Who doesn’t want a nice and comfortable Saturday afternoon? Bliss Hammock Quilted Hammock with Polyester Pillow with “S” Stitch is perfect for those who want to relax and unwind. Enjoy outdoors with this durable and convenient hammock. With many available colors to choose from, Bliss Hammock Quilted Hammock with Polyester Pillow with “S” Stitch will surely match with its environment.

Thoughtful Extras for Your Outdoor Living Space

Some people simply put a few chairs on their patio, and they are ready for spring. You can enjoy your outdoor living space even if it is not decorated thoughtfully, but why would you want to? This space should be an extension of your home. This is your opportunity to have a little fun with colors, patterns, and décor pieces that will not complement the inside of your home. You do not need a huge budget either. You may be surprised at what you can find at a reasonable price. Below are thoughtful extras that will add the finishing touch to your patio and landscaping.

Garden Planters

Garden planters should be thought of as an investment. You can buy fairly cheap plastic ones in the store that are “cute,” but by mid-season they are already starting to fade, and may even be cracked from the dog knocking them over. It is not his fault they are so light!

Rather than buy cheap garden planters that you need to replace at least once a season, purchase quality ones instead. Those made of cast stone are ideal. Plus, you will not have to feel bad about all that plastic ending up in landfills.

Garden Statuary

One can never have too much garden statuary. You can place pieces on your patio and porch, and in your garden and flower beds. You can even put one by the mailbox to make your mailperson smile every day. There are small unexpected details that catch the eye and make the space more interesting. Hot trends in garden statuary include Buddha heads, fairies, gargoyles, and globe stakes. The great thing about statuary is that it does not all have to match!

Outdoor Canvas Art

Most people do not even know outdoor canvas art exists, so when you add it to your outdoor living space; you create a nice “wow” factor. These pieces look just as nice as a painting you would hang inside your home except they are given a special coating that makes them weather and UV-resistant. They simply mount on the exterior wall of your home, garage, shed, or cabana.

Rugs

 Outdoor rugs will invite guests to kick off their shoes and welcome sun on their toes. You may be quite surprised at how extensive the selection of outdoor rugs actually is. Some are nice enough to fit right in even the most well-appointed indoor space, only they are made for the outdoors, and easily spray off with a garden hose

Having a fire pit in your backyard will extend the enjoyment of your outdoor space for you and your guest. A fire fit provides warmth, light, cooking source and an inviting ambiance.  Man has always been drawn to fire and adding a fire pit creates a natural gathering spot for socializing, relaxation and entertaining.  A fire pit can be a stunning and functional focal point with its campfire-like atmosphere, creating unforgettable memories of story-telling and laughter over grilled steak, roasted marshmallows and sausages and cold beer.

Fire Pits | Functional, Versatile and Elegant

Nothing beats sitting around the fire with loved ones, and you can have years of that feeling with this Real Flame Morrison Fire Pit. This fire pit comes with spark screen, log poker tool and vinyl protective storage cover that helps you push logs and sticks around without getting burned. Made of heat resistant powder coated steel frame and complemented with natural slate tile top, this piece is both attractive and durable.

The Tripod Fire Pit uses our patented Crystal Fire Burner. With just the push of a button, a captivating and relaxing glowing fire will appear atop a bed of tempered, tumbled glass. And you can change the look of your crystal fire by adding an optional logset or colored glass.

We are pleased to offer the finest in British design and quality in the HotSpot Urban 650 Fire Pit.  Constructed of pressed steel and stainless steel, this sturdy and attractive fire pit is built to last.  The Urban 650 Fire Pit features a 24.82” diameter fire bowl. Comes complete with dome spark screen. Enhance your patio with the HotSpot Urban 650 Fire Pit!

 Let your summer nights be more elegant and relaxing by sitting around this Granite “Chat Table”. Made with first class granite stone that can stand for years. This table is easy to maintain and clean. Recommended for any setting, this fire pit table will add elegance to your outdoor space!

The Sierra Firepit Table with Ledgestone and Supercast Top in Mocha Finish will keep your garden or backyard attractive and inviting. This wonderful firepit will provide you an elegant centerpiece for any season. The table top is constructed with specialized Supercast material, designed to prevent easy chipping and cracking. Its realistic stone and rugged look is proven to be perfect for outdoor use.

Outdoor Planter Guidebook

Introduction

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There are houseplants and there are garden plants, and they comprise a huge range of flowers, trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals. There are some plants chosen just to bring color, scent, and perhaps hummingbirds or butterflies to the garden, but not to remain a permanent fixture throughout the seasons. There are also plants that are not quite suited to the location in which they are grown, and which may need a bit of protection (to both the roots and branches) during wintery weather.

In other words, there are all kinds of plants, trees and shrubs we can choose to grow, no matter where we live. And yet all of these plants share one thing in common (apart from being plants!), and it is that they need the right containers.

We call them planters, but you might hear them called pots, containers, and planters interchangeably. That’s fine, but for the purpose of this book, we are going to talk specifically about the planters that are used outdoors, and which typically remain outdoors all year long.

You might think that there is not much to selecting the right planter, apart from the basic design and materials…yet, there are many decisions that go into choosing just the right planter for your needs. In this guide, we are going to walk you through the process of choosing an outdoor planter that will provide a good home to your preferred plants, perform well for years to come, and look great as it does!

Pots and Planters…Are They the Same?

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As we just learned, above, pots and planters are terms used to describe the same items, yet most of us think of a flower pot as a smaller vessel made for use in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Pots, typically, seem to be more portable. Planters, on the other hand, bring to mind visions of larger containers meant to be kept outdoors year-round, and which may be placed in a single location meant to become a permanent home or moved around to protect their contents.

Unfortunately, not all planters are made to withstand life outdoors throughout the course of a few seasons or years.

Life Indoors vs. Life Outdoors

This is a key difference – being designed to perform indoors or outdoors in any conditions – and a defining factor where outdoor planters go. And with that distinction of being able to live indoors or outdoors comes a world of possibilities.

After all, you can put a planter to use on a deck or patio, in the garden or along a walkway, and use it to grow herbs, seasonal flowers, and even hold winter-time decorations like branches of holly, bittersweet vine or even artificial trees and shrubs.

If you wish to simply leave an outdoor planter empty and outdoors year-round, it will be designed in a way to allow just that. Additionally, that outdoor planter will do just fine if toted inside in order to protect the plants, shrub or even tree that it contains.

You cannot, however, say the same for planters meant for indoor use only, or made of materials that just don’t stand up to winter conditions.

Reasons to Buy Planters for All Plants and Purposes

And this is where many shoppers become confused. After all, they wonder, wouldn’t any vessel (whether you call it a pot or a planter) be designed to stay outdoors all of the time?

In a word: No. (And it might shock you to learn just how many people buy large and beautiful pots or planters only to find them broken, cracked and ruined within a year’s time!)

Here’s why: In many areas, the end of the warm weather (usually towards the end of the autumn season) means cold temperatures and then frosty conditions. Frost kills off most plants, and when it turns into freezing conditions, it can actually damage planters not designed for indoor use. Even if you don’t have bouts of freezing weather, the planter NOT designed for outdoor use can degrade and deteriorate quickly.

This is due to a few reasons:

• Winter weather can go through freeze/thaw cycles which can cause even small amounts of water in the soil or even in the planter’s materials to freeze as well. As the temperatures rise and thaw, that moisture does, too. This causes expansion in the soil and the vessel, which can easily lead to cracking and breaking.
• Even if a planter is not made of a porous material, it can degrade in the dampness and trapped moisture of winter weather. A metal planter built for indoor use, if allowed to remain covered in snow or left in a shaded area where moisture cannot be evaporated by a few hours of sunlight, may begin to rust and degrade in the course of a single season.
• Most planters are not easily buried in the soil or relocated to a sunny, southwestern facing wall, in order to “winter over”. This leaves them prone to damage or harm.

That is where the benefits of choosing planters meant for any sort of plant and any sort of setting (indoor/outdoor) come into the equation.

• They will be designed to emulate the looks of stylish garden planters and pots for houseplants, yet they will be made of materials that are often lighter in weight and much more durable
• You can find them made of materials that are impervious to ice, freeze/thaw events, standing moisture and damages due to exposure.
• You can even find them in materials that will stand up to being buried or wrapped in insulating materials to allow the plant, tree or shrub to overwinter outdoors.
• They allow you to invest in that planter just once without worrying about a costly replacement a year or more down the road.
• They come in sizes to hold the demurest little houseplants or large trees.

Clearly, it makes good financial sense to consider an outdoor planter, and because you’ll find them in every possible style – from glazed ceramics fired at temperatures high enough to make them more frost resistant to cast stone that can be shaped into almost any form or design – they make good garden design sense, too.

Now that you know to look at outdoor planters for your indoor and outdoor gardening needs, let’s take some time to learn about your choices in planters and materials.

Types of Outdoor Planters

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As we go through the types of outdoor planters available, try to keep in mind that not all materials are a good choice. We’ll look at each of the most common options, but we’ll also consider the different pros and cons to using each of them.

Wood

You can find them in many shapes and sizes, and often these are what most of us think of first when thinking of outdoor planters. Typically, they will be square or boxy in shape and can be made of long-lasting materials like teak or cedar, which are insect and weather resistant.

Wooden planters are easily some of the most attractive when your garden design has an earthy look to it, or you want to add more natural material to the setting.

Plastic

Affordably priced, plastic planters are a very common choice in window boxes and other, similar designs. Because there is not a great deal that can be done with plastic planters other than forming them into boxy forms, you won’t see a great deal of variety in this material. In fact, if you are eager to get the durability of a plastic with the good looks of other materials, such as stone or ceramic, you may want to consider resin (see below).

Resin (Woven or Plain)

Resin is a more modern upgrade of traditional plastic and is an authentic all-weather material. That is why you now see so many patio sets and outdoor furnishings made of resin. It is very commonly formed to emulate wicker, and you will also find a nice array of planters in this same format, with the looks of oversized wicker baskets and pots.

This is a material that can be found in such a diversity of shapes, sizes and forms that you may be able to use it within almost any sort of garden design or style.

Glazed Ceramic

As one of the world’s most commonly used materials for pots and/or planters, it has a wonderfully earthy appearance, though it can also be molded and formed into the most contemporary styles, too. Heavy and often quite colorful, it is a great way to add a pop of color to a patio or garden area, as well as an interior space.

With its ability to be colored in almost any way, and even take on a metallic or textured finish, it is a great choice for a contemporary or classic garden.

You should be extremely cautious of fuel spills, clean them up as soon as you see them and always double check in case there are more spills. Spotting fuel spills is not easy as bio-ethanol is transparent and does not have any particular smell.
Always keep bio-ethanol away from the reach of pets and kids. We would also advise you to follow some precautionary measures we have given below such as:

Terra Cotta

Historically speaking, it is ceramics and terra cotta that stand as the most commonly used materials for planters of all kinds. Terra cotta is a clay that comes in an unglazed form and offers a cheerful reddish brown hue wherever it appears. Though it has always been a very popular choice with gardeners, the advent of lighter weight and more durable materials has led to terra cotta-like options being produced in longer lasting materials like resin, plastic and fiberglass.

With its earthy and classic look, it is a wonderful choice in almost any setting, but it will never withstand outdoor life in areas where deep freezes occur – unless entirely protected from snow and ice and thoroughly dried before going into winter storage. You should also always store them upside down to protect them over the long term.

Fiberglass

Easily the most variable material in the world of modern planter design and manufacturing. It can emulate stone and concrete, and yet it also works well in even the most unusual shapes, including conical vessels, window box styles, standard round planters, and more.

It can also be found in many textures and colors, making it a material well-suited to almost any sort of garden style, design or purpose.

Metal

Modern garden design seems to be the most common way that metal planters are put to use. Made of copper, stainless steel, cast iron, galvanized metal and even bronze, they can be formed into very basic shapes or rather elaborate ones. They can be made to patina over time, or even arrive in that condition. They are popular with rustic garden designers, too, and pack a lot of visual power into a single vessel.

Cast (Stone or Concrete)

Though you may find that planters made of cast stone or concrete are heavier and more costly, their remarkably durability, wind resistance, frost resistance and general good looks make them a very popular option. They are typically made in decorative or even classical forms and look great in a European styled garden or even an earthier garden because of their low-key colors and ornamentation so often inspired by nature.

As an example, you may find some window boxes made of these materials, and they may be accented with vines and scrolls, offering a very organic look.

Pros and Cons of Common Planter Types

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So, what are the pros or cons of the different planter types we have just learned about? 

Pros and Cons of Wood Planters

Wood may be weather resistant, but it is also porous, meaning it is never meant to last indefinitely. It can actually begin to degrade quickly if it is always damp or wet, exposed to insects, or left in less than ideal places, such as shady corners of the garden. When wet, it is often very heavy. Of course, on the pro side of things, it has a wonderfully rustic and natural look, and even a refined appearance. You can use wood for container or raised bed gardens, and this is actually a very common practice.

If you are eager to have outdoor planters that have the good looks of wood, a wonderful option might be a set of planters designed to emulate wood but made of weather resistant materials. Window box inspired planters are also a good option.

Pros and Cons of Plastic Planters

Plastic is not porous, and so a lot of people think it is impervious to the weather because it will not absorb water. While some forms of plastic may withstand freezing temperatures and the rigors of freeze/thaw cycles, not many of the more affordable products actually last that long. Why? They are not designed for baking in the sun and then freezing in the winter weather. The plastic becomes rigid and will crack or break rather easily.

Additionally, if you leave soil in a plastic planter, it is going to undergo the freeze/thaw issues, bloat with lots of water at any time of year and end up cracking the weakest point of the plastic.

We suggest you consider resin or fiberglass planters, rather than plastic, if you want a super durable options with a lot of flexibility in texture, style and design.

Pros and Cons of Resin (Woven or Plain)

There are a great many pros with resin and very few cons. This is a non-porous material that does not absorb water, but it is also totally stain resistant. It weighs very little and retains its color even when exposed to summer’s sunlight and winter’s cold. It never corrodes or cracks, and you can find it in a wide array of shapes and styles. It works in almost any sort of garden design and looks good indoors or out. Lastly, it is a material where you may see your investment stretch for decades rather than just years!

The only con is that it is not used to make all styles or forms, and this means you may not easily find the precise look you want.

Pros and Cons of Fiberglass

As one of the most popular materials, there are far more pros to fiberglass than you might expect. For one thing, it has a fantastic insulating quality that allows plants to remain much more stable in colder weather conditions. The material also helps to retain moisture in the soil. Lightweight and very easily moved (even with soil) it is not a material prone to breaking or cracking in even very low temperatures.

Fiberglass is also able to be shaped into every conceivable form, and yet ask for almost no maintenance or upkeep. Instead, you can invest once and find yourself able to use and re-use the same fiberglass planters from year to year.

If there is a con, it is that many people expect fiberglass (with its light weight, many colors, and plastic-like feel) to be as low-priced as plastic. It isn’t, but as we already mentioned, it is remarkably durable and so you won’t be spending repeatedly to replace them as you do with plastic.

Pros and Cons of Glazed Ceramic

We have already discovered that ceramics can be porous if they are not glazed and baked at high heats. This means they are not always a good choice for outdoor use. However, there are some definite pros in using them. For example, some argue that they are heavy and that this must be a negative. However, if you are using them with trees or shrubs, that counterweight at the base keeps your plants upright. They are protected against extremes of temperature because of their thickness, and yet their glazing allows them to hold moisture, which may otherwise readily evaporate in the summer’s heat.

Sadly, many are made with a single drainage hole at the bottom, meaning they can become boggy, and there is that issue of cracking in the winter weather. Their weight can be a negative, too, if you try to move the pots or simply re-pot a plant or tree.

Pros and Cons of Terra Cotta

Though it is tough to argue against the beauty and perennial popularity of terra cotta planters, there are quite a few cons to the different pros. Let’s begin with the upside – it is a good looking material that offers a porous finish that prevents plants from being boggy or over saturated.

However, it can be quite fragile, have only a single drainage hole, absorb water and dry out a plant, and it won’t withstand winter freezes. You will find yourself buying replacement planters a great deal more often with terra cotta than other materials, though, if you do prepare them (putting them along a protected, southern facing wall and insulating them against the deep freezes), they can offer a good solution.

Pros and Cons of Metal Planters

The downside of using long-lasting and rugged metal planters is that they allow a lot of heat transfer. This means your planters can become too hot in the summer and sustain a lot of frost or freezing damage in the winter. They can also be made with flawed materials or finishes and end up rusting and degrading quickly. The upside is that you can use internal liners with them to protect against the high thermal transference, but this will not prevent problems with heat or rust.

Pros and Cons of Cast (Stone or Concrete) Planters

As already noted, one of the only negatives about a cast stone or concrete planter is the fact that it can be quite heavy. This may mean that you must use it specifically or exclusively for seasonal planters and annuals that you do not intend to see again in the coming spring. You may overcome that limitation, however, by opting to place a planter of this kind against a southern facing wall, and then buttressing it with insulating materials before heavy cold arrives.

Making Your Choice

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Is there one type of planter or material that is the best? No, because there are too many factors that determine just why you might select a specific type of planter.

Of course, it is not only about materials and the pros or cons each offers. While you may be driven towards one specific material for its affordability and another for its long-lasting qualities, you need to think about a few more issues. Let’s consider them, below.

Plants and the Right Planters for Them

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“I want a good planter for some bright red geraniums by my front door.”

That sounds like an easy thing to find. After all, you will look at the exterior of your home and its style, the color of the flowers you want to plant, and the height you want the flowers to be as visitors pass by. That’s it, right? No, as we just learned you have an array of choices in terms of materials, and you can consider how each of them may or may not give you what you want.

There are also a few additional factors you have to weigh as you make your final choices.

Three Rules for Choosing Planters

Below are three of the most vital factors in the success or failure of your planter selection process. You’ll see that we noted most of them in the various pros and cons or materials descriptions in the previous section. But here, we have to stop and give them a bit more weight in the actual decision making process as they are incredibly relevant to the way any planter looks, performs and lasts over time.

Total Weight and Mobility

It may seem logical to begin by thinking about what you will grow (something we look at further a bit later on in this chapter), and then you can weigh the importance of a planter’s weight and mobility. For now, though, it’s important to just figure out why total weight and mobility matter.

Total weight is the weight of the planter, the soil, the drainage materials, the pot and the plants themselves. You should always take the time to do a bit of quick math and calculate total weight – even if you won’t relocate a planter – because you may be keeping planters in an area that shouldn’t hold heavy weights. Balconies, decks, terraces, rooftop gardens…these are places where total weight is very important.

Remember too that any taller plant (such as a tree or shrub) may be at risk of tipping over if kept in an area with windy conditions. A heavier planter may be your ideal solution for keeping the tree or shrub safe from damage.

The weight also determines the ease of mobility, or whether or not you will require help to pick up and move planters to another area. Whether you like to reorganize your container garden, or you need mobility because of winter conditions, the total weight is what helps you determine if you can move the planter, but so too does its material and design.

A vulnerable plastic planter full of heavy drainage materials, soil and plants is likely to break if moved. A fiberglass or cast concrete planter, on the other hand, can with stand this, and if you worry you are unable to lift heavy weights, many planters can be set on casters or specialty platforms with casters specifically for mobility.

So, take the time to look at a planter in terms of its total weight when full of soil, drainage, plants and even water. Then, consider if it is going to be a bit of a bear to move or if it is even impossible to move without damage.

Drainage

All potted plants have to have adequate drainage, and depending upon what you grow, that drainage may include one or more layers of gravel, sand and other materials. Naturally, this drainage material is only effective if the planter itself has enough drainage of its own. This simply means that there are multiple holes spread out evenly along the bottom of the planter.

This will allow excess water to drain away and deliver adequate oxygen to the roots, keeping the plants healthy. Be sure that you check the specifications of any planter to ensure that it will allow your plants to be kept safe from smothering in too much water. After all, outdoor planters are kept, well, outdoors. A single heavy rain may bring down enough water to drown a plant if there is not enough drainage in its container.

Many pots have a single hole in the bottom, and if you find a planter with such a limited amount of drainage, it may not be a good choice. If the opening is large and you are using drainage material, it could suffice, but if the planter sits directly on the ground or the hole becomes blocked, it can be a problem. It is best to choose planters with multiple drainage holes.

Porosity

We have looked at porosity a bit when talking about planters made of plastic, ceramic and terra cotta, among other materials. Essentially, porosity means the ability of a planter’s materials to let both moisture and air pass through. This is important since all plants need oxygen around their roots, and they also need water to be able to move away or evaporate in order to maintain a good soil temperature and prevent plants or roots from rotting or developing fungus or bacteria.

However, a very porous material runs the risk of drying out very quickly and on an almost daily basis. While you could choose a potting mix and drainage that helped to slow this, if you are unlikely to do daily watering or you live in an area of intense sunlight and summer heat, porosity has to be a major factor for you to consider.

Adding It Up

Does your planter need to be moved?

Will it allow adequate drainage?

Does it require porosity or even the avoidance of porosity?

These are major issues to use as you first set out to choose a planter. Then, consider these other key factors…

Other Key Considerations

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Durability

By now, you’ve already heard about this in many different ways. We’ve spoken about materials that are fragile, and therefore not at all durable. We’ve considered materials that can or cannot hold up to extremes of heat or cold, snow or ice, wind and so on. We have also looked at materials that are able to retain their color, resist UV or sun damage, and remain flexible rather than turning brittle. We have also considered materials that can provide a less than ideal planter (such as a ceramic planter fired at very high temperatures) with cold resistance.

Basically, durability is all about the expected life span of the planter, and it always has to do with the type of materials you choose AND where the planter is located.

It also has to do with the type of plant you are growing. Why? Because you may need durability to mean a single season rather than many decades of service. For example, you may be growing a small or dwarf fruit tree that will transplant into a final, much larger container, a year or two after it is first planted. That would mean a less durable planter is needed. In fact, it could be that you keep the young tree in a nursery pot until it is ready for its final home.

That means that durability is a bit relative and you will have to figure out what your version of durability means to make the right choice. It will have to do with those issues already mentioned – how long you expect a planter to last, where you are putting it, and what you’ll grow. And with yet another mention of “what you intend to grow,” let’s look at that as a factor for consideration when choosing a planter.

What Are You Growing?

You won’t use a planter for things like seed starting or transplants because it would be an inefficient use of space, soil and resources. However, you do have to give serious thought to what will reside in any planter you are seeking.

Why? As we have already considered, if that plant is to remain in place for many years, you can choose a heavier, less mobile planter. This means you can choose a larger planter, too. But you don’t want to pick a difficult shape that can make re-potting a challenge.

If you are going to grow temporary or seasonal plants such as annuals, vegetables, herbs and other similar items, your choices are entirely different. Perhaps a window box style of planter is a good idea or maybe even a broad and wide-mouthed urn with cascades of flowers tumbling around?

And though the world of plants is seemingly endless, in the end, there are really only two main categories of use where outdoor planters are concerned, and we’ll look at the special demands or needs for each of them, below.

Container Garden

You will need to give a great deal of thought to almost all of the factors we have considered in this chapter as you choose a planter or two, or ten, for your container gardening. Here are some of the main issues you’ll want to focus in on:

• Is it all about annuals or is it an assortment of plants? If you are going the annuals-only route, you can choose less mobile options. On the other hand, if you are investing in perennials, they may need materials that are insulating, lighter in weight and more mobile.
• Are you going to be making permanent garden designs with the planters? For example, maybe you are using a more formal plan and require urns and classically designed vessels? Maybe you are doing a rustic, raised garden and need planters that coordinate with that space, and which can stay in place once you layout the garden?
• Do you have a color scheme or garden design in mind? Will it be all about green herbs and colorful planters? Maybe you have a collection of annuals you want to arrange in different vessels or very organized containers? Give thought to heights, spacing, colors, and seasons to make the right choices. You can do a great deal with your planters and plant combinations!
• Are you doing standard and vertical gardening? There are many options for vertical planters, urns and taller planters, and you should not overlook your ability to choose many heights, designs and even textures or colors as you can make planters a major part of the design.
• Where are you doing the container garden? This is all about durability, porosity and drainage. If you are keeping planters in full sun, be mindful of the amount of watering you will find yourself doing. If they are in full shade, be aware of drainage and porosity which can stifle plants without a way for water evaporation to occur.

