Thursday 9 February 2012

Two Great Garden Landscaping Ideas


In most places, gardens can be incorporated in lawns. As usual, the gardener finds an open patch of space and grows the garden foliage there. However, a garden could be placed anywhere, aside from a loan.

Take for example a small, unused backyard swimming pool. A great garden landscaping idea would be to convert it into a sunken patio surrounded by vegetation.

It would be a good idea to create levels in the design. In small areas, this is quite useful because it give the illusion of more space. The pool's steps could be used to as a guide to determine the level. In our example, the floor level of the patio can be set at the second step. The steps themselves can be covered with flagstone so they would have a more natural feel.

For this garden landscaping idea, the floor could be made out of red bricks. The walls of the pool starting at the first step could be lined up with vertical flagstones that act as barriers to hold the garden soil in.

Flagstones can also be placed at selected areas at the lip of the pool, particularly the corner. When the mortar holding the stones is dry, the inside can then be filled up with garden soil for the plants.

Finally, to cap off this unusual garden landscaping idea would be to install an outdoor fireplace in one side of the converted pool. Fireplaces are great if the person wants to relax outside for a night picnic.

Another creative garden landscaping idea is to make a place that is attractive to birds. The view of visiting birds hovering above a garden lets viewers enjoy a wonderful sight.

Since many species of birds love fruits, planting fruit trees will surely draw birds in the area. Also, many fruits give off pleasant scents that will make the air fresh and fragrant.

A gardener can also install a birdbath in the garden. Birdbaths look like decorative basins on a pedestal in the middle of a garden. Birdbaths provide birds with water to drink. It is important to replace the water quite often to make sure that it is safe for the creatures to drink.

A nice touch would be to put bird swings on trees and other structures. It allows birds to perch and rest. It's very simple to construct. Just tie two long pieces of strings at each end of a twig or stick. Then tie the other ends on the branches of trees or protruding parts of structures in the garden.

These are just two unique garden landscaping ideas. A lot more could be found on the internet or garden magazines. With a touch of creativity, a person could transform an otherwise typical or unused place into a stunning garden.

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Thursday 2 February 2012

Gardening Ideas and Landscape Rocks


Gardening ideas and Landscape rocks can be your best joined tools for a great creation that is far more easy to accomplish than you ever thought. There are now ways to create your own customized landscape rocks to fit perfectly into any gardening project.

Gardening has always been a personal project for every lawn lover and injecting your own personal touches is what gives each landscape idea a visual effect for all to see. Now that there are newly discovered ways to easily apply your own landscape rocks and boulders into your gardening plans, you simply must learn how this is done.

Landscaping ideas have always yearned for rocks and boulders to be incorporated into each landscape design, but the obvious extra expense and the heavy moving obstacles have often caused the crowning touches to be omitted altogether.

Before you begin your next backyard or any outdoor project, you owe it to yourself to find out about how to make your own artificial rocks and boulders for a cheap but highly personal touch to take your landscaping ideas to a all time high.

Artificial rocks and boulders can be used to blend waterfalls or babbling brooks into a pristine setting in any backyard. You decide how many rocks, how big the rocks, and where each rock should go. It's like leading an orchestra in your own backyard. Just design, select the right amount and right size rocks and boulders and your mental gardening design can come to life!

Gardening ideas have no limits and with the ability to add rocks and boulders for next to nothing in cost, the possibilities are virtually endless.

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http://ezinearticles.com/?Gardening-Ideas-and-Landscape-Rocks&id=2491484

Thursday 26 January 2012

5 Water Garden Landscaping Ideas


Water gardens are not a modern garden landscaping technique like many people believe. These originated centuries ago in the Middle East and over the years have promoted themselves as a beautiful and peaceful addition to a house.

Homeowners take pride in decorating their home both inside and out. Such gardens not only increase the value of the property but also add a scenic and calm look to the overall landscape. This article will focus on some garden landscaping ideas related to water gardening that homeowners can apply to beautify their landscape.

1. Aquatic Plants - Beauty with Fragrance:

A common design that many people incorporate in their gardens are aquatic plants. Hard lilies and tropical lilies are generally the top pick. Both come in different colors and sizes and grace a water garden with their beauty and fragrance. One thing to note though is that tropical lilies only thrive in conditions where the temperature is below eighty degrees. Another thing unique about tropical lilies is that unlike most flowers these bloom at night instead of early morning hence why people choose them eagerly for their water garden.

2. Floating Plants - Appealing and Artistic:

In addition to aquatic plants, floating plants make for a very appealing and artistic water garden. These plants sit on top of the water with their roots hidden well below the water's surface. They are instrumental in reducing algae due to the extra shade they provide. They are also prone to extreme weather conditions like any other plant. Therefore it is best to consider the climate and local weather before investing in them.

