Early Spring Seeding

Early spring can still bring some snow so it is best to know which plants are hardy enough to endure frost. One can actually start planting seeds in pots indoors and then transplant them outside in the garden after the last frost date. Bachelor buttons, pinks, petunias and herbs such as mint, parsley, chervil, dill, chives and tarragon are best if planted indoors during early spring. The use of prepared potting soil is recommended. The potting soil must be kept moist until the seeds have sprouted. Once the plants are established, take them outside during the day then indoors at night to get them used to fluctuating temperatures. After 6 weeks, the plants are ready for transplant in the garden. Early spring is also the time to plant vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, artichokes, asparagus, beets and carrots indoors before transplanting them in the garden outside. If you live in an area where the temperature at night during the early spring stays above the freezing point, then it is alright to plant seeds directly in the garden. or next to your stone fountains

Late Spring Planting

Perennials are great plants to have in the garden. Once they are established in the garden, they will thrive on their own without much attention except for the occasional trimming. Late spring is the best time to plant perennials such as yarrow, daisies, fox glove, globe thistle, Echinacea, black-eyed Susans, day lilies, liatris, monarda and phlox to name a few. Summer bulbs such as dahlias, lilies, gladiolas, elephant ears and begonias are best planted in late spring too. Summer bulbs are unlike spring flowering bulbs so they have to be harvested before the first frost in the fall season.

Best Spring Flowers

Lilies are easy to grow. They come in a variety of blooming flowers – early bloomers, mid-season bloomers and late blooming variety. Selecting lilies from each category would ensure blooms in the garden until fall. Lilies are fragrant and come in brilliant colours. It is best to plant lilies in clusters inwell-draining soil and in full sunlight.

Dahlias are easy to grow too. These have bulbs and do not need to be dug up in the fall season to thrive the following spring. However, dahlias must not be planted in direct sunlight. Once in blooms dahlias need a lot of water. To create clusters of dahlias, trim new growth while small. For large blooms, trim the offshoots so the water and plant food can work on growing just one large bulb.

Gladiolus come in colours of red, yellow, green, white, purple and pink. There are also multi-colour blooms that add a special splash of colour in the garden. Gladiolus will thrive best if planted in clusters and in direct sunlight to make them sturdy. The soil should be well-draining. May to June is the best time to plant gladiolas to ensure that they bloom throughout the summer months.

• Make sure that all the old remaining lawn is removed. Flatten the area by watering the soil quite heavily then run a roller over the wet soil.

• Once the area has been flattened, break the soil by using a garden fork. Make sure that the area to be turfed is still relatively even and flat. The same is true if the area to be returfed is inclined.
• Fertilize the soil. Use a fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen. It is best to use a rototiller to fertilize the soil. If you do not have a rototiller, you can just opt to sow the fertilizer manually. Turf or seed the lawn after.
• When reseeding, it is best to maintain soil moisture to keep the seeds wet until they germinate. This process usually takes two weeks. Wait for the grass to grow about 3 inches, and then cut it to 2 inches. When it grows to another three inches, mow the lawn again.
• Do not try to spray for weeds until the lawn has been completely mowed at least three times. This will ensure that the grass is completely established.
• When returfing, order 10% more of the computed number of pieces.
• Have the turf delivered to the roadside outside then move the turf by a wheelbarrow to where it is needed.
• Make sure the soil is fully watered but not to the point of saturation.
• Start resurfing in the middle of the lawn then work towards the perimeter of the lawn.
• Make sure each piece of turf is in contact with the next piece making sure they do not crowd each other. Lay the rolls of turf in a straight line.
• Cut the turf using secateurs when the last piece is laid at the edge of the lawn.
• Once the whole lawn is laid, run a roller through it to make sure the turf is even. If you don’t have a roller, it is best to thump each roll of turf as you lay it out. You can use a 2” x 2” x 6” wood as “thumper”.
• The newly-turfed lawn must be watered daily for at least a week and thereafter every after two days. Once the edge marks are gone, the returfing is a success.
• Mow the lawn after two weeks but not too much as the grass roots are nor fully established.

If there are garden fountains or stone wells in the garden, make sure your reseed or returf around its base too. Allow at least an inch of space from the base of the garden structure when rolling out the turf.

