Garden Accessory

Garden Accessory Elements
By Sarah Martin

"Truly," says an English writer, "the transformation of a tract of swamp and rock into one of the most beautiful parks in the world is a striking monument of American skill and perseverance."



It is more than that; it is a work of genius. The more it is studied, the more we wonder at the prophetic power of the designers in providing so far in advance for the wants of a city, which only existed at the time in imagination. Imagine for a moment the added beauty a garden statue would offer! Whenever any radical change in this design is proposed, the project should always be examined with reference to its effect on the fundamental character of the work as a whole. It is just as truly a unit in conception as if it consisted of one broad meadow.

There are other elements yet to be considered; but those already classified and assigned to various quarters of the site, contribute directly to the general and characteristic purpose of the park and are therefore to be distinguished as its essential elements. One such element to be considered is a garden waterfall, or outdoor fountain.



After studying the essential artistic elements, especially the poetic elements that mark and emphasize the difference between a playground, a farm, a field, and a park, we find these authors (Olmsted and Vaux) writing in illuminating phrases:



"Accessory elements by which walking, riding, driving, resting, eating, and drinking are facilitated, were also to be required in the design of the park, in so far as they would be instruments necessary to be used to obtain the benefit of its essential elements."



"But if people were allowed to straggle at will any-where upon the ground and if provision were made for their doing so comfortably and with cleanliness, all the ground would need to be specially prepared for the purpose; there would be no turf and no trees upon it, and it would afford no relief from the city."



It will thus be seen that these accessory elements of the park are admissible only where and so far as the advantages they offer make its essential elements available, and compensate for any curtailment their introduction may involve in these essential elements. They are desirable so far as they aid the essential elements in inviting the observer to rest or move forward in one way or another, as shall most conduce to his recreation. They are undesirable in so far as they tend to weaken, divide, blot, or make patchwork of the essential features of the natural landscape.

The first consideration, then, in a truly critical study of the size, form, and place in the park of any required construction for the accommodation of visitors was originally, and always should be, that the degree of display which may be allowed in it should correspond with the importance of the need it is designed to meet. Garden fountains are one such accessory as well as outdoor waterfalls.

Garden Accessories

Garden Accessories
By Debbie Jensen

Garden Accessories can be functional; but most often, they are placed in gardens for their charm and whimsy. From cheap mechanical croaking frogs to expensive gazebos, we just can't get enough of them. For instance, a garden cart can hold a watering can, hand tools, and gloves; or it can be used as a garden end table, or placed in an outdoor setting for visual appeal only.



Garden accessories don't have to be functional. Statues give style to a garden, while fountains and waterfalls create mist and water sounds. Garden structures such as arches and gates create entry ways or exits. Windmills and water wheels add movement. Yet, tables, chairs, and umbrellas are functional and are physically inviting and add comfort.



The beauty about garden accessories is that they don't have to meet the same standards as home decor. What's good about this situation for artists is that artists and designers alike can drop their guard when stylizing and designing for their gardens. If you feel anxious about painting a design on an outdoor piece or putting together a mosaic table top, make it for outdoor use! If your artwork is not exactly as you want it, it’s not as intimidating as long as you know it is going to be outdoors. It seems that outdoor art is a bit more forgiving.



For my garden, I placed a metal watering can inside an outdoor cart. I painted the watering can with white house paint. Then, I painted a horizontal line with green acrylic paint around the watering can. Next, I sprayed the can with a clear coat of matte lacquer and threw sand onto the lacquer before it had a chance to dry. Once again, I repeated the process. Finally, I sprayed a final coat of clear matte lacquer for the finishing touch.



Today, the watering can looks pretty close to how I originally painted it―and it's been outside in approximately the same spot for about four years now with plants growing in it. This may seem unimportant and insignificant to some, but it is a rewarding experience to the person who took the time to add that special, personal touch to a manufactured garden accent. So, don’t be afraid to get creative with your garden accents.

Garden Accents

The Beauty Of Japanese Garden Accents
By Christopher W Smith

Japanese gardens are beautiful spaces that you can retreat to and enjoy a few moments of quiet reflection. Natural elements adorn these gardens. Water, rocks, and live plants all enhance the tranquil atmosphere. Paths of wood or stone take you on your journey through the garden. Japanese garden accents are spaced throughout the area to add a personal touch of the owner.



