If you are going to develop a plan for your garden, and you really should, you have to start by figuring out what you like or don’t like and what kind of feeling you want your garden to have. Until you know that, your gardening efforts will end up a hodge podge mixture of what ever suits your fancy today. Developing a plan will give direction to your efforts so that you can build on them from year to year. I found this article by Hiren Modi that can help you get started.
How to Use Outdoor Decor to fall in Love with Your Backyard
by Hiren Modi
A great yard is like a fabulously decorated home: well thought out, designed and put together. Outdoor décor is the primary element for making that great yard happen. If you’re staring at a pathetic excuse for a yard or just want to change the décor, 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 décor 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? 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 décor for kids and another décor 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 décor 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.
Today’s outdoor decor makes planning a backyard fun and exciting, and spending time there is truly enjoyable. So get started, answer these questions and you’ll be on your way to creating your perfect backyard living space. You’ll enjoy your new backyard for many years – oh, and receive tiki torches compliments along the way!
Now that you have some concrete things to think about,
it’s time to dream about what your ideal garden will look like.
Stay realistic as to size and proportions but don’t allow your financial circumstances to dictate your dream either. Your plan will set in place the framework of your gardening efforts for a long time to come and if you really want a 5 foot fountain, wait for it. Maybe someone will gift you one or you will find it on EBay. Just add it to the plan and keep your eyes open to see how it will happen. There’s nothing wrong with seeing the end result in your imagination before you even plant your first tomato.
for outdoor decors, the best thing to use are those that are made of natural fibers or ceramics.:-*
[...] you live, it’s time to plan for this year’s garden season. I’ve talked about careful placement of statues, fountains and benches in other posts but I want to remind you to consider the scent of your garden as [...]