We’re all just itching to get outside and into the sun — and thankfully we’ve already got an early spring here in the Northwest. But all this lovely weather has me dreaming of new outdoor furniture to enjoy it in, and these fresh picks from Loll Designs are what I’m dreaming of! A pair of coco chairs (shown in apple) out on the deck? Sigh! Perfect for having coffee while I look at the lilac blooms. And that coffee is resting on a tiered topo table (shown in sky) while a family of robins chirp inside their pitch birdhouse (shown in leaf). But these are cooler than the average plastic furniture. Loll makes their products out of recycled milk bottles, and they’re constructed to last. See them all here. — Megan B.

Around here, we’ve got spring on the brain — despite the winter weather predictions of a certain clairvoyant groundhog — and it turns out our timing is perfect. On March 5, the folks over at Woolly Pocket are set to add five new additions to the modular gardening family: four standalone pockets and an updated “Wally” vertical planter to offer a sleek design alternative to their utilitarian counterparts.

All Woolly Pocket planters are made from a breathable felt derived from 100% recycled plastic bottles, but the new planters are made from updated version that is twice as thick and three times as dense — in other words, sturdier. And were that not enough to ponder as we tick off the days until spring, new colors will be available in April, and by May, the Woolly Pocket site will include new features so that gardeners of all levels can discuss their passion and progress.

Woolly Pocket is doing good beyond their goods, too. Last summer, the company launched their Woolly School Garden program — learn more in Dwell’s interview with founder Miguel Nelson — to teach children in K-12 schools about gardening and nutrition. Such developments may just provide the inspiration we need to keep us busy dreaming, planning and indoor planting until the thaw. (And course if all else fails, you can carry a little garden with you in the Woolly Pocket handbag.)

Watch the video or visit Woolly Pocket for pocket planting how-to’s. — Sarah C.

My side of town has the nickname “Rat City” for a reason. Needless to say, I’m really thankful for the large feral cats who live in my neighborhood. But what if I want to protect the homestead from pests without harming the sweet furry monsters I want living here? Thankfully, there’s Fresh Cab. Fresh Cab is an EPA -approved, natural, biodegradable, and, best of all NON-TOXIC rodent repellent. Instead of killing your unwanted rodents and forcing you to deal with the unpleasant after-effects, it uses corn cob chips and a particular blend of essential oils to naturally repel the rodents from your home, garage, or wherever you may need it. It almost sounds too good to be true, but their guarantee and testimonials on the site have me intrigued. Does anyone have some first-hand experience with the product before I take the plunge? — Megan B.

How committed are you to living green? Would you consider a 100 percent recyclable nursery, with everything made from cardboard? That may take a little getting used to. It also may not be quite as thrifty as you’re expecting — that cardboard cot above? $300. Check out the entire slideshow at LilSugar.

Today is the kickoff of the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. If you haven’t participated yet, it’s pretty painless. Download the checklist, then simply watch and count the birds you see for a 15-minute span on at least one of the four days of the count, February 12-15. Last year, more than 94,000 people turned in checklists, giving researchers a better idea of the health of bird populations. (Happy to know I am not alone in my bird love geekdom.) If you’re not sure of the identity of a bird, there are two iPhone/iTouch apps for birding and just enough time left to run to your bookstore and pick up a Peterson’s. Of course, the great thing about the GBBC is that you really don’t need anything other than time and a good view. The GBBC site has a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All About Birds page. — Sarah L.

Related:
Woodpeckers knocking on your house? There’s hope

Confession time: I love glasses bottles as candleholders. It may be clichéd, but a green glass bottle covered with dripping wax always puts me in a romantic mood. Not only are they beautiful, they’re also simple way to recycle glass bottles. Design Sponge takes the idea a step further with a tutorial on how to make a more refined version. Etsy sellers YAVAglass and Nick Paul both rework old bottles into funky jewelry, coasters, and barware. Lifehacker has instructions on how to make cheap and stylish torches out of old wine bottles. I’d love to hear your ideas! — Katie D.

Related:
DIY hanging jar chandeliers
Bottle as automatic plant waterer
Bottle tree

My husband and I were engaging in smalltalk at a party recently, taking turns listing what we do for a living. My husband was asked what exactly he meant when he said he’s currently studying for his actuarial exam. He deadpanned, “It’s sort of like King of the Nerds.” I laughed so hard I nearly choked on my bruschetta. A Pi Dresser by Etsy seller OhClementine would be perfect for the King of the Nerds in your life. The one I spotted sold (there are obviously many nerds of nobility out there) but designer Nicole Haladyna says:

“I could most definitely create another with the same Pi design and would be thrilled to do so for anyone interested. However, the dresser itself would not necessarily be identical, as each furniture piece is salvaged.”

Imagine the possibilities of a dresser branded with the numerical value of pi (not that nerds need a reminder) with plenty of room for calculators, slide rulers, and sweater vests. I hope OhClementine does a whole series of furniture — I’d love a lamp shade painted with the Pythagorean theorem or a coffee table decorated with the quadratic equation. If you do go the custom dresser route, Haladyna says that the price would be in the $250-$350 range plus shipping, depending on the size of the dresser and your location. As of March, she will be located in Brooklyn, where you may be able to pick up for free. — Katie D.

The Athena Book Table has swooping curls that are the perfect fit for your books. The Ofidio Dining Table looks like it might scamper away on its curved legs. They’re items in the Machine 87 bamboo collection from Miami-based designer Facundo Poj, who writes:

“These pieces are 100% bamboo — no nails, no screws, no glue. The assembly is a simple groove joint system and no tools required. …I guess this series might be my own tribute to the great masters of De Stijl. The simple beauty of rectangle & line compositions.”

Whatever it is, we like it! See more here.

When it comes to chocolate, I’m an equal opportunity consumer. I’ll eat it, love it, and justify eating more, every time. But when I find something really special, I have to share it. This week, that something is the community-minded chocolate ganache from John & Kira’s Chocolates. The Philadelphia-based company specializes in artisan chocolate handmade with ingredients sourced from local and family farms. Their signature ganache squares come in unique flavors including bergamot, star anise, lavender honey, and lemongrass. However, my current fave is Garden Mint, with mint they receive through Project Mintpatch, an urban gardening initiative they launched to help children learn more about local farming and business. Items from their Ladybugs & Bee collection might make a cute, alternative Valentine’s Day gift, and I know a few people here at Shelterrific who might fancy a drunken chocolate fig or four. Visit John & Kira’s to order, or follow their community efforts through their blog. — Sarah C.

I try to take little steps each day toward living a greener life. Original Spaghetti Scrub by Goodbye Detergent! is going to be my next step. The eco-friendly scrubber consists of natural abrasives made from corn cobs and peach pits that reduce the need for harsh detergents. Plus, they dry quickly and completely so there’s never a stinky or moldy sponge in your sink. Pick up a package of two for $8.95 at Crate and Barrel. — Erica P.