 | It is hard enough work just to maintain a garden, so when it comes to ornamenting your landscape, opting for useful as well as decorative props and features is the ideal way to place the finishing touches on your space. The following article contains practical suggestions for a wide variety of landscape and garden accents.
Garden water features not only require careful installation, but also plenty of maintenance. Most of these like wall mounted fountains provide decorative appeal but serve few real practical purposes. However, consider a small basin somewhere located within the heart of your garden. Such a feature has great historical appeal; many kitchen and herbal gardens of the Middle Ages would have undoubtedly contained a basin for easy watering of plants. Today’s basin could still enjoy a similar function today by providing the gardener with a ready supply of water.
Trellises and arbors will provide any garden with a romantic look, but they are as functional as they are quaint. Your climbing plants and vines need adequate supports to thrive in your garden and these small-scale structures come in a wide variety of styles. In fact, some arbors can be found with built-in seating from which to enjoy the garden view. Additionally, a pergola is a more elaborate structure, but it not only provides great visual interest, but once replete with vine growth, it provides great shade for your outdoor entertainments.
Containers are an excellent way to ornament with practicality. Many plants do better when grown in containers than in the ground and there is a vast array to choose from. Commercial stores, garden centers and online stores provide many styles and sizes to choose from, but there are many objects that can be transformed into decorative containers. Old glass light fixtures, a child’s wagon, pottery jugs, plastic bowls, etc…can easily be transformed into containers for your favorite plants and showcased on your porch, deck, or somewhere within the garden.
When it comes to furniture for the garden, there are also many styles to consider. Choose something durable and easy to maintain like wrought iron. Wrought iron is reminiscent of the Victorian age and is a lovely as it is practical. Stone benches set throughout the landscape add great charm and also offer convenient relaxation for those strolling through your garden. When it comes to outdoor seating, also consider the elements and conditions imposed by your climate; for example, intense sunlight might cause bright fabrics to fade.
Old-world lanterns and hanging lights provide plenty of garden ambiance, but essentially allow you to entertain during evening hours. From torches to underwater pond lights, there is a lighting solution for every garden. Lights are also a great way to highlight special garden features like a creek bridge, a patio, a terrace garden, etc…Even something as simple as an oil lamp atop a picnic table will add charm and also provide a simple lighting solution.
When it comes to practical garden ornaments, always address the garden’s need before its look. If it serves a function besides its visual appeal, it may have a place in your garden. Yard sales and flea markets are also great places to find functional garden props at affordable prices.
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