Thursday, December 31, 2009

Accessorize Your Garden

Author: Syahrul Azlan Idris -

Source: articledashboard.com



Think, garden sculpture, about it. Would you just go hasty off to an, garden sculpture, affected soiree after a admirable chaplet about your neck, or a brace of aces earrings to bout your outfit? Or would you even cartel to accord a altogether present you've agilely searched for and called canicule in advance, after wrapping it and, garden sculpture, abacus some admirable ribbons and a bow? Oh no, not me. As I'm in the addiction of adorning and accessorizing my apparel and myself to enhance affability and appeal, so do I beautify my home garden with ornaments and decorations.

The ornaments we can use for decorating our area can alone be bound by our imagination. Let me annual a few items. You can get statues (classical or whimsical; it's up to you), planters, bulb stakes, wind chimes, bird houses, bird baths, sculptures, fountains, rocks, etc. You can get ornaments that can be both anatomic and decorative, garden sculpture, . They can be acclimated as dividers for altered areas in, garden sculpture, your garden, or adumbrate a clandestine nook, etc. What you use them for is up to you, but the garden d้cor you use will accomplish a annual about you and your personality, as able-bodied as actualize your garden's own individuality.

If you wish to add some ornaments or d้cor to your garden, it is recommended that you yield into annual the trees, plants, flowers, landscape, the surrounding, garden sculpture, walls, and your claimed tastes, of course. Bear in apperception the altered actualization of your garden, as well. Is it fabricated out of southwestern accents and elements, abounding with abundant greenery? Or conceivably it's added of an Oriental theme, antic a minimalist access to nature? Remember that assertive ornaments accommodate themselves able-bodied to assertive styles. For example, a archetypal white marble bronze would go able-bodied with boxwood and neatly-arranged rock urns. However, they would absolutely attending aberrant continuing amidst a accumulating of arid cacti and terra cotta planters.

Waterfalls or fountains would add a cogent accession to the activity of your garden. Baptize elements can, garden sculpture, alter from simple creations to busy designs. They can be peaceful and collected as they breeze in a quiet stream, or they can, garden sculpture, burst and aerosol as they playfully avalanche over rocks and structures. Baptize can allure birds and affectation noises from the outside, too. Aside from the inherent adorableness that baptize, garden sculpture, provides, the adorning ornaments that you can align and use with baptize will absolutely do acceptable to the all-embracing ambient and actualization of your garden.

You can aswell use sculptures as aesthetic elements. These can be fabricated out of any material, but somehow, metal, garden sculpture, works assume to be added popular, apparently because of its addiction to blight and advance a aberrant adorableness through abiding acknowledgment to weather. Gates are accession abundant accession to home gardens, abnormally those with patios, terraces, or just about any ample garden space. These are admirable examples of both anatomic and adorning pieces, and they can be fabricated out of a array of materials, from copse to wrought-iron creations. Gates can aswell adjure an air of privacy, or they can be accessible and inviting. Even if it leads to nowhere, gates are still a absorbing accession to any garden.

Try out new and altered decorations for your garden, and ascertain what appeals to your claimed tastes and enhances your garden's style. As able-bodied as abacus adorableness and charm, you will be convalescent the individuality and personality of your garden, to reflect that which is abnormally you.








Tuesday, December 29, 2009

10 Landscaping Design Ideas To Enhance Your Home Garden

Author: Shrinivas Vaidya

Source: isnare.com



Ahome, garden sculpture, garden is a place, which can give identity to your home building in a neighborhood. You can use very little creativity to enhance to look and feel of your garden so that it stands out from the rest of the gardens in the neighborhood. Here is a list of probable elements you can add to your landscaping, garden sculpture, garden son that everybody loves it and you get the credit.

1) The compound wall of the home plot defines the boundary of the garden as well. Use paintings on the wall surface (inside), that will add excitement to your garden . You can go for a theme based paintings such as nature, waterfalls, sunsets etc..

2) Use stone sculptures of actual human size. These statues greatly add a, garden sculpture, human touch to the garden and also defines a scale to the space. Everything we use in our daily lives such as clothes, kitchen utensils, office equipment, computer parts, are all always related to human measurements. If this is the case with all other objects, why, garden sculpture, exclude a garden from it.

3) Use a fountain with artificial mood creating lighting. This adds, garden sculpture, a great amount of curiosity, garden sculpture, during night.

4) Use Japanese stone lanterns instead of the normal ones. This is because stone has its own rough texture as against the smooth and fresh look and feel of the plants in a garden. This creates "hot-spots" in the garden if you plan to use light bulbs inside the stone lanterns. These stone lanterns can also be used along a pathway to define the direction of movement.

5) Design a pond that flows partially into the home building. This is a great way to seamlessly connect, garden sculpture, the interior and exterior of a home landscape.

6) If your garden has a swimming pool, then instead of having normal diving boards, be little creative and make it into the shape of a house or the person coming out of the mouth of an animal etc...Your kids will love this and will be remembered whoever visits your garden.

7) Create private semi-open patios in your garden. This is a great place to sit around and chat with your loved ones and also can be used as a small deck during a small party.

8) If you love pets, then try rabbits, ducks along with a small pond, in the backyard. These pets have very fresh colors and add great amount of liveliness in the garden.

9) If possible plants flowerings, garden sculpture, trees with fragrance. This is a free and absolutely amazing way to keep your garden fresh.

10) Create levels in your garden to distinguish various areas as per the function of the garden. A leveled garden always creates interest and curiosity.

If you have read this article completely you can see I have hardly talked about plats and their species in landscaping. So landscaping design is also about using creativity with materials and their finishes. I hope this article helps you to start thinking creatively about your home garden and generate more unique ideas.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya






Monday, December 28, 2009

More Than Just Flowers - Fun Garden Accessories

Author: Ryan Larson

Source: isnare.com



Flowers and plants are accurately, garden sculpture, the axial allure of your garden - but they needn't be the alone one. Garden 'accessories' can add appearance and fun to your garden as able-bodied, garden sculpture, as confined assorted advantageous purposes. From sculpted row markers and bound fences to fully-functional fountains and ponds, here's what some of the best-dressed area are cutting this bounce and summer.

Borders
One of the easiest - and a lot of affordable - means to ascertain your garden amplitude is with bound angry by the bottom or yard. There are abounding styles of borders accessible at your bounded garden and home accumulation store, from white wire fences to busy artificial sculptured moldings advised to be pushed into the arena on garden stakes.

Row Markers and Signs
My aboriginal garden - address of my grandmother - had row markers that were fabricated by the simple expedient of blame a popsicle stick into the arena and sliding the berry packet over the top. Not awfully elegant, or for that matter, durable. Garden accumulation and change shops affection a huge array of row markers and 'Don't Step On The Flowers!' signs in styles that ambit from amusing artificial sculptures, garden sculpture, of vegetables to alluringly duke crafted adamant markers.

Garden Gnomes and Lawn Toys
Okay, so maybe they're a little, garden sculpture, tacky, but they abiding are fun! Pink flamingoes, garden gnomes, and grandma fannies are alone a few examples of the silly, antic garden accessories that can acquisition a home in your garden. Pinwheels, garden streamers and, garden sculpture, windsocks all can add blush and whimsy to your gardening. Who said agronomical had to be so serious?

Birdbaths and Pedestals
Birdbaths are, garden sculpture, a abundant way to allure birds into your garden. Whether set into the arena as a baby 'pond' or on a pedestal, they can add a blow of old apple breeding to a bracken or foliage garden that will account from the pollination efforts of your feathered friends.

Benches
Why accept a garden if not to adore it? Plan your garden with benches forth the paths or at the centermost of a clearing. Garden benches are simple to acquisition at home accumulation food and administration food and can be had for as little as $29.99. Whether you accept casting iron, resin, wood, or stone, a garden bank is about a must-have emphasis for the well-dressed garden.

Trellises
Decorative trellises and arches do added than serve as supports for aggressive plants and vines. They can be a admirable, garden sculpture, emphasis on their own. Whether you accept a simple adamant fan filigree in a bend of the garden,, garden sculpture, or body an busy arbor or gazebo to abutment roses and ivy, they'll add a adroitness agenda of accustomed adorableness and add to the amusement of your garden.

Fountains and Ponds
The ultimate emphasis, garden sculpture, for any garden to accept has got to be its own pond or fountain. Even baby spaces can action active baptize with a buried circulating pump and a adjacent ability source. A trickling avalanche over rocks or a full-sized pond complete with Koi can both accompany a admeasurement of achievement and calmness to your garden.






Saturday, December 26, 2009

The Basics of Indoor Wall Water Fountains

Author: Sarah Martin

Source: isnare.com



Coming home each day, garden sculpture, can be a stress relieving period when you know you can relax with the sound of water falling in your living room. Indoor wall water fountains help to create the ultimate tranquil room in your home. The light playing on the wall as it falls over the wall and the sculpture creates an ever changing image in a work of art. They are also very beneficial for your health and beauty.

Indoor wall, garden sculpture, water fountains release negative ions into the air of your home from, garden sculpture, the moving water. These ions attach themselves to the airborne pollutants and take them out of the air, thus purifying the air that you breathe. The air inside your home is often more polluted than that of the outside with smoke, odor, and dust.

You can eliminate the need for an air purifier when you have one of these waterfalls in the living room or any other room of the home. Research has also shown that these negative ions have a positive effect on your brain activity and can be very helpful in reducing and treating depression.

Indoor wall water fountains (http://www.garden-fountains.com/Detail, garden sculpture, .bok?no=906) can be attached to the wall or, garden sculpture, be freestanding, garden sculpture, walls of cascading water. They are also available in a wide array of materials from nature, such as bronze, copper and slate. You can also choose the number of panels you would like to have in your wall fountain.

The norm is between one to three panels, but you can have as many as you wish. Those fountains that stand on the floor can be moved from one room to the other and do not require installation on a wall. They are also very easy to assemble.

