A garden
is more than just plants because no garden is complete without those little accents that add character and ambiance to your property. These decorative items will also add a more personalized atmosphere to your garden. And by accenting your backyard to its best advantage, you’ll enjoy your outdoor living space even more.
Think green
When planning your garden, try to use green decor. Select sustainable and eco-friendly materials that promote healthy living for both your family and the Earth. These days you can easily create an environmentally-friendly garden as eco-friendly products can be found in most garden centers.
One idea…reduce wood use!
Rainforests provide the bulk of our Earth’s oxygen and house many exotic species. By selecting fencing and outdoor furniture that is constructed from ancient-forest-friendly timber, you will help keep these rainforests alive. Alternatively, you could re-use second-hand furniture from garage sales and second-hand stores. Another option, use synthetic wood products made from recycled plastic and wood composites.
Walk ways and paths as outside garden decor
Often overlooked, the addition of walk-ways or paths add both elegance and accessibility to your outdoor garden. Paths and walk ways also make for an attractive feature in your garden as well making it easier to access your plants, shrubs or flowers planted along the path way. Because there are so many choices, it will be easy to find the material that best suits your surroundings, looks good, is functional and Its your budget.
Try decorative white stones, pea gravel or river rocks when building the paths in your garden decor. The secret here is to make sure you utilize landscaping cloth under these items to reduce weeding requirements. Walk ways should have a path that’s four feet wide to enable two people to walk side by side. The utility path can be left at a two foot width.
For the birds
Welcome the birds home this spring with bird baths, bird feeders and bird houses. Add wind chimes, weather vanes and stepping stones in select areas of your garden. Garden signs can be practical or whimsical in nature.
Consider adding a Victorian garden gazing globe or sundial. Outdoor garden ornaments and lighting also add a dimensional interest, complementing
garden statuary and wall or fence art.
Another favorite are outdoor carpets which are both practical and decorative. Adding decorative finials to your deck or fence will also improve their profiles and make them look more interesting. Another great idea for outdoor decor – garden screens placed judiciously throughout the property. These screens provide interest, privacy, and artistically delineate different zones.
Sitting pretty
Other items that can be included in your outdoor decor are garden swings, mock bridges, benches and wishing wells. If you have enough room, consider installing a waterfall fountain, or a fish pond.
You can also enhance decks, patios and pool areas with outdoor paintings and wall sculptures! These items will add charm to any patio and garden. And because they are so decorative, you might even be tempted to use them indoors.
