Backyards And Gardens.com » Garden Decor

Outdoor Home Repair and Remodeling Projects On A Budget

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:16:23 +0000

Looking for a way to spruce up the outside of your home this year without spending a fortune? There are a number of outdoor home repair and remodeling projects that you can tackle on your own that won’t cost you an arm and a leg but will make a big difference in the way your home looks and may also improve its functionality as well. Home repair and remodeling projects can be relatively simple or complex to do, but you will find that if you take some time on occasion to fix things that are broken or to update things that have seen better days, you will get more enjoyment out of your home going forward.

Here are 5 DIY home repair and remodeling projects to get your backyard and garden into tip top shape this year.

Gutter maintenance and repair – Most people may think about cleaning out the gutters if they see them filled with leaves and debris, but what many people don’t take the time to do is to check the gutters and leaders when they are empty to make sure that everything is properly adhered to the sides of the house and that there are no leaks or blockages along the span of guttering that will disrupt the flow of water down and away from the house. Something as simple as doing a visual inspection on a rainy day to notice any dammed up water spilling over the edges of the gutters can be a useful home repair and remodeling project that can keep your home from being damaged by a build-up of water due to faulty or blocked gutters.
Driveway cracks – Over time, it is very common for cracks to occur in blacktop driveways. These cracks can become unsightly and can also lead to bigger cracks and problems if left unrepaired. Filling the cracks is a pretty easy DIY home repair and remodeling project that you can do to improve the look of your home’s exterior and to keep the cracks from eventually creating structural damage. All you need is some driveway crack filler or blacktop patch and driveway sealer and you’ll have a driveway that looks as good as new.
Deck repairs and updates – Unless your deck is made from Trex, or another type of manufactured wood-like product, the wood on your deck needs not only periodic maintenance, such as staining and sealing, but also repair. If the wood on your deck is starting to warp, splinter, crack, sag or rot, it may be time to repair or replace some of the wood so that your deck not only looks its best, but so that it is safe. This may also be a good time to do a bit of deck remodeling, such as adding a few post cap lights to the deck railing, adding a built in garden planter or deck storage box, or simply sprucing up your outdoor deck décor when you are all finished with your repairs by getting an outdoor rug, maybe some new outdoor dining furniture and a few new outdoor accessories. This is one home repair and remodeling project that will surely bring you enjoyment as you spend time outdoors in your backyard.
Front entrance – Have you taken a look at the area around your front entrance lately to see if anything in the front of your home needs repair or remodeling? Chances are that you haven’t, especially if you’re one of those people who don’t often use their front doors for entry into their homes (going in through the garage instead). Check out whether your front door needs repainting, restaining or resealing. Does your doorbell work properly? What kind of shape is your door hardware and kickplate in – does it need to be shined up or replaced because it’s pitted or discolored? How about the outside lights around your entry way – are they bright enough and can you update the styles of lights to give your entryway a more welcoming feel? These are all outdoor home repair and remodeling projects that can improve the overall look of your home and may even increase its value by improving the curb appeal of the house.
Landscaping – When you think of home repair services and remodeling projects, you often don’t think of landscaping, but there are many aspects of your home’s landscaping that can use a little repair here and there, and certainly a bit of remodeling of your landscaping and garden décor can breathe new life into the exterior look of your home. When it comes to repairs, you should check to make sure that any automatic sprinklers work properly and that the outside water spigots are in good working condition and are not leaking (which can cost you lots of extra money in water usage!). Also see if any retaining walls and walls that edge off landscaping areas made from wood, stone or bricks are in good shape or if they need a bit of TLC. If you want to do a bit of “remodeling” to your landscaping, get a few new plants or flowers and plant them in areas that are barren or that have older plants that may have seen better days. Plants don’t last forever, and sometimes a once-over of your landscape design that includes removing old plants and planting new ones can give your home a completely new look or can even give your home a similar look to some of those new homes in Kent that you’ve driven by repeatedly and always admired.

These are just a few simple home repair and remodeling projects that you can tackle on your own to improve the look and functionality of your outdoor spaces. There are many other projects that you can take on without having to hire a home repair and remodeling professional contractor. All you have to do is to do some research on how to do anything you’re not quite sure about, make sure you have the right tools and some help, if necessary, and keep the tasks relatively small and simple until you have the confidence to be able to take on larger home repair and remodeling projects with ease.

Utilizing Ocean Debris in the Garden

Guest — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 04:13:07 +0000

If you live near the ocean or love to frequent the beach, you will find that it can be a very resourceful place when seeking items for garden décor or practical garden use.

On the one hand, the ocean contains an abundance of organic materials and minerals which occur naturally. On the other hand, it is swamped with all kinds of debris from humans in the form of wreckage or trash.

Artistically, both make for interesting finds and can be handy alternatives to store-bought yard art or landscaping supplies. The question, however, is how to utilize the choices before you when there’s so much to consider. A few ideas for using ocean debris in the garden include the following:

Seaweed: Layered on the ground around plants or made into fertilizer spray, it provides tremendous amounts of nutrients that strengthen root systems and ward off diseases. Everyone from novice gardeners to professional landscapers use seaweed whenever it’s available.

Stones: Beaches have endless supplies of stones, so if a rock garden is your goal, there’s no better place to go collecting. True, stones from the beach may not fit as nicely together as cut bricks or hewn masonry, but they will provide fresh character to the yard.

Sand: Certain plants require a mixture of sand and soil for healthy growth, and the beach is a great place to scoop up the former – for free.

Wood: Very often, timber gets washed up on the beach. While it’s unclear where it may have originated (a ship wreck? a damaged pier?), the wood can be used for garden bed walls or to section off certain plants. Sometimes an unusually large chunk gets pushed ashore and can be used as a garden bench, border marker, or base for potted plants. Some pieces of driftwood from the ocean even make great decorative objects all by themselves.

Buoys: Buoys often get detached from various locations and wash up on the coast. In some beachfront communities, they are attached to fences as decorations or used as markers in gardens.

Rope or netting: Found on buoys or just lying around, rope or netting that winds up on the shore may have been ripped from traps or fishing boats. Either way, it can be used to tie up shrubbery, tree branches, or to simply help bursting vegetable plants like tomatoes stand upright.

Shells: These can be strung together and hung up around the yard like chimes clinging in the wind. The larger kinds can also be used as markers when planting seeds and, depending on their depth, as seed starters.

Star fish: Of all the ocean life that washes up on shore after a storm, star fish seem to have the most ornamental use when dry. If they can’t be returned to their life in the ocean, they make intriguing and imaginative decorations in the yard, especially when painted and put in a rock garden with low lying flowers.

