Uncover the Hidden Delights of Mediterranean Landscape Design

 

The Mediterranean landscape design evokes visions of crystal water and lush vegetation, while creating thoughts of relaxation with family and friends and savory cuisine made with aromatic herbs. No wonder Mediterranean landscape design is becoming increasingly popular among Southern California homeowners, as well as those across the nation.

Landscape designs influenced by the various regions of the Mediterranean work well in the warm, breezy climates of Orange County including the
Irvine Ranch area, Los Angeles,San Diego, and Riverside County and are an ideal style to complement most modern homes.

The Mediterranean garden style reflects the relaxed Mediterranean culture of southern Europe and combines elegant details with the elements of nature.

Originating in ancient Arabia, gardening and modern landscape design evolved through the centuries and was influenced by a number of civilizations, including Greece, Rome, and Italy.
There are several distinct landscape styles associated with the varied region of the Mediterranean, some simple and refined, while others are elaborate and ornate.
The Mediterranean landscape design best for your home will greatly depend on your personal tastes, the style of your home, and your outdoor space needs. The following are some of the many garden styles found in this region.

Tuscan Garden Style

Old world Tuscany brought about a landscape that combines the rustic and simple peasantry lifestyle with the elegance and flair of Renaissance Italy.


The Tuscan garden style features a variety of lush plants, fragrant spices, and often incorporates vegetable gardens as well.


Natural, but sophisticated, materials create a relaxing Mediterranean atmosphere with Tuscan charm.








It's easy to create a little piece of Tuscany in your outdoor space. When you think about Tuscany, products that inevitably come to mind are beautiful fountains, elegant statues...items that add style and elegance to any outdoor entertainment area.




Elements within a Tuscan garden include:
•Terra cotta accessories•Peaceful wall fountains
•Elegant teak and wrought iron accents
•Colorful and fragrant vines

Click here to learn about Tuscan Garden Style.

Moroccan Garden Design

Morocco’s influence on landscape design is vibrant, lush, and exotic.
Romance and mystery mingle with intense detail and deep colors to create an outdoor living space perfect for hot, Mediterranean afternoons.
Arabian style outdoor furniture, isolated paths accented with rich colored mosaics, and calming evergreens sprinkled between rows of citrus trees are the defining characteristics of the unique look of a Moroccan garden.
Water is an integral part of the Moroccan landscape design and is often seen in the form of elegant water fountains with a Moorish flair like this custom mosaic tile wall fountain.
The sweet fragrance of roses and lavender and the soft glow of candles at twilight are also common in this intriguing style of Mediterranean landscape design.

Santa Barbara Revival

Sunny Santa Barbara is one of the most picturesque cities in southern California.
Following the devastating earthquake of 1925, the coastal town experienced a rebirth in architectural and landscape design.
The majestic hillsides, overlooking the tumultuous waves of
the Pacific, are now home to a number of affluent neighborhoods featuring the beautiful Spanish Mission and Spanish Colonial Revival designs that began at the turn of the 20th century.

Spanish Mission Revival Landscape Design

Spanish missions were some of the first structures built by the early Spanish settlers colonizing the California coast at the close of 18th century. These exquisite pieces of architecture reflected the Mediterranean landscape design of Spain and were created to be self-sufficient, providing space for animals, as well as fruit trees and vegetable gardens.


Around the end of the 1800’s, this style of architecture and landscaping created new interest and began to spread across the nation, influencing many communities in Florida and California. The Spanish mission revival landscape design plays a prominent role in the overall estate and provides a functional, relaxing, and beautiful outdoor living space.


The Spanish mission revival style is recognized by:
•Simple stucco and adobe styled block exteriors and colorful clay tile roofs
•Elegant arches, walkways, and gables add unique Spanish flavor to the home’s exterior
•Clearly defined geometric patterns and shapes throughout the design
•Coastal Mediterranean vegetation, including citrus and palms.

Spanish Colonial Revival Garden Style

Following the Spanish mission revival, a surge in other types of Spanish colonial architecture and landscaping arose.
This era of elegant homes and Mediterranean style estates was referred to as the Spanish Colonial Revival Style and was most popular during the 1920’s and 1930’s.

The Spanish colonial revival style is quite similar to the Spanish mission style, featuring the same stucco, terra cotta, and clay tile elements.
This architectural design is most often seen in single story structures with sprawling estates that are ideal for a custom Mediterranean landscape design.
Both of these Spanish influenced home and garden styles are evident throughout southern California, especially in Santa Barbara.

Andalusian Landscape Design

The elegant, shade-draped outdoor space of the Moroccan garden style, combined with the simple beauty of Spanish influenced design, creates the Andalusian style.
Andalusian style estates often include romantic elements of Moroccan design, along with the deep colors and mosaic accents, blended with the relaxed stucco and clay materials of Spanish architecture for another relaxed, yet intriguing, garden style that is ideal for southern California homes.

French Country Garden Style

Elegant, but relaxed, the French country garden style is natural and lush, accented with gracious curves and flowing patterns.

