Garden Globes Update

 I fell in love with all the garden globe projects I've seen. I started collecting glassware but, I first wanted to try a project with the mirror glass spray I had.

 And those elephant ears in the picture are the same ones that grew taller than me last Summer.

My angel statue also ended up with a beautiful aged and worn look. When I first purchased it the seller said weatherize it with polyurethane, but I decided against it.

Add Value to Your Home with an Outdoor Living Space

According to American Institute of Architects adding an outdoor living space is in high demand by people looking to purchase a home. So adding an out door living space would definitely increase the value of your home.

While going over the article I noted there were features that were the most requested. Comfortable seating, kitchens, bars, and fireplaces all made top of the list, along with decor that shows your personality.

Check out this article at Southeastsun.com for more details.

Check out HGTV outdoor designs pages for more ideas on your ooutdoor space.

Ponds and Fountains

Three-tier Courtyard Fountain

Garden ponds and fountains were once mainly for the very rich. Today, anyone can have a garden pond or fountain. A fountain or waterfall can be included almost anyplace--even if your "yard" is limited to a patio or balcony.

Adding water to your patio can be as simple as setting out a shallow dish of water for use as a birdbath. Any shallow container at least 6 inches wide and a half-inch deep will work. Pie pans, garbage can lids, or flowerpot bases work well in small spaces. One tip is to take the base of a clay pot, and sit it on top of a clay pot that has been turned upside down, fill the container with clean water and wash it every day or two.

 Adding a fountain may be a little more challenging for small spaces but can be done see the simple fountain and courtyard fountain below.

Acheiving Your Dream Yard

Do you ever dream about what your yard could look like some day? As you look through garden catalogs filled with beautiful trees, shrubs, flowers and pictures of beautifully landscaped yards--complete with ponds and garden sculptures--the choices seem endless. Before ordering hundreds of plants or giving up because you cannot decide what you really want, here are a few things to consider.

Pick a style, while you decide the main purpose for your yard, such as lots of cookouts, children or just a retreat area. Then pick a focal point, such as a fountain, outdoor fireplace, or an interesting statue. Then begin to work on the overall theme of your yard.