Glass: Ocean glass is special in that it gets smoothed out by the power of the sea. When enough ocean glass is collected, one project can be to line the exterior of garden pots in mosaic fashion for a beachy and interesting look.

This guest post was submitted by Jakob Barry. He writes for Hometalk.com, a growing community of homeowners and contractors getting the most from their resources by sharing and monitoring projects together. He covers various eco-friendly home improvement topics, including green landscaping and gardening .

Line Voltage Landscape Lighting

Fri, 27 May 2011 01:52:26 +0000

Although less popular than other types of landscape lighting, line voltage landscape lighting is one option that residential homeowners may want to consider. Line voltage landscape lighting is more often used by commercial properties, since line voltage landscape lights can be very bright, increasing the light’s impact and enhancing security.

What is line voltage landscape lighting?

Line voltage landscape lighting is landscape lighting that uses 120v lines. This results in brighter and more powerful lighting than low voltage or solar landscape lighting, but it also requires quite a bit more effort and expense to install.

Find a wide selection of line voltage landscape lighting here!

How is line voltage landscape lighting installed?

If you are interested in installing line voltage landscape lighting, the first thing you should do is hire a licensed electrician. This is because the average do-it-yourselfer should not attempt to install 120v electrical lines on their own due to the inherent risk involved. This risk can result in personal injury during the installation of line voltage landscape lights as well as subsequent fire risks if the electrical lines are not run properly.

When an electrician installs line voltage landscape lighting, the first thing that he must do is to place 120v outdoor lighting cable into a conduit for protection and then lay the conduit 18” below the surface. The cables and conduit must be laid out in such a way that electricity will be delivered to all locations around the home that will require lighting. In order to properly lay the conduit and cable properly, a deep trench must be dug. Some professional electricians will own a trencher to do this job, making easier work of burying the cable.

At all connection points between line voltage landscape lights and connecting cables, there must be sealed junction boxes that are completely waterproof. If water enters the area where connections are made, it can result in a serious shocking hazard.

Why choose line voltage landscape lighting?

The main reason that 120v line voltage landscape lighting is chosen over low voltage or solar landscape lighting is that a line voltage landscape light will be brighter and emit more directed light than other types of landscape lights. This benefit is important enough for some homeowners to go through the expense and effort of having line voltage landscape lighting professionally installed. One place that the difference in landscape lighting brightness is noticeable is for up-lighting. This is when landscape spot lights are situated strategically amongst the landscaping and are pointed up at trees, the side of the house or another interesting feature to create visual impact. Low voltage and solar options don’t have the power or emit a bright enough light to make this type of lighting work effectively.

For those that need a good deal of bright light spread amongst the landscaping, whether on a residential or commercial property, line voltage landscape lighting is the option to choose. There’s no comparison to the level of light emitted from these types of lights compared to other lighting types.

Why not choose line voltage landscape lighting?

The main reason not to go with this type of lighting is the expense. Line voltage landscape lights cost much more to install than low voltage or solar lights. The line voltage lights themselves are also more expensive to purchase. And, line voltage lighting results in higher electricity bills and uses up more energy. One other reason to think about another type of lighting is that line voltage landscape lights are not available in as many styles and finishes as other types of landscape lighting.

Where to buy line voltage landscape lights?

You can buy 120v line voltage landscape lights at most retailers that sell outdoor landscape lighting. This includes lighting stores, home improvement stores and other types of big box retailers. You can also buy line voltage landscape lighting online from a wide variety of internet retailers. Since you may find a smaller selection of line voltage landscape lights available at your local store as more and more homeowners are opting for solar and low voltage landscape lighting, you should find a wider selection of lights to choose from by searching online. Some popular brands of line voltage landscape lighting are Hinkley Lighting and Kichler.

What do line voltage landscape lights cost?

You can expect line voltage landscape lighting prices to be higher than similar types of low voltage or solar lights. Prices will vary widely depending on the type of light you are buying, the size of the light, the decorative finishes and the manufacturer, but you should expect on average to spend about $50 – $200 per line voltage landscape light. This of course does not include the price of hiring an electrician to run the lines, make the connections and install the lights, which can be a very expensive undertaking. The good news, however, is that once the line voltage landscape lighting is installed, it can remain in place providing years and years of bright light and adding impact, security and attractiveness to your exterior landscape décor.

Seven Tips To A More Efficient And Convenient Garden

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:04:59 +0000

A gardener is, in a some ways, like an athlete. Like sports, gardening often requires the mergence of the spirit, mind and body to make progress, to perform and to succeed. Just like hitting a homerun in baseball, throwing a winning touchdown pass or playing scratch golf, gardening is not the easiest of tasks. However, when an amazing garden does blossom from the intellectual use of our hands, it is as amazing as a defining moment in sports.

Many of us might have felt that we wanted to play sports at a higher level but simply did not have the time and energy to devote to such an endeavor. For outdoor lovers and plant enthusiasts, gardening might also feel like an arduous undertaking, given all the time constraints life places on us. However, if you plan your planting carefully, a beautiful low-maintenance garden can flourish right before your eyes.

With a little thought and a lot of care you can be enjoying your new garden from the delight of your classic porch swing before you know it. Let’s take a look at seven steps that will help this gardening dream become a reality.

1. No Seeds Or Leads For Weeds

Any low maintenance garden will be as weed free as possible. The way to accomplish a non-intruded garden is to make sure there are no weeds from the start. Removing all weeds and seeds from your soil pre-planting can help assure that there will be no surprises or unwanted strangers sprouting up. Another key is to make sure weeding issues do not grow unmanageable. Destroy weeds at the root of their existence and do not let them get out of hand when you do find them, and you should have a much more stress free gardening experience.

2. Make Sure Your Garden Paths Have Purpose

Attending to and viewing the flowers and plants you have nestled into the ground can at times be challenging due to size, shape and other needs in your garden. A design idea to make you gardening life much easier is to plan pathways and stone walkways in such a manner that allows access to all of your perennials, annuals and biennials. The more robust and intuitive the segmenting of your garden is, the less time you will waste navigating difficult terrain or conquering hard to reach obstacles. As an added perk, a well laid out garden makes a visitor’s time much more delightful as well.

3. Put Your High-Maintenance Plants In Carefully Selected Locations

It is essential to be aware of what plants will be more finicky and to plan accordingly. The more difficult a plant is to tend to, or the more susceptible it is to disease or disaster, the greater the need for strategic position within your garden. Fruits, flowers, vegetables and other shrubbery with known issues should always be located in areas that facilitate their needs and makes them highly serviceable.