Before you rush out to buy one of the wall water fountains, you should sit, garden sculpture, back and study the room in which you want to place it. You can choose a horizontal or vertical fountain, but you do need to make sure you have the space available, either on the wall or the floor.

You also need to look at the height, garden sculpture, of your ceilings to determine which type of fountain is best suited to this room. If you have high ceilings, them your best choice would be vertical wall water fountain (http://www.garden-fountains.com/Detail.bok?no=1236) because a horizontal model would be diminished by the height of the walls.

The depth of the wall water fountain is also another factor that you need to consider before you make your purchase. You do have to allow this depth from the wall and allow for the furniture that you will place beneath it. For example, if you want to have the fountain on the wall over the sofa, you want to make sure that there will be enough room to walk around the sofa and that it will not impeded the flow of traffic within the room.

Wall water fountains do not require any amount of care or maintenance. You can clean the glass with, garden sculpture, glass cleaners or with a mixture of vinegar and water. You may find mineral deposits collecting on the face of the fountain, but a simple cleaning with CLR and a bristle brush will take care of this for you. If you have pebbles in the fountain, you should not use any abrasive cleaners or water containing bleach because this will cause damage to the material behind the pebbles.



Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in landscaping, collecting water wall fountains, home improvement, and interior design. For a beautiful water wall fountain of your own, please visit http://www.garden-fountains.com/.


Friday, December 25, 2009

Set Yourself Apart: Create Your Own Wind Chime Garden

Author: Stephen Betzen -

Source: articledashboard.com



Wind angelus are an all-embracing accession to any landscape. They add a activating aspect to yards that host annual breadth and baptize actualization and can, garden sculpture, accessorize walkways, assemble gardens, and access ways. There is no absolute to how you can use wind angelus to enhance your backyard environment.

If you are one who enjoys complete chip into your alfresco view, you ability wish to accede creating a wind bell garden - it will set your actualization to music. A wind bell garden can awning the absolute breadth of your aback yard, or be bound to a baby breadth of your backyard mural - the best is up to you. The adorableness of a wind bell garden is that you can architecture it to be abnormally your own -, garden sculpture, you adjudge on wind bell placement, accent and style. Following are a few account to get you started cerebration about how you, garden sculpture, ability apparatus a wind bell garden into your alfresco scenery.

1) Select spots for your wind angelus throughout your yard, paying abutting absorption to the administration and patterns of the wind. Through, garden sculpture, able placement, you could actualize your own gentle, amusing alfresco concert.

2) Choose wind angelus that are simple in actualization to abandoned clashes in d้cor styles. This way, they will calmly alloy in wherever they are placed. If it comes to wind chimes, it's added about the complete, garden sculpture, than the look. In fact, abounding of the added adorning types of wind angelus are not fabricated in such a, garden sculpture, way that allows for the aforementioned aboriginal complete superior as those of a simple aluminum design.

3) Actualize a wind bell garden by blind your angelus at altered heights. For example, abode a set of wind angelus up on a deck, addition in a abate timberline band and yet addition a allotment of your flowers. The complete will ball with abyss above your backyard anniversary time a breeze assault through.

4) If you like the attending of wind angelus, garden sculpture, and wish them in your sight, adhere them breadth they will reflect the sun as it comes up in the morning and moves down at, garden sculpture, night. Aluminum wind bell breadth go able-bodied with rock d้cor, abounding baptize (like in a baptize abatement or a bird, garden sculpture, bath), and abreast evergreens.

5) Sprinkle your wind bell garden with dream catchers, bird houses and sculptures. This will accommodate added beheld aesthetics while accouterment areas of accumulation for the wind bell complete to animation off of - depending on, garden sculpture, the abundance and admonition of your breezes, you could apprehend an absolutely new complete if atomic expected.

6) If you accept a artery that runs abreast your abode accustomed a lot of cartage noise, accede apperception your wind bell garden on the ancillary of your backyard that borders that accurate street. You ability wish to admix taller flowers and artist, garden sculpture, grasses with adventurous bass wind angelus to actualize a complete barrier. Then, abode lighter bass wind angelus nearer the house, beaming from the alfresco bend of the wind bell, garden sculpture, border. This added adjustment of wind angelus will added abate any cartage sounds that do appear to accomplish it through.

7) Actualize a active wind bell garden by accumulation sight, sound, smell, and blow into a called breadth - finer the one you will absorb the a lot of time in. This can act a accent abating angle - the abode you go to disentangle at the end of anniversary day. Your wind angelus accommodate the complete and accomplice with the added elements in the breadth to anatomy a affable sight. The aroma faculty, garden sculpture, can be angry by floral elements and blow can be chip into the wind bell garden in the anatomy of adequate seating. Light a ample candle or bake a blaze in a metal blaze pit to actualize a adventurous aura.

8) Incorporate wind angelus in your annual garden on sections of wrought adamant filigree or adhere them central the high areas of a gazebo. Abode them abreast doorways and breezeways, garden sculpture, for a appropriate aftereffect as guests appear and go - wind angelus are absolutely affable aloft accession and a affable good-bye aloft departure.

9) Actualize an alfresco room, agreement your wind bell garden in an breadth above the capital basement breadth so that the angelus ring as affable accomplishments music to agreeable conversations or brilliant gazing. What is an alfresco room? It is a abstraction that is growing in acceptance -- a fully-furnished space, complete with a blaze abode or blaze pit, a wet bar and even rugs. The breadth is "walled in" by trellises, abridged plants, rock half-walls, etc. A wind bell garden that sits just above the "room" adds an unparalleled ambiance to an black "out."

Regardless of your adopted decorating actualization - whether it is southwest d้cor, country home d้cor, fen shui home decorating or something abroad - a wind bell garden can be a different and adequate allotment of your alfresco spaces. The best allotment of creating a wind bell garden is that you can accomplish it as different as you are. Show off your personality using the scents, sights, and sounds of attributes and wind angelus as your claimed artistic tools.








Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Landscape Accessories Complete Your Back Yard

Author: Mr.Andrew Caxton -

Source: articledashboard.com



Grass, trees and flowers are the typical items that make up a landscaped yard, but a yard isn't truly finished until its been accessorized, from natural, garden sculpture, products such as birdfeeders, or rocks or boulders, to man-made products such as statues or fountains.

Your backyard consists of lush green grass, a few stately trees, and a flower garden. You enjoy it from your back deck, on which you have a set of wicker furniture and a patio table. But is your landscaping complete?

Landscape "accessories" can offer many unique complements that will really, garden sculpture, set off your yard. Consider, garden sculpture, your yard to be just another room of your house...only without a ceiling! Just as you have various knickknacks scattered around to give each room a homey feel,, garden sculpture, so, garden sculpture, you can scatter knickknacks around your yard as well.

Before doing so, give a thought to who uses the yard and for what purpose, garden sculpture, . If you have a lot of kids running around, you won't want to have a lot of fragile stuff lying around where it can easily get broken...or even no-so-fragile stuff that can get run over and end up breaking the kid!

Large buildings - such as turning your deck into an enclosed sunroom, count as landscaping accessories. If you have a constant problem with insects ruining your outdoors picnics and barbecues, consider foiling them with an all-glass enclosed room. It will serve the purpose to keep out excessive heat, and rain, as well.

You can build a conservatory close to the house, or out in the yard, as well, depending on how big your yard is. There's nothing quite like a conservatory to add elegance to a backyard, and give you a place of quiet retreat.

Just as you use sculpture and ornaments to accessorize the rooms in your house, so you can use them to accessorize your back yard. Of course you don't, garden sculpture, want to stick a statue just anywhere - the ornamentation must fit in with the design of your, garden sculpture, landscaping and set if off, rather than call attention to itself.

Birdhouses, birdbaths and bird feeders are always a popular accessory, because they encourage our fair-feathered friends to pay us visits. However, be careful of what type of birdfeed you use. Certain birds only like certain types of feed - so if you want to attract cardinals you'd use one kind of feed, for example. Hummingbirds require a specially designed feeder to meet their needs. Birds make a colorful and volatile addition to your backyard, but you'll want to place these, garden sculpture, accessories near your windows so that you can view them from inside.

If you're of a nautical bent, pieces of driftwood, garden sculpture, can make interesting conversation pieces, as they are twisted by nature into the most interesting of shapes. Boulders and rocks will serve the purpose as well - single boulders and rocks, as opposed to a collection of rocks for a rock garden, of course - which is a nice accessory in itself.

Statuary adds an elegant finishing touch to your lawn. Surf the web to find a vast array of statues to choose from. http://Statue.com is a site that has thousands of statuary on offer. They range from the traditional garden statuary of Greek and Roman gods to the more exotic statues of dragons, 'humorous pigs,' and, garden sculpture, the like. Garden Fountains is another site with a vast range of not only statuary but fountains to choose from.

Give a thought to lighting. If you have a lot of people visiting your house for parties, for example, you might want to line the path or sidewalk to your door with lamp posts. Silicon Solar is one company of many that offer garden and yard lights for the discriminating customer. Another, unique company is Firefly Magic, which offers lighting and sounds of fire flies. Check them out.

So for the finishing touch to your lawn, give a thought to the accessories.








Turning A Grass Yard Into A Garden For Birds And Butterflies!

Author: Ken Garratt

Source: articledashboard.com



Gardening can bring such joy and self accomplishment to ones life. Over the years it's become a wonderful relaxing hobby for me. With each new home comes the challenge for me to convert my existing grass yard into a beautiful garden that will attract birds and butterflies. I begin by designing a master plan on a piece of paper laying out how and when I'll begin removal of the grass lawn and adding trees, shrubs, a water feature or pond then follow through with the final additions, garden sculpture, of bird houses, bird feeders, bird baths, fountains, and finally the garden art.

