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Landscape Ideas

April 29th, 2011 10 comments

Landscape Ideas – Backyard Playground Landscaping Ideas

Executive Summary by: Jorgan Sprie

Landscape Ideas: Today’s backyard playgrounds are veritable works of art. A simple gazebo design or even a lattice-covered area could serve well.

Trees minimize the exposure of both kids and parents too much sun exposure.

landscaping ideas

landscaping ideas

  • Using Rubber Mulch

So consider using this material to create a nice defined floor area for your background playground.

  • Kid Friendly Gardening

Also consider landscape ideas that creating gardening space where you and your children can join in the fun of gardening. You could create a designated kid’s garden and integrate it into your backyard play space.

  • Safe Space

Of top landscape ideas consideration when a playground has high structures is to make allowance for more space.

Nice Landscape Ideas That You Should Know

Executive Summary by: Mark Robert

Landscape Ideas – Look at Landscaping As Stress Reducer

If you enjoy fixing your yard, it will reduce your stress and is good for your health.

If you do choose silk flowers, be sure that you choose the kind that look as realistic as possible.

If you choose real flowers, pruning them and making sure they get enough soil is another excellent example of how landscaping can be a stress-reducer. You will need nutrient-rich soil so that the flowers can grow.

  • Landscaping with stones

You should take care of colors for landscaping with stones. Some people prefer the landscaping stones that seem to disappear when put into place. Some others appreciate like contrasting colors.

  • More Free Landscaping Information

Search for various landscape ideas in your favorite search engine.

Check out my other guide on garden fountains and aero garden


Garden Pond Design

June 3rd, 2009 3 comments

The Key to Successful Garden Pond Design

By: J. Helmi

No one can ever deny that garden pond design increases the beauty of your garden. And everybody should know too that garden pond design is a thing to make it true. When someone does a right garden pond design, it would not only make it beautiful, but also enriching the ecosystem since the garden pond attracts a lot of birds and butterflies to your garden. Unfortunately, people mostly careless in making their garden ponds whereas there are some things which they have to keep in mind to make a successful garden pond design to make a beautiful garden pond comes true.

Type of Garden Pond

garden pond designs

garden pond designs

There are four major types of garden ponds: a water fountain, a pond-less waterfall, a fish pond, and a water garden. If you don’t want to end up with something totally different than what was planned, than you have to decide carefully the type of garden pond design you wish for.

Location of the Pond

Another important aspect that can play a foremost role in garden pond design is location of the pond. Find a place from where you can see the pond and take pleasure out of it, then start build it. Near a terrace or seating area are best place to consider by every garden pond designer during the design period to establish the fish pond since they are best place which give best viewing of the fish. An ambience of peace and serenity absolutely will be added to any water garden plans you may have by these lovely swimmer.

Garden pond designer should aware that rain water should not accumulate in the pond, and it should have a lot of sunlight. A place that receives at least 6 hours of sunshine a day is an ideal place to locate your garden pond for best sunlight spot. To gain the best result of your garden pond design, you have to follow these rules.

Falling leaves and pine needles come from deciduous trees and conifers have ability to impair pond water quality. That’s why they should be kept away from any garden pond designs far enough to keep the water clear. When it is time to lay out your pond, they should also be taken into your concern, otherwise, in the next few years you’ll suddenly find the roots of a nearby tree protruding down the line into your carefully designed pond.

garden pond designs

garden pond designs

And it is wise to build your garden pond design near water and power sources if you want it to have a lot of light and additional features. You can take it or simply leave it, would be fine since it is optional. One thing you should keep in mind and observe it that your pond should have lots and lots of sunlight in daily basis needs.

Digging of the Pond

Time to build the actual pond comes whenever you have decided the type of garden pond design you like to build, its location, and cost. Start digging up a hole. Even if you use a rigid performed shell, still it is very necessary to the build of your pond. Use proper gloves to protect your hands or you can hire professional help if you are one who not very confident of digging.

Life in the Pond

Fish, plants, and another pond lives become next important garden pond design to consider after you have dug up the pond. If you love your aquatic animals to live healthy, it would be wise for you to mix a bit of pond water with your artificial pond. By doing this, they can survive against tap water that comes with something that may harm the fish: chlorine.