4. Lawn Logistics – Let There Be A Layout

If a lawn is incorporated into your gardening environment, very close attention should be paid to its shape and size. When plotting the dimensions of your lawn, make sure it is conducive to maintenance and is easy to mow. It is also wise to build structured edges around your lawn to discourage wild growth and to make edging simpler. Implementing a bordered and properly formed lawn can go a long way towards happier gardening.

5. Excitement For Pots Should Not Be Contained

The beauty of a garden is that it can be interpreted in many different ways and it all does not have to be embedded in the ground or dug into the soil. Planting pots, ornamental containers and overhead planting hangers are all ways to add a little flair to your garden while still minimizing the upkeep. In case of drastic weather, pots and containers are also great ways to transport precious garden members indoors and away from harm.

6. Strong Chants For Strong Plants

There are many theories and gardening techniques, and one such movement is xeriscaping. This is where gardeners make a conscious effort to plant species that rely on very little water and nutrients to exist. If you purchase native plants that are environmentally friendly and are accustomed to specific climate conditions that represent your living conditions, you will be rewarded with a more hassle free yard. Bushes and flowers that have low watering needs include butterfly bush, boxwood, California poppies, Dahlberg daisies and petunias. Even the addition of a rock garden or rock formations is a great way to show your dedication to a lower maintenance and environmentally friendly garden, and it will even be easier on your wallet as well. Using plants and systems that demand very little water are great time and resource savers, and they can be the ideal solution for the busy, distracted or environmentally aware gardener.

7. The Gym Is Not The Only Place To Trim

Since plants are living organisms just like us, they constantly need grooming. Making sure your garden is properly trimmed is a key piece to the puzzle that is low maintenance gardening. Assuring that your plants have all of the appropriate nutrients and are cut to a size that induces vibrant and healthy growth will make your gardening experience that much more enjoyable and easier to manage. Feeding your plants nutrients and water in a timely manner will also help keep them in top shape. Planning and implementing a drip irrigation or soaker hose system and a sensibly scheduled trimming pattern can do wonders for your gardening frame of mind and overall gardening sanity.

Summations And Additions

Above all else, planning and research are the vital elements to the proprietorship of a prolific garden. Intelligent planning, including the seven steps above, and a solid well rounded gardening knowledge base will ultimately provide you with the tools necessary to produce a colorful and fruitful piece of land you can be proud of. Below are a few additional notes to further help with the planning and research.

Devote a sketchbook to your garden. Map and draw out the lawn, walking and access paths, irrigation networks and pot and container decor. You can use different color pencils for your work to define distinct garden characteristics for clarity and ease of reference.
Keep a journal and log all of your gardening findings and ideas. Keep track of what works and inspires in both written and drawn form.
Do not hesitate to read an article or search the internet for gardening information. If available, consult an expert at the local nursery. You should also befriend other garden enthusiasts as well. The more support you have, the better.
Keep the environment and yourself in mind when planning. Gardening is meant to be fun. Think about what will make you most happy and try to merge that with a low maintenance, environmentally centered approach.

If you have taken garden planning seriously, and you stick to the advice given above, you will be headed in the right direction towards a peaceful and beautiful planting experience. By deploying certain sets of gardening principles, techniques and tactics like the ones given above, the entire gardening experience becomes more enjoyable and less burdensome. When it comes to gardening, it is best to take your time and plan ahead, as this may very well save you lots of trouble and heartache in the future.

Post written by: Jay Chua

About the Author:

When it comes to such things in life as knowing the difference between a garden rope hammock and a pawleys island quilted hammock, Jay is the man with the answers. Utilizing his online knowledge and extensive business background, Jay strives to help others find the same peace and pleasure he does in watching a fruit or flower grow or sitting on a comfortable porch swing, relishing in the passing of earth’s intimate details.

Garden Clocks and Thermometers

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 01:19:25 +0000

If you are looking for a way to add that extra something to your garden decor, think about choosing from among the variety of interesting garden clocks available on the market or add an attractive garden thermometer. These items serve a functional purpose, but can also be a great way to create a focal point in your garden with an object that is unexpected and artistic.

When it comes to choosing a garden clock, you have a number of different options. You can choose a garden wall clock, which is one of the most popular options and this type of clock can be placed amongst your garden hanging from a fence, the side of your house, a garden building, or just about any vertical surface. Garden wall clocks can be made from a variety of materials, including ceramic, metal, copper, wood, or just about any type of material that can withstand outdoor use.

One of the nice things about garden wall clocks is that they can be hung up in a similar fashion to how you would hang a piece of artwork inside. The outdoor garden clocks can blend right into the surroundings and have a very natural look, or you can opt for a style that is bold and eclectic to really draw your eye to the clock and add a bit of whimsy to your garden.

Another option, if you don’t have a wall to hang a clock from in the proximity of your garden, is to instead buy a hanging garden clock that hangs from a post. In most cases, the post and the garden clock come together as a set, along with a bracket to hang the clock from, but otherwise, if you already have a post, you can simply buy a decorative bracket or hook so that your outdoor garden clock can delicately hang from any available post. Hanging a clock or thermometer near your favorite garden bench can be visually appealing and can add to the quaintness of your outdoor decor.

If you have a space with a bit more room and want to opt for something more unique, there are tabletop garden clocks as well. Some come in the form of a sundial, so that you can tell the time like they did in ancient times, based on the positioning of the sun, while others are regular clocks that are set within the top of a table to provide an interesting alternative to a small outdoor table set within the garden.

As for garden thermometers, many of them come in the same styles and options as garden clocks do and they can also create an interesting focal point in your backyard and garden, while also serving as a good indication of what the temperature is like outdoors. Some come with added features, such as barometric pressure readings, as well. You can, of course, just buy a cheap garden thermometer (or cheap garden clock for that matter), that is not really decorative but just serves a functional purpose if that’s all you need.

If you are interested in getting both a clock and a thermometer in your backyard or garden and don’t want two different accessories hanging out there, you can find some models of garden clock thermometers that will both tell you what time it is and also tell you what the temperature is as well. Finding a garden clock thermometer in a style you like may be a bit more difficult, since there are not as many options available, but with a little searching, you should find something that will go well with your garden decorating style.

While some people love to head out in their gardens to forget about time for awhile as they putter away amongst their plants and flowers, others love to be able to keep tabs on the time or to simply have an attractive focal point to catch their eye – and for those that do, a garden clock is the perfect solution!

Landscape Lighting: Adding Drama to Your Garden

Guest — Sat, 29 May 2010 03:15:49 +0000

Want to make your garden look dramatic? Want to illuminate the great landscape surrounding your Koi pond or other outdoor water feature? Landscape lighting and other types of outdoor lighting provides an easy and inexpensive solution to adding a touch of glam and a hint of magic to any landscape, be it your garden, front yard, back yard or the walkway towards your patio.

