Monday 18 July 2011

Balinese landscape Art and the Vision and Passion of Its Creation

One of the very first things you need to do when being involved with landscape art, is knowing just where to begin. Take time to consider the options you have around you instead of just what area of landscape to start with.
It makes a difference where you stand within the landscape so to get influences from all you can see and also the angles you will have to work with.
No matter what it is you see, you shall find some differences from all that you can view. Also you may not even notice many things until you spend some time down in the area of any landscape. This can be a good idea if you take time and research everything that there is to see, so you will not over look anything that you would have missed if you had not gone into the landscape at all.
The next thing you want to do is to decide on a format. All of the formats you decide on will make a great difference when it comes time to begin your painting. You will have plenty of options to choose in regard to what will work best for your painting.

So the format makes plays an important part of the painting as you shall then have an idea of how much
landscape it is that you want put into your painting. This is such an important part of landscape paintings.
This type of art is something that many people feel should be shared with everyone. The creation of this type of art can be enjoyed by many art lovers. This is a gift and finding the right landscape to paint is very important. It will give the artist a chance to communicate with the joy and wonder of his or her inner feelings towards the creation that the artist has created. This is the vision and passion that so many artist have when they want to practice their skill towards landscape art.

Thursday 14 July 2011

Swimming Pool Landscape - Plan Carefully, Then Enjoy

During the warmer months, many people find it very relaxing to spend time outside, especially when they can enjoy a lovely view. When you look at the cover of many home and garden magazines, you will often see swimming pools being featured surrounded by lush colorful landscaping. Many people can only dream of owning a beautiful backyard with a refreshing pool.
If you are one of the fortunate ones who have their own pools, you can fulfill your dream of landscaping the area around yours beautifully. You can create an appealing pool area using various designs, according to your preferences and the layouts of your home and pool. And, this is all quite feasible in any of a wide assortment of locales and climates.
In advance of either going to the store or employing a landscaper, you must keep a few items in mind. You should think about the weather where you live, how much you can afford to spend, how many hours you want to put into gardening, and particular problems your plantings might come up against in your garden area. You have to analyze the type of earth there, figure out the amount of breeze, sunshine and shade the plantings will be likely to get, and assess your time and energy capabilities with regard to watering.

Books and magazines about pools and gardens are excellent places to get ideas about swimming pool landscape possibilities. They provide different tips for different parts of the country, based on their climate. You need to be careful to avoid buying plants that cannot survive winter in your region. These resources will also tell you how big plants will be when they mature and how to care for the plants that you buy. There are also many good websites that have ideas and information that can help you.
landscaping is something that can be done even with a limited budget. Beginning with a few flowering bushes or a small tree and, as your budget allows, you can add on more interesting vegetation. Keep track of your purchases since most large outlet stores and garden centers typically provide a one year warranty on your plants.

You can hire a highly regarded landscape professional if
poolscape design sounds like more work than you would like to take on yourself. An educated poolscape professional can simply work with your tastes and budget to help you create your swimming pool landscape dream come true. With planning, effort and money an enchanting pool area can be a reasonable investment that will provide you with many years of delight.
During the warmer months, many people find it very relaxing to spend time outside, especially when they can enjoy a lovely view. It is possible for you to have a lovely swimming pool landscape in your own backyard. If poolscape design sounds like more work than you want to do yourself, you can hire a reputable landscape professional. A knowledgeable professional can easily work with your tastes and budget to help you create your own dream swimming pool With some planning, effort and money, a beautiful pool area can be an attainable investment that can provide you with many years of enjoyment.

Backyard Landscaping Ideas - Getting Your Inground Pool In Place

You may be eager to spend many summer days in your newly installed inground swimming pool in your backyard. You will want the landscaping in the backyard of the pool, if you have separated the pool area from the remainder of the area using a chain-link fence. Consequently, you want some ideas in backyard landscaping.
A Few ideas On backyard landscaping

Even though you might have kept the pool area and the pool itself clean, you might not have considered setting themes in the pool area or thought out how it would be if the pool had some theme. The different
backyard landscaping ideas could be blended well with the themes.
You might have noticed tall poles with lights on the top, if you frequented the home improvement centres in your local area. During barbecues, they are used to illuminate the backyard. Alternatively, they can be used to light up your swimming pool at night.

