Best Garden Decor Ideas

Interesting Rock Water Features for the Garden

streamline — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:23:28 +0000

Rock water features for the garden will create an amazing impact in your outdoor area. You can delegate a corner for your chosen feature or features and bring to life dull areas or places in your garden that don’t seem to have a “purpose”. You can also enhance an existing pond or water feature, creating a water paradises that looks extremely pleasing to the eye as well as adding freshness and a touch of raw nature to your patio or outdoor area.

A water feature can actually add interest to your patio or overall garden decor and the effect is usually rather dramatic as water really adds the effect of making the area seem bigger than what it really is (see garden mirrors). The beauty of adding rocks or features that are rock-alike is that they add certain roughness and the wild to your backyard. Features that resemble stone are impressive as stones bear with them history and a sense of solemnity. Add stoned patio paving for added effect near your feature, it would also act as a guide to your new addition.

There is nothing like the sound of water in any green area, and when this one trickles over stones the effect is that of paradise.

Build it or Buy it?

Rock water features can be purchased already built and all you have to do, really, is find the perfect spot in your garden to place it. Surely you could built your own at home and there are several books that would show you how to do so. If you are the type of person that likes to get down and dirty in the garden, this is by no means the best way for you to get your dream water feature.

Down and Dirty

You would first have to choose the right spot, which is not always going to be your preferred one. Choosing the site is most definitely one of the most important tasks when building your garden pond. You are looking for an area that is clear of any trees or even shrubs, where the sun shines and there is enough space to build a large feature. You can always add pebbles or stones to the edge and a few garden lights in the right place for effect. Next, you have to consider which plants and/or animals are you going to have in your pool/water feature. You don’t want plants that can be a bit too invasive, consider having animals if you’re not the sort of person who is that interested in plants. Frogs, certain type of fish, toads and also newts are not only very useful in the water feature but also they will keep the water nice and clean. For the construction you can choose amongst different materials like concrete, fiberglass or the simple liner. Consider adding containers for the plants for added interested. If you really want to get down and dirty with your project you could even think of adding different levels to your pond. A series of pools, for example, can be fitted on different levels and here is where you can seriously think about waterfalls and/or water streams. A pump can also give it a stream and still have the natural look. It’s not expensive and works rather well. Remember that childlren and safety should go hand in hand so do build a retaining wall (see retaining wall ideas) to make sure the children have no access to the water.

Easy Option

Ready made rock water features for the garden will add all the interest of a constructed one without having to worry about site planning and other nuisances. Choose the right one for your garden, add the right garden furniture around it so you can relax and enjoy the sound of the water while sipping your favorite cocktail any time of the day or night!

Fox Deterrents for Gardens Available in the Market

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:12:18 +0000

Many gardens in the UK suffer from unwanted visitors, particularly foxes in the evenings and at night. England is a country of foxes, and these can really destroy your property or kill any farm animals you keep in your garden like chickens or ducks. Even though it’s just nature doing its job, we can still gently deter these animals from our homes so they stop causing havoc. We have looked at the water scarecrow and also what’s available in the market. Here we offer you a list of available fox deterrents for gardens so you can choose the one that better suits your needs and as well as your pocket.

Many of the gadgets we present in this article also work for other unwanted animals in your garden: cats, rabbits, squirrels, rats, mice etc so you are not only getting the benefits of avoiding the damage that foxes can create outdoors, but also the neighbours lovely pet who adores coming to your garden and destroying your wonderful lawn or new bedding.

We have listed 9 different products by price range so it is easy for you to see which are the fox deterrent for gardens that suits you best. (Prices subject to change)

High-er Range:

1) Ultrasonic Fox, Cat and Rodent Deterrent (Battery Operated) – £51.47

***VIEW PRODUCT***

2) Fox Watch – £48.90

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3) Pet Stop & Fox Repeller – £41.99

***VIEW PRODUCT***

Mid Range:

1) Fox Repellent Wildlife – £39.95

***VIEW PRODUCT***

2) Fox Deterrent for Gardens PestBye – £27.90

***VIEW PRODUCT***

3) Fox and Dog Repellent ” Get Off Range” – £24.95

***VIEW PRODUCT***

Lower Range:

1) Fox Repellents for Gardens: Nite Eyes – £17.85

***VIEW PRODUCT***

2) Mega Sonic Fox Deterrent-Repeller – £12.95

***VIEW PRODUCT***

3) Fox Deterrent – Repeller – £10.99

***VIEW PRODUCT***

These products are gentle and WILL NOT HARM the animal, just scare it away from your property thus protecting your garden. For example, some emit high pitch sounds or just work by confusing the animal’s senses. See which one is the right one for you and your garden decor. Many incorporate a light and don’t use any chemical products.