When placed the right way, outdoor solar lighting, for example, can highlight the magnificent features of your landscape as well as downplay the other elements you want to conceal in your garden. In addition, the contrast of the shadows and the soft lights adds drama to your yard. And the great thing about this type of lighting, as well as other types, like low voltage lighting or LED lighting, is that there are so many decorative options to choose from to enhance any style of home and any location outside the home.

Outdoor lighting also makes it easy for you to decorate your home for garden parties or barbecues. The romantic ambience it gives out makes it perfect for entertaining guests or for Sunday evening barbecues or cocktails with family or close friends. It saves you the trouble of hanging garden lanterns in your yard for those parties because the outside lighting you need is already there.

And outdoor lighting is not just ornamental! It also increases the security of your home. Outdoor landscape lighting, garden lighting, patio lighting, walkway lighting, driveway lighting and other types of lighting placed outside can illuminate the dark areas of your home and also light up pathways so you can see your way into the night when you’re driving your car into the garage, or can help guide the way if you’re making your way into the gazebo or heading poolside. And you won’t have to worry about your kids enjoying a night beneath the stars either. Some outdoor lights, like spotlights or floodlights, not only give your garden an otherworldly glow, but also discourage intruders from coming into your home or onto your property.

Easy to use, efficient and absolutely breathtaking, outdoor lighting is a fabulous addition to any household. This home improvement trend is sure to provide you a welcoming and safe environment for you and your whole family. If carefully designed, outside lighting will turn any ho-hum landscape, front yard, backyard or garden into a sight to behold.

Garden Decor and Decoration: Tips and Ideas

Guest — Mon, 24 May 2010 18:20:02 +0000

Your garden decor is just as important to the overall look of your home as your interior decor. Whether your garden is small, medium sized, or large, you can make it look beautiful and can turn your front yard, backyard or garden into a pleasant place to spend time in. While it may take a bit of time and work to make your garden look great and to maintain it properly, it is well worth the investment of your effort in the long run.

The first thing to consider when it comes to garden decor is what types of flowers and plants you want to plant and where they will go. Many people plant different flowers to bloom at different times of the year, so that color and interest is maintained all season long. While some people really enjoy gardening and like getting down in the dirt planting seeds, you do not actually have to do this to have a nice looking flowerbed. Instead, as most people do, you can buy the plants from a nursery or home improvement store and plant them either as seedlings or larger plants. This saves time and work for people who are busy but would still like to have beds filled with beautiful flowers and plants.

Garden lighting is another important aspect of not only your garden decor, but the security of your home as well. No matter what kind of garden lights you choose, make sure they are bright enough to keep your home well lit, but not too bright to be an eyesore. There are a number of different kinds of outside lights that you can choose from. Some are stake lights that can be driven into the ground, others are wall lights that are put up on the outside of your house, and still others can be hung from posts (like lantern lights) or strung from trees or a garden gazebo (like string lights). Many people opt for solar lighting for their garden lights, and these are not only beautiful to look at but will save you from having a large electricity bill, too. You can get different styles of solar lighting depending on what ‘look’ you want your garden to have, since most types of garden lighting now come in solar form.

Another way to dress up your garden decor is by adding a garden statue among your landscaping. There are some small garden statues that look great in small to medium sized gardens or nestled among the flowers, or you can also find large garden statues that are quite eye catching and can become a highlight of your garden decor. Some of these statues can also double as garden lights as well, since they include lights built right into the statue.

When it comes to garden decor, you are truly limited only by your imagination and the effort you are willing to put into creating a beautiful garden. One of the nicest things about decorating a garden is that you are not as limited by conventional decorating “rules” as you are inside your home, so if you find a garden accessory that brings you pleasure when you look at it, you can simply add it somewhere in your garden so you can admire it whenever you wish. Following your own likes and dislikes when it comes to designing your garden is probably the best garden decor tip of all!

Tropical Pool Landscaping Ideas

Guest — Wed, 19 May 2010 18:39:18 +0000

Many people don’t consider all of the options available for tropical pool landscaping. There are a variety of plants that can survive outdoors with proper care, as well as outdoor decor and accessories with a tropical theme, that can find their place in most regions of the United States. These features can fit right in to pool landscaping design just about anywhere. When the word “tropical” comes to mind, you probably think of lush growth, waterfalls, colorful flowers and exotic animals. Well, with the exception of the animals, all of these assets can be incorporated into your pool landscape with relative ease, pretty much wherever you live. Large ponds, for example, can be accented with a water feature, such as a fountain, and several exotic water plants such as lilies, or you can add a palm tree or other tropical foliage alongside a meandering pathway.

Here are a few tropical pool landscaping ideas to consider:

Tropical Palms

The palm tree is one of the most enduring signs of tropical regions around today. A tropical vacation usually calls to mind images of sunbathing underneath an array of palm trees. Luckily, tropical palm trees are rather hardy, and can usually survive in temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit, though this will vary depending on the species. Palm trees also grow to rather large sizes, so make sure you have plenty of room for the plant’s maximum size prior to planting.

One of the more popular pool landscape ideas is to spread tropical palm trees along the edge of the pool, since they shed few leaves and can shade the surrounding tile or concrete and prevent it from becoming too hot. They also have extremely easy care instructions, though once again this varies from plant to plant, so be sure to research each species before you make any purchases to ensure you pick the ideal plant for your situation.

Plants and Pathways

Creating interesting pathways is another great way to enjoy a tropical pool landscape design. A walk through a tropical garden can be a great way to dry off between swims while enjoying the beauty provided by exotic plants on either side. Stone or rock pathways are one way of landscaping with rocks that can really add interest to the surrounding garden decor. Their natural and carefree look are attractive and fit in well with a tropical landscape design. Bamboo can help establish a walkway and give it a more tropical feel, if you grow it on opposite sides of a path. You can also add colorful flowers and exotic plants along the way, to increase the beauty and add to the tropical nature of your landscaping. In fact, there are many different types of landscape supplies that can really lend a tropical feel to your design.

Plant Combinations

Some tropical plants look better together than others, and finding the right plant combinations can be just what you need to really set off the look of your pool landscape. For example, a needle palm tree has thin leaf sections, and would be well accented by a broad leaved plant, such as a bird-of-paradise, which also has attractive blooms. Philodendron, ferns and hosta are all good low-growing plants ideal at filling gaps. Ground covers are also effective at adding tropical appeal and preventing open spaces.