3. Gold Fish - An Inexpensive Option:

Many people prefer to populate their water garden with fish. Goldfish is the ideal choice. They are fairly inexpensive and come in a variety of colors and types. They also have the great ability to adapt well to extreme climates. However, the decision to include fish should be taken before the water garden can be designed because fish require deeper water to survive than aquatic plants.

4. Koi Ponds - Popular But Costly:

Koi ponds are very popular in garden landscaping, but take up a large space because the koi fish itself is quite large. This makes for a very costly Japanese garden look. Koi fish do need to be feed regularly as they cannot survive solely on the surrounding environment. People typically install automated feeders in the water garden for this purpose.

5. Waterwheel - Breathtaking Atmosphere:

A waterwheel can single-handedly take water garden landscaping to a whole new level. It will add melodious, soothing sound of falling water to a garden scheme while feeding a rock-lined stream set in a perfect stretch of turf. It is a costly venture, but the final product is well worth it.

The landscaping for this garden's demand great care and attention and if designed and maintained properly, water gardens can enhance the look of the entire house and also make outdoor activities more enjoyable and memorable.

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Thursday 19 January 2012

Landscaping Ideas for Japanese Garden - How to Choose?


Ever entertained the idea of having a Japanese garden as part of your landscape? If you're going for unique and simple designs, you need to start looking over Japanese garden landscaping ideas as that's what they are known for. You'll sure be the talk of your neighborhood for the simplicity and beauty of your landscape design.

One thing you have to understand about the Japanese culture is that they highly esteem nature. And this respect for nature is reflective of their arts which includes landscaping. Thus, if you want a Japanese style landscaping, you'd have to incorporate the simple details found in nature that's overlooked most of the time.

There are some basic things to keep in mind in planning a Japanese garden landscape. Below, we discuss in details these things to guide you in your endeavor.

Garden Styles

When you talk about Japanese gardens, you have to be more specific. There are generally three types of Japanese gardens, namely: Tsukiyama, Chaniwa and Karasensui gardens. These three types of gardens reflect different styles and approach. And you would have to choose based on the style you want to incorporate in your landscape.

For example, a Tsukiyama garden would reflect nature in its beauty. With this style you'd have to use ponds, flowers, foot paths, hills and other accents like bridges to copy a natural scenery. On the other hand, a Karasensui garden is a very minimal approach since you'll be using elemental things such as gravels and boulders to represent nature in an abstract way. And a Chaniwa garden is mostly used for tea ceremony. Thus you'll have a foot path or stepping stones leading to a tea house.

Trees and Plants

Since a Japanese design is very particular in its natural elements, you have to give ample consideration into what trees and plants you're going to use to achieve a specific look for your landscape.

Some of the used plants for a Japanese landscape are maple trees which happens the favorite for most westerners because of its flaming red leaves. Other plants which you can have are bonsai, mosses and creepers. Bonsai would fit in just about any Japanese designed landscape. Mosses and creepers would make sculpture and stone steps a very natural look.

Accents and Fixtures

Most Japanese garden landscaping ideas would have a water feature as a focal point for the whole landscape. You can have a koi pond, an artificial stream or maybe even a fountain. It is believed that the simple sound of splashing or dripping water can induce relaxation and meditation. That's why it is incorporated in most Japanese garden.

Aside from a water feature, you also need to add some embellishments to the landscape. A good addition would be sculptures or an artificial mound. Other accents would include Japanese lanterns, pagodas and screens. You can find these stuff in any Japanese gardening supplier in your area.

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http://ezinearticles.com/?Landscaping-Ideas-for-Japanese-Garden---How-to-Choose?&id=6301136

Thursday 12 January 2012

Gardening and Landscaping Ideas to Turn Your Backyard Into Your Perfect View


Having a garden at home can bring about many benefits. The most obvious benefit is that it makes the surroundings beautiful. In addition, if you have a vegetable garden, you can save money and you get to enjoy organic vegetables. Many fitness experts say that gardening can burn a lot of calories. Moreover, many health gurus believe that working with the soil has a lot of heath benefits. There are many gardening and landscaping ideas for those who wish to enjoy the benefits of your backyards.

Gardening

Gardens can be categorized in several categories. The kinds of plants in the garden can create its own theme. For instance you can have a flower or vegetable garden, rose garden, organic garden and many more. They are also inspired by some countries most notably are Chinese, Japanese, and English gardens. Other kinds are the indoor garden, French Landscape garden, hanging garden, water garden, hedge maze garden and so on.