Trees

Growing trees in containers is a much easier matter to consider because it boils down to a few simple questions or concerns:

• How tall is this tree or shrub going to be? If it is going to be tall the planter needs to be quite bottom-heavy to help give support
• Does this tree or shrub require winter protection? If so, choose a planter that will adapt well to movement and/or the use of casters to allow you to easily push it into a southern facing corner where it is sheltered from intense cold and damage
• How large a root ball will this tree typically develop? You want to “go big” with trees and shrubs to allow them to form a root ball of adequate size. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to transplant a large tree into an even larger planter.

In general, it is best to invest in a premium quality planter for a tree or shrub. This ensures you won’t need to worry about risks of breakage, inadequate drainage or difficulty in mobility. For instance, you can easily find cast concrete, fiberglass or resin planters that are beautiful in design, available in huge sizes, and lighter in weight, but which can really help give a tree or shrub a happy forever home!

Aesthetics

Regardless of what you might see or hear, your opinion about the appearance of your garden planters really does matter. In fact, the looks of any design or decor matters. If you groan with dissatisfaction each time you look at your garden, patio or a single planter, it is not acceptable.

So, take the time to consider your preferred aesthetic style. Is it modern and contemporary? Is it rustic and earthy? Do you prefer Classical designs inspired by Ancient Greece or Rome? Maybe an iconic European garden is your inspiration?

No matter what, you’ll find many planters to meet such preferences. The point is to add that style or aesthetic into your decision making process.

Maintenance

Low maintenance planters are really ideal, and that means a few things:

• Choosing a material that does not need annual “treatment” such as applying stain or repainting
• Opting for materials that resist UV rays that can cause them to fade, weaken and break down
• Looking for planters that can resist insects and other pests that cause damages
• Choosing planters made of easy to clean (and keep clean) materials.

And with that last point, we can now move to the final topic, which looks at basic planter care and upkeep.

Basic Planter Care and Troubleshooting

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It would be ideal if basic planter care was required just once a year, but it can be an ongoing matter. Basic steps include a drainage check, protection, and cleaning.

Drainage Check

Double checking that drainage is still moving smoothly. Do this after a heavy rain or after watering well. If a drainage hole is blocked, you may find that you can unblock it by carefully leaning to one side and using a dowel to clean out and unclog the holes. Unfortunately, if it is due to soil compaction, you will find yourself having to un-pot and then re-pot after removing the soil, drainage and beginning with a clean slate.

Protection

Using a good winter protection system, whether you are in a location where the winter means deep freezing or even just heavy rains and winds, is always wise as it offers planters seasonal protection.

This means you may need to relocate the planter to a south-facing area and up against a wall. You can group planters together in such places and even dig a small trench for smaller planters to offer them even more protection from freezing and thawing cycles.

If your plants are perennials, trees or shrubs, you’ll want to protect them, and one of the best methods is to build a small shelter with metal garden stakes and chicken wire (effectively building a temporary fence around the planters and plants). Fill this with autumn leaves, mulch or marsh hay.

You might also wrap trees and shrubs in the same manner, but instead of using chicken wire, use burlap and skip filling in the space. If you use metal containers, they need to be sheltered from snow and rain or they may rust. You can do this by wrapping them in plastic tarps and securing them before moving them to another sort of protection.

If you have an unheated porch or three-season room, this is also a great spot to relocate potted plants and trees.

Any planter that usually sits on the ground should be elevated from the ground on a few 2x4 boards or a formal platform during the winter months. Regardless of the material, sitting in contact with the soil and standing water can cause damage to the plants or even the planter.

Cleaning

It is a good idea to always empty and bring in planters prone to winter damage OR use this as a time to clean planters that will be emptied for the winter.

It is a good idea to discard soil every other year and allow your planters to be emptied over the winter months. When you do remove the soil and drainage, it gives you a good opportunity to properly clean and disinfect them.

And though you may dislike hearing it, you will need to clean almost all planters every few years. The exception is the planter with a perfectly healthy tree or shrub. To clean a planter of any kind, you simply empty it and follow these steps:

• Use a soft bristled brush to scrub away any soil that clings to the inside or outside of the planter.
• Hose it down and let it dry in the sun for an hour, or so.
• Use scrub brush or dish cloth and warm soapy water to give it an initial cleaning. Then repeat this using white vinegar and allow to dry completely. If your planters are made of wood, fiberglass or resin, you can stop here and move on to the last step.
• If your planters are made of concrete, clay or terra cotta, you need to take one more step. Make a solution of nine parts water to one part bleach, and carefully soak the surfaces of the planter with it. Rinse after 30 minutes and allow to dry completely for 24 hours.
• Place new drainage and soil in the planters and restore the plants, shrubs or trees to their home.

It is not really difficult to care for planters if you have chosen them correctly. Just follow the different methods outlined above and your planters will remain in top condition for years to come!

Conclusion

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So, what kind of garden do you have in mind for the coming year? Hopefully, this has all inspired you to begin using a few planters in the garden, patio, terrace, porch or just about anywhere else! 

Planters work in the full sun or full shade and can be used to even create outdoor living spaces or little islands of privacy. You can create an entirely different space with a few well-chosen planters and even give yourself more room to garden than ever before.

Have fun choosing and then using outdoor planters and remember that the more time you take in choosing them, and the better the quality you select, the more seasons of beauty they can provide.

Good luck and happy gardening!

How to Create a Room Outdoors

You have probably read and heard multiple times that your deck or patio should essentially be an extension of your outdoor living space. You may be wondering where to even begin to create such a space, or perhaps you have tried, but it felt disconnected. The key is to create a room outside. Look at the space you are working with, and imagine that there are four walls and a ceiling. Regardless if you have a sweeping backyard or a cozy terrace these tips will help you create the look you are trying to achieve.

Have a Plan

Before you randomly start buying things, have an idea of the look you want to accomplish. This will help keep you on track. Are you trying to create a formal dining room feel for your dinner parties or a casual gathering spot to catch up with friends over a bottle of wine? Do you want the area clearly defined? An outdoor gazebo, party tent, or curtains may be needed.

Flooring

Potted Plants

Comfort Items

5 Things to Splurge on for Your Outdoor Living Space

Whether you have moved into your first house or if you simply want to give your outdoor living space a makeover this year, you probably have a lot of things you want to buy. Now, if you are like most, you likely also have a budget you would like to not exceed. So, how do you decide what things to spend the bulk of the money on? This list should help.

1. Outdoor Furniture – The outdoor furniture you purchase will be the foundation of the space. Do not buy based on what you think is expected or “normal.” Choose pieces that make you happy and that you will get the most use out of. You do not need to have a traditional table and chairs just because everyone else you know does. Maybe you would be happiest with a wrought iron bench and a couple of rocking chairs.

2. Fountains – To create a truly tranquil environment that you love to relax in you will need water fountains. You really cannot have too many either, so do not worry about going overboard. Put one on your patio as a focal point and then add a few small ones to your garden and flower beds. Not only will they instantly relax you; they will also help mask some of that undesirable noise coming from the neighborhood.

3. Fireplace – Some people do not even add an outdoor fireplace to their shopping list because they assume they are just too expensive. Well, you might be quite surprised at how affordable these functional pieces of art are. If you want a wood-burning fire then a firepit or chiminea will be perfect. If you prefer an environmentally-friendly option, opt for a tabletop or freestanding bio ethanol or gel fuel one. You never have to be forced indoors just because it gets a little cool outside.

4. Umbrella – Your outdoor living space absolutely needs shade. Even if you are a sun lover you need a little relief from those hot rays at some point. Plus, your fair-skinned guests will certainly appreciate shade, as well. There are a lot of umbrellas on the market. Do not make the mistake of choosing a cheap one just to save a few dollars. This should be one of your splurges. Make sure it is quality, and that it covers the sitting area. One that can be tilted is ideal.

5. Plants – If you already have gorgeous gardens then maybe you do not need to spend money on plants. However, a little living art will change the look and feel of your patio. Buy that gorgeous planter you have your eye on. If you have a railing you can buy planters that sit over the railing, as well. You can even hang baskets of flowering plants from overhead branches or hooks.

Hot Trends in Outdoor Decorating

The closer that it gets to spring the more anxious you likely get to start buying things for your outdoor living space. You may even have a brand new credit card just waiting to be broken in for this purpose. Whether you have moved into your first house and you finally have a patio to enjoy or if your landscaping could simply use a few new details this year, you will want to check out this list of hot trends for outdoor decorating. 

Garden Fountains

Garden fountains have essentially become a necessity for outdoor decorating. More and more people are discovering the positive benefits of adding a water element to their landscaping. Thanks to such a high demand for these décor pieces there is now an extensive selection to choose from, many of which are quite affordable. Garden fountains can be placed anywhere, including your patio, front porch, garden, flowerbeds, and your favorite spot by the hammock you nap in. They come in every size, shape, theme, color, and material imaginable, so there is one to complement every outdoor living space. 

Colors and Patterns

Two of the biggest trends that you can expect to see this year are color-blocking and pattern-laying. Mixing bright, fun shades in with a neutral or cool palette is a must. Layering and mixing patterns will be just as popular. Forget what you have been taught about clashing patterns, and have a little fun breaking the rules.

Fire Tables

The more functional and comfortable your outdoor living space is the more you will enjoy it. Fire tables will be one of the most coveted outdoor items this year. You need a side table for guests to place their drinks on and you need a fire element for warmth and ambiance, so you might as well combine the two into one dynamic display that will take your breath away. Chimineas are worthy of a glance, too.

Eco-friendly Materials

Green is in! When you stock your summer kitchen with plates, serving platters, glasses, etc., opt for recycled glass and plastic, reclaimed wood, and bamboo. When people ask where you got something it will make you feel good to say it is made of recycled or sustainable materials.

Outdoor Rugs

Wait until you start shopping for outdoor rugs and you see the amazing styles that are available. You will feel like it’s Christmas! Outdoor rugs have come a long way in recent years, and like garden fountains, you can find some really spectacular ones at an affordable price.

 Decorating with Outdoor Fireplaces

Now that the warm weather quickly approaches, and Old Man Winter has finally realized he has overstayed his welcome, it is now time to start decorating the deck or patio. This also means that you get to start shopping for new décor pieces that will make your space more welcoming, comfortable and stylish. Outdoor fireplaces should be right at the top of your list.

Why Outdoor Fireplaces?

Many people do not give much thought to outdoor fireplaces, but they should. You will be surprised at how much more you enjoy your time outside when you have one. Not to mention, you will actually get to use your deck or patio a lot more. Those chilly nights that force you inside will now be able to be enjoyed while you gather around a warm dancing flame. Not to mention, the fire helps to keep biting insects away, and increases safety by providing a little extra light in the darkness.

Evaluate the Space

Outdoor fireplaces come in just about any style and size you can imagine. The first thing you need to do is evaluate the deck, patio or pool area where one is needed. You may fall in love with a massive fire bowl, but if it is going to get in the way of foot traffic or generate too much heat for the space it will pose safety risks and can make guests uncomfortable. Choose a size that is appropriate.

It is helpful to have an idea of where you want to place the fireplace as well. An open corner is always a great location for a small area. If your outdoor living space is extremely small, don’t assume that you have to go without. Tabletop fireplaces are ideal! Some are even large enough that they can easily be placed on the floor as well.

Choosing a Style

The selection of outdoor fireplaces is far greater than most people are aware of. It is important that you choose a style based on the décor and furniture you have. You may fall in love with a rustic style, but if you have contemporary pieces, it will become an eyesore.

If you want one that you can cook on, choose a fire pit with a grate. For a classic look, go with a chiminea. If you have the space to accommodate a fire bowl, they offer a dynamic focal point. If you have a smaller space, or you are looking for an environmentally friendly option then tabletop fireplaces that burn gel or biofuel are ideal.

The Blue Rooster Sun Stack Style Chiminea
Cast Aluminum Approx. 54″H x 22″Diameter

 

 Outdoor Planter Guidebook

 

Table of Contents   Introduction   Pots and Planters…Are They the Same?   a. Life Indoors v. Life Outdoors  b. Reasons to Buy Planters for All Plants and Purposes   Types of Outdoor Planters   a. Wood  b. Plastic  c. Resin (Woven or Plain)  d. Glazed Ceramic e. Terra Cotta  f. Fiberglass g. Metal h.Cast (Stone or Concrete)   Pros and Cons of Common Planter Types   a. Pros and Cons of Wood Planters b. Pros and Cons of Plastic Planters  c. Pros and Cons of Resin (Woven or Plain)  d. Pros and Cons of Fiberglass  e. Pros and Cons of Glazed Ceramic f. Pros and Cons of Terra Cotta g. Pros and Cons of Metal Planters h. Pros and Cons of Cast (Stone or Concrete) Planters

Making Your Choice   Plants and the Right Planters for Them   a. Three Rules for Choosing Planters b. Adding It Up   Other Key Considerations   a. Durability  b. What Are You Growing? c. Esthetics  d.Maintenance   Basic Planter Care and Troubleshooting   a. Drainage Check b. Protection c. Cleaning   Conclusion   Sources

 

Introduction

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There are houseplants and there are garden plants, and they comprise a huge range of flowers, trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals. There are some plants chosen just to bring color, scent, and perhaps hummingbirds or butterflies to the garden, but not to remain a permanent fixture throughout the seasons. There are also plants that are not quite suited to the location in which they are grown, and which may need a bit of protection (to both the roots and branches) during wintery weather.

 

In other words, there are all kinds of plants, trees and shrubs we can choose to grow, no matter where we live. And yet all of these plants share one thing in common (apart from being plants!), and it is that they need the right containers.

We call them planters, but you might hear them called pots, containers, and planters interchangeably. That’s fine, but for the purpose of this book, we are going to talk specifically about the planters that are used outdoors, and which typically remain outdoors all year long.

You might think that there is not much to selecting the right planter, apart from the basic design and materials…yet, there are many decisions that go into choosing just the right planter for your needs. In this guide, we are going to walk you through the process of choosing an outdoor planter that will provide a good home to your preferred plants, perform well for years to come, and look great as it does!

 

Pots and Planters…Are They the Same?

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As we just learned, above, pots and planters are terms used to describe the same items, yet most of us think of a flower pot as a smaller vessel made for use in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Pots, typically, seem to be more portable. Planters, on the other hand, bring to mind visions of larger containers meant to be kept outdoors year-round, and which may be placed in a single location meant to become a permanent home or moved around to protect their contents.

Unfortunately, not all planters are made to withstand life outdoors throughout the course of a few seasons or years.

Life Indoors vs. Life Outdoors

This is a key difference – being designed to perform indoors or outdoors in any conditions – and a defining factor where outdoor planters go. And with that distinction of being able to live indoors or outdoors comes a world of possibilities.

After all, you can put a planter to use on a deck or patio, in the garden or along a walkway, and use it to grow herbs, seasonal flowers, and even hold winter-time decorations like branches of holly, bittersweet vine or even artificial trees and shrubs.

If you wish to simply leave an outdoor planter empty and outdoors year-round, it will be designed in a way to allow just that. Additionally, that outdoor planter will do just fine if toted inside in order to protect the plants, shrub or even tree that it contains.

You cannot, however, say the same for planters meant for indoor use only, or made of materials that just don’t stand up to winter conditions.

Reasons to Buy Planters for All Plants and Purposes

And this is where many shoppers become confused. After all, they wonder, wouldn’t any vessel (whether you call it a pot or a planter) be designed to stay outdoors all of the time?

In a word: No. (And it might shock you to learn just how many people buy large and beautiful pots or planters only to find them broken, cracked and ruined within a year’s time!)

Here’s why: In many areas, the end of the warm weather (usually towards the end of the autumn season) means cold temperatures and then frosty conditions. Frost kills off most plants, and when it turns into freezing conditions, it can actually damage planters not designed for indoor use. Even if you don’t have bouts of freezing weather, the planter NOT designed for outdoor use can degrade and deteriorate quickly.

This is due to a few reasons:

• Winter weather can go through freeze/thaw cycles which can cause even small amounts of water in the soil or even in the planter’s materials to freeze as well. As the temperatures rise and thaw, that moisture does, too. This causes expansion in the soil and the vessel, which can easily lead to cracking and breaking.
• Even if a planter is not made of a porous material, it can degrade in the dampness and trapped moisture of winter weather. A metal planter built for indoor use, if allowed to remain covered in snow or left in a shaded area where moisture cannot be evaporated by a few hours of sunlight, may begin to rust and degrade in the course of a single season.
• Most planters are not easily buried in the soil or relocated to a sunny, southwestern facing wall, in order to “winter over”. This leaves them prone to damage or harm.

That is where the benefits of choosing planters meant for any sort of plant and any sort of setting (indoor/outdoor) come into the equation.

• They will be designed to emulate the looks of stylish garden planters and pots for houseplants, yet they will be made of materials that are often lighter in weight and much more durable
• You can find them made of materials that are impervious to ice, freeze/thaw events, standing moisture and damages due to exposure.
• You can even find them in materials that will stand up to being buried or wrapped in insulating materials to allow the plant, tree or shrub to overwinter outdoors.
• They allow you to invest in that planter just once without worrying about a costly replacement a year or more down the road.
• They come in sizes to hold the demurest little houseplants or large trees.

Clearly, it makes good financial sense to consider an outdoor planter, and because you’ll find them in every possible style – from glazed ceramics fired at temperatures high enough to make them more frost resistant to cast stone that can be shaped into almost any form or design – they make good garden design sense, too.

Now that you know to look at outdoor planters for your indoor and outdoor gardening needs, let’s take some time to learn about your choices in planters and materials.

 

Types of Outdoor Planters

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As we go through the types of outdoor planters available, try to keep in mind that not all materials are a good choice. We’ll look at each of the most common options, but we’ll also consider the different pros and cons to using each of them.

 

Wood

You can find them in many shapes and sizes, and often these are what most of us think of first when thinking of outdoor planters. Typically, they will be square or boxy in shape and can be made of long-lasting materials like teak or cedar, which are insect and weather resistant.

Wooden planters are easily some of the most attractive when your garden design has an earthy look to it, or you want to add more natural material to the setting.

Plastic

Affordably priced, plastic planters are a very common choice in window boxes and other, similar designs. Because there is not a great deal that can be done with plastic planters other than forming them into boxy forms, you won’t see a great deal of variety in this material. In fact, if you are eager to get the durability of a plastic with the good looks of other materials, such as stone or ceramic, you may want to consider resin (see below).

Resin (Woven or Plain)

Resin is a more modern upgrade of traditional plastic and is an authentic all-weather material. That is why you now see so many patio sets and outdoor furnishings made of resin. It is very commonly formed to emulate wicker, and you will also find a nice array of planters in this same format, with the looks of oversized wicker baskets and pots.

This is a material that can be found in such a diversity of shapes, sizes and forms that you may be able to use it within almost any sort of garden design or style.

Glazed Ceramic

As one of the world’s most commonly used materials for pots and/or planters, it has a wonderfully earthy appearance, though it can also be molded and formed into the most contemporary styles, too. Heavy and often quite colorful, it is a great way to add a pop of color to a patio or garden area, as well as an interior space.

With its ability to be colored in almost any way, and even take on a metallic or textured finish, it is a great choice for a contemporary or classic garden.

You should be extremely cautious of fuel spills, clean them up as soon as you see them and always double check in case there are more spills. Spotting fuel spills is not easy as bio-ethanol is transparent and does not have any particular smell.
Always keep bio-ethanol away from the reach of pets and kids. We would also advise you to follow some precautionary measures we have given below such as:

Terra Cotta

Historically speaking, it is ceramics and terra cotta that stand as the most commonly used materials for planters of all kinds. Terra cotta is a clay that comes in an unglazed form and offers a cheerful reddish brown hue wherever it appears. Though it has always been a very popular choice with gardeners, the advent of lighter weight and more durable materials has led to terra cotta-like options being produced in longer lasting materials like resin, plastic and fiberglass.

With its earthy and classic look, it is a wonderful choice in almost any setting, but it will never withstand outdoor life in areas where deep freezes occur – unless entirely protected from snow and ice and thoroughly dried before going into winter storage. You should also always store them upside down to protect them over the long term.

Fiberglass

Easily the most variable material in the world of modern planter design and manufacturing. It can emulate stone and concrete, and yet it also works well in even the most unusual shapes, including conical vessels, window box styles, standard round planters, and more.

It can also be found in many textures and colors, making it a material well-suited to almost any sort of garden style, design or purpose.

Metal

Modern garden design seems to be the most common way that metal planters are put to use. Made of copper, stainless steel, cast iron, galvanized metal and even bronze, they can be formed into very basic shapes or rather elaborate ones. They can be made to patina over time, or even arrive in that condition. They are popular with rustic garden designers, too, and pack a lot of visual power into a single vessel.

Cast (Stone or Concrete)

Though you may find that planters made of cast stone or concrete are heavier and more costly, their remarkably durability, wind resistance, frost resistance and general good looks make them a very popular option. They are typically made in decorative or even classical forms and look great in a European styled garden or even an earthier garden because of their low-key colors and ornamentation so often inspired by nature.

As an example, you may find some window boxes made of these materials, and they may be accented with vines and scrolls, offering a very organic look.

 

Pros and Cons of Common Planter Types

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So, what are the pros or cons of the different planter types we have just learned about? 

 

Pros and Cons of Wood Planters

Wood may be weather resistant, but it is also porous, meaning it is never meant to last indefinitely. It can actually begin to degrade quickly if it is always damp or wet, exposed to insects, or left in less than ideal places, such as shady corners of the garden. When wet, it is often very heavy. Of course, on the pro side of things, it has a wonderfully rustic and natural look, and even a refined appearance. You can use wood for container or raised bed gardens, and this is actually a very common practice.

If you are eager to have outdoor planters that have the good looks of wood, a wonderful option might be a set of planters designed to emulate wood but made of weather resistant materials. Window box inspired planters are also a good option.

Pros and Cons of Plastic Planters

Plastic is not porous, and so a lot of people think it is impervious to the weather because it will not absorb water. While some forms of plastic may withstand freezing temperatures and the rigors of freeze/thaw cycles, not many of the more affordable products actually last that long. Why? They are not designed for baking in the sun and then freezing in the winter weather. The plastic becomes rigid and will crack or break rather easily.

Additionally, if you leave soil in a plastic planter, it is going to undergo the freeze/thaw issues, bloat with lots of water at any time of year and end up cracking the weakest point of the plastic.

We suggest you consider resin or fiberglass planters, rather than plastic, if you want a super durable options with a lot of flexibility in texture, style and design.

Pros and Cons of Resin (Woven or Plain)

There are a great many pros with resin and very few cons. This is a non-porous material that does not absorb water, but it is also totally stain resistant. It weighs very little and retains its color even when exposed to summer’s sunlight and winter’s cold. It never corrodes or cracks, and you can find it in a wide array of shapes and styles. It works in almost any sort of garden design and looks good indoors or out. Lastly, it is a material where you may see your investment stretch for decades rather than just years!

The only con is that it is not used to make all styles or forms, and this means you may not easily find the precise look you want.

Pros and Cons of Fiberglass

As one of the most popular materials, there are far more pros to fiberglass than you might expect. For one thing, it has a fantastic insulating quality that allows plants to remain much more stable in colder weather conditions. The material also helps to retain moisture in the soil. Lightweight and very easily moved (even with soil) it is not a material prone to breaking or cracking in even very low temperatures.

Fiberglass is also able to be shaped into every conceivable form, and yet ask for almost no maintenance or upkeep. Instead, you can invest once and find yourself able to use and re-use the same fiberglass planters from year to year.

If there is a con, it is that many people expect fiberglass (with its light weight, many colors, and plastic-like feel) to be as low-priced as plastic. It isn’t, but as we already mentioned, it is remarkably durable and so you won’t be spending repeatedly to replace them as you do with plastic.

