Backyards And Gardens.com » Decorations

Garden Pots Enhance Garden Décor

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:12:21 +0000

Garden pots can be a great design element when it comes to planning out your garden décor strategy. This is because garden pots add visual interest, create additional textural and color elements in a garden design, and can be easily moved or changed whenever the mood strikes. A garden pot can be virtually any container that will hold plants or flowers and that can be adapted to provide adequate drainage so that the plants thrive.

Gardening pots are sold in a variety of materials and styles, so there is no end to the types of pots that can be utilized in the garden, or on a deck, patio, or porch. When it comes to garden pots and planters, all you need to do is find a material that you like, make sure the size is appropriate for the plants that will be potted, and then find a style that works well in the space within which you are planning on using your garden pot. Garden pots can add visual interest and can be a great option in locations that are not otherwise easy to grow plants, herbs and flowers. For example, just think of what a few colorful potted rose plants can do for the look of your deck, patio or garden!

Garden pots are available in many materials. Here is a list of some of the more popular ones:

Plastic garden pots – These come in all shapes and sizes, are inexpensive and lightweight. They are also available in a wide variety of colors to fit any décor.

Resin garden pots – The popularity of resin pots stems from the fact that they can be made to look like many other types of pots, such as terracotta, stone, ceramic or stone, yet they are far more lightweight and are also less expensive.

Stone garden pots – Stone has a very textural look which adds visual interest against the softness of flowers or plants. Stone pots can be made from different types of stone and each type offers a unique look. One drawback to these types of pots is that they are very heavy to lift, even when empty so they are not easily moved.

Ceramic garden pots – Ceramic pots offer a huge variety of design options because they can contain any type of design, colors (or series of colors) or finishes. Most ceramic garden pots are glazed so that they have a sealed finish. Some can even contain decorative elements adhered to the pot, such as stones, gems or more. It is best to bring ceramic garden pots indoors (or in a garage) during the winter if temperatures get below freezing since they may crack.

Terracotta garden pots – Terracotta is the material that many people think of when they think of garden flower pots. These pots are traditionally red in color and come in a variety of styles. Terracotta garden pots should also be protected during the winter months.

Clay garden pots – Clay pots are similar to garden pots, except that they do not necessarily have to be reddish in color. Clay pots are even easily made by hand and work best if fired in a kiln and glazed. Clay can also be painted to add visual interest. Like terracotta or ceramic garden pots, clay pots should not be left outdoors during severe winter weather.

Concrete garden pots – Concrete is also a textural element, similar to stone, although it provides a more uniform and rugged look. These types of outdoor garden pots (they’re typically not used indoors) can offer a contemporary feel and are often found as larger planters. One drawback to concrete garden pots is that they are extremely heavy.

Metal garden pots – From aluminum to tin, metal garden pots can be found in a multitude of metals. Each one adds its own specific look, with some looking very contemporary and others blending into a more traditional design. Metal garden pots are typically not as heavy as stone, concrete, or even clay and terracotta pots.

Copper garden pots – Copper garden pots offer a warm and inviting look to a garden’s décor and lend themselves more towards traditional design. The pots age over time into a greenish patina.

Wooden garden pots – Wood provides a very natural and rustic feel but unless they are properly sealed regularly, they will not hold up over the long term. Since the wood will be in constant contact with a moist environment, they will eventually rot. But you will still enjoy years of a natural and weathered look with these types of pots.

Cast iron garden pots – Cast iron garden pots can be a beautiful addition to a traditionally styled garden and will last indefinitely. They are extremely heavy to move, even when empty, so they should be carefully placed in a location where they can remain without being moved.

Decorative garden pots are great for use on decks, patios and porches, in front of garden buildings, and near pools, and add extra color and texture where there are no flower beds available. They are also often used for container gardening or as a place to simply and easily grow a few herbs or fresh vegetables. Container garden pots and herb garden pots come in designs with multiple openings so that different herbs or plants can be situated in the same pot but can be separated, allowing for a variety of plantings with a very small space.

Garden pots and urns or planters are a great addition to any garden. No matter what your budget, you are sure to find a container that enhances your outdoor space. Or, you can simply make your own garden plant pots by finding a sturdy container and drilling a few holes in the bottom for drainage. Making garden pots is a simple activity and a great way to recycle old containers that are no longer being used. Even if you have a container that you have no intention of planting anything in, you can still make a garden hose pot, which provides an attractive way to hide your garden hose when not in use.

No matter what the use or the material, garden pots are a versatile design element that enhance your garden décor.

Buy garden pots here.

Garden Décor: An Informal Process

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:43:17 +0000

Garden décor comprises everything in your outdoor space or garden that creates a mood or sets a style for the space. Similar to interior décor, outdoor garden décor sets the theme for what you want your space to look like and different aspects of the way you set up and decorate your backyard or garden will add to that theme. Home and garden décor aren’t really that different in principle, although with lawn and garden décor, you are dealing with a more open and expansive space and it is generally a more informal process.

