Vertical Gardens

This option is especially great for those without the luxury of space. By simply attaching some latticework to a couple of posts which have been sunk into the ground, you can take your garden vertical. Purchasing plants that tend to grow upward, like flowering vines of ally types, you can have the beauty of a garden in a limited space.

Raised Gardens

This garden option is an excellent idea for those who may not be blessed with the best topsoil on their property. By simply building a box and filling it with good topsoil, you can then garden away to your heart’s content with good that will help your plants to prosper.

No matter the option one goes with, gardening has made a comeback with the younger generations. Some searching for the beauty a garden might provide, others for the eco-friendly nature of growing their own fruits and vegetables. Either way, these are just a couple of options out there for those looking to start up a garden.

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Naturally, there are some important things to consider when it comes to what to use and where to put it, especially if you don’t have a lot of money or free space to work with.

Low Budget

Even without a generous budget you can make a definite difference in your garden’s appearance. Re-purpose a few pieces you’re already using around the house and create a focal point with inexpensive yet colorful wildflowers accentuated by a single set of wind chimes or small statue.

Limited Space

Not everyone has the luxury of having ample outdoor space for decorating. Fortunately, adding just a few personal touches is all that’s needed to add interest to the garden, porch, patio, or backyard. Also remember to make good use of vertical space, something often overlooked when it comes to decorating outside.

Wherever you are, simple yet beautiful garden decor is the first step toward bringing that comfortable, welcoming feeling from inside home to the great outdoors.

Selecting a Garden Theme

Garden statues are some of the most affordable and popular types of accessories used in decorations. First, homeowners need to decide on an overall theme for their precious garden. For example, a religious themed garden can include an array of statues ranging from biblical figures and Jesus Christ to saints and popes. For a fairytale type of setting, gnomes are the traditional choices. Similarly, a garden with oriental plants and trees can be complimented by Asian themed statues such as of Buddha or pagoda and arbor structures. Overall, the decorations should blend in well with the plants, shrubs, and trees of the garden so that there is a common theme.

Bringing Gardens To Life With Birds

A truly beautiful garden is one that attracts flocks of backyard birds. Bird houses are available in a variety of designs that are appealing to the eyes of humans and birds. Lighthouses, cottages, medieval castles, Victorian mansions, and temples are some of the many possible bird house choices. The houses can be easily hung on trees and fences. It is also important to hang bird feeders nearby to keep the birds coming to the garden. It is a true joy to sit back and watch cardinals, blue Jays, woodpeckers and other backyard birds creating a live garden decor.

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Enjoy the Wonder of Mother Nature

Strategically place a few bird houses around your outdoor living area and see if some of the birds won’t call them home.  One of my bird houses has been on a post in my backyard for about 15 years.  There has never been a moment of activity until last month.  A small bird has built her nest there and hopefully, she will call it home for laying eggs.

Different types of birds are drawn to different types and locations of house.  For example, it is said blue birds like house in open spaces and not placed in near proximity to other houses.  You will need to know what types of birds are attracted to your yard and do a little research on the type of bird house each likes.

There seems to be more birds than ever in my backyard this Spring.  You might be noticing the same thing in your area.  Enjoy bird watching from the comfort of your own patio by placing stylish bird houses around your backyard.

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Popular Patio Zones

Creating zones on your patio makes decorating it a bit easier and allows you to distinguish different designs and patio furnishings in the different area.  Here are some of the zones people specify in their outdoor living areas or on their patios:

• Garden – pick the perfect spot for container gardening or a small plot garden
• Flower Beds – make sure you know how much sunlight the different areas of your yard receive before planting your flowers.
• Dining – you actually might have two separate dining areas.  One can be for a more romantic feel while the other might be a smaller spot to enjoy breakfast and read the paper.
• Relaxation – find an area that allows you to kick back and relax.  Incorporate ceiling fans and comfortable furniture like a chaise lounge.
• Entertaining – dedicate a space to entertaining family and friends.  Add plenty of comfortable seating and perhaps even an outdoor kitchen.
• Wet Area – keep the pool or outdoor spa separate from dry areas of the patio.  Utilize furniture that is quick to dry and have towel racks to accommodate those wet towels and swimsuits.

Distinguishing between different areas on your patio will allow you to use a more varied array of patio furniture and accessories.  Having various zones in your backyard ensures you have a dedicated space of your favorite outdoor activities.

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Planting a garden isn’t rocket science, but you will need to ensure wherever you build your garden, there is adequate sunlight to make your seeds turn to plants.  Watch the sun for a few days to determine its direction and the length of time particular areas in your yard receive direct sunlight.

Pick Your Plants

After selecting the perfect spot for your garden, it’s time to pick your plants.  Select seeds and watch them sprout right before your eyes or buy plants.  Either way, you can have your own tomatoes, onion, cucumbers, squash, etc.

You don’t need a lot of space in your outdoor living area to have a vegetable garden.  Understand how much room plants need to grow and go for it.  There’s nothing that tastes better than vegetable or produce you’ve grown yourself.

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Get Ready for Spring Gardening

Regardless of the exact arrival of consistently warmer weather, the time is now to start getting those patio or backyard gardens ready.  You can have a garden no matter the size of your outdoor living area.  Foods grown in your own backyard are certainly better than any of those you will find in the grocery store.

Pick out a spot that receives plenty of sunlight and that is near a source of water. Use a quality soil mixture to ensure optimal growth. Follow the planting instructions on your seed packets.  This will also include recommended spacing between plants.

Protection from the Critters

If you live in an area that has a lot of squirrels, raccoons, possums, etc. you will probably need to devise a protective covering or barrier around your garden.  These critters are pretty adept at getting to your tomatoes, bell peppers, or anything else you plant.

It’s not difficult to create a garden in your outdoor living space.  And trust me, whatever sweat equity you put into building it, you’ll receive it back 10 fold in delicious foods you grew yourself.

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Merriam-Webster defines compost as “a mixture that consists largely of decayed organic matter and is used for fertilizing and conditioning land”.  Simply said it is combining green ingredients like grass clippings and kitchen scraps with brown ingredients like leaves and wood chips and letting them decay together.  At the end of the process, you will wind up with rich compost to add to your soil.

Make Your Own Compost

Composting is not hard to do and you won’t find a better supplement to add to your soil.  In return, your plants and vegetables will receive vital nutrients needed for optimal growth.

As stated earlier, combine kitchen leftovers (lettuce, eggshells, etc), grass, dead leaves, etc. and place them in a compost pile.  The pile will also need air and water in order to break down these items.  You don’t want the pile drenched, but it should remain moist in order to expedite the decaying process.

Containing Your Compost

There are several different types of composting bins and containers you can either purchase or construct.  The important thing is you will need to turn this pile on occasion in order to keep the ingredients mixed.  A tumbling composter simple spins on a frame or you can use a shovel or rake to manual mix the pile.  If your area is prone to rodents, you will want to make sure the compost is covered.

With the proper ingredients and care, you can have compost in as little as 3 weeks.  One of the great things about composting is you don’t have to go buy any special ingredients to make it work.  Start your own composting pile and have the perfect fertilizer to add to your vegetable garden or flower beds.

In a Pot or In the Ground

It’s important to know how much sun or shade your patio receives.  Plants, flowers, and shrubs all have a tolerance to both sun and shade.  The tag you will find in the pot will tell you what environment it thrives best in, i.e. full sun, part shade, etc.  Knowing how much sun your patio receives and how much sun or shade your selected plants need are key to the lifespan of your greenery.

If you don’t have ground space in or around your patio area, grow your plants in pots.  Container gardens are beautiful and the pots make nice patio accessories.  There are many designs and styles of pots from which to choose.

Patios should incorporate a feel of nature.  Adding greenery via plants, shrubs, or flowers is the perfect way to do this.

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Lots of Options for Repelling Bugs

Of course the best way to keep bugs out of your patio area is to screen it in.  This isn’t always a viable or affordable option.  Here are a few ideas to help keep the bugs from your patio:

1. Citronella candles/torches – the properties contained in citronella make it a bug repellent.  Keep the candles or torches lit around the perimeter of your patio.
2. Misting systems – misting systems deter bugs by emitting water.
3. Fans – incorporate decorative fans whose winds will help keep bugs away.
4. Bug machines – magnet and zapping machines provide good bug control, particularly mosquitoes.

If we have open patios, there are only so many months of the year we can thoroughly enjoy them.  Incorporate a bug repellent system in your backyard or patio to help you get the maximum enjoyment out of your outdoor space.

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