Garden-Fountains.com Blog

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   May 21

No Time? Try these Plants and Flowers

By admin
Twitt

As the spring rolls into summer, you may start thinking about your outdoor space, or lack thereof.  While you drive around town and notice all of the beautifully groomed yards with their colorful flowers and plants, you may start thinking about dressing up your very own outdoor space.  Once you start thinking about it though, you may hit a road block and think, how in the world can I take care of outdoor plants while I am working full time and taking care of my family?  Well we have the perfect choice for planting outside that require little to no care so you can still have an outdoor area you are proud of, but don’t have to spend an entire evening grooming and taking care of it!

One of the best plants for an outdoor space is a hosta.  Hostas come in quite a few varieties, but they are a beautiful green plant that will grow year after with very little care.  From smaller leaves, to larger leaves, hostas can easily fill up a large empty garden bed with some beautiful greenage.   If you are in an area that receives at least a little bit of rain, hostas will grow beautifully.  Each year, they seem to come back even bigger and better than the year before. Some hostas even have flowers that bloom.

Another great option for an outdoor space if you live in a dry climate is cacti or succulents. These plants truly need little to no care, some even have beautiful blooming flowers at times.  They can also be brought indoors if you live in an area where tempatures drop into the freezing mark and make a great accent in indoor spaces.  Think of brightly colored indoor pots that can accent your existing decor.

Another beautiful option is creeping phlox.  You may have seen these driving around your area planted on homeowners yards where they have a large sloping hill out front.  These flowers are an excellent choice for creating a bed of beautiful colored flowers. They are available in many different colors and will truly give your outdoor space that added pop of color.  If you decide to go daring and plant other flowers that require more care, creating phlox can easily be placed around other flowers to provide even more coloring. Creeping phlox will grow in just about any soil condition whether rocky or not. Making it an excellent choice for many spaces.

You don’t have to spend hours upon hours in your garden to get the perfect coloring.  Just taking some time to plant a selection of specific plants and flowers is all you need and a little bit of time to water now and then!
By: Susan Soler of the Garden-Fountains.com Team

Posted in garden ideas, Garden Planter, Garden Projects , , , , , , , | No Comments »

   May 16

Overlooked Outdoor Garden Accents

By admin
Twitt

When creating the perfect outdoor space, we often look to plants, flowers, containers, water features, and statuary to decorate the setting.  Although these are certainly wonderful additions to your setting, and create strong focal points, there are some items that are often overlooked that can truly enhance and organize your setting!

One really great item for your garden setting is a hose pot. Hoses can be unruly and no one wants to have them lying out. The Hose Pot Collection that we offer provides a wonderful way to keep your hose hidden, while adding a beautiful accent to your setting! These pots can be placed out in the open allowing your hose to be easily accessed and tangle free! So those beautiful flowers you have just planted can easily be watered and you won’t have to dread giving them their daily moisture.

Another idea for a garden setting is stepping-stones! If you have a flower bed that is hard to maneuver around, adding a few carefully placed stepping stones allows for room to move around the plants to weed and water without harming them, plus by standing on the stones you avoid mud and dirt! There are many unique types of stepping stones, from the very creative and ornate to simplistic and basic. They are great for heavily traveled grass paths as well, to help keep your grass from being worn away! Many people think stepping stones are just bland corner pieces of concrete.  But, Garden-Fountains.com offers many different stepping stones that can fit any garden theme or even bring your favorite things into the garden, like the Flip Flop Stepping Stones.

Some simple and practical options to add to your setting include accents like birdhouses, wind chimes, and rain chains. A carefully placed birdhouse will bring wildlife into your setting, while adding a small focal point to your setting. Wind chimes are stylish, and add a musical appeal and soft glisten to your space. Rain Chains are practical and beautiful. Taking the place of a downspout, they create a lovely sound as rain falls down them while adding a beautiful accent to your home!

Consider some of these items for your setting, and bring style, practicality and purpose to your environment.  These features should not be overlooked, and why not create beauty will organizing your setting.
By: Susan Soler of the Garden-Fountains.com Team

Posted in garden ideas, Garden Projects, Landscape Ideas , , , , , , | No Comments »

   May 14

Creating Outdoor Sanctuaries with an Empty Corner

By admin
Twitt

One of the most fickle places to decorate is an empty corner? The size is often to small for furniture, so what kind of accents can fit into these corners, both indoors or outside? Here at Garden-Fountains.com we have may creative and beautiful accents to full in those empty spots to create eye-catching focal point!