Each season I begin by converting 25 to 30% of the grass to landscaping. I begin working with the most open areas of my lawn. Remember to keep things looking natural in appearance. Curving lines help to make the garden seem larger in appearance and it's just more relaxing. When selecting the, garden sculpture, plant material always keep in mind how will this plant attract birds? Will it provide shelter? Will it provide food as nectar or berries? You want a garden that not only attracts more birds but is very enjoyable, garden sculpture, for you. In a matter of 2-4 years you'll have a beautiful garden full of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Make sure you select a large variety of plants in sizes, colors, and blooms. The more variety you incorporate into, garden sculpture, the garden the more enjoyment you'll get from, garden sculpture, your garden.

I always bring, garden sculpture, in water features and a pond. It's amazing how much pleasure a water feature ads, garden sculpture, to a garden. The easiest way to bring water to any garden is a bird bath. There are so many to choose from. Depending, garden sculpture, on your garden you'll want to choose the bird bath that matches the landscaping theme. Natural a rock sculpted bird bath or a stand alone pedestal bird bath. However, my personal favorite is a pond with a waterfall. By incorporating moving water not only will it sound pleasing to you the gardener it will attract birds and other wildlife. The pond allows more landscaping by adding water plants to the pond.

The final touch is to bring in a variety of garden art from metal stakes of butterflies placed in flower beds, hanging wind sculpture from trees, or gazing balls. It's a pleasure to be walking around a yard and finding birds and other beautiful creatures showing up on a daily basis that just a year ago prior to landscaping I didn't notice any wildlife at my home. By adding the garden art or sculpture to the garden it adds that finishing touch to any garden. Always remember to take the time to sit back relax and enjoy your new garden. Just think back to when you used to get out your mower and spend hours every week cutting a grass lawn that always looked the, garden sculpture, same year after year. Now you have a garden that changes season after season attracting more birds and other wildlife to your back yard garden.

Together if everyone will just convert 20% of your lawn to gardens our world would become a greener place to live for both humans and our feathered friends.








Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Lighting The Way When Two Become One

Author: M J Plaster

Source: articleage.com



Whether you want to add a little extra romance to an evening reception or a little glow to your house of worship, candles are a natural, effortless addition, garden sculpture, to your wedding theme. You'll have no trouble finding a role for candles at the wedding ceremony, at the reception, and even as part of the floral displays.
Unity Candles
Join the growing number of couples who include a unity candle as part of the wedding ceremony. Perhaps you think that unity candles are steeped in a rich history of religious tradition, or perhaps you think that unity candles are the invention of the candle makers to sell an extra candle or 10,000. Neither is the case. The exact evolution of the unity candle is uncertain, but since it began 30-40 years ago, it seems that we have that ever-lively 60s generation to thank for yet another custom that has wormed its way into modern life.
I'd like to propose my own idea of the unity candle's origin—an unlikely science experiment. You can perform this experiment yourself. Light two tapered candles, or use whatever candles you have handy. Note the height and brilliance of each flame. Now, join the two flames together and look at the single flame. The united flame is taller, stronger and brighter than the sum of the two individual flames. Isn't that what marriage is supposed to be—a single unit stronger than the sum of its parts?
The most traditional of the variations on the theme is the tall, thick white candle in the center of a candleholder surrounded on each side by a white taper. During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom light the center unity candle with the two tapers, creating the stronger flame, garden sculpture, as a symbol of the stronger unity gained through marriage.
Beyond the traditional unity ceremony, today's weddings provide the opportunity for many variations, particularly second weddings that include children. If each partner has children, the children may light the unity candles. Sometimes, parents from each family light the unity candle. You'll want to preserve the moment in a picture, because it's unlikely you'll find this level of cooperation, garden sculpture, again.
If you carry a hand-tied bouquet, incorporate a white taper into the bouquet, and carry the taper up the aisle. The groom can hold his taper until you reach the altar, when you each place your taper into the unity candleholder to accentuate the unity theme.
If your house of worship doesn't allow unity ceremonies, conduct the ceremony at the reception right before the toast.
Candles for Your Wedding Decor
Consider candles an integral part of, garden sculpture, your floral displays to add warmth to a sterile reception hall environment. Select your candles first, and then select flowers to complement the candles. If you maintain the candle as the focal point, you'll spend a lot less money on bridal flowers.
Place a single sculptured candle by the guest, garden sculpture, book, for example. Incorporate candles into your table displays at the reception. You can actually use candle displays in place, garden sculpture, of floral displays. Consider the idea of floating candle displays at the center of each, garden sculpture, table. They're low enough to allow conversation without talking through flowers.
You're not limited to white candles. Work the candles into your color scheme: silver and gold for holiday weddings, garden sculpture, . Nor do you have to limit yourself to unadorned candles. Ribbons add a nice accent to simple candles. Select elegant candles for a formal wedding and less formal sculpted, marbled,, garden sculpture, or otherwise embellished candles for less formal weddings.
Candles as Wedding Favors
Candles always make nice gifts, and you can capitalize on this by selecting a candle for your wedding, garden sculpture, favor. A small, beautifully wrapped candle makes a wedding favor that your guests will appreciate and display at home—something to remember your special day.
However you choose to add candles to your wedding, their warm flame will add to the ambiance of an already, garden sculpture, glowing moment.
M J Plaster is a successful author who provides, garden sculpture, information on shopping online for unity & wedding candles and candles in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.






Monday, December 21, 2009

Wedding Invitations A Special Meaning

Author: Joe Palladino

Source: isnare.com



It is well known amongst all circles that a girl dreams consistently, garden sculpture, of her own wedding in all splendor, scale, and all of its particularities ever since she gets her plastic dolls married in little house-games. This not only shows the scale of importance this day has in her subconscious, but also how we need to take her suggestions and ideas while conceiving, designing and executing every aspect of her wedding, be it her dress, the venue, the bridal shower, or the small but very important wedding invitation.

The family puts a lot of planning and expectations into a wedding. After all, it is their wedding. By virtue of that fact itself, the wedding becomes a special event and a cherished memory later for them. However, for the guests, the introduction, garden sculpture, to the wedding is the wedding invitation. So, that little card has to correspond to all that the marriage stands for, and be endearing enough to fill the receiver's hearts with warmth at first sight.

It becomes all the more important not only as they are the primary interface for the guests but also since wedding cards can themselves become souvenirs that are left once, garden sculpture,, garden sculpture, the pomp, show and fun is over.Today, wedding cards can be made in many varieties. In fact, designer cards can be made to order as well. For instance, you could give the wedding invitation a special touch by putting a classic painting or sculpture as the background.

Always keep in mind to employ an original idea, as your wedding is unique! However, sticking to traditional popular wedding themes is not a bad idea either. But again, remember, garden sculpture, to put the old wine in a new bottle to give it a touch of yourself or the couple that you are going to be!A wedding invitation card could be folded or in scroll form, paper or velvet, blue or pink, but it is very special nevertheless. .

It is also a good idea to hand the card personally to at least some of the near and dear ones.E-wedding cards are also getting popular in a world of internet and shortening, garden sculpture, time-spans. However, nothing can beat the charm of the good old laced, frilled, garden sculpture, card with engravings on it. In such a scenario, there is an option of ordering printed cards over the Internet as well. While you save time, you also retain some touch with tradition. Many companies now offer this service and it is, garden sculpture, quite reliable.

However, if you are the kind of person for whom not only the wedding, but also the preparations towards it are an event, you have possibilities of having fun all the way! You can design a card with your partner, personalized (not to mention, it will always stay close to your heart) and then go to a company and explain them the specifications. Hand-made cards are not only rare but also very heartwarming as they are a symbol of the love a relationship shares and the efforts they are have, garden sculpture, taken for each other.What type of wedding are you planning? Your Wedding invites will tell your prospective guest a little piece of important information.

Are you planning a formal, casual, church, traditional or garden wedding.No matter the type or place your wedding is going to be, your wedding invitations should reflect a little of your and your perspective spouses personality. Give your guests as much information as possible about the big day.






Saturday, December 19, 2009

Think Garden Gifts For The Holidays Or Year Round!

Author: Brian Banks

Source: isnare.com



There is nothing better than being able to relax in the garden on a lovely day. Whether you want to be out there, garden sculpture,, garden sculpture, soaking up the sun while you read a book or you just want to unwind and be in the essence of nature, having a great garden is the best option for activities like these. If this is not your idea of a lovely day and you would prefer it when the rain is pouring, there are many options for that too. It doesn't matter if you have a small garden or a large one, as long as there is space for you to relax, there are many things you can, garden sculpture, add to, garden sculpture, your garden to make it a relaxing retreat. If you have friends, co-workers or family that enjoy their
gardens, think Garden Gifts for the Holidays.

Garden Gnomes

Garden gnomes look good in any garden,, garden sculpture, as long as you can fit them in, they deserve to be there! You also have a wide variety when choosing one of these items for your garden; just a few of them are; the Artemisia Gnome is a 14" tall green pixie that will go well in any garden that's green. She has a beautiful smile with her blonde hair and is made from unbreakable aluminum. The Dianthus Gnome is a more colorful pixie, dressed in pretty pink and stands at 12". She will add brightness and happiness to any garden! The Farming Gnome is of a short farmer with a big beard. He is also colorful and will look lovely in any garden that needs, or has, a bit of color. He is also 14" tall. The Osmunda Gnome is a happy pixie indeed! This garden fairy will bring smiles to the faces of its viewers and will have you pleasantly, garden sculpture, spending more time in your garden. The Woodland Gnome is a merry old man that has his beard neatly tucked into his belt, and offers a friendly smile, garden sculpture, to whoever walks near his domain. This gnome stands at 12" and will bring color to any garden.

