A wonderful addition to the ambiance of your home can be creating a lovely combination of home and garden decor. Beautiful plants and garden sculpture brought inside and comfortable furniture with tables and lamps taken into the garden expands and blends both spaces. Plants and flowers placed in colorful pots on a plant dolly can be rolled into the house to brighten the room with color and fragrance. A plant dolly will make it easy to move them outside as needed to re-pot them or give the plant a thorough watering.
An indoor fountain will add the sound of a waterfall which is soothing and maybe the fountain will be a welcome home for some goldfish. Add greenery around the fountain and you will have a little tropical area. Screens with birds and flowers can expand the area to whatever size you need. This would definitely add creatively to your home and garden décor.
Create a mural on your bare patio walls, hang mirrors in small areas outside to reflect a special hidden space. Consider indoor-outdoor carpet under the seating area with a small portable fire pit to warm the outdoor space. Even pictures can be hung outside. Treat your patio or garden area like another room. Continue the style from your adjoining room or create a completely different look. Use the same types of accessories for the outdoor area, taking into consideration the possibility of exposure to the elements. Add pillows and cushions to the chairs, a foot rest, use bowls with artificial fruit on the tables.
You will find a myriad of ideas in home and garden décor magazines. Keep a file to store pictures of your favorite sun rooms or patio and garden areas. You will be able to look over this file anytime to refresh your ideas and make additions and changes to your adjoining home and garden rooms.
If your budget allows, think of installing French doors to the entrance to the patio. This will bring light indoors and you will be able to see the garden from the inside even if the weather is not suitable for going outside.
Be sure to check out the internet and the many television programs that feature ideas created by talented designers for the use of their viewers. You will find any number of them will add to your home and garden décor. Just keep your goal in mind and you will see inspiration all around you.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Ornamental Trees and Plants - Home and Garden
Ornamental plants and trees are used for decorative places and not for earning wealth. In residential landscaping, ornamental trees usually mean smaller trees that cannot support tree houses, hammocks or tree swings. You can have a tree in your backyard even if you do not have too much space. You can choose small ornamental trees which will give you the pleasure of having trees in your yards without affecting its appeal. For truly small areas, you can opt for ornamental plants which can add fragrance or beauty for your home.
The best possession in a home owner's landscape is the flowering ornamental trees which combine the size of a small tree with the beauty of a flower. This can add a lot of beauty to your yard and enhance the home decor. While it comes to choosing ornamental trees or plants there are several options. You can choose a saucer magnolia with its pinkish blossoms or crape myrtles on account of their blooming period which is quite long. You can also choose dogwood trees on account of their horizontal branches.
While opting for landscaping, some house owners prefer the weeping ornamental trees. These trees have long and looping branches which add to the aesthetic value of the house. Some trees such as the weeping cherry tree are also trees that flower. Even in this case you can choose from a variety of trees according to their flowering traits, size and seasons of growth.
While thinking of remodeling your house and incorporating landscaping you can also choose ornamental plants which can increase value during decorating the interiors. Shrubs are unique because they do not have the single trunk and in this way they differ from the trees. Some shrubs that are trimmed to give the look of a trunk are called the ornamental plant. Ornamental plants require great care to give great results and in this way they differ from the ornamental trees which can grow even without diligent care.
Landscaping ads value of your home and must be considered during home improvement. It is also essential to maintain the garden area well after such ideas are incorporated. A home gardener can be appointed to prune and trim and the plants at regular intervals so that the beauty and atmosphere is beautifully maintained and the home becomes a truly heavenly place to reside in.
The best possession in a home owner's landscape is the flowering ornamental trees which combine the size of a small tree with the beauty of a flower. This can add a lot of beauty to your yard and enhance the home decor. While it comes to choosing ornamental trees or plants there are several options. You can choose a saucer magnolia with its pinkish blossoms or crape myrtles on account of their blooming period which is quite long. You can also choose dogwood trees on account of their horizontal branches.
While opting for landscaping, some house owners prefer the weeping ornamental trees. These trees have long and looping branches which add to the aesthetic value of the house. Some trees such as the weeping cherry tree are also trees that flower. Even in this case you can choose from a variety of trees according to their flowering traits, size and seasons of growth.
While thinking of remodeling your house and incorporating landscaping you can also choose ornamental plants which can increase value during decorating the interiors. Shrubs are unique because they do not have the single trunk and in this way they differ from the trees. Some shrubs that are trimmed to give the look of a trunk are called the ornamental plant. Ornamental plants require great care to give great results and in this way they differ from the ornamental trees which can grow even without diligent care.
