Useful accessories on the patio
Useful accessories 6.
Archives
English garden
When the garden is the subject of a conversation, somebody usually says that he/she desires a typical English garden because it’s beautiful. Indeed: English art of gardening is high-level, they can conjure a garden even from the smallest area. But what is a „typical” English garden? Just like anything else, it has an evolution either, differently formed gardens were thought to be nice in different ages.
Knot garden was the most fashionable type in the Tudor-era. Complicated patterns were created of low hedges crossing each other and it seemed they continued under the other one because of the way of cutting. They were usually placed under the windows of bedrooms, that way they were visible while looking out. The hedge was evergreen, so it was enjoyable in winter time also.
Parterres contained flowers in the 17th century. They were symmetrically placed areas fenced off hedges with grassy or pebbly walkways between them. Colorful flowers popped up from green surroundings. Versailles had a great influence on its age. The long, staired waterfall was also an important element.
Lancelot „Capability” Brown landscape architect was the major figure of the 18th century garden architecture. Wide grassy areas, planted huge trees, involving the surrounding scenery into the view and architectural focal points (pavilions, bridges, faux-ruins) were the main characteristics of his works. His style was fancied even in the first half of the 19th century.
Orangeries appeared in the Victorian times, they were status symbol because of the high costs of maintenance. Plant-hunters explored throughout the world for new exotic species (rhododendron, orchid, jasmine etc.). Flower beds had all the colors of the rainbow. Rock gardens and spectacular vegetable gardens came in fashion. People spent many time with caring their plants.
Recent and contemporary gardens are various. Probably herbaceous edges of lawns and cottage style gardens are the most widespread. The first one has to be planted in every year which allows trying out new species. Planting wildflowers beside roses are the main characteristics of cottage gardens, they can grow freely, only the pathways are settled. There is no empty area between the house and the garden. From the beginning of 20th century, many high-standard TV-series, famous flower shows and fairs and the Royal Horticultural Society help for the gardeners.
These are only a taste of English gardens but maybe help to decide which one is appropriate for our home and lifestyle.
Pergola
Shading is the biggest problem in the case of a patio connected to the house. There are less and less plots with big trees, so the problem should be solved artificially. A pergola can be a showy solution.
Pergola is a frame made of wood, it is open at the sides with a trellis top. The wood has to be properly treated to make it weatherproof. The nervure of the wood remains visible under burnishing and lacquering, so it can be seen in its natural beauty. Painting makes the structure more uniform, it handles the pergola as a freer focal point because of the range of colors.
Pergola filters the sunshine on its own but mostly it is plant-clad. If we don’t want to toil with caring plants, a light, breathable cotton fabric should be fixed on its top which provides the perfect shading. It is enough to tie it loose, on just some points for removing it easily in the case of a storm, but the textile moved by the soft breeze looks nice in good weather.
Its size is defined by the usage of the area: bigger meals, two-persons-chatting, swinging in a swing-bed etc. It not necessarily has to cover the whole patio, this way there remains place for sunbathing also. It can stand alone or can be joined to the wall of the house also.
Pergola can be used as a rain-roof above the entrance door and the car park, as a cover above the pathway leading to the outbuilding, as shading above the windows, for highlighting the entrance of the garden etc. Its great advantage is that it looks very good even in winter when covered by snow.
Ask for help of an interior designer for planning the pergola harmonizing perfectly with the building.
Vertical garden
Vertical mini gardens need much less useful space, yet nature can be brought in the flat. Aside from the full-wall covering plants can be made only by professionals, let’s see the ways to make an own vertical garden DIY.
The simplest way is to fix a grid on the wall and hang the flower pots and boxes on it. The arrangement can be symmetrical or asymmetric, up to the taste.
Recycling more and more comes into view. Let’s use for example PET bottles instead of pots from shops, in which a hole should be cut at the side and it should be filled with black soil. It can be stably hung or swung by fixing at its two ends.
Soak off the paper from cleaned bigger cans and paint them in color fit to the interior (but the original metal can be left bare also). It can be fixed even with a hook by making a hole on the top of it. A piece of water-shoot filled with plants gives a similar mood also.
For a more playful sight, for example old shoe and boot, bigger mugs, color plastic jugs, wooden box lids (succulents keep the mould well, this way it doesn’t spill out) and small buckets can be used as pots.
These shouldn’t be necessarily hung on the wall. They can be a room separating element by fixing them to each other and hanging them from the ceiling. The steps of an old ladder lent and fixed to the wall can be used as shelves. The possibilities are almost endless.
Ask for help of an interior designer for planning a vertical mini garden fit to your home.
Formal gardens
Traditional gardens from the air: symmetry and elegance
Garden tools storage
After gardening season store our garden tools in a clear, dry, ordered way for the winter for keeping them useful in the next season in beautification of our garden
Thomas Kinkade 3.
Selection of Thomas Kinkade’s autumn landscapes
Garden statue
One of the most impressive garden focal points is a well placed statue
House preparation for autumn
Autumn is here. Cold, rainy and foggy days are coming. It’s worth already to prepare the family house to this season. Many outdoor tasks are waiting for the owners.
Check more frequently the rain pipes. Continuously falling color leaves can plug them easily when they are watered into it from the roof also.
Not all types of fallen leaves are good for the soil, grass and flowers. Leaf-litter should always be raked on dry days that won’t cause problems after rain. It can be gathered in compost, if there is any, but put it out in a special sack, garbage collectors take it away too.
The last nice, sunny days should be used for tiding the flower beds. Cut the old flower heads, weed it and mow the lawn. Let’s walk down the garden pathway and check if any of the tiles is broken. These should be replaced before the frosts because cold and moisture will worsen their condition. Pull out weeds grown between the tiles. Pebbly or gravel path should be filled up if necessary.
In the case of a garden lake or a fountain, the falling leaves can cause more tasks. Water should be continuously cleaned, even if there is no fish in it avoiding staling. Fountain must be dewatered before the first frost. It’s practical to cover them with foil in winter.
Animal keepers have to pay attention to their pets and domestic animals. Hutches and stables should be filled with warm litter. Haphazard cracks on the walls should be repaired to keep the cold outside. A thick, old blanket or carpet can be put in the dog house. Let’s buy feeders for birds or renew the old ones.
Mat at the front door can be complemented with a mud-scraper which helps keeping the hall clean in wet weather also. If there is a stair leading from the garden and/or the street to the door, let’s ascertain that it is non-skidding in rainy weather also. If the old jagged slabs are too dingy, they should be replaced for safety.
Let’s enjoy the warm colors of autumn and the decoration opportunities offered by berried branches after outdoor tasks.
Elegant hen-yard
Exacting chicken hutch in our garden? Yes, it is real!