Garden Sprites

Garden sprites are great if you are looking to add some realism and color to your garden, and there are so many different ones to choose from you are sure to find the one that is perfect for your garden. Like the April Showers Garden Sprite, it is hand cast from an original sculpture and is of a little girl with a watering can. This is great for a large garden and can be put in a section with long grass, on a rock close to a pond. The Charlie My Boy Sprite is also hand cast and has a silver mirror ball that the sculpture, a little boy, is holding in his hands. This Garden Sprite will look wonderful if placed in a garden around a lot of pretty flowers. Instead of having just an ordinary downspout in your garden, the Old Boot Downspouter provides something more interesting and fun. If not, garden sculpture, the boot, how about the Ladybug Downspouter, the Curious Kitten or the Turtle Downspouter?,, garden sculpture, garden sculpture, These are all great and they look beautiful too. The Jr Fire Chief Garden Sprite, garden sculpture, is a very cute one indeed, of a little boy dressed as a fireman with a miniature hose to water your garden!

Patio Fountains

There is nothing more soothing than sitting in your garden and listening to the flow of water from a beautiful patio fountain. There are big ones, small ones, colorful ones and plain ones; whatever you think will suit your garden. Choose from fairies, angels, dolphins, frogs and even wishing well fountains, like in the olden days!

Garden Benches

If you want to sit in your garden and relax, you are going to need something comfortable to sit on. There are many great garden benches available that would suit your garden perfectly. Some are small, just enough for two people to sit on, so if you have a small garden you could use one of those, but there are also larger ones like the Lutyen l Bench, this one is best when put at a large tree because it is in the shape of a half moon, so putting it almost around your favorite tree in the garden will make the most relaxing spot ever! It is made from wrought iron so it will last a long time and it comes with a full size comfortable cushion, providing you with maximum comfort.

Weathervanes

These, garden sculpture, make an unusual gift. Forged in the USA, these iron weathervanes come in
all the favorite designs, Deer, Horse, Rooster and more - even a Fireman!

There are many ways in which one can make their garden into something more, a place where they can just chill out when they get home from a hard days work or when they are at home during the day, garden sculpture, and just feel like being on their own. So
why not treat yourself while you are shopping for other's gifts.






Thursday, December 17, 2009

Outdoor Lighting Information

Author: Kimberly Quang

Source: isnare.com



If you have invested your energy,, garden sculpture, garden sculpture, in creating lovely outdoor spaces such as gardens, arbors, patios or fountains, then you certainly do not want to make, garden sculpture, the mistake of leaving the job half-done. While many people design exterior spaces or landscape under the assumption of full sunlight, specialty outdoor lighting can add an entirely new, garden sculpture, dimension to your work. Imagine lustrous gardens that flourish magically beneath the moonlight, ancient trees that glow luridly as you pass them in your midnight stroll, or fountains that bubble with luminous crystalline water,, garden sculpture, spraying starry droplets into the sky. These are a few fanciful images that can be made into a reality by an artfully designed outdoor lighting system.

If you are looking at a small to medium sized job, or are a novice and want to create a lighting system that you can install yourself, we have a number of low voltage outdoor lighting fixtures available. Our Halogen Accent outdoor lighting kits are designed to illuminate specimen trees, plants in the garden or architectural details of a home or office building. We also have low voltage outdoor lighting kits fitted with incandescent bulbs for projects that require a warm light. For larger jobs, we provide mercury vapor outdoor lighting kits that contain 3.5" diameter bullet fixtures with 4.75" long custom glare shields, mounting brackets and ballasts that are designed to mount in three separate trees up to 30 feet, garden sculpture, or less. Mercury vapor bulbs provide a flattering light that makes plants and foliage appear their healthiest.

All of our outdoor lighting products are selected by experienced professionals who want to deliver, garden sculpture, you only the "cream of the crop" outdoor lighting supplies. Unlike many of, garden sculpture, the lower quality fixtures you will find in your local home improvement store, which are often made of plastic, all of our outdoor lighting equipment is composed of high quality metal such as copper, brass or composite alloys.

Each landscape lighting kit contains everything you need to open up an entirely new dimension to the enjoyment of your home or garden. We have engineered these systems as basic starter kits with extra transformer capacity so that you can double the quantity of outdoor lights in the future. This is ideal for those who want to evolve their outdoor spaces over time, such as adding path lights or possibly an illuminated fountain or sculpture. Click here to view our fountain lighting kits. Have fun, and experiment with your lights before burying all the wires. This way you can fine-tune your design before completing the installation. If you run into any trouble, do not hesitate to call us. We have experienced technicians ready to assist you in your outdoor lighting, garden sculpture, projects. Remember, a successful outdoor lighting system is just a matter of light and shadow, but how you utilize them can make all the difference between night and day!

Do not forget to look for accessories, garden sculpture, to install your commercial landscape lighting. This could include transformers, light poles, or ballasts. The different types of accessories will be based upon the particular lights you are getting. These accessories, just like the lights themselves, will need to be planned for. If you can get a photograph of the area you will light, you can create scale cutouts of the lights and the amount of area they light. These cutouts offer a low cost method of pre-planning your landscape lighting. There are also computer programs available which will do the same thing.






Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Care of Bonsai Trees - Don't Be Cruel to Your Bonsai!

Author: Christine McKinnon

Source: ezinearticles.com



It was a dreadful sight. The leaves on my once beautiful dwarf juniper were turning brown and the tree which I had hoped to pass on to my daughter was beginning to die. What was I doing wrong in my care, garden sculpture, of bonsai trees?

Given proper care, bonsai trees can live for hundreds of years. In fact a properly maintained bonsai should outlive a full sized tree of the same species. Not only that, caring for bonsai trees is supposed to be a relaxing hobby and one that invokes a sense of calm and tranquility. But this was raising my blood pressure. The near demise of this living symbol of endurance was enough, garden sculpture, to reduce me to tears.

I'm known as quite a gardener and my flower beds are flourishing - so why was my bonsai dying?

Like any plant, the secret in the care of bonsai trees is in providing the right amount of water, air, light and nutrients. However, bonsais come in a huge number of varieties and each species has different requirements in terms of these vital ingredients.

Different trees have, garden sculpture, different requirements as far as light, water, fertilizer. Mine is a a dwarf juniper and I grow it indoors. I have now discovered it is crucial this tree gets at least two hours of direct sunlight a day. I am also careful not to place it near air-conditioning or a heater and to protect its roots from extremes of heat or cold. These were vital points for me to discover on my path to learning about the care of bonsai trees.

Proper care of bonsai trees involves a careful watch on the soil every day to make sure it hasn't dried out; but overwatering is also a definite no-no and is probably the "root"cause of my problem. Most trees die through dehydration but over-watering can damage plants nearly as quickly. The trick is finding the right, garden sculpture, balance. The Japanese, who mastered the art of bonsai many centuries ago, have an old adage - water thrice - once each for the pot, the soil and the tree.

Different soils dry out at different rates, different shaped pots also lose water at different rates, and different species of trees have different watering requirements, hence the need for a little specialized help when planning your care of bonsai trees. In order to develop a healthly root system to keep your entire plant strong and flourishing you must provide just the right amount of water. Bonsai can be developed from seeds or cuttings or from naturally occurring stunted trees transplanted into containers. They can range in height from a tiny five centimeters, garden sculpture, to over a meter tall.

Expert care is needed to pinch off new growth and encourage branches and trunk to grow into the desired shape, usually by wiring them into your chosen style. However this, garden sculpture, must be done carefully so that the wire does not, garden sculpture, bite into the flesh of the tree. Bonsai tree wiring, garden sculpture, is a reasonably advanced skill and it is a crucial element in the care of bonsai trees. It is crucial you don't remove too much of the root system at any one time - thirty percent a year is plenty.

You will, garden sculpture, also need to know how to prune the branches and roots and how and when to re-pot your bonsai. Pruning is seasonal, with most being done in spring or occasionally autumn. This is, garden sculpture, where an artistic eye produces the most pleasing results.

Bonsai is more a sculptural art form than straight gardening. The origin of bonsai trees can be traced back over 2000 years. The evocative beauty of a well-shaped tree can inspire, garden sculpture, feelings of calm and humility and a sense of timeless endurance as well as provide a focal point either inside your home or out on a patio. But who wants visitors to see a disaster?

As you can see, the basic care of bonsai trees, while not particularly difficult, does require some knowledge and skills. I arrogantly, garden sculpture, assumed I could do it on my own, but learned the hard way - killing off my first attempt. In order to avoid making the same mistakes, I recommend that you seek out some advice on the proper care of bonsai trees.

Good luck - and may you find great joy in your care of bonsai trees.





Stop subjecting your bonsai to a slow death and instead learn the proper care of bonsai trees here: http://www.bonsai-trees-care.com Also, here's another 'must see' article about bonsai trees care.




Tuesday, December 15, 2009

A Garden Isn't Just Flowers

Author: Jon Kilminster

Source: isnare.com



As a lot of humans what they anticipate of if they anticipate of a garden, and you will apparently get answers like, garden sculpture, "a lawn" or "flowers" or "trees."

Of advance these are the capital capacity of any garden. But there's one additive that few humans anticipate of.

Landscaping.

So what is agriculture exactly?

Landscaping is the way of acclimation and developing the altered areas of your garden so that they plan as a whole. It consists of added than just plants and grass.

For instance, bedrock is a abundant way to add array to your garden. If you're searching to accord you backyard some something appropriate to set it afar from the neighbor's, or if you wish to add some abyss and arrangement to your agriculture design, agriculture bedrock comes in abounding altered forms, is inexpensive, and acclimated sparingly, accord a garden a warm, accustomed look.

Not alone is there a acceptable alternative of colors, agriculture bedrock comes in altered kinds of bedrock to accept among, from limestone to slate to granite. Altered agriculture designs alarm for altered types of agriculture rock, obviously, but accustomed all, garden sculpture, the choices it is simple to get just the appropriate rock.

Next time that you are out walking or hiking in the woods, accumulate an eye out for beyond rocks and boulders. Attending at how they by itself sit in the arena and you'll see what affectionate of a attending the agriculture bedrock in your backyard should have. This is the affectionate of detail that will set your backyard off from the blow of your neighbors.