Landscaping ads value of your home and must be considered during home improvement. It is also essential to maintain the garden area well after such ideas are incorporated. A home gardener can be appointed to prune and trim and the plants at regular intervals so that the beauty and atmosphere is beautifully maintained and the home becomes a truly heavenly place to reside in.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Greening Your Home and Garden
The TV show "The World's Greenest Homes" recently started me thinking about how can everyone make a contribution to reducing the carbon footprint.
The TV series mainly showed major renovations or new homes in which the owners made significant attempts to "go green". Most folks are not in the position - they already have a home, and most likely a hefty mortgage that may preclude incorporating the changes and ideas promoted by the TV show.
However, the need for greening your home and garden is an imperative for all - and so the impact of even simple, small steps can have a real impact.
Just imagine if all homes in the USA converted their light bulbs from incandescent to compact fluorescent ones - not only are they energy-smart, using about 70% less energy, they last up to ten times longer.
Such a small step could have huge impact because of the sheer volume! And, then there is the ripple effect - less energy used - less fossil fuels consumed - less carbon emissions from power stations - and, BINGO! - cleaner air.
And, the cost is not really greater than the usual light bulb replacement - so your pocketbook is saved.
Now imagine if everyone also made a serious attempt at recycling - green materials to the compost heap, keeping electronics out of the trash bin, glass and plastics into recycle bins..... yes, it is a bit of a pain.... but it is not a total change of lifestyle that's required, but more an understanding of what, you the homeowner, can do to help..... and, IT IS NOT NEGLIGIBLE.
It was suggested that if everyone in say the UK just changed 5 household products from their usual brands to eco-friendly ones the difference would be huge.
Other steps like low flow shower heads, dual flush loos, repairing leaky faucets, installing more ceiling fans, using a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water..... none of these will run your budget into the red or be beyond the average household capacity.
If you are ever in a position to undertake a major home renovation or build a new house - do watch that TV show - yes, there is a lot of info on the internet, but the TV series will show things in context and also many different applications and ideas that can be adapted. Just Google to find the TV show.
For that matter, you can even get ideas from it for smaller budgets.
The good news is that whatever you do choose it will make a contribution to a cleaner planet and, especially in regard to energy efficiency choices you will significantly reduce your utility bills and the consumption of fossil fuels.
The TV series mainly showed major renovations or new homes in which the owners made significant attempts to "go green". Most folks are not in the position - they already have a home, and most likely a hefty mortgage that may preclude incorporating the changes and ideas promoted by the TV show.
However, the need for greening your home and garden is an imperative for all - and so the impact of even simple, small steps can have a real impact.
Just imagine if all homes in the USA converted their light bulbs from incandescent to compact fluorescent ones - not only are they energy-smart, using about 70% less energy, they last up to ten times longer.
Such a small step could have huge impact because of the sheer volume! And, then there is the ripple effect - less energy used - less fossil fuels consumed - less carbon emissions from power stations - and, BINGO! - cleaner air.
And, the cost is not really greater than the usual light bulb replacement - so your pocketbook is saved.
Now imagine if everyone also made a serious attempt at recycling - green materials to the compost heap, keeping electronics out of the trash bin, glass and plastics into recycle bins..... yes, it is a bit of a pain.... but it is not a total change of lifestyle that's required, but more an understanding of what, you the homeowner, can do to help..... and, IT IS NOT NEGLIGIBLE.
It was suggested that if everyone in say the UK just changed 5 household products from their usual brands to eco-friendly ones the difference would be huge.
Other steps like low flow shower heads, dual flush loos, repairing leaky faucets, installing more ceiling fans, using a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water..... none of these will run your budget into the red or be beyond the average household capacity.
If you are ever in a position to undertake a major home renovation or build a new house - do watch that TV show - yes, there is a lot of info on the internet, but the TV series will show things in context and also many different applications and ideas that can be adapted. Just Google to find the TV show.
For that matter, you can even get ideas from it for smaller budgets.
The good news is that whatever you do choose it will make a contribution to a cleaner planet and, especially in regard to energy efficiency choices you will significantly reduce your utility bills and the consumption of fossil fuels.
Useful Home and Garden Makeover Ideas
Gardening experts give practical and useful home and garden tips online or on TV shows which are very instructive. Incorporate their ideas and suggestions to give your garden a face-lift. Several factors go into creating a beautiful garden. While the size is not very important, proper placement of plants, pathways and garden furniture all combine to create a beautiful garden.
