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Archive for October, 2009

Cottage gardens associated with the English countryside are known for their colorful, informal, relaxed landscape and surroundings.Today many cottage style collectors are after a more folksy look and hunt for garden collectibles and accessories which are charming, practical and perhaps a bit quirky. Found objects which are rusty, flaky, crackled, worn, chipped and weathered are preferred over newer manufactured items.Once you start playing with ideas, it is actually quite easy to find a great deal of objects which can be used as planters, flower boxes and outdoor decorative items. For example, old kettles, wood soda crates, old wash tubs, oversized ceramic bowls are all wonderful basins or containers for plants and flowers.Because cottage style is all about re-cycling and re-purposing what you have look around your kitchen and in your storage areas for "orphaned" kitchen and house-wares which can be put to use in your sunroom, on your deck or patio. An enamelware coffee pot that has lost its top looks adorable with a hanging plant. Pyrex casseroles make sweet bases for "dish garden".Color and pattern is a fun way to organize collections.Reds (geraniums) go well with green, turquoise, yellow accessories etc. Roses look gorgeous in hand painted floral themed .. more »

Creating a beautiful backyard landscape or garden can provide hours of enjoyment and relaxation. A lovely garden is the perfect spot to relax after a tough day at the office or during the Spring and Summer months. Many people believe that a green thumb cannot be obtained and fear that they kill everything they plant. Or, they think that once they landscape their yard, it will be overrun with weeds and wild animals. Fortunately, there are resources for those with less than stellar gardening track records.Research Your GardenThe key to owning a vibrant patch of green is to do your homework. Find out which types of plants are best suited to the environment where you live. This includes understanding how much light and water they need, as well as knowing what the soil in your yard can support. Certain plants function better during cold winter months with little sunlight; others need practically around the clock care. If you love perennials but have no idea how to keep flowers alive, consider alternatives such as blooming cacti or shrubs that require less care but still look great.Start SmallInstead of revamping your entire yard, try a few key locations that you feel confident .. more »