Pros and Cons of Glazed Ceramic

We have already discovered that ceramics can be porous if they are not glazed and baked at high heats. This means they are not always a good choice for outdoor use. However, there are some definite pros in using them. For example, some argue that they are heavy and that this must be a negative. However, if you are using them with trees or shrubs, that counterweight at the base keeps your plants upright. They are protected against extremes of temperature because of their thickness, and yet their glazing allows them to hold moisture, which may otherwise readily evaporate in the summer’s heat.

Sadly, many are made with a single drainage hole at the bottom, meaning they can become boggy, and there is that issue of cracking in the winter weather. Their weight can be a negative, too, if you try to move the pots or simply re-pot a plant or tree.

Pros and Cons of Terra Cotta

Though it is tough to argue against the beauty and perennial popularity of terra cotta planters, there are quite a few cons to the different pros. Let’s begin with the upside – it is a good looking material that offers a porous finish that prevents plants from being boggy or over saturated.

However, it can be quite fragile, have only a single drainage hole, absorb water and dry out a plant, and it won’t withstand winter freezes. You will find yourself buying replacement planters a great deal more often with terra cotta than other materials, though, if you do prepare them (putting them along a protected, southern facing wall and insulating them against the deep freezes), they can offer a good solution.

Pros and Cons of Metal Planters

The downside of using long-lasting and rugged metal planters is that they allow a lot of heat transfer. This means your planters can become too hot in the summer and sustain a lot of frost or freezing damage in the winter. They can also be made with flawed materials or finishes and end up rusting and degrading quickly. The upside is that you can use internal liners with them to protect against the high thermal transference, but this will not prevent problems with heat or rust.

Pros and Cons of Cast (Stone or Concrete) Planters

As already noted, one of the only negatives about a cast stone or concrete planter is the fact that it can be quite heavy. This may mean that you must use it specifically or exclusively for seasonal planters and annuals that you do not intend to see again in the coming spring. You may overcome that limitation, however, by opting to place a planter of this kind against a southern facing wall, and then buttressing it with insulating materials before heavy cold arrives.

 

Making Your Choice

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Is there one type of planter or material that is the best? No, because there are too many factors that determine just why you might select a specific type of planter.

 

Of course, it is not only about materials and the pros or cons each offers. While you may be driven towards one specific material for its affordability and another for its long-lasting qualities, you need to think about a few more issues. Let’s consider them, below.

 

Plants and the Right Planters for Them

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“I want a good planter for some bright red geraniums by my front door.”

That sounds like an easy thing to find. After all, you will look at the exterior of your home and its style, the color of the flowers you want to plant, and the height you want the flowers to be as visitors pass by. That’s it, right? No, as we just learned you have an array of choices in terms of materials, and you can consider how each of them may or may not give you what you want.

There are also a few additional factors you have to weigh as you make your final choices.

 

Three Rules for Choosing Planters

Below are three of the most vital factors in the success or failure of your planter selection process. You’ll see that we noted most of them in the various pros and cons or materials descriptions in the previous section. But here, we have to stop and give them a bit more weight in the actual decision making process as they are incredibly relevant to the way any planter looks, performs and lasts over time.

Total Weight and Mobility

It may seem logical to begin by thinking about what you will grow (something we look at further a bit later on in this chapter), and then you can weigh the importance of a planter’s weight and mobility. For now, though, it’s important to just figure out why total weight and mobility matter.

Total weight is the weight of the planter, the soil, the drainage materials, the pot and the plants themselves. You should always take the time to do a bit of quick math and calculate total weight – even if you won’t relocate a planter – because you may be keeping planters in an area that shouldn’t hold heavy weights. Balconies, decks, terraces, rooftop gardens…these are places where total weight is very important.

Remember too that any taller plant (such as a tree or shrub) may be at risk of tipping over if kept in an area with windy conditions. A heavier planter may be your ideal solution for keeping the tree or shrub safe from damage.

The weight also determines the ease of mobility, or whether or not you will require help to pick up and move planters to another area. Whether you like to reorganize your container garden, or you need mobility because of winter conditions, the total weight is what helps you determine if you can move the planter, but so too does its material and design.

A vulnerable plastic planter full of heavy drainage materials, soil and plants is likely to break if moved. A fiberglass or cast concrete planter, on the other hand, can with stand this, and if you worry you are unable to lift heavy weights, many planters can be set on casters or specialty platforms with casters specifically for mobility.

So, take the time to look at a planter in terms of its total weight when full of soil, drainage, plants and even water. Then, consider if it is going to be a bit of a bear to move or if it is even impossible to move without damage.

Drainage

All potted plants have to have adequate drainage, and depending upon what you grow, that drainage may include one or more layers of gravel, sand and other materials. Naturally, this drainage material is only effective if the planter itself has enough drainage of its own. This simply means that there are multiple holes spread out evenly along the bottom of the planter.

This will allow excess water to drain away and deliver adequate oxygen to the roots, keeping the plants healthy. Be sure that you check the specifications of any planter to ensure that it will allow your plants to be kept safe from smothering in too much water. After all, outdoor planters are kept, well, outdoors. A single heavy rain may bring down enough water to drown a plant if there is not enough drainage in its container.

Many pots have a single hole in the bottom, and if you find a planter with such a limited amount of drainage, it may not be a good choice. If the opening is large and you are using drainage material, it could suffice, but if the planter sits directly on the ground or the hole becomes blocked, it can be a problem. It is best to choose planters with multiple drainage holes.

Porosity

We have looked at porosity a bit when talking about planters made of plastic, ceramic and terra cotta, among other materials. Essentially, porosity means the ability of a planter’s materials to let both moisture and air pass through. This is important since all plants need oxygen around their roots, and they also need water to be able to move away or evaporate in order to maintain a good soil temperature and prevent plants or roots from rotting or developing fungus or bacteria.

However, a very porous material runs the risk of drying out very quickly and on an almost daily basis. While you could choose a potting mix and drainage that helped to slow this, if you are unlikely to do daily watering or you live in an area of intense sunlight and summer heat, porosity has to be a major factor for you to consider.

Adding It Up

Does your planter need to be moved?

Will it allow adequate drainage?

Does it require porosity or even the avoidance of porosity?

These are major issues to use as you first set out to choose a planter. Then, consider these other key factors…

 

Other Key Considerations

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Durability

By now, you’ve already heard about this in many different ways. We’ve spoken about materials that are fragile, and therefore not at all durable. We’ve considered materials that can or cannot hold up to extremes of heat or cold, snow or ice, wind and so on. We have also looked at materials that are able to retain their color, resist UV or sun damage, and remain flexible rather than turning brittle. We have also considered materials that can provide a less than ideal planter (such as a ceramic planter fired at very high temperatures) with cold resistance.

Basically, durability is all about the expected life span of the planter, and it always has to do with the type of materials you choose AND where the planter is located.

It also has to do with the type of plant you are growing. Why? Because you may need durability to mean a single season rather than many decades of service. For example, you may be growing a small or dwarf fruit tree that will transplant into a final, much larger container, a year or two after it is first planted. That would mean a less durable planter is needed. In fact, it could be that you keep the young tree in a nursery pot until it is ready for its final home.

That means that durability is a bit relative and you will have to figure out what your version of durability means to make the right choice. It will have to do with those issues already mentioned – how long you expect a planter to last, where you are putting it, and what you’ll grow. And with yet another mention of “what you intend to grow,” let’s look at that as a factor for consideration when choosing a planter.

What Are You Growing?

You won’t use a planter for things like seed starting or transplants because it would be an inefficient use of space, soil and resources. However, you do have to give serious thought to what will reside in any planter you are seeking.

Why? As we have already considered, if that plant is to remain in place for many years, you can choose a heavier, less mobile planter. This means you can choose a larger planter, too. But you don’t want to pick a difficult shape that can make re-potting a challenge.

If you are going to grow temporary or seasonal plants such as annuals, vegetables, herbs and other similar items, your choices are entirely different. Perhaps a window box style of planter is a good idea or maybe even a broad and wide-mouthed urn with cascades of flowers tumbling around?

And though the world of plants is seemingly endless, in the end, there are really only two main categories of use where outdoor planters are concerned, and we’ll look at the special demands or needs for each of them, below.

Container Garden

You will need to give a great deal of thought to almost all of the factors we have considered in this chapter as you choose a planter or two, or ten, for your container gardening. Here are some of the main issues you’ll want to focus in on:

• Is it all about annuals or is it an assortment of plants? If you are going the annuals-only route, you can choose less mobile options. On the other hand, if you are investing in perennials, they may need materials that are insulating, lighter in weight and more mobile.
• Are you going to be making permanent garden designs with the planters? For example, maybe you are using a more formal plan and require urns and classically designed vessels? Maybe you are doing a rustic, raised garden and need planters that coordinate with that space, and which can stay in place once you layout the garden?
• Do you have a color scheme or garden design in mind? Will it be all about green herbs and colorful planters? Maybe you have a collection of annuals you want to arrange in different vessels or very organized containers? Give thought to heights, spacing, colors, and seasons to make the right choices. You can do a great deal with your planters and plant combinations!
• Are you doing standard and vertical gardening? There are many options for vertical planters, urns and taller planters, and you should not overlook your ability to choose many heights, designs and even textures or colors as you can make planters a major part of the design.
• Where are you doing the container garden? This is all about durability, porosity and drainage. If you are keeping planters in full sun, be mindful of the amount of watering you will find yourself doing. If they are in full shade, be aware of drainage and porosity which can stifle plants without a way for water evaporation to occur.

Trees

Growing trees in containers is a much easier matter to consider because it boils down to a few simple questions or concerns:

• How tall is this tree or shrub going to be? If it is going to be tall the planter needs to be quite bottom-heavy to help give support
• Does this tree or shrub require winter protection? If so, choose a planter that will adapt well to movement and/or the use of casters to allow you to easily push it into a southern facing corner where it is sheltered from intense cold and damage
• How large a root ball will this tree typically develop? You want to “go big” with trees and shrubs to allow them to form a root ball of adequate size. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to transplant a large tree into an even larger planter.

In general, it is best to invest in a premium quality planter for a tree or shrub. This ensures you won’t need to worry about risks of breakage, inadequate drainage or difficulty in mobility. For instance, you can easily find cast concrete, fiberglass or resin planters that are beautiful in design, available in huge sizes, and lighter in weight, but which can really help give a tree or shrub a happy forever home!

Aesthetics

Regardless of what you might see or hear, your opinion about the appearance of your garden planters really does matter. In fact, the looks of any design or decor matters. If you groan with dissatisfaction each time you look at your garden, patio or a single planter, it is not acceptable.

So, take the time to consider your preferred aesthetic style. Is it modern and contemporary? Is it rustic and earthy? Do you prefer Classical designs inspired by Ancient Greece or Rome? Maybe an iconic European garden is your inspiration?

No matter what, you’ll find many planters to meet such preferences. The point is to add that style or aesthetic into your decision making process.

Maintenance

Low maintenance planters are really ideal, and that means a few things:

• Choosing a material that does not need annual “treatment” such as applying stain or repainting
• Opting for materials that resist UV rays that can cause them to fade, weaken and break down
• Looking for planters that can resist insects and other pests that cause damages
• Choosing planters made of easy to clean (and keep clean) materials.

And with that last point, we can now move to the final topic, which looks at basic planter care and upkeep.

 

Basic Planter Care and Troubleshooting

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It would be ideal if basic planter care was required just once a year, but it can be an ongoing matter. Basic steps include a drainage check, protection, and cleaning.

 

Drainage Check

Double checking that drainage is still moving smoothly. Do this after a heavy rain or after watering well. If a drainage hole is blocked, you may find that you can unblock it by carefully leaning to one side and using a dowel to clean out and unclog the holes. Unfortunately, if it is due to soil compaction, you will find yourself having to un-pot and then re-pot after removing the soil, drainage and beginning with a clean slate.

Protection

Using a good winter protection system, whether you are in a location where the winter means deep freezing or even just heavy rains and winds, is always wise as it offers planters seasonal protection.

This means you may need to relocate the planter to a south-facing area and up against a wall. You can group planters together in such places and even dig a small trench for smaller planters to offer them even more protection from freezing and thawing cycles.

If your plants are perennials, trees or shrubs, you’ll want to protect them, and one of the best methods is to build a small shelter with metal garden stakes and chicken wire (effectively building a temporary fence around the planters and plants). Fill this with autumn leaves, mulch or marsh hay.

You might also wrap trees and shrubs in the same manner, but instead of using chicken wire, use burlap and skip filling in the space. If you use metal containers, they need to be sheltered from snow and rain or they may rust. You can do this by wrapping them in plastic tarps and securing them before moving them to another sort of protection.

If you have an unheated porch or three-season room, this is also a great spot to relocate potted plants and trees.

Any planter that usually sits on the ground should be elevated from the ground on a few 2x4 boards or a formal platform during the winter months. Regardless of the material, sitting in contact with the soil and standing water can cause damage to the plants or even the planter.

Cleaning

It is a good idea to always empty and bring in planters prone to winter damage OR use this as a time to clean planters that will be emptied for the winter.

It is a good idea to discard soil every other year and allow your planters to be emptied over the winter months. When you do remove the soil and drainage, it gives you a good opportunity to properly clean and disinfect them.

And though you may dislike hearing it, you will need to clean almost all planters every few years. The exception is the planter with a perfectly healthy tree or shrub. To clean a planter of any kind, you simply empty it and follow these steps:

• Use a soft bristled brush to scrub away any soil that clings to the inside or outside of the planter.
• Hose it down and let it dry in the sun for an hour, or so.
• Use scrub brush or dish cloth and warm soapy water to give it an initial cleaning. Then repeat this using white vinegar and allow to dry completely. If your planters are made of wood, fiberglass or resin, you can stop here and move on to the last step.
• If your planters are made of concrete, clay or terra cotta, you need to take one more step. Make a solution of nine parts water to one part bleach, and carefully soak the surfaces of the planter with it. Rinse after 30 minutes and allow to dry completely for 24 hours.
• Place new drainage and soil in the planters and restore the plants, shrubs or trees to their home.

It is not really difficult to care for planters if you have chosen them correctly. Just follow the different methods outlined above and your planters will remain in top condition for years to come!

 

Conclusion

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So, what kind of garden do you have in mind for the coming year? Hopefully, this has all inspired you to begin using a few planters in the garden, patio, terrace, porch or just about anywhere else! 

 

Planters work in the full sun or full shade and can be used to even create outdoor living spaces or little islands of privacy. You can create an entirely different space with a few well-chosen planters and even give yourself more room to garden than ever before.

Have fun choosing and then using outdoor planters and remember that the more time you take in choosing them, and the better the quality you select, the more seasons of beauty they can provide.

Good luck and happy gardening!

 Outdoor Spaces: A Pocket Paradise

An outdoor space can become whatever you make of it. It is  a room without walls that can be used as an intimate gathering place, or a lovely spot to enjoy your morning cup of coffee or an after dinner drinks with the significant other. Any outdoor space can be turned into a pocket paradise where you can escape from your daily routine. Be creative and still keep cost low with these products. It will allow you to place a personal stamp on your outdoor space to reflect your style.

 

Add a fire source with a Tabletop Fireplace

 

Include a variety of seating options

 

Just like they do indoors, an outdoor rug helps to unify a space.

  

Add accents to walls with Outdoor Canvas Art

 Things to Look for When Shopping for Outdoor Covers

Outdoor covers are some of the most beneficial items you will ever purchase in your life. They are the one and only thing that can help protect your investment. Just because many items are designed for outdoor use does not mean that they will not be ruined by harsh elements. Not to mention, a cover will keep its contents dry and clean. It is a lot easier to remove a cover from a patio table and chairs than it is to scrub away bird droppings or wipe away all the water from the morning rain.

What Needs a Cover?

You may be surprised to discover that covers are made for nearly everything you likely own that is used or kept outdoors, and they are all equally important. For the patio, Soothing Company has covers for chairs, chaise lounges, tables, fire pits, chimineas, barbeques, water fountains, patio heaters, and water fountains. We also have an extensive selection of ATV, car, truck, golf cart, motorcycle, RV, and snowmobile covers, as well. 

Features to Look For

 Before you just throw your money away on any cover you find, you should know that it is important to consider the fit, material, and a few other features. A poorly made cover is no better than no cover at all. This is why we only offer products we know provide the highest level of protection.

Material – The material absolutely needs to be capable of protecting from rain and snow. Keeping the item dry should be the top priority.

Fit – A cover that is too small will not provide protection to the entire item. One that is too large may allow critters inside or water to splash from underneath. It may even take flight with a gust of wind. Choose a cover with hem cords, toggles, zippers, or other similar features that help ensure a proper fit.

Air Vents – Although not necessarily a requirement, you will find that many of our covers have air vents. These help reduce wind lofting and condensation.

UV Protection – The sun can penetrate most fabrics and fade or damage whatever is underneath. If you store the item in your garage or the shed then this may not be high on your priorities list. However, if it remains exposed to the elements when not in use, you might want to make sure that the cover you buy provides UV protection.

 Waterfall Outdoor Fountains | Bring The Beauty Of A Natural Waterfall To Your Outdoors

A waterfall outdoor fountain is an amazing addition to any outdoor settings. As the name implies, waterfall fountains are water features that are created to look like a real waterfall. Uneven rocks build a wall that welcomes water to flow down, and some offer a trickle in one gentle stream while others cascade carelessly in multiple locations to splash to the pool below. A waterfall outdoor fountain can enhance the look and feel of your garden with the peaceful sight and sounds of water in motion, making you feel like you’ve been whisked away to someplace magical.

 

Stone Finish Waterfall Fountain 

Small Rockfall Pond Ornament 

24″ Rock Waterfall Fountain with LED Lights 

Curving Log Fountain 

35″ Floating Sphere Waterfall Fountain

 

 Five Simple Products to Energize Your Outdoor Space

A patio or a deck overlooking a garden is a perfect place to hang out with friends and family on a pretty day. It is also great for entertaining, grilling out and dining out, or just for relaxing after a long day.  But if your outdoor space is not inviting, nobody is unlikely to take full advantage of it. With the help of a few products and a bit of imagination, one can completely transform a patio from a boring slab of concrete into an inviting outdoor room. Here are five simple and not so expensive products  to energize your outdoor space.

 

1.  Outdoor Rugs

2. Patio Umbrellas

3.  Garden Stake Decorations

4.  Outdoor Canvas Art

5.  Atmosphere Light

 

 A Guide to Buying Outdoor Canvas Art

Considering outdoor canvas art is not a purchase you make very often you may be full of a lot of questions, especially if you have been newly introduced to these pieces. If this is the first you are learning of them you will be interested to know that they are every bit as beautiful as what you would mount inside your home, but they are given a special coating to withstand the elements.

 

Determine a Mounting Location

It helps to have an idea of where you are going to mount the canvas before you even start shopping. You will want it to complement the exterior of your home, but you might want to make a mental note of your purple curtains in the nearby window or the rose bush that is full of pink blossoms all spring directly underneath where you are placing it.

 

Consider Your Furnishings

Your current furniture and décor will play huge roles in choosing a piece of outdoor canvas art. Obviously, if you have a tropical, French bistro, or Japanese garden theme, you will want to continue on with this theme when you choose your art. For example, our Magnifique Canvas Wall Art will look exceptional paired up with a black iron two-person bistro set on a small patio, while our Palms Duo Canvas Wall Art will look perfect next to the tiki bar.

 

If you do not have a theme, evaluate the color palette of your furniture or patterns in your cushions or rugs. If your furniture is a solid color and you do not have any patterns or a theme then you can essentially choose any canvas you want.

 

Do You Have Space for More Than One?

If you have an “L” shape created by the exterior wall of your home, plus the garage, shed, or pool house, you could buy two outdoor canvases, just as you would likely decorate both walls inside your home. In this case you will want to make sure both canvases complement one another, but they do not necessarily have to be in the exact same category. Our Rivers and Trees category and Wilderness Outdoor category can easily be paired together, just like our Wildlife Outdoor Canvas Art will complement pieces from many other categories.

 

What About Upkeep?

If you are worried about how the canvases will look when they get dirty, don’t be. These outdoor pieces are made to withstand weather, and they can easily be cleaned to keep them looking new from one season to the next. Speaking of seasons, you may even want to rotate canvases according to season, if you have simple décor that allows you to be this creative.

 

DIY: Creating Your Outdoor Landscape

 Creating outdoor landscapes don’t have to entail garden landscaping. It can mean taking what you have and transforming it with distinct pieces that can give it a totally different look. Fashion a resort-like backyard with beautiful hammocks and patio umbrellas that make you yearn for sunny days. Make focal points of eye candy, with outdoor fireplaces and  canvas art. Create warm and inviting outdoor space with  patio heaters and solar lights. Budget is not a limitation. The only true limitation is one’s imagination.

 

Tips for Buying a Patio Umbrella

A patio umbrella is an essential component of any outdoor living space. Not only do they provide an eye-catching display they make the area significantly more comfortable. Even on a mild day, the sun’s rays can feel incredibly hot when you sit in them for a while. Not to mention, excessive exposure is damaging to your skin and eyes. Many people even get headaches. Then, when things heat up in the summer, it is really impossible to enjoy your patio, and you certainly cannot go barefoot without burning your toes. Just imagine how your poor dog must feel trying to sit near you!

 

Patio umbrellas create a cooler and more comfortable space while reducing your exposure to harmful UV rays. Deciding to buy one is easy; choosing a style is a little more challenging. Most are quite surprised to discover how extensive the selection is here at Soothing Company. One thing is for sure, there is an umbrella here to accommodate every need and complement any space.

 

Determine a Size

 The size of the umbrella will dictate the amount of shade that it awards. You will need to evaluate your patio and decide how much of it you want shaded. You might only want the sun blocked when you are sitting around a table, or you might want a sofa, chaise lounge, and chair all shaded. As a general rule:

 

• 6-foot umbrella shades 30-inch bistro table
• 7-foot umbrella shades 36-inch table
• 8-foot umbrella shades 48-inch square or round table and chairs
• 11-foot umbrella shades 72-inch rectangular or oval table with six chairs

 

Tilt or Not?

 If you are putting the umbrella directly over a table, you may not need a tilt feature. You have to consider though that the sun is rarely going to be directly overhead. A tilt feature will allow you to easily adjust it as the Earth moves throughout the day. A good example is our California Umbrella 9-foot Aluminum Market Umbrella. Its push tilt makes it effortless to create shade where you need it.

 

Other Considerations

 You will need to decide if you prefer a pulley open or crank system. Both are extremely easy to use. You will also have to choose a color, which very well may be your hardest decision. We have them in every color of the rainbow, and then some. You may want one that matches your furniture, or you might want to choose a contrasting color for a bold display.

Regardless which umbrella you buy the most important purchase you make will be the cover. These décor pieces are designed to last a long time, but only when they are protected by a quality, proper fitting cover.

 

 Hammock Ideas for Autumn

Enjoying the season, yet? Throw in a hammock in your garden or any place outside your home that you feel most relaxed. Hammocks accentuate an outdoor space provided you have it in you to go beyond the usual. The experience is an absolute treat – fresh air (not so much heat) and a promise of comfort and relaxation. Go out and scan your lawn for the perfect spot. You’ll need a keen eye to perfectly position your hammock in the best location possible. Consider where you want your eyes focused on or where you can be still, undisturbed, and transported to a place only you can create.

Here are top 5 hammocks you can choose from:

Experience outdoors, befriend the nature and relax with the utmost comfort with Bliss Hammock Island Rope Chair.

Bliss Hammock Metro Chair

Bliss Hammock Metro Chairis perfect for those who want to relax and unwind. Enjoy outdoors with this durable and convenient hammock. With many available colors to choose from, Bliss Hammock Metro Chair will surely match with its environment.

Algoma Hanging Cotton Rope Chair

This hanging cotton rope chair spells “Rest and Relaxation”.  Made of 100% natural cotton rope. Wood spreader bar measures 44″ creating a comfortable hammock chair that spreads 30″ to 40″ wide. Hangs from trees, patios, porches, or fits Algoma’s c-frame chair stand model 4750BR  (sold separately)

Pawley’s Island Gardens Collection Cushioned Single Swing Hammock

The Single Cushioned Swing creates a heavenly rest for your body and soul. Made to hold up to 350 lbs, it hangs on porches, balcony and even inside your home. This swing has the advantage of fitting in many areas and of creating a colorful addtion to any outdoor setting. The ceiling must be a minimum of 6.5ft high and a maximum of 7.5ft high or you will need a hanging kit or tree straps. Simply comfortable, useful and an easy upgrade for your house.