With these different fox deterrents for gardens for you to choose from you will be able to enjoy your peaceful outdoor area. Hopefully it will be free from visitors which are not welcome to your property!

**Also see scarecrow water jet pack, scarecrow water sprinkler

Toro Lawn Mowers: Understanding the Models

streamline — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 02:43:34 +0000

Toro Lawn Mowers are one of the better options on the market today. While all of the walk behind rotary lawn mowers of today can get the job done accurately, there are a few distinctive features that set the Toro Lawn Mower apart as one of the best. To begin with, the Toro comes in three distinctive models: E-Cycler, Recycler, and Super Recycler/Baggers. Let us examine all the different features of these three models.

Cordless E-Cyclers:

Toro 20360 e-Cycler 20-Inch 36-Volt Cordless Electric Lawn Mower

List Price: ($399.00)

Sale Price: ($349.00)

Availability: (Usually ships in 24 hours)

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First, there is the cordless E-cycler. This lawn mower is perfect for a variety of reasons. To begin with, it comes at a good price considering what it has to offer. Let’s look at some of the things that make it so great:

Lightweight and Easy to Use:
- Offers a weight of just 77 pounds and also has a one-handed control assembly with two-step action. This makes it safe, and user-friendly.
- One charge of battery power will mow up to 10,000 square feet
Great for Gardens:
- If you have garden decor that you want to accent and make stand out, then mow around the décor, or make designs of some sort leading up to the décor. It will truly stand out.
Good for the Environment, Good for You:
- Has no cord, so it’s easier for you to maneuver around your yard without getting caught in bushes, trees and so forth.
- Environmentally friendly design. Check this video out:

Recycler:

20332 – Toro Recycler (22″) 190cc 3-in-1 Personal Pace Lawn Mower

List Price: ()

Sale Price: ($489.99)

Availability: (Usually ships in 1-2 business days)

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The Recycler is another great type of lawn mower offered by Toro. Here is its most popular features list:

Accommodates You:
- The Recycler measures your walking pace and automatically speeds up or slow down to accommodate your walking needs
Starts with Electricity:
- Simply turn the key, and off you mow! It’s as simple as that.
Safe for Everybody:
- Has a blade override system so that you can step in front of the mower to move an object out of the way before proceeding to mow again.
- If you have a beautiful patio design you want to accent, this mower can help you achieve the look you want.

Super Recycler:

Toro Super Recycler Self-Propelled Mower Briggs & Stratton 7 TP (21″) #20092

List Price: ()

Sale Price: (Click Here to View Sale Price)

Availability: ()

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The Toro Super Recycler, on the other hand, is a lawn mower with a lot of power and efficiency, which has a great amount of efficiency with a good price tag.

Toro Lawn Mowers are better than others that pollute the environment. They are also great for accenting garden ponds, and other forms of backyard landscaping ideas. They may even be better than some sophisticated Honda Lawn Mowers.

Here’s a range of options for you to choose from:

Lawn Boy 10641 20-Inch 6.75-Gross-Torque Briggs & Stratton Gas-Powered Variable-Speed Lawn Mower

List Price: ($269.00)

Sale Price: (Click Here to View Sale Price)

Availability: ()

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Toro 20360 e-Cycler 20-Inch 36-Volt Cordless Electric Lawn Mower

List Price: ($399.00)

Sale Price: ($349.00)

Availability: (Usually ships in 24 hours)

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Lawn Boy 10645 20-Inch 6.75-Gross-Torque Briggs & Stratton Gas Powered Lawn Mower (CARB Compliant)

List Price: ($269.00)

Sale Price: (Click Here to View Sale Price)

Availability: ()

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Lawn Boy 10604 20-Inch 149cc 6-1/2 GT OHV Kohler Gas Powered Self Propelled Lawn Mower

List Price: ($299.99)

Sale Price: ($289.00)

Availability: (Usually ships in 24 hours)

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Sod Prices per Square Foot – The Cost for an Instant Lawn

streamline — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 05:37:46 +0000

Whether you’ve just purchased a new home or have areas in your yard that you want to improve and make greener, you may want to consider sod prices per square foot as opposed to the price of seeding the lawn yourself. It’s a matter of time and convenience in both cases. On the one hand, sod is more expensive than seeding, but you get to look at an instant lawn as soon as it has been put in place. While the instant lawn may be convenient, it can be costly, running anywhere between $0.50 – $1.00 per square foot and you then have to pay for the installation. You have to consider that in both cases, the ground needs to be prepared so that it is level and rock and weed free.

