|
HomeTopics...Gardening TipsGarden Decor
Garden Décor for Your Container GardenGarden décor trends have brought a myriad of garden products to the market, enabling homeowners to design their exteriors as they would an interior room. In fact, the garden is becoming a new room to adorn, to make one's own. From wind chimes, fountains or stepping-stones to well-placed lighting, hand painted plaques and even ornamental statues, gardeners are limited only by their imaginations.
Containers as Garden DecorationsA container garden is not excluded from the concept of décor. Given that most homes that have container gardens are very limited in free space, the garden area often does multiple duty as a recreation area, outdoor parlor and a place to eat and drink.
Although limited by smaller available space, a container garden can still have practical items within it that enrich the enjoyment of the garden itself. Chairs and a table certainly are a part of this décor. Whether made of teak, bamboo, wicker, wrought iron or plastic, this furniture provides an atmosphere of relaxation. Even a spatially challenged location like a balcony can accommodate this kind of furniture.
Furnishing Your GardenThe selection of what type of garden furniture to use in the garden area is as subjective and individualized as the garden itself. Whether the look is of the elegance of a miniature English garden, the serenity of a feng shui sacred grove, the majesty of the Southwestern desert or the quiet beauty of a collection of colors from nature's own paintbrush, garden furniture is available to match all styles and budgets.
Classic items such as stepping-stones, ceramic plates and statues come in a wide variety of sizes, styles, materials and costs to suit just about every taste in garden decoration. Plain or glazed, angels or animals, bas relief or neo-southwest—the choice is up to the gardener. Hammocks (if space permits), barrel furniture, even the use of natural seating, such as large rocks or logs, are excellent accents in garden decorating. The only real restriction that should be placed in selecting your decor is to make sure that whatever the choice, it is pleasing to you.
PrivacyA garden is a place for peace and relaxation. To ensure privacy, plan your garden decorating to ensure privacy as well as beauty. Locating tall, dense plants along the edges can provide an artificial hedge that blocks out noise and neighbors. Hanging plants can be used to fill space above potted plants, and a trellis can be used to train vines and provide another visual barrier.
MoodLights and lighting can be the highlight of your garden decor. Where an electrical supply is available, you can add subtle ground lights, decorative lamps or hanging lanterns.
If access to electricity is a problem, avoid trails of extension cords and safety hazards by using candles and oil lamps. With some imagination, they can be used to enhance a container garden's theme.
ClassicsHave you noticed the resurgence of pink flamingos and gazing balls? Yes, even kitsch is a reasonable theme if you like retro garden decorating. You can recreate a childhood scene with whirligigs or turn your space into a beach hut with watermelon accents with a few well chosen accessories.
Take something old and give it a new purpose. Consider creating an herb garden in an old baby carriage. Convert a woven metal or cast iron headboard into a trellis supporting sweet peas. Use an old boot, sand pail, suitcase or car tire as a planter. Keep your mind and eyes open for your next opportunity to make one person's trash your next treasure.
New Trends in Garden DécorAs the popularity of container gardens continues to grow, more and more diverse ideas emerge about what should go into garden design and decoration. Watering cans, birdhouses and bird feeders are always popular. However, some fresh approaches to garden décor are on the rise.
The use of chimeneas, particularly in garden designs that have a southwestern theme, is becoming a popular addition to decorating concepts. Originating in Mexico, these clay-fired outdoor oven/fireplaces were used both to supply heat and to cook. Standing roughly three feet tall, the chimenea is perfect for the space requirements of the container garden and, with its multiple uses, adds functionality to the garden as a whole. Weatherproof garden fireplaces have also grown in popularity. While your landlord would not be amused if he found you building a brick fireplace in the back yard, a small fire pit on legs would be no more visible than your barbecue grill. The benefit of these creations is that friends can gather around it to share the warmth and glow of the fire. Feng shui gardens have also developed in popularity in recent times. Here, the emphasis is on meditation and the creation of "secret places." By rearranging the containers, a gardener who wishes to create a contemplative area can actually use the very make-up of the garden as the decorative motif. By adding miniature bamboo and teak structures, such as an ornamental holder for candles, the garden becomes a place for spiritual renewal and of quiet enjoyment. No matter what theme, what decorations and what plants your container garden has, design and decoration ideas abound.
|
|