Bliss Hammock Quilted Hammock with Polyester Pillow with “S” Stitc

Who doesn’t want a nice and comfortable Saturday afternoon? Bliss Hammock Quilted Hammock with Polyester Pillow with “S” Stitch is perfect for those who want to relax and unwind. Enjoy outdoors with this durable and convenient hammock. With many available colors to choose from, Bliss Hammock Quilted Hammock with Polyester Pillow with “S” Stitch will surely match with its environment.

 

Outdoor Canvas Art l Creating Stunning Effects In Your Outdoor Space

Outdoor canvas art is one way of creating stunning effects in your outdoor space. Each canvas is digitally reproduced and printed on artist canvass using the ‘Giclee’ printing technology to produce beautiful outdoor art. These  are treated on front and back with UV lacquer to prevent the vivid colors from fading. The canvas is waterproof and can easily be cleaned with any non-abrasive wiping material.

Outdoor canvas art is a simple and beautiful way to add colour and character to your patios, courtyards, plain walls and fences. Create your own oasis with these contemporary box frame canvas art prints.

Decorate Your Home’s Exterior with Outdoor Wall Art

It is confusing why most people spend a great deal of time decorating the interior of their home, yet the exterior gets neglected. This is valuable space! Even those who have throw pillows, decorative rugs, and a fire bowl typically overlook the exterior walls of their home. Chances are good that your deck or patio touches a wall of some sort. Why not put this space to use with outdoor wall art?

Canvas Art

If you have not been introduced to outdoor canvas art yet you are in for quite a surprise. This type of wall art has recently become incredibly popular, but it is not anything new. These intriguing pieces have been around for quite some time. Like art displayed in your home, these pieces look like a traditional canvas. The painting or photograph is added to a canvas and given a protective coating, which allows it to stand up against rain, pollution, bird droppings, and other elements. They can easily be washed too. These are pieces that look nice enough to be mounted in your indoor living space. These canvases are available in a ton of different themes, including wildlife, wilderness, trees, rivers and streams, landscape, seasons, flowers, architecture, beaches, and more.

Water Wall

Nothing makes your home become more mysterious and interesting than an outdoor water wall. Some of them are made in so many finishes you can easily find one to match the color of your home perfectly. This allows the piece to look as though it is part of the wall. There are also some wall fountains that sit on the ground against the wall. These are ideal if you are a renter and can’t mount to the exterior of your home, or if you simply are not comfortable doing so. Wall fountains are available in an array of sizes, colors, and themes. The weathered look is extremely popular right now.

Garden Statuary

You might not think of garden statuary as wall art, but maybe you should. There are many pieces available at Soothing Company that can rest right up against a wall. For example, the 28-inch Sitting Buddha Garden Statuary Large placed against the wall of an Asian-themed patio or in an outdoor meditation space would be the perfect finishing touch.

Solar Lights

Solar lights are not necessarily considered art, but some are certainly nice enough to decorate a wall. Not to mention, these lights can be used to highlight other pieces of outdoor wall art. Solar lights give your home curb appeal at night while also increasing security. Guests visiting for a late night pool party will appreciate the extra lighting while navigating in unfamiliar territory. Plus, thieves are typically deterred by lighting, making your home less at risk for a break-in.

Garden Outdoor Fountains to Spice Up Your Backyard

Whether you want to add a subtle charm or create a stunning focal point, you are sure to find a garden outdoor fountain to do just that. Place it against an empty wall or boring fence, amongst the lush greenery and blooming flowers, these outdoor water features add beauty and character to any space they occupy. Outdoor water features are available in every size, material, color and theme imaginable. Tiered water fountains with pools are majestic and grand. If you love animals, we have fantastic pieces that incorporate animals, like horses, lions, swans, even a turtle and a frog. If you want to transform an empty corner into a relaxing nook, go for Asian Outdoor Fountains and add a touch of Zen and the East.

Grande Riviera Garden Fountain

Tall, elegant, and sophisticated, the Grande Riviera Garden Fountain evokes the warm, sun-drenched ambiance of the Mediterranean. Lively and defined water flow streams and splashes into the unique fiberglass bottom pool. Handcrafted of durable cast stone, this fountain is to last a lifetime. It will bring beauty as well as the soothing sound of water to your yard or garden. Unique Perpetual Pool is completely fiberglass for impressive size with ease of installation. 

White Lotus Flower Fountain 

Beautiful yet calming, this dramatic White Lotus Flower Fountain is an artistic water feature where art meets function. This relaxing fountain is sure to become a focal point in any setting, creating a soothing and interesting artistic addition to your home. Perfect on your patio or out in your garden as your favorite blooms and foliage. 

Old World Center Rain Fountain, Tall with Bowl 

 

The Old World Center Rain Fountain, Tall with Bowl combines the beauty with the soothing sounds of water in motion to create a mesmerizing effect. Water flows calmly from top into the solid stone-like bowl below. The classic beauty of this fountain will lend graceful charm to any outdoor area.

51″ Tree Trunk Fountain with 6 Pots

This elegant 51″ Tree Trunk Fountain with 6 Pots has a timeless, classic appeal, the perfect centerpiece for any garden decor. Water spills from the 6 tipped pots into a pool of water contained in the remnants of a long fallen tree. Includes a pump and three LED underwater lights.

31″ Rock Buddha Fountain

Create a serene environment in your own back yard or garden with the 31″ Rock Buddha Fountain. This sitting Buddha features a wall of water illuminated by an underwater LED light. It is made of fiberglass resin although it looks as if it is carved from stone. Rich in detail, this striking piece features intricate carvings around the Buddha.

24″ Bamboo Fountain

The 24″ Bamboo Fountain is a stunning and wonderful water feature for your setting, add this whimsical piece to your collection today. It features three water spouts with a water wheel at the foot of the fountain. You and your guests will delight in the soothing sounds of water in motion and you’ll quickly find that this little beauty makes your backyard a popular place to be. 

Delfini Fountain with Quatrain Basin

This fountain will add a modern yet elegant touch to your garden or patio setting. It will also give your outdoor space a sculptural focal point that also provides the relaxing sounds of flowing water. Constructed in a durable cast stone by skilled artisans that will last for many years.

Sculpture Fountain with Light 

Featuring the appearance of a woman cradling a fractured glass candle, this piece of art gives the illusion of a hammered bronze finish sculpture with illuminated water flowing inside her cylinder. The warm glow is provided by an included underwater LED light and the flow of water by an included pump. 

Zen Plinth Fountain

The Zen Plinth Fountain is an adorably fun and endearing fountain. Featuring a Zen Frog in meditating pose, this calming fountain is sure to add a peaceful feel to your garden setting. Add this fountain to your home or garden today and enjoy the soothing sounds of water flowing from this beautiful fountain. 

26″ Lion Head Wall Fountain

Classic and clean in design, the 26″ Lion Head Wall Fountain fuses seamlessly with any decor. Water flows out of the centered lion head and into the basin below for a soothing water sound that anyone can enjoy. Made out of a poly resin material, this fountain is very lightweight and durable.

 

 

Make Your Patio Comfortable with These Essentials

The more comfortable your outdoor living space is the more likely you are to get the most out of it. Sure, you will still sit out there if there are only a table and a few chairs, but you will actually make an excuse to be outside if you are able to kick back and enjoy the space as much as the living room inside your home. You will also find your friends and family may pop over a little more often. Below are a few essentials worth investing in.

Gel Tabletop Fireplaces

You may be thinking that if you are going to shop for gel tabletop fireplaces it will be for the inside of your home, but there is no reason why you can’t enjoy one outside. It will be a nice décor piece for your patio, and it will provide a warm heat source for when the sun goes down. Gel tabletop fireplaces also create ambiance and provide a bit of light for increased safety. When you go indoors you can always take it in with you to continue to enjoy.

Patio Heater

If you have a very large patio or you live somewhere with a cooler climate a patio heater is essential. This will warm your space, so you can be outdoors even in the spring and fall when nights are still chilly. Some patio heaters even have a built in table for guests to place their drinks on.

Comfortable Seating

There is no rule that says you need to have a traditional table and chairs. You do not even need a regular sofa or loveseat. Why not buy seating that no one will want to get out of? Hammock chairs are ideal for the patio. You may want to also consider bean bag chairs. As long as they have a waterproof liner and machine-washable cover you can enjoy these fun and super cozy chairs outside.

Outdoor Refrigerator

Why walk inside every time someone needs a water, soda, or beer? A small outdoor fridge on the patio is exactly what you need. Keep it stocked all the time, so when folks pop by you are always prepared to entertain. If you get a large enough one you can keep bowls of fresh fruit or other snacks inside. Since everyone typically finishes their drink at a separate time, having easy access to refreshments will save you from walking back and forth a lot. Plus, a small fridge typically does not draw much power, so you can plug it into an inverter hooked up to a solar panel, and not even use electricity. This makes it convenient for power outages, too.

 

Patio Heaters | Create A Warm And Inviting Outdoor Space

Patio heaters enable us to enjoy various outdoor activities even in the coldest night or rainy day. These amazing products  help alleviate the chill of the air and create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Patio heaters come in different shapes and sizes and in a variety of colors to match with your patio furniture or water feature on the deck. Each patio heater is contemporarily styled for today’s discriminating consumers.

Among the many convenient options you will find include:

Table Patio Heaters

Perfect for outdoor entertaining, our Stainless Steel Table Top Patio Heater provides warmth while adding ambiance to any outdoor table top setting. This handsome unit raises the outdoor temperature 10-25 degrees. The safety features of this CSA approved unit include an auto shut off tilt valve and an oxygen depletion sensor. 10,000 BTU output. CSA approved.

Propane Patio Heaters

Let the Square Mocha Illuminated Patio Heater warm your next patio party and you’ll soon wonder how you ever went without. It provides an amazing 46,000 BTUs of heat over an 18-foot diameter. It is safe to use and simple to set up, with the included wheels you can easily follow the party outdoors and keep your guests warm throughout the evening.

Wall Mounted Patio Heaters

The new Stainless Steel Wall Mounted Infrared Patio Heater introduces a new revolution in outdoor heating.  With a heating efficiency of 90%, this infrared patio heater runs on regular household electric current and is substantially less expensive to operate than propane patio heaters. This unit can be used indoors our outdoors for a neat and space saving set up, with a movable mounting bracket.

Car Covers | Because Rust Isn’t The New Red

Whether you have a “soccer mom” van, a coupe or a classic car, your car needs to be protected. Without a good, quality car cover your vehicle faces many “dangers” from day to day. There are countless threats that your vehicle is exposed to on a daily basis. Exposure to the sun, rain, snow, dust and bird droppings can cause your car to rust. Mind you, rust isn’t the new red. Kids can sometimes cause unintentional damage to your car when the friendly game of catch commence right beside your vehicle. A car cover will prevent damage to your car’s paint, keep the interior temperature cool and prevents dirt and dust from accumulating in your car. Invest in one now and save yourself some headache down the road. 

OverDrive PolyPRO 1 Car Cover 

OverDrive PolyPRO 1 Car Cover is made of a unique material that repels water and yet breathes to retard the growth of mold and mildew. Made of durable material, this waterproof car cover features a soft inner layer that doesn’t scratch your car’s paint. Ideal for all sedans measuring 175 inches or less, the car cover provides unfaltering protection from UV rays thereby extending paint life. The cover comfortably withstands the vicissitudes of weather conditions. Other remarkable features of the waterproof car cover include an antenna reinforcement patch, an elastic hem, tie-down grommets and a rope. Also, the UV protection car cover is easy to use, maintain and store.

 OverDrive PolyPRO 1 SUV/Pickup Cover

This OverDrive PolyPRO 1 SUV/Pickup Cover is ideal for all SUV’s and pickups measuring 187-inches long, provides protection from UV rays, thereby retaining the color of the paint. It is made of a unique fabric material that is water repellant and yet breathes to retard the growth of mold and mildew.

OverDrive PolyPRO 3 Car Cover

OverDrive PolyPRO 3 Car Coveris made of soft, durable, and breathable PolyPro 3 material that will protect a car form dirt, rain, pollution, and sun damage without scratching the paint job or holding moisture in. It has special triple layer fabric resists and repels and repels water, snow, and more while breathing to allow water vapor to escape away from your car. The elasticized bottom hem of the cover makes for a speedy custom fitting. Cover also features non-scratch tie-down grommets, rope, and a reinforced antenna patch. Comes with attached storage bag.

OverDrive PolyPRO 3 SUV/Pickup Cover

OverDrive PolyPRO 3 SUV/Pickup Cover has a triple-layered, gentle fabric that covers and protects your car and retains the vibrancy of the paint by blocking UV rays. This pickup truck cover includes a convenient storage bag, and fits SUVs and pickups up to 230″ long.

Deluxe Four Layer Car Cover – Grey

Deluxe Four Layer Car Cover – Greywill provides maximum water repellency and resistance with the added protection of breathability. This cover protects your car from dirt, scratches, pollution and bad weather. It features an elasticized bottom hem to allow a quick fit and the soft, four layer fabric will not scratch or damage your vehicles paint.

 

Patio Umbrellas l Temporary Ceiling That Encloses And Defines Your Outdoor Space

Patio umbrellas provides temporary ceiling that encloses and defines your outdoor space.  This everyday item can make a big difference when it comes to outdoor comfort.

In choosing a patio umbrella, always remember the size of the umbrella will determine how much shade your space will receive. Ideally, patio umbrellas should be table width plus extra 2 feet per side if possible. Overcrowding a patio with a too-large umbrella won’t look or feel good. The height of the umbrella pole is also important. It has to be high enough to be out of way, but not too high to lose its function. The umbrella fabric needs to be adequately weather resistant to both strong sun and rain. There is nothing worse than getting an umbrella that leaks water or falls apart quickly.

Completely transform your patio from a boring slab of concrete into an inviting outdoor room with patio umbrellas.  With the designer patio umbrellas from The Soothing Company, you can spice up your outdoor room for a great price.

 Top Five Solar Lights

Solar lights are becoming increasingly popular. It can be used in many different ways such as accent lighting, path lighting and spotlighting. Solar lights are economical and easy to install, they just need to be placed in areas where there is sufficient sunlight during the day so that they are kept charged at daytime. Solar lights don’t require connection to the utility company and are easily movable since they do not have any wiring. The LED bulbs rarely burn out making its upkeep almost non-existent except when you need to replace the rechargeable battery. Solar lights are environmentally friendly because it uses the sun’s energy instead of conventional electricity. Solar lights add beauty and highlights to your garden or yard as well as provide unmatched convenience, reliability and efficiency.

1.  Solar Lamp Post Triple

Solar Lamp Post Triple

Enjoy a romantic evening with your loved one under the glow of our 7′ high solar powered traditional styled lamp posts. They come with 3 lights which use a special patented cone reflector to make the light brighter. This all aluminium construction tall lamp post will illuminate your garden with our energy efficient, super-bright LED’s. The gas-light design of our solar lamp is classic and adds an elegant appeal to your front or back yard.

Using efficient solar-powered technology, the solar lamp lights receive their energy from built-in batteries charged daily by the sun, which in turn light the 6 super-bright LED bulbs. Each solar lamp post has real beveled glass panes that add to the late 19th Century appeal. No maintenance is required with the powder-coated cast-aluminum solar lamp posts that are weather resistant & won’t rust. Worry-free, the solar lamp post turns on automatically at dusk and off at dawn. The solar lamp post can be bolted down (bolts included) and is available in either black, white or rust red.

2.  Solar Lamp Post Wall

Solar Lamp Post Wall 

This beautiful wall fitting solar light comes ready to install to add a great feature to your home. It has our super-bright LED’s which use a special patented cone reflector to make the light brighter. The gas-light design of our solar lamp light is classic and adds an elegant appeal to your front or back yard.  Using efficient solar-powered technology, the solar lamp lights receive their energy from built-in batteries charged daily by the sun, which in turn light the 6 super-bright LED bulbs. Each solar lamp post has real beveled glass panes that add to the late 19th Century appeal. No maintenance is required with the powder-coated cast-aluminum solar lamp posts that are weather resistant & won’t rust. Worry-free, the solar lamp post turns on automatically at dusk and off at dawn. The solar lamp post can be bolted down (bolts included) and is available in either black, white or rust red.

3.  Fluted Solar Accent Light

Fluted Solar Accent Light

Enjoy the outdoors without worrying about replacing batteries or changing the propane tank with Gama Sonic’s Fluted Solar Accent Light.  This classic model stays bright up to 10 hours per night. It Charges by day and automatically turns on at night. Illuminates garden, driveways, patios, and walkways. No wiring needed. Comes with hardware and instructions for ground installation. Very attractive price!  3 sets in one package. 

4.  Globe Solar Light

Globe Solar Light

This Globe Solar Light combines innovative style with function, efficiency, and the easiest installation possible. Since it’s solar charged you don’t have to disturb your garden to install electrical wiring. Up to 10 hours per night and will light up your garden, driveways, patios and walkways making for a much safer and attractive outdoor environment. Comes with hardware and instructions for proper installation.

5.  Crown Solar Shed Light

Crown Solar Shed Light

Light up your shed, greenhouse, storage units garage and more with this easy to install solar charged light. No electrical wires to install, just secure it to the roof or side wall and let the sun do the rest. Our Crown Solar Shed Light is completely solar proof and can be easily installed on all types of material; metal, wood or plastic. It is charged by a powerful Mono Crystal solar panel and the LED light never need to be replaced.

 Top Five Ways To Add Life To Your Outdoor Living Space

A well kept garden is a joy to behold.  A garden delights the senses and refreshes one’s energy. It adds beauty, color and life to your home.  A garden also provides another venue for you to do family activities like having a picnic on a weekend, entertaining friends or just quietly reading a book while sitting on a hammock under the tree or on a bench beside the water  fountain. Carefully chosen outdoor garden accessories will add to the enjoyment of your outdoor living space.

1. Garden Outdoor Fountains

Bubbling Rock Outdoor Garden Fountain
Dimensions: 25″H x 18″W x 18″D
Weight: 128 lbs

Garden outdoor fountains are beautiful pieces of art that are ideal to place anywhere you need to breathe new life into a space.

2. Solar Lights

Globe Solar Light

The easiest way to elevate the safety of your yard, add ambiance, outline your property or provide a way to easily find your driveway or walkway in the dark is with solar lights.

3. Garden Statuary

Angelica Angel
Size: H 18 ½” x W 12″ x BW 5 ½ 

There is no easier way to add a substantial amount of charm and personality to your yard or garden than by simply adding a garden statuary.

4. Outdoor Canvass Art

Lavendar Sunrise Outdoor Canvas Art
Dimension: 30″ x 40″ x 1.5″

If you are looking for that one perfect element to complete the look of your patio or deck, outdoor canvas art  just might be the missing component that you need to tie the space together.

5. Fire Pits or Outdoor Fireplaces

Real Flame Lafayette Fire Pit
Dimension: 33.6”L x 17.9”H x 33.6”W
Weight: 50.13 lbs.

An outdoor fireplace is a great way to add warmth and style to your patio. Outdoor fireplaces comes in gas, gel, and wood.

 A Helpful Guide for Buying Solar Lights

Solar lights are some of the most important décor pieces you can buy for your home. Now, you are probably thinking an outdoor light is hardly considered décor, right? Well, when you browse the selection we have here at the Soothing Company, you will realize that there are certainly plenty available that are more than capable of giving the exterior of your home or your property an instant facelift.

 

Why Buy Solar Lights?

 

Obviously, the main reason to shop for solar lights is so you can see where you are going, right? You may be surprised, but there are other reasons why these lights are essential to add to your property.

 

Naturally, the main reason is to reduce accidents. You may know there are three steps leading to your porch or that there is an uneven sidewalk, but guests don’t. They will appreciate the light more than they might even realize.

 

Since solar lights are powered by the sun’s rays they can be placed anywhere that receives sunshine. When you are not tied to an electrical outlet or extension cord, you are granted a great level of flexibility. Now you can put lights in those dark and awkward areas at the back of your property or up by the road. This also means that if there is a power outage, your property will not be pitch black. A little light will take the edge off the creepiness that often comes along with a power outage.

 

Also, a well-lit property is very unattractive to thieves. It is pretty hard to sneak into a window or pick a lock on a door without being seen by neighbors on a well-lit property. This also means there is less risk of someone waiting in the bushes when you get home. An illuminated property is safer; plain and simple.

 

Shopping Guide

 

We have a wide variety of solar lights here at Soothing Company, so there is something for everyone. The best thing to do is walk your property at night and determine where light is most needed. Against the house and by the doors is obvious, but there are probably other locations that could benefit from them, as well. You may want to line your driveway, walkways, flowerbeds, and deck perimeter with them. You might also want to have some placed sporadically throughout your property.

 

We do have those classic lantern styles you can mount right to your home and garage, and there are also some that mount seamlessly to a fence, such as our Solar Warning Light Angle Install.

The solar lamp posts we have can be placed anywhere. They are ideal for large properties. They are rust-resistant, durable, and some can even be bolted down.

Essentials for Camping

It does not matter if you go camping once a year for a week or you like to have mini camping trips year-round with the kids; the right supplies ensure an experience that is safer and much more enjoyable. Whether you are planning your first outing, or you are just looking to pick up new must-have essentials for the season, this list will help.

Tent – Okay, you know you need a tent, but choosing from hundreds of varieties is pretty overwhelming. Obviously, size matters. Everyone should be able to sleep comfortably. There are dome, a-frame, and walled varieties available. It should be waterproof and easy to pitch. Inner side pockets are nice to have, as are lantern hooks.

Sleeping Gear – A sleeping bag is a must. A sleeping pad will give you a little cushioning and prevent the cold ground from stealing your body heat. You can also go with an inflatable camping bed.

Portable Barbeque Grills – There are lots of portable barbeque grills to choose from. Get one that you are comfortable using and that suits your needs. You will also need cooking supplies, plates, cups, etc.

 

First Aid – Some assume a first aid kit is only needed for a long trip. Nope! Murphy’s Law should pretty much tell you that you will need a first aid kit when you are least prepared. It should include adhesive bandages, medical tape, gauze pads, disinfecting ointment, pain medicine, treatment for blisters and burns, gloves, allergy pills, and a pen and paper.

Lighting – A safe campsite is a well-lit one. Not only do you want to be able to see your surroundings, especially if you camp in an area with bears, wolves, or coyotes, you also want to see what is in your walking path. Tripping over a rock and breaking your nose on the picnic table will put a quick stop to your fun. Headlamps are great because they are hands-free. Solar and crank lanterns eliminate the need for batteries. There are even crank flashlights and lanterns that have a USB charging port.

Other – Now that you have the basics, start adding to your collection of supplies. There are an abundance of other things that will enhance your experience, even if you are just camping in the backyard with the kids. Other supplies include bungee cords, walkie-talkies, cleanup kit, cooler, fire starter, navigation tools, sun protective clothing, portable hammocks, knives or multi use tools, water treatment, whistle, clothes line and pins, folding table and chairs, laundry bag, hand warmers, portable propane heater, crank radio, and work gloves.

Unique Centerpieces for a Large Garden

If you have a small raised flower bed or even a bed that runs alongside your house, all it takes is something small to create a unique focal point. A gargoyle, gnome, or some other type of statuary is all you really need. If you are working with a very large flower garden, creating a focal point is not quite as easy. The eye has a lot of natural beauty to absorb, which can be a little exhausting, if they do not eventually come to rest on one knockout piece. The right centerpiece will draw the eyes deeper into the garden without taking away from any of its beauty. The things on this list are sure to enhance the display of your lovely garden.

Urn Outdoor Fountains

Most people hear the word “urn” and immediately cringe. In this case, urn refers to the narrow-necked shape and has nothing to do with a funerary urn. Urns were widely used in décor design in the 16^th and 17^th centuries. Urn outdoor fountains are simplistic, but attract a lot of attention. Some are large enough to have a small pool at ground level, which will be appreciated by the wildlife that will use it as a drinking source.

