photo credit: Ian Muttoo

With Thanksgiving approaching the addition of dried corn stalks, Indian corn, and pumpkins with give your yard, patio or porch area a festive look. The corn stalks can be left outdoors. The Indian corn can also be left outdoors and can later be sprayed with a clear varnish to preserve then for another year. Note: Make sure the Indian corn is stored in an area that mice will not bother it.

Pumpkins need to be covered if there is a frost at night and brought in if there is a freeze. If you clean them well with a bleach and water mix when you first purchase them to kill any germs that may have entered a cut, the pumpkins will last until after the new year.

photo credit: alecim

Gourds, mini pumpkins and fall flowers also make a nice garden art arrangement in a yard. Place them on a hay bale or in a wagon for a farm like feel. And with the fall flowers you can bring them indoors and enjoy the flowers. Mums are particularly easy to move indoors and by pinching them back you will have flowers through the holidays.

I also like to clip the mums and start new plants. Mums will produce roots easily in a rich potting soil. I use a liquid rooting hormone and cover the pot with clear plastic wrap and have a new plant in a month. I them place it in my greenhouse until spring. It has protection form the freezing weather but will go dormant until spring and better weather returns.

Fall is a wonderful time for fall arrangements and bright splashed or yellows, reds, and orange colors. They seem to stand out more vibrantly in the cloudy fall skies we have in NW PA.

photo credit: Chrissy Olson

Check out Backyard Oasis for a few more fall decorating ideas for you backyard and patio areas.

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By using a trellis you can add beauty and color to an otherwise unusable area. You can also grow plants vertically to save space, add privacy and prevent plant insects and disease.

Another use for a garden trellis is that it gives you the opportunity to change the look and atmosphere of your garden in a matter of minutes depending on if you used potted plants or garden art for décor.

Garden trellises can be created from any object that can add privacy or be used for plants to grow or hang from. By shopping at garage sales or rooting through your attic you can design several unique trellises that will be a focal point in a garden, patio or balcony area.

Step Ladder Garden Trellis

An old stepladder that is no longer in use will make a great trellis or plant display area. You can leave the ladder as you found it and paint it to complement your landscape design.

You can plant vining flowers or vegetables around the base of the stepladder and allow them to climb the rungs of the ladder. This style of planting will create a flow and make the ladder part of the garden area and design. You can also add a few pots of the steps for more color but I would suggest anchoring them in place so that the wind does not blow them off.

The addition of a rectangular planted on the ground of first step also will add to this quick and easy trellis.

My favorite vine for a stepladder is the scarlet runner bean. It has such beautiful color.

Metal headboard frame trellis

Old metal headboards can be found along curbsides for free and at auctions for pennies. Choose a location for the headboard, usually along a wall or back of a garden and measure the distance between the metal posts.

Pound metal stakes into the ground and either slide the headboard over the posts if they are hollow or attach the post to the headboard with screws or plastic ties. If you want the headboard to be more sturdy, pound another metal post in between the tow other post and secure the headboard to the post.

Plants vining vegetables and flowers near the base and let them climb. In the front of the headboard add more flowers, vegetables or herbs for color and interest.

An old bedspring can also be used but I like the thicker look of an old headboard myself.

Old wrought iron fencing and posts that were popular in the later 50’s and 60’s will also work well as trellises and can often be found at junkyard and old metal scrap piles. They can be put together as trellises, gates or even arbors.
photo credit: apium

Whether you trellis is handmade or bought you can quickly change the look of your garden area by adding garden art to the trellis or placing hanging pots on the trellis that can be quickly changed for a new look in color or design.

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photo credit: A Girl Next Door

Garden art can include everything from a decorative plant pot to a water fountain.

Here are a few suggestions to think about when adding garden art to your gardens and yard.

Use existing structures as backdrops for garden art pieces. Pots with flowers placed strategically on a fence create more of a garden feel to a small backyard. Hang antiques or old tools on the sides of barn or utility shed.