Remember to follow these simple instructions
Prepare the soil before you bring in plants and vegetable seedlings. Clean out the garden and use lawn clippings, branches and leaves by renting a shredder and re-use this as fertilizer for your lawn. Make a compost pile in one sunny corner of your yard. Make sure to place a layer of soil over your leaf and waste products. Check out how much sun or shade is required for a plant by reading instructions on tags when they are bought. Select the right spot and make your soil bed. Remember, it is not necessary to dig too deep as this can choke a plant or create root rot. If a tree is to be planted, remember to leave a clear area all around for the future.
Care for your plants with the right fertilizers
A useful home and garden tip is to plant the best of the lot from a vantage point so that when one looks from a particular window in the living or dining room, they have a lovely view of the garden. A vegetable patch could grow in the backyard while a beautiful Japanese maple could lend an aura of beauty when viewed from the patio or the dining room. Create a pathway from the entrance of your home to the driveway and plant shrubs and flowering trees on both sides.
Create a landscape with a collection of a few plants and rocks and place an ornamental statue to highlight a particular area. Protect your plants from deer and rabbits that can destroy your garden. Plant nectar-fresh flowers to attract pretty butterflies and hummingbirds. Hang a few feeders outside your solarium if you have one and watch the birds feed.
Points to consider when creating a garden
Think ahead. Do not plant trees and shrubs that will outgrow your garden space and look crowded. Make sure you buy plants and flowers that are seasonal and are contained in the space provided for them. Use these useful home and garden tips to advantage and sit back and watch that garden grow!
Remember to follow these simple instructions
Prepare the soil before you bring in plants and vegetable seedlings. Clean out the garden and use lawn clippings, branches and leaves by renting a shredder and re-use this as fertilizer for your lawn. Make a compost pile in one sunny corner of your yard. Make sure to place a layer of soil over your leaf and waste products. Check out how much sun or shade is required for a plant by reading instructions on tags when they are bought. Select the right spot and make your soil bed. Remember, it is not necessary to dig too deep as this can choke a plant or create root rot. If a tree is to be planted, remember to leave a clear area all around for the future.
Care for your plants with the right fertilizers
A useful home and garden tip is to plant the best of the lot from a vantage point so that when one looks from a particular window in the living or dining room, they have a lovely view of the garden. A vegetable patch could grow in the backyard while a beautiful Japanese maple could lend an aura of beauty when viewed from the patio or the dining room. Create a pathway from the entrance of your home to the driveway and plant shrubs and flowering trees on both sides.
Create a landscape with a collection of a few plants and rocks and place an ornamental statue to highlight a particular area. Protect your plants from deer and rabbits that can destroy your garden. Plant nectar-fresh flowers to attract pretty butterflies and hummingbirds. Hang a few feeders outside your solarium if you have one and watch the birds feed.
Points to consider when creating a garden
Think ahead. Do not plant trees and shrubs that will outgrow your garden space and look crowded. Make sure you buy plants and flowers that are seasonal and are contained in the space provided for them. Use these useful home and garden tips to advantage and sit back and watch that garden grow!
Create a Comfortable Home and Garden
Do you look in magazines and see homes and gardens that are simply exquisite? Are you wondering about how you could make your yard and home décor look a little better? Fortunately, it is not that difficult to design a look for your home and garden décor. In fact, when you use the assistance of online stores like Online Discount Mart you will find everything you need to make your plan a reality.
The great thing about shopping online is that you can save a lot of money. What you need to do first is sit down and make a plan. If you want your garden to have fountains and hammocks or if you would prefer stones and garden furniture it is up to you. What you do have to do is complete a design that looks good and incorporates your home and garden's best elements. So, focus on what you want to play up and the areas you want to play down. Once you have identified all these areas and have an idea of what you want then you may begin purchasing the necessary items to complete the look.
For example, you may decide that you want beautiful wicker patio furniture. Once you decide on this then you need to come up with ways to play up the new outdoor furniture. This includes buying new potted plants to create a beautiful area in your garden. You can plant grass and other flowers so that they will bloom in the spring and summer and look beautiful. Consider the colors you want to plant and the way they will look with your new furniture. Creating an overall design is the idea here.
