August 27, 2010 – 1:43 am
In most cases, to say that your garden will miss you when you go away on holiday would be a major understatement. This is because most gardens go untended during this time, and they absolutely feel ignored. Luckily, there are measures that you can take to keep your lovely garden polished even during your time away.
Plan to spend a descent chunk of time out in the garden before you depart. By cleaning things up now, you will assist in continued growth and success. Deadhead the finished flowers from your annuals and use a wetting agent on your garden when you water it to assist rainfall in seeping through. Tie any drooping vining plants loosely to a trellis or fence if you are training them to grow upward.
Get the mulch out and spread it after a good rain, or you have thoroughly drenched it yourself. This way you aid in keeping roots damp and reduce evaporation of the water from the soil. Remember, even when you do a good covering of mulch that you want to exclude covering trunks and stems of your beauties.
If you are leaving any vegetable plants behind, remove any overripe veggies so they will not fall to the ground while you are gone. This will help to support a healthy growing environment, as opposed to attracting any disease. Now you should not worry about the garden while you are on holiday.
Nothing could be more special than introducing a gurgling fountain feature into your garden that is solar powered. You get the soothing sound of trickling water, the visual of the ripples, and a decorative piece for your area. Then, on top of that there is no wiring involved, nor any maintenance, because the sun is doing all the work for you.
Though the fountain requires no plumbing, it is imperative that you place the solar panel in the direct sunlight in order for it to charge. The feature will recycle the water and float on your ponds surface. Some of the more popular designs are the kingfisher, the lily pad, and the frog. Plus, as we are reaching the end of summer, now is the time to make the purchase, because these sorts of items go on sale.
While we all love to venture out of doors for a sunshine filled morning reading the newspaper, a delightful brunch with friends, or a sunset drinks party it is not always possible. Weather has a stronghold over us here in the UK and dictates a great deal of our daily lives. With climate change upon us, hotter temperatures will increasingly impact the amount of time we are able to pass in the garden itself.
Therefore, the next best thing, blending a section of your home into the garden should be investigated. A garden room is an extension of living space that protects from the negative outdoor influences, but allows the positive to be observed. Done properly and you can gain a thermally efficient little slice of heaven. Truly the best of both worlds in which you can regulate the climate but simultaneously appreciate the virtues of the garden.
The roses of 2010 have some of the most adorable, creative names to date. For example, there is the vivid Beach Blanket that grabs your attention. Then there is the captivating Burgundy Iceberg, which is a piercing purple variation. And holy moly, Sweet Intoxication is right on the money title wise with its all consuming fragrance. I mean sure, each year there is a new line-up of colours and forms. But, I think the choices are getting more and more beguiling with every batch. Which leads me to place my vote for favourite variety as of yet, Cinnamon Girl. Luckily, it is just the right type for my own home garden. These great names remind me of a vibrant rose wine that you can often find on Mediterranean holidays in the South of Europe. Spain is a country particularly well known for its beautiful flowers and fine rose wines. I would recommend a visit for rose lovers.
If someone you know or love is an avid gardener, or planning to start a garden, then here is a great Valentines Day gift idea for them. Purchase some inexpensive plant pots in festive shades and fill them with hand made seed packets. This way the seeds can be planted in those pots and with some care and attention, flourish like your relationship with the recipient. Then when the time is right, the seedlings can be placed in the ground of the garden.
As for the seed packets, be sure to make them as adorable as possible by using your imagination. Simple items such as plain brown paper and twine make great backgrounds for swirly inspirational quotes done in calligraphy. The combination of basic staples and formal cursive generates a sweet overall appearance and thoughtful gift.
My neighbour has spent years designing, and cultivating her beautiful garden. For years her outdoor space was the envy of the village. But then, things took a turn. Apparently, since visiting her hometown in Germany she has become a bit obsessed with garden gnomes, or in her words, garten zwergs.
I recognize that she is using her area as a display station for her prized ceramic garden dwellers, and appreciate her heritage. However, either she has gone off the deep end and added about 20 too many gnomes, or those little creatures are multiplying like rabbits. They detract from her fine foliage, and clutter the space. Now, what was formerly admired has become egregious.
The moral is that too much of a good thing can be problematic. To add a couple of decorative pieces is eye catching, but to overdo it is an eyesore. Thus, limit the birdbaths, stained glass art, iron works and yes, you know who you are, even procreating gnomes.
February 12, 2010 – 8:08 am
A great garden, that is completely polished, will include a walkway designed with intention. A key concept to remember when designing your path is that it is very much a part of the landscaping. This means that the materials used in the garden path construction should reflect the style of the remained of the garden, be it formal, or informal. It is also always a nice addition to incorporate textiles that have been used in other areas of your outdoor space.
Next, identify what parts of your garden you want visitors to explore. Then use your walkway as a directional indicator to bring guests to those highlighted points of interest. Consider it a mini tour, along which you encourage those taking it to explore and enjoy one of your favourite places.
Finally, when arranging your path, remember to add in the perfect lighting to make the journey along the garden walkway visible at night and during the day. Today, we are blessed with a wide range of outdoor lighting options, and the unbelievably easy approach of installing solar lights that do not involve underground wiring. It is so easy, just place the lights and walk away, knowing your path and points of attraction are illuminated after dusk. These are steps that will elevate your garden to the next level.
January 29, 2010 – 8:13 am
One of the many reasons we make the effort to spend time outside is to relax. As feng shui tells us, water is an excellent element to include in an outdoor design. The sound of the motion of the water in a fountain is such a pleasant one that many retail stores have taken to selling the indoor tabletop version.
Thus, if you have the space to accommodate a water feature in your garden, it should prove well worth the monetary expense and the effort involved. A water fountain, or a fish pond, will enhance your garden both visually and audibly.
There are numerous kits on the market, and a plethora of instructional guides on the internet for creating your own outdoor water element. There should be no need for guesswork, or trial and error. A quick search should render the approximate expense of the project, and the time commitment.
December 18, 2009 – 2:17 am
Of all of the garden decorations I have seen recently, stained glass garden art sculptures appear to be the most attractive and unique. These works of art are individually handcrafted from stone, natural wood, metals and glass. The most impressive of the bunch are those that are predominantly stained glass and black steel.
Stained glass is no longer abundantly incorporated into newly built structures, and to me this is a crying shame. When I viewed these garden pieces I was reminded of the stellar beauty of cut glass, both coloured and clear. While I do not expect there to be a resurgence of the floor to ceiling windows, it is glaringly apparent that the garden is the perfect modern day forum for this timeless art form.
The garden art creator with whom I am most impressed, Alan Spark, also makes various functional items such as contemporary chairs, mirrors and tables as per your request. Samples of his work can be found on the internet for your viewing pleasure. Or, if you are in the Wiltshire area, he recommends visiting his studio.
November 28, 2009 – 3:01 pm
If you are a Jamie Oliver fan, and maybe even if you are not, you have probably seen the fervour with which he speaks about his stone barbecue. There is a very good reason why he firmly supports the introduction of one of them into an outdoor kitchen design. Stone bbqs are fabulous, and finally, thanks to this chef, just about everybody is aware of it.
At the moment, they are quite expensive, but there is good reason to believe that this will soon waiver. Still, if cost is not prohibitive, one of these will make a great investment. It will also probably cause you to find that you readily make new friends easier than ever before.
If the numbers on the pricetag turn your cold, then you may want to look into building your own model. A quick scan online turns up detailed lists of the tools and materials required, along with step by step instructions. Plus, there are helpful tips on how to keep costs way down.