Sod versus Seed

Sod can’t just be installed and left to fend for itself. You need to water it constantly and keep an eye on it for the growth of fungus (evidenced by dead circular patches). When purchasing sod, ensure that it is fresh. It is best to have sod installed within a day of being harvested to ensure that it will root well. While it is relatively easy for a homeowner to seed their own lawn, it’s best to have your sod installed by someone who offers professional gardening services. Ironically, sod prefers areas with cold winters/hot summers or mild winters/hot summers.

Installation and Care

Installation of a sod lawn to enhance your garden decor can run into the hundreds of dollars, so when comparing that cost plus the cost of the sod itself to the price of seeding your own lawn, there is a lot to consider. Seeding your own lawn will be less expensive, but will require the same amount of preparation and a lot of care and attention once the seed is sown. A seeded lawn needs regular watering, but even with the best of care, can turn out patchy and you may not be satisfied. Seed can be spread with special spreaders or through a hose that contains a special agent that helps keep the seed in place (protected from the elements like the wind).

Professional seeding (as opposed to DIY) is much less expensive than using a professional sod installation company. One thing that is convenient about sod is that you can cut the pieces of sod to fit around things like your walkways, trees, garden fencing or flower beds. When considering sod prices per square foot versus the cost of seeding your own lawn, you’ll also need to consider the convenience, simplicity and the time you have available to dedicate to the project.

photo by reinvented

Avoiding Azek Decking Problems

streamline — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 02:31:36 +0000

Azek Decking is one alternative to having a wood, concrete or steel deck. This PVC product is touted as “low maintenance”, but don’t be fooled if a salesperson tries to tell you that it’s “maintenance-free”. Like anything else your purchase or own, it must be maintained. It’s just that some things require less maintenance than others. Understandably, with today’s busy lifestyles, any product that you choose to enhance your garden decor should be as convenient as possible. There are some Azek decking problems of which everyone should be aware. As is the case with all composite or PVC decking products, you will pay a premium when purchasing this type of decking.

Placing Items on your Azek Deck

You will need to take precautions with your low maintenance garden decking. Take care when placing things on PVC decking such as planters or a gas BBQ. They should be placed so they line up over the framing on the underside of the deck. Azek decking is softer than wood and if you don’t ensure that you’re placing either large planters (with heavy soil) or barbeques over 2 of the deck joists, the weight of these items will cause the decking to sag with use.

Spots and Staining

Certain items should be avoided while on the Azek deck surface – sunscreen, insect repellent, citronella oil, cooked or uncooked greasy food or even wine. Although it is difficult to avoid using items like sunscreen and insect repellent when outdoors, try to avoid applying it while on your deck. Leaves left to sit on the deck will cause stains. Do not use tarps or plastic on this deck product because moisture and heat get trapped between the tarp/plastic and the deck surface, causing spotting. If you use anything like roll up awnings, it’s best to keep an eye on whether there is any rust or corrosion on the units. When it rains and drips, the water can carry the rust onto the decking causing more troubling spots or stains. It is recommended to use a conditioning treatment on a yearly basis. This annual application will aid in maintaining your Azek deck’s appearance and helps to repel stains.

With any exterior product used in patio design, routine cleaning is necessary to keep its appearance looking up to par, but do not use a pressure washer. It can remove part of the surface of the decking and dirt, grime, grease and even mold can appear in the grooves. Take care with your patio ideas and know that you may encounter Azek decking problems.

photo by NetLawyer

Add Elegance to your Landscape with Garden Gates

streamline — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 06:40:29 +0000

photo by darkfoxprime

A beautiful yard and enclosed with an elegant fence and a pair of garden gates can be a pride and joy. With a lawn that is well tended and flowers that are in full bloom, your yard can become a peaceful retreat. Garden gates serve several functions. First, they help separate areas of your yard and second, they add a bit of style or elegance to your landscape.

Styles of Gates

photo by clio1789

When you begin to investigate garden gates, you’ll quickly discover that there are so many choices on the market today. You can get a garden gate that has built-in seats with a matching arbour overhead and walls behind the seats that can be used as trellises. This type of garden gate can also be purchase in a single seat style with an open back and pergola roof. An enjoyable place to stop, put your feet up and enjoy the sun. Or to take a long, relaxing, appreciative look at the results of your hard work while you sip on a lemonade or iced tea.

You might prefer to get simple arched trellises that transition you from one area to the next in your yard. You can add some nice twinkling lights to these to light up your yard for nighttime use. With the right kind of growing vines, a trellis gate will enhance any garden decor.

