Archive for the ‘Yard and Garden’ Category
Suggestions for residential garden decor
Bird baths
Most of the birds in your area are in the class of “welcome wildlife,” animals whose presence around one’s property is highly endearing and sought after, which is why birdbaths enjoy so much popularity. Watching birds cavort in a birdbath is a pleasant backyard diversion, and if you set up a birdbath on your deck or in the garden they will be drawn to the fresh, clean water you provide. Building a birdbath can be a do-it-yourself project, just don’t forget that the water can’t be above three inches deep, and for the birds to hold their footing the surface of the bowl can’t be too steep or smooth. It is a good plan to fill the bottom of the bird bath with fine gravel to provide good footing, and put in a few flat rocks for shallow water perching. In winter time you can help the birds survive by providing a heated birdbath which maintains the water at a comfortable 40 to 55 degree F. The usual heating device for a bird bath is a 200 watt 120 volt de-icer, which is often manufactured specifically for heated bird baths, to which you then add a stainless steel guard to shield the birds from the heater. Any suitable de-icer will have a thermostat to routinely keep the birdbath in the appropriate temperature range without causing any radio or television interference. These de-icers are waterproofed and sealed in epoxy, and are available with hardware such as stabilizing brackets, hooks and handles to make certain the heater isn’t dragged into the water by a bunch of busy birds.
Weathervanes
That quintessential symbol of the American heartland, the weathervane with the rooster atop it, has become more of a decoration than a farmer’s weather guide. Bring that old fashioned charm to the exterior or interior of your home with the proper copper weathervane. Weathervanes fashioned from unfinished copper will age with a natural patina, while other weather vanes are treated to withstand hard weather and never show age. Whether it’s in your front yard, on your roof, on the patio table or a pole in the garden, with the right hardware you can set up a weather vane almost anywhere you want. The the place you set up of the weather vane will determine its size since a rooftop vane needs to be significantly larger than one on your patio. The garden in your backyard is arguably the most appealing spot to mount a weathervane, as it enhances a traditional look along with your outdoor plantings. Rooftop weathervanes are also popular with business owners who want to draw attention to their place in a classy manner.
Angel garden statues will make your yard shine
There probably is no finer way to improve the look of your garden or yard than by adding angel garden statues, those divinely inspired figures of peace and tranquility. While a lot of people enjoy angel statues for their religious meaning, others appreciate them for the note of repose these figures bring to any outside decor. These adorable figures will help create a haven of peace and tranquility around your home, especially when combined with aromatic flowers and gently flowing water fountains. Prices for these gorgeous statues also differ a great deal, with bronze, ivory, or marble statues costing the most, while granite, polyresins, ceramic, and porcelain cost a lot less. An increasingly popular option for those on a tighter budget are garden statues made of polyresin, which can be finished to simulate the more costly statues made of ivory or marble. The rosters of charming garden statues are filled with whimsical figures of gnomes, cherubs, gargoyles, and fairies, but none of those can match the angel figure for quiet reverence and tranquility. These uplifting statues are made in different poses, such as angels standing with open wings, or angels that kneel with praying hands, all of which will convey spiritual attitudes of reverence, or joy. Angel garden statues are typically associated with a traditional design motif, but there are lots of styles available with a more up-to-date look as well.
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A well-constructed fence will protect your property
Wrought iron fences
A wrought iron fence adds antique accents to a well-maintained property and perfectly matches an old fashioned exterior design plans. Ornamental wrought iron fences are on the market in lots of of designs and styles, from antique Victorian picket fences to horse-head or spear-head fences. For a traditional landscaping plan wood fencing is also very popular and less pricey than wrought iron, but metal fences don’t need the on-going care that wood does and may in the long run be less expensive. Residential fences aren’t the only use for these since business properties are often surrounded by 7 foot tall versions which are attractive and add security. These old-fashioned metal styles and designs are usually a bit more ornamental than functional, with an enhanced appearance as the main concern. While these fences will provide excellent security, especially the 7 foot tall models, they are not particularly good at protecting privacy since their beauty attracts attention. Your privacy needs can still be well served with this type of fencing as long as you add bushes or flowering vines along side.
Increase home security with an electric gate opener
One means to improve both convenience and safety for a business or home is to put in electric gate openers. These openers will operate with a wide variety of gates, from small walk-through gates to larger driveway entry gates. Mechanized gate openers are available for a variety of functions and purposes, and your options include optical sensors, load sensors and farm gate openers. It is a good idea to research the many types of automatic gate openers and figure out which one will work with the size and type of gate that you have. If you have a gate that is not in proper working order you will not be able to successfully install an automatic gate opener. While the cost of one may seem high at first, think about the how often you are required to get out of the car to both open and close your gate. You can especially value the convenience automatic gate openers provide when you are in a rush or it is raining hard.
Using metal fencing for your garden
Metal and wood are both excellent backyard fence material, but in a garden fence you may find that metal is favored for its ornamental potential and durability. Before you spend cash on garden fencing attempt to determine how it will harmonize with your backyard decor, and whether you can get away with using aluminum fencing, which is a cheaper option than the more decorative wrought iron fences. Wood fencing is more likely to be deployed around the perimeter of a property to supply privacy, but metal garden fences satisfy more of a cosmetic function than wood, and can be the focus of your landscaping plans. Metal fences are easily painted, as one example of the flexibility they provide, and you can find them in both basic and ornamental styles depending on the way you want them to harmonize with your outdoor decor. If you have pets or small children you need to keep out of your garden then a metal fence also serves a practical function which may dictate the height of the fence you select. Another critical question you face is whether to install a gate or arbor at the entrance to your garden, depending on your personal tastes and your existing landscaping designs. There are some homeowners who prefer to leave an open space for the entrance to their garden to emphasize the sense of open space, while others like having a gate or arbor or both, in which case the entrance to the garden is a focus of the backyard. A stand alone arbor creates a great garden entrance, and if you don’t have kids or pets to worry about you don’t need a gate to go with it.
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