Tag Archives: Garden

Cool Ideas for a Family-Friendly Backyard

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As cold and harsh weather gives way to soothing spring temperatures, we feel the magnetic pull of the outside world. The rejuvenating greenery of grass and trees is always there to greet us, but why not go the extra mile? No matter how big or small the yard is there is most likely a way to transform this outdoor space into a family oasis infused with homey comfort. This is an opportunity to achieve an active lifestyle brimming with utter fun and joy.

A central stage

The first thing to consider is how you want to utilize the space. Also, you have to ask yourself how many people will use it and how often. That should give you an idea about the features to be included. They can encompass everything from a fireplace and a dining area to a cocktail patio. Just note that strangely-shaped backyards provide special challenges in design. Hence, it is of the utmost importance to plan ahead of time.

A spacious patio is a must-have. It makes large family gatherings possible and establishes a seamless connection between interior and the backyard. A massive fireplace with a mural is a perfect focal point, making it a spot where one can unwind and melt the stress away after a long day. On the other hand, there is no need to spend a truckload of money on décor. Get your creative juices flowing and take on exciting DIY projects.

Make sure to invest in outdoor furniture sets to provide comfortable seating. Of course, weather-resistant pieces are highly recommended when putting together a durable outdoor area. The weather, though, is not the only natural enemy. I had to rely on professional services to identify potential timber damage as well as the presence of pests such as termites in furniture and decks.

Child’s play

Furthermore, create a space for kids. It might be a good idea to section it off with screens made from lattice fencing attached to posts. A row of brightly-colored plants like sunflowers can play the same role and add playful charm to the space. Likewise, there are many landscaping tricks to separate spaces within the yard. For instance, beds planted with tall plants and evergreen serve as handy natural borders and dividers.

A playhouse or a tree house could be just what the children need. Still, if you opt for plastic playing equipment, try to introduce more of the natural presence around. A sandbox is a nice addition as it can be converted into a raised vegetable garden. Vegetables always bring benefits for the family as they invite them to plant, tend, and harvest together. Oh, and do not forget to plant a plenty of grass for a soft surface for outdoor activities and sports.

Footloose and fancy-free

Once the kids have a place to enjoy their escapades, turn the attention to the set-apart space reserved for adults. A game room or pavilion is a chance to engage in favorite activities while the breeze fondles you. A waterproof pool table is a common sight in many entertainment areas, and curtains can be utilized to protect the players from the elements. A daybed positioned between container planters, on the other hand, is the perfect place to recharge the batteries.

Outdoor lighting allows everyone to stay outdoors even as the night beckons and snuggles the yard. It keeps the party going and ensures the much-needed functionality. What is more, it highlights landscaping and architectural features. Feel free to follow your taste. Lighting is the final piece of the puzzle you’ll need to assemble a backyard family refuge where you can curl up together and spend some quality time.

Make the magic happen

A magical backyard sanctuary brings the family closer together. In order to make the most of it, strive to summon a homelike atmosphere and give everyone something to enjoy. A hangout spot is paramount, but so are secluded areas for a more private chilling out. So, get inspired and roll up your sleeves. Merge prime functionality with swell aesthetics and immerse in the great outdoors with your family members for months to come.

Artificial Hanging Plants – The Bliss Of Beauty For Your Corporate Spaces

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You may have mastered the art of organizing natural beauty in your thoughts but when it comes to incorporating them in reality, you may find it harder to walk the walk. There are plenty of options with trees, shrubs and bushes to add to your commercial space, parks or resorts and having the right kind of plant is also essential. With real ones, you have to face the drama of choosing the right ones that would go with the climate, the season and what not, which is why artificial plants are your best friend when it comes to easy interior and exterior landscaping.

Faux plants – the right pick for me?

Yes, artificial plants are not the same as real ones, but they have tons of advantage over the real lot, like-

  • With real plants you need a certain photoperiod or light time to help them grow, with these babies you won’t have to worry about that a bit.
  • They don’t make a mess. Neither do they shed leaves not do they wilt out. They will not suffer from water damage or mold either. They do not attract insects as they lack phytohormones.
  • The up-keeping is at an all-time low. You don’t have to prune water or use pesticide. You don’t need to worry about weeds either, so they are very low maintenance.

Getting a better deal than this is getting actual plants which will obviously cost you more time and money and may not give you the desired result even after all the effort. So why go all the way, when you can make sure your commercial space looks as incredible as it would with a hint of green it so deserves, when you can get your hands on these.

But, what about longevity?