This naturally appealing style of landscape design resembles the beauty of the countryside with the unkempt, but stunning, display of free growing plants, like lavender, lilac, and meadows of wild flowers.
Like most Mediterranean landscape designs, the French country garden style also provides a functional and useful outdoor living area.
Vegetable and herb gardens are common elements, as well as fruit and nut bearing trees, but secluded sitting areas and romantic blooms are equally important aspects of this design.
Fragrant, country rose bushes, climbing vines full of color and fragrance, and grapevines reminiscent of French country vineyards are often included.

The many different types of Mediterranean landscape design are very similar, but each have their defining attributes that complete the overall theme of your outdoor style.

 http://www.landscape-design-advisor.com/mediterranean-landscape-design.html

Rooting Lilac Bushes

Request: Rooting Lilac Bushes

Archived on 01/17/2011

By Ellen Brown

Question:

I saw a show on TV where they spoke about rooting lilac branch cuttings. I didn't catch the whole issue, they claimed you could root from a lilac bush by soaking in water.
Is this possible and how do I do it?
Hardiness Zone: 5b
Sandra from NH

Answer:

Sandra,
Lilacs can be rooted this way. I've never tried it, but the basic premise is simple. Select a few shoots (maybe 12 inches long and the diameter of a pencil), dip the cut ends in some rooting hormone, place them in a pail of water, and wait for roots. It may be a whole lot easier and faster just to transplant some suckers. Use a shovel to dig up and slice the sucker's roots away from the mother plant, trying to preserve as much of the root as possible. Replant in the prepared location of choice, water well, and voila! New lilacs.
A third way is to root cuttings in soil. Take 6-8 inch softwood cuttings from this year's new growth. Remove the lowest leaves (leave 2-3 pairs on top), dip the cut end in some rooting hormone, and plant them in potting soil. Moisten the soil and cover them with plastic to create some humidity. You should expect to see some roots in 6 to 8 weeks.
Good luck!
Ellen   http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf000915.tip.html

Plant of the Week – Lilacs

 
I’ve decided that I am going to start posting a “Plant of the Week” blog. I am starting out with one of my absolute favorites- Lilac bushes. I can still remember smelling the Lilac bush at our family’s old cabin when I was about 4 or 5 years old. It has always been my favorite, and the cute little purple flowers will bloom for about two weeks every spring. They have a wonderful scent, and I always make sure to cut a few blooms to bring inside because they make the house smell so good.
Depending on the variety, they can grow to 10-12 feet tall, and once they are well established they will also grow to be quite large in diameter. These shrubs are very low maintenance, and will thrive in full sun and well draining soil. They aren’t too picky, and will tolerate soils from clay to sand. One of the most important things you can do to keep your lilac looking great is to prune it every year, which helps with more blooms the following season.
Lilacs are very versatile, and will work well in most yards. Considering some of the cultivars that have been developed, lilacs will grow anywhere between zone 2 all the way down to the northern parts of zone 9 (depending on the variety of course!) Also, if you really enjoy blooming Lilacs, you can always plant a large variety of them in your yard with different bloom times. That should extend your bloom time to about 6 weeks instead of the normal 2 weeks if everything works out right. Here are the bloom times of some different varieties of lilacs:
Early May
Hyacinth lilac (Syringa hyacinthiflora)
Early lilac (S. oblata)
Pinnate lilac (S. pinnatifolia)
Mid-May
Chinese lilac (S. chinesis)
Meyer lilac (S. meyeri)
Persian lilac (S. persica)
Littleleaf lilac (S. microphylla)
Common lilac (S. vulgaris)
Late May to Early June
Komarov’s lilac (S. komarowii)
Preston lilac (S. prestoniae)
Early to Mid-June
Japanese tree lilac (S. reticulata)
Peking lilac (S. pekinensis)  http://gardencorner.net/?p=78

Уход за сиренью и способы размножения

Дикая, видовая сирень размножается семенами и порослью, сортовая же только вегетативно, т. е. прививкой или черенкованием. По листьям сорта сирени мало отличаются от исходного вида, и поэтому отличить дичок подвоя от привитого сорта довольно трудно. Корнесобственные экземпляры можно также размножить отводками и порослью.