For an outdoor patio, porch, or garden corner there are many wonderful accents to choose from! A small pedestal fountain will add a soothing and serene touch in a garden corner. The Acorn Fountain is the perfect style to fit into a corner, adding a unique accent to your setting. For those empty porch and patio corners consider tall and shapely planters, like the Azura Jar or the Isleta Planter. These tall planters can be planted with beautiful cascading flowers and greens, to create welcoming arrangements. They can also be left empty, as the sheer beauty of the piece alone will stand out! Tall and graceful planters also make stunning accents for indoor empty corners. They can be set right by the door to hold umbrellas or canes for more practical purposes as well as aesthetics!

Many manufacturers actually make water features that are specifically designed to be placed in corners.  These water features are an excellent choice because they will easily create a beautiful space with just one single piece. Highlighted at the top of this article is a tall corner water feature.  If you have a smaller space, consider a water feature like the Corner Fountain, Small. You can then place some of your beautifully planter containers around the base of this fountain to create the perfect corner nook.

Another great idea for an indoor or outdoor corner is placing a classical piece of statuary on a decorative pedestal. Some great combinations we offer include the Art Deco Maiden on the Tall Octagonal Pedestal or the Soaring Owl on the Plain Round Pedestal. Statuary creates interesting and creative visuals for your setting, and become wonderful conversational pieces. We offer a wide variety of statues and pedestals that you can create the perfect combination to suit your own personal style and theme!

Decorating corners is a great way to add style and personality to your settings, creating focal points that often go missed! There are so many ideas and combinations available that you are sure to find the perfect accent for that empty corner! An empty corner is also a great way to bring a theme into your outdoor space.  Whether it is a tribute to someone who has passed or maybe just that zen feeling garden you have always wanted.  Garden-Fountains.com has everything you need to turn your bleak corner into your most loved sanctuary.
By: Susan Soler of the Garden-Fountains.com Team

Posted in 2013 Garden Trends, Fountains, Garden Accents and Accessories, Garden Containers, Garden Fountains, garden ideas, Garden Planter, Garden Pot, Garden Projects, Outdoor Fountains, Outdoor Statuary , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

   May 08

Options with Homegrown Herbs

By admin
Twitt

Cooking with your own herbs is an amazing experience, full of rich flavors and bold scents! Growing your own herb garden is actually a very easy task to undertake!  The key is to provide nutritious soil, plenty of water, and of course, the correct container! We offer a variety of small pots that are perfect for creating your own herb garden, while adding a beautiful accent to your setting!

For a cheerful and bright pop of color consider planting your herbs in the many colors of the Audrey planters! These small pots are perfect for creating a colorful set of three to four different herbs per pot. If your prefer a more neutral color scheme the Herb Pots provide three neutral colors, and can hold up to nine different herbs! Since these come in three different sets, you can easily keep one indoors as well as a couple outdoors to see how best your herbs will grow. If you are more apt to only want one container, consider the addition of the Daisies Window Box in Antique Glaze. This rectangular planter would make the perfect home for a combination of basil, parsley and oregano!

When planting herbs, choose types that you will use. Try to grow combinations that work well together as well. Herbs that are easy to care for, that are great for cooking, include basil, parsley, cilantro, rosemary, oregano, chives, mint, and sage. Each of these can be planted in herb pots, and many of them also make lovely additions to flower planters as a lovely green foliage accent. Not only do they make for wonderful additions to meals, but they will bring delightful scents into any space they are grow in.  If you aren’t sure what herbs may be your favorite, take some time to test out herbs from the grocery store in some of your favorite meals.  You may find that sprucing up bland healthy meals with fresh herbs keeps your diet on track!

The best part about any of our small planters is they can be brought in over the cooler months, keeping your herbs growing all winter long! These colorful and practical planters can be used for more that just herbs, they make great starter homes for vegetables as well. Start your plants indoors early in the season, and then transplant them into a garden once there is no chance of frost! The planters can then be used for herbs, or for lovely flower arrangements!