Many Japanese garden accents are functional as well as beautiful. Stones are used to line paths or as stepping stones. Wood is used for paths and bridges as well. Rocks can be used to build walls, line ponds and create waterfalls. Lights give a romantic feel as well as assisting with night vision. Some other accents aren’t as functional but still supply part of the overall mood.



Some accents double as being both decorative and functional. For instance, garden lights that appear to be stones by day and are illuminated stones by night. Hose lights are another fun way to add light to your garden. These halogen lamps are inside the hose pipe and add sparkle (and for some, color) to the water as it sprays from the hose.

Statues of Buddha are commonly found in Japanese gardens. Statues of dragons, frogs, and other animals are also available. Some are light hearted, playful statues like frog characters posing in human clothing and sitting in human positions. Others are more realistic depictions of animals. There are mythological creatures depicted on some statues as well including dragons and serpents. These do not add color but they do add character to your garden.



Bamboo is another common addition. From accent edging to water spouts and bamboo furniture, this lucky plant has found its home in Japanese gardens. Fences, screens and other bamboo items are available in many different styles.

Bridges are another way to accent your garden. Small streams flow under some of these bridges, others are completely decorative. Bridges can be made of granite or other materials. These symbolize times in our lives that we have to overcome.



Plants of all sorts can be used to accent your garden as well. Bonsai trees are the most common plant to add to a Japanese garden. The bonsai styling of your plants and trees can be quite relaxing in itself. Other additions include phyllostachys, viburnun, and nandina.



Water features are the biggest accent in a Japanese garden. From ponds to waterfalls to streams water plays an integral part in tying the whole Japanese garden theme together.

Garden

Garden Fish Pond
By Richard Panten

If you are looking for a garden fish pond, more than likely you are not interested in fancy Japanese gardens or a giant waterfalls. A backyard fish pond can be enjoyed year round by the entire family. Changing with the seasons, a pond is the missing ingredient to the perfect backyard.



The enjoyment of a fish pond can not be measured. Countless people enjoy their ponds in their backyards, only known by a small number of friends. These types of ponds are mainly about the fish, usually goldfish.



Often reproducing as fast as rabbits, goldfish average in size 10-12 inches as an adult. Sometimes complimented by a fountain or waterfall these ponds become a focal point of the landscape.



Now fish ponds can be safe for kids with an average depth of 18 inches. Shallow enough for a child to stand in; garden ponds are the perfect addition to any yard.



Be sure however, when planning for a garden pond not to place in the lowest area as this will cause additional issues. However, try to make it large enough and place it in the sun so that you can explore the new world of aquatic plants.



Backyard fish ponds are outdoor classrooms too. Exploring the world of ponds is inspiring to people of all ages. From tadpoles to frogs, from nymns to dragonflies, ponds are constantly changing. Fish spawning and aquatic plants blooming and becoming dormant are all wonderful tools that can be used to create interest and become teachable moments that will last a lifetime.

Front Yard Garden

5 Front Yard Landscape Tips For An Impressive Garden
By Sean Bailey

Front yard landscaping is an excellent way to boost the appearance of your home. Not only will it add to the value of your property, you also get a fresh look to your home environment and the envies of your neighbors. You can consider hiring a professional landscaper to help you create an impressive front yard if cost is not a problem. However, if you would like to do the landscaping yourself, here are some front yard landscape tips you can use.



1) Perennial plants - These plants can be use to make borders around your garden. They are a great way to define the periphery of your yard. It can make the garden look more organized and neat.



2) Evergreens - These trees are excellent for landscaping. They require low maintenance and beautiful to the eye. You can have a row of neatly trimmed evergreens to form a border around the front yard.



3) Water features - You can add a fountain to create grand entrance or a pond for that calming and tranquil effect. Benched, statues, stones can be added to enhance the theme that you are going for.

4) Lawn - Have a sharp looking and green lawn. Keep the edges of the grass cut and fresh



5) Plants - Select low maintenance plants if you are not an avid gardener and you don't think you will have the time to upkeep the plants all the time. You can choose to use prairie plants and surround them around a main tree. This can be topped up with some beautiful stones.



With some careful planning and effort, it is not that difficult to landscape a beautiful front yard. You will have a sense of achievement and satisfaction enjoying your garden after it is completed.