnelian Cooks) Petaluma, CA, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Light the charcoal, pull out the picnic blanket, and make room for a crowd around the table. Inspired by flame-seared meats, fresh sides and vibrant wines that complement every bite, Raeburn Winery invites wine and food lovers to start planning their most delicious get-together with the Gather & Grill Sweepstakes. One lucky winner will receive a prize package with everything needed to create the backyard kitchen of their dreams. "There's nothing quite like a backyard BBQ to capture the season's easygoing spirit. Grilling brings people together, sparks conversation, and pairs beautifully with great wine," said Kathleen Murphy, Vice President of Marketing, Raeburn Winery. "For our Gather & Grill sweepstakes, we've brought together fantastic partners who share our commitment to exceptional quality and style so our winner can revamp their outdoor space and make lasting memories." Each element of the Gather & Grill Sweepstakes prize package brings artisan flair and flavor to outdoor entertaining. A generous $2,500 check from Raeburn Winery allows the winner to design their ideal gathering. A gift card from Joybird, renowned for its handcrafted, style-forward furniture designs, offers endless possibilities for creating a welcoming and stylish outdoor space. The Magma portable grill combines high-performance cooking with sleek, go-anywhere design that's perfect for patios, picnics, or tailgates. For unforgettable flavors, Kinder's award-winning BBQ sauces and rubs bring bold, smoky character to every bite, while Sonoma Gourmet's chef-created oils and sauces offer savory depth for sides and marinades. And for plating and presentation, Crow Canyon Home's signature enamelware adds vintage charm. The complete Gather & Grill prize package includes:- $2,500 check from Raeburn Winery- $1,000 gift card from Joybird- Magma Beach Fire Grill - Selection of Kinder's BBQ sauces and rubs- Selection of Sonoma Gourmet olive oils and sauces- Crow Canyon enamelware basin- Raeburn Winery wine tumblers, cheese board, wine key, and wearables Sourced from exceptional Sonoma County vineyards, every bottle of Raeburn reflects the region's warmth and natural beauty, bringing bold flavors and laid-back sophistication to late summer gatherings. The bright Sonoma County Chardonnay ($19.99), full-bodied Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.99), and silky Sonoma County Pinot Noir ($24.99) are perfect partners for the grill, pairing effortlessly with everything from sizzling steaks, smoky ribs and burgers to cedar-plank salmon, wood-fired pizza and grilled peach salad. Raeburn also offers crisp Sauvignon Blanc ($19.99), refreshing Rosé ($19.99), and elegant reserve selections like the Russian River Valley High Flier Chardonnay ($29.99) and High Flier Pinot Noir ($32.99), all available at fine wine retailers nationwide. Recipes and pairing suggestions are available on the Raeburn blog at Consumers ages 21+ should go to to enter the Gather & Grill Sweepstakes between August 5 – September 30, 2025. No purchase necessary. Official rules and entry information are available at Void where prohibited. To find Raeburn Winery selections, visit About Raeburn Winery Raeburn Winery crafts complex, elegant wines inspired by founder Derek Benham and his great appreciation of nature. The name Raeburn is Old English for "the river where one drinks" – a nod to the beauty of Sonoma County and the winery's Russian River Valley roots. The acclaimed winery is known for its Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Led by Raeburn Winery head winemaker and industry veteran Steven Urberg, who brings over 25 years of experience and focus in cool-climate varietals, the winemaking team crafts highly acclaimed wines that deliver delicious varietal character and express the spirit of some of Sonoma County's most sought-after vineyards. Visit or follow along on Instagram @raeburn_winery or on Facebook @raeburnwinery to learn more. Attachments Raeburn Winery's Gather & Grill Sweepstakes Raeburn Winery's Gather & Grill Sweepstakes Launches August 5 (Photo Credit: Carnelian Cooks) CONTACT: Ashley Teplin Studio 707 for Raeburn Winery 310.210.3067 ashley@ Aimee Sands Carney Studio 707 for Raeburn Winery 7072879727 aimee@
CTV News
09-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Edmonton mosquito population ‘remarkably low': city scientist