 

Bench

There is just something enchanting about a bench nestled amongst wildflowers. You can literally hear it beckoning to you to sit for a bit. You can actually buy urn outdoor fountains that have a bench around the perimeter.

 

Animal Statues

Whether you love bears, wolves, lions, or some other regal animal, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding a statue of it. Just imagine a black panther statue on a bench or log in the middle of your garden.

Pond

If you have the patience and time to dedicate to building and maintaining a pond, this would be a perfect addition to your garden. Just be prepared for the long-term commitment, especially if you want a koi pond.

Garden Gazing Ball

When garden gazing balls first became popular there really was not a large selection to choose from. They were basic, but beautiful. However, if you had one there was a good chance that nearly all your neighbors had the same one to match. Today, there is a huge selection of them in a variety of colors. Plus, you can find pedestals and holders in everything from a flamingo to an angel. If your garden is extra-large, you will want a few of these.

 5 Must Haves for a Small Patio

If you live in an apartment, condo, or townhouse, and have a patio you may feel as though the area is too small to do anything with. This is not true. Just because you cannot fit large pieces of furniture does not mean you cannot create an outdoor living space you will want to spend a lot of time in. Below are some must-haves that will turn that small patio into a functional and loved extension of your home.

1. Canopies and Tarps – If your patio is not large enough to add an umbrella, consider using a tarp or canopy to shade the area. You are more likely to spend time out there if you do not have the hot sun beating on you. You can attach one corner to your home and then get creative with the other corners. A t-post, tree branch, fence, or a light pole is all things you can make work.

 

2. Portable Grills – Do you crave grilled food? You do not have to wait for someone to invite you over for a cookout. Portable grills are perfect for small spaces and you can cook a lot more on them than you might think. When it is not being used, tuck it under a bench or in the corner so it is out-of-the-way. Just think of how nice it will be to come home from work and fire up the grill.

3. Outdoor Rug – An outdoor rug is something you really cannot fully appreciate until you actually have one. A nice large decorative rug will cover most of the patio and it will be so much more pleasant to walk on with bare feet than concrete. It will instantly make your patio look and feel like a comfortable space you would enjoy in a large home.

 

4. Small Fireplace – You can sit out there on a cool evening and read or watch the stars if you have a fireplace to keep you warm. Buy either a tabletop or small freestanding gel or bio ethanol one. If you are worried about someone taking it, just bring it inside with you when you are not using it. Both fuel sources are clean-burning and can be enjoyed inside, as well.

5. Bird Feeder – Inviting a little living art to the space will really change how you look at that small patio. You do not need a tree either. Hang one from a shepherd’s hook or buy one with its own stand. Do make sure you put a shallow dish of water out for your feathered friends, too.

 Unexpected Garden Decorations

In a flower garden, you typically expect to see flowers, plants, and perhaps a birdbath or water fountain. There is no rule that says only these elements are appropriate to sit amidst your plants and flowers. Below are a few items that are unexpected, but definitely charming.

 

1. Bathtub – Doing a bathroom remodel? Don’t be so quick to have the old tub hauled away. Adding it to the garden will definitely turn some heads, and it is sure to be a conversation starter.

 

2. Bicycle – Next time you see an old bike or even a bike tire at a garage sale for next to nothing, buy it. Bikes add an interesting look to flower gardens. You can always spray paint them, if you want to add a bold color to the garden.

 

3. Outdoor Furniture – When you are strolling past a garden and all of a sudden you spot a piece of outdoor furniture hiding there like a secret, you can’t help but be drawn to it. You also can’t help but view the person who put it there as a little more mysterious and interesting. So, what type of outdoor furniture is best for your garden? A bench, of course! You might even assume you will never sit in it, but you may be surprised at how often you sneak away to be enveloped by nature.

 

4. Doors – An old door is a perfect tool to add height to a garden. It also gives creeping plants something to climb. You can even use the door to make a vertical herb garden, if you are short on space.

 

5. Planters – You might be wondering why you would need to add planters to a place where there is already soil. Well, planters are easier to control, so you can swap out certain plants, so something is always in bloom. Plus, it is an easy way to break up a garden that’s all one height.

 

6. Scarecrow – Depending on your age and where you grew up, you may remember a time when everyone had a scarecrow in their yard. They never really did a good job at scaring away the crows, but they certainly looked intriguing. A scarecrow is sure to add a little personality to your garden.

Home Improvement: Choosing your Outdoor Fireplace 

The right Outdoor Fireplace is one that fit your needs and matches your lifestyle. As they come in a variety, choosing the right one may seem like a daunting task. Here are a few things you should consider. First, consider the types (Fire Pits, Chimeneas, Fire Tables and Tabletop Fireplaces) and the permanency or movability of the fireplace. The latter is as important as the design characteristics. Consider the yard/patio size as well as your entertaining needs. You should also familiarize yourself with  how much heating each type provides. Lastly, but not any less important, is for you to check your local regulations.

Let your summer nights be more elegant and relaxing by sitting around this Granite “Chat Firepit“. Made with first class granite stone that can stand for years. This table is easy to maintain and clean. Recommended for any setting, this fire pit table will add elegance to your outdoor space!

An excellent foot warmer on a chilly day. The Etruscan Chiminea Outdoor Fireplace is simple, classic and elegant design that blends with any outdoor décor. Its mouth screen provides easy access for adding wood and roasting marshmallows. The Etruscan includes a hand tool for handling the mouth screen.

Relax and enjoy your backyard patio with the Real Flame Mezzo Square Propane Fire Table. A square table product featuring clean, modern lines and beautiful finishes. The patio fire table includes an electronic ignition and arrives complete with lava rocks for the most authentic look and feel possible. The Mezzo Collection carries an ETL Certification and features an electronic ignition.

Enjoy the beauty of real fire without the necessity of having a chimney. The Stone Ventless Fireplace from Chantico brings the element of fire into modern interior spaces. The stable stone base prevents this portable piece from falling over what is an important safety factor when choosing an ethanol run biofireplace. The design matches rustic style interiors, but can be also used outdoors in your garden.

7. Signs – Although you can buy signs, these are really things you should make. If you have a favorite poem, break it up into fragments on multiple signs to read as you walk through the path. If you have funny quotes you love, use them for the signs. The great thing about signs is they are not permanent. You can swap them by season, and store the old ones in the garage.

 

 Are You Familiar with the Different Types of Hammocks?

Does the idea of lying in a hammock tied between two palm trees on a pristine white sand beach get you excited? Add in the sound of emerald waves kissing the shoreline paired with a gentle breeze, and you have paradise. Well, although you can’t necessarily turn your yard into a deserted island, you can easily create your own tranquil oasis, and you do not even need trees to make it happen.

The key element here is the hammock. If you have one, you can imagine the rest. Although, a water fountain placed somewhere close will give you the soothing sound you are looking for.

 

Types of Hammocks

Many still close their eyes and imagine a white rope hammock like Gilligan used after being shipwrecked. Classic styles are still very popular today. However, if you prefer rope, you are no longer limited to white varieties. Rope styles come in an array of colors. You can also choose between cotton, polyester, or a blend. You do not need two trees either. Many can be fastened to a stand. These sturdy stands have a wide base that keeps you from tipping, yet still allow you to gently rock to sleep.

 

Not everyone loves the look or feel of rope. If this sounds like you then fabric hammocks may be very appealing to you. Water-resistant, breathable fabrics in a variety of colors and patterns look great and are easy on your skin.

 

If you really want to be pampered, focus your attention onquilted hammock varieties. Although not typically all that easy to find, the Soothing Company carries an impressive selection of them. You will feel your body literally melt into them. Some are even reversible, which is perfect for anyone who likes to switch things up, when it comes to their décor. Like rope and fabric varieties, these can be attached to hammock stands.

Chairs and Extras

Not all hammocks are designed to lie down on. There are rope, fabric, and quilted chair varieties available. These are fun, comfortable, and durable seating solutions for your patio, covered porch, sunroom, media room, and dorm room.

Even if you have two trees, you should consider a hammock stand. It is nice to be able to move from the sun to the shade to the bonfire pit or anywhere else you want to go. If you have one tree, you can also purchase a single pole that will act as a second tree. Of course, the most important accessory you will buy is a pillow. Hammock pillows come in different sizes and colors and are weather-resistant. Many tie right to the spreader bar, so you do not have to worry about the wind blowing them away.

Rock Your Stress Away in a Hammock

No other piece of furniture can reduce stress and promote relaxation the way hammocks can. They are without a doubt an absolute must to every outdoor space. If you do not have a yard, you can always hang one in your apartment balcony or patio, or in a spare room. You do not have to be tired and dying for a nap to enjoy a hammock. Quite often, making time to lie on one 20 to 30 minutes a day simply to decompress and relax the mind can be very beneficial to the person trying to manage stress. You might want to set an alarm though because even if you are not tired, there is a good chance you will drift away to dreamland shortly after you lay down.

Experience outdoors, befriend the nature and relax with the utmost comfort with the Pawley’s Island Original Collection Large DuraCord Rope Hammock. DuraCord hammocks also exhibit superior resistance to stains and can be cleaned if needed with bleach without fading the color. So hang your hammock, enjoy it, and forget about it.

Relaxation is not confined to four walls now! With Bliss Hammock EZ Stow Portable Hammock with Stand , you can experience the ultimate comfort even when outdoors. Read a good book or magazine, chat with your loved one, listen to your iPhone and many others in your garden or pool area. This Bliss Hammock EZ Stow Portable Hammock with Stand  is clearly a piece of furniture you should not miss!

Bliss Hammock Island Rope Chair is perfect for those who want to relax and unwind. Enjoy outdoors with this durable and convenient hammock. With many available colors to choose from, Bliss Hammock Island Rope Chair will surely match with its environment.

 Top 5 Selling Bonsai Trees

A bonsai tree is basically a whole tree but in miniature version. Bonsai trees comes in all sizes and shapes, from one upright tree to a small forest of mostly horizontal shape trees. Each bonsai tree is very unique and beautiful, giving your room a different look and feel. If you like the idea of a customized plant that is tailored to your style, then a bonsai is a perfect choice.

 

1.    Small Gardenia Bonsai Tree

Small Gardenia Bonsai Tree

This fragrant indoor bonsai features a soft scent that has been popular for centuries.  Gardenias are full, white flowers that bloom March through June.  The Small Gardenia Bonsai Tree is not only beautiful to look at, it will add a beautiful scent to your home!

5 Year Pomegranate Indoor Bonsai Tree

2.    5 Year Pomegranate Indoor Bonsai Tree

This bonsai tree is a rare bonsai variety to find and one of the most interesting to grow!  This beautiful Pomegranate tree blooms with orange leaves spring through summer, and then produces pomegranate in October.  This dwarf pomegranate bonsai will thrive indoors.  You will love the fruits of your labor with the 5 Year Pomegranate Indoor Bonsai Tree!

5 Year Green Mound Juniper in Rock Container Outdoor Bonsai Tree

3.    5 Year Green Mound Juniper in Rock Container Outdoor Bonsai Tree

This 5 Year Green Mound Juniper in Rock Container Bonsai is a favorite of many due to it’s adaptability and ease of maintenance.  This bonsai tree is easy to trim and does not need perfect conditions in order to grow.  This is great if you do not have constant sunshine.

Hawaiian Umbrella Indoor Bonsai Tree with Pool

4.   Hawaiian Umbrella Indoor Bonsai Tree with Pool

Interested in bonsai but not sure where to start? Begin here. This attractive, fuss-free tree sports shiny compact leaves. The Dwarf Hawaiian Umbrella Tree with Pool is one of the easiest bonsais to maintain and does extremely well in low light environments, making it perfect for the office or home.

Dwarf Jade Indoor Bonsai Tree

5.    Dwarf Jade Indoor Bonsai Tree

This Dwarf Jade Indoor Bonsai Tree  is ideal if you are looking for a low maintenance and easy to grow bonsai tree.  It can adapt to different conditions and can survive without water for periods at a time.  The Dwarf Jade Indoor Bonsai Tree will look great without a lot of effort from you!  Add the Dwarf Jade Indoor Bonsai Tree to your home today!

 

5 Things that Will Make Your Outdoor Space More Interesting

Have you grown bored with your outdoor space? Maybe you spent a fortune on the gorgeous furniture you just had to have, but the space just does not feel welcoming. For whatever reason, many people buy furniture for their deck of patio, but then their decorating effort stops there. If this sounds like you then maybe you just are not aware of how generous the selection is of outdoor décor, or maybe you just don’t know what is trending. The following five things will make your space more interesting and inviting.

1. Decorative Rugs – There is a very good chance that you do not even know how large the variety of rugs for patio spaces is. You might even be thinking that you have a rug in front of your door, so you don’t need another one. Rugs for patio and deck spaces have really come a long way in recent years. There are some nice enough to be used inside your home, only they are designed to stand up against harsh environmental elements. Plus, they are easily cleaned with the spray of a hose.

Kanto Portable Indoor Outdoor Gel Fuel Fireplace
Dimensions: 27.25″ W x 9.5″ D x 20.5″ H

2. Ventless Fireplace – Even on a warm, muggy night, there is nothing better than relaxing in the glow of a dancing flame. A tabletop or freestanding fireplace is a must-have accessory for your patio. They are available in bio ethanol and gel varieties. Both fuel sources burn clean, produce no smoke, and are completely maintenance-free. 

3. Lighting – Just like inside your home, lighting plays a huge role in creating ambiance and increasing safety. Solar lanterns should be along walkways and beside stairs. String lights offer a fun look around shrubs, decking, and fencing, and colorful paper lanterns can be hung from overhead trees and rafters. The paper lanterns are just as lovely to look at during the day as they are at night while lit. Although perfect for parties, they are ideal to use all season long. 

4. Water Fountain – There is a good chance you already have a water element on your patio. Every outdoor space should have at least one. So, if you don’t have one yet, now is the time to start shopping. It will create the focal point your outdoor space is crying for.

5. Bird Accessories – Any space will instantly go from boring to brilliant when there is a steady supply of living art flying around. Birdfeeders, birdbaths, and birdhouses are highly recommended.

 

 Home Improvement: Choosing your Outdoor Fireplace

The right Outdoor Fireplace is one that fit your needs and matches your lifestyle. As they come in a variety, choosing the right one may seem like a daunting task. Here are a few things you should consider. First, consider the types (Fire Pits, Chimeneas, Fire Tables and Tabletop Fireplaces) and the permanency or movability of the fireplace. The latter is as important as the design characteristics. Consider the yard/patio size as well as your entertaining needs. You should also familiarize yourself with  how much heating each type provides. Lastly, but not any less important, is for you to check your local regulations.

Let your summer nights be more elegant and relaxing by sitting around this Granite “Chat Firepit“. Made with first class granite stone that can stand for years. This table is easy to maintain and clean. Recommended for any setting, this fire pit table will add elegance to your outdoor space!

An excellent foot warmer on a chilly day. The Etruscan Chiminea Outdoor Fireplace is simple, classic and elegant design that blends with any outdoor décor. Its mouth screen provides easy access for adding wood and roasting marshmallows. The Etruscan includes a hand tool for handling the mouth screen.

Relax and enjoy your backyard patio with the Real Flame Mezzo Square Propane Fire Table. A square table product featuring clean, modern lines and beautiful finishes. The patio fire table includes an electronic ignition and arrives complete with lava rocks for the most authentic look and feel possible. The Mezzo Collection carries an ETL Certification and features an electronic ignition.

Enjoy the beauty of real fire without the necessity of having a chimney. The Stone Ventless Fireplace from Chantico brings the element of fire into modern interior spaces. The stable stone base prevents this portable piece from falling over what is an important safety factor when choosing an ethanol run biofireplace. The design matches rustic style interiors, but can be also used outdoors in your garden.

 

Furniture for Hanging, Swinging, and Rocking

If you are finally ready to replace that old boring furniture with pieces that are fun, stylish, and youthful, you may want to skip options that sit on the floor. Hanging furniture not only creates an exciting visual display; it is also pretty cool to sit in. Not to mention, the empty space between the bottom of the furniture and the floor allows positive energy to flow freely through a room, according to feng shui practitioners. Below are a few popular options sure to breathe new life into your home.

Hammock Chairs – You really cannot go wrong with hammock chairs. Although you can suspend them from overhead rafters and beams, most people simply purchase a stand that the chair hangs from. These are available in rope and fabric varieties, and are one of the most affordable options in the hanging furniture market. They are ideal for any room, especially the living room, sun room, and media room. Of course, the best place for one is the nursery. Skip the rocking chair and opt for a hammock chair instead.

Bed – Move over platform beds; there is a new contemporary bed option in town! Floating beds look spectacular, but if you tend to roll around in your sleep, be warned that you have a pretty big drop, should you roll off the bed in the middle of the night. It will definitely hurt.

Rattan Chairs – Rattan chairs have a really cool 70s vibe about them, especially if you add a furry seat. They also look really great paired with rope chair hammocks. The wood and rope work together to create a nice rustic feel.

 

Bubble Chair – If your home looks like it belongs in a contemporary magazine, the space age design of the Aarnio Bubble Chair will fit right in. Be prepared to dig deep in your pockets though, because these artistic pieces start at around $6K.

 

Bunk Beds – What kids wouldn’t be over the moon with excitement over hanging bunk beds? Plus, their friends will all be jealous. A safety railing is highly recommended for the top bunk.

 

Swing – Yes, swings! If you have a heavy duty rafter, you might as well make the most of it with a few wooden swings. Guests will be fighting over the best seat in the house. Of course, if you have kids, this is where they will want to spend all their free time.

 

5 Things You Need for a Comfortable Outdoor Living Space

It seems as though summer is shorter every year, doesn’t it? If you love to gather with family and friends on the patio, then you probably cherish every minute that you can spend out there. Maybe you do not even do any entertaining, but you do catch up with a good book outside every day after work. Whatever the case is these five essentials will make your outdoor living space as comfortable as it can possibly be.

 

Patio Heater

You should not be chased indoors just because the temperatures drop when the sun goes down. Patio heaters will keep you nice and toasty when the air is cool. This also means that you can start enjoying your patio earlier in the spring, and continue to enjoy it well into autumn. Patio heaters come in a variety of styles. Some are freestanding while others sit on a table. There are also some that mount from overhead.

 

Mosquito Repellant

It is inevitable that at some point your time spent outside will be ruined by mosquitoes. Chances are pretty good that the last thing you want to do is spray on mosquito repellant every time you go outside. So, make sure you have plenty of citronella candles and tiki torches nearby. Mosquito dunks can also be helpful. These environmentally-friendly things are just tossed where there is freestanding water, and they kill the larvae. Plant citronella plants and make sure you do not allow the water in your birdbath to become stagnant.

 

Patio Umbrella

An essential to creating a comfortable space is having a patio umbrella to provide you with shade. Not only will the sun make you significantly hotter; the rays can be very hard on your eyes and skin.

 

Rug

You will not really appreciate having a nice outdoor rug until the first time you kick your shoes off and realize your toes are not burning from the hot deck. Plus, if you have a dog, he will certainly appreciate having something soft and cool to sit on.

 

Water Fountain

You may be wondering how a water fountain is going to make your space more comfortable. Well, its visual display paired with the soothing sound of cascading water will make your space more inviting, relaxing, and tranquil. Not to mention, as your ears are focused on the water they will not pay as much attention to noise in the neighborhood.

Finishing Touches for Your Garden

There is so much more that you can do with your flower garden that you probably are not even aware of. Seriously, the sky is the limit! Do not just stop with planting flowers. You can turn that outdoor space into an artistic display that will invoke a smile every time you look at it. It will certainly become a topic of conversation with your guests, too.

Garden Statuary – You can create a theme or simply allow your personality to shine through with garden statuary. If you have an Asian-inspired outdoor living space or if you meditate or do yoga by the garden you might want to add a Buddha or pagoda statue. Alternately, maybe you want an unexpected gargoyle amidst your delicate flowers just to spice things up a bit.

Edging – There really needs to be some sort of definition where your lawn ends and garden begins. You can buy rolls of edging in different colors, and it is fairly inexpensive. Alternately, you could use bricks, scalloped edging, wood logs, and short fencing. You can even use branches or rocks if you do not want to spend money on it.

Solar Fountain – You really need a small solar water fountain to be the focal point of the garden. This will make your garden even more inviting to pollinators, which in return will equal a more beautiful garden. Plus, as the water evaporates it will provide a little moisture to surrounding flowers on a hot day.

Solar Lights – A few solar lights will help increase security. Not only will this help ensure guests walk around the edging in the dark; lighting makes a property less attractive to thieves. On top of that, the light will highlight the flowers even in the darkness.

Mulch – Unless you really love pulling weeds you will want to provide your garden with some mulch. Now, if you have a wildflower garden then you may welcome the natural grasses and invasive species. However, if you have planted flowers and plants, mulch is essential. Plus, it helps the soil retain moisture and keeps roots cooler on a hot day.

Wind Spinners – A garden is not complete without a wind spinner. You can find them made in every shape, animal, color, and material imaginable. Budget-friendly ones are typically made of plastic, but if you do not mind splurging, copper and wood ones are really nice.

Comfort Elements for Your Patio

You can have the most beautiful landscaping and gorgeous outdoor furniture imaginable, but if your outdoor space is not inviting and comfortable you may have folks making excuses to not come over. You might not even want to spend as much time out there as you thought you would, and you may not even be able to figure out why. The following things will ensure that you and your guests enjoy a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere.

Provide Shade

If you only shop for one thing on this list make it patio umbrellas. This will prove to be one element that you never want to be without again. Even on a mild day it can feel significantly warmer when you are just sitting there, baking in the sun. Not to mention, you have to squint to see, which will be very irritating for contact lens wearers, and it will contribute to wrinkles around the eyes. Patio umbrellas provide shade, protect against UV rays, and create a cooler sitting area. Make sure the one you buy is large enough to keep all guests comfortable.

Soften the Floor

There is nothing appealing or comfortable about concrete. Outdoor decorative rugs essentially create an outdoor room. Plus, you will be able to kick off your shoes and relax barefoot, without worrying about stepping on something sharp or burning your toes on a hot deck.

Provide Warmth

You don’t want your guests to leave just because the temperatures dip a little when the sun goes down. A bio ethanol fireplace, patio heater, or fire table will provide enough warmth to keep everyone comfortable.

Illuminate the Space

The fireplace will provide a little light, but not enough to make the space feel cozy or help prevent folks from tripping over the stairs. Solar lights should line walkways, and lanterns can be suspended from tree branches or overhead rafters.

Misting Fan

If you live somewhere that often sees really scorching temperatures, consider a misting fan. Surely you have been in a long line at an amusement park where you were hot and miserable, and then you get to the strategically placed misting fans, and your entire attitude changed. This is the same effect a misting fan will have on your patio.

Bug Prevention

The market is saturated with countless products to keep bugs away. Stock up on citronella candles, mosquito coils, and any other products you stumble upon, so you are always prepared to entertain in a pest-free environment.

5 Things to Hang from Your Favorite Tree

Trees are pieces of art that bring your outdoor living space to life. Although they are beautiful all on their own you can enhance their beauty by hanging certain things from them. So, now they offer art and shade, and serve a helpful decorating purpose. Whether you have one favorite tree or if you are blessed with several, below are a few things you can hang from them to make use of strong branches.

1. Hammock Chairs – Most people who have hammock chairs simply hang them from a stand, but if you have a nice strong tree you might as well use it. Just imagine relaxing in your chair under the shade while you read a book and drink some lemonade. Plus, if your tree umbrellas over the patio, this is an easy way to add more seating to the area without taking up “floor” space.

2. Herb Garden – Whether you are short on space in the garden or you simply want to create a charming visual display you cannot go wrong with hanging containers with potted herbs. On a side note, mosquitoes hate rosemary, so this is an excellent herb to scatter around generously.

3. Bird Feeders – You can never have too many bird feeders. They are decorative on their own, but the fact that they invite living art to your space makes them even more attractive. Keep in mind that some birds prefer specific feeders and food, so if you are trying to attract certain species then you will want to choose these elements thoughtfully.