And don't overlook concrete., garden sculpture, The brainy images that the chat accurate invokes may not be of something you'd wish in your backyard but in fact, the agriculture industry has amorphous to absorb accurate abstracts in their designs the accomplished few years with hasty results. Now concrete's use is growing with the addition of decrepit accurate finishes to cover patios and driveways as well. You can accomplish use of accurate for assorted locations of your yard.

Use it for accurate block designs for walkways and paths through a garden. This is bigger in beyond yards but even if your backyard is baby it can board accurate landscaping. It could be a baby patio congenital from accurate blocks for you and your ancestors to sit in the sun on. It could be a simple accurate agriculturalist or two for a baby alembic garden. Or artlessly a accurate alarm in a annual bed.

Concrete agriculture can aswell, garden sculpture, accumulate your clay in place. If there is a allotment of your backyard that on an acclivity again you can body a application bank especially for this purpose. Accurate blocks appear in abounding shapes and textures and you are abiding to acquisition a appearance you like.

If you reside in an barren and dry climate, you, garden sculpture, can use it to accomplish your agriculture actual interesting. Desert agriculture is one of the added absorbing challenges. Spend a little added planning time on your backyard than you would commonly for a lot of added areas. You will charge to plan with a plan, garden sculpture, that includes, garden sculpture, alone plants and copse that can, garden sculpture, survive with abundant beneath water. Nobody is traveling to bulb something if it cannot sustain itself.

Overall the elements of garden architecture cover landform, baptize features, fountains, garden ponds, garden planting, garden buildings, garden lighting, garden sculpture, garden ornament, garden appliance and harder mural materials. These elements are acclimated to accomplish a advanced ambit of garden types.

Using altered abstracts and plants not usually apparent in a garden or backyard will about-face your garden into something appropriate you can be appreciative of.

Landscaping is an art and, like any added art form, it takes time, patience, and analysis to get your methods, garden sculpture, just right. But the after-effects will be able-bodied account it as you appearance your new garden. If you are new to landscaping, a simple seek on the internet will accord you abounding, garden sculpture, architecture account and techniques that you can alpha with today.






Sunday, December 13, 2009

Garden Finials - A Great Way To Add A Decorative Touch To Your Outdoor Space

Author: Jesse Akre

Source: isnare.com



You just finished landscaping your backyard and now you are in the process of adding those finishing touches to it. The thing is, you are not quite sure what you want to go with. You don't want something like lawn ornaments because they look tacky, but you don't want to go with something like a huge lawn sculpture that is way over the top either. Well, there is a solution to your dilemma and that is fabulous garden finials, they are just the decorative touch that you've been looking for.

Garden finials would be a great ornamental accent to any outdoor space because of their eye-catching beauty. They are designed to be placed on the top of items, like fence posts, deck joints, or buildings, and will generally have a long, pointed top. You can get ones that are very plain and have just have that long, spear like design while others will have features very elegant detailing, patterning, and scrollwork. For example, there are options out there that have twisting and turning shapes, which then come together at a point, garden sculpture, . There are others that are a combination of cascading spears and some that are even triangle shaped. Plus, there are ones that are smaller in size and would be great for placing on top of walkway stones or on garden arbors. Basically, with this outdoor fixture there are just a lot of lovely options and a great way to get an idea on what you, garden sculpture, want for your space, just hit, garden sculpture, the Internet for some comparison shopping. With the flick of the wrist and click of the mouse you can easily browse all of the lovely selections and when you do find what, garden sculpture, you want, it will be shipped right to your door.

When purchasing garden finials for your outdoor space, the main thing to keep in mind is what type of material it is crafted out of. You want to go with one that is made out of a higher quality material so that it can stand up to the rigors, garden sculpture, of being left, garden sculpture, outside day in and day out. Some of the better options include copper, stainless steel, and aluminum. Each is very thick and sturdy, making for one selection that will last for years and years.

If you are not into garden finials, but still want to add some kind of decorative touch to your outdoor space, don't worry because, garden sculpture, there are a lot of other options available. Take weathervanes for example,, garden sculpture, they come in all different shapes, styles, and designs and are perfect for setting on top of a roof, in a garden, or on a shed. Along with the weathervanes, some other nice options for your outdoor space include bird feeders, bird baths, wind chimes, rain cups, outdoor wall art, sundials and country bells.

So, if you are looking to put a nice finishing touch on your outdoor space, a great option is garden finials. They are beautiful outdoor fixtures that would add a nice decorative touch to any new, landscaped area.






Saturday, December 12, 2009

Create A Garden And Patio Design To Enjoy Year-round

Author: Robert Mosse -

Source: articledashboard.com



Retreat to a garden and patio architecture that's admirable year-round, and takes minimum fuss. What makes this possible? Airy plants, garden sculpture, with connected blooms, and a acceptable garden structure.

You don't charge, garden sculpture, to be a backyard and garden able or mural artist to do this. Here are a few tips for creating, garden sculpture, a cool yet simple garden and patio architecture that will be a knockout!

The aboriginal footfall is to yield a birds-eye appearance of your garden and patio area. Make a asperous account of your space,, garden sculpture, and play about with a few designs until you like what you see. As you're accomplishing this, get some abundant account from absolute garden and patio decorations. Pay a appointment to added people's gardens, or accessible gardens. Look through home agriculture and agronomical magazines, acquisition what you like, and advance affairs of your own.

Decide what appearance or affair is appropriate for you... formal, casual, rustic, Southwestern, Japanese... there are astronomic possibilities. Then break with that appearance, garden sculpture, and affair so the all-embracing aftereffect does not become confusing. For instance, you wouldn't wish to amalgamate brownish garden sculptures of saints or cherubs with rustic board wagon wheels.

Imagine what your patio breadth will a lot of generally be acclimated for. You may plan to absorb lots of alfresco banquet guests. If so, be abiding your patio amplitude has affluence of allowance for the better bulk of humans appropriate from the beginning. Your patio may be added of a private, cogitating retreat for adequate the sun, account a book, or, garden sculpture, gazing up at the stars. Determine the use of shade, accessible sun, or even accoutrement it with a roof.

Now yield your admired, garden sculpture, account and put them into your asperous affairs - and anon you'll, garden sculpture, accept a architecture that is accessible for action.

The next footfall is to actualize your garden and patio architecture to calibration - you can use agriculture software for this, or do it by hand. Accept the flowers you intend to plant, acquainted how abounding you will charge for anniversary ages of your growing season, and baddest the agriculture structures that will accord your architecture its form.

Some say the abstruse to a admirable garden and patio architecture is accepting a acceptable bulk of harder structure. This is what mural designers accredit to as "good bones" - walls, fences, garden bridges, gates, garden arbors, mural statues, garden fountains ... even a able band of beloved plants.

Garden structures such as these actualize forms and lines, giving your garden and patio architecture analogue and dimension. Plus, in the winter if a lot of plants are abandoned and bare, your garden will bottle its appearance and faculty of completeness. It's amazing how just one or two structures can aftermath this acceptable effect.

Most garden and agriculture structures are congenital to bear the elements. Treated pine, cedar and teak garden furniture, trellises, arbors, and adorning angry are abundant choices. Stone, copper, and brownish garden bronze will never, garden sculpture, let you down. Garden fountains accompany absurd adorableness and atmosphere, garden sculpture, to any garden and patio architecture - in fact, absolute breadth accept been congenital about them.

Next, accept anniversary bounce flowers and abiding plants that will accord you blooms from one division to the next. For instance, baddest airy roses that charge no pruning or spraying, and blossom continuously from bounce through fall. Fill planters with admirable blooming flowers such as Oriental lilies or verbena for altered colors all summer long. Establish annual beds in corners or forth airing ways. Always accede your bounded altitude and bulb according to the sun and adumbration needs of your plants.

As you plan your garden and patio design, actualize paths or airing means that advance from one breadth to the next, garden sculpture, . Rambling garden paths are adequate and charming... and if laid out thoughtfully, will be a big advice to you, garden sculpture, as the gardener. Paths can be of stone, brick, flagstone, gravel, or mown turf, although grass paths crave added upkeep. Garden sculptures or sitting benches carefully placed forth the way accommodate admirable expression.

If you wish garden and patio designs that are pre-drawn, there are banal affairs accessible in books and magazines. This is addition accomplished way to get off to a solid start. Use pre-made garden affairs from alpha to finish, or absorb locations of them appropriate into you own artistic plans.

Copyright 2006 Robert Mosse








Thursday, December 10, 2009

Finally, A How to Video Series About Creating Mosaic Art Maxine's Mosaics Teaches Consumers to Create Mosaic ArtImagine the Possibilities

Author: Anonymous

Source: free-articles



Huntington Woods, MI January 25 2004--Mosaic artist Maxine Gardner was flooded with requests for instructions on how to create mosaic art as a result of an appearance on HGTV. Her solution, the creation of a four-part video series entitled Maxine's Mosaics โ€" A How-to Series About Creating Mosaic Art. Series segments include working, garden sculpture, with clay, metal, wood and how to create gazing balls from recycled bowling balls, the focus of her HGTV appearance.



โ€œWhen my studio was featured on HGTV I was amazed by the requests for basic information. Hundreds of emails followed, garden sculpture, each episode with requests for instructions or help with failed projects. There are books on mosaics readily available, classes springing up everywhere, yet people are not getting the information they need in a way that they can create the projects that they want. Videos on mosaic art projects teach individuals step by step everything they would need to know in order to work in the medium they wanted,โ€ states Gardner.



The video series,, garden sculpture, the first-ever to teach mosaic art, is loaded with step-by-step instructions, useful tips and tricks and examples of Gardner's work to assist in inspiring the creativity of viewers. Viewers learn the direct mosaic method, cutting technique, how to use tools to create tesserae (broken dishes or stained glass), adhesive choices, grout application and repairs.