It's good news for backyard BBQs. A City of Edmonton scientist says mosquito numbers are 'remarkably low' despite the late spring and early summer precipitation. 'We had a very low year going into the spring, there was very little snow on the ground, very little precipitation that turned into mosquito development habitat. So we saw almost no mosquitos for most of April into May,' senior city scientist Mike Jenkins told CTV News Edmonton on Wednesday. While there are fewer individual mosquitos this year, Jenkins said there is a greater variety. 'Usually around this time of year we see it switch almost entirely to the summer species, our standard crepuscular dawn and dusk biting little ankle-biter aedes vexans, but we're still seeing quite a few of a lot of other (spring) species as well' he said, adding those include some 'aggressive' daytime biters. Some of the more recent 'considerable' rainfall has helped mosquito populations grow, but Jenkins said they are still remarkably low, thanks in part to the city's treatment of breeding grounds like roadside ditches. 'The traps (outside the program area) are catching about 200 to 1,000 mosquitoes per night … that's a significant number of mosquitoes, you're getting quite a bit of biting,' he said. 'Most of the ones within the city, we're still getting like 10 to maybe 50 mosquitoes per night.' Jenkins said most of the mosquitoes in the city come from breeding grounds outside of it. However, species like the common house mosquito culex pipiens can breed in backyard bird baths, water troughs or old ponds, so residents should make sure those stay clean and cleared out. If you are already being bothered by mosquitos, Jenkins said a fan can help. 'Aedes vexans in particular doesn't really like wind,' he added. 'Having that fan going, especially if it's an oscillating one, so it's not a steady breeze, can greatly reduce their biting.' More information on the City of Edmonton's mosquito program can be found on the city's website.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Spring lawn care tips: 7 steps to help your lawn look its best all season long
At Yahoo, we're dedicated to building the world's best guide to the internet, and in our new series , we're exploring the best tips, simple tricks, unexpected hacks and expert advice we can find to help readers live their lives just a little bit better. First up: spring lawn care. Spring cleaning isn't just for baseboards and basements. After another lengthy Canadian winter, it's likely the outside of your house could use just as much TLC as the inside. Building good lawn care habits in spring will pay off come summer, improving the health of your lawn and giving you a lush green backdrop for backyard BBQs and lazy summer afternoons. So whether you're a lawn care beginner or seasoned vet, if you're looking to improve your lawn game (and no, we're not talking about bocce or badminton), you'll want to follow our best spring lawn care tips—from the best time of day to water to advice on dealing with unsightly bare patches and weed. You're only as good as your tools. So before you step foot on your lawn, inventory your equipment and identify any lawn tools that need repairing or replacing. After all, you have better things to do than wrestle with an underperforming lawn mower all spring and summer long. Is your garden hose cracked or leaking? Could you use a new set of gardening gloves, pruning shears or other lawn care essentials? Has your lawn mower or string trimmer seen better days? The beginning of the season is also a good time to sharpen your lawn mower blades if they've dulled, change the oil if you have a gas mower and check the batteries on any battery-powered lawn tools. Flexzilla's top-reviewed garden hose is durable, lightweight and flexible, helping it lay flat without twisting or kinking. Once the snow's melted and you can actually see grass again, it's time to gather up any twigs, broken branches, leftover leaves and other debris from your yard. Not only will this help prevent mold, blight and disease, clearing out dead foliage from your lawn and flower beds will give your grass and perennials more room to grow. Wait until you see your lawn beginning to green, then use a leaf rake to gently remove any clumps of dead grass, roots and soils (also known as thatch), which can otherwise block water, air and sunlight from reaching the healthy grass underneath. Just make sure your lawn is dry before raking—otherwise, you could be pulling up healthy grass as well. A quality steel rake makes quick work of leaves and other lawn debris. Shoppers praise this sturdy, wood-handled option, saying it "works much better" than a plastic rake for removing thatch. Now