I wrote a guide you may be interested in reading: gardens landscaping and garden pond liner


Landscaping Design

April 8th, 2009 9 comments

The Basic Elements of Garden Landscaping Design

Executive Summary by: Milos Pesic

Landscaping Design: Designing a garden seems to be easy. By familiarizing the five elements of landscape design, a gardener can put up a garden that is both visually appealing and organized.

landscape design

landscape design

  • Form
    The first element of garden landscaping design is form. The position of plants with careful consideration on their form gives the garden a unified feel.
  • Line
    The second element of garden landscaping design is line. Line refers to the fact that a person’s eye movement is unconsciously guided by the garden’s borders, the arrangement and outline of plants and other structures.
  • Texture
    The third element of garden landscaping design is texture. An out of proportion garden disrupts the landscape since the height and size of the plants and objects do not offer a good transition.
  • Color theory
    The final element of garden landscaping design is color theory. Expert gardeners use color theory to provide unity or contrast in their gardens.

Color theory can also set the atmosphere of the garden.

Using Landscaping Design Software

Technology has contributed a lot to the art of landscaping design. Nowadays landscaping is much easier using landscaping design software. All landscaping design software contains easy to follow step-by-step instructions for creating your plan.

Landscaping design software is also helpful even for those who are venturing into professional landscaping.

Finding landscaping design software is very easy. Some landscaping design software is available through catalogs or online sources. There are different kinds of landscaping design software.

The price range of landscaping design software varies considerably. The cheaper ones are more of the basic software in landscaping design.

Also, check out my other guide on books gardening and aquascape


Aquascape

April 8th, 2009 5 comments

What is an Aquascape and Why is it Important?

Executive Summary by: George Cuthbert

Aquascape: Consider the landscape. A picture painted in a frame, with mountains, rivers, trees and grass. In today’s world of aquarium management, the aquascape has become a popular way to bring a truer picture of sea life into the home or office.

aquascaping

aquascaping

Gone are the artificial plants and fake diving bells and sunken chests. Today, the saltwater aquarist – otherwise known as a marine or reef aquarist- strives to recreate the environment of the exotic fish and indigenous creatures of the sea.

Plants, coral, invertebrate life – like shrimp, crabs, and snails – all live together in a carefully controlled environment that mimics the ocean floor as closely as possible.

Taking a page from the science museums and city aquariums, the hobbyist now has the tools, equipment and supplies to build his or her own version of the giant fish tank at the Boston Aquarium, or the beautiful Reef Tanks in Australia.

Because we have the chance to watch the miracle of natural growth and the cycle of life, as if we were living under the sea with the ancestors and family of those beautiful fish in the aquarium.

An aquascape is perhaps only a virtual picture of the sea.

Aquascape Marine Aquarium

Executive Summary by: Peter Barry Cunningham

One of the most popular methods of primary filtration is live rock. Picturing and then implementing a rock structure is a step which is quite often neglected.

Due to this the most common rock structure seen in marine aquariums is that of a wall of rock upon which corals are placed. Unfortunately this type of structure, although easy to implement in a marine aquarium does not emulate a rock structure as it can be found in nature.

At the time when you are in a position to aquascape your marine aquarium you can either rest your base rock directly onto the floor itself, build feet out of underwater epoxy to raise the rock off the floor or build a structure to raise the rock off the floor.

You can utilize the rock which does not have as much coralline algae on it as the base rock and use the more attractive coralline covered rock as the show rock or if you decided to you could purchase rock which is names as base rock.

Attaching rocks together can be accomplished using various methods. Learning to aquascape your marine aquarium is not just restricted to rocks though. Your rock structure should allow for places where these corals can be placed or attached therefore you should also build your rock structure around what you hope to keep in your aquarium.

Check out my other guide on garden flower and shade garden


Landscape Edging

March 15th, 2009 5 comments

Landscape Edging Adds to Your Landscapes Ease of Maintenance and Beauty

Executive Summary by: Bill McRea

Landscape edging is a part of the landscape design. Landscape edging increases the perception of the landscape that has been created. Landscape edging for car parking curbs, mower edges, and playground edging are the usual landscape designs.

landscaping edging

landscaping edging

Take care while choosing the right landscape edging colors. Landscape edgings like Metal Edging, Plastic Edging, bricks, pavers, railroad ties, wood and wood timbers are the generally used materials for landscape edging.
Landscape edging gives a definite lining to the landscape design. The form of the landscape is also defined by landscape edging. As form is discussed in terms of individual plant growth habits or in planting arrangement in a landscape, landscape edging arranges the plants in the landscape.

