CompostaBlog

Garden furniture is becoming more popular than ever. Outdoor living has become an extension of indoor living, and today’s garden furniture is a reflection of that.

At one time, garden furniture consisted primarily of iron, wood or concrete benches, and wrought iron café table and chair sets. Later, folding aluminum lawn chairs and lounges were the most common outdoor furniture. The aluminum frames were covered with strips of nylon strapping that was woven together in a basket weave to make seats and backs, and then bolted to the frames.

During the seventies, having a wood sun deck was in vogue, and a wider variety of outdoor furniture was in fashion. A common style was redwood furniture featuring removable cushions with water resistant coverings. Redwood deck furniture often came in sets, with loveseats, chairs, coffee tables, end tables. Adirondack chairs were also commonly found, and were favored among the do-it-yourselfers who proudly built their chairs to match their decks.

The current trend in garden furniture is in furnishing outdoor “rooms” that are very much like a living room or dining room that would be found inside the house, only in an outdoor version. Much of this furniture needs to be protected from the environment, and so work best on a covered patio, under a covered trellis, or inside one of the popular canvas gazebos. In cooler climates a sun room or all-season room may be used when weather does not allow for outdoor activities.

The canvas gazebos are usually square or hexagonal shaped frames of wood, aluminum or steel covered by a canvas topper. The sides feature canvas drapes that can be left open to let the air in, or pulled closed for protection from the elements. Many of them also come with mesh curtains that can be pulled closed to allow in fresh air and sunshine while keeping bugs and pests out.

The garden furniture of today may have very thick cushions with luxurious cloth covers. Coffee tables and end tables can have glass, tile, slate or mosaic tops in addition to wood or metal tops. Garden “rooms”, whether on a covered patio or inside a gazebo, are usually furnished with the same sort of decorative items one would expect to find in an indoor room, such as throw pillows, lamps, candles, wall hangings, plants and flower arrangements. Decorative bowls, pottery or other designer pieces may adorn tables, and even rugs may be used in more temperate climates. Outdoor rooms might also feature an outdoor fireplace, fountain or a bar for serving beverages.

Another trend is to build a small wood shed or one room “cottages,” furnishing them to serve as guest rooms, studios or home offices. These outbuildings have become actual rooms that are a cross between indoor and open air outdoor living. In warmer climates, some people may construct a large permanent tent on wood or concrete floors. With electrical hookups, these tents can also feature all the comforts of indoor living with the feeling of being outdoors in the garden.

Hal Lewis is a writer for http://www.RogersGardens.com in Newport Beach, CA. Check them out for Garden Furniture tips and care, as well as general Outdoor Living guides.

Article Source: http://www.organicgardenarticles.com

Most people think about their backyard garden as a place to provide them peace and quiet, a place to relax after a busy day, or maybe a place to draw closer to God. Whether you rise early, to enjoy your garden before heading off to work, or come home from work and retreat to your garden to unwind, a serenity garden can help to induce a state of calmness.

A serenity garden does take some planning, and some care. There is no real format in how this type of garden should be structured. You need to think about what serenity means to you. The design of the garden should reflect your ideas on peace and tranquility. It can include your favorite colors, and comforting landscapes. You may want to jot your ideas on paper, to get an idea of what you want before you start planting the garden. Some common themes for a serenity garden are relaxation, spiritual themes, and memorial themes. You’ll want to locate the garden away from loud noises and strong odors. It should be in a location that will help promote tranquility.

When you start creating the garden, you should add features that reflect the theme. If you want a memorial theme, for example, you may want to add items that reflect a loved one who has passed on. If you want relaxation, a gazebo and/or furniture for lounging would be appropriate. Consider also the plants that you want in the garden. Varying shades of green fit in well with a relaxation garden, with touches of color from various flowers. Just be sure to provide a place to sit and relax, and enjoy your garden.

Rocks are another element that can be incorporated into a serenity garden. Rocks of varying sizes can be used to build walls or footpaths in the garden, as well as edging for a footpath. Or large rocks can be placed here and there throughout the garden to provide accents, and a contrast to the plants.

Wind chimes can add a gentle, relaxing sound to your garden. A waterfall or fountain will also add to the ambience of the garden. If you desire, you can also add speakers and an outdoor sound system to play music while you relax.

If you plan on using your garden after dark, you’ll want to think about illumination. Tiki torches or candles provide a gentle, flickering light. Just be sure the flames are a safe distance from any tree branches or anything flammable. Low voltage or solar lights can also be used to light a pathway, or to highlight certain features of the garden at night.

A garden is ever changing. Season to season, year to year, you’ll see the garden growing and changing. Your garden will continue to grow with you as you make changes to the garden, and as the garden makes changes to you. Whatever the size of the garden, from a small apartment balcony to a large backyard, you can create your own personal retreat, where you can relax, and find your peace and serenity.

Visit http://www.garden-style-decor.com for more tips on gardening and resources for garden decor.

Article Source: http://www.organicgardenarticles.com