To enhance your garden gates, you can also purchase matching garden chairs to make random seating arrangements in the different areas of the yard and they will also fit in nicely with your patio design.

Other Garden Ideas

photo by UGArdener

To make your yard and gardens look clean and neat, you can use the many types of garden edging available. You can use plastic edging in green or brown to suit your needs or you may choose to use stone or wood ships to edge your garden. The plastic edging can be purchased for a desired look and might include solid, trellised, fancy curved designs or some with an ornamental lip. There are some plastic bricks available that have built in lights to light your path to your front door. You can also incorporate slate stone as an edging solution or a short wooden, plastic or metal fence.

From garden gates and seating to enhancing the special areas of your yard, there are a number of terrific choices available at most garden and yard stores. From colourful and modern to old style, you can find something to suit your needs.

photo by a2gemma

Gazebo Canopy Review

streamline — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:21 +0000

Swiss Gear 10- by 10-Foot Smart Shade Canopy

List Price: ($139.99)

Sale Price: ($100.36)

Availability: (Usually ships in 1-2 business days)

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What better thing to have set up in your yard than a gazebo canopy. It can get so hot and sunny and with the strength of UV rays these days, it’s especially beneficial and wise to have a place to escape the sun while still being able to enjoy the outdoors. And, depending on the size of your canopy, you could have some nice outdoor gatherings and keep everyone safe while at the same time, enhancing your garden decor.

There are many choices when it comes to protection from the sun and other elements. You can choose a deck canopy, a pop up gazebo or a gazebo tent, each of which have their own plusses.

A Deck Canopy

A deck canopy, as the name implies, is for use on a deck, be it concrete or wood, rather than on your lawn where it can be anchored into the ground. They tend to be open, more like an umbrella than a full gazebo, but some look very similar to a gazebo for your lawn. They can be used to provide a shaded area for picnics or to overhang an area away from the sun in your pool. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors and are made to be stabilized with weight.

A Pop up Gazebo

A pop up gazebo isn’t as elaborate as a tent gazebo. They come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 8 ft. x 8 ft. to 10 ft. x 20 ft., and colors. They can have just the upper canopy, attached around the frame or close completely. You can also get this type of gazebo in a version that has a canopy roof but mesh/net walls.

A Gazebo Tent

A gazebo tent can be used either completely closed or with some of the walls pulled back and tied. These tents come in a variety of sizes to suit everyone’s needs.

10 ft. x 10 ft.

10 ft. x 20 ft. – check out 10 x 20 white party tent gazebo canopy with sidewalls

10 ft. x 30 ft. – check out 10 x 30 white party tent gazebo canopy with sidewalls

*(also check out the ozark trail hanging tent gazebo)

The largest of the 3 tents will hold up to 50 people and the walls have large windows to let in ample light. Most gazebo canopies are white in color. All are made of waterproof polyethylene and block out almost 100% of UV rays. The frames are rust and corrosion resistant.

As you can see, there are a number of choices when it comes to purchasing a gazebo canopy, all based on personal need. They offer an added attraction to your yard and serve a great purpose.

Yard Windmills: More Than Just Your Ordinary Garden Decor

streamline — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 08:06:21 +0000

Gone are the days when garden decorations were merely there for aesthetic purposes. Today, yard decorations are more practical to consider as they can offer both beauty and functionality. Among the best decorations for the garden these days are yard windmills. They can stand with pride in your home garden to offer your yard a unique appeal with a bunch of other helpful functions.

Shine Company 4955N Windmill Statue

List Price: ()

Sale Price: ($69.98)

Availability: (Usually ships in 24 hours)

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One of the most basic functions garden windmills have is pumping water to the flower beds. Its constant motion can easily deliver the much-needed water to the plants without a lot of effort in your part. Plus, this windmill motion can scare away animals and birds. Meaning, if there is a windmill moving in your garden, animals like sheep and cow will be scared to enter your garden. Hence, windmills in gardens can prevent animals from destroying your plants.

photo by C.K.H.

Moreover, the best function of windmills today is their capability to provide electricity. Windmills can power up as little as your electric fence to as much as your whole home. Small and big windmills alike can offer you this kind of service. You can set up a big windmill to provide electricity to your home or install a series of small windmills to do the same job for you. A single small windmill, on the other hand, can power up an electric fence in your backyard to scare animals away from your garden.

photo by hartman045

It will always be good to know that yard windmills can offer you a lot aside from their usual aesthetic elements. Imagine a set of windmills rotating in unison in your garden. Every passerby will surely be in awe. What is even better news is that garden windmills do not come too expensive these days. With the various benefits you can get out of this garden decor, getting one or two for your garden will always be worth it.