The sound of trickling water is always restful. Make provision for a small wall fountain or a tabletop
fountain if space is an issue. Arrange several vases and urns made of cast stones to give character to the interior garden. Indoor Plants No matter how homey the conservatory is, bear in mind that the area is primarily for indoor gardening. It is therefore necessary to choose plants that will thrive in a conservatory. Generally, you can grow most plants in the conservatory. You can grow grapes, orchids, oranges and roses in the conservatory if you want to for after all the humidity and temperature in the indoor garden are controlled the whole year. Your choices of plants will greatly depend on what type of greeneries you prefer to grow. If you think fruit-bearing trees are your passion, choose dwarfed versions in big cast vases and urns. If youprefer flowering plants, choose the ones that you like. If you want plants that require less maintenance,choose varieties of cactus and fern. If you are gearing towards exotic blooms, you can grow varieties of orchids. If you prefer to have a balanced indoor garden, here are some plants that are easy to grow and maintain yet offer wonderful colors and scents. Jasmines are climbers and can fill the whole conservatory with its wonderful blooms and fragrance. The flowers are white and bloom during the summer. Though Jasmines need a lot of sunshine, this plant can withstand low temperatures. Luteas and Roses are climbers that are great additions to the indoor garden. The flowers are very colorful and the scents, sweet. The greenish-white flower called “Lady of the Night” will emit a sweet- scent at night which will fill the whole conservatory and your house. This plant is a must-have for it is in bloom from summer to autumn. Bougain villeas are available in variants of colors and types. This plant is basically a shrub but has the inclination to be climbers if not tended to. This plant is in bloom for 10 months and is ideal to grow in a conservatory. Aloe Vera, disocactus and tunilla are just some of the succulent bulbs and cacti that will definitely thrive well in conservatories. It is interesting to note that there are over 2,000 varieties of cactus and most of them are in bloom once a year. These plants are low-maintenance. Birds of Paradise is an exotic plant with orange and blue flowers. This plant will do well in the conservatory during the summer and in the winter in a frost-free environment. Chinese Banana is a slow growing banana-like plant with a yellow artichoke-like bloom than lasts for months. The plant is quite exotic and its fruits cannot be eaten. As well a garden fountain to perfect your view Note that most outdoor plants will thrive in a conservatory. Peaches, grapes and oranges are manageable in a conservatory. When choosing plants for the conservatory select ones that grow in various levels. Try to plant some on ground soil, in big stone urns and vases, in small pots by the window sill or in hanging baskets. Guide climbers with wires so that they would “climb” the areas that you wish to cover. Make sure you have scented plants, for a colourful and fragrant conservatory will truly relax your body and mind.

Some of the more popular breeds of indoor plants are:
• Calathea -Do not expose this plant to direct sunlight. Make sure the soil is always wet but not soggy.
• Philodendrons – This indoor plant requires little maintenance. It requires indirect sunlight but it can also thrive in the shade. Remember to wipe off dust from its broad leaves.
• Bromeliads- This plant is elegant and kind of exotic. It only requires watering on a weekly basis. Do not expose to direct sunlight and spray the leaves with water to absorb nutrients.
• Snake Plant- This plant can detoxify its surrounding air and convert carbon dioxide to oxygen. This plant can thrive without or without sunlight, with or without water, dry or humid air and total neglect! This plant is the perfect one for the busy bachelor!
Other plants for consideration are chrysanthemums, antoriums, cyclamen, kalanchoe, orchids and various cacti. You can add a table top or freestanding stone water fountain to bring in the sound of nature.

Green is a very tranquil color. It relaxes and refreshes. A garden, no matter how small, can lift up one’s spirit and well-being. Every home needs to have some form of connection with Mother Nature. It does not really matter if the “garden” is a row of small potted plants or a small backyard with a hodgepodge of greeneries. Some urbanites are up in their high-rise units contemplating on roof gardens. Some are fortunate enough to have the means to set up a glass-enclosed sun porch or a trellised terrace or even a conservatory for a garden. Landscaping and basking in its beauty is de-stressing.

Types of Gardens

There are many types of gardens but traditionally, there are three major categories for gardens. The first one is a garden based on the greeneries planted in it. The second one is a garden based on a particular style and the last one is a gardens based on usage. Under the first category are: rose garden; orangery; herb; cacti; vegetable; flower; winter; wildflower and more.
Under the second category (style) are: Chinese; Japanese; French; English; Zen; tropical; Xeriscaping and more. Xeriscaping is a type of garden wherein water is used sparingly. Under the usage category are: butterfly; roof; an indoor or outdoor; hanging; a conservatory or greenhouse; a deck or patio; a rain garden and more.