that you've got a blank canvas, take a look around. Does your lawn need to be aerated, or are there signs of disease or pests? Is your grass sparser and patchier than you remembered? Experts recommend mid-April to mid-May as the best time for overseeding, which can help restore a thinning brown lawn to its former glory. First, you'll want to choose the right grass seed according to your climate and sun exposure. Whether your yard is partially or densely shaded, you'll find a mix specially designed to suit your needs. A handheld spreader, or broadcast spreader for larger properties, is recommended for an even coating. Once the seed is down, rake lightly to mix it with the soil, and water daily until grass begins to sprout (this can take up to three weeks). This best-selling grass seed contains a mix of Creeping Red Fescue, Turf-type Perennial Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass, making it ideal for yards that get varying degrees of sun exposure. Growing grass needs to be fed, and fertilizing your lawn after overseeding can help provide the proper nutrients. Experts recommend fertilizing once every eight weeks after your first two or three mowings of the year—so you can do this once in spring and again in the summer. Consider an eco-friendly option, particularly if you have children and/or pets. Some varieties even combine grass seed and fertilizer into a single package. Prefer to go organic? Espoma makes an all-natural organic lawn food that's safe for people and pets, and promises it won't burn your lawn. Scotts' 2-in-1 lawn fertilizer promises "fast, deep greening" in three days, plus it's children and pet-friendly. Grass needs two things to thrive: sunlight and water, and plenty of both. While there's not much you can do about the former, there are a few easy ways to up your watering game. Water deeply to encourage healthy roots: This is especially important if you've recently fertilized, to ensure nutrients are properly distributed throughout your lawn's soil. Water in the AM for best results:Avoid watering in the afternoon sun (when moisture will evaporate too quickly) or at night (when it won't evaporate at all). Instead, stick to the morning – before 10 AM – to help your grass absorb water more efficiently. Not an early bird? Consider investing in a sprinkler timer. Water according to the weather report: The general rule of thumb is to ensure your lawn gets one inch of water per week in the spring, whether that's from a hose, sprinkler or Mother Nature. So if you're looking for a silver lining in those spring rain clouds, April showers don't just bring May flowers, they also mean you might not need to water as often. Wondering whether your lawn has enough water? Try the screwdriver test: if you can push a screwdriver six inches into the soil, you're good. If not, it gets the hose again. Shoppers rave about this reliable and efficient sprinkler, calling it a "game-changer" for spring lawn maintenance. With 16 clog-resistant nozzles and customizable patterns, the Aqua Joe sprinkler can cover up to 3,600 sq. ft of lawn. Patience is key for a lush lawn; you'll want to wait until your grass is at least three inches high before your inaugural mow of the season. This will help encourage deeper roots and give new growth time to take hold. You'll also want to make sure the grass is dry and your lawn mower blade isn't dull to avoid an uneven cut, whether it's your first mow of the season or your last. In the market for a new lawn mower? Consider going cordless. This battery-powered Greenworks mower is perfect for small and medium-sized lawns. Prevent pesky weeds from spoiling your hard work by dealing with them before they have a chance to grow out of control. Spring's the perfect time for 'weed-and-feed' products, which are designed to prevent dandelion and crabgrass seeds from germinating while simultaneously providing nutrients to thicken your existing grass. For weeds that have already sprouted, you'll have to use a hand weeder or hori hori gardening knife. Just be sure to dig weeds out by the root to prevent them from coming back from the dead like a bad horror movie villain. An ergonomic stand up weed puller makes quick work of stubborn dandelions while reducing the need to bend and stoop, making life easier on your lawn and your back. Looking for an even more hands-off option? Try a ready-to-use herbicide spray. Quickly and easily pull weeds out by the root without bending or kneeling, thanks to the 45" wood handle on this enduringly popular stand-up weed puller, first invented in 1913.