Check out this great selection:

We hope that your new yard decorations add the spark and color you’re looking for in order to bring your garden to life this upcoming summer!

Unchain Your Imagination in Designing Driveway Paving for Your Garden or Patio

streamline — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:59:39 +0000

Modern Western world stereotype for acceptable standard of living has created an idyllic image of a family home with at least one car parked in front of the house and a driveway paving crossing the evergreen garden. Many middle-class families in Europe, and most in the United States, are able to afford such a lifestyle while methods and materials used in driveway paving and patio paving, as part of the overall garden decor, contribute to the image of a prosperous family.

Consider Using Natural Materials

photo by WOWHYD

Natural materials are recommended by all leading interior and exterior designers for the unparalleled warmth and earthy spirit of items made of such elements. A driveway made of clay paving blocks which winds through a trim garden with garden lights casting back gleams on clay elements is a proof of the unquestionable good taste of the house owner.

If you prefer concrete over fired clay blocks for its durability and higher cohesion, you might consider lending colour to the garden decor by installing decorative natural elements along the driveway, like a tiki torch on every driveway turn. Those extravagant garden lights will add fresh look to your garden or patio.

Concrete Paving Blocks Can Add Colour

photo by jessica@flickr

Although natural materials are praised also for being environment friendly, concrete paving blocks are sometimes preferred for they allow professional and self-taught designers to select from far more colour combinations. Concrete can be painted in literary each and every colour you can imagine unlike the clay paving blocks that offer a limited choice of colours. On the other hand, those two materials can be successfully combined, creating unique harmony of colour that will please every aesthete.

You might design a coloured driveway paving accompanied by ribbon-shaped pathways along the driveway and use mixed colours in patio paving to create various geometric figures. Ancient Romans knew what to do with coloured mosaic, just take a brief look at the marbled flooring of Roman mansions.

Aesthetics Is Important

photo by DorkyMum

Garden decor should reflect the overall look of the house, so do not use modern materials in a garden surrounding century old building. A consistent aesthetics presumes proper combination of materials and elements, including avoidance of unacceptable combinations of a tiki torch and neon lighting, for instance.

When planning and designing your driveway paving you could look at the best examples of garden planning that Basque architect Gaudi bequeath to modern world. His iridescent gardens full of unimaginable beasts and fantastic flowers along winding pathways are a good example what unique creations you can build from scratch, using only your imagination.

Garden Netting Can Give Lustre to Your Garden

streamline — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 07:08:48 +0000

Garden netting, and fencing in general, came to life centuries ago when people living in fiefs were forced to separate their properties from the adjacent estates. It was also the wall adding defensive functions to the house surroundings and gardens were a privilege enjoyed by handful of people in mansions fenced with stones. Today’s houses, thanks God, do not need stone walls to protect us from covetous neighbours and barbarian tribes and garden fencing is largely a decorative attribute of a place to enjoy our deserved respite.

The Garden Is a Special Place

photo by SylviavBruggen

Most famous architects liked to design garden decor for gardens are special places within a real estate. And while patio paving and invariable garden pond remained relatively unchanged during the ages, garden netting evolved in form and shape while new materials and types of fencing appeared.

Presumably, you will never use barbed wire fence to fence in your garden with impenetrable enclosure. You will eventually need a pool fence circling your garden pond but you can hardly create cactus fence in the rainy British climate. Concrete fences, for their part, are extremely durable and replaced the ancient stone walls while a good designer can give them shapes and forms unimaginable to create using stone. Concrete also replaced stones as a material for patio paving allowing house owners to create flowing pathways.

Green is Always in Fashion

photo by PinkMoose

Green fence is among the inherited British traditions that make houses and gardens in the United Kingdom so unique. We can add that traditional hedge-row has much to do with fox hunting but that is another story. A green garden fencing is always a good idea and even synthetic materials can add unique charm to the garden you designed with all your love.

Picket fences are also popular among people living in the countryside, especially if the garden paling is painted in fresh and bright colours (remember Tom Sawyer). It is always a better idea to design your garden decor with green in mind rather than raise six feet concrete or stone fencing.

Green is always in fashion while live fencing will transform your garden netting into a natural extension of the garden.

You can express your soul in a live garden netting and let your inner man select live woody species that reflect your true character. Evergreen oak or chestnut, elm-tree or poplar, they all can add to your peace of mind being part of a live green garden fencing.

photo by yewenyi