Create a small area to rest in the garden, or by a greenhouse or work shed.

Small tree-filled spaces will look more spacious if you use a three dimensional approach in design. Birdhouses, mini lanterns and wind chimes will create layers of color and interest in the branches.

You can also create mini gardens around the tree bases with flowers, herbs and ceramic collectible pieces. I use collectibles that may have some damage but when placed in a garden area it is not noticeable.

Wide-open spaces in the backyard successfully display larger garden art. Ponds, fountains, a bird sanctuary including a feeder, bath and butterfly garden, or larger sculpture pieces work well here. And make sure you add a bench for relaxing.

By adding garden art you can quickly change the look of a garden or backyard for a party or for the different season of the year. Garden art also looks nice on the patio or balcony and will help blend the indoor space with outdoor space.

The only precaution with adding garden art it making sure the pieces have a common theme and match your landscape or home design so that you have a nice design flow and not a confusing chaotic look.

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Sunflowers are always a part of my gardens. I have planted sunflower mazes, sunflower houses, and sunflower tunnels. These gardens have been favorites in the neighborhood, and with the birds!

Sunflowers also grow great in containers and can be grown indoors the winter for color and to add cheer to the home.

They can be dried for crafts, used for bird feeders and even made into mini furniture and garden art or trellises.

How to Build a Sunflower Stalk Trellis

Once the sunflower season has ended and you have harvested the flowers its time to harvest the sunflower stalks. Use pruning sheers to cut the stalks off at ground level.

Remove any branches or leaves and let dry for a few days. I store them in a dark place lying down with space between each stalk. I turn them over in two days and let dry for another two days.

Select two strong stalks that are about the same size in height and thickness to use as trellis sides. Cut several smaller pieces for cross members.

Next assemble the side poles and cross members so that they resemble a small ladder. You can use string, plastic ties or fishing wire to attach the cross members to the supports. I prefer fishing line myself, unless I use baling twine and give it a rustic look.

Once you feel the sunflower trellis poles are totally dry spray the trellis with clear water seal spray. This will help weather proof it and make it more durable in wet or damp weather.

This will make a small interesting nice trellis with a natural look that will blend into your garden area. Three or four of these ladder trellises can be connected together to make a larger trellis or plant cage.

As you work with the sunflower stalks you will find that can be assembled into small garden fences or arbors. You can either bend a few of the stalks for a creative look or add other types of natural items to the fences and arbors such as grapevine.

It’s a fun project that children will enjoy and that will add character to your garden areas.

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A person who is seeking to escape the general cacophony of life and find a soothing and comfortable retreat often looks towards a garden. Gardens filled with trees, shrubs and green grassy meadows and with beautiful garden decor are beckoned forth to enjoy the serenity that it has to offer.
photo credit: faeryboots

A stroll through a lovely garden full of flowers that are in full bloom would cheer up any manic depressive. Gardens have traditionally been places of relaxation and unwinding. Buddhist monks created versions that were also used as meditating spaces and were serene enough to bring spiritual tranquility to the soul.

Die hard enthusiasts of gardening go to great lengths to procure the right kind of look. This includes adding items like fountains, exotic lighting, statues and gnomes, furniture etc. Accessories or ornaments are add-ons that enhance the aesthetic appeal of any garden by adding to its personality. An artificial brook or a sculpture can change the entire mood that is evoked by the ambience of your outdoor space.

Garden decors are accessories that enhance the natural beauty of the garden by including within it fountains that spew water, bird baths and bird houses, statues, furniture and lighting fixtures that transforms the landscape at night. Sculptures, fountains and patios are the most common accessories. Some gardens, especially English ones, sport gnomes within.

Large gardens tend to include artificial brooks or springs that create natural sounds that are soothing to the ear. It is extremely enjoyable to listen to the sounds of nature, either of tiny birds chirping excitedly as the splash around in a birdbath or of the gurgling brook.