Landscaping Basics

If you are an avid do-it-yourselfer, you can design your own Landscape by taking the basics into consideration.
Unity – The design of the Landscape should be consistent. If the motif is an English rose garden with wall fountains, stone pools etc, you should never depart from the concept.
Balance – There are two types of balance – symmetrical and asymmetrical. The garden should have contrasting features and harmonious features to make it interesting. Lines and colors should contrast or be in accord for a relaxing garden.
Simplicity – Do not try to “design” a complicated garden. Too much detail on a garden is tiring on the part of a self-confessed DIY-er.
Proportion, repetition, line and the natural transition from the living areas to the garden should be well-thought of, designed and completed.

Tips on Garden Landscaping

It would be a lot easier if one can just hire a professional landscaper for a beautiful garden. However, if the cost of a contracted job seems prohibitive, here are some helpful tips when planning garden landscaping.

1. Decide on the location of the garden. Measure the area and decide what type of garden you prefer.
2. Do a rough sketch on where you want to plant flowers, trees and shrubs. Decide where to place
spitters, stone wells, outdoor water fountain or pools. There are software that you can use for computer aided design.
3. Ask a professional landscaper for advice. A consult with a professional is affordable.
4. Do the garden phase by phase. Buy the garden materials in phases too.
5. Note the type and composition of soil that your garden needs.

Try to buy the garden landscaping materials from reputable sources.

A garden need not be professionally done to be called a “garden”. There is no need to buy expensive and exotic plants for a flower garden. There is no need to spend endless hours of labor sprucing up a garden as there is a great variety of low-maintenance plants that require minimal care.
To the avid gardener, landscaping would probably mean picking a spot in the yard to cultivate, planting flowers and shrubs, installing water structures such as wall or center fountain and adding light fixtures. For a bona fide landscape architect, landscaping is more than that. It is not necessary to go deep into the fundamentals of landscaping but there is a need to learn the basics so as to create a soothing and aesthetically-pleasing garden.

1, Unity
Landscape elements such as plants and flowers, cast or carved stone fountains, garden set and other garden accessories must complement each other. Even an immaculately kept garden will not be as restful to look at if one or two components are out of sync. For example, if the garden is a rose garden, a beautiful wall fountain or wooden trellis would blend well. However, incorporating a Japanese-style koi pond will not bode well with a predominantly Victorian rose garden. Some gardens are a hodgepodge of styles but transition from one style to the next should be evident. It is best to choose a theme for the garden and start from there.

2, Balance
A garden is either symmetrical or asymmetrical. Symmetrical balance is easier to achieve for it is merely dividing an area into two equal parts and designing them exactly the same way. This type of design is evident in classical designs. Asymmetrical is more interesting but harder to achieve. It involves balancing different-sized areas with varied landscape elements and garden accessories. An imbalanced garden will not be able to exude peace, tranquility and beauty.

3, Color
An explosion of color is not always a good thing in a garden such as in a Zen-like garden. Loud and bright colors have the tendency to make the view come forward while cool and light colors make the view recede or move back. A good mix of colors is good for the garden.

4, Proportion
Each and every component in the garden must be in direct proportion with the rest of the landscape elements. A rather large water feature has no place in a tight garden area. A smallish wall fountain could be more feasible. A small courtyard is no place to set a large statue or stone pool or a grouping of tall trees. Planting a row of low shrubs in a large area is not viable too. It is best to consider the actual mature heights of plants when planning a garden. Each element in a garden should be linked with each other in terms of its size, texture and type.

5, Line
A line pertains to the walkways and pathways in a garden. These paths make the flow from one area of the garden to the other flawless, seamless and effortless. A garden should be easily accessible. This means that the path should be clear from any obstruction or structure unless it’s the end of the path. If a garden has a outdoor water fountain, it is best to make you garden around it.

The end goal of knowing all these elements is to create a harmonious garden.

A rose garden for example can be quite stunning on its own but when created around a carved stone fountain the effect is splendid as the colour of the roses wonderfully contrasts with the lime stone of your fountain to captivate all who witness it.
Egyptian temple compounds had sacred lakes but it was the Romans’ use of lead pipes which made plumbed fountains possible.
In medieval and Islamic gardens fountains were placed in pools and used for washing and in Renaissance and Baroque gardens fountains became central features.
Throughout history fountains have been built by many rulers of the greatest empires and dynasties as symbols of opulence and grandeur.