By: Susan Soler of the Garden-Fountains.com Team

Posted in 2013 Garden Trends, Garden Planter, Garden Pot, Garden Projects, Growing Flowers and Plants, Landscape Ideas , , , , , | No Comments »

   May 06

Enjoying Your Outdoor Space

By admin
Twitt

As the weather warms up, the desire to move out of doors calls to us! A patio or porch is a wonderful way to create a bridge a between the indoors and the outside! There are many ways to dress up your patio and the space around it, to create a welcoming and enjoyable outdoor room!

One key factor to creating a comforting outdoor room is noise control. The addition of a water feature to your patio or garden setting adds a tranquil and soothing sound to your setting. A simple tabletop fountain, like the Artifact Mini-Series Fountain, may be the perfect touch for a small setting. If your patio is larger, the addition of a pedestal fountain, like the Aya Fountain, would be a stunning accent for a corner space. Wall fountains are another great idea for a patio. The Winding Vine Wall Fountain brings the peacefulness of water in motion, while taking up little space on your patio.

Decoration is another aspect to consider for a patio. A perfectly placed flower pot, full or rich color and pleasant aromas will make an exciting accent for a setting.  Consider a classic urn, like the Litchfield Urn, and add a stylish and charming touch to your setting. For a more modern and colorful approach, add the Belen Planter, whose soothing glaze and tall stature can stand alone as a focal point. Or even use sets of planters to create a border between one living space and maybe a gardening space to stop visitors from walking through the growing garden.

Complete the look with charming sitting area. A great dining set will keep you outdoors and enjoying the sunshine and fresh air all summer long! If the space is not big enough for dining, consider a beautifully sculpted garden bench to sit along an empty wall. This will create a great focal point, while adding seating to your setting as well. You are sure to enjoy the sunny days on any outdoor seating area by enjoying a nice refreshing beverage or just spending a few moments to read your favorite book all while taking in nature.

There are many ways to turn a dreary patio setting into an enjoyable retreat! Choose a theme and then choose items that fit into your design! Be sure to account for sound, comfort, and general aesthetic appeal and you cannot go wrong! Explore our site and find products that will meet your needs and turn your outdoor space into an outdoor living room that can be enjoyed by all!
By: Susan Soler of the Garden-Fountains.com Team

Posted in Bird Baths, Garden Fountains, garden ideas, Garden Planter, Garden Pot, Garden Projects , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

   May 01

Other Uses for Garden Pots and Planters

By admin
Twitt

Garden planters, whether cast stone, plastic, or ceramic look amazing when filled with beautiful flowers and foliage. The great thing about plant containers is that they can be used for so many other things besides just holding plants! Whether you buy planters for these purposes or use empty ones that you have lying about, consider some of these creative ideas for garden pots, urns, and tubs!

Many homes have fireplaces in them, and during the cold winters it is quite cheerful and pleasant to light a fire in them. Instead of purchasing a metal or brass rack to hold firewood, consider using a large terracotta or ceramic flowerpot to hold your firewood. Place the pot beside the hearth, and it will also create an attractive accent! This is an inexpensive way to store wood and kindling through the winter!

Flowerpots are great for fish tanks! If you have a home aquarium, consider adding small flower pots to the corner of a tank to create a dark corner for fish to hide in. Fish need to feel safe, and this is the perfect way to help them feel secure! The pot will also add a unique focal point to your aquarium!

Broken flowerpots should not be thrown out, especially if they are clay or terra cotta! These shards make great drainage tools for planting other planters. Place these shards in the bottom on a planter, and then add soil and the plant. As you water the plant, you will find that the water drains, but you will not lose your soil! Pots can be used as decorative features as well. They work great as useful gift baskets for example. Pots can be painted, decorated with ribbon or stickers, or any design you choose, and then filled with candies or cookies, or even teas or coffees. The planter then can be used by the receiver! Planters come in many shapes and sizes, so you are sure to find one that will fit the need of your gift basket.