Outdoor Accessories

Even if you live in a climate that is not conducive to growing tropical plants or trees, you can still add a tropical feel to your pool landscape design with a few well placed accessories. Nothing says “tropical” like a tiki hut where you can enjoy a cool drink on a hot day. Add a couple of tropical themed garden statues throughout your landscaping, or create an interesting waterfall or pond. A solar fountain is an easy and less expensive way to add a water feature and can make you feel like you are on vacation with its soothing sounds.

There are numerous ways to give your pool landscaping design a more tropical feel. Whether you live in a climate conducive to planting a palm tree or two, or you simply accessorize with interesting landscaping rocks, a solar fountain, a garden statue or two with a tropical motif, or even a festive tiki hut set alongside the pool to enjoy a refreshing drink after a swim, you can create a tropical paradise right in your own backyard.

How To Choose a Metal Trellis For Your Garden

Guest — Wed, 12 May 2010 08:22:14 +0000

Trellises are a great way to add interest and beauty to your backyard and garden. And choosing a trellis made of metal is a great idea due to its durability and many design options. But, how do you make sure that you buy the right type of metal trellis for your garden?

It is important to choose the items you use on the outside of your home as carefully as the ones indoors in order to make your home’s exterior look as good as the interior does. In the summer, many people spend a lot of time outdoors, and if you are one of those people, then you want to make sure that you design your outdoor space in a way so that you can thoroughly enjoy it after all of the hard work that you do to create and maintain your garden. Adding a garden trellis to your outdoor space is one way to do that, because trellises can add beauty and interest to your garden in a rather unique way. Other ways are to add an attractive garden bench or a bird fountain. If you opt for a trellis, there are a couple of things to consider to make sure that you choose a garden trellis that will make your garden look its best.

One thing that you want to do is to make sure that the material you choose for the trellis you buy is durable. You do not want to get one made out of a flimsy type of metal that will not stand up under the weather conditions that it may face. You want something that is made of a heavier type of material so that it is sturdy and will not blow over and ruin your plants. The last thing you need is to spend money on a new garden trellis, only to have it blown over and damaged during the first large gust of wind. With that in mind, make sure you firmly support your trellis to the ground, no matter what type of garden trellis you buy.

You also want to make sure if you buy a metal garden trellis that it will not be prone to rust. This is usually not a problem for metal that is coated, which most metal trellis materials should be, so chances are this wont’ be a problem. But, if your metal trellis gets damaged in any way as to scrape off a portion of the protective coating, be sure to place a clear sealant on it to prevent the formation of rust on the exposed metal. Otherwise, your garden trellis will become more of an eyesore than an asset.

You also want to make sure that you choose a design that will match the other garden décor that you have selected. For example, if you are going to have a garden clock nearby or a metal bench or planter, then you want for your trellis to match the other items, or at least coordinate well with them, so that everything will look good together.

If you take the time to choose a metal trellis that is made of a strong, solid material, and you find a design that goes well with the other garden décor that you have chosen, then you will go a long way towards having a great looking garden. There are many different outdoor accessories that you can place in your garden in order to add to the decorative look, but adding a beautiful metal garden trellis can really make a grand statement amongst your colorful flowers and can make you feel like you’re in the garden of your dreams.

Garden Pot Alternatives

Guest — Wed, 05 May 2010 23:40:31 +0000

Are you tired of seeing the same old garden pots used in every single garden in your neighborhood? Well, if so, you are not alone. After all, who wants to be just like everybody else and have the same thing as the people next door in their front yard, backyard or garden? If you are looking for something a little different that can set your yard apart, then it’s time to turn your attention to using some alternative garden pots for your garden.

What exactly is an alternative garden pot? It is not a new product fad on the market – garden pot alternatives can be almost any type of object that is sturdy enough to hold some soil and a few flowers or plants, and that looks good doing the job. Now, all you really need to do is to think outside of the box, use a bit of your imagination, and be as creative as you can. In fact, you need not even purchase anything, because the things that you have at home could very well become a great alternative for the common garden pot.

Here are a few ideas that you may want to consider using as alternatives to garden pots in order to help you get started:

Paint Cans – Most people have old paint cans in their garages that are simply taking up space and gathering dust. So why not make them useful and turn them into a garden pot or two? First off, you have to clean them very well. If there are any dried up paint residues inside the can, make sure that you scrape those off. Once it’s all nice and clean, you have to punch several holes at the bottom and sides of the can. This should let the excess water out whenever you’re watering the plants. And voila! You now have alternative garden pots that didn’t even cost you a dime. If you like the look of paint cans holding your flowers (and they do look cute!), but are concerned about any residue paint left over in the ones you have in your garage, you can purchase a few inexpensive empty paint cans at the home improvement store and either leave them as-is, or dress up the exterior of the can to add a bit more interest to your new garden pot alternative.

Old Wooden Boxes – Have you got a few old wood boxes lying around? Well, if you do, then it’s time to put them to good use. All you really need to do is clean them up, check if they’re still sturdy enough to hold in the soil and you’re good to go. If there are no openings on the bottom of the box, you’ll also have to drill a few holes in them for water drainage. You can paint, stain or seal the wood to give it a nicer look and to protect the wood a bit, but you can also opt to keep the boxes in their natural wooden state.

Wheelbarrows - An old wheelbarrow can make a great garden planter if you’re no longer using it to lug items around the yard. Again, all it needs is a few drainage holes drilled into the bottom and you can fill the space with soil and a few flowers or even make a whole herb garden.

Needless to say, when it comes to finding alternative garden pots, all you really need is do is put your imagination to work. Almost any object that can hold some soil and can have a few drainage holes drilled into the bottom can work as a place to grow some plants, flowers, or herbs. In fact, designing your own garden pot can become a fun project for the whole family to enjoy, so do consider getting everyone’s input.

Relax With A Solar Fountain

Guest — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:36:53 +0000

The backyard and garden of your home can sometimes be quite a simple place. The space can be barren and drab or, with a few additions, it can be a place of beauty, relaxation and tranquility. It’s worth adding a few accessories to your garden area so that you can brighten it up, add interest, relax and make it a space that you look forward to spending time in. And when it comes to adding garden accessories, none have quite as much impact as a dazzling solar fountain. From the sound of the water trickling, to the overall beautiful appearance of the fountain itself, solar fountains can really give a stylish look to your garden, making it a pleasure to sit outside.

The great thing about installing a solar fountain in your yard or garden is that you don’t need to assemble it in any way or run any type of wiring to get it working. There are also no unpleasant wires to get tangled in or to detract from the look of the fountain. You just purchase the solar fountain style you like best and you’re ready to place it anywhere you see fit and simply start enjoying it.

The decision of where you place your solar water fountain really depends on the size and layout of your garden. If you have other large garden ornaments outside in your backyard, or a large garden structure like a shed, then you will want to position your solar fountain in such a way that it stands out first and captures your attention. Place it directly in the center of the garden, perhaps, away from your wall or shed, or in a prime location tucked amongst your flowers where it will have the most impact.