Well, these artificial floral arrangements might or might not outlive you, but there are very few things on earth that are fire resistant and these thermaleaf artificial plants are one of them. These beauties come with a foam base with silk polyester leaves and the entire foliage is fire retardant. You get quite a few options with Commercial Silk artificial hanging plants including Peace Lily, Bougainvillea and Grape Ivy. They also come in a variety of sizes and you may take you pick on what suits best. You can go for a variety of planters and different sizes as well. As said earlier, they are made from fire retardant material and hence can’t be damaged in a fire, so every penny you invest in these will be worth it.

Faux flowers, artificial trees,

Mix‘em up!

So now that you have your “why” answered, you might start getting bright ideas on how to incorporate them in your desired décor. You can either go for “all faux” or mix’em up a bit. Landscape decorators generally tend to mix and match faux plants with their real counterparts or other real plant species while carrying out exterior landscaping. These plants can take the rain, the scorching heat better than any other, so if you choose to have these hanging faux plants up on the exterior wall of your corporate office, theme parks, hotels or any other commercial space go for it. They are meant to add to the interior and exterior beauty of any space of your choice. The fact that they won’t dry up, or shed leaves or grow randomly is exactly why you should have them in open areas as well as closed spaces.

How will my commercial décor be unique?

Worried if you have the same stereotypic mall, waterpark or hospital décor? Well, Commercial Silk can definitely help with that. Apart from all the added benefits like low maintenance, high quality silk polyester material, thermaleaf property and durability another added feature is that you get to customize your own foliage. Yes, if you don’t wish to have the same faux flower arrangement as mentioned you can always order a set of the same hanging pattern with different flowers and sizes as well, this will ensure your décor idea remains as unique as you.

What do the real plants fall short of here?

Apart from the fact that they shed leaves, dry up, wilt out, get infected, have occasional molding issues, real plants have less variety when it comes to hanging plants. Ledge plants generally when real come in a certain size, now this may not serve your purpose well, apart from that they need only a certain light time and since the probability of you having them hung outside on the ledge of your corporate office is more they have high chances of drying out and dying sooner. With artificial hanging plants you need not worry about such instances, you can have then hung in interior walls separating several sections in malls, restaurants, hotels, theme parks or resorts. They bring with them the exotic feel all year round and will live indefinitely as they will neither grow nor die.

Let money do the talking!

Yes, a one time investment will cost you more than real plants, but then you won’t have to replace these because of natural causes either. All you have to do is pick the right ones and you can have the landscapers configure them in no time. Give your commercial space the makeover it deserves with these realistic looking hanging Ivies, Bougainvillea and Peace Lilies. Also you don’t need to add the maintenance cost on top of all this as it requires only a dust off from time to time and the best part is if you wish to have a new décor you can always pack them up and store them away until you need them again for a fresh look.

Description:

Bring a breath of fresh air with these picturesque beauties in you commercial space. Built with fire retardant material these hanging faux plants require very little maintenance but draws a lot of attention to the space they live in.

Content of this article provided/copyrighted and used with permission by: http://www.commercialsilk.com/

Please stop by the above links for a great resource for silk plants for your home or office.

 

 

 

 

How To Prep Your Garden For Cold Winter Months

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Having a nice and healthy garden requires certain effort on your part, especially when colder months are as good as here. Of course, your outdoor garden has to get proper sleep so that it can flourish during the spring season. With some changes and a little bit of work, you’ll give your lovely garden perfect conditions for quality winter sleep. So, if you’re unsure about the basic needs of your plants and trees during this cold period, keep on reading.

image-5Some cutting is necessary

Take a good look at your plants and bushes. There will undoubtedly be some dry foliage and stems. It’s very important to cut those back so that you can avoid further decomposition. Also, make sure to collect all the seeds that plants have to offer for the following season.

Remove the weeds

Any type of weed and debris should be removed from the plants’ surroundings before the ground gets too hard. This will allow them to get enough nutrients even during the winter months so that they can look healthy in spring. Also, weeds and debris can attract different pests, so your garden will definitely benefit with them gone.

Add organic compost

With dead plant debris, leaves and other organic waste you can make your own effective and protective compost soil that will keep the plants warm and provide them with nutrients. Make sure to add an extra layer of protective soil once the ground hardens completely. Snow will act as a good protective layer from the cold, but you also need this alternative since you cannot count on snow throughout the whole winter.

image-2Protect the trees

Trees also need adequate protection during winter months. Make sure to add tree-guard products. You can make these yourself or purchase the premade ones. This will significantly reduce the possibility of hungry critters munching on the bark. Also, don’t forget to prune the trees properly. Even though snow will act as a protective layer, drier branches can break under its weight which can be very dangerous.