Landscape edging also involves visual observation toward a landscape at the vanishing point between radial or approaching lines. The aesthetic value of landscape edging is also very high. Landscape edging gives the finishing touch to the landscape design.

Landscape Edging Ideas

Executive Summary by: Diane Crawford

1. Wood Landscape Edging Ideas - There are a variety of wooden landscape edgings that can be purchased at any home and garden store, hardware store, or regular discount stores such as Walmart or Kmart too.

When using wood landscape edging, make it decorative by varying the heights and sizes of wood pieces. If for instance, you’re using the round wood pieces, put a 6 inch one in place, then a 4 inch high piece next to that, then a 2 inch high piece, then another 4 inch piece, then another 6 inch piece. Repeat this pattern around the edge of your landscaped areas.

2. Stone Landscape Edging Ideas - Using stone to create your landscape edges gives you a lot of variety, style, and freedom for creativity.

3. Plastic Landscape Edging Ideas - There are many different styles of inexpensive landscape edging materials made from plastic, and available at almost any store.

Check out my other guide on gardening pond pump and how plants grow


Patio Designs

March 9th, 2009 9 comments

Cement Patio Designs – Durable, Versatile And Affordable

Executive Summary by: Albert Lee

Patio Designs: Cement or concrete is one of the most common materials used for building patios. Cement patio designs offer various advantages: it’s durable, versatile and relatively cheaper than other materials such as stone.

patio design

patio design

Start creating your design by first determining what purpose your patio will serve. Patios are essentially outdoor extensions of rooms.

If you want a patio that will visually connect your house to your garden, then you will have to incorporate more landscaping features into your patio designs.

When designing your cement patio, an important consideration is the size of your property. The patio should be proportionate to the size of your house and yard. Similarly, a small constricted patio will look awkward in an expansive yard.

Concrete patios don’t have to look grey and boring. Take a quick look at some online resources for patio designs ideas and you can find a wide range of creative solutions for cement patio designs.

Patio Designs – Add Awnings As A Colorful Finish For Your Patio Design

Executive Summary by: Rika Susan

Your patio designs will depend on the area you have available, the maintenance-level you prefer, and your lifestyle needs.

You can draw on a wealth of ideas while planning your patio designs. To achieve this ideal, the patio designs have to blend in with the design of your living space.

Concrete patio pavers or interlocking patio pavers are extremely popular, affordable, and durable. Stone or brick patios are another viable option, especially if durability is a concern.

The features you incorporate into your patio designs create atmosphere. The patio furniture you choose will depend on your personal taste and budget.

Colorful canvas awnings add an elegant finishing touch to your patio designs. Awnings made with quality fabric offer UV protection, are weather resistant, and waterproof. One of the best investments you can make in your property is the addition of a harmonious patio, done within the guidelines of a well-planned patio designs.

You may want to check out my other guide on garden sculptures and summer garden


Garden Trellis

March 6th, 2009 10 comments

Garden Trellis

Executive Summary by: Candis Reade

Adding a garden trellis to any planted area enhances the beauty of the natural landscape. A climbing plant may hide the beauty of the design unless the plant is aesthetically pruned and maintained.

garden trellises

garden trellises

Garden Trellis – Things to Consider Before Choosing

  • Sizes and Shapes

The first consideration, for a support type garden trellis, is the growth pattern of the plant. Full sized arbor trellises create a focal point in a larger space.

  • Metal Trellises

Wrought iron provides functional support while allowing a multitude of design possibilities. When choosing a metal design, consider the thickness of the metal to ensure that it will support the desired planting.

  • Wood Trellises

When choosing a wood design, consider the type of wood and the finished results. Painted wood adds color dimensions to a garden but requires upkeep. The use of a garden trellis serves several purposes.

How To Build A Garden Trellis

Executive Summary by: Anthony Tripodi

The cucumbers would need room to grow and I needed to build a garden trellis.

