Archive

Archive for the ‘Garden Crafts & Decorating’ Category

Garden Sculptures

March 12th, 2009

Garden Sculptures

Executive Summary by: Kristy Annely

Garden Sculptures: In the ancient world, the most common garden forms were the household gardens of nobles and the holy gardens associated with a place of worship. Sculpture became an acknowledged as art and gardens have always been a favored setting for exhibiting outdoor works of art.

garden sculpture

garden sculpture

Mounting an appealing sculpture at waist or eye level can transform a garden into an exhilarating place. Including a garden sculptures helps set the mood or theme of a garden.

Even a modest garden is a work of art and installing garden sculptures is a popular way to give a small garden, a bit of aura and mystery.

It is delightful to find a large garden sculptures serving as the central point or to walk down a garden path and chance upon an unanticipated sculpture placed in a small recess. Many homeowners, while designing their homes, seek classically designed garden sculptures to be placed in their gardens.

Sculptures to Enhance Your Garden

Executive Summary by: Sunil Ramprasad

Garden Sculptures: There can be so much more to a garden than just trees, plants, bushes, and flowers. You can also accessorize it with garden sculptures, statuettes, wind chimes, benches, lamps, bamboo screens, water bodies, picket fences, and so on.

Often, the homeowner might coordinate the art in the outside of the home with that which is displayed indoors. A single one can be bought and placed among plants where it serves as a stool.

Granite garden sculptures that are generally used in gardens are of gods and goddesses, human figures, animals or just a piece of abstract art. If you find them too expensive, you can go for art pieces from amateur artists. You can also choose from leading design stores which offer a range of garden art. Otherwise, there are also many small and relatively unknown design studios or art and craft centers run by artists in their homes from where you can pick up these garden sculptures.

A Stone Sculpture can always be enhanced by other features. For example, it can be installed as part of a terracotta screen to form a striking design element in one corner of the garden. Placing small lamps around the art or having these lamps hanging from branches overhead is another way to enhance your garden art.

You may want to check out my other guide on pond filter and flower bulbs

Garden Flags

March 10th, 2009

Decorate to Celebrate With Garden Flags and Banners

Executive Summary by: Jonathan Goodman

Garden Flags: Flags, banners and windsocks bring in a festive look. We tend to use decorative garden banners and flags outside the home.

garden flag

garden flag

Flags, on the other hand hang on a conventional flagpole to represent your colors. Of course, there is no particular restriction that flags and banners must only be hung outside the house. Banners are larger than garden flags.

Garden flags are used on any occasion both inside and outside the house. There are a variety of styles, colors and sizes in garden flag.

In addition to decorative garden banners and flags, windsocks or wind spinners are also used as decorations. Some people just put their monogram on the house and garden flags.

Interestingly, heat sublimation, silk screening or applique processes are used to make banners and garden flags. Usually the heat sublimation and silk screened flags show only on one side of the flag.

You will need flagpoles and other display equipment to show off your flags and banners. Many people prefer to display their garden flags on a standalone pole.

Flags For Home and Garden Decor

Executive Summary by: Jan Hazelton

The sky is the limit when it comes to decorating with flags. Today designers have created flags that are beautiful works of art. It is easy to be creative when decorating with flags.

Flags are available in themes for the country home, the traditional home, the contemporary home, the desert home, the log home and the sea side cottage. There are even gorgeous flags that render a touch of Asian inspiration.

If you live near the ocean, you might be interested in a lighthouse flag, a boat flag or a flag that paints a picture of marine life.

Consider a flag to welcome your guests. Flags will add a touch of cheer to any celebration.

You will find flags to enhance every season of the year. Harvest moons, snow capped mountains, spring and sunny beaches are all common flag themes.

You may want to check out my other guide on gardening nursery and patio design

Benches Outdoor

March 3rd, 2009

Outdoor Benches – Perfect For Building a Relaxation Nook For Yourself

Executive Summary by: Jennifer Akre

You need to have a little bit of creativity on your part, otherwise such a space will never come to fruition and outdoor benches are a great starting point for creating this environment.

outdoor bench

outdoor bench

You may not realize it now, but you can have a fabulous, relaxing and stress-free area with a few pieces of smart furniture and a good idea. As far as pieces go, you can always go with furniture such like outdoor benches, glider rocker swings, chair sets and more.

Okay, so here is how you build the space. A garden arbor would be a great option to.