Give the fountain space on its own, so your eyes will immediately seek it out. Once you find the best position for your solar powered fountain, don’t surround it with lots of other objects. It’s a beautiful item all its own and needs its space to shine. Remember, there are no cables, perhaps with the exception of a small fountain timer, so feel free to place it right in the open where it can take center stage in your garden decor.

Your fountain can be classic or modern in style, depending on your decorating preference. A big attraction of solar garden fountains for many people, no matter what the style, is the fact that they are eco-friendly, since they run on solar energy. Therefore, they won’t utilize any excess energy or electricity as they work and provide that feeling of relaxation. This means you don’t have to worry about higher utility bills or damaging the environment by running your fountain all the time.

A solar fountain is the perfect way to give you that feeling of tranquility as you relax in your backyard. From the beautiful look of it to the soothing sounds of the trickling water, you will find that this garden accessory can whisk you away to another place and time, and can reduce stress within minutes.

For a thorough look at garden fountains, particular those powered by the sun, visit The Solar Fountain Site.

You can buy solar fountains and solar fountain accessories at great prices here.

Outdoor Garden Lighting At Its Best

Guest — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:03:02 +0000

Outdoor garden lighting tends to be something that people often overlook when it comes to gardening and designing their garden decor, but without some well placed garden lighting, homeowners cannot thoroughly enjoy their garden the way it should be enjoyed. Most people do not initially realize that lighting outdoors would make their garden better, or that it would help them to enjoy their backyard, or even their front yard, so much more. Because they do not notice these things, they don’t get the full enjoyment of the outdoor living area or yard that they have.

You may be the best gardener in town, but will not completely benefit from the fruits of your labor without a well thought out garden lighting plan. But with outdoor lighting in your garden, you can accent certain qualities that you might like over others, like the soothing waterfall you strategically placed in the corner of the garden and the little garden pond that goes with it, or the bed full of lush, colorful flowers that you have worked so hard to grow. At night, you can’t see these things although you may be able to hear them (like the waterfall), but with the proper lighting, you can make that waterfall glow and be visible to you and others around, or highlight the beauty of the flowers, making it easy to enjoy the nighttime with your family and friends.

These types of garden lights, in combination with others such as solar patio lights, can make for a great experience while being outdoors and can greatly enhance the enjoyment of spending time outside while not being too far away from your own home. Solar patio lights also can turn your patio into a great place for parties and entertaining, making it easier to see the space outdoors and also adding to the atmosphere of the area. This makes for great parties and also excellent relaxation times for your family and friends to enjoy.

Solar powered lighting is great for many outdoor uses, because you don’t use electricity from your own home to power these lights. Instead you use the power from the sun, which beams down onto a solar panel during the day that is attached to the light and charges the light’s batteries. This makes solar lighting a renewable resource and gives you less stress about whether or not you should install a few extra lights or not. Solar patio lights, as well as other types of solar lighting, also turn on automatically due to a sensor that detects how dark it is or how light it is outside, so they turn off and turn on by themselves and you don’t even have to worry about deciding how long to keep them on.

Many homeowners get great enjoyment out of their backyards and gardens, but without the proper garden lighting, it is difficult to fully enjoy all aspects of the area at all times of the day or night. But, with a well thought out garden lighting plan, you can maximize enjoyment of your garden, no matter what the time of day.

Two Things To Consider When Lighting Your Garden

Guest — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 02:44:31 +0000

Solar garden lights can help you turn your ho-hum garden into the talk of the neighborhood. If you are looking to build a great flower garden (or even a vegetable garden that has some aesthetic appeal), then you will probably want to build it yourself so you can get the feeling of satisfaction from a job well done. If that’s the case, you’ll bring out the hoes and the shovels and dig up the packed ground so it turns into loose soil. The beds will be created, the plants put into the ground and the mulch spread over the surface. The result is a fantastic looking garden that has the neighbors envious and you smiling from ear to ear.

But what happens to your garden night? With the sun going down, you will not be able to see your masterpiece. So what should you do? The answer is – buy solar garden lights and install them in your garden. By doing so, you will keep the focus on your beautiful garden even after the sun goes down, and you won’t have to worry about hiring a professional electrician to get your lights installed or running up your electric bill.

Two Things To Consider Before Buying Solar Garden Lights:

Solar garden lights are the most used type of solar lights on the market today. Two of the things you will need to focus on are the ease of installation and the solar panels that come with the light.

The ease of installation is a no brainer. Most solar garden lights are extremely easy to install. The lights that are used for low lighting or for uplighting are typically staked into the ground. Those lights that are used to shine down on an area are mounted (usually with just a screwdriver and a screw or two) to a vertical surface so they can be situated at any height you need. There are no wires to run or trenches to dig, so all you need to do is situate them properly, secure them, and you’re done.

The solar panels are something to consider as well. Some lights have the panel built directly into the light, but other solar garden lights have the panels separate from the light. This allows you to install the light in an area that gets 100% shade during the day by putting the collector panel out in the sun nearby. You should consider the location of your lights before you decide on which type of model to buy.

These are just two of the aspects to address when considering solar garden lights as a landscape lighting choice for your garden. By adding a few of these solar powered lights, you can add interest and excitement to the garden you cherish by day, even when the sun goes down!

Decorating Your Yard with Artwork

Guest — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 02:40:33 +0000

Decorating your yard has never been as easy or as fun as it can be with the addition of garden art and accessories. Garden or yard art can really spruce up your outdoor space in no time. So many people forget this area of their home when decorating, but it can be so simple to add appeal to the outside of your home with just a few additions of yard art or a couple of decorative additions in your yard or garden.

Garden art is a booming enterprise that keeps getting bigger with every season. There are tons of choices for yard art, from whimsical to classical, from metal art to painted pieces to glass sculptures. You can add garden statues, metal sculptures, gazing balls or even garden flags. You can also add yard art that reflects each changing season, holiday or a special event.

One way that you can also decorate your outdoor space is through the artistic and creative use of outside lighting. A popular addition to yards today is to add an interesting lighting feature or two, such as an outdoor wall sconce or a hanging lantern. These small touches are not only practical, by adding light where you need it, but they really enhance the beauty of your outdoor area and can be very decorative in nature.

Your artistic flair can also be shown in how you actually landscape your outdoor space or design your garden decor. Whether you are adding paving stones to a walkway or garden pots and planters along the edge of your patio, you can really customize your space with artistic touches and make it a stand-out feature in your home.