The posts are 1×2′s. I avoid the whole old pressure treated wood (CCA) vs. new pressure treated wood (ACQ) in the garden argument by using regular lumber.

If you don’t have a laser level then place the cross piece on top and use a regular bubble level. If you keep knocking the cross piece off, then duct tape it. Once you’re level, use two 3 inch galvanized screws to secure each joint. If you’re worried about the wood cracking, then pre-drill your holes.

Fasten the string going horizontally across the garden trellis and then going vertically, screwing the screws in as you go.

Also, check out my other guide on garden com and gardening vegetable


Garden Edging

March 1st, 2009 5 comments

Garden Edging For Giving a Clean Look to Your Garden

Executive Summary by: Carl Formby

Garden edging is basically a border or a small wall which is made in gardens or lawns to separate the areas and or to beautify the garden.

garden lawn edging

garden lawn edging

An edging which gives a clean look to the garden at the same time decorating the garden is most useful for small garden owners. Apart from the idea of providing the garden a clean edge and giving a nice look to the garden, it also solves many practical purposes of the garden.

Then there are mowing strips edging which also helps in mowing of grass easily. Edging is available in different materials in all garden stores and nursery which sells gardening tools and equipments.

Sometimes wire fences along with a wooden gate also serve the purpose of edging your garden.

If the budget is low then you can consider installing plastic panels to separate your lawn or garden.

Edging requires classification and defining the area.

Add Edging Around Your Garden For A Beautiful Finish

Executive Summary by: Kenny Yong

Garden edging will finish and complete the picture of your landscape or garden. It frames the garden, and just like pictures inserted into picture frames, it enhances its appearance.

There are different types of garden edging that you can choose from.

landscape garden edging

landscape garden edging

The different materials you can use for garden edging

  • Bush or river rocks – rocks can provide softer and natural effect.
  • Flowering plants – this is a form of living garden edging. There are about as many flowers available that you can plant in your garden to serve as its edging.
  • Shrubbery – another type of living edging, this can be planted and allow it to propagate.
  • Other types of edgings utilized are garden art pieces that you can purchase in the garden supplies dealer.

Whatever type of edging you have chosen it will surely enhance the appearance of your garden.

Garden edgings can be bought in the garden supplies store. They usually provide artificial and natural edging materials for different options.

You can also access the internet for more information and details about garden edging.

You may want to check out my other guide on garden plant and pond filters


Landscaping Ideas

March 1st, 2009 1 comment

Landscaping Ideas For Creating Your Own Beautiful Garden

Executive Summary by: Sharon Langston

Landscaping Ideas: Nothing is more fun and rewarding than carefully choosing your favorite flowers, trees and plants and then using them in the creation of the most incredibly inspiring and breath-taking gardens and landscapes imaginable right outside your door.

landscape ideas

landscape ideas

Consider your resources ( funds, time, materials) before beginning your plan.

I “segment” my plan and do one area of a landscape at a time, and then tie them together for great flow, texture, and color. Also note which types come in your favorite colors.

Once home, you can find these plants online to if you want to learn more to enrich your landscaping ideas. I only buy the plants, mulch, landscape mix, etc.

It was fairly wide, so I put in a beautiful curved brick walk, and inside that I planted slash pine trees, ivy, and azaleas. It then created other spaces to design by giving me a couple of naturally formed beds between the walk and my fence and the walk and the house, as well as a very nice corner to work with.

Also keep in mind your colors. Example: you might not want a brilliantly colored flower that blooms every spring to come up behind your winter pansies which would result in an unattractive color combination.

Be aware of the color and style of your home as you do your landscaping ideas. You would not want a tropical landscape design with an English cottage-type home for example.

Plan your landscape around your intended uses for it.

Landscaping Ideas for Your Small Yard

Executive Summary by: Tim Lee

A pond, a waterfall, a walkway to compliment the lawn or anything you like can always be developed even with a small yard.

  • Even if a small area, there can be good color theme to make your ideal landscaping.
  • You can also plant some trees for shade.
  • Flowers can be colorful addition to your project. They give grace to any yard. 5.
  • Rocks are also a good landscaping item. It can have a breathtaking view if you place them right.

Your small yard landscaping ideas can be easily achieved if you put your efforts and plan them thoroughly.

Check out my other guide on gardening pots and indoor garden