In Working With Wood, Gardner goes over the variety of surfaces available, the proper surface preparation covering the gamut from picture frames to tables. In Working With Metal, Gardner emphasizes adhesive choices, garden sculpture, as being the crux of a successful metal project. In Working With Clay, Gardner shares the treatment specific to working with all clay surfaces. In This Episodeโ€ฆGazing Balls, Gardner shares her technique of using old bowling balls as the core of her stained glass gazing balls.



The video series will be available in hobby and craft shops across North America. Each video in the series has a suggested retail price of $29.95. The four videos range in running times of 47-66 minutes. Further information can be obtained by visiting www.maxinesmosaics.com



Gardner, a member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists, teaches, exhibits and sells her art at galleries and art fairs around the country.



About Maxine Gardner:

Mosaics provided Gardner with the opportunity, garden sculpture, to use all her creativity in one art medium. While experimenting with many art forms over the years, it was Gardner's passion for mosaics, garden sculpture, that led to her changing careers and becoming a full-time artist devoting her efforts to creating, exhibiting and teaching. The moment she tried mosaics, she knew she had found what she was meant to do โ€" it just took her 47 years.



As an artist, Gardner is passionate about mosaics as an art-form and finds inspiration in everything she sees either as something to be covered in a mosaic, or something to be broken up and used as a covering. Taking everyday objects such as, garden sculpture, watering cans, bird baths, mirrors,, garden sculpture, chairs and even bowling balls, Gardner covers them with broken china and stained glass to create beautiful, unique art for the home, garden and office.



Gardner is passionate about teaching the art of creating mosaics. Recently she received her fourth grant to work with 7-9th grade students to create educational, garden sculpture, mosaic sculptures.



In November 2001, and again in November 2002, Gardner was featured on Home and Garden Television's โ€œOur Placeโ€. The segment, filmed in Gardner's, garden sculpture, studio, featured how she recycles bowling balls and turns, garden sculpture, them into gazing balls with stained glass. The response from the segments was the catalyst for her developing the Maxine's Mosaics How To Series About Creating Mosaic Art.



Gardner, as a member of SAMA (Society of American Mosaic Artists), is privileged to

share her passion with other mosaicists from around the world. Her art has been featured in juried art fairs across the United States and Canada






Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Have Fun and be Creative - Get the Look for Less

Author: J T Taylor

Source: articleage.com



Hands up all those who have visited a Garden Centre or DIY Store looking for something to add that touch, garden sculpture, of 'wow' to the garden. Let's face it, what's on offer is not exactly going to be unique is it? So instead of running with the crowd, why not go for something different!
Go Green
Have fun and be creative. Salvaging and recycling can be so much more than just composting green waste. Think of all the other items that are cast aside in the throes of so many re-vamps and make-overs:, garden sculpture, brick, stone, redundant furniture, old sinks, cast iron bathtubs, the list goes on.
Real Rubbish Garden!
At Chelsea a few years ago, the RSPB's Real Rubbish garden designed by Claire Whitehouse demonstrated how reclaimed and re-usable materials could be incorporated in a contemporary garden.
Use some imagination
Salvaging is all about using your imagination. Rather than throwing out items without a second thought, stop a minute and apply a bit of lateral thinking.
Could it be recycled or re-used in other ways? We all make regular visits to our local tip to dispose of rubbish. How often do you stop and look at items others have thrown out?
What treasures could you have missed? Plastic coleslaw and salad pots make excellent seed storage containers. Old toilet-roll centres are perfect for starting off broad bean seeds whose deep, garden sculpture, roots wont be disturbed when it comes to planting them out in their own bio-degradable cells. Old wooden pallets can be turned into the perfect compost bin (who says 'five into one, wont go!).
Even the most unlikely items can be reborn;, garden sculpture, an old lavatory pan becomes a witty planter; a discarded bath becomes a herb garden. It's not really a new idea either. We all remember the ubiquitous white-washed split tyre planters that appeared everywhere in the seventies but it's not so easy to do the whole cut-and-turn thing since the advent of steel belting but a couple of worn-out tyres makes a useful container for any plant, garden sculpture, that's a bit thuggish and likes to muscle in on its neighbours. I use mine to corral an unruly spread of mint whereas at CAT (The Centre for Alternative Technology at Macynlleth in Wales) they use a tyre stack as a composter. Small but nonetheless efficient.
Create something different
It's surprising how many old wheelbarrows you will come across on a visit to your local Council Tip
A wheelbarrow provides plenty of scope for decorative planting and can usually be picked up for around a fiver. It'll be well-used and showing signs of age, which is perfect for the purpose. If you're feeling really industrious, you could give it a coat of 'Hammerite' to make it look pretty, otherwise just drill or punch some drainage holes, plant up and enjoy. And an added bonus with a wheeled planter is if you fancy a change of scenery, it's easy enough to move it around.
Need a piece of 'art' to create a focal point? An old push mower or lawn roller takes on a sculptural quality when set against a dry-stone wall and glimpsed through a blossom-clad arch. The same may be said for an old-fashioned horse-drawn ploughshare - make sure you have the space though.
Don't overlook old furniture either, garden sculpture, . You could pick up an old chest for a few pounds and with a lick of paint it can be used to store hands tools, riddles, dibbers and the like and - with a bit of weather-proofing - even turned into a tiered display area.
When it comes to re-using and recycling we are only limited by our imagination.
Discover that elusive bargain
Having recently moved home and inherited a garden that beckons contemplation, I decided it was necessary to procure some seating that befitted the task. Disappointed at the sameness of the choices on offer I decided to search for an alternative that I found in the shape of a rather handsome bent-wood rocker. All it needs is some slight attention to a loose splat and a bit of refinishing in, garden sculpture, order to withstand the elements. I'm looking forward to sitting it on the side lawn beneath the boughs of a knarled apple tree and shall inset some bricks (reclaimed of course) in the grass to avoid the rockers becoming entrenched. For ฃ5.00 I've bought my own little oasis of calm and tranquillity, garden sculpture, .
Council Tips are not the only places to look of course. If you are looking for something with a bit of age and different Auction Houses and Salvage/Reclamation yards are a good place to start you could find You'll only find, garden sculpture, new ones in shops.
There, garden sculpture, are reclamation, garden sculpture, and salvage yards, second-hand stores and even auction houses all of which are comparable to the fabled Aladdin's cave. Salvage and reclamation is pretty big business these days and it pays to shop around. If you have a project in mind, particularly if you live in a period property, there is no better place to scout around to find authentic and original every-day objects and architectural, garden sculpture, features to breathe new life into your garden. Keep an eye out for weathered statuary and chimney pots that, garden sculpture, look terrific planted up or can be used, garden sculpture, as rhubarb forcers or celery blanchers.
Fancy a bog garden? A cast iron bath - and I'm not suggesting some exotic ฃ400 French jobbie, cheap an' cheerful is the order of the day here - sunken into the ground (plug removed of course) is the perfect container, garden sculpture, . Most towns have an Auction house but be aware that there will be few bargains to be found on Antique or Collectable days. Sometimes you may find Specialist sales with a horticultural, garden sculpture, or agricultural bent and you may a find a bargain here but broadly speaking, a General, garden sculpture, Sale is your best bet.
General sale days are great fun because the range of goods on offer is so wide, everything from ceramics to furniture and everything in between. Take advantage of the viewing opportunities and don't be afraid to ask the Saleroom Staff how much they think something might fetch and if, garden sculpture, they think it will be popular. With a bit of homework you may pick up a really bargain.
Whether it's an old wheelbarrow, planter, pot, chair or statue; reclaimed and recycled items add a touch of individuality, garden sculpture, and character to a garden and that's something you wont find on the shelves at any out-of-town mall.
What's in your garden?
When it comes to recycling in the garden, don't forget the plants themselves. That Rose of Sharon may be the bane of your herbaceous border but to someone else, it represents a brilliant bit of instant ground cover so dig it out, pot it up and pass it on or even sell it at the Car Boot!
Recycling is all about sustainability, all about making the very most out of what we have. So get involved. Visit your local tip, look for items to recycle and re-use in the garden. Go round reclamation yards, auction houses and even have another look in your own back yard. At worst,, garden sculpture, you'll save some money and who knows, you may find a hidden gem. Whatever you do, have fun and rejoice in the fact that what you're doing is literally not 'costing the earth'.
Tim Taylor is a freelance writer and keen gardener.






Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Tarps - What Their Utility Is

Author: Ken Wilson

Source: articledashboard.com



The word tarp is an abbreviation for tarpaulin. It designates a board sheet made of a material that is extremely flexible, but strong, as well as waterproof. It comprises a certain type of cloth covered with plastic or latex. This type of cloth will offer protection for your dog's kennel, both in hot temperature conditions and in rainy weather circumstances.

High-quality tarps should come equipped with a series of grommets, which,, garden sculpture, garden sculpture, act like reinforcements. Their regular positioning is both at the edges and around the corners. This allows you to suspend or attach the tarp to various other items. Such grommets are practically securing the functioning of the tarpaulin material as a stable and efficient shelter.

The best thing about tarps is that they are that particular sort of material easy to describe in terms of versatility. In other words, they come in handy in hundreds of practical situations. As a result, not only could you use them as a means of providing shelter for your dog, but you can also use them to keep materials such as wood away from potentially damaging weather conditions. In addition, they can provide protection for yards, gardens and all sorts of individual plants, needless to mention small constructions, festive assemblies or boats.

Moreover, when you go camping, you can switch, garden sculpture, a tarp to a camping sheet. You will see with your own eyes that it can be useful to activities other than providing the all-needed anti-rain shelter when outdoors. It can also keep a car, garden sculpture, dry. You are probably familiar with that they look like thanks to fairs and all sorts of small street shops that make use of them to keep their products, garden sculpture, safe. Covering such a wide range of shelter requirements, it is no wonder that so many pet owners are using tarps to build the best kennel their dog could ever enjoy.