Planters are great for indoor use as well. Small pots can be painted and decorated, and can be used in an office to hold pens, pencils, paper clips, and other office tools. Square planters can be made into organizational tools, to hold mail or important papers. Pots can be used in children’s rooms to hold small toys, jewelry or hair accessories. Planters are great bathroom accessories as well; they can be used to hold hand towels or soaps, while adding a decorative feature to your home! Like small round containers up on your table, add candles, and you have a magical table centerpiece. Finally, larger garden planters can make great waste paper baskets that can actually decorate your setting!

Outside, fill a flowerpot with sand, and create an ashtray to keep your yard clean and tidy! Garden pots make great storage for your garden tools, and help to keep your shed or garage organized! When it comes to being crafty, get come clay or paint, and allow your kids to make their own flower pots, adding designs or their names, and to make it even more special, let them plant something inside, and care for it!

By: Susan Soler of the Garden-Fountains.com Team

Posted in Garden Containers, garden ideas, Garden Planter, Garden Pot, Indoor Decor Ideas , , , , , | No Comments »

   Apr 30

Growing Japanese Red Maples

By admin
Twitt

The Japanese Red Maple is a popular tree that originate fro Japan, but it a popular choice all voer the world. They are often grown for their attractive colors and leaf shape. These are very popular trees, however they can be rather costly.

The Japanese Red Maple is a smaller tree, rarely growing past 33 feet tall. The shape of the tree is often a dome like form. The leaves are palmately lobed with five, seven, or nine pointed lobes. The tree produces small flowers as well; these have reddish purple sepals and five whitish petals. The seeds require stratification to germinate.The Japanese maple tree has a lot of genetic variations. These variations can cause different leaf shape, size, and color. The tree has been around since before the 1800’s, with the first specimen coming to England in the 1820’s. The tree was favored because of its small size. These are a popular choice for bonsai trees as well.The Japanese Maple has different growing conditioned based upon the particular species. Some species prefer to be in the sun, while others prefer the shade. These trees make great ornamental focal points, and are a good choice for borders. They have non-invasive and compact root systems. They need to have well drained soil, and they grow best when they are not overly fertilized. These trees are also great options for container growing.

These trees require very little pruning when it comes to caring for them. Be sure to remove any dead branches. Sometimes gardeners choose to artfully shape their trees, and this will require some constant maintenance to keep the shape. You may also choose to thin out the branches, and this should be done in the winter months.When you bring a red maple home, it should be planted right away. It needs to be planted in rich moist soil. The only exception to this is if the weather is hot and dry, then it is best to hold off on planting. Plant your tree in a container in the meantime and keep it in a shaded spot. Making sure the garden site is properly prepared will help to create a strong tree. Make sure you follow the planting instructions so you do not harm the plant.

The best season to plant a red maple is in the spring because it takes awhile for the tree to put out roots. Planting early in the spring will allow the roots to have time to spread before the cold weather hits. Trees may not experience very good growth during times of extreme temperatures, this is to be expected.

When it comes to caring for the tree, during its early years, it should be watered weekly with 1 ½ inches of water. Even once the tree has matured; make sure it receives water, especially during the hot summer months. Be sure not to over water though, as this can cause the leave to lighten and droop. Fertilizing is also a good idea, but during the first growing season the fertilizer should be a slow releasing one. There should be an area of mulching around the base of the plant, weeds and lawn should be kept 2-3 feet from your maple tree.

A maple is a wonderful ornamental tree, perfect for a stunning focal point for a garden setting because it is a smaller tree and it can be shaped. The rich color is a perfect addition to an ornamental garden.
By: Susan Soler of the Garden-Fountains.com Team

Posted in garden ideas, Garden Planter, Garden Pot, Garden Projects , , , , , | No Comments »

   Apr 25

Potted Plants Create Creative Garden Accents

By admin
Twitt

A creative and beautiful garden design does not need to be a complicated endeavor, in face a well groomed lawn, a few thoughtfully placed ornamental trees, and some beautifully planted containers is certain to make your landscape stand out! Placing some lovely potted planters around your setting makes for stunning garden accents in a traditional and stylish way.

Depending on the style of you garden, these accents can be used to compliment the theme, as well as create striking contrasts to your setting. Creating these potted wonders is not a difficult process, although when choosing plants it is best to create dimension. For example pair spiky plants with cascading flowers as well as some medium sized plants. The contrast in the plants adds an aesthetically pleasing appeal, creating an instant focal point wherever you choose to place it.