Сроки прививки те же, что и у плодовых культур, но предпочтительнее более ранние. Черенкуется сирень хуже, чем, например, розы. Черенки нарезают с полуодревесневших однолетних побегов в конце цветения. Лучше использовать тонкие обрастающие веточки из середины куста. Черенок нарезают длиной 10—15 см с 3—5 почками и с верхушечной ростовой. Успех укоренения во многом зависит от сорта. Хорошие результаты получаются в туманообразующих установках.
На постоянное место саженцы высаживают в начале осени или весной до пробуждения почек. Сирень успешно переносит пересадку с комом и летом — в июле—августе. Место прививки или корневая шейка должны быть у поверхности почвы. При посадке сирень обрезают, укорачивая однолетние или многолетние побеги. На каждом оставляют по 2—4 пары нижних почек. Мелкие и загущающие ветки удаляют на кольцо.
Цветочные почки у сирени находятся на концах однолетних побегов, поэтому при обрезке, которую производят рано весной до пробуждения почек, только просветляют крону, удаляя целиком загущающие, растущие внутрь куста ветки и слабые боковые веточки. У привитых кустов регулярно в течение всей вегетации удаляют дикую поросль, вырезая ее в месте отрастания.
Как только сирень отцветет, срезают соцветия, чтобы пластические вещества не расходовались на образование семян. Тогда они будут использованы растением на закладку цветочных почек для следующего года.
Континентальный климат высокогорий Балканского полуострова - родины сирени -обусловил ее зимостойкость, выносливость к резким перепадам температур, засухоустойчивость; открытое местообитание – светолюбивость, а особенности местных грунтов (известняковые склоны) предопределили несомненное предпочтение нейтральных или слабощелочных почв с хорошо проницаемым подпочвенным горизонтом. Сортовая сирень во многом унаследовала биологические особенности своего прародителя, поэтому и требования к агротехнике у нее такие же.
Подкармливают и поливают сирень в период интенсивного роста и цветения, т. е. ранней весной и в начале лета, а также в засуху. Не следует перекармливать растения, особенно азотом, иначе снижается их устойчивость к болезням.
При хорошем уходе сирень ежегодно будет радовать вас обильным цветением. http://www.flowers-in-home.info/lilac.html

Easy, Beautiful Window Boxes for Sun

Dress Up a Dormer

Window boxes are the perfect way to make dormers look extra special. Create lots of season-long interest with a mix of profuse bloomers, such as this verbena, and unusual foliage, such as flowering kale and sedge. That way you can enjoy the beautiful leaves and their distinct textures if the flowers take a break.
A. Sedge (Carex siderosticha 'Variegata') -- 2
B. Kale (Brassica oleracea 'Osaka') -- 2
C. Verbena 'Tuscany Violet with Eye' -- 2
D. Coral bells (Heuchera 'Pewter Moon') -- 2

Go Bold with Foliage

You can't beat coleus for gorgeously colored foliage. This mix of super-saturated leaf colors will give you a great view out -- and give your home wonderful curb appeal -- all summer long. Tip: Coleus also grows well indoors; take cuttings of your favorite varieties before the end of the season and treat them like houseplants so you can enjoy them all year long.
A. Coleus (Solenostemon 'Stained Glassworks Copper') -- 1
B. Lantana 'Dallas Red' -- 1
C. Bear grass (Xerophyllum tenax) -- 2
D. Coleus (Solenostemon 'True Red') -- 1
E. Coleus (Solenostemon 'Stained Glassworks Big Blond') -- 1
F. Licorice vine (Helichrysum petiolare) -- 1   

Pick Easy-Growing Plants

Create a "wow" look in your window boxes with double petunias. Their ruffled flowers create a lot more interest than their more traditional cousins. Enjoy their elegant blooms on the plant or snip a couple and float them in a glass of water for a wonderful little accent or summer centerpiece.
A. Petunia 'Ruffle Pink' -- 2
B. Verbena 'Aztec Raspberry' -- 3
C. Coleus (Solenostemon 'Frilly Milly') -- 1
D. Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas 'Marguerite') -- 2
E. Angelonia 'Angelface White' -- 1   

Add Drama to a Big Window

A big window needs a bold window box -- and here's a great example. This container has it all: tons of texture, depth, and dimension. It's a riot of color that'll help your home feel like it's worth a million bucks. And it's bold enough that it doesn't get overshadowed by the size of the window.
A. Bacopa (Sutera 'Bridal Bouquet') -- 4
B. Torenia 'Catalina Blue' -- 1
C. Calibrachoa 'Cabaret Purple' -- 2
D. Shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeana) -- 1
E. Heliotrope (Heliotropium 'Marine') -- 2
F. Daisy (Felicia 'Read's White') -- 2
G. Licorice vine (Helichrysum petiolare) -- 1   

Keep It Full

Sweet potato vine is a no-fail trailer that's perfect for sun or shade. It's a quick grower that adds a lush, cascading look and softens the window box it grows from. There are a number of varieties, but the standout is this golden selection that looks great combined with practically everything.
A. Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas 'Margarita') -- 2
B. Snapdragon (Antirrhinum 'Floral Showers Rose Pink') -- 2
C. Browallia 'Blue Bell' -- 1
D. Pentas 'Graffiti Pink' -- 1
E. Snapdragon (Antirrhinum 'Floral Showers Apricot') -- 1   

Use White to Add Elegance

All-white window boxes are among the most elegant you can create. They're also some of the easiest -- since you don't need to worry about your color choices working with each other. After all, white looks good with everything -- especially itself.
A. Geranium (Pelargonium 'Orbit White') -- 1
B. Ivy (Hedera helix 'Glacier') -- 4
C. Bacopa (Sutera 'Snowstorm') -- 3
D. Impatiens 'Xtreme White' -- 2   

Another Take on White

Take an all-white theme to the next level with silvery foliage. From silvery licorice vine to the artemisia shown here, silver foliage adds something special to your planting. Bonus: Light colors such as silver and white show up best at night, and seem to glow at dusk so you can enjoy them longer into the night.
A. Artemisia 'Silver Broacade' -- 2
B. Baby's