4. Paper Lanterns – You can choose from an array of colors, sizes, and styles. Not only do paper lanterns look fantastic in any outdoor living space, they also provide lighting which increases safety. Some come on a string that needs to be plugged in while others are solar-powered and hang individually. Solar varieties are generally a little more expensive, but they provide a lot more decorating flexibility, too, because you can hang them far away from outlets, and not fuss with extension cords.

Bunting – Most people think of bunting as being temporary and used for special occasions, but it doesn’t have to be. You can find handmade decorative outdoor bunting in every color and pattern imaginable at arts and crafts shows. Some local artists will even design the bunting for you based on your vision. You may even be able to check with a local printing shop to see if they can create something for you.

Essential Outdoor Fall Accessories

Is your outdoor living space suddenly shunned, when you see the first sign of autumn? Sadly, this is the case with most people, but fall is the perfect time to make the most of your deck or patio. The weather is perfect because it is not overly hot. It’s generally not a rainy season either. The bees and mosquitoes are pretty much gone, and the air is crisp and clean. Give your outdoor space a little facelift with these essentials, and you will want to spend a lot more time out there before Old Man Winter arrives for his extended visit.

Autumn Wreath – Wreaths are not just for Christmas. An earthy wreath that is made of leaves and canella berries on a twig base can mount on the back door or an exterior wall. You can easily make one in a hurry, if you have guests coming over. Keep some essentials from the craft store on-hand, and you’ll be able to whip something up quickly.

Chimineas – There is nothing quite like the welcoming yet mysterious visual display offered by chimineas. They just draw you into them like a magnetic force, and once you feel the warmth of the fire, you will want to stay outside all night.

Lanterns – Outdoor lanterns bring a rustic charm and homey feel to the space they occupy. Solar lanterns are a smart choice. You can also buy empty lanterns and put pillar candles inside for an evening outdoor cocktail party.

Autumn-hued Tablecloth – It is time to replace that fun spring floral tablecloth for one that is autumn-hued. A rich plaid or hounds tooth one will be perfect, if your furniture does not already have a pattern.

Aromatic Candles – In the spring and summer, you sit out there and breathe in a myriad of floral scents coming from your flower beds and gardens. In the fall, you may miss this, but  a large fragrant candle will fix this. Opt for fall-inspired fragrances, such as pumpkin pie, apple cobbler, allspice, plum, toasted almond, and vanilla maple pecan.

Cozy Throws – Having a few throws handy in an outdoor storage container will keep everyone comfortable as they are curled up next to the chiminea. An all-weather wicker basket will keep them clean and protected, when not in use. You can find these baskets in a style that can double as a side table and ottoman, as well.

 

Stress Relief And Hammocks

Busy people often feel the need to get away and relax but reality is, the much needed vacation is not possible soon enough. Creating spaces in one’s own home where one can lounge and simply loose one’s self in a good book or indulge in daydreams is a solution. Staycation outdoor areas is a magnificent alternative. Create your own with hammocks and imagine swinging in the shade while sipping a cold refreshing drink and enjoying the warm summer sun, or simply, basking in a moment of peace and listening to the calm sounds of nature.

The Single Cushioned Swing creates a heavenly rest for your body and soul. Made to hold up to 350 lbs, it hangs on porches, balcony and even inside your home. This swing has the advantage of fitting in many areas and of creating a colorful addition to any outdoor setting. The ceiling must be a minimum of 6.5 ft.  high and a maximum of 7.5ft high or you will need a hanging kit or tree straps. Simply comfortable, useful and an easy upgrade for your house.

Relaxation is not confined to four walls now! With Bliss Hammock Classic Cotton Rope Hammock, you can experience the ultimate comfort even when outdoors. Read a good book or magazine, chat with your loved one, listen to your iPhone and many others in your garden or pool area. This Bliss Hammock Classic Cotton Rope Hammock is clearly a piece of furniture you should not miss!

Unique Additions to Your Outdoor Space

If you absolutely hate the idea of your outdoor space looking the same as the backyard that you find at the home of friends, family members, and neighbors then this list of creative additions will be right up your alley.

• Papasan Curtain – Take the cracked frame from your old papasan chair that you have been meaning to throw away, and do something creative with it. Suspend it upside down from a strong branch and fasten ground length panels of outdoor fabric to the perimeter. You will create a whimsical tent that you can put a bistro table or comfy reading chair in.

• Fire Bowls – You probably know that you need some type of outdoor fireplace to provide heat and create ambiance, but deciding on something can be hard because there is such a great selection. If you want something guaranteed to turn heads and be the topic of conservation shop for fire bowls. They definitely leave a lasting impression.

• Mirrors – Contrary to what you might assume, murals are not just for indoor use. Nestle some between plants to create an optical illusion or hang on the exterior wall in your patio area. Do try to keep it in a shaded area or somewhere that won’t receive direct light. You don’t need the sun’s rays bouncing off the glass and blinding your guests.

• Revive a Garden Bench – Turn an old garden bench into one giant planter or use it to hold containers of herbs and flowers. You can scatter these around your property for unique focal points.

• Create a Walkway – Your walkway does not have to actually lead anywhere. Just make a winding one that flows throughout the yard. Add little points of interest along the way. You can even create archways from rebar or painted PVC. Plant climbing plants to cover these arches. Driftwood can create an intriguing archway, too.

• Paint Your Fence – If you have a privacy fence or even a white picket fence, you can have a lot of fun painting the individual boards or creating a large mural. You can even paint a garden to act like a backdrop to your actual garden.

• Fountain with Pools – If you are going to add a water feature to your landscaping, and you want one dynamic enough to create a focal point, you will want to check out fountains with large pools at the bottom. You might want to place a couple sitting benches near it, too.

6 Ways to Create Height in Your Landscape

Flowers and lush plants are lovely, but if everything is close to the same height, your landscaping can be a lot like a run-on sentence. There needs to be elements of different heights to break things up a bit. This will force the eyes to stop and appreciate the landscaping at different areas instead of just getting lost in the horizon. Below are a few ways to do this.

• Waterfalls Outdoor Fountain -A water element is always going to attract a lot of attention in the garden, but a waterfalls outdoor fountain turns the effect up a notch. Just imagine a piece that looks like a waterfall that stands just a little taller than your plants. You can also place it near the front of the garden and position taller plants around and beside it. Ferns would look spectacular, too.

• Trellis Teepee – You can buy trellis teepees already made or you can make some yourself with long branches and a little twine. These are ideal for any type of climbing plant.

• Raised Beds – All of your plants do not need to be in the ground. A few raised beds will give your landscaping a height boost. Place them in random places or create an entire garden of them at varying heights. The great thing about raised beds is you have fewer weeds to deal with.

• Light Poles – An old-fashioned light pole with a lantern on top draws the eyes upward and adds a bit of old-school charm.

• Arbors and Pergolas – Arbors create a nice entryway to a path or garden, while pergolas give you a shaded area to place a couple comfortable chairs under. Both are excellent for climbing plants, and they definitely both create a lot of height. Make sure these are not placed where they will obstruct a great view from the patio or a window of the home you like to look out.

• Planters – When you grow some of your plants in containers, you create height variations and you have an easy way to incorporate a little extra color or pattern to your landscaping. Plus, containers grant you a lot of control. You can switch out flowers before they start dying and move the planters to areas of your landscaping that are lacking beauty at that particular time. For example, when your spring daffodils are expiring, you can place containers there to compliment nearby summer flowers that are actually blooming.

 

Must-Haves for an Asian-Inspired Backyard

Asian-themed backyards are typically associated with tranquility and relaxation. These are yards where you can escape the chaos of the world and connect with nature. Although beautiful when done properly, this can be a tricky theme to pull off. You don’t have to incorporate everything on this list into your outdoor living space, but these ideas will help guide you.

• Asian Outdoor Water Fountain – This should be one of the first elements you add to the landscaping. Asian outdoor water fountains naturally become the center of attention. You can have more than one! Allow them to set the tone for the rest of the space.

• Asian-Style Gate – A stone pathway meandering to an Asian-style gate will look like it leads to a mysterious place. It draws the eye through the yard to the gate. You can create a meditation space beyond the gate, or simply use it for show. Plant lots of leafy plants around it.

• Sunken Dining area – If you are having a deck built anyway, have a sunken table installed. You sit on cushions at deck level, but the sunken table has an opening around the perimeter, so you sit on the edge of the ledge like a chair. Alternately, you can just put cushions on the ground with a low table or bench.

• Paper Lanterns – These are an absolutely must in any Asian-themed yard. Hang them from tree branches, Shepherd’s hooks, or overhead rafters.

• Reflection Pond – Koi fish probably come to mind, when you picture an Asian garden, right? Well, Koi ponds are nice, but can be a lot of work to maintain to keep the fish healthy. A reflection pond with lotus and lilies floating is easier to take care of than a koi pond, and just as nice to look at.

• Asian Plants – All of your plants don’t have to be Asian. It is nice to incorporate in some native species, as well, for the birds and other animals that feed on the bugs attracted to native plants. However, there should definitely be some that distinctly scream “Asian,” such as bonsai, bamboo, gingko, Mugo pine, Japanese maple, and flowering cherry trees.

• Avoid White Flowers – They are viewed as funeral flowers in Asian culture.

• Sculptures – Add some sculptures, but don’t overdo it. Remember, you will have Asian outdoor water fountains, so you won’t need a lot of unnecessary art creating clutter, but a few pieces are nice to have.

• Daybed – Ideally, a large suspended daybed overlooking the reflection pond will become your favorite place to relax. You can get the same affect in a fraction of the price with an oversized hammock and stand.

 

Ways to Create an Outdoor Space Inspired by The Hamptons

If you have spent time in the Hamptons then you understand firsthand what the attraction is to the area. It is classic elegance meets fun and comfort. Even if you haven’t been there, chances are good you have seen characters vacationing in the area in at least a dozen movies and television shows you have watched. Well, you don’t have to travel to the South Fork of Long Island to feel like you are at a historical seaside resort. You can create a Hamptons-chic haven right in your own backyard.

• Add a Pool – A pool is not a make-it-or-break-it component, but it is nice to have. If you add one, it definitely needs to be in-ground. You can always create the water centerpiece with a large pond, too.

• Pool house – Okay, before you stress because adding a pool isn’t an option, understand that you don’t technically need a pool to build a “pool house.” A simple cabana or gutted shed will give you the same effect. It should have a daybed, cushioned bench, or something comfortable enough to take a nap on. If you do have a pool, this is where towels will get stored. A bench with drawers for storage will be ideal.

• Raised Rock Garden – Well-groomed shrubs should be complemented by daises and lavender. Stick with lush greenery and flowers in white, blue, red, or purple shades. A little yellow will go a long way, too.

• Neutral Furniture – Furniture associated with the Hamptons tends to be neutral and rich. High-quality fabrics, wicker, eucalyptus wood, and teak are great materials to look for. If you want patterned furniture, avoid bright floral, polka dots, or anything overly beachy.

• Outdoor Wall Art – You will likely find that most of your guests don’t know that outdoor wall art exists. So, don’t be surprised if some question why you would put art outside where it can be ruined by the elements. These canvases are given a protective coating to stand up against weather and UV rays. Mount your art in the pool house or on the exterior wall of your home

• Lounge Perch – Backyard retreats in the Hamptons usually have a main gathering area and then a cozy lounge area off to the side under a tree or hidden beneath an umbrella and surrounded by gardens. A patio umbrella, side table, cedar loungers or rocking chairs will be perfect for your relaxation spot.

 

Ways to Create a Carefree and Casual Outdoor Space

Is your outdoor living space so perfect that it is actually scaring guests away? Maybe you love the way it looks, but you never feel comfortable out there. A carefree, cottage-style space will take a playful, relaxed, and more comfortable approach for a casual vibe you will love to be in.

 

Mismatched Furniture

If you have been considering selling that overpriced and uncomfortable furniture set you have now is the time to do it. A cottage-style space will welcome a variety of pieces that all complement one another. If you need a formal table and chairs it is fine to have a matching set, but mix it up in your lounging area. If you love your outdoor sofa, chaise, and loveseat and don’t want to part with them, a few mismatched garden tables will help a lot. You can also place garden tables in actual gardens and flowerbeds to put potted plants on. Don’t forget one out by the hammock for your iced tea, too.

 

Durable Materials

If you are like many others, you have fond memories of visiting a cottage as a child. Chances are good that materials and finishes were high-quality and resistant to stains and weather. You don’t want to spend half of your morning cleaning and scrubbing to make everything presentable for guests. For example, if you buy a hammock made of fabric look for one that dries quickly to resist mold and mildew and that’s treated to protect against the sun’s rays. If you have a pool, buy high-quality beach towels that will wash well. You are better to spurge on items that will last than be forced to replace them every season.

 

Cushions and Seats

Bean bag cushions and cylinders in a variety of patterns and colors are a must. You can always put them in the media room or the kids’ play room during the winter, too.

 

Storage Bench

Enjoying your space longer in the evening can be as simple as grabbing a soft blanket from inside the storage bench. This is a great place to store a few wide-brimmed hats, as well.

 

Lanterns and Lamps

Hang lanterns from tree branches with pillar candles when guests are over. The rest of the time, lantern solar lights should give you more than enough light.

Bio Fuel Fireplace

Since this is a carefree setting, you should not have to poke at a fire pit or constantly move when the wind blows smoke in your direction. An indoor/outdoor portable fireplace that burns bio ethanol requires no attention. Fill, light, and enjoy it.

Hammocks seem to become more popular every single year, especially in the past few years. Of course, this could be due to the fact that manufacturers are offering a wider variety of them to appeal to a more diverse buyer. These simple pieces of furniture should be owned by everyone on the planet; even those who don’t have their own yard. Since portable hammocks are available, even apartment dwellers can have one to take and set up at the park, beach or camping site. So, as the selection expands, the decision also becomes more challenging.

  

Bliss Hammock Brazilian Style Hammock in a Pocket
Dimension: 7′ 2″ long x 4.5′ wide
Overall length: 11′

 

Location

 

When shopping for hammocks, the most important thing to consider is location. As mentioned, portable ones are available that can be packed with you and taken anywhere. There are also plenty that either come with their own stand, or they will fasten to a stand. These are great for moving around the yard. You can slide it under a tree for an afternoon nap in the shade, put it in the sun to catch some rays or position it on the deck for extra seating.

 

If you are fortunate enough to have two trees near one another then you can choose a classic variety that will fasten between them. If you at least have one tree, you can buy a post hammock accessory that will act like a tree.

 

What Size do You Need?

 

If you are like many others, you will likely find yourself pretty surprised over the sizes that are available. You can choose a style made specifically for one person, if that is all you really need. However, if you have a significant other or a four-legged friend who may want to cozy up next to you, then opt for a larger variety. Some will accommodate as much as 500 pounds, just to give you an idea of how strong they can be.

 

What Style do You Prefer?

 

Some people absolutely love the look and simplicity of rope hammocks. If rope was good enough for Gilligan to sleep on all day then surely they must be pretty special. You may not like the rope though. Perhaps you prefer something a little softer on the skin. Fabric hammocks are for you! They come in an array of styles and colors, and you can find some that are extremely breathable, so you don’t have to worry about your skin getting sweating and sticking to it when it gets hot out.

 

When you are shopping, you should check out the accessories as well. You can’t appreciate how comfortable a hammock pillow is until you have one!

If you enjoy spending time outside then it makes sense to make the most of your outdoor living space. It should be as inviting and comfortable as the inside of your home. Some feel that since they are single, or do not do much entertaining that there really is no need to do much with this space. It does not matter if you are the only person to ever see your backyard; you will appreciate these thoughtful extras, and that is all that matters.

 

Quilted Hammocks – Rope hammocks are classic and wonderful, but if you really enjoy your outdoor naps, consider shopping for quilted hammocks. They are unbelievably soft, and ideal if you have sensitive skin often irritated by rope. Make sure you look for quilted hammocks made of colorfast, all-weather material. Don’t have two trees? No problem! There are hammock stands available that allow you to put one of these casual pieces of furniture anywhere.

 

Cushions – Whether you take a pillow out to your hammock for your nap or place one behind your lower back for lumbar support, cushions are a must! Plus, they give you an opportunity to introduce a bold color or pattern to your outdoor space.

 

Solar Fountain – Every outdoor living space needs a solar fountain. You can place one on your patio or under your favorite shade tree with your quilted hammock. The sound of the cascading water will relax and soothe your mind. Plus, it will help drown out noise from traffic and nearby neighbors, so you can really enjoy your time spent outside.

 

Tabletop Fireplace – You probably go inside when the sun goes down simply because it gets chilly, but you should not have to. If you are out there with your electronic reader enjoying a good book, then the temperature should not force you indoors. A tabletop fireplace will give you the little extra warmth you are looking for. When you are ready to go indoors just extinguish the flame.

 

Birdbath – There is truly nothing better than just relaxing and watching the birds splash in the water. A birdbath will welcome living art to your space. Plus, it will invite pollinators, which is very good news for your flowers and vegetable garden. Do be sure to change the water in the bath daily, so it doesn’t get stagnant. Otherwise, it will smell, attract bugs, and look awful.

 

Getting your outdoor living space ready for warm weather is exciting, but it can also be pretty expensive. This is especially true if it is your first home, and you have to buy absolutely everything. Most people at least have their décor and gardening tools from the previous year to get started with. Whatever your scenario is, there are a few splurges that are well worth the money, if you want to create a beautiful space that is comfortable and inviting.

Outdoor Water Fountains – You really cannot overdose on outdoor water fountains, so feel free to add to your collection all season. Outdoor water fountains can be purchased in a huge assortment of sizes, styles, and materials. You will want one for your patio for sure, but do not forget about small solar ones for your flower gardens. If the budget allows, a large one in the front yard sure would increase curb appeal.

Self-propelled Electric Cordless Lawnmower – Rather than pollute your outside environment with toxic fumes, consider buying an electric, self-propelled cordless lawnmower. When electric lawnmowers first burst onto the scene they had to be plugged in, which meant you had to dodge an extension cord draped across the lawn. Modern cordless varieties allow you to mow anywhere, and the self-propelled option will ensure you have plenty of energy left over to entertain later.

Gazebo – Does your property have room for a gazebo? Better yet, does the budget allow for such a huge purchase? If so, this may be one of your favorite purchases. They are available in a wide selection of sizes and styles, and some even have screens to keep the bugs out.

Quality Umbrella – To be comfortable and cool you need shade. Resist the urge to just buy the cheapest patio umbrella you can find. Get one that is large enough to shade your entertaining area. It should open and close easily, and if it has a tilt option this is definitely an added bonus.

Hose Reel – There is nothing worse than an unsightly hose laying around, begging to get tripped over. Buy a nice reel or hose basket to keep it tidy.

Outdoor Lighting – You should look at lighting as an investment. It will allow you to get the most out of your outdoor space while also making your property safer. Solar lights are ideal for those areas away from the home, so you don’t have to deal with electrical outlets.

If you are like many others you spend more time on your front porch than your patio. Sure, the backyard is nice when you want to have privacy, but the front yard is where you get to see all the neighborhood action. Maybe you love to sit out there on the weekends and read the paper with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, or perhaps you sit there so you can watch your little one bike back and forth on the sidewalk. Maybe your front porch is just larger than your back patio! Whatever the case is, below are some essentials that a porch needs for lounging.

Comfortable Seating

If you are going to relax here you might as well buy the most comfortable seating possible. Hammock swings are absolutely perfect, especially if you don’t have a covered porch to protect against rain. These fun seats can hang from their own stand, and won’t be bothered by a passing shower. Of course, a traditional porch swing or slider would be nice, too. If you do have a covered porch, then you may also want to consider a rocking chair or even a bean bag chair with a waterproof liner.

Outdoor Rugs

Large, beautiful, colorful outdoor rugs will turn that porch into an exciting lounging space. They are available in every color and pattern you can think of. You will be grateful when you can kick off your shoes and step on a soft surface. Plus, outdoor rugs can really improve curb appeal.

Bird Essentials

If you are going to sit outside you might as well be entertained by feathered friends. Bird feeders and a birdbath are essential. Do make sure that you spray the birdbath out daily and add fresh water. Stagnant water is not nice to look at, and it can make the birds sick. Plus, it will attract mosquitoes.

Water Fountains

There is nothing quite like the sound of cascading water. A small garden fountain in a flower bed will help create a soothing environment. Do make sure that you check the water level daily, especially during the hot months. The pump cannot work properly if it is not fully submerged. Keep in mind that water evaporates, so the hotter and drier it is the faster it will evaporate and need to be replenished.

Umbrella

If you do not have a covered porch or large shade tree then a patio umbrella will be an essential item to buy. Those warm sun rays will feel great for a few minutes, but then they will start straining your eyes and making it uncomfortable to sit out there. Not to mention, they are damaging to your skin. An umbrella will make your porch shady and comfortable. You can always set the stand in the flower bed next to the porch and tilt it over your seating area if you are short on “floor” space.

 

5 Outdoor Elements that Will Impress Your Guests

Is there anything about your outdoor living space that inspires a conversation? You probably have gorgeous art and focal points in every room of your home, but have you forgotten about the outdoor area? If you are going to buy only one thing for your outdoor area this year let it be something unexpected that will surprise your guests, and make you appear just a little more interesting.

1. Canvas Art – Most people are not even aware that canvas art exists, so if you are scratching your head and a little confused you are not alone. As the name implies, it is indeed art on a canvas. However, this art is given a special coating to protect it from UV rays and environmental elements. The selection of canvas art will probably blow you away. Beach, floral, seasonal, landscape, architecture, wilderness, and wildlife are all popular themes to add to your outdoor space.

2. Fireplaces – Any type of outdoor fireplace will be appreciated by your guests when the temperatures dip. However, if you want one that people will be speechless over, consider a fire table. Chimineas made of cast aluminum are seeing quite a peak in popularity, as well.

2. Exciting Rug – Many people still think of an outdoor rug as being a practical item to wipe your shoes off on before going to the house. Some even assume outdoor rugs have to be a dark color so they don’t show the dirt. Well, if you have not shopped for outdoor rugs lately prepare to feel like a little kid in a candy store. The selection is extensive. You can find them in every size, color, and pattern imaginable, and yes, there are plenty of light-colored ones. These rugs are made to stand up against diet and UV rays. When they get dirty, just spray them down with a garden hose. Guests will be grateful they can slip their shoes off without burning their toes on a hot deck.

4. Hammock Swings – Nearly everyone knows what a hammock is, but most have no idea that hammock swings are available. This will add a whimsical element to your patio. You do not need anything to actually hang them from either. Hammock chair stands are also available.

5. Outdoor Speakers – Are you still turning the music on inside the house and blasting it out the windows? This is not very enjoyable for guests when they go inside to use the restroom. Perhaps you bring your iPod docking station out there, but then you are paranoid it will get ruined by a spilled drink, passing shower, or splashing from the pool. Indoor/outdoor waterproof speakers are your answer. Some even look like rocks, plants, and other natural elements.

Tips for Fixing Landscaping Flaws

Do you secretly wish that a groundhog would tear through your neighbor’s yard every time you pass by on your way home because it is so perfect? Here you are laying seed in the same spot over and over, desperately trying to fix imperfections, and his landscaping looks like it belongs in a magazine. Is it really perfect, or does he just know how to hide the flaws better than you? There are a lot of little tricks you can use to transform eyesores on your property into lovely focal points you can be proud of.

• Outdoor Statue – Surely at some point in your life you have tossed a throw rug over a stain or moved a piece of furniture in front of a hole in the wall when you hear the doorbell ring. An outdoor statue is perfect to use for hiding flaws, as well. Put one over the fresh hole your dog just dug before guests arrive and then move it to the flowerbed later when you realize you missed a spot while planting seeds.

• Water Fountain – One of the reasons fountains are great for hiding flaws is because they naturally attract attention. A tiered one in the front yard may draw attention away from all the cracks in the driveway. Since there are solar ones available you can put them in any problem area of your landscaping.