Traditionally, gardening has been seen as a hobby and a recreation and most gardens were tended to by the home owners themselves. Nowadays there is an increasing trend to employ the services of specialists such as garden designers or landscape architects who do not come cheap. What these experts bring with them is a wealth of knowledge on aesthetics and choice of accessories and decors as well as the ideal ingredients for a complete garden.

Gardens need to reflect a particular mood; especially a cheerful one and the inclusion of the right garden decor can see to it that the desired results are achieved. The stand out from amidst the shrubs, trees and grassy meadows and enhance the appeal of your garden considerably.

Gardens are being increasingly preferred to back yards as venues to host parties and outdoor activities such as barbecue parties and birthday events. Most Americans invest a large amount of time an money, so as to have a personal space of their own. There are many manufacturers that supply garden decors that are ideal for hosting parties and barbecue events. These accessories are inclusive of grills, outdoor kitchens, patios and furniture and heaters that keep guests warm even during the cold weather.

Ideally, accessories should be catalysts that trigger subtle changes in the overall landscape and should not be the prime features. Trees, shrubs, grassy meadows, exotic and colorful plants and gravel drives should be the main components with a sprinkling of garden accessories amongst all that.

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photo credit: jdn

I made my first hypertufa pot in a local art society. We were encouraged to bring items to press into our pots such as rocks beads, marbles or any other found objects. I used wash glass pieces and old keys in my creation.

The you tube video below will give you a fast idea on how to make a hypertufa pot. It’s really very easy and once you start making them you will find the ideas get more creative. The look of the container also blends in to the backyard and looks wonderful near ponds or pools.

The nice thing about the hypertufa pot is that it is really an economical project. They last for a long time and can withstand harsh winters. They can be made in all sized and using peat moss instead of cement they are not as heavy as you would think so can be moved about.

Technorati Tags: container gardening, creative gardening, garden art, garden crafting

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photo credit: Dee Q8

One theme garden garden twist is a Color Theme Garden. The garden can be restful or a place that energizes and inspires. You can choose a color for a season, your favorite color or base the garden on an overall theme.

Even though my color theme garden changes each year I still use a tree in the background for light contrast and often will include container shrubs for added color and texture. And there is always a piece of new garden art to create dimension and interest

Designing a Color Theme Garden

• Consider the purpose of your garden and select a color or several closely related colors that will fulfill that purpose.  Youe will also want to take into consideration the design and cost.
• First I draw a garden design using graph paper. I often use cut patterns for trees and shrubs then work with different size shapes of colors to get a feel for what I want.
• Put a small tree or large shrub in the back. Choose a tree that flowers in the color you want for your garden. If you’re working with a large space, several trees or shrubs can form the backbone of your design. If your design will stay the same from year to year I would go with several trees and shrubs. By choosing carefully you can keep color and texture in this garden the better part of the year.
• Next add smaller shrubs and perennials to your design. By looking online or asking at your local nursery and greenhouses you can select plants that will have color or flowers from spring until fall.
• For added color, flair and to fill in any holes select a few annuals for your design. Or think out of the box and add vegetables.
• Last but not least add garden art that complements your design. Garden art is an unlimited area limited only by your imagination. I have one friend who changes the garden art each week and their garden is always an adventure.

Also, one of the most successful color theme gardens I ever saw was planted all in containers and created on a balcony. So, small spaces make great gardens too!

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why walk a Labyrinth?
photo credit: Zesmerelda

I would answer because it’s fun and relaxing. It’s always different and depending which labyrinth you walk its very scenic.

Most Labyrinths are located outdoors but many are inside. Quite a few are located in churches. The history of labyrinths goes far back and is amazing and rather mystical.

How do you walk a Labyrinth?

A Labyrinth is very easy to walk. There is only one opening and you will return and exit at the same spot. This is rather amazing when several people are walking the path at one time. You are all going the same way but because the path runs back onto itself you look like you are going different directions.