Adding some exciting new art to your yard can actually make your outdoor space more inviting. Try adding some stained glass art in your garden area or amongst your trees, to brighten your spot or fill it with color. There are glass pieces of art specially designed for outdoor use that can be hung or mounted for display. Be sure to check the manufacturing label to make sure you are picking the items best suited for outdoor use and also be sure they are placed in a location where they will not be subject to damage from objects being thrown or blowing in the wind.

Finding good deals on this type of art is not very hard with the multitude of home improvement stores and online shopping options available. Just look for a few unique pieces at first, to get started in designing the space. You can always add other items to your outdoor decor as you decide on your design style or as you find things that you like that catch your eye or have some meaning. Just making a few small additions can really add charm to your outdoor spaces, just as artwork and decorative accessories can personalize and warm up the interior of your home.

Illuminate Your Garden with Stylish Lighting

Guest — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:18:24 +0000

Garden lights are an elegant way to illuminate your garden and other outdoor areas. Lights can serve many different purposes and are available in a variety of styles. There are so many different types of lighting to choose from, so you should have no problem finding just the right combination of outside lights to get the look and feel that you want.

Use garden lighting to highlight a feature in your garden. If you have a prized plant or beautiful bench that you want to showcase, use spotlights or uplights to place emphasis on the object. Uplights are smaller recessed lights that cast their light straight up and can be positioned in various ways. Ambient lighting can be used to set a mood. Choose colored bulbs to change the tone of an area. Also, consider tiki torches or lights in a tree or shrub to lend atmosphere to your outdoor area.

The key to setting the mood or establishing the right look in your garden is to use the proper amount of lighting. Too much lighting will wash out the area. Use the shadows and darkness to add depth to your garden area. Try using a flashlight with an adjustable beam to test different areas and decide on the proper amount of lighting needed to illuminate your garden.

Outdoor lighting types include solar powered lights, low voltage lighting kits, or individual low voltage lights, as well as the typical outdoor lights that use a regular electrical current. Low voltage lighting uses a 12 volt current and is easy to install. Low voltage lights are available in kits that include a transformer, lights, and cable. The kits also feature a timer to control how long the lights stay on. The lightweight wiring for low voltage lights can either be placed on the ground or buried just below the surface. And the best thing about low voltage lighting kits is that you get everything you need right in one box, so you just have to open the box and you’re ready to go.

Solar lights are another popular type of garden lights. Powered by the sun, they are cheap to operate and easy to maintain. Most solar lights can simply be placed in the ground without the need for wiring or timers. Many solar lights are fitted with LED bulbs which provide brighter light and use less power.

The possibilities for illuminating your outdoor area are virtually unlimited. Both solar and low voltage lights are available in a multitude of colors and styles to suit your outdoor living area, and can provide most of the energy efficient outside lighting you need to keep your home looking great.

Uses for Outdoor Solar Lights

Guest — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:42:20 +0000

Outdoor solar lights are a classy, creative and most of all, energy-saving means of providing light to dark outdoor areas. Such devices eliminate the need for additional wiring, and there is no worry about constantly replacing batteries. There are so many options using this technology, that a solar lighting model or style can be found for nearly every outdoor lighting need.

Some solar models come with stakes for ground installation. They can be used just about anywhere a person would typically walk near or among landscaping. Patios, gardens, pathways, barbecues and driveways are the most common places for installation and use of these types of outdoor solar lights. They install easily by pounding the accompanying 3 or 4 inch stakes into the ground (although some models come with longer stakes), and then placing a tube that holds the light and solar panel over the stake.

Solar lantern style devices are great for hanging in areas where light is needed higher than ground level. They can be attached to a garden or plant hanger, or a post. A few models come with their own stands or hangers that can be pushed or driven into the ground. These devices are elegant and give a home or garden a traditional feel.

For additional security, some solar light models include motion detectors and are comparable to similar wired security spotlights. These lights provide much more intense light and come on only when they detect motion within a specific range. Solar security lights can be mounted directly to a house, garage or porch, though the solar panel must still be able to receive and store direct sunlight.

There are also solar lighting devices that resemble candles, which will come on and flicker after dark. Other solar lights are used more for mood and ambiance than intense lighting. They may contain colored screens or panels, to give the area a different and more decorative look. Such products work well for parties and night time celebrations.

Solar lights are sold individually or in sets, depending upon the style and the intended use. Products can typically be found at any home improvement store, department stores and even some discount retailers. You can also buy solar lights online. They are relatively inexpensive compared to similar wired devices, ranging from $5 to around $75 for the most complex devices, although you will find some solar light prices that are higher than that.

There are as many uses for outdoor solar lights as there are light styles themselves. So, whether you are looking for a few eco-friendly lights to be situated in the ground among your landscaping or a couple of decorative hanging lanterns, or whether you are interested in some subtle ambient lighting or more robust security lighting, outdoor solar lights can be an energy efficient, economical and attractive outside lighting choice.

Selecting Solar Lighting for Your Garden

Guest — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:41:19 +0000

Solar lighting is an excellent way to save money and to create an attractive display of light for your outdoor areas. Solar lights are ideal around gardens and covered patio spaces, as well as other exterior locations, coming in a wide variety of designs and sizes that are sure to find a use no matter what your outdoor and garden décor.

So how does solar lighting save you money? Solar lighting works by storing the energy from sunlight during the day and releasing it all at night. These lights require no wiring, no additional fees on your electrical bill, and only the small maintenance of replacing the solar batteries after an extended period of use. They also do not require installation by a trained, and expensive, professional electrician.

Many types of solar lights are available for purchase, and your solar lighting plan can be customized depending on the decor you intend on having in your outdoor area and what types of lights you need to properly illuminate the space. If you plan on keeping with a quaint design around your garden, there are numerous solar lights available for purchase that lend themselves to charming, old-world or classic design. Solar-powered lights framed inside of a lantern are particularly attractive in traditional décors, as are solar lights with glass grafted to be shaped like flowers, blending into your greenery effortlessly and attractively. For contemporary and more modern themes around your outdoors, there are numerous minimalistic and attractive solar lights that can be utilized.

Solar walkway lights are an especially attractive (and affordable) type of lighting that can be set around backyard walkways to illuminate your walking area. The same modern geometric design found in walkway lights can also be used for solar lamps that can be set on walls outside of your home and patio and the two different types of lights can coordinate well to provide a cohesive and finished look.

The furnishings outside of your home play the biggest part in selecting the ideal lights for your outdoor space. Be sure to decide on a common theme or style for your outdoor decor before buying solar lights, or any other type of outside lighting, for that matter. No matter what your décor, however, you are certain to find lights that are able to compliment it.