• Pond – Do you have one spot in your yard that constantly has a puddle of water? Maybe this is the perfect place to put a pond. Ponds are a bit of upkeep, but they help create an enchanted space.

• Retaining Wall – Having a retaining wall installed is the easiest way to define your property. Plus, concrete walls keep soil in place and prevent sinkholes, flooding, and erosion.

• Rug – Is your patio looking a little dingy? Perhaps your deck desperately needs to be restrained. Put a large decorative rug down on the ground, and no one will even look beyond the rug’s perimeter.

• Picnic Table – Remember the days when everyone had a picnic table? These days you barely see them. The great thing about picnic tables is they can literally go anywhere. So, wherever there is a trouble spot on your lawn, move the table over it. Many struggles to grow grass under their shade tree.  Why fight it? Embrace the shade and put your picnic table there.

Invite Wildlife to Your Yard with These Items

Do you love to get up before dawn to catch a glimpse of the deer eating the apples from your apple tree? Maybe you have birding binoculars, so you can sit outside on your patio and watch them playing in the trees. For some people, there is truly nothing more beautiful and exciting than watching wildlife on their own property. If this sounds like you then there are a few essentials you should have to make your outdoor space even more welcoming to a variety of species.

• Birdbaths – You really can never have too many birdbaths. It does not matter if you have one or a dozen; they will certainly all get used. If you have not shopped for birdbaths lately prepare to be quite impressed by the selection. They are available in a wide variety of styles and price ranges, so there is one for every budget. Some have stakes that secure them in the ground while others simply sit on the ground. There are also solar birdbaths that are similar to fountains, but with a shallow basin, so they are not too deep for the birds.

• Manger Feeder – A manger feeder is perfect for deer, wild turkeys, and birds. It will accommodate seed blends, wildlife mix feed, and shelled corn. Some will hold 25 pounds of food, so you don’t have to worry about filling it very often. This should keep the deer happy, so they don’t munch on your shrubs.

• Squirrel Bungee Cord Feeder – There are a lot of squirrel feeders on the market, but none are as entertaining as the bungee cord feeder. It hangs from a branch, and when a squirrel jumps on a little bell rings. It bounces all around while they eat and is quite entertaining. Plus, it will keep the squirrel out of your birdfeeders!

• Birdfeeders – Obviously, you are going to need birdfeeders, and there is no shortage of them on the market. Be sure not to place your birdbaths directly under the feeders or you will end up with ton of seed in the water. Consider the species of birds that you have in your area when purchasing feeders. Sure, you want a few generic ones for songbirds, but you might also want some specifically for hummingbirds. You may also want a few that suction right to your window for a real “bird’s eye view.”

• Owl Nesting Box – If you suspect you have an owl on your property, or if you really want to invite one to live there to keep the population of rodents under control, then you need an owl nesting box. Kestrels will typically nest in these boxes, too.

Things You Need for Weekend Cookouts

If you are like a large percentage of the population, all week long you look forward to the weekend, so you can have cookouts with family and friends. To make the most of these special days when you create lifelong memories there are a few essentials that you should have.

Barbeque Grills

Obviously, the number one thing that you need to start looking at is barbeque grills. The right grill can make all the difference in your cooking. If people often make an excuse not to eat when they come over, this is a good indication that you need a new grill. Take some time and decide what style need. If you are remodeling, consider adding a built in grill. Most importantly make sure you have a quality cover to put on when it is not in use to keep it clean and protect it from the elements.

Patio Umbrella

Unless you are blessed with lush shade trees over your patio you are going to need an umbrella. Not only will this help keep people more comfortable, it will protect against the sun’s damaging UV rays. Like barbeque grills, patio umbrellas should also be protected with a cover when they are not being used.

Patio Heater

Barbeques on sunny afternoons often turn into late evenings with drinks. Of course even a mild evening can feel incredibly cool after a hot day. A patio heater will keep everyone warm and comfortable. They come in an array of sizes and styles. A tall standup model is ideal for a larger patio. For a more budget-friendly option, choose one you can bring out and place on a table. There are also some that can be mounted up on the wall, so they are completely out-of-the-way.

Bug Repellant

Whether you are gathering during the day or the evening, there will be biting and stinging insects to deal with. Citronella candles and bio ethanol torches will help a lot. You will also want wasp traps hanging at a safe distance from the patio to attract these pests away from your watermelon!

Outdoor Rugs

Why should everyone be forced to keep their shoes or flip flops on? Summer is about being barefoot, but this is impossible to do if you are forced to walk across a scorching hot deck. A stylish outdoor rug will add the finishing touch to your space, and allow guests to finally ditch those shoes that they are dying to kick off.

Decorating for Your Outdoor Living Space

If you have recently moved into a new home and are finally going to have an outdoor living space, you are probably pretty excited to start buying furniture. Alternately, maybe you are simply ready to replace pieces that have lasted you several years for something new. Either way, you will find this list of essentials very helpful.

Outdoor Furniture

There are no rules, when it comes to outdoor furniture. Obviously, you are going to need pieces for your patio, but if you want to put beanbag chairs around the pool area and hang hammocks and hammock chairs from every tree, by all means do so. You don’t have to stick with only one style of seating.

Benches are hot this year, and they can be placed anywhere from under a shade tree to inside a flower garden. Round tables with benches have become quite popular, and sustainable eucalyptus has become the most popular material to use in outdoor furniture. It’s durable, beautiful, and ensures you aren’t increasing your carbon footprint with your purchase.

 

Comfort

Just because you are outside does not mean you should be any less comfortable than when you are in your living room. This means that you need shade when it is hot and heat when it’s not. A quality patio umbrella will take care of the shade. Make sure you purchase one large enough to provide shade to your desired area, and you will need a cover to protect it when it is not being used. For heat, you have a few options. Gel tabletop fireplaces are ideal because they can be used indoors and outdoors. If you are trying to make your neighbors jealous, then buy a fire table. If you appreciate a classic look, stick with a chiminea. Of course, you can eliminate fire altogether and warm your outdoor space with a patio heater.

 

The Extras

You really cannot over-decorate on outdoor living area. On the patio you will need a large area rug and a dramatic fountain. You can also place smaller fountains in your garden and flower beds. Garden statuary can go just about anywhere, and do not forget about solar lighting. Get creative with plants, too. Just because there are flowers all around your patio does not mean you can’t have a large planter on the patio, as well. If you do not buy water fountains do make sure you at least get a birdbath for your feathered friends.

Outdoor Lighting Tips to Illuminate the Night

When you add light to your landscaping it makes your outdoor living space more inviting. You will have no reason to rush indoors when it gets dark, if you have enough light to feel safe and comfortable. Not to mention, the right lighting can really bring your property to life when the sun gets down.

 

• Solar Lamps – These will be your go-to lighting solution because solar lamps are practical, stylish, and provide lots of light. You can find classic ones with lamps that adorn tall posts or you can get some that just mount on an exterior wall of your home or garage, too. These are perfect to place by the door, so you can see while you are fumbling for your keys.

 

• String Lights – Creating a fun, party atmosphere is as simple as hanging a few strands of sting lights. These offer an affordable way to surround your deck or patio with lighting.

 

• Glow Stones – Glow-in-the-dark pebbles are fun for walkways, but they can really be expensive for a larger area. Fill shallow dishes with them to line a walkway or act as a centerpiece at your table instead. They change during the day and glow for hours every night.

 

• Fountains – Some water fountains have LEDs that will add a subtle amount of light to their surrounding environment. These can look really magical surrounded by ferns or other lush plants.

 

• Moon Lighting – You can have a professional add lighting about 40 feet up to create a moonlight- like feel. If you have a lot of mature trees this can give your space an enchanted vibe.

 

• Solar Stakes – These are often a preferred choice for lining walkways and marking flowerbeds and perimeters. Solar stakes are available in a huge variety of styles and price ranges. So, whether you prefer the look of a classic lantern or you want some type of cute animal that lights up, you will have no problem finding solar stakes you love.

 

• Solar Powered Motion Sensors – You probably don’t want lights completely surrounding your house, but you would like to know if there is someone outside a window, especially if you have children. Weatherproof, solar-powered motion sensor lights are ideal.

 

• Candles – From tea lights in paper lanterns to Mason jar votive holders hung from trees, there are a ton of things you can do with candles. Just be careful because although candles are small, they can still be dangerous.

 

Getting Creative with Your Garden Décor

You might be reading that title and asking, “Why do I have to add anything to my garden?” Well, you don’t! Lush greenery, flowers, herbs, and even produce plants are lovely all on their own, but that does not mean that you can’t add a little excitement of your own to complement the display. These creative decorating tips can be used in flowerbeds, gardens, and raised planters, and they are sure to spark a conversation with your guests.

 

• Garden Statuary – The easiest thing you can do to add a bit of creativity is add garden statuary to the space. These artistic pieces are really perfect to place near seasonal blooms that leave a void in the display once they are spent. Put a garden fairy or gnome there, and no one will notice that you have a few weeds growing that you haven’t tended to yet.

 

• Fencing – Just because you do not necessarily need fencing does not mean that you can’t use it anyway. Decorative bamboo fencing behind the garden will create a serene look, or a short white picket fence around the perimeter will add a bit of elegant charm. You can even use fencing to define different zones in the garden.

 

• Teepee – Give climbing plants a teepee of some sort to creep up. You can easily do this with sticks and twine, but old wood and metal gardening tools can also be used to create an interesting display.

 

• Water Element – Solar fountains are a must in every landscaping. You can’t have too many water elements either, so don’t be afraid to go overboard. The great thing about solar fountains is you are not restricted to where you can place them. Since they require no electricity, you don’t have to keep them close to the house. You will definitely want to also add a bird bath, but be sure to change the water daily.

 

• Solar Lights – Don’t let your beautiful display fade away into the darkness, solar lanterns, globes on stakes, etc., will draw attention to the garden in the moonlight.

 

• Shepherd’s Hook – A shepherd’s hook can hold hanging plants, bird feeders, wind chimes, and other elements.

 

• Planters – Gardens look fantastic with planters added, especially if you get really creative with what you are using them for. A few fun ideas include work boots, wicker baskets, rain barrels, wheelbarrows, toy boxes, wooden crates, metal buckets, mailbox, watering can, hollowed tree stumps, old tubs, wagons, dresser drawers, and old-fashioned baby carriages.

 

Essentials for Entertaining Outdoors at Night

When your daytime gathering lasts through the evening do not let the darkness chase everyone away. The night is still young! The essentials on this list will ensure that you are always prepared for entertaining outdoors when the sun goes away and the moon comes out to play.

• Firepits – Even a mild summer night can feel cool after a hot day. Firepits will provide warmth and create a fun ambiance. Plus, the fire will provide light and help keep away biting insects. Of course, being able to roast marshmallows over a flame is always an added bonus.

• Acrylic Glasses – If you are brave enough to use glass during the day it is time to swap this for acrylic in the evening. Bumps and drops are more likely to happen at night, and you don’t want to be sweeping up glass in the dark, especially if you have a pool area and people are walking around barefoot.

• Drink Markers – “Is this my drink?” is something you will hear a lot of when you entertain in the evenings. This is especially true after a couple Sangrias or Mojitos. Individual drink markers make it easy for everyone to keep track of their own cocktail.

• Wine Glass Stakes – It is pretty amazing that something so small will be the topic of conversation, but when you break out the wine glass stakes everyone will have something to say about them. These stakes just stick in the ground and you slip your wine glass in the holder.

• Candle Holders – Lanterns with pillar candles can be hung from branches. You can also find some cool Mason jar candle holders filled with sand and a votive. Or, you can make your own. Have these ready to go, so when darkness falls, you can grab them, hang a few around, and light them. While you are stocking up on candles, make sure that you also buy a few citronella ones, too, to help keep the mosquitoes away.

• Food Tents – These are actually a must-have during the day, too! However, at least during the day you can easily see if there is a visitor on the fruit or cheese and cracker you are grabbing. Places like Crate & Barrel sell foldable food tents in a variety of colors and sizes. They weigh pretty much nothing, so guests can just pick them up, as needed.

Most Common Outdoor Decorating Mistakes

There are no strict rules that absolutely need to be followed, when decorating your outdoor living space. However, there are a few mistakes many folks admit to making, and wish they would have been warned about them earlier. If you have already decorated your outdoor space, but something just doesn’t feel right, see if anything on this list applies to you. A quick fix may be standing between you and the environment you are trying to create.

• Improper Plant Placement – A successful and attractive garden is one that is thought through. First, you have to consider the space and sun requirements for every different type of plant you are working with. Second, you do not want tall species in front of short ones.

• Ignoring the Walls – There is a good chance your deck or patio touches an exterior wall to your house, garage, or pool house. Put this valuable real estate to use with outdoor wall art. There is a huge variety of outdoor wall art to choose from. It’s stylish enough for indoors, but durable to withstand environmental elements.

• Too Many Lawn Ornaments – Thoughtfully placed lawn ornaments are fantastic additions to your landscaping. However, when you overdo it to where people park in front of your house, assuming you are having a yard sale, you have too many lawn ornaments.

• Forgetting Exterior Lighting – You can’t appreciate what dramatic impact lighting has on your outdoor living space until you actually have some outdoor lights. When you plant your garden and flowerbeds, build paths, etc. think about how everything is going to look at night, too. Don’t just visualize the end result during the day. Thoughtfully placed solar lighting will turn your space into an enchanted environment.

• Neglecting the Front Yard – It is natural to want to focus your attention on the backyard. After all, this is where you spend your time outdoors, and it is likely where you entertain, too. However, the front yard should receive as much attention because this makes the first impression and improves curb appeal.

• Not Planning Ahead – Planning involves more than just making a list of the plants you need. You should have an idea of what you want your space to look like. You must also factor in budget and maintenance time. If you don’t have time to weed, prune, and give your landscaping the attention it deserves, you need to rethink your plans or hire a professional.

Essentials for a Tiki-Themed Summer Kitchen and Patio

If you would spend every minute of the day at the beach, if you could then use a tiki theme to decorate your summer kitchen and patio to feel like you live by the water. Even if you don’t live anywhere near an ocean, you can at least create the right atmosphere that will make you feel like you live somewhere tropical.

•  Beach Outdoor Canvas Art – Walls in summer kitchens and exterior home walls that touch the deck or patio should be used to their full potential. Beach outdoor canvas art changes this. Just like mounting art on your living room wall this beach-themed art will become a focal point and the set the tone.

•  Thatch Umbrella – You can go with any patio umbrella, but a thatched one gives the space more of a Hawaiian flare. If you have an extra-large space get a few solid-colored umbrellas to mix in with the thatched ones.

•  String Lights – You can find tiki string lights in a wide variety of styles. There are even some with various Hawaiian designs.

•  Bamboo Bench – You can find benches made of bamboo that have a thatch-like surface. This would be the perfect complement to the thatch umbrella and beach canvas art piece.

•  Tiki Torch – Well, you really can’t have a tiki-themed outdoor space without a few tiki torches to set the mood. The light will also provide increased security. Some are designed to stand in the ground while others sit on a table.

•  Tropical Furniture Cushions – Floral or beach-themed furniture is not hard to find. If you already have a table and chairs in your summer kitchen add floral cushions or floral ribbon around the chairs. You can always go with a tiki-themed tablecloth or placements. If you have a sofa or other types of seating on the patio have a couple vibrant decorative pillows scattered around.

•  Hammock – You no longer need two trees for a hammock. These handy home accessories are available to mount from their own private stand. One under your favorite shade tree is a must. However, you can also place one on your deck or patio to lounge on every chance you get.

•  Potted Ferns – Depending on where you live, growing palm trees in your summer kitchen and around your patio might not be practical. Leafy ferns are the next best thing. Grow them in pots, so you can always rearrange as desired.

 

Furnishing an Oversized Deck? These Tips Will Help!

Folks with a small deck or patio often wish for more space. Maybe you did, too, once upon a time. Now, you have that oversized deck you have always wanted, but you are not quite sure what to do with it. If this is the “problem” you are facing right now this guide will help.

Determine Your Needs

What type of entertaining do you do (or plan on doing)? Are you looking forward to having the whole family over for breakfast on the weekends, or are you at least going to try to enjoy more meals out there? If so, then you will want a larger table and chairs, or at least a table that expands.

Are you hoping to create a living room environment? Don’t assume that you have to buy furniture as a complete set. You can mix-and-match sofas, loveseats, and chairs.

Create Zones 

If your patio or deck is large enough, you can create multiple sitting areas. This is especially effective, if you plan on entertaining larger parties. If necessary, you can always move all the furniture into one central location, but you know that smaller groups of people typically section off for conversation. Building benches around the perimeter or at least in the corners will really allow you to make the most of the space with the maximum amount of seating possible.

Add Infrared Patio Heaters

With a cozy patio, a smaller bio ethanol fireplace to gather around is typically all that is needed. You are going to need a lot more heat to keep a large patio comfortable. Infrared patio heaters are perfect for this purpose. You can always have some type of fireplace as a centerpiece and place the heaters near the edges to provide warmth to the areas the fireplace won’t reach.

.Provide Shade

Unless you want guests complaining of headaches, dry eyes, and sunburn, you are going to need some shade. Canopies are ideal to position over conversation areas in the corners. Umbrellas will work everywhere else. For a larger area, umbrellas with a tilt feature are recommended, so you can shade any area with the right angle.

.Have Enough Side Tables

There never seems to be enough table space for drinks, snacks, and plates. You can always build some hinged ones around the deck’s perimeter that can just be flipped down when needed. Of course, benches can always be used as tables, as well.

7 Essentials to Make Your Patio More Comfortable

If you do a lot of entertaining then you is likely always on the lookout for things that will make your backyard more inviting and comfortable. Not to mention, it certainly does not hurt to be the topic of conversation with your friends, family, and neighbors. Here are a few accessories that your outdoor living space might be missing.

•  Umbrellas – Quality umbrellas will keep your patio or deck cool and comfortable. Even sun lovers need relief from the heat and blinding rays from time-to-time. Always make sure that your umbrella bases are durable and well-crafted to keep your umbrella from falling over. They should be placed on a flat surface, as well.

•  Two-Person Swing – If you have a sturdy tree, you can build your own two-person swing. These are fun for folks of all ages. If the tree is over the patio, the swing will double as extra seating.

•  Grill Light – If you are like most there are times you grill after the sun goes down. Of course, there are a lot of challenges that come along with the joy of preparing that late meal. Lighting is right up at the top of the list. It’s nice to actually see what you’re cooking. Buy a flexible grill light. There are some that will clip to the side of your grill or others have a magnetic base that stays put on metal surfaces.

•  Storage Boxes – These will hold blankets, paper plates, bug spray, extra hats, etc. The right ones will also double as seating and tables depending on what you need.

•  Folding Picnic Tables – The seating you have probably suits you just fine for 90 percent of the time. However, there are always occasions throughout the season when you desperately need extra tables and chairs. Folding picnic tables are perfect. They fold up into a briefcase design to take minimal space in a shed or garage.

• Furniture Covers – Keep your furniture clean and dry until you need it with weather-resistant outdoor covers. These go on your grill, fire pit, and log pile, too.

• Misting System – Have you ever been in line for a roller coaster at an amusement park on a super-hot day? If that line happened to have a giant misting fan at one point like many do, you know how amazing that burst of cold, wet air felt. This is how you will feel when you add a misting system to your patio.

Comfortable Seating Options for Outdoors

For a very long time, most outdoor furniture actually looked as practical as it was, and not in a good way. Does something have to look like it is waterproof for it to actually hold up in the weather? Do you remember those dreadful floral cushions that stuck to your skin? Fortunately, times have changed! Designers today make outdoor furniture that is attractive enough to be used inside your home, durable enough to weather the storm, and comfortable enough to relax in. This is especially true of the options that are on this list.

• Quilted Hammocks – If you love rope hammocks, you will fall head-over-heels for quilted hammocks. If you find rope varieties to be irritating to your delicate skin, quilted styles will totally change the way you view these classic pieces in general. Quilted hammocks are plush enough to lie in for hours. Some are even reversible, so you can change the look of your outdoor space without buying anything new. Most just attach to a stand, so you don’t need perfectly spaced trees to have one.

• Hanging Chaise Lounger -These unique seats marry a chaise lounge and swing in one. You essentially get the best of worlds. They suspend from their own stand, and some even come with an umbrella for shade.

• Bean Bag Chair – Your favorite piece of indoor furniture is now available for your outdoor living space. Note that not all bean bags are appropriate for outdoor use. Make sure the one you purchase has a waterproof liner, and a removable and machine-washable cover.

• Rocking Chair – You can’t go wrong with the most classic comfortable chair of all time. Of course, you can’t just put any rocking chair out on your patio, and expect it not to ruin. It needs to be made for outdoor use. Eucalyptus rocking chairs have become quite popular.

• Round Beds – You probably have seen elaborate round beds in magazines and assumed they must be reserved for beachside mansions. Well, they are definitely expensive to buy, but some people are actually making them from old trampolines. You do need to make sure you have a very strong support system though!

• Daybed – Contemporary daybeds are available in a wide variety of styles. Some even have their own modular canopy that fold down accordion-style like a convertible. These are often quite large and need a significant amount of space. Be warned, some modern daybeds can cost $10,000, or more, but they certainly do make a statement.

Tips for Furnishing Your First Patio

There are few things more exciting than moving into a house that has a deck or patio, especially if it is the first outdoor living space you have ever had. Even if the move has not happened yet, you are probably already making plans to have friends and family over right away. You picture your family enjoying Saturday morning breakfasts out there while catching up on the events of the week, and you can’t wait to just relax outside after the sun goes down on a super-hot day. Well, you may have lots of plans, but first you are going to need to get that space worthy of entertaining. This means that you need some furniture to sit on!

Measure

When you shop for outdoor furniture, you need to basically follow the same rules that you would shopping for indoor furniture. Measuring is the most important step. Looking at the space and guessing that something will fit could have you feeling a little cramped.

Consider Scale

If you have a small deck, you are going to want less, or smaller pieces of furniture. Of course, if you have a family with several children, you may not be able to really take scale into consideration. Even with a small patio, you will want to make sure that you have enough seating for everyone.

Think About Your Needs

Your first instinct may be to buy a traditional round table and chairs set like you can find at dozens of stores near you, but is this really what you need? When you have people over does your vision have everyone gathered around a table or are you kicked back on an outdoor sofa or chaise lounge? Even if you do want to go with a more traditional approach, so you have a convenient place to eat meals, play cards, etc., you might want to consider outdoor tables with benches, especially if you have a larger family.

Decide on a Style

Do you want a fun, beach-themed patio? Are you drawn to the simplistic lines of contemporary furniture? Maybe the inside of your home is modern, so you want to take a country or vintage approach to your outdoor space. Choosing a style will help you narrow down the selection of furniture.

Shop for Quality

Basing your decision entirely on price will end up costing you more long-term. Cheap furniture generally needs to be replaced seasonally. Even if it hasn’t started to fall apart, it may look like it is about to. Invest in quality pieces that will last through years of entertaining.

6 Unexpected Décor Pieces for Your Outdoor Living Space

Are you ready to finally transform your outdoor living space into a true extension of your home? Maybe the basics were fine for a couple years, but you have been saving up all fall and winter to turn that patio into a space that inspires entertaining. If you really want to impress your guests and be the topic of conversation for a while, incorporate unexpected décor pieces into the environment.

 

1. Wall Art for Your Patio – Prepare to be blown away by the selection you find, when you start shopping for wall art for your patio. If you are like most, you are not even aware that this type of art exists, which is exactly why it will attract so much attention. The canvas is as nice as something you would mount on a wall inside your home, only it is given a special coating to protect against environmental elements.

 

2. Metal Art – Metal art is another wall option. Like outdoor canvases, these sculpture-like creations also mount on an exterior wall. The only thing to keep in mind is that you really need light-colored siding for the best visual display. They can simply get lost in a brick or dark-colored home.

 

3. Clock – Believe it or not, there are some really unique outdoor clocks available. On the positive side, you will always know what time it is. On the other hand, your eyes maybe drawn to it more than you would like, making it hard to relax because you are thinking about where you need to be in “X” hours every time you look at it.