Although a wide range of materials is available, a certain type of tarp has increased in popularity lately. Tarps made of polyethylene have come to the largely acknowledged label of polytarps. Polytarps do not cost much and are an excellent choice for usage, garden sculpture, over a short time interval. Their utilities are widespread because they are resistant to all sorts of critical, garden sculpture, circumstances (in which most other materials would be quite easily torn or otherwise, garden sculpture, damaged). Rain cannot get through - so they are excellent for outside storage (garden-related, boats, hay), but for indoor use as well (paintings, sculptures, and so on).

The canvas tarp is at the opposite pole of the tarp range. It truly serves many purposes, and specialists have developed it for long-term use. Such a material allows the free circulation of air and moisture. In this manner, surplus moisture is free to evaporate. They are also fit for industrial use, since they're available with great levels of endurance.

Finally, we have mesh tarps. People generally use these ones particularly, garden sculpture, for dealing with shading purposes, although their uses are also diverse. They can hang off walls or stand alone with supporting pillars. In addition, they are ideal for outdoor use since they allow some wind to pass through - thus, they are much more difficult to tip over. Color, thickness and level of durability are alterable on demand, and may suit the needs of every single customer and of his or her expectations as to the degree of protection they will provide for their favorite pet friend.








Sunday, December 6, 2009

Gardening Supplies and Gifts

Author: Anne Clarke

Source: ezinearticles.com



Gardening supplies and gifts have a lot to offer for both experienced gardeners as well as beginners. Even people with no interest in gardening themselves may deeply appreciate gifts coming out of the gardening efforts of another.

Different items will appeal to different personalities. While you may know someone who loves gardening, there is a whole wide world of gift options available within this area of interest. When selecting the right materials for another person, there are a couple things to take into consideration.

The first is to evaluate what type of person the recipient is. Some people really adore gifts that are very sentimental. Others prefer something highly functional. Even when you buy something useful for a practical person, they may have been happier if you had purchased the specific thing they most need rather than surprised them with something they are simply capable of using.

In general, most gardeners are flattered and grateful when you present them with any form of gardening supplies and gifts. However,, garden sculpture, often there is, garden sculpture, just the right type of gift for a person's personality which can make them truly happy. If you wish to discover this, it is important to let go of your own tastes and desires.

Different product possibilities may be related to such matters as garden tending, decor, or organization. Sometimes, presenting someone with new, rare plants is a good way to go. Of course, it is very important for this latter circumstance that you determine whether or not the recipient's garden can support the needs of the particular species.

Another useful thing to consider is the aesthetics of the garden in question. Some people keep their gardens to a strict theme while others are less particular. For some, a bright, flashy,, garden sculpture, and colorful landscape is the way to go, while others prefer more muted styles.

This discussion of how practical a person the recipient is, of the categories of options available, and of the themes of the specific garden should serve a good starting point for selecting gardening supplies and gifts, garden sculpture, for others. For instance, if someone prefers sentiment, garden sculpture, over function, they may like a decor item rather than a new tool. This can be further narrowed down by the aesthetics of their garden-, garden sculpture, Is a subtle enhancement something they would appreciate, like miniature rock sculptures or some delicate edging material? Or are they the type of person who would love, garden sculpture, a bold, new focal point such as a wind-powered garden stake or extravagant fountain?

Sometimes it may be good to offer people a combination of practical and simply fun or attractive presents. These can be arranged within a gift basket for more attractive presentation.





Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on gardening, recreation, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, parenting, and fashion. For more of her useful articles on plant care, please visit Gardening Supplies, a resource for garden tool and flower information with a state-by-state company directory.




Friday, December 4, 2009

Dream Yard

Author: Ryan Rhode

Source: isnare.com



Do you ever dream about what your yard could look like some day? As you look through garden catalogs filled with beautiful trees, shrubs, flowers and pictures, garden sculpture, of beautifully landscaped yards--complete with ponds and garden sculptures--the, garden sculpture, choices seem endless. Before ordering hundreds of plants or giving up because you cannot decide what you really want, here are a few things to consider.

A common issue in landscaping is creating a peaceful, private environment. While fencing can provide immediate privacy, consider a buffer strip of shrubbery between your yard and the one next door. Many shrubs will grow quickly--within a couple of years--and act as a screen, garden sculpture, while providing, garden sculpture, habitat for a variety of birds. Consider planting native shrubs because they are usually well adapted to local conditions and may provide the best habitat for local wildlife.

Other considerations: whether the plants, garden sculpture,, garden sculpture, have special characteristics such as flowers or fruits, how large they will eventually become, and how much maintenance they require to remain healthy and in scale with your yard. Check with a local nursery or garden center for recommended species.

If you always thought it would be fun to have a pond, try it. With the variety of materials now on the market, anyone can have a garden pond, regardless of the size of the yard. If you have a lot of space, you can build one right in the ground. You can purchase a pre-formed mold or dig a hole and line it with a plastic pond liner. A simple type of pond consists of a plastic lined barrel or tub. Just add water, plants, a pump, and even fish--and you have a pond for your patio. Be sure to consider sources of electricity if you intend to add a pump. Also, make sure you use caution and take security measures if small children have access to your yard and the pond. Another factor to consider is maintenance. A pond can require a lot of effort to keep it clear of algae, leaves, and debris.

If you do not want to spend your weekends maintaining a yard, turn part of it into a wildflower garden. Depending on, garden sculpture, where you live, this could be a prairie, desert landscape, or alpine garden. Check on local zoning ordinances. Some communities have not yet, garden sculpture, recognized the value of "native landscaping" and may consider this a nuisance area. If you want a more maintained yard, consider ground covers instead of grass and use mulch to control weeds in foundation plantings and flower beds.

When selecting plants, make sure they are adapted to your area. Consider both the minimum and maximum temperatures, amount of moisture, amount of sunlight, and soil characteristics. Ask yourself: Do you want an annual that will need replanting every year or a perennial that comes up year after year? Do you want cut flowers for inside your home or to give to friends?

Consider native plants. They are usually better adapted to local conditions and need little maintenance. Be cautious about introducing exotic species such as purple loosestrife that will become, garden sculpture, invasive and is prohibited in many states.

Above all, choose what you like. There is an enormous variety of plants that will provide food and shelter to a wide variety of wildlife. With a little planning, you and the local wildlife can both enjoy the yard of your dreams.






Thursday, December 3, 2009

Landscape Maintenance, Residential in Houston Texas Including, Memorial Villagies, River Oaks, Tanglewood, Piney Point, West University, Bellaire

Author: Jeff Halper

Source: isnare.com



Alive and Thriving

A regular, well-thought-out landscape maintenance plan is the best way to protect your outdoor investment

A beautiful yard says something about the homeowners. Whether subtle or dramatic, a well-kept, well-loved yard sends a special message. Just as important?from the street, a lovely landscape can make a house stand out, which is important when it comes time to sell it.

After spending a lot of money on your residential landscape installation, it only makes sense to protect it and make sure it develops as designed. And that?s where a landscape maintenance program comes in.

Landscaping, garden sculpture, Maintenance begins with the Green, Green Grass of Home

Landscape maintenance begins with the lawn service. In Houston, lawns typically need trimming weekly through the summer and bi-weekly in the winter months. Additionally, most Houston lawns need aeration twice per year, but since you really can?t aerate enough, the more often the better.

Winter rye is a great addition to a landscaping maintenance plan by keeping your lawn beautiful throughout the winter. The local temperature range normally dictates that winter rye seed can be spread in early to late October. It is important to know, however, that rye grass has some real disadvantages, garden sculpture, . For example, the rye grass can compete with the St. Augustine grass (typically planted in Houston) for space and nutrition, which makes it very difficult on the St. Augustine in the spring. This struggle is particularly apparent in shaded area where grass already has a hard time growing.

Other Key Components of a Residential Landscape Maintenance Program

? Shrubs, Ground Cover and Vines. As part of a thorough landscape maintenance program, hedges as well as other shrubs and bushes should be trimmed regularly to maintain the desired contours. Ground cover and vines should be edged to maintain a neat appearance. This regularly-scheduled attention will ensure that all elements conform to the overall plan of the landscape design.

? Tree Maintenance. All small trees should be pruned as necessary. It is also a good practice in your landscape maintenance scheduling to do a deep root fertilization of these trees annually.

? Flower Bed Maintenance. Flower beds need to be weeded weekly. It is also a good idea to turn the mulch every two weeks so that you keep the exchange of air and water flowing into and out of the soil. To optimize the growth and bloom cycles of seasonal flowers, they need to be regularly pruned and fertilized.

Feeding and Protecting

Fertilization and chemical treatments are the next important step in a residential landscape maintenance program as they provide a boost to healthy plants and prevent diseases and infestations common to the Houston area.

Optimally,, garden sculpture, lawns need to be fertilized four times per year. All shrubs, ground covers and vines should be on a similar schedule. Azaleas and gardenias need to be fertilized in April and May, and acidified in February. Roses require fertilization, garden sculpture, in the spring, which needs to be continued every four to six weeks during the growing season.

One of the most common diseases for lawns in the Houston, garden sculpture, area is brown patch, or ?Rhizoctonia solani,? which a, garden sculpture, basic landscape maintenance program needs to, garden sculpture, address. Routine fungicide treatment is the usual solution. Of particular, garden sculpture, note regarding rose maintenance; roses need to be sprayed for black spot disease, the major enemy of Houston roses. Finally, your plants need to be treated chemically to protect against various insect infestations.

Jack Frost Can Do Harm

Even in Houston, Texas, it can get cold enough to require covering your outdoor plants. Jeff Halper with Exterior World, garden sculpture, encourages his clients to be proactive when the thermometer, garden sculpture, starts dropping. ?When the temperatures get below 32 degrees for an extended period of time, you need to cover your delicate plants and tropicals,? he says. ?Remember not to use plastic. Instead use proper freeze cloth, which allows light, oxygen and water to pass through so that you can leave the plants covered for a few days without suffocating them.?