So, if you are looking for an affordable and extremely attractive way to illuminate your lawn and foliage, as well as the areas surrounding the outside of your home, then solar lights are guaranteed to be an aesthetically-pleasing and functional choice for your home’s lighting needs.

Rattan Garden Furniture Is A Great Choice

Guest — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 08:41:45 +0000

If you look online, it is likely that you will find a rattan garden furniture sale quite easily – you can even often find sales in stores. There is no doubt that rattan garden furniture is now very popular, and with so much interest and so many types of rattan furniture available for outdoor use, there are usually plenty of sales to be had.

With so many different styles and arrangements to choose from, it can be hard to know just what type of rattan furniture to buy for your garden or other outdoor areas. Let’s see just what the best choices may be. For some, it may be best to buy a complete rattan furniture set all at once. It is always nice to add various pieces to your garden furniture collection, but for maximum effect it is probably best to look for a full dining or seating set in one purchase so that everything matches nicely and looks like it belongs together. It will have a lot more impact to see a set that all matches perfectly, and will definitely give that “wow factor” that most are looking for.

You can also buy individual pieces of rattan furniture to add to an existing set of either rattan or another material, for additional seating or simply just for additional interest in your backyard or garden. Individual rattan chairs or rattan benches can add visual impact to your garden and are not only functional but aesthetically pleasing as well. Small rattan garden tables are a great extra addition as well.

When buying rattan garden furniture, or any type of outdoor furniture for that matter, you should also remember to always measure the outdoor space first so that you can work out exactly how big the furniture for the garden needs to be. It is all too common for people to buy large pieces of furniture only to discover that they do not look right in their setting because they are too large, or to buy furniture that is too small and doesn’t make enough of an impact. In some cases, if you do not measure first, you may wind up with furniture that simply will not fit at all.

So, when it comes to buying outdoor garden furniture, take a little time to think about what you are buying before you run to a store or start shopping online. By doing this, the end result will look a lot better and you will be a lot happier with it. Measure the area so you have an idea of what sizes and shapes will work well. Think about your exterior style and garden decor as well. It may be a much better idea to go for a classic look rather than a style that is too modern, as trendier styles can be dated quickly. With classic furniture, on the other hand, you know that the furniture will not go out of style quickly or become something you no longer enjoy even looking at. Many people often make the mistake of rushing out to get the newest and trendiest style and then soon regret their purchase when styles change. It is much better to get something classic, especially when it comes to something like rattan garden furniture, that you will always enjoy using and that you will not soon tire of looking at as well.

Save Money on your Landscaping: Use Solar Powered Landscape Lights

Guest — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:53:25 +0000

I’ve finally decided to do something with my landscaping. I have a decent lawn, that’s green for about two months out of the year, but I wanted more. You know those yards you see on home improvement shows with decks, gardens, super green lawns, and lights highlighting everything at night?… That’s what I wanted.

The only problem is that I can’t help but to think of the cost of maintaining everything. I mean, think about the fertilizer, special seeds, and constant attention to make sure everything grows right. Plus, the construction and maintenance costs for things like pools and decks can really add up quickly and the numbers can be staggering. So, I started looking for different ways to save money on my dream landscape.

The first thing that came to mind was lighting. Certainly with all the types of garden lighting and landscape lighting available, I was sure to find a way that I could get something I liked while still saving some money. So, I decided that instead of tapping into my homes electricity and increasing my electric bill, I could go green and use solar powered garden lighting. Supposedly, these lights are both stylish, efficient, and they get the job done.

Another great benefit is that they’re powered by the sun. I mean, you can’t get more environmentally friendly than that! Plus, it costs basically nothing for you to have to install them. The solar powered unit is housed inside of the light so that you can place them anywhere. You just have to stake them into the area you want to light at night, and you’re good to go – no need to hire an expensive electrician. Oops, almost forgot, you just have to make sure the lighting unit is exposed to direct sunlight during the day so that the battery charges, but that’s about it.

Now, when you think of most solar powered tools and appliances, you may think of terrible design. That may have been the case in the past, but that’s not the case with the solar landscape lighting on the market today. To be honest, you wouldn’t even notice the difference between most of the solar models and the electricity powered models.

And, did I tell you how they don’t cost a lot of money? With the advancement of technology, the batteries specifically, the costs of solar landscape lights has decreased dramatically. They cost close to the same amount as electricity-based landscape lights. After all, I went into the decision to use solar powered lighting because I was looking for ways to save money on my landscape paradise, right?

So there you have it – solar powered lighting is a real winner! You get to save money on the lights themselves, the installation costs, the cost of operating them, and you have to sacrifice little when it comes to performance. And you know what that means? It means that using solar powered landscape lights frees up some money to focus on some of the other exciting elements of my backyard and garden oasis and allows me to spend money on the landscape supplies I truly want!

Light in the Garden

Guest — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 18:37:31 +0000

Light is very crucial in the garden, and yet most garden designers devote little attention to the way it falls on plants – the low, warm light of early morning or evening, the sideways light of winter, which can back-light the most humble grass of a lawn beautifully, and the hard light of clear summer days that etches shadows sharp against the ground.

The different kinds of light can transform the way that plants look, so it makes sense to position those plants to receive the maximum benefit. There are many easy-care plants that will help with the correct lighting that you are trying to get. The same plant can look different depending on whether it is lit from behind or in front. The individual flowers of Stipa gigantea, for example, shimmer in the light, especially when seen against a darker background, while nearer to the ground, salvias, with their rows of calyces after the flowers have fallen, seem to come alive when lit from behind. A plant can also have a number of different faces if it is illuminated at only specific times of day. Yet these dramatic transformations are often denied the attention of the spectator simply because the plant is poorly positioned.

The flower and seedheads of grasses catch light easily, and look especially beautiful when they are wet and covered in hundreds of beads of moisture. So, you can either plant rows of grasses like molinia and calamagrostis, to catch light in this way, or scatter them throughout a planting to provide highlights. Clumps of miscanthus will glow silver in the winter. Monardas and asters are lightcatchers too, with each individual flower transmitting the light slightly differently, depending on whether the light is coming from in front or from behind.

Light is very transitory. In summer, it can be very harsh and unflattering during the middle of the day, so early morning and evening light tend to produce better effects. It is easier to appreciate the quality of colors in these moderate lights, too, although the two ends of the spectrum behave in very different ways. Blues are very effective under a low light, while reds become darker and darker until they eventually disappear.

Autumn and winter lights are low, illuminating plants from the side. They are also weak and around for only a relatively short period each day. Plant growth is often thinner, however, so this low light has more opportunity to create subtle effects, creeping in among the plants and playing on parts that summer light does not, simply because there is less growth to get in the way.

Other tips about the effects of natural garden lighting on plants can be found at primearticles.com.