What about Christmas tree?

If you plan on having a live Christmas tree, make sure to tend to it properly beforehand. This includes digging the hole in the ground for the tree before it gets too hard. Also, make sure to keep the soil somewhere safe in order to prevent freezing. Your garage can serve this purpose perfectly.

image-4Turn off all water sources

Removing water from your garden will actually prevent the soil, plants as well as garden props from freezing. Therefore, make sure to turn off your garden pipe and store the hose in the garage. If you have garden sprinkles, don’t forget to turn these off, too. Moreover, drain the fuel from any of your garden machinery such as lawn mowers.

Rake the leaves

Don’t leave the fallen leaves scattered around your garden. Instead, make sure to rake them and gather them on your pile for organic compost. Still, there will always be organic material that’s too decomposed for this purpose. Don’t try to make it work, but get the organic waste removed in JNS skip bins and similar services.

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Some plants will require more specific work compared to others when it comes to prepping for the winter season. In that respect, make sure to do a thorough research so that you know how to deal with every type of plant, herb, vegetable or shrub in your garden. The above-mentioned steps are the ultimate basics for effective winter garden prep, but you still need to pay special attention to tenderer flora that you want to take care of.

2017 Garden Design Trends

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If you think your garden looks outdated and plain, it’s time for a makeover. Garden design trends evolve from year to year, and every time they bring along new possibilities and great ideas. Turn your garden into a fabulous relaxing oasis full of greenery and gorgeous décor. Take your time to research, and make sure you check out some of our ideas which will help you create a wonderful and unique garden.

image-4Furniture

Sturdy and comfortable furniture is essential for gardens. Since you don’t want to think whether it’s going to be damaged by rain or snow, make sure you choose the furniture made of durable materials. Iron and wood are great choices. Zinc, rusty steel and wicker are the top materials for 2017, so make sure to check them out as well when you decide to buy new garden furniture. A large bench, with a couple of chairs and a table would look great in any garden. Add stylish cushions and create the perfect little nook you can relax in.

Day bed, with base cushion and pillows would be an excellent addition to the relaxing area. You’d be able to completely unwind with a good book, and enjoy fresh air laying on the comfortable garden bed. The perfect accent to an entire décor would be a fireplace. Additionally, consider buying a barbeque that you’ll light up once or twice a month, for a great outdoor party with your friends.

Lighting

The technology around lighting has evolved so much that all the different effects a proper set of lights can create will amaze you. Invest in LED lighting to create the perfect setting. They both make a great ambience and save energy. You can buy LED candles, and set their lighting scheme with a remote. In addition, they can change colour so you’ll always have a new kind of lighting available for your mood. Hang a couple of lights on the trees and above the dining area to create a romantic setting during the night.

image-2Plants

Pre-planted tomato pots, herb gardens, and even whole vegetable plots would look perfect in your garden. A touch of different colours would be amazing for the green grass.  Furthermore, plant various roses, azaleas, and other gorgeous flowers that will give your garden a pop of colour. Rose bush, a bonsai tree or peonies, every one of these wonderful flowers would perfectly decorate your garden. Make sure to keep some of the flowers in cobalt blue, metallic and lime green smooth planters. This way the garden will look even better.

If you’d like to start growing your own crops, plant tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce in order to get even more colour into your garden. However, don’t forget to protect your crops against weeds, insects and diseases with a quality boom sprayer.  They’ll grow nicely, and no pests will damage them.

image-3Decorative Items

Fountains, patios and gazebos are a wonderful addition to any garden. If your garden is large enough, make sure to incorporate some of these items into the design. A luscious fountain would be soothing, and help you relax once you lay down to your garden bed. A patio can be the perfect sanctuary for you, and a place where you can relax and enjoy the sunset.

A variety of hedges and planting would look incredible in your garden. Choose those in different shapes and sizes and create the unique garden design. Remember you’ll have to trim them regularly in order to keep them beautiful.

Garden designing has never been easier. All you need to do is be creative, think about the perfect furniture, plants and decorations that will transform your garden into a gorgeous oasis. Check out the previous suggestions and you’ll definitely find something that you can incorporate into your design.

 

 

 

 

Chicken Wire & Moss Toadstool

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A recent visit to a wonderful woodland sculpture park really inspired us to try our hand at making some sculpture of our own. Our first creation was a chicken wire toadstool….

Find out more and instructions here: Chicken Wire and Moss Toadstool Living Sculpture | Hometalk