Garden Decor 101
Garden decor is becoming popular even in the smallest areas. Even those who live in "cookie-cutter" or covenant-controlled subdivision houses are finding ways to utilize such things as stepping stones and other items.
Stepping stones, in fact, not only add beauty, they provide secure, solid footing. As long as they are placed in such a way as to not cause someone to stumble and fall, they can be used in areas where mud or dirt may be a problem, thus eliminating materials such as these from being trapped on one's shoes, and subsequently carried indoors.
And, the days when statuary, decorative ponds, and/or fountains were only seen on large estates or in front of Hollywood mansions are gone. Even small lots of less than one acre can usually support a small pond or a trickling fountain.
And, statuary, of course, is available in all sizes, making it easy for the homeowner to find something that will just fit that special spot in the garden. Statuary can be as whimsical as the little boy who spurts water from (ahem) a certain portion of his anatomy, to as beautifully reverent as a statue of Mary, the mother of Jesus, or even a depiction of the Lord Jesus Himself. It is quite simply a matter of one's individual taste.
Lawn Care Products for Any Home
Lawn care products sometimes take up entire sections of hardware stores. If that is not enough, one only need look a little further to find larger items such as spreaders and other tools to aid in the use of lawn care products. Many hundreds of dollars can be spent before one is aware, if care is not taken.
And, what works for his or her neighbor may not be right for another homeowner. The type of grass that is in one yard may be totally different than that in the yard right next door or right across the street. Fertilizer that is intended for Bermuda or other similar grass may actually harm Zoysia or St. Augustine grass.
Mulches, too, can differ. One homeowner may swear that pine straw is the only mulch that should be used, while another homeowner would almost rather cover the entire yard in cement and paint it green to simulate grass before so much as one pine needle will enter or drop upon the yard.
And, down the street, Neighbor Bob may inform everyone very quickly that grass clippings must not be removed from the freshly-mown yard; rather, they must be left and combined with leaves, fallen twigs, and other materials, forming organic mulches. So, indeed, just as with anything else, one must form one's own opinion and determine exactly what is best for one's particular yard.
Ideas for Garden Ponds with Garden Pond Kits
Adding a water feature such as a garden pond can add serenity, movement, and a focal point to your backyard. But creating a water oasis on your home turf can be easier than you think if you start with garden pond kits. Garden pond kits include a telescoping fountain, pump, tubing, water treatment kit, power cord, and how-to video. Take a look at these ideas for garden ponds that you can make with garden pond kits.
Basic pond: Make a basic pond surrounded by a bed of rocks and some plant life. In the center, place your telescoping fountain to create a constant water pattern.
Formal pool: Within a walkway of paved bricks or stones, create a formal pool. Start with a rectangular pond with four feet of depth. Place the telescoping fountain in the center as the focal point.
Free-form pond: These garden ponds can encompass many designs and types of plant life. Create an organically shaped pond. Add fish, floating plant-life, and a stepping stone path. Place a pattern of telescoping fountains for visual interest.
Providing Wild Bird Food for Your Feathered Friends
Making wild bird food available all year round is important to bird watchers and bird lovers, especially if you have feeders and want to attract birds to your yard. Before attempting to provide wild bird food, learn what types of birds frequent your area and know what types of birds you want to attract. It is important to know that wild birds that feed off the ground eat different seeds than those who feed above ground. Next, know your wild bird food. Once you have the answers, go about purchasing or making your own wild bird food. If you want to make your own, mix together sunflower seeds, rolled oats and small pieces of dried fruits. You can even combine a portion of your homemade wild bird food with that purchased at the store for variety.
Consider adding breadcrumbs and other nutritious seeds to the mixture to provide the nutritional balance needed by your feathered friends.
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