How Does Your Residential Landscape Maintenance Program Stack Up?

The services listed above are part of a good landscape maintenance service contract. But in addition to these basics, the really professional outfits provide extras, which include everything from identifying, garden sculpture, unexpected diseases and providing an estimate for treatment to treating all, garden sculpture, landscape elements, such as sculptures and statues, irrigation systems or landscape lighting, with, garden sculpture, particular respect.

They will also be mindful of surface maintenance: walkways, driveways, patios and outdoor kitchens should be blown or raked free of debris during the landscape maintenance service. Swimming pools, ponds or outdoor water fountains that accumulate debris during trimming of shrubs or lawn should be cleaned as well.



Jeff Halper is passionate for Landscaping and wants to share infomation about that passion. At Exterior Worlds you can read more about landscape maintenance


Garden Fountains: The Fountain At Campidoglio In Rome

Author: Fountains Gal

Source: articledashboard.com



If you visit, garden sculpture, the Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome then you'll find three fountains of interest in this imposing square. These fountains each have a particularly interesting history. They haven't actually been in place in their current setting for that long but each fountain has had a rich and varied background. In fact, the sculptures you'll see on these three fountains can trace back their roots to the early days of Christian Rome.

The first of the three fountains that you'll probably notice in the piazza is the central fountain that leads up to the magnificent Palace of the Senators. Although originally planned by Michelangelo when he laid out designs for the piazza, the fountain was only, garden sculpture, constructed in the reign of Sixtus V who diverted a water supply from the Acqua Felice that could then supply a fountain. Original plans had decreed that this fountain would contain the figure of Jove as its centerpiece, instead it was built around the figure of Minerva who stands as the figurehead of Rome. Minerva's statue has partly been restored in modern, garden sculpture, times but the torso was brought to Rome from Cori so it, garden sculpture, is actually of great historical significance.

In front of the Minerva fountain you'll find a fountain decorated with the sculptures of two river gods. These statues are actually of significant historical interest - unlike many lost treasures they have survived without burial in all the turbulent times since Rome's downfall. Initially they were located in front of Aurelian's Temple of the Sun and they have since moved around various settings in Rome before settling in their current location. Like the Palace of the Senators before which they stand, much of this fountain is constructed of travertine and this fountain really does meld into the magnificent building seamlessly.

You'll find the third fountain in the Piazza del Campidoglio in the gardens of the Palazzo dei Conservatori. This fountain has barely earned its name as it is actually more of a basin with an unusual sculpture attached. The sculpture, which, garden sculpture, was added to the square in 1903, shows a lion feasting on a horse that it has hunted down. Although this fountain may not look significant the sculpture itself is of real historical import. If you look closely at the lion you'll note that it appears to show the effects of being exposed to water, garden sculpture, for long periods - it was actually discovered in the River Almo more than, garden sculpture, a thousand years ago although its history before that remains a mystery.








Wednesday, December 2, 2009

A Touch of Elegance: The Very Best Outdoor Decor

Author: Anne Clarke

Source: articleage.com



You can put in a cement walkway or build a walkway with pebbles or small stones—plant flowers, choose beautiful patio, garden sculpture, furniture, whatever reflects your taste best. And you can usually find good, garden sculpture, outdoor decorative items for great prices if you look in the right places for what you want.
ท Shady business:
The best gardens will thrive in the shade. So your plants that are the most difficult-to-grow may be better off planted in the shady spots. This will likely leave more space in the sunny spots for outdoor home d้cor. But what kinds of things do you put there? If you have shade in your garden, consider yourself lucky. There is a lot more effort involved in the upkeep of a garden that is almost always in the sun. For such gardens or yards you may need certain outdoor home d้cor that will provide enough shade to make things easier.
You can make shade by extending an awning from the house, garden sculpture, . And, of course, trees are the best way to make shade. Another idea, garden sculpture, is to use a piece of outdoor home d้cor such as an archway etc.
Shade is also great for your outdoor home d้cor such as garden benches etc, to protect you from the sun and keep you cool.
ท Stone and sculpture:
The look that certain items such as stone, gnome shaped figures and stone fountains or sculptures of marble, stone and other materials may work best in the sunnier spots for your outdoor home d้cor.
ท Patio outdoor home d้cor:
The best outdoor home d้cor for your patio is the seating. Getting the right garden benches is essential to achieving the ultimate enjoyment of your patio, garden, garden sculpture, sculpture, . Other outdoor home d้cor for the patio includes things like pots for potted plants, chairs, tables ceiling fans and more.
ท Landscaping and planting: The do it yourself outdoor d้cor:
Well, I suppose that you could hire someone to design your garden with natural outdoor home d้cor. Plants are our personal favorite kinds of outdoor d้cor because of their allure and fragrance. Here are a few types of plants and flowers that are very popular.
Plants that love the sun:
There are certain plants that thrive in the sun much more than others. Take ivy, for instance. Ivy can be planted in the sunnier spots of your garden. And if you grow your ivy in a certain way, your outdoor home d้cor can also serve to provide shade and cover for your more sensitive plants. If you create an archway around which the ivy or other vine-like plant can thicken and grow, you have created, garden sculpture, another shady spot for your garden. This outdoor home d้cor is practical, lovely, as well as a very stylish. Try making shade with plants, garden sculpture, that love the sun.
ท Flowers are the basis of garden d้cor:
The kinds of gardens that seem the most decorative, elegant or pleasantly quaint are made, garden sculpture, so by the types of flowers and the style of landscaping used to create them. There are several types of flowers that are especially attractive when in season. And unless you are growing a vegetable garden, you care about the overall look of your garden.
You want your property to be as beautiful as possible, right? So among the very best kinds of outdoor decorations are the many colors and scents and landscaping design of the flowers themselves. Here are some, garden sculpture, very popular kinds of flowers to consider:
1) If you can get you hands on one, the Dwarf Japanese iris is a beautiful flower, but it takes a lot, garden sculpture, of attentiveness, garden sculpture, to keep healthy, so you can not neglect your garden d้cor if the Dwarf Japanese iris plays a part in the design. The delicate iris gracilipes is rare, but not impossible to find.
2) The yellow trillium as part of your floral garden d้cor is a wonderful flower with three mottled leaves and a flower top each stalk.
3) The primrose seeds, which are often sown by nature present a stunning surprise for your garden, and are great floral garden d้cor.
4) The hardy geranium is a spreading perennial, which blooms in loose spikes and will add a touch of beauty to any garden.
The perennials that bloom early, such as those above, paint the garden with flowers, then subside modestly to green or go dormant while waiting for the next spring. Planting perennials is one way to add an annual splash of color to your garden. Here are some more ideas:
5) The yellow ladyslipper orchid. This orchid is a hardy native that in and of itself makes an eye-catching show.
6) The variegated euonymus can serve as a floral garden d้cor that act as a ground cover, and brightens the shade.
7) Azaleas are early-blooming flowers that provide your garden with a delicate sense of personal style and can certainly serve as floral outdoor home, garden sculpture, d้cor.
8) The last I will mention is the foamflower. The foamflower is also a spring bloomer, but be careful to plant them wide enough apart because this ground cover spreads fast.
No matter what your personal taste in outdoor home d้cor, the possibilities out there are endless. There are chairs and tables, lights,, garden sculpture, lamps and swings to consider. As well as the decorative beautiful touch that floral outdoor d้cor can bring.
The type of outdoor home d้cor that you want all depends on the style of your yard or garden. But there is much to choose from. I have several suggestions right, garden sculpture, here for the very best outdoor home d้cor, garden sculpture, available.
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on outdoor home decor please visit Outdoor Decor.






Monday, November 30, 2009

Add To The Drama Of Your Bonsai With These Ground Covers

Author: Lee Dobbins

Source: download



Adding a, garden sculpture, groundcover to a bonsai tree can either detract or add, garden sculpture, to the beauty of your design. You want to make sure the tree stays as the main attraction but you also want to add something pleasing underneath at ground level. Here are some choices that add interest and balance without overwhelming your design.
One, garden sculpture, thing you can do is add a little sculptural pieces around the ground underneath the tree. Of course, you can have some that are cheesy but you can also buy elegant and tasteful items that at a beauty to your design.
One natural element that can be used is deadwood which can add cohesiveness to your bonsai. Notes tree branches of the same species can help pull together and natural appearance, garden sculpture, between tree and ground.
You want to be careful when, garden sculpture, using deadwood because any type of dead wood could harbor parasites and cause disease to your bonsai. Even long dead branches can decompose adding elements to the soil which are most of the time harmless but sometimes can add to the growth of fungus and bacteria.
You can bleach the dead wood with a mixture of lime and sulfur but for a static purposes this may not be suitable for all kinds of branches. If you do bleach your wood and it comes out to light you can use coffee grounds or stain to darken it up again and make It appear more natural.
You can use in herbicide like Armillatox that has, garden sculpture, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties or you might try a wood stain as many of these do more than simply change the color of the wood, they also kill organisms, garden sculpture, .
Some interesting artificial pieces to add under your tree include ceramic or stone sculptures as well as little tiny rocks., garden sculpture, Try adding something with Oriental significance like a tiger or dragon. most bonsai artists do not like to use miniature human figures but a tiny ladder leaning against a tree can add a thoughtful touch. tiny miniature frogs which are said to bring lock according to Japanese lore might be added at the base of your bonsai.
And don't forget that your plot is a design element in your bonsai as well. You want to make sure the shape is appropriate for the type of tree in the design you are using. Be sure you get a pot whose color works with your design and blends with any of the ground elements you are using.
Designing your bonsai can be more than just training the tree. With some imagination and thought you can create a little scene that is as unique as you are.
Lee Dobbins writes for http://bonsai.garden-corner.com what you can learn more about decorating and training your bonsai tree.