Its best to just clear your mind and let your thoughts go where they want. Sometimes you will surprise yourself with what feelings you have during the walk.

Some people suggest walking with your hands in an upward position like you are holding or receiving something until you get to the center of the circle. At the center it is a time to reflect. You can stay there as long as you wish. As you leave the center and follow the path to the beginning its suggested that your hands be down at your side as if you are letting go of all your cares that came in with.

I also has a friend that would pick up a small rock by the beginning of the path and leave it in the center. This was leaving her problems and worries behind.

I walked a temporary Labyrinth in Mississippi last fall and it was the most relaxing and beautiful experience. It was set up like most labyrinths using one of several paths. This was the Circle of Peace design. What made this different is that the paths can be marked in many ways but this path was marked with flowers on both sides of the path. A beautiful winding flower garden.

Outside of the circle were several sculptures and benches to relax. Being an avid gardener a garden theme that used this Circle of peace design made my mind spin with garden ideas.

I have a  funny feeling that there may be a Labrinth garden in my gardens next year.

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The community has been around for over 100 years. It’s a gated community with beautiful architecture, a rich history and astounding gardens. With winding streets, porch boxes and gardens; garden art is in every nook and cranny. It’s a gardeners haven.

Its not unusual to see statues, fountains, sculptures and hand crafted garden art in every imaginable style and form. Unusual plants also grow in many gardens. Most of the gardens are annual flowers and perennials but you will see a few vegetables tucked in garden plots and containers sitting on porches.

Gardens of whimsy peek out at you from the winding streets and you must look carefully at every garden to see what is hidden behind a tree or in the shadows.

One of my favorite gardens from a few year ago was the fence and wall that was covered with old vintage hats. These hats had been made into birdhouses. They were covered with a varnish to firm them and then the proper size bird hole diameter was cut into the hat. The multi colored hats hanging on the fence and garden wall just gave a feeling of fun and surprise to this hidden garden.

To add to this garden paradise the Institution has a Bird, Tree and Garden  Club that offers talks and lectures on birds, bats, gardens and conservation techniques.

Roger Tory Peterson, famous bird historian and wildlife artist grew up in a  town nearby called Jamestown, NY.  Peterson his most well known for his bird identification books and butterfly books.

Peterson grew up in these hills and by the lake. He gave several talks at the instituiton grounds and was honored on his 80th birthday for his contributions to birding and nature.

For information on the Chautauqua Institution Bird Tree and Garden Club visit Bird Tree and Garden

You can also visit About Chautauqua for more in formation on Chautauqua County and Chautauqua, New York.

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photo credit: Kevin Lawver

One of the easiest and different way to bring in plants is by starting clippings. If you have plants that root easily you can bring in small sections and place them in water.

Most fleshy plants and the new growth or plants will root quite easily in water. A few plants that root easily are begonias, basils, coleus, and wandering jew to mention a few. Herbs are easy to root and fun. They have the advantage of being useful in the kitchen too.

Tomatillos and tomatoes also root easily and this is a great way to have a head start for transplants for next years garden.

Choose a sunny window to set the cuttings in. I like to find unique vases, bottles or any container that is glass and transparent. The reason I like the containers being transparent is that when the sun hits the bottles or glass the colors glow and it creates such a beautiful image. I usually choose different sizes too so that I really get an artistic look. It just adds interest and color to windowsill gardens.

Cuttings will usually root in five to seven days. Change the water regularly to prevent stagnant water.  Once the cutting have rooted and the roots have a nice root system, pot them into clean pots and use a sterilized pre-mixed potting soil.

When transplanting the plant, carefully place the soil around the new roots so that you do not damage them.  Lightly press the soil into place and water the newly potted plant.

I place plastic over the plant for a few weeks until I feel the plant has adjusted to its new home. This makes a mini greenhouse effect for the plant and helps it adjust faster.

Growing plant cuttings and starting seeds on windowsill is easy and adds color to your home.

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