And, the same goes for the interior of your home. Focus on creating a special place. Buy rich fabrics and paint the walls rich colors that will match. You should look through magazines and find rooms that you like. Notice the colors, fabrics, and arrangement of furniture. Try and figure out how you could copy a particular look all the while staying on your budget. Many times you can find used furniture that will work great and save some money not to mention painting yourself in order to save money. When you do things on your own it is amazing how much money you can save. When you use these ideas in no time you will have created a special place in your home and garden that is not only comfortably but beautiful as well!
The great thing about shopping online is that you can save a lot of money. What you need to do first is sit down and make a plan. If you want your garden to have fountains and hammocks or if you would prefer stones and garden furniture it is up to you. What you do have to do is complete a design that looks good and incorporates your home and garden's best elements. So, focus on what you want to play up and the areas you want to play down. Once you have identified all these areas and have an idea of what you want then you may begin purchasing the necessary items to complete the look.
For example, you may decide that you want beautiful wicker patio furniture. Once you decide on this then you need to come up with ways to play up the new outdoor furniture. This includes buying new potted plants to create a beautiful area in your garden. You can plant grass and other flowers so that they will bloom in the spring and summer and look beautiful. Consider the colors you want to plant and the way they will look with your new furniture. Creating an overall design is the idea here.
And, the same goes for the interior of your home. Focus on creating a special place. Buy rich fabrics and paint the walls rich colors that will match. You should look through magazines and find rooms that you like. Notice the colors, fabrics, and arrangement of furniture. Try and figure out how you could copy a particular look all the while staying on your budget. Many times you can find used furniture that will work great and save some money not to mention painting yourself in order to save money. When you do things on your own it is amazing how much money you can save. When you use these ideas in no time you will have created a special place in your home and garden that is not only comfortably but beautiful as well!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Home And Garden Decorating
Decorating is most often done upon moving into a home whether it is purchased new or already established but it can also be done whenever the mood hits or one has outgrown a particular design. When decorating or re-decorating a room, the first question that should be asked is: What is the purpose of this space?
The purpose of a space may not simply be a functional purpose, it might also be what feeling or mood the room should emit. For example, the purpose of a dining room might be to provide a place to gather and eat a meal. This is true. But, the purpose might also be to make the extended family feel welcome and inspire conversation. Or the purpose of a bedroom might be to provide a place to sleep, but it might also be to provide a peaceful sanctuary from the hassles of everyday life. The secondary purpose of a room may vary
once the purpose of the room is decided; the next step is to find the pieces of furniture and accessories that will match that purpose. However, if the piece is made of synthetic materials, has a very unorthodox shape or color and is real cheap (or worse, way over-priced), it is probably not worth the money. One or two pieces such as this may be a fun and whimsical addition to a room--they can be traded out at any time--but an entire room like this will have to be redone sooner than later. Investing in quality pieces will save time and money and offer a higher resale price when changing them out.
The garden themes can be changed seasonally and the pieces can be stored in a dry place and reused in the following cycle of the seasons. A very practical way in curbing your expense, yet offer a periodic changed look.
A good place to find various types of these home and garden items that are theme oriented on the internet is at Family-eStore.com. They offer a good selection of items or gifts for you or for you to buy for someone else, to help you or your friends to decorate or redecorate with. They also offer very competitive pricing and you will also have a good feeling in helping someone else because they donate 10% of all their sales to various charities.
The purpose of a space may not simply be a functional purpose, it might also be what feeling or mood the room should emit. For example, the purpose of a dining room might be to provide a place to gather and eat a meal. This is true. But, the purpose might also be to make the extended family feel welcome and inspire conversation. Or the purpose of a bedroom might be to provide a place to sleep, but it might also be to provide a peaceful sanctuary from the hassles of everyday life. The secondary purpose of a room may vary
once the purpose of the room is decided; the next step is to find the pieces of furniture and accessories that will match that purpose. However, if the piece is made of synthetic materials, has a very unorthodox shape or color and is real cheap (or worse, way over-priced), it is probably not worth the money. One or two pieces such as this may be a fun and whimsical addition to a room--they can be traded out at any time--but an entire room like this will have to be redone sooner than later. Investing in quality pieces will save time and money and offer a higher resale price when changing them out.
The garden themes can be changed seasonally and the pieces can be stored in a dry place and reused in the following cycle of the seasons. A very practical way in curbing your expense, yet offer a periodic changed look.
A good place to find various types of these home and garden items that are theme oriented on the internet is at Family-eStore.com. They offer a good selection of items or gifts for you or for you to buy for someone else, to help you or your friends to decorate or redecorate with. They also offer very competitive pricing and you will also have a good feeling in helping someone else because they donate 10% of all their sales to various charities.