Garden Accents may include anything from statuary pieces to water features, but a garden planter is a new trend of garden planters. They add interest and lovely splashes of color and design, perfect for a well maintained landscaped. This trend is perfect for individuals who do not want to break up a beautiful lawn for flower beds or vegetable gardens. It creates a more classic look, with wide open greenery and interesting and mixed containers placed around the area.

Virtually anything can be planted in containers. Plant shrubs in square containers and line a property border. Line a patio setting with bright colored foliage to create a graceful and inspiring setting. Adding trailing greenery to a container, like ivy, creates a truly enchanting and magical touch. After all, a planter of this sort is a mini-garden, and should include a variety of plants, not just one single type.

Containers are wonderful accents because they can be planted according to the needs of your landscape. If the location of one container will be in the shade, plant according to that qualification. This allows the garden to thrive, because it is planted for its specific needs and conditions, unlike a flower bed that may get sun or shade or a mixture of both, limiting what can be planted, or risking plants not doing as well. Vegetables or fruit trees can also be planted in containers; these can be used as decorative features, or can be kept out of site and used for food growing only.

The garden planters you choose need to be the right size for the plants. You want to make sure that there can be enough soil for all the roots to grow and thrive. There also needs to be enough space for them to spread out, as well as enough nutrients for all the plants. Be sure that these containers have proper drainage, and b sure to check the container gardens often for water. Garden planters will need more frequent fertilizing and watering because they are much smaller spaces than in ground gardens.

Allow your creativity to run free as you make these amazing creations for your setting! With some careful research regarding the needs of the plants you choose, these garden accents are certain to bring unimaginable joy and personality to your landscape. Part of the fun is in choosing what plants to add, and watching them grow, filling in the containers, creating impressive focal points!

By: Susan Soler of the Garden-Fountains.com Team

Posted in Garden Containers, Garden Planter, Garden Statuary, Growing Flowers and Plants, Landscape Ideas , , , , , | No Comments »

   Apr 23

Secrets of the Perfect Water Fountain

By admin
Twitt

No matter what kind of fountain you have in your backyard, your are still bound to be envious of your neighbors water fountain if you don’t know a few secrets of maintaining and installing a fountain.

One of the most important things about installing a fountain in any area is ensuring that it has a proper base to sit upon.  Cast stone fountains cannot be placed directly on dirt.  The weight of a cast stone fountain can cause it to sink over time if you simply place it within the garden.  It is always best to install the proper base first such as gravel or brick pavers or even concrete.  This allows a solid place for your fountain to stand for many many years. Placing the proper base under for your fountain is also very important because a fountain cannot flow properly if it is not leveled during installation.  Just like hanging a picture, your fountain will look “off”, if it is not leveled at installation time.  It is important that when you are installing a fountain that has multiple tiers, that you check to make sure each tier is leveled.  If it isn’t leveled, water will not flow from tier to tier properly.  The best way to do this is by taking a standard level, and placing it across each bowl in the tier to make sure it is level.  In the event that it is not level, you can easily use plastic shims, which are often provided by the manufacturer of your cast stone fountain, underneath the pedestals between tiers to keep the fountain level.  These shims will easily be hidden by the water within the bowl, and no one will ever know your secret!

The next secret to creating the perfect visually appearing fountain is clear silicone.  Yes, you heard us right, clear silicone.  You may be thinking, wait, the stuff I use in my bathroom?  Yes! Think of it this way, you often use silicone in a shower or tube to ensure that water does not seem behind tubs or shower walls and cause mold.  Therefore, clear silicone is designed to repel and redirect water.  This can easily be used in a cast stone fountain to create perfect water flow.  Many different manufacturers actually use silicone to create the perfect flow of water at trade shows and the like.  If you have a tiered fountain, that despite being level you can’t seem to get to flow the way you want, simple use your finger, along with a dab of clear silicone to create small teardrop like spots of clear silicone on the edges your tiers or any part of the fountain that you want water to avoid.  By using this technique, you are able to direct water flow exactly where you want it.  We do advise that you be very careful with the clear silicone on your cast stone fountain, a little bit will go a long way.  It is also very important to make sure the area you are applying the silicone is dry before placement and also has the proper amount of time to dry before turning the water feature back on.

The last secret is the pump.  Manufacturers include a pump that they feel provides the correct water flow for a specific fountain.  Many of these pumps are adjustable.  This means that you can control the amount of water that is getting pushed through the fountain.  If your fountain is quiet, but you want it a bit louder, it may be helpful to simple make sure that the pump dial is turned all the way up for maximum flow.  If a pump doesn’t seem to be providing the desired water flow, it is always possible to replace your pump with a new pump that has a greater gallons per hour.  If you are looking for a new pump, it is always important to make sure that the size of the pump will still fit within your pump housing. Simply measure your old pump first, to ensure proper dimensions are found in the new pump.  It is also important to remember that if you do replace your included pump with a stronger pump, you may experience excessive splashing causing your fountain to run dry and the pump to burn out or causing a slippery surface around your fountain which will not be good.  So before you switch to a larger pump, make sure that you won’t be causing unwanted splashing as most manufacturers do include the pump they feel provides the water experience they had desired to see.

Owning a fountain is a wonderful experience and a few tips from the trade can help make any fountain the perfect visual appearance.

By: Susan Soler of the Garden-Fountains.com Team

Posted in Fountain Care, Fountain Safety, Fountains, Garden Fountains, garden ideas, Garden Projects, Installing Garden Fountains, Outdoor Fountains, Wall fountains , , , , , , , | No Comments »

   Apr 18

Transitioning Small Outdoor Spaces to A Garden Oasis

By admin
Twitt

Planting in herb pots like these allows even the smallest space to grow vegetables!

Many people face the challenge of a small outdoor space, making it difficult to design an outdoor space. Even if your outdoor space is no larger than a strip running along the side of your home, it is still possible to create an outdoor room that can be both enjoyable and relaxing.

Turning the narrow alley between your home and the property line into a serene setting can be easily done with a little hard work and accessorizing. The idea is to add plants that will not overtake the area and can be easily maintained. For example if there is a fence, plant trees along the inside of the fence to block out the view of the neighboring property.  The Japanese maple is a good choice for this job. In between the maples add crepe myrtle or ferns, just be sure to keep these well pruned. Creating a mosaic pathway down the center of the alley is a good idea, allowing for narrow planting on either side. Adding bench along the path and a nice sitting area at the end of the property creates a landscape that is both useful and attractive, making the most use out of a tight spot.

If the attractive setting is not what your goal is, but a vegetable garden, we have a solution for this problem as well. Even in an apartment setting, or small yard a vegetable garden is not out of the question. Vegetables should be planted close together, as this will maximize the space. In typical gardens plants are spaced further apart so you can work between the rows to better care and maintain the plants. This is not the case for small gardens, as all the plants can be easily maintained from the outside edges. Be sure to pay careful attention to creating perfect soil, as this will make your plants and stronger in a small space.

You can also consider container gardening. This allows form you to garden indoors as well. Containers can be moved easily to suit your area. Make sure the pots are the right size for plants when they reach their full size. It is always best to use a potting soil over regular dirt. Dirt can carry disease which can harm your plants. You can plant tomatoes, onions, squash, carrots, lettuce, herbs, peppers, and basically any type of plant in this method. If you have a very tiny area like a patio or balcony, consider patio tomatoes placed in planters or even small herb pots that can actually also be brought indoors like basil or oregano that will make meals extra fresh and delicious.

Container gardening can move in a vertical direction to save space as well. For example containers can be placed in shelves, or on fences instead of placing them all on the ground. Cucumbers and squash can be trained to grow up a trellis, while cherry tomatoes can be hung and grown upside down. These are simple ways to grow vegetables without taking up too much space.

You can incorporate a small garden into your landscape in other ways as well, like adding a tomatoes plant between two bushes, or growing vine vegetables up a the side of a wall by using a trellis. Leave vegetables like cabbage and lettuce can be used as decorative floral arrangements as well, perfect as border plants. Many herbs and spices also have pretty flowers that can add an attractive touch to your setting, allowing them to serve duel purposes.

 

By: Susan Soler of the Garden-Fountains.com Team

Posted in Garden Containers, garden ideas, Garden Planter, Garden Pot, Landscape Ideas, Patios , , , , , , | No Comments »
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