 

4. Curtains – Outdoor curtains really give a space a sophisticated touch. They can even make a nice privacy barrier in a neighborhood that doesn’t allow privacy fences. They come in a surprisingly large variety of sizes, fabrics, colors, and patterns. Grab some tiebacks to have handy for windy days.

 

5. Accent Table – Outdoor tables use to consist of kitchen-style tables with seating and coffee tables. Now you can buy accent tables in a wide variety of designs. From a table that looks like a mushroom to a whimsical metal design with butterflies and vines, there is an accent table available to complement your space.

 

5. Planters – Gone is the day when planters were all round, oval, square, or rectangular. Planters are made in every design, color, and theme imaginable from a stiletto shoe to a gargoyle to a handsome urn.

6 Decorating Tips for Small Patios

A lot of people look at a small patio, and feel discouraged. They may wonder if they should even bother doing anything with the space at all. After all, what can you possibly do with a small area? Well, you might be quite surprised! With the right tips and a little creativity, you can transform that small outside area into a place where you want to spend a lot of time.

 

1. Simple Seating – You must choose your seating thoughtfully to get the most out of this space. Obviously, you need to stay away from oversized pieces, and you don’t want more furniture than you need.  If you don’t plan on ever entertaining, you can get away with one comfy chair. A hammock chair might be a good option. A bistro table and chairs is also a good option. You can always build bench seating along one or two sides of the patio to get the most of the space, if you plan on doing a lot of entertaining.

 

2. Patio Umbrellas – It does not matter what size patio you have, the need for shade never changes. Patio umbrellas add a charming touch to an outdoor living area, and they provide plenty of shade. The great thing about a small space is one umbrella will shade the entire seating area, and if you want sun, you just close the umbrella.

 

3. Plant Tower – You probably don’t have room to scatter a lot of planters around, but what’s a patio without plants and flowers? Buy some type of tiered plant tower, so you have somewhere for all the planters. Corner units are ideal. If you have something above the patio to hang flower baskets from make sure you take advantage of this opportunity.

 

4. Outdoor Rug – Another great thing about a small patio is one outdoor rug will cover most of the ground. So, you can leave your shoes off and really get comfortable.

 

5. Tabletop Fireplace – You will only need a small fire to keep warm when the temperatures drop, so a tabletop fireplace will accommodate your needs nicely. If you don’t have a table to set it on just put it on the ground. These fireplaces burn gel or bio fuel, both of which are safe to use indoors, so you can take your fireplace with you when you go inside for the evening.

 

6. Make Use of the Walls – You don’t have a lot of ground space, so take advantage of exterior walls. These can be used for canvas art or lighting. You can also create a vertical garden for your herbs.

Tips for Designing a Successful Flower Garden

When you see gorgeous flower gardens on a property do you just automatically assume that the human behind them must have been born with a green thumb? Well, maybe they were, but that does not mean that you can’t create a garden that is just as beautiful. Believe it or not, these gardens do not just miraculously turn out to be enchanted pieces of land. The person behind its beauty has put a lot of thought and planning into creating that magical space. If you plan ahead and do a little homework, your garden is sure to be just as successful, too.

 

Research Flowers

You may be smitten with a specific species, but if it needs a natural environment and soil type that is not even close to what you have to offer, you will likely fail. The best garden designs incorporate a variety of short-term annuals, long living perennials, ornamental grasses, seasonal bulbs, vines, and blooms. Take a little time to get to know what is available, and try to stick mainly with native species that are more likely to thrive in the natural conditions your property offers. Native plants will be a lot less work for you, and they are the more eco-friendly choice, because they don’t require as much watering.

 

Choose a Design

Deciding on a design will help you narrow down the long list of plants you have your eye on. For example, a cottage-style garden welcomes a mix-and-match approach, whereas shape and materials may become factors in a contemporary garden.

 

Size and Shape

You need to know how large and what shape your garden will be before you start figuring out which plants you want to use and where you want to place them. Grab a long garden hose or a ball of yarn to literally outline the shape of your garden on your property. It is better to start small and expand than aggressively attack a large space and end up lost.

 

Supply a Focal Point

Just like decorating any room in your home, your garden needs a focal point. Garden fountains are ideal for this purpose. The eye will be drawn to the cascading water, and then begin to explore the plants. Solar garden fountains are also available, so you don’t have to fuss with extension cords, if the garden is not directly next to the house or an electrical outlet.

 

Incorporate Hardscape

Although not mandatory, large gardens can really benefit from the presence of hardscape elements, such as arbors, pergolas, and trellises.

 

Must Haves for a Tranquil Outdoor Space

A lot of people furnish and decorate their deck or patio, but never do anything with the rest of their yard. If this sounds like you then go stand at your back door or on your deck, and look around. See that big shade tree to the side of the yard or that cluster of evergreens at the back of the property? That is the perfect location to create a quiet and tranquil relaxation space. Add a few essentials to the area, and this is where you will go whenever you need to quiet your mind or relieve a little stress.

• Fabric Hammocks – It does not matter how stressful your day has been, lying on a fabric hammock will make you forget all about the chaos you have been surrounded by. You do not even need two trees to enjoy one, like you might assume. Most fabric hammocks can be used with a portable stand, which can be placed anywhere. Choose a quality fabric hammock that will resist mold, dry quickly, and be soft on your skin.

• Table – A little outdoor table will give you something to put your drink, snack, book, and citronella candle on. Maybe you want to use this outdoor space to watch the football game or catch up on your favorite TV show. In this case, your tablet can sit nicely on the table.

• Water Fountain – You can create a relaxation space without a fountain, but once you add one, you won’t know how you ever lived without it. The sound of the cascading water will calm your mind. Plus, it will block noise. So, instead of listening to traffic, music, dogs barking, kids next door screaming, etc., you will simply hear the fountain. You can’t go overboard with water features either, so feel free to add more than one to your relaxation space.

• Rug – If you don’t mind killing a square of grass, a large outdoor rug would create a nice “floor” to your space. Your dog will at least like lying on it, and it will look pretty cool.

• Umbrella – Okay, you are probably asking, “Why do I need an umbrella when I have a tree?” First, when that freakishly mild weekend shows up in January and you are dying to go take a nap on your hammock; your umbrella will provide the shade that the bare tree doesn’t. Second, have you ever napped outside in a light rain? Well, you will when you can hide under the giant umbrella!

7 Ways to Make Your Yard Bird Friendly

Many people do not realize how interesting and entertaining birds are to watch until they actually have an abundance in their yard. Then, they notice how every species has a different personality and unique habits. Many even return to the same place in a yard every single day. These are the ones you can’t help but name because you look forward to seeing them. Of course birds are more than entertaining. They bring an artistic touch to a space that no other manmade product can provide. Below are a few tips for creating a more bird-friendly environment.

1. Bird Feeders – You probably already guessed that bird feeders would be at the top of your list. If you feed them, they will come. Keep in mind that you have to consider the species you hope to see when purchasing bird feeders. If you are solely looking for small varieties, like finches and chickadees, then the narrow tube feeders with skinny perches are fine. However, it will be hard for a blue jay or dove to stand on the small rests and eat out of the tiny holes. If you hope to welcome some large species, consider a dish variety. A bird bath can also double as a feeder.

 

2. Bird Bath -Speaking of bird baths, they are also considered essentials for creating a bird-friendly environment. Make sure you change the water daily. In the winter birds still love to bathe. You can buy actual bird baths made to work in the winter, but you can also just purchase a de-icer that stops the water from freezing in the winter, and add it to a regular bath.

 

3. Nesting boxes – When purchasing nesting boxes it is important to make sure there are drainage holes at the bottom and nesting holes on top. Avoid nesting boxes with perches, especially if you have sparrows in the area, as they are known for resting on the perch and pecking at the birds inside.

1. 4. Mow Less – You don’t have to let your lawn grow to the point where neighbors are complaining, but you should let it grow longer than you usually do. Longer grass, leaf litter, and brush piles are attractive because they provide nesting material and shelter, and there are generally an abundance of insects to eat.

 

5. Eliminate Insecticides – Since insects are a primary food source, getting rid of them all with an insecticide makes your yard less inviting to birds.

6. Leave Dead Flowers Alone – Do you rush to tidy up your flower garden and beds as soon as plants start to die? Leave them alone! Goldfinches and cardinals feast on the seeds while chickadees and nuthatches scour branches for spider and insect eggs.

7. Plant Native Species- Using native plants is one of the easiest ways to attract birds to your landscaping. Many native plants feed through fruit, buds, seeds, and catkins. Hollies, dogwoods, native apple species, and cedars provide food well into the winter.

Ways to Attract Birds to Your Garden

Some people want to attract birds to their property simply because they enjoy watching them. It can be very soothing. Plus, if you have kids, it gives them the chance to develop a deeper appreciation of nature. Others welcome birds because they are good for the garden. Many people are not aware that birds even provide a garden with benefits. Birds eat insects and feed on certain weeds. Some species, such as orioles and hummingbirds, are great pollinators. Not to mention, just watching their habits and listening to them sing is proven to decrease stress. Other birds that are very beneficial to your garden include bluebirds, chickadees, nighthawks, nuthatches, phoebes, sparrows, swallows, vireos, and wrens. Below are some tips for making your property more attractive to these bird populations.

Birdbath Fountains 

First of all, adding any birdbath to your garden is better than having no birdbath at all. Birds need access to clean drinking water year-round. That being said, they are even more attracted to birdbath fountains. Like countless other animal species, they love the moving water. Plus, the water in these types of baths don’t get dirty as fast because it isn’t permitted to sit there and get stagnant. So, if you have a birdbath fountain and your neighbor just has a regular one, you can count on your garden being a lot more popular than the one next door.

Bird Feeders

Obviously, birds are going to be attracted to a food source. It is important that you keep your feeders full year-round. If you allow them to get empty, they will find somewhere else to go. You also need to buy the right food for the species you are trying to attract.

Don’t Use Pesticides

Most birds look for a place to call home where there are plenty of insects. Just because they are eating your sunflower seeds you put out does not mean they don’t want an assortment of bugs to munch on. When you use insecticides, you take away this valuable food source.

Plant Berry Shrubs and Trees

Winter is hard on most backyard birds. They really love shrubs that offer protection from the harsh winter weather, and of course, they can’t resist shrubs and trees with a generous supply of tasty berries. Dogwood, spicebush, sassafras, shadbush, blueberry, and a wide variety of hollies have berries they love. As far as protection goes, pines, Oakleaf hydrangea, and fothergill are recommended.

Must Have Things for the Pool

Are you getting ready to move into a house with a pool? Perhaps you are finally having that pool installed that you have been talking about for years. Either way, once you have your own pool, you will probably never want to be without one again. Sure, they can be a lot of work to maintain (unless you hire a professional), but you’ll have a hard time finding anyone who will say they aren’t worth the effort. You probably already know what products you are going to use to maintain it. Now, you just need a few essentials to get the most use and fun out of it.

• Furniture – The right furniture will make your pool the place to be all summer. Loungers are great, but have a few chairs, too. Choose pieces that resist fading and dry quickly.

• Cabana – Poolside cabanas are typically associated with resorts, but they can come in handy by a residential pool. You will have a place to escape the sun’s rays, and you can keep your cooler with beverages and snacks in there, so they are shaded from the sun. Plus, it can double as a changing room.

• Propane Patio Heaters – Don’t let a cool evening ruin your fun. When the sun goes down start up the propane heaters and everyone will stay nice and toasty. When you get out of the pool and the cold air hits you, just stand by a heater and you will warm right up.

• Floating Water Hammock – It can be easy to fall into the trap of buying endless rafts that pop or spring a slow leak and continuously deflate. Although inexpensive, you are essentially just throwing your money away. Kelsyus makes a floating water hammock made of polyester, PVC, and steel that suspends you in the water, so your body stays just under the water’s surface. The manufacturer also makes a lounger and chair made of the same materials.

• Towel Rack – There is nothing worse than reaching for your towel and discovering that it is sitting in a puddle of water from that last belly flop. A towel rack will keep the pool area tidy and it will speed up the drying process of wet towels.

• Toys and Sports – Obviously, volleyball net and floating basketball hoop are must haves. However, the pool toy selection has seriously grown in recent years, so plan on being pretty overwhelmed by the options. If you have kids, a floating island adventure set is sure to get used. Also consider a log flume water joust game, giant ring toss game, and paddle ping pong.

 

Popular Themes for an Outdoor Room

Whether you are moving into a home where you will have your first patio or if your old furniture is past its prime and you’re ready for a whole new look, you may want to have a theme in mind. This will lead you in a specific direction when you start purchasing furniture and décor pieces. Below are a few of the more popular themes trending today for outdoor spaces.

Contemporary

To pull off a contemporary theme, you will need a limited color palette and clean lines. Bold graphics are definitely welcome. If going with wood furniture, stick with eucalyptus or teak. Metal can look great in contemporary spaces, too, especially if it is complemented with modern day chimineas. Add bright glazed pots to the patio and nearby flower beds should have big architectural plants. Most people stick with solid black or neutral furniture, so pillows and rugs can be switched periodically.

Mediterranean

Bring Old World charm to your patio with a Mediterranean theme. Choose a warm color palette and rustic furniture made of iron, pine, or some other sturdy furniture. Aluminum, teak, and wicker can be used for some pieces, as well. If you are not sure what colors or patterns to use, stick with ivory, cream, rust, and apricot, and use shades of green in accent pieces.

Terra cotta floor tile is ideal, and planters should be filled with lavender, rosemary, and other Mediterranean plants. Chimineascan complement this theme, as well. You definitely do not want a contemporary fireplace in this environment.

Asian

If you are drawn to simplicity and natural tranquility then an Asian-style outdoor space might be the right option for you. Furniture should have clean lines, but shouldn’t be too contemporary. A water feature is imperative, and a bio fuel fireplace would do well in this space. Bamboo, flowering cherries, camellias, and Japanese maples can act as a privacy screen. Of course, bonsai trees in pots are a must!

English Garden

Some say the English garden trend has resurfaced, but others say it never really left. Romantic walkways, hideaway seating areas, and an abundance of flowers are staples. Hardwoods and teak are ideal for capturing that antique bench look. You will probably want some floral fabrics, but you don’t have to go overboard, if you have a lot of flower gardens. Chimineas also look spectacular in these spaces. Even if you rarely use it, at least put one in your flower garden for decoration.

Give Your Patio a Classic French Style Theme

Transforming your patio area into a classic French country-style theme is not easy to do. However, when done properly, you are awarded with a timeless look that will be in style for a lifetime. This is a look everyone will be jealous of. A look that says you dare to be different; you don’t feel the need to change with the times or follow passing trends. You know what you like, and you are not afraid to make it known. Below are a few ideas of elements you can use to create this look.

• Garden Table and Benches – Imagine the intricate detail found on ancient columns displayed on your garden table and benches. Opt for something made of some type of resin composite to stimulate stone.

• Bistro Table and Chairs – Bistro tables and chairs generally come to mind when people picture a French country theme. The only downside is that they are made for two chairs. So, if you do a lot of entertaining, you will need additional seating options.

• Tiered Garden Fountains – Every space needs a focal point, but creating one outside can be tricky because of the open landscape. Tiered garden fountains offer a classic look and a soothing sound to capture and hold your attention. Place one at the edge of your patio, or if you have a large area, use it as a centerpiece and design around it.

• Sliding French Doors – To really pull off the look, swap your regular glass patio doors for sliding French doors. Obviously, if you don’t have glass patio doors, you can install traditional French doors to walk through to get outside.

• Lanterns – Resist the urge to buy those modern-looking outdoor lights. You may like the looks of them, but they will be awkward in this type of environment. You definitely need classic lanterns, preferably solar ones.

• Canvas Art – To make sure the theme you are after really translates through, consider a French-inspired outdoor canvas. These canvases are as nice as what you would hang in your house, but they are treated to stand up against the weather.

• Boxwood Shrubs – Planting a row of boxwood shrubs along at least one side of the patio is ideal. These are easy shrubs to grow, but you will need to keep them maintained to provide the full effect.

• Columns – Finding French-inspired statuary could prove to be challenging, but finding columns is a bit easier. This could include column-like tables and plant stands, too.

• Garden – Whether you have a large flower garden or just a couple nearby flower beds, you will want to fill these spaces with the right flowers. Trumpet line, lavender, mimosa, roses, wisteria. Columbine, dahlia, canna, agapanthus, catmint, and thyme are popular picks.

 

Outdoor Fountains for Small Yards

6′ Black Onyx Gardenfall With Clear Glass Floor Fountain
Dimensions: 72″H x 24″W x 15″D

Contrary to popular belief, outdoor fountains are not décor pieces that are reserved exclusively for homes with sprawling landscaping. Just because you automatically think of a tiered fountain, or a massive one with a pool does not mean that only significant-sized options are available. When you look through our selection of outdoor water features here at Soothing Company, you will likely find yourself pretty blown away. Sure, we have a nice collection of those huge ones that take your breath away, but we also have a generous selection of some that are perfect for small yards or even apartments and condos with a tiny patio.

Lion Wall Fountain
Dimension: 40.5″H x 16″W x 26.5″D
Weight: 287 lbs

Outdoor Wall Fountains

Outdoor wall fountains are a must. If you do not  feel as though you really have any “ground space” to work with, then a wall fountain is perfect for you. There are some that mount right to the exterior wall of your home or garage, while others sit on the ground, but are pressed against the wall, so they are out-of-the-way. Our Lion Wall Fountain is a great option. The basin barely extends from the wall, so it will not get in the way, and it is available in 12 gorgeous colors to complement the exterior of any home.

                                 Corner Fountains

Mateo Corner Wall Fountain
Dimensions: 60″H x 26″W x 16½”D
Weight: 325 pounds

These are wonderful pieces for small spaces because they nestle into a corner, or you can use them to essentially create a corner and give your outdoor space a little more definition. Some of these water features are quite large, so make sure you do not get one that will take up too much space. The Mateo Corner Wall Fountain is tall, but not all that wide or deep, making it perfect for you.

  Garden Fountains

M-Series Platia Fountain
Dimension: 43.25 x 30.5
Weight: 46 lbs

Before you disregard this category because you do not have a garden, you should at least look to see what is available. These pieces do not necessarily have to go in a garden; some look wonderful right on a patio or porch, or in a small flowerbed. Our M-Series Platia Fountain is one of these pieces with a “goes anywhere” attitude.

                               Cast Stone Fountains

Campania Arabesque Spa Mini Series Fountain
Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 12.75
Weight: 34 lbs.

Some assume that cast stone fountains are only available in large sizes for some reason. Yes, we do have some that very well may swallow every inch of your green space, but we also have some smaller options, as well. Our Campania and M-Series collections are made of this durable material and some are even perfect for a small apartment balcony.

5 Steps to Planning Your Backyard Makeover

Last summer, you said you wanted to give your backyard a makeover. Maybe exciting ideas popped in your head all winter long. Well, now it is time to get started! Sure, it will be a lot of work, and you will probably need to devote at least a full weekend to the project, but then you get the pleasure of showing it off all summer.

Grab a Pen and Paper

You need a plan. Yes, even if you have a vision, you need to draw it out. When you put it on paper to analyze, you may see a flaw with your plan. Be as detailed as you can be, including walkways, trees, and anything you don’t intend on moving. This will also help you see if your plans are going to block the view from any interior windows.

Activities and Lifestyle

To truly love your makeover it needs to work well with your lifestyle and activities that take place back there. If you have a couple dogs that love to dig and are sure to trample flower beds, stick with raised gardens and planters. If your kids spend a lot of time playing in the yard make sure there is plenty of green space. Do you always run out of room and feel cramped when you have friends over? Maybe it is time to expand the deck and build bench seating around the perimeter.

Don’t Break the Rules

If you are installing a fence, pond, pool, etc. make sure your plans don’t violate any local codes. You might even need a permit. If you are hiring a contractor, they will likely handle obtaining the permit, but you will need to get it if you are handling it yourself.

Create a Focal Point

Similar to the inside of your home, your outdoor living space also needs a focal point. Cast stone water features are ideal. They are durable and come in every design and size imaginable. Plus, the cascading water will give your backyard a resort-like feel. You don’t have to stick to only one though. There is no such thing as having too many cast stone water features.

Be Aware of Maintenance Requirements

Exotic plants and a koi pond may seem like good ideas, but are you prepared for the work involved to maintain these elements? Native plants are always ideal because they require the least amount of work. If you are planting trees, make sure you know how large they will be at maturity. When adding plants and flowers, be aware of location, and make sure they will receive the right amount of sunlight.

7 Elements to Include in Your Japanese Garden

If you have recently visited Japan, and strolled through the Karakuen or Kairakuen Garden, you may suddenly feel the urge to recreate the breathtaking look and peaceful feel of these places. You can’t appreciate the beauty of Japanese gardens until you have been surrounded by one. Recreate this look in your backyard, and you will always have a tranquil place to quite your mind. Not to mention, you are sure to be the envy of all your friends and neighbors. Below are a few elements to include in your plan. Always create a scale plan on graph paper to make sure it is balanced.

• .Bamboo – This renewable resource is one of the fastest growing plants on the planet, and it is a staple in Japanese gardens. You can grow bamboo, but you can also use it to build your arbor and other elements.

• Asian Statues – Asian-themed garden statuary can be used throughout the space. Buddha statues are probably what you think of first, but pagodas, koi fish, and temple dogs are great ideas, as well. Asian statues are perfect to place in your gardens and along walkways.

• Water Elements – A Japanese garden absolutely has to have water elements. If you are prepared for the upkeep of a koi pond this is a great idea. You can also create a small stream through the property. Water fountains work, too, especially if you are looking for something a little less permanent and a lot less work.

• Rock, Stones, and Boulders – A rock garden will be a nice addition, but you can also use rocks, stones, and boulders to create islands and mountains. They will represent unchanging parts of the world. Stepping stones can also be used to create winding paths throughout the garden.

• Bonsai Trees – A Japanese garden is not complete without a few intricately manicured bonsai trees. These trees are high maintenance. If you are not experienced growing them, keep them in shallow pots instead of the ground. You will have an easier time controlling their growth and making sure their water and soil requirements are met.

• Solar Lights – Eco-friendly lighting will highlight the beauty of your garden at night.

• Foot Bridge – You don’t need a stream or pond to include a foot bridge in your plans. Use one as part of your walking path. You can even create a “stream” of stones to travel under the bridge.

Decorating with Outdoor Wall Art

One of the most dynamic elements that you can add to your deck, patio, pool area, cabana or balcony is a piece of outdoor wall art. It is one of those unexpected elements that really draws the eyes and becomes the topic of conversation, mainly because of the element of surprise. Few people will come to your outdoor living space expecting to see art that is stunning enough for the inside of your home mounted outside to face the elements. Plus, since many people do not even know that outdoor wall art exists, you may become just a little more interesting in their eyes for being ahead of the times. You may even impress the in-laws who seem to find fault in your every move.

 

Hanging Grapes Outdoor Canvas Art

 

What is Outdoor Wall Art?

 

If you are newly being introduced to outdoor canvas art, then you might be a little skeptical. You may be wondering if it will fade, or if you will need to bring it inside with every passing shower. Should it be stored inside and only brought out when guests arrive? Will you be able to clean it, if it is blessed with bird droppings?

 

Well, to set your mind at ease, these pieces of art may look like exquisite paintings you would hang in your home, but they are made for the outdoors. They are given a special coating that protects against environmental elements and resists fading. If it gets dirty, a little soapy water and a damp sponge will have it looking like new again.

 

Where Should You Put One?

 

The first thing you will need to decide is where you plan on putting one. You will obviously need a wall, so the exterior of your house, garage or pool house will work. If you have a large outdoor living space that offers multiple walls, you most certainly can have more than one canvas too.

 

Choosing the Right One

 

You will quickly find that there is a large variety of outdoor wall art to choose from in an array of themes, including rivers and streams, beaches, building, trees, wilderness, wildlife and more. The most important thing to remember is that your decision needs to be based on other décor pieces you have. You may fall in love with that canvas showcasing the Eiffel Tower, but if you have a safari theme outdoors then that painting will become an eyesore. These pieces of art naturally become a focal point, so make sure you choose one that will complement the space beautifully.