Outdoor garden décor encompasses everything from whether you have a deck, patio or pool to whether you have loads of beds loaded with wildflowers or a well manicured lawn. But it’s the finishing touches that really set the tone for the style of your backyard – the little accessories placed around the yard that bring in the personal elements that are all your own.

For example, if you are into a whimsical garden décor theme, you may want to place gnome garden statues throughout your flower beds to add some charm. If Asian garden décor is more your thing, then you will tend towards a more manicured look with Asian-inspired accents to give you the feel of the east. Those who like a more rustic garden décor theme may opt for more natural objects made from wood or those with a more classic charm.

When it comes to lawn and garden decorations, there is no end to what you can find if you are looking for it. Home improvement stores, warehouse stores, lawn and garden stores, online retailers and a variety of garden décor catalogs offer loads of different types of garden decorations. From metal garden décor, comprising statues, wall hangings and small or large objects to place around the yard, to theme related items, such as frog garden décor or dragonfly garden décor (two very popular themes!), there are lawn and garden decorations to suit any decorating style. There are also more utilitarian items, such as garden fencing or lighting, that can be found to suit different decorating styles .

Making your garden decorative can be an informal and fun process because many of the rules for interior décor can be lightened up a bit. Unlike the more stringent rules, such as how objects should be placed in groupings or what colors go together well, outdoor garden decorations can be selected piece by piece or simply because you like them or bought them on a whim. There are no rules – after all, your garden space is a place to relax and let loose a little, so the more color and the more interest that graces the nooks and crannies of your backyard, the better. A garden decoration “works” in a space if it makes you happy to look at it. It’s really as simple as that. No fancy experienced decorator needs to tell you that – a garden is a much more informal space than a living room (although there are those that enjoy formal and manicured gardens, and in that case, what makes them happy may be a bit more reserved and streamlined.)

If you are looking for garden décor ideas, peruse through home and garden magazines, spend some time surfing the net, pick up a garden décor catalog, or simply stroll through your favorite stores. Then, when you find something you like, add it to your garden or yard in a place that seems logical and sit back and enjoy the view!

Buy garden decorations here.

Patio Cushions Add Comfort and Style

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 04:51:17 +0000

Patio cushions are to exterior décor what pillows on your sofa or bed are to interior décor. They of course make sitting on your outdoor furniture more comfortable, but they also add a decorative element to your outdoor space. You can get patio furniture cushions in almost any design or style, so no matter what your decorating taste is, you will find a patio cushion to suit your style.

The addition of patio chair cushions is a great way to spruce up an older furniture set, or to make sitting outside for long periods of time more comfortable. Some patio seat cushions can be ordered directly from the furniture manufacturer that makes your outdoor patio furniture, and others can simply be ordered to fit comfortably on the seat even though they are not made specifically to go along with the set. No matter which way you choose to order outdoor patio furniture cushions, you will find that the addition to your outdoor décor is a welcome change.

There are no hard and fast rules for what you need to look for when looking for outdoor patio cushions. The only thing to keep in mind is that they should be constructed from a water resistant or repellent fabric and should have sufficient cushioning to keep you comfortable, while still being able to adequately dry off when they get wet so that they do not develop mold or mildew problems. Other than that, you just need to select a cushion that properly fits your seat and that you find aesthetically pleasing, as well as comfortable. You can even make your own patio cushions if you are somewhat handy, which really makes it easy to get cheap patio furniture cushions that you can enjoy.

The nice thing about cushions for patio furniture is that they are not a huge investment (at least in comparison to the furniture itself or many other items you purchase for your outdoor enjoyment). This makes it easy to periodically change your cushions when the mood strikes or when they begin to look worn. You can often find discount patio cushions online or in stores towards the middle to end of the summer season. You can sometimes even find really cheap patio cushions at the end of the season and many retailers have patio cushion clearance sales to diminish their current year inventory so it’s a great time to stock up on new cushions to add some new life to your outdoor space.

Of course, you may find that it is important to you to get custom patio cushions that are made to go specifically with your outdoor furniture and when that is the case, it is often best to either contact the manufacturer of the furniture directly or find a retailer that carries the line of furniture that you own to see if you can order cushions through them. This is also a great way to get replacement patio furniture cushions if you originally received cushions with your furniture when you purchased it but they are getting worn and need to be replaced.

One good rule of thumb to care for your cushions is that you should remove a patio furniture cushion when you’re not using it and store it in your garage or shed when not in use so that it is not consistently exposed to the weather. By doing this, your outdoor patio cushion will last longer. Sun will eventually fade even the best of patio cushion fabrics, although some will resist fading more than others. Continuous exposure to water will also begin to break down the exterior cushion fabric or the interior cushion itself.

Changing your outdoor deck, garden or patio décor is often as easy as adding a few interesting elements to the existing space. Patio cushions are one of those inexpensive decorative elements that can have a big impact on your exterior décor without costing a fortune. If you have a conservatory, you can even use them on rattan conservatory furniture (and you don’t even need to bring put them away when not in use!) The added benefit is that they not only look good, but provide a more comfortable place to sit while you enjoy the view.

Buy patio cushions here.