When we first viewd our new home, the garden that accent the front and sides of the house as well as the perimeter of the back yard appeared lush. When we moved in, we quickly realized thistles were quite problematic in most of the garden beds. The plantings were ecclectic, and too much. Once again we resigned ourselves to ripping out the gardens and starting fresh with the look we wanted.
My Ornamental Garden Plans
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My New Square Foot Garden Raised Bed
Yesterday I told you about my new PVC raised gardening boxes in the far top left corner. At $59.97 each on sale, they certainly were not a cheap way to build raised garden beds especially since between the two I ended up with 16 square feet of growing space. My husband doesn't like the new PVC beds so he picked up some spruce to build me a wooden raised bed.
The new raised bed is 4' x 12' x
My PVC Raised Garden Boxes
I use a variety of garden bed styles, preferring raised beds but like in ground beds for flower beds. Shortly after arriving home from our spring vacation, Home Hardware had 4' x 4' PVC raised garden boxes on sale for $59.97. As raised beds go, these were expensive but I reasoned the PVC would out live the untreated spruce I normally use for my raised garden beds. The looked slick and a bit
What You Need to Know About Getting Rid of Japanese Beetles
It's June, and my email account is overflowing with pleas from desperate gardeners. What's the big disaster? Japanese Beetles. From a purely visual point of view, the iridescent green carapaces of these insects are lovely -- but the little beetles themselves are evil, evil, evil. They can devastate your beautiful raspberries and lay waste to your rose bushes in less time than it takes to
A light anyone?
Source: belgianpearls.blogspot.com via Debra on Pinterest
I will admit to having a very strange pet peeve or maybe a better term is obsession, and it involves exterior lighting and it's size. See, I told you it was a bit odd, but since I am unable to help myself with this obsession, let's chat about it here. Perhaps someone else has the same affliction, or worse.......... this is contagious.
Source: mollyfreydesign.com via Debra on Pinterest
Far too many homes outdoor lighting is much too small;People, take a good look at your lights, particularly at the front door. Are they just function or are they form and function? The first two images are appropriately sized and become an accessory (form and function).
My two favorite go to companies is Visual Comfort, the above two. And Bevolo the lower two. They get it, most of their lighting is already oversized.
Here is mine from Bevolo.
After a girls trip to Savannah, I came home HAVING TO HAVE gas lights. Mr. 5th obliged, they did need replacing. Even though our home was built in the 1850's he was still able to add a gas line to fuel the fixtures.
The resultant glow is much more diffused and I would not have it any other wayLooking good! They are at one with the home, the color and style are appropriate, the size, perfect!
And being gas, a double bonus winner!!!
Not so lucky here, it is far too small and screams traditional colonial. I feel a french undertone with this house. How about this lamp below?
And being gas, a double bonus winner!!!
Here are some more lights that are too small, seeing the picture?
Now let's examine those that are just right
Those that "work" are utilizing both form and function. They are a part of the whole.
Source: Uploaded by user via Debra on Pinterest
Source: Uploaded by user via Debra on Pinterest
Lastly, my friend Suzy Stout. To see more about her house, and to drool, go to my former post here. Over the weekend Suzy had a mind-boggling estate sale, she is leaving this stunning home to start another chapter in her life. Don't you think her choice in lighting was perfect? Cannot wait to see what Suzy does next.
A Room that's a View
What does your "garden room" look like? Is it where you want it to be? I have one space remaining that is shameful.......will make a great "before" and "after" if I ever finish it! But that's another story........, let's explore the anatomy of creating a great space you want to linger in and look out at
Source: Uploaded by user via Debra on Pinterest
First, determine where. I know that sounds too simplistic, it can be adjacent to your home
Within the garden........or both!
Source: cottagechicstore.com via Debra on Pinteres
Next determine the style, be it classic
Source: douglasfriedman.net via Debra on Pinterest
Clean lined
Be it rustic.
Let's get out of the way my standard mantra......."blend everything, down to accessories, to complement the architectural style of your home"
Let's get out of the way my standard mantra......."blend everything, down to accessories, to complement the architectural style of your home"
How about your color choices?
Bold and dramatic? Take note how this color way is enhanced with coordinating flowers, a nice touch.
Use the same principles you would employ for the interiors; think of the floor, in this case pea gravel, the ceiling (pergola?) furniture, lighting, to accessories.......
Decking still remains a great choice and as in this example it can be more than just a deck attached to your home
How about combining materials, in this instance bluestone and brick?
How's this for a great ceiling?
The caption under this image said "get creative with painter's tarps!" Sure looks like linen to me though painter tarps could be great
Sailcloth perhaps?
The endless furniture possibilities could include built-ins
Or if your tastes goes toward a more formal tone. Isn't it amazing the types of outdoor furniture available to us these days?!
Ever classic wicker
And versatile iron
We are forever being asked "what to do with the grill?" Reminds me of the days of armoires while trying to hide the tv's. I really liked this idea above; attractive, affordable and functional
But I really like this idea........
Fireplace's remain very popular
As do fire pits. More and more clients are requesting fire pits not only for intimate conversations, and entertaining but to keep teenagers and their friends at "their" home. Brilliant don't you think?
Is a water feature a possibility? Fountains in particular muffle extraneous noise while offering soothing sounds
Even as simple as a birdbath
To a pool
Is a water feature a possibility? Fountains in particular muffle extraneous noise while offering soothing sounds
As the main components come together the real fun begins with the accessorizing. A great start are your container choices, be it window boxes
Or window boxes and planter boxes
Concentrate on their style and complimentary color choices. Another bit I employ is to stop inside an interior room that looks onto your garden spaces, do your color choices mirror those in the interior? Is it complimentary to sit indoors and look outside without glaringly opposing color choices?
Lighting? As an integral component of your landscape
The romance of candlelight..........
An artistic approach
Lighting? As an integral component of your landscape
Consoles, plaques, mirrors, statuary, all play a part in pulling together the complete package. This is where you can interject your personality
Tina? Does this not have your name all over it?
Enjoy..............
Need assistance with stylizing your outdoor rooms? Finding sources? Either in person or via a web design, I would love to work with you!
Just a few spaces left! email me for info
debra@scentimentalgardens.com
Wishing you a wonderful week!
Debra
Need assistance with stylizing your outdoor rooms? Finding sources? Either in person or via a web design, I would love to work with you!
debra@scentimentalgardens.com
Wishing you a wonderful week!
Debra
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