So, if you buy these illuminating poles and place them strategically all over the
backyard, it can really improve the overall setting. Nevertheless, while that is a backyard landscaping idea which you can integrate easily, you will also need a few decorations which can be seen easily in the daytime.
Various gardening centres sell large pots that have groups of colourful flowers. These pots can be placed at various places, and hence they are wonderful landscaping ideas. Start with the pool area, and in each corner place a pot. Then, in the different places of the backyard, place a few pots so that you can have flowers everywhere.

Many people do not think of the chance of weeds in the
pool area. Some weeds can be very strong, and grow through your chain link fence, as well as come up in cracks of cement. If your yard is prone to weeds, then a good landscaping idea is to ensure that the lawn weed whacked and mowed every week.
Obviously, your landscaping ideas must rely on the total size of your lawn. If most of the lawn area is consumed by your pool, you must have a different options from the case that the pool was only a portion of the lawn. Search several reputable websites on the internet on these topics, in case you want additional information on backyard landscaping ideas. With proper research, you can be sure to get the right ideas.

Backyard Pool Landscape Ideas - Enjoy the Beauty of Nature

If you love spending time outdoors in your backyard pool, then landscaping is surely a good idea that you must consider. Not many have the luxury of having their own private pool in the backyard, if you do then you must make the most of it. Spending time in your pool can be really relaxing and a great way to unwind. The pool is a wonderful place for entertaining and having friends and relatives over for a great day outdoors. There are many backyard pool landscape ideas that you could try to add to the beauty of your pool.
It is best to stick to simple and elegant backyard pool landscape ideas so that the pool looks beautiful and also that you do not clutter the place. You must incorporate ideas that are subtle and stylish. It is important to keep the pool as the focus whatever be the ideas that you decide to execute.

Privacy is an important concern that the backyard pool landscape ideas must take care of. You could take of this important aspect by planting big trees and shrubs along the wall and at other strategic locations in your
backyard. This would ensure that you can enjoy your pool without having to worry about the intruding eyes.
Plants around the pool would add to its beautiful looks. Sculptures, natural rock creations done beautifully would all be good backyard pool landscape ideas. Simple shapes and designs with colorful rocks put together or a small fountain would make it all so close to nature. Keep it simple and without cluttered, only then would you be able to enjoy the real beauty of nature. Having a small deck with a cover is a good idea to relax when you are out of the pool. Have good and practical furniture around the pool for you and friend to just chill. A canopy would provide you a space that keeps the sun out and so you can enjoy the outdoors fully without the sun or rain playing spoilsport.
Backyard pool landscape ideas must take care of the functionality aspect. It must be such that allows for ease of maintenance and also make it fun being outdoors. If you have small children than having a fence around the pool is advisable considering the safety aspect. Cleanliness and hygiene are of utmost importance and thus, it is essential to ensure that the pool is kept clean all the time.

Having a water body like a pool in your backyard has a very relaxing, rejuvenating and calming effect. With beautiful backyard pool landscape ideas you can add to the beauty and make every moment outdoors truly memorable.

Sunday 10 July 2011

Backyard Landscape - Winning the Battle of the Weeds in Your Small Garden

Once you have finished your small garden design and started the installation you will certainly be quickly faced with every gardener's nemesis: weeds.

Just like the plants you have so carefully selected for your new garden weeds are living, breathing plants that will thrive in the same conditions you are so carefully creating with your new small garden design.
In other words, the very nutritious soil you are providing for the ornamental plants will feed and nurture the weeds as well.

The bottom line is the same things that make your
garden so lovely, nutrition, sunlight, and water will also help weeds to thrive as well.

So how to get rid of the weeds, or at least keep them under control, without spending every waking hour pulling them out? The only thing you can deny weeds without killing your desired plants at the same time is sunlight and that can be accomplished in a couple of ways.


Turning the soil by hand will bury the weeds in it and kill them very effectively. The drawback to this method is, depending on the size of your beds, labor intensive and will need to be done every few days, as often as new weeds appear.
This job can be made easier by using a small sized rototiller to turn the soil instead of doing it by hand. Some will tell you that using a rototiller will just chop up the weeds and cause more to grow. While this is true to a degree, the secret is to turn the soil, wait until the surface is dry, and then turn again. Repeating this over several days will eventually cause all your weeds to dry out and die.

The other solution is to cover your beds with mulch which will also deprive weeds of sunlight. This works very well but the organic mulch material will eventually begin to rot and turn into prime weed growing soil itself. When that begins to happen, you will need to add more mulch material.


Under no circumstances should you install the weed control fabric or black plastic as a weed control device.


Both the fabric and the plastic are extremely unattractive and will need to be covered either with mulch or soil which defeats the whole purpose of putting it down in the first place. The material you use to cover it will, in time, begin to rot and become a prime breeding ground for weeds. But now you have to deal with the fabric or plastic as well as the weeds. A good rule to follow is never put anything in your
garden that won't breakdown naturally.

Backyard Landscaping Ideas

Here let me bring in to your notice, how you can get your backyard landscaping ideas to blend with the rest of your house. A backyard is a space to relax in. It has special meaning and significance in architecture. Especially, in a warm climate, backyard landscape provides some fresh air and greenery.

The air in and around
backyard landscape is generally cooler, which is comparatively free from dust and grit? Good backyard landscaping ideas if implemented properly , can become a soothing, beautiful place for enjoying your morning coffee, eating a meal, relaxing, chilling out with family and friends, reading, hosting intimate parties and more. Canopy comes in handy for cozy meetings with friends and family. Large or small, permanent or temporary, the canopy in a landscape ideas is a great way to enjoy the outdoors either alone or at parties.
The furniture you chose really depends on your budget and the style of your backyard landscaping ideas. Cane and bamboo furniture looks trendy and is inexpensive. Easy chairs, lounge chairs, a chaise, divan and even a bean bag go well. A hammock is a good buy too.

Swings are ideal for backyard landscaping ideas .Even a fountain would fit in well. Place a few statues either in brass or stone in strategic corners. If budget is not a constraint, invest in a few marble statuettes. A backyard landscape can have hanging colorful flowering plants in pretty baskets and other containers as it would definitely add to the attractiveness of the backyard landscape. Spotlights can be used to highlight your plants at night and give the area a dramatic look.
You can also have several large but slow growing creepers all over the fence in the backyard landscape. Its slow but steady growth will be a pleasure to watch while not requiring constant care. In a nutshell, creative and inexpensive backyard landscaping ideas can be a reality with proper implementation and care.

Thursday 7 July 2011

Backyard Landscape Ideas - Things to Consider to Transform Your Backyard Into a Relaxing Haven

Want to turn that backyard space into a beautiful haven? Perhaps it is high time for you to go over some backyard landscape ideas. The best suited landscape can do wonders in converting that space into someplace where you'd want to hang out and entertain guests.
But there will be several things to consider in planning a landscaping job on your backyard. To go through the landscaping process smoothly, you need to have these things thoroughly considered.

BUDGET

Budget is one of the important aspect in planning a landscape design in your backyard. Sadly, it is one of the most common hindrance too. Most people simply thinks that it would require the help of a landscaping artist to get the job done properly. And on top of that, materials and plants used on landscaping can potentially bore a hole in their pockets.

However, this is not always the case. Sure,it would certainly be nice to have the help of a professional to do the job but if you don't have the luxury to do that, you can always do the job yourself with some DIY backyard landscape ideas. And having a certain budget would also definitely help in maintaining a lower cost of the project. This way, you will be able to work through the selection of plants and material with this certain amount in mind.
PLANTS

Personally, I believe that plants play a vital role in setting the ambiance of a place. This is especially true with backyard landscaping. Which is why you need to go through the task of selecting the most suited plants for your backyard. Depending on your space, you may go over different types of plants such as flowering plants, shrubs, climbers and maybe even trees if you have big enough space.

ACCESSORIES

Depending on your budget, You may also consider putting some art forms in your backyard like carvings. Or if you contemplating on setting a very relaxing ambiance for your backyard, fish ponds, swings, seats and other water feature would definitely set the tone of relaxation.

LANDSCAPE DESIGNS

This is where everything will come into play. You need to select a design that would fit the general topography of your place. For example, if your backyard is a bit on a slope, you should use a landscape design that thoroughly considers issues when landscaping on a slope. Most common of these are erosion and maintenance.

New Backyard Landscaping Ideas - Create a Spanish Style Vertical Garden

Dare to be different with some fresh backyard landscaping ideas. You have laid the stone for the patio, you have thought about the lawn and flowerbeds, you have decided where to put the hot tub (if you are lucky enough to have a hot tub). These are ground level backyard landscaping ideas. How about some backyard landscaping ideas that rise above the ground and reach for the sky? Dare to be different and create a wonderful Mediterranean hanging garden and make the most of your vertical space.

A vertical garden will really make your
backyard landscaping ideas come to life. Now you can look at a blank wall as if you are an artist about to create a work of art. The blank wall is your blank canvas you will transform into a beautiful living picture of pots and flowering plants that can change into a riot of colour all year round.
Spanish style flower pot holders are available that are specially designed to carry plastic or terracotta pots or even wicker work conical baskets. They are a brilliant for backyard garden ideas because they are strong being made of mild steel and last for years. Not only that, these pot holders are available in different sizes so you can use your existing pots to create a wonderful pattern. These flowerpot holders will add a new dimension to your backyard landscaping ideas. Just add geraniums or trailing fuchsias or any summer bedding plant suitable for use in hanging baskets or window boxes or flowerpots. In the winter you can introduce pansies, ornamental cabbages, ferns and evergreens to brighten up the garden and keep your backyard landscaping ideas looking great.

For a moment imagine you are enjoying a alfresco meal and a glass of soft fruity glass of wine surrounded by flowers creating that feeling of an extra outside room to the house, knowing that this was one of the best
backyard landscaping ideas because the transformation was so easy to do and looking so lovely. Cheers!
Spanish Rings are Spanish style flower pot holders that create a wonderful Spanish style Mediterranean patio garden. Spanish Rings are simple yet stunning. They are easy and quick to fit on to walls, trellises and downpipes or posts. They brighten up a patio garden, fence, house wall or back yard. They make an attractive garden accent or garden ornaments.

Spanish Rings are available to hold standard flower pots with a rim-to-rim diameter of 5"/12.5cm, 6"/15cm, 7"/17.5cm or 8"/20cm. Spanish Rings are coated in different coloured PVC to protect against the weather, popular colours are dark green, terracotta brown or black. Spanish Rings are strong and last for years they are manufactured from mild steel.

Interesting Small Backyard Landscaping Ideas

The following are general ideas on how to create small backyard landscaping that is inspired by the natural habitats we commonly see in different parts of the world. It also includes the types of plants present and how they are treated for maintenance.

Tropical
backyard - A tropical backyard is mostly composed of sharp colors and numerous shapely elements. In the tropics, sunlight is prevalent therefore different kinds of life forms can be found. To mimic this effect, include colorful flowers with several shapes. Large leaves, thorny branches, thick roots and creepy venous stems are signatures of tropical forests. Make sure to include these elements in your backyard landscape. Of course, since rain is a constant in the tropics, include in your backyard a lot of fluid water. You can keep the water calm, flowing, dripping or bubbling. Colors attract a lot of different insects, so be wary of bugs that are not people friendly. However, you will also see a bunch of moths and butterflies that will be attracted to your tropical backyard.
Bamboo backyard - Bamboos are eternally green and are a favorite in temperate countries because they do not change color or lose their leaves in time for autumn and winter. Bamboos are overgrown grass and can grow up to several feet high. Include a panda-shaped rock to remind you of these gentle, bamboo forest dwelling creatures. When you feel like your bamboos have grown too big; cutting them won't go to waste. These sturdy bamboos are easily sculpted to become tiny decorations - or make them into chopsticks!

Bonsai garden - Bonsais are potted plants with miniaturizes trees. Originally from Japan, a normally large tree is forced to grow into small twins of the original because they do not have space for their roots to expand. To compensate, they are forced to limit their sizes into manageable amounts. Growing a bonsai is a challenging endeavor; however managing several of these to create your
backyard landscape has perks of its own. Once you have collected a number of these, mastered how to maintain them and arranged them as you wished in your backyard, you will feel like a giant walking along a miniature forest. Since bonsais are not much different from their large parents except for their sizes, expect to see miniature fruits growing on them as well. Learn more about how bonsais are maintained. The regularity of watering these bonsais depends on where they originally came from. If their parent stemmed in the tropics, then watering them will be more often than those bonsais which originated from temperate ones.
Cacti garden - Cacti are plants that require the least amount of water. Contrary to popular belief, cacti need water too. However, the regularity and amount of water it needs is much less than that of other plants which grow in other parts of the world. These prickly creatures come in different shapes and sizes, and sometimes they grow a flower or two. Although watering them need not be done on a regular basis, a constant source of sunlight is a must. Come winter time, it is best to protect them inside greenhouse because low temperatures can freeze up the water they stored inside and will eventually kill the plant.

These are just a few suggestions on how to start your little backyard landscaping. Do not limit yourself and go for ideas you have in mind. No matter what kind you have, always remember that creating your very own backyard landscaping activity must be enjoyable and fun.

Monday 4 July 2011

The Backyard Landscape - Trash-Heap Or Treasure?

While the back of the home is not seen by the general public passing by, backyard landscaping landscaping should also have careful attention if possible for a number of reasons. The same reason applies as for the front yard landscaping - good gardens add 5% - 10% value to a property. This alone is a good reason not to just use the back of the house as a dumping ground for all the discarded items of life - like old sofas, car bodies and other trash. In addition, it is space that can extend the size of the house and its function - thoughtful design and planning can give you extra 'rooms' as it were.

For example, a deck added on to the back of the house and set up say with a BBQ and for entertainment effectively is another room added onto the house - an outdoor room. Likewise, if you have wide sliding glass doors on the back and they can open up - you effectively join the outdoors to that room - extending it, with or without a deck. Having an Italian style covered arbor (in larger gardens) or a gazebo also adds another room. This is all then great for summer entertainment. Add to all this some subtle outdoor lighting and you can enjoy the backyard from an entirely different aspect at night with all the interplay of light and shadows. Size and space available dictates what you can do with your back yard.

Some ideas to consider:

Play area for the kids (lawn and sand pits, play equipment)
A vegetable and herb patch. Though, herbs are probably better in pots kept near the back door for ease of access when cooking in the kitchen.
A secret garden (in larger gardens) - this is essentially an area that is separated from the rest of the area by a screen of thick foliage plants like hedges. Within you can have deckchairs etc for quiet relaxing.
Perhaps, a small fishpond or a birdbath as décor.
If space permits, a large tree that can provide shade to sit under. You can also plant bushes and annuals that prefer shade or semi shade in the summer - azaleas do well, as do annuals like primulas, begonias, lobelias, ferns.
If you have a pool, decorate the surrounds with potted plants - even mandarins will grow in large pots - great for color - and you get fresh fruit as a bonus.
A small grove of silver birch adds a touch of elegance to any garden - always use in odds numbers - 3, 5, 7 etc. They don't like grass around them but you can get away with it, or use dicondra (kidney weed).

The backyard is a real asset to any home - and even if you do not like gardening, it can be designed in such a way as to still be beautiful and relatively low maintenance. In such instances simply go for bushes, shrubs and trees that need little or no pruning. Cover the ground with lawn - for the kids to play on - and that's it. While you may not want to bother with higher maintenance flower beds, veggie patches and so on - a planted with just trees and shrubs will give a idea of potential to any prospective buyer should you decide to sell someday. To keep the back reasonably orderly, try and put your garden shed right down the back in a corner - and grow a climber over it. Remember, thoughtful backyard landscaping will provide the best use of land that you have paid for, as well as also adding to the property value

Sunday 3 July 2011

Do You Want to Create a Backyard Landscape Sanctuary?

There are many reasons for landscaping your backyard. Creating a landscape sanctuary is one.

A backyard garden can be a place where you grow a bunch of miscellaneous plants. On the other hand, you can come up with some good backyard landscaping ideas that create a beautiful outdoor sanctuary.

Your outdoor sanctuary can provide beauty, peace, and tranquility so that you can relax, read, meditate, and enjoy nature. It can help you get away from the hectic pace of the world.


So your backyard can be where you throw some plants together. Or your backyard landscaping ideas can be devoted to creating this sanctuary.

You can spend a lot of money crafting the perfect outdoor sanctuary. So you must first establish a budget you can live with before you begin. You never need to do everything at one time.


Look around your yard and find an existing spot for your sanctuary. Preferably it's somewhat close to your patio or deck.


If you already have a tranquil spot in your backyard, then you should make use of it. Enhance the beauty that is already there. Then you won't need to spend as much money on your landscaping project.

In tree landscaping, large shade trees and ornamental flowering trees greatly enhance your backyard landscape. Not only do they add beauty to your sanctuary, they can also provide shade to your sitting area, especially in the late afternoon.

Experts recommend that your outdoor sanctuary should have a focal point. They suggest a water feature or special lighting.
But you don't need to establish a focal point immediately. You may not even know what your outdoor sanctuary will look like in the end. My suggestion is to focus more on flowerbeds that will add beauty and tranquility to your backyard landscape. You can add other things later.

Another way to add peace and tranquility to your backyard is to attract birds and butterflies. Focus on planting trees, shrubs, and flowers that attract them. Placing bird feeders in your yard is a great way to enjoy birds in your sanctuary all year long.


If the primary purpose of your outdoor sanctuary is to relax, then select plants and furniture that require little maintenance.


Don't rush into this project. Take your time and come up with some good backyard landscaping ideas. If your first attempt at an outdoor sanctuary is not satisfactory, most of your plants (trees are the one exception) can be easily transplanted or replaced in the following year. You will find the end result to be well worth the time and effort you put into creating it.

The Best Backyard Landscape Idea Ever Created - Outdoor Kitchens



No backyard landscape idea has evolved more than the outdoor kitchen. In the 19th century, outdoor summer kitchens were fixtures of stately Southern homes. The summer kitchen, situated in a separate building behind the house, was a solution for preparing meals while keeping the main house from growing unbearably hot.

Fast forward to the 20th century and when the GI's returned home from overseas after World War II. It was then that the barbecue grill began drawing families outdoors for informal gatherings that celebrated companionship, mild weather, and the unbeatable taste of food hot off the grill. Patios became part of the home and picnic tables, which were mainly used and seen in parks, began sprouting up in
backyards.

Much has changed since then. Today's
outdoor kitchen is much more sophisticated than the outdoor kitchens of the 19th and early to mid 20th centuries. Here in the 21st century, the take on outdoor kitchens includes a well stocked, fully serviced facility with space for food prepping, cooking, cleanup, and with plenty of storage space.
While not fully enclosed, they are often tucked under an overhang or patio cover where there is some protection from the elements. For outdoor kitchens, every situation, home, and their homeowners needs and wants vary greatly.

Countertop materials range from slate, granite, or ceramic tile, to a one-of-a-kind broken tile mosaic design. Hardy woods such as teak and redwood can withstand rain and snow and are often used as protective covers.


There are many ways to showcase the
outdoor kitchen, from a pool side tropical cabana, that is protected on three of the sides, to a large open-air Tuscan style pergola with a pizza oven. For more of a southwestern feel, home owners often times will use colored stucco structures with terra cotta roof tiles.

Just like indoor kitchens,
outdoor kitchens often times come with a dishwasher, refrigerator, sink, and ample counter space. Over-sized gas burning grills are perfect for steaks, ribs, chicken, etc. and are now offered with side burners, for the beans and sauces. Stainless steel carts on wheels can serve as storage space as well as providing temporary work space.
Typically, these kitchens can't provide a lot of seating, so adding tall stools around the bar, lounge seating by the pool or fire pit, and of course comfortable seating around the outdoor tables are ideal areas for seating.

Through the years, the
outdoor kitchen has evolved and has been one of the best backyard landscape ideas every created.