How To Use Copper Planters For Sweet Little Landscaping

August 28, 2009 by Anand Mistry  
Filed under Outdoor Decor

Copper planter is a sweet little landscaping secret for your garden. Now you can give your yard that professionally finished look easily – just upgrade to copper planters.

Elegant Copper Planter

Elegant Copper Planter

Think about this: what does more to jazz something up than a few carefully chosen details? That’s what copper planters can do for your outdoor spaces. These shiny beauties can turn your landscaping from nice to fantastic simply by sitting quietly around your yard.

Today’s outdoor spaces have evolved well beyond a manicured lawn and a few chairs. In fact, with outdoor kitchens the hottest thing under the sun, people are putting as much consideration into the details of their outdoor spaces as their indoor spaces.

And that’s where online stores come in and going strong, their carefully chosen selection of copper planters is all you need to add the finishing details to your carefully planned outdoor space. Available in small, medium and larger sizes, you can set them individually or group them together – whatever works best for your space.

One great advantage to utilizing copper planters in landscaping schemes is the wide variety of other copper yard and garden accessories available. You can buy matching copper torches, bird baths and more. And for that new outdoor kitchen? You’ve got to check out hammered copper sinks!

Set of 3 Copper Planters

Set of 3 Copper Planters

Copper planters add a natural “wow” to any decorating style without overwhelming it. They pair beautifully with black iron, stone, glass . . . whatever you can imagine. And if left to their natural inclinations, these copper planters will develop a beautiful natural patina over time.

This little landscaping secret is even greater when you consider how little effort it takes.  The hardest part will be deciding what size copper planters you want to use and where to place them.

Can you see it yet? You know that look of admiration and envy on your neighbors’ faces when they see your “new” yard!

For an elegant look, buy antique copper planter for your garden. Home decor or outdoor decor always end with unique decor items like curtain rods, curtain holdbacks, decorative pillows and many more.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , ,

Dahlias – Best For Late Summer Color

August 1, 2009 by Kent Higgins  
Filed under Outdoor Decor

Dahlias give a wonderful display of late summer color in the landscape. These plants are warm weather lovers and are killed with the first frost. Prepare the soil well and plant the tubers deep when the soil is warm. The soil is normally prepared well in advance of planting time.

I once heard at a garden club meeting to use old cow manure,” and put it deep in the hole with a layer of top soil over the manure. One lady asked the embarrassing question of… how old a cow?” That was the end of that meeting!

In selecting tubers for planting. make certain that a portion of the old stem is present otherwise, no plant; The bud from which growth is made is found only in this stem tissue. Dig the planting hole (soil preparation hole usually three times as deep) about six inches deep, and place the tuber with the stem or bud, if advanced, pointing up.

At this time, drive in a heavy stake for the varieties that need support, and most dahlias do. By putting the stakes in place at the time of planting, the danger of damaging roots later is eliminated. Fill the soil in over the tuber for about three inches and firm down. Water thoroughly, making sure that the tuber is well covered with soil. As the plant grows, gradually fill in around it until the soil is level. Water with caution to prevent rotting of tubers as the plant does not require an abundance of water until it is at least half grown. As most plants, though, it will require thorough soaking during its height of bloom, which is usually late summer.

Another summer flowering plant that gives much in return and can be planted this month is the garden canna. The rhizomes should have four eyes for best results, and if sprouted in trays of wet sand in a protected place, usually get a better start. The rhizome proper should be covered about four inches deep. These plants are heavy feeders and require lots of water during the season. Many colors of blooms are available… red, pink, white, yellow and orange. The foliage is also wonderful for arranging, with or without flowers. Many gardeners grow the bronze leaf variety for foliage only.

There are many summer flowering bulbs and lily flowers that need to be started in May, and some of the favorites are tigridias or shell flowers, anemones, ranunculus, tuberous begonias, Nerine lilies, hemerocallis, agapanthus and gloxinias. Some of these require very special care. They can not be grown in a landscape that “thrives on neglect.” The secret of success with summer flowering bulbs is to plant when the soil has warmed, water well and feed lightly, mulch instead of cultivate and lift the storage roots after frost, and store for next season. Which is different than the green peace lily flowers that turn from white indoors.

Annuals: The seeds for annuals should be in the soil during May. This wonderful group of plants is one of our most valuable sources of color. Coming from seeds and returning of seeds in one season is the story of the plants in this group. Use annuals as ground cover for overplanting spring bulb locations, as borders in shrub plantings, as masses of color for accent purposes, and in many other ways around the garden. They are easy to grow and give color all summer.

Most of them can be used for cut flowers in the house. The list is long and tempting. Try a dozen” zinnia, petunia. alyssum. phlox, celosia, ageratum, snapdragon. sweet pea, salvia, periwinkle, larkspur and marigold. just look at the new varieties of the above list of old favorites.

About the Author:
 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

How to Use Outdoor Decor to fall in Love with Your Backyard

July 2, 2009 by Anand Mistry  
Filed under Outdoor Decor

If you’re staring at a pathetic excuse for a yard or just want to change the decor, be sure to start with a plan. Answer the questions below to decide on your plan, and you’ll be on the path to creating your perfect backyard living space.

What’s your style?

With the extensive array of outdoor decor available today, this is your first and most important decision. Have you ever fallen in love with something in a store just to bring it home and discover it doesn’t fit in anywhere? So look at what’s available in outdoor décor first – the styles are nearly endless, and you may fall in love with something you’ll want to design your backyard around.

What do you want to use the space for?

This is the second most important question to answer. Talk to everyone in the house and brainstorm together. You may want to keep the entire outdoor space in thick, green grass just for putting practice. Or you may want to have a decor for kids and another decor for adults. Do you cook outdoors, have a green thumb? How about an area for your pets? Want to show off your collection of garden statues?

What color is your, uh, umbrella?

Or outdoor serving dishes? Or favorite chair cushions? Maybe you’ve found that fabulous yard thing that decides the color for you – outdoor decor items can easily help you pick a palate. Remember to consider colors already outside: siding and trim on existing buildings and fences, landscaping, maybe even the color of a neighbor’s garage.

Lighting – huh?

Yes, think about this – don’t make the mistake of forgetting about outdoor lighting till it’s too late. Plan for brighter lighting where you walk, cook and play, and softer lighting for entertaining and conversation. What about pond lighting – do you want lighting in the water, around it or maybe hanging over it? Outdoor lighting options today are fantastic – you can choose from traditional wired fixtures, solar power, candles, lanterns and an expanded selection of torches, including a new table top design.

Resource Box:
You can know about the different models of tiki torches available in the market at the Backyardbargain. It is a nice place to explore numerous models of home decor items like curtain rods, decorative pillows for your home or restaurant.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , ,