Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

A Japanese garden is often thought of, in general terms, as a place of peace and tranquility, which may include some garden bridges, lanterns, gazebos, koi ponds, and strangely-shaped rocks and trees.

Of course, as is the case with so many things that are of ancient origin, Japanese gardens have been adapted to, and reinterpreted by, so many other societies over the centuries, that their initial meanings and purposes have been lost in translation.  Furthermore, they include certain cultural aspects that may not be fully understood by others.

For example, the basics depend largely upon one’s perception of nature; and the Japanese have always had a very different relationship with nature than have most other civilizations, especially those in the Western world.  In fact, in Japan, gardening is integral to the culture, and is one of the most esteemed forms of art, on par with music, literature, and painting.

A traditional Japanese garden abounds with symbolism, and will always have a harmonious balance of stone, plants, and water.  It will not, however, feature any kind of symmetry or formal garden beds.  In a way, it is a place of mystery, which is designed to lead the visitor on a stroll in which pleasant surprises will be found along the way.

Sometimes, this can be as simple as encountering a tree in an unexpected shape.  This is because, like everything else in the Japanese garden, it is part of a scheme, conceived by the gardener, and has been carefully selected, placed, and clipped, to symbolize and suggest the whole; and it is up to the observer to complete the picture.

Water features are also desirable components of the garden.  Planting trees or flowers with interesting shapes or blossoms at the water’s edge is important as well, so that people can not only enjoy the beauty of the water itself, but delight in the plants’ reflections.  A Japanese garden bridge, unstained white cedar single-rail bridge,  double-rail bridge, crescent moon plank bridge, or a red cedar traditional arched bridge from which to enjoy the sights, will be equally enchanting.

If you want to include a Japanese teahouse, or, at least, a reasonable facsimile thereof, try a cedar gazebo with a curved roof, or a pagoda-style roof.

In future entries, I will have some tips for creating a Japanese garden, including some plants and other touches that will work well in them.  But right now, I have developed a sudden, unexplained urge to go and meditate.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: cedar gazebo, garden bridge, Garden Bridges, Gazebos, outdoor lighting

If you remember, I talked about five useful January projects about a month ago.  Unsure what to do this month?  I’m here to help!

1. Prune Deciduous Trees.  By now, the winter has really started to take a toll on your trees or shrubs.  The snow and ice can weigh down branches and the cold, dry air isn’t helping either.  Tend to these plants by removing dead or dying branches that have been injured by disease, insects, animals, or weather.  Getting rid of the dead or dying branches will make room for new growth as weather gets warmer.  Pruning your trees and shrubs now will also improve their appearance for the spring.  You will have plenty to focus your attention on in April and May to keep your garden looking great; this is a step that can be done early to keep your entire lawn neat and fruitful.
2. Plant Bare Rooted Fruit Trees and Shrubs. Unlike many other plants, you can plant dormant bare-rooted trees and shrubs anytime the ground isn’t frozen.  Just like pruning your deciduous trees, this is a garden project that can be started now to make time for other activities in the coming months.  February is the perfect time to start planting these (as long as the ground isn’t frozen, of course!) because not only are the prices low while the weather is still cold, they will have plenty of time to take root and thrive in the coming seasons.  Choose a tree or shrub with strong, fresh, and plump looking roots and branches, and then plant it as soon as you get home.  Remember, the roots will perish if not kept covered and moist!
3. Start your Seeds. If you live in a part of the world where the cold creeps into March and even April, it can help to start your seeds indoors.  Purchasing fresh seeds meant for the upcoming season will give you the best results, and then it’s just a matter of creating your garden inside.  All plants and vegetables need rich soil, water, and light.  Line your containers up on a window sill or near plenty of natural light and keep an eye on moisture levels to give your plants a head start.  If it starts to warm up toward the end of February, you can prepare your plants for the outdoors.  Start by letting the containers sit outside in a shady area for a few hours or the day, then bringing them in to protect them from the cold nights.
4. Get Inspired. If you’re spending time looking out the window above your kitchen sink wondering how you want to make this spring and summer better than the last, finish the dishes and grab your keys.  Don’t let yourself get into a routine of planting the same flowers and vegetables every year! Stretch yourself and get a little uncomfortable by trying something new, interesting, and different.  Take a trip to a green house, conservatory, or nursery to gain new ideas and talk to experts in the field.  Or, if all else fails, grab a pile of gardening and outdoor magazines and start tearing out pages of gardens or plants you particularly like.  Get the family involved by asking your kids if they have any ideas for the garden, and let them help you choose which flowers to pursue!
5. Plan Landscaping Projects.  Speaking of trying new things, now is the perfect time to start planning any landscaping projects.  If you’ve always fancied a garden bridge or gazebo, don’t wait to start exploring the opportunity until the spring is here.  Designing structures and planning whole landscapes needs time to ensure every detail is perfect, so don’t sell yourself short by waiting until the last minute.  Starting your planning now can also ensure that installation will be completed by the time you would like to start enjoying it.  Gazebos erected and finished early will get a lot more family use when everyone can’t wait to be outside.  Spend time browsing selections of pergolas, gazebos, and cabanas to decide which will suit your needs best.  If you haven’t taken time to see where structures have evolved lately, you may be surprised to see the variety of gazebo shapes, sizes, roof profiles, and materials.  The same goes for pergolas and sunrooms.  Remember, don’t be afraid to employ an experienced landscape designer for more intensive projects; again, the earlier you get into the appointment book, the more time they will have to dedicate to your project.  Starting early will allow more warm months to enjoy your hard work!

See You Outside!

Hazel.

Tags: Cabanas, garden bridge, garden structures, gazebo, Gazebos, landscape design, Pergolas, Sunrooms

While installing a backyard pond is relatively easy (meaning that virtually anyone who is so inclined, and physically able, can do it, not that it requires little work), getting it finished and filled is just the beginning.  As I mentioned in an earlier blog, it’s not imperative that ponds be stocked; but rarely do people go to the trouble of putting them in so that they may realize their visions of having backyard features that could easily be mistaken for giant puddles.

Indeed, ponds are usually created because someone is dreaming of a gorgeous backyard oasis teeming with exotic plants and aquatic life.  One of the best things about it is that, no matter which elements you choose to include, your pond is unique.  Most people, however, even those who can’t decide whether they want just plants, just fish (which is not a good idea), both, or neither, have, from the moment that they conceived of their ponds, clearly pictured them with stunning garden bridges across them.

There is no doubt that garden bridges are among the most popular landscape features, even in yards that have no water; and they’re not just there for decoration.  Besides being purely practical ways of getting to the other side, they make superb vantage points for stopping to enjoy the colorful plants and view the underwater life.

When it comes to selecting the ideal bridge for your purposes, along with the size, you should consider the style of your garden and the pond that you installed.  If it’s formal, a double-rail, picket rail, or spindle rail bridge will complement it beautifully.  In more rustic and casual gardens, plank, single rail, or simple white cedar bridges are absolutely charming.   

The best thing to do is to go to DesignerBridges.com, where you’ll find one of the largest selections of pine, cedar, and vinyl garden bridges and pedestrian trail bridges available anywhere.  Believe it or not, they even have spectacular covered bridges that you can customize for yourself right on the site! 

When you’re finished putting the crowning touch on your pond, don’t forget to go to CedarStore.com and pick out some great new outdoor furniture, such as patio chairs, garden benches, Adirondack chairs, gliders, and porch swings, so that you and your guests will be able to relax and enjoy the glorious view.  And imagine how much more rewarding it will be, knowing that you made the scenery even more magnificent just by adding a pond and a garden bridge!

Yours Outdoors!

Kathy 

Tags: bridge, Bridges, garden bridge, Garden Bridges

In every garden, it’s important to have some kind of a focal point, whether it’s an arbor, a gazebo, a trellis, a statue, an outdoor furniture group, a fountain, or even a single garden bench. 

Garden bridges also make spectacular centerpieces; but some people think that they won’t be able to use one unless they have a pond or a stream in the backyard.  Not true.  A bridge can add a stunning new dimension to even the dullest landscape, and make the perfect accent for any garden or walkway. 

However, if you want to add a bridge and a water feature, it’s a lot easier to do than it was just a few years ago.  Then, if you didn’t have a natural source of water, the only way to get a pond was to pour a concrete shell and fill it with water.  It was a painstaking – and expensive – process to install it correctly, and to get the desired shape.  A lot also depended upon the condition of the soil, as well as the climate, because freezing and thawing often caused cracking and leaking. 

Luckily, things have changed since the introduction of flexible rubber and plastic liners, which allow almost anyone to build a pond of nearly any size or shape.  Much less expensive than concrete, they are also incredibly durable, with the higher-quality ones lasting as long as 30 years.

You can also find rigid, pre-formed fiberglass or plastic pond shells.  These work well in sandy or soft soil, as erosion and shifting won’t affect the shape of the pond.  The drawbacks are that they are available in a limited number of sizes and shapes, and that you have to be a bit more creative with your border stones and plants if you want to achieve a natural look.  At the same time, because of their geometric shapes, they are better suited for formal gardens, where you may want to use pavers, patio tiles, or bricks, as edging materials.

As for the crowning touch, which, of course, is the garden bridge, well, that’s the easy part.  At DesignerBridges.com, you’ll find all styles and sizes of garden and pedestrian trail bridges to fit nearly any stream, pond, or creek.  You can even customize your own covered bridge in a few, simple steps.  If you’re wondering which bridge is best for your purposes, just call 888-293-2339 and let one of our design consultants assist you.   

Remember, if you’re suffering from a dull landscape, you can easily get over it with a garden bridge.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: bridge, Bridges, covered bridge, garden bridge

Despite it being March, the temperatures here on the east coast are still cold.  In fact, if I see one more snow flake, I’ll start rooting for global warming.  Since it is March, I do know that Spring is not far away (which means summer and bathing suits are close, too…maybe snow is good). 

The first thing you must do this Spring is organize your wish list.  Is this the year to decorate the garden with a few odds and ends, or is this the year you add a cedar garden bench, Adirondack chair and canopy gazebo?    Is this the year to just plant a few flowers, or finally lay down a rock bed and a cedar garden bridge? 

Spring is the time of optimism and a Can-Do attitude.  Make a list of your Do-It-Yourself backyard projects.  Circle your favorite, and immediately get to work!  The longer you wait, the closer August gets.  “I should have…” is never a good statement.

You can organize your list in two ways—most important or in order of easily accomplished.  Some people like to start with a couple small items, build some momentum, and then tackle the big one.  Not me!  Bring on the challenge!  I’ll do it now, while I’ve got the energy and desire to get it done.  If I do a few small projects, I’ll take time off and never get back to the real projects.

CedarStore.com presents the best of both worlds.  The projects appear large, such as a Vinyl Pergola, but really, they’re built in only a few hours.  The same goes for the cedar and treated pine arbors.  Spend half a day building the arbor, the other half placing hanging vines or flower pots, and call it a day! 

Another idea is to start the season with a storage shed.  Maybe Cedar Log for that rustic look?  Maybe a vinyl shed for its longevity and economical cost?  Starting with a shed gives you a chance to store all the tools for your upcoming projects in one place, and out of your way! 

Or you may just decide; no work for me!  Add a few pieces of outdoor patio furniture, relax, recline and reset. 

The most important thing is to enjoy the journey! 

Shari 

Tags: adirondack chair, Arbors, garden bridge, outdoor patio furniture, Sheds, Spring Cleaning