The different kinds of gardens can help individuals come up with gardening and landscaping ideas. After deciding on the kinds of garden you want, you can start planning and designing your own garden. Many garden experts suggest that you pick a garden design which can be easily rearranged to suit the season. The location and the size of your garden will also be a factor you need to consider.

Landscaping

Landscaping is an important part of gardening. Gardening and landscaping go hand in hand. In order to have a stunning backyard, you need to do a little bit of landscaping. Landscaping includes the modification of the natural plants in the area, the landform and adding fences and other structures. There are several landscaping ideas which have become popular in the 21st century. They are usually divided into two categories: landscaping trends in relation to outdoor living and eco-friendly trends.

Landscaping trends which pertains to outdoor living are also divided into several types. Low-maintenance landscaping is one of the popular types because most people these days are very busy. These days, people are also removing the grass on their lawns and planting drought-tolerant shrubs instead. This kind of landscaping is known as the anti-lawn movement. Water landscaping is also becoming popular because of the soothing effect it has on people.

Eco-friendly trends in landscaping have become popular due in part to global warming. One of the good gardening and landscaping trends these days is the use of organic products or materials to kill weeds instead of chemical fertilizers. The use of recycled materials in the garden is also encouraged by many gardeners. Going native is also a good idea. This means that you should pick plants which are native to your area instead of invasive ones.

These are more gardening and landscaping ideas you can choose from. You easily find many magazines and books which can help you design your backyard. There are also online resources which features different kinds of gardens. Making and designing your own backyard haven and relaxation area is a fun activity and it has a lot of benefits, so start your own garden now.

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http://ezinearticles.com/?Gardening-and-Landscaping-Ideas-to-Turn-Your-Backyard-Into-Your-Perfect-View&id=5912713

Thursday 15 December 2011

5 Great Backyard Landscaping Ideas to Green Your Garden


Dare to be different with some fresh backyard landscaping ideas. Backyard landscaping ideas are legion, and can be used to transform a common old block of land into something quite marvelous.

Backyard Landscaping Ideas 1 - Spanish Style Vertical Garden

A vertical garden will really make your backyard landscaping ideas come to life. Now you can look at a blank wall as if you are an artist about to create a work of art. The blank wall is your blank canvas you will transform into a beautiful living picture of pots and flowering plants that can change into a riot of color all years round.

Spanish style flower's pot holders are available that are specially designed to carry plastic or terracotta pots or even wicker work conical baskets. Spanish style flower's pot holders will give a real flavour of the Mediterranean. Spanish style flower's pot holders are inspired by the narrow, winding alleyways of Southern Spain.

The Best of Spanish style flower's pot holders:

* Strong (being made of mild steel and last for years)
* Available in different sizes
* Simple and easy to handle

Backyard Landscaping Ideas 2 - Feng Shui Style Garden

In Chinese gardens feng shui is an underlying factor throughout many Chinese gardens. Feng Shui garden landscape designs mostly incorporate mountain (Shan) and water (Shui) energy since the basic of Chinese gardens originated from the art form called Shan Shui, meaning mountain-water

Mountain energy symbolizes good health, harmony and stability. It is yang, strong, hard, tall and vertical. One can identify this energy in actual mountains, higher terrain and mounds. Virtual mountain energy can be realized in boulders, raised planting beds and walls.

Backyard Landscaping Ideas 3 - Patio Backyard Design.

There are three type of Patio Backyard Design - Open patios, patios that are enclosed and patio that is placed right outside or connected right your home. Open patio utilized your home's outdoor space by decorating it with different materials and with furniture whereas in closed patio basically use walls commonly glasses wall or sliding wall. The last one of patio design ideas - patio that is placed right outside or connected right your home. The good thing about this patio design is you can easily transfer inside your home then to your patio and vice versa since it is very accessible.

Backyard Landscaping Ideas 4 - Japanese Backyard Garden

Japanese water gardens are popularly called as koi ponds. Before building these gardens you should think about the material to be used for building them. Some of the great building elements which can help you in designing a pleasant natural garden are Bamboo screens, high stone walls and weathered wood. Other than that, you can choose miniature gardening which include bonsai tree and water elements (ponds).

Backyard Landscaping Ideas 5 - Foliage Garden

Foliage Garden is the flowerless garden. Do you realize that flowers aren't the only things that can bring color to your backyard? People always talk about the rose garden, the dahlia bed, the wildflower meadow when they thinks about garden but they ever seems to talk much about the leaves. But, if you look back at the woodland garden in summer, no flowers, there are only ferns and heuchera and other leafy things. The fact is Foliage garden can be beautiful alternative of garden which consist of flower.

Once you have your backyard landscape ideas you can start making a plan on how to achieve your backyard goal.

Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/6164636