When purchasing outdoor benches, make sure to go with ones that are of higher quality so they don’t break down under the different outdoor weather conditions.

A few of the better choices include:

  • teak wood,
  • southern cypress wood, and
  • manmade materials like thicker plastics and recycled polymers.

After all is said and done, you will be able to thank your relaxation nook that is filled with your choice of great outdoor furnishings, like outdoor benches, and lovely accents.

Outdoor Benches – There Are Many Fine Options For Children

It’s time to spend more time outside. If you have kids, this means you need to find outdoor benches and furniture for them. Most playgrounds have outdoor benches of some sort attached to them in some way.

There are several types of children’s outdoor benches to choose from. You may want ones where children sit and take a break or where you sit the child that is in need of a little time out.

Children can also have some friends over and have a picnic. A child may also decide to have a birthday party, using this seating selection that is attached to their playground equipment.

There are many uses for outdoor benches and playgrounds for children. The answer to that question will determine how much you will spend on outdoor benches or playgrounds for your special child.

Once the children are happy the parents will be happy.

You may want to check out my other guide on pond gardening and gardening gifts

Garden Designs

February 28th, 2009

The Five Basic Elements of Garden Designs

Executive Summary by: Keith Markensen

Garden Designs: Some gardens are designed with wildlife in mind.

garden design

garden design

  • Garden Landscape Ideas

Each garden has five basic elements and you should remember to include these in your garden landscaping plan:

o   Color

o   Form

o   Line

o   Scale, and

o   Texture

Color needs no explanation. Whilst some people like the idea of using one color throughout, it is usually best to include a number of colors in your garden design.

Next is form, which is mostly to do with the size and shape of objects and how they are balanced in the garden. The placement of plants and arrangement of borders will direct the eye around the garden.

Included in scale are other objects in the garden such as sheds, pools and ponds.

One texture throughout the garden would be bland and uninteresting. Create texture in your garden so that it “flows” from one area to another.

Garden Designs – Choosing A Garden Patio Design

Executive Summary by: Albert Lee

Garden patio designs may be as simple as a rectangular or square concrete space with chairs, tables and grills for barbecues.

Below are some more factors to consider when choosing a garden patio design.

1.      Landscape.

Landscaping is one of the most important considerations in a garden patio designs. The plants around the patio need to add fragrance, texture and color to the patio floor. They can help soften the hard surfaces and other non-living elements of the patio.

Adding light and water fixtures in the design is also another great idea if you plan on staying or entertaining in the patio during the night.

2.      Surface.

Try to experiment with other designs to see which ones will best suit your garden patio. The key is: planning.

3.      Furniture.

When thinking of furniture to have on your patio, keep in mind that they should be durable, stylish and of basic colors.

You may want to check out my other guide on garden pots and garden decorations

Garden Decorations

February 28th, 2009

Garden Decorations – It Is More Than Just Decorations

Executive Summary by: Anne Clarke

Only a minority of people connect “décor” with gardens and yards. With the proper garden decorations, you can turn your garden into your own personal oasis.

garden décor

garden décor

Great types of garden decorations:

  • Garden Benches. Setting a garden bench in the midst of your garden gives you the perfect place to sit, relax, and watch your garden grow.
  • Placing a fountain or a pond in your garden will transform your garden into a mini oasis.
  • Garden Statues.

Garden statues come in many different varieties. You can find garden statues that add humor, elegance, sophistication, or whimsy to your garden. Indeed, you can find a garden statue to suit any gardener’s taste, whether you want to place and hide bunny sculptures throughout your garden, or whether you want a funny garden gnome.

Adding garden decorations to your garden is like adding a beautiful frame to a painting – it enhances it.

Garden Decorations Will Help Your Home Look Beautiful and Increase its Curb Appeal

Executive Summary by: Tango Pang

If you have the desire to make your home look great and the time to do it, then you should head over to your nearest wholesale garden decorations warehouse to pick up all of your needed outdoor garden decorations supplies.

There are those, however, who do not have a garden decorations outlet near them. If you have the unfortunate luck of being in a neighborhood without a garden decorations warehouse, then you can always find an online garden decorations store which should be able to meet all of your gardening and decorating needs.

While lawn and garden decorations are some of the most popular options, you can also purchase patio garden decorations and wall garden decorations.

