Advertisement
At one time, most U.S. homes included flower and vegetable gardens. As Americans began to move into cities, they learned to rely on retail suppliers for fresh food and flowers. Today millions of Americans are reversing that trend and creating home gardens that provide beauty, serenity, and even fresh produce. Many property owners design covered outdoor recreational spaces that include lovely growing things. Some creative gardeners develop stunning landscapes with vertical and container gardens. Many include recycled furniture, art, and serene water features. Some of the most dramatic finishing touches include unique paving and interlocking zones made of wood or other border materials.
- Create an Outdoor Living Space
A garden can be used to expand your living space. A carefully designed garden can be the centerpiece of an outdoor area that may be enjoyed year round, in any whether. You do not need a huge, open space to create your own backyard oasis. In fact, many beautiful gardens grow in small backyards or on even city rooftops. Many gardeners create appealing outdoor recreational spaces by planting plants and flowers on or around patios or paved areas that include folding tables and chairs. Owners typically shade areas by adding large umbrellas or Patio Covers.
- Include Small Container Gardens
You can grow all or part of your garden in a variety of containers. Any vessel that will hold soil and water is fine. For example, you could turn a rustic feeding trough into an eye-catching mini-garden. Professional garden suppliers offer a wide variety of vessels that include clay, glazed pottery, terracotta, cement, wood, and plastic styles. Old wheelbarrows and milk cans make delightfully whimsical flower pots. Many people who live in small spaces but want to grow fresh vegetables use containers. The practice is becoming common as more people understand the value of food grown without pesticides. According to Harvard Medical School studies, eating homegrown vegetables is an ideal overall health booster.
- Install a Lovely Water Feature
A water feature can become a fun accent that also adds a benefit for local wildlife. Something as simple as a birdbath not only attracts many types of interesting birds, but can also draw frogs and insects. You may choose to add a small pond and include an aerator so the water supports different kinds of fish. Many home gardeners add fountains to their outdoor spaces. Splashing water can produce a feeling of serenity that has health benefits. In fact, an article in Scientific American reports that some hospitals are now adding gardens to their properties. Flowers and nature create a sense of serenity and relaxation that is often enhanced with a water feature.
- Grow Some Things Vertically
One of the best ways to maximize garden space in a small area is to grow things vertically. For instance, a clematis plant provides visual interest and will climb on any available post or fencing. You may also want to add attractive metal baskets, which are ideal for flowering vines as well as vegetables like tomatoes. Old ladders or vertical shelving intended for interior use can also be used to create tiers of plants. Climbing flowers like mandevilla and wisteria are ideal for small growing areas. However, wisteria can cause structural damage, so it is important to plant it away from your home’s walls. Other options for vertical gardens are roses, hydrangeas, and even grapes.
- Incorporate Various Art Pieces
All the beauty in a garden does not have to come from growing things. Adding sculptures or even interesting objects can create interest and a unique touch. Landscape supply companies offer a range of garden sculptures that range from metal chickens to the traditional gnomes. However, you can add anything that strikes your fancy and fits the theme. Many creative homeowners add things like old bed frames, vintage glassware, crafted flowers, and iron sculptures. Other favorites include old teakettles, metal gates, and salvaged architectural items. Flowers grow between objects and create charming effects. Even a variety of birdhouses can be hung to attract wildlife and add a splash of color.
- Include Old Pieces of Furniture
If you want to customize your garden but do not have money to buy a lot of things, you can repurpose old furniture. If pieces like chairs or tables are still usable, you may want to give them a coat of weatherproof paint or sealer. However, items like unusable and even broken wooden or metal chairs can become charming accents when the seats are removed and plants are allowed to grow through and around them.
- Add Hardscaping to Your Garden
Hardscaping, or paved areas, is often part of an interesting garden. You may want to plant flowers around patios to create a colorful impact. Many homeowners install pavers to create a meandering path through a backyard garden. Paving can also be used to make a custom design. Landscapers working with small yards often lay slabs in a diagonal pattern that forms a diamond. When the slab points intersect with grass cut to match their shapes, they increase the sense of space.
- Create Strong Landscape Lines
Borders are some of the most important finishing touches in landscaping. When you use border materials to crate crisp, strong landscaping lines, your garden has a sharp, contemporary look. It is simple to add well-defined landscape lines using materials like wood, decorative stones, or decking. For example, you may add colorful river rock around flower beds and then install elegant decking that surrounds areas where plants, trees, and flowers, or vegetables are growing. Interlocking areas will create a fascinating optical illusion that makes yards look bigger.
A home garden can add beauty and interest to any property and you don’t need a lot of space to create an enchanting effect. The secret is adding finishing touches like interesting containers, recycled furniture, and vertically climbing plants. A patio cover can provide shade and turn a garden into an entertainment space. You can install one or more water features to create a sense of wellness and serenity. Additions like creative hardscaping and strong borders help define gardens and give them stunning visual appeal.