Planters Accent Your Home and Garden
The right planter in the right setting brings style, function and beauty to any indoor room or outdoor location. Planters can be used as a unique focal point or a graceful accent in any garden, patio, porch or room. The secret is finding the perfect planter - one that reflects the owner's personality and surroundings while maintaining lasting durability.
Planters come in a large variety of shapes, sizes, designs, materials and price points, which makes some planters a better choice than others. In today's market, the unlimited assortment can also create unlimited indecision. Knowing a few useful tips can simplify the decision-making process and help consumers purchase plantersthat will bring years of pleasure.
Considerations Before Purchasing A Planter
o Location (shade, sun, extreme weather)
o Maneuverability
o Size, Shape, Style, Color, Finish, Texture
o Drainage Hole and/or Self-Watering Options
o Durability & Longevity
o Artistic/Decorative Impact
o Reflect Personality of Owner/Home/Surroundings
o Materials (Learn the advantages and disadvantages of planter materials such as clay, terracotta, concrete, metal, wood, resin, fiberglass, etc.)
o Storage Concerns
A great way to get started is to purchase a matching set of various sized planters ranging from three, five or seven in total. Five containers used in a corner of a patio will help define your entertainment space. This grouped planter display can provide privacy and help tie in your overall outdoor living area. Don't be afraid of using bright and vivid containers such as oranges, iridescent blues and reds. These colors can help liven up outdoor spaces.
Combining plants is a fun part of container gardening. Try mixing and matching different plants such as annuals, tropicals, perennials, trees, shrubs, vines and vegetables. Before planting, arrange the new plants in or around your container while they are still in their small pots to see how they fit best. A good rule of thumb is to plant the tallest upright foliage plant in the center. Next, plant the shorter and more compact flowering plant to the side of the center, near the edge of the planter. Leave enough space between these plants to allow for growth. Finally, place plants with trailing or semi-trailing growth habits around the planters' outer edges leaving enough space for adequate spreading and trailing.
A word of caution: Also remove new plants from their nursery pots with care. Never remove them by pulling on their tender stems. Gently loosen or untangle the bottom inch of each plant's roots before carefully spreading them out in your planter. This helps give young plants a better start. Additional potting mix can be added to ensure the soil covers the roots of each plant. When your planting is finished, the soil should be at least an inch below the rim of the container.
Planters come in a large variety of shapes, sizes, designs, materials and price points, which makes some planters a better choice than others. In today's market, the unlimited assortment can also create unlimited indecision. Knowing a few useful tips can simplify the decision-making process and help consumers purchase plantersthat will bring years of pleasure.
Considerations Before Purchasing A Planter
o Location (shade, sun, extreme weather)
o Maneuverability
o Size, Shape, Style, Color, Finish, Texture
o Drainage Hole and/or Self-Watering Options
o Durability & Longevity
o Artistic/Decorative Impact
o Reflect Personality of Owner/Home/Surroundings
o Materials (Learn the advantages and disadvantages of planter materials such as clay, terracotta, concrete, metal, wood, resin, fiberglass, etc.)
o Storage Concerns
A great way to get started is to purchase a matching set of various sized planters ranging from three, five or seven in total. Five containers used in a corner of a patio will help define your entertainment space. This grouped planter display can provide privacy and help tie in your overall outdoor living area. Don't be afraid of using bright and vivid containers such as oranges, iridescent blues and reds. These colors can help liven up outdoor spaces.
Combining plants is a fun part of container gardening. Try mixing and matching different plants such as annuals, tropicals, perennials, trees, shrubs, vines and vegetables. Before planting, arrange the new plants in or around your container while they are still in their small pots to see how they fit best. A good rule of thumb is to plant the tallest upright foliage plant in the center. Next, plant the shorter and more compact flowering plant to the side of the center, near the edge of the planter. Leave enough space between these plants to allow for growth. Finally, place plants with trailing or semi-trailing growth habits around the planters' outer edges leaving enough space for adequate spreading and trailing.
A word of caution: Also remove new plants from their nursery pots with care. Never remove them by pulling on their tender stems. Gently loosen or untangle the bottom inch of each plant's roots before carefully spreading them out in your planter. This helps give young plants a better start. Additional potting mix can be added to ensure the soil covers the roots of each plant. When your planting is finished, the soil should be at least an inch below the rim of the container.
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