A carved stone fountain is beautiful and will last a life time.

We know how water can add a soothing tranquility to us; hence the use of water features. It enhances environment’s beauty, peacefulness and charisma whether inside or outside your house or at any workplace or establishments like malls. No wonder it is commonly used in any architectural development. It creates a pleasurable effect to the entire environment. It is always the center of attraction.

There are many kinds of water feature, and the most popular one is the stone water fountain. It can be wall fountains, tabletop fountains, garden fountains, or floor fountains. Now, it will depend on where you are going to set it – indoor or outdoor. There are two types of water fountain, indoor and outdoor fountains. Read on to see the highlights and how it will beautify your surroundings.

Indoor Water Fountain

We all want to leave a good impression to our home visitors. One way is through the interior of our home. It can be the architecture or the added features or decorations that they will see. An indoor water fountain is just one of it. It is installed inside your house creating a different aura while you are talking with your friends or even when you are alone and just relaxing. Please take note that you should consider the area where you want to install the fountain so that you can choose the best design and of course, that will pass to your preference. Additionally, please make sure that you constantly clean or change the water in it. You don’t want to see it unclean, do you?

Outdoor Water Fountain

As the name implies, this kind of fountains are installed outside your home or any establishments most commonly in gardens. Outdoor Water Fountains are usually made of stone that are carefully detailed aiming to attract viewers. Many want a custom-made so that it will perfectly suit the environment and the space of the garden. For most, they make it more attractive by adding some flowering plants, decorative or special stones, garden benches and ornaments around the fountain to have a contemporary look and added touch of exquisiteness. Garden is one of the most likable parts of the home. So why not turn it into a paradise with an enchanting outdoor stone fountain? You’ll see how you and your visitors will enjoy its calming effect.

Who would not want to have their own water fountain? Whatever type of fountain you decide, it is important that it will fit very nicely into your place. Be close to nature and create a calm atmosphere. Appreciate how the falling water adds grandeur and natural soothing sounds to your environment.

When it comes to an outdoor fireplace, there is nothing like stone.  A stone fireplace is elegant, rugged, and durable and can withstand constant exposure to the weather.  Outdoor stone fireplaces are among the most popular types of stone fireplaces constructed.  There are many stone fireplace designs to choose from when selecting the style that best fits your needs.  No matter what type of stone fireplace design you choose, you are sure to have years of enjoyment that adds to the enjoyment of your outdoor space.

An outdoor stone fireplace can be used all year long.  There is nothing like sitting around the fire during a cool night, whether it be winter, spring, summer or fall, and enjoying the warmth and dancing light that the fire evokes.  Your outdoor fireplace will soon become a gathering spot for family and friends, and rather than running indoors as soon as the mercury dips, you will find yourself drawn to sit by your stone fireplace outdoors instead.

Holiday time is an especially wonderful time to enjoy outdoor natural stone fireplaces.  Even though the weather outside may be frightful, the glow of an outdoor stone fireplace is truly delightful.  Grab a mug of hot cocoa or warm apple cider, don a hat and some warm mittens, and enjoy the glow and warmth of an outdoor fireplace during the holiday season.  Stone fireplace mantels can be decorated for the holidays with outdoor lights, garland and wreaths, just as if they were indoors, and can greatly add to the holiday cheer.  You will find that the memories you make while gathered outdoors around the stone fireplace hearth are ones that you will not soon forget.

If you already have an outdoor fireplace, then you are all set to enjoy some time spent outdoors to unwind during the busy holiday season.  If, on the other hand, you only have plans to build an outdoor stone fireplace but have not yet started, you can rest assured that whenever your stone fireplace is finished, it will bring enjoyment and warmth to you and your family all year long and for many years to come.

If you are at the point that you are still trying to decide on how you want to build your custom stone fireplace but haven’t narrowed down your choices yet, have no fear.  You can find a wealth of stone fireplace ideas as well as stone fireplace pictures and photos online so you can get a better idea of what you like and how any given design or type of stone will fit into your outdoor garden décor.

Stone fireplaces can be custom built in just about any design, size or shape.  You can also choose from among a variety of different materials as well, and each type of stone will provide a slightly different look and feel to your custom stone fireplace.  It is best to check with the contractor that will be constructing your fireplace, however, just to make sure that the type of stone fireplace you desire will hold up well outdoors in the weather conditions where you live.