You may want to check out my other guide on gardening seeds plants and garden cart

Garden Art

February 22nd, 2009

Art in the Garden

Executive Summary by: Briscoe White

What does your garden say about you? One easy way to give your garden a bit of personality is to dress it up with garden art and structures. Garden décor should reflect the style and personality of the garden, the gardener, and the surrounding architecture (i.e. your home).

home garden art

home garden art

If you live in a Tudor and tend a traditional English garden then accessorize with classic garden structures like arbors and outdoor furniture with a more formal feel.

Larger embellishments such as garden structures like gates and obelisks tend to stand out in big gardens.

No matter what your “garden style”, keep in mind that gardening isn’t just a way to turn plain into pretty.

Creative Ideas For Beautiful Garden Art

Executive Summary by: Anne Clarke

Why not take some basic household items or even “trash” and turn them into one-of-a-kind, beautiful garden art? Garden art, like all art, is often in the eyes of the beholder.

Do you really need additional art?

Of course you do not need to have garden art in your garden, but just as the right picture frame can enhance a photo or the right throw pillow can add finesse to a couch, the right garden art can really add a lot of character to your garden. It is possible to find garden art that works with the particular “look” that you want in your garden.

Feel free to make your own garden art, as well! Here are some examples of household items that you can turn into beautiful garden art:

  • A bathtub. Well, you can quickly turn an old bathtub into beautiful garden art. You could even use a bathtub to make a garden pond.
  • A chandelier. Why not turn it into garden art! A chandelier looks beautiful hanging from a tree in your backyard. Watch the sun shine through the prism crystals and create rainbows throughout your garden.
  • Bottles. To some, bottles hanging from a tree may look like trash, but to many, including me, it will look like beautiful garden art.
  • Broken dishes. · Forks and spoons. · Old clothes. Make sure that you have fun with your garden art!

Check out my other guide on garden water features and garden fountains

Garden Statues

February 19th, 2009

The Garden Statues – Stone, Metal, Or Gnome?

Executive Summary by: Margarette Tustle


Garden Statues: There are several types of garden statues available that will enhance your yard or flower bed with a tastefully decorative touch. You can choose from several different sizes, shapes, materials for your statue depending on your taste and your budget.

garden statue

garden statue

There are statues on bases, statues that hang, and statues that are simply set on the ground.

  • Resin Statue

It is also a lightweight garden statue and can be cleaned simply by cleaning with soap and water.

  • Concrete Or Cement Statue

Another fairly inexpensive type of statue is the concrete or cement statue. These statues can be left “as-is” or painted.

  • Fiberglass Statue

A fiberglass statue is much like a resin garden statue.

  • Metallic Statue

For a more unusual look you might want to get a metallic garden statue.

  • Stone Statue

Simulated stone is an alternative for your garden statues that allows the artist to get more detail without as much room for error.

4 Tips For Buying an Outdoor Garden Statues

Executive Summary by: Glenna Andree

When you are in the market to purchase an outdoor garden statues it is tempting to make an impulse purchase. You don’t want that to happen with your statues.

  • Location, Location, Location – Where are you planning to place your garden statue?
  • Material – There are many materials available on the market today. Resin statues are basically a type of plastic that is painted to resemble other materials.
  • Design – There are animal garden statues, angels and cherubs or other religious statues, children, gnomes and fairies, men and women or even geometric or free form art designs available.
  • Price – Cost is a determining factor but it shouldn’t dictate your outdoor garden statues choice.

Article You May Be Interested In Reading: garden seeds and garden com

Water Garden Supplies

February 14th, 2009

Water Garden Supplies – The Relaxing Accent of Water Gardens, Ponds and Fountains

Executive Summary by: Jonathan Goodman

Water Garden Supplies: Garden water fountains, Koi ponds, backyard ponds are all pleasing features to have around your garden or backyard. Outdoor fountains look so serene when you see and hear the water flowing down gently and rhythmically.

water gardens supplies

water gardens supplies

An ordinary garden becomes transformed into a paradise when you add outdoor garden water fountains or garden ponds or both, depending on the size of your property.

  • Freestanding fountains
  • Wall mounted fountains
  • Stone tabletop fountains
  • Garden statuary fountains

Your outdoor fountain can be an attention grabbing focus point in your garden. On those long evenings water fountains and garden statuary make great conversation pieces when you have guests over. Fountains are great add ons to your summer garden.

Water gardens are further embellished with appealingly colored flowering water plants of many varieties and these are available in different sizes to suit the size of the water garden or pond.

The best thing about water gardens is their low maintenance. To make it look even more enchanting, outdoor fountains and waterfalls can be added to your water garden. You get a variety of garden fountains and waterfalls in different shapes, sizes, colors, materials and budgets. Garden ponds and Koi ponds are also great to have on your property.

Water Garden Supplies – Choosing Water Garden Filter Systems For Water Both You And Your Fish Will Love

Executive Summary by: Lee Dobbins

Water Garden Supplies: By getting a filter system for their garden water, 85% of the chlorine from hose water is removed.

The water from garden filter systems are also beneficial for bathing dogs. Water garden filter systems are necessities for gardening. This water garden filter system can also clean the water there. At least, with a water garden filter system, the 20,000 to 40,000 gallons of water are 100% clean.

Just like any electronic appliance, water garden filter systems can be recharged. Choose a water garden filter system that comes with the hose protector. There are water garden filter systems that already include a pre-filtered hose.

Thanks to the water garden filter system, water is dechlorinated. This is a better and healthier option because water garden filter systems clean the garden and save the beneficial bacteria through out the process.

Water garden filter systems turns chlorine into chloride that is completely harmless. So after watering your garden with the chlorine-free filter system, throw in a bath for our dogs.

From the original purpose of providing chlorine-free water to your garden, water from filter systems has escalated to new heights.

Also, check out my other guide on gardens botanical and gardening equipment

Garden Water Features

February 13th, 2009

Garden Water Features – Size Does Matter!

Executive Summary by: Damian M. Murphy

Today, the houses come in all sizes and shapes and most of them come without a garden. Those lucky ones who have gardens also have to be content with the small sizes of the gardens available these days.

gardens water features

gardens water features

So the best way to combat this situation is have a small balcony garden and give up the extensive garden water features for the smaller and more compact water features.

The fountain is also the most common water garden features, which can be used in all sizes and shapes of gardens. The size of the garden has little impact on the size of the fountain.

The other great garden water features, which can be used in any garden, is birdbath. The birds will come to the birdbath and splash the water and so the birdbaths are best placed in the balcony.

Garden Water Features – The Zen Way

Zen garden water features offer the perfect balance of yin-yang energies, colors and shape of flora.

Zen garden uses as much natural articles, like bamboos, pebbles, woods, etc as possible. Every garden water feature under the Zen style has a striking feature and that is that it a perfect balance of yin i.e. water and yang i.e. earth, thus every family member is accounted for.

The basic Zen garden water features are pools, fountains, ponds, waterfalls and the associated bridges and round about pathways.

Pools as one of  Zen garden water features offers the household stability and also lifts the mood of the entire family.

Also, check out my other guide on water ponds and water garden plants

Water Ponds

February 10th, 2009

How To Design A Pond – Planning A Pond Or Water Feature

Executive Summary by: Butch Kuhl

We’ll talk about planning and basic construction methods for water ponds.

pond water

pond water

During the planning phases, you’ll need to decide what type of pond you’ll be building. The difference being a water feature without any fish or plants can be designed to use chlorinated water, which will keep the feature pretty clean.

A pond that is sued to house fish or plants cannot have any chlorine in it because that chemical will kill both plants and fish. Using a UV filter will also help keep algae growth down in a pond too. Salt levels can be kept higher, if you’re not going to have any plants in the pond or water feature.

Once you know what direction you plan to take with your pond, you’ll have to evaluate the surrounding in which you plan to place the pond. This is a crucial step, because not only will you need a place to put the pond, you’ll need a place to house any equipment that will run the pond.

It is also advisable to check with your City’s planning department and acquire the necessary permits to install the pond, especially if there is digging involved. Have you considered what the pond or water feature will look like? Do you plan to landscape lightly or more heavily around the pond?

A more formal pond might consist mainly of a structured material like concrete and stone.

Waterfall Ponds Bring Sounds Of Nature Closer To Home

Executive Summary by: Bruce Lin

Before you get too far along, have an electrician install the right outlet you will need to plug in the water pump for waterfall ponds.

Sand Can Help Level And Protect Liner. One, it can help protect the waterfall ponds liner from possible damage from any rocks in the bottom of the hole.

The route designed for the water to flow must be carefully thought through and a means to recapture the water will help keep water bills down and the area surrounding the waterfall ponds dry.

In general, listening to the sounds stemming from waterfall ponds can be soothing experience that you may want to share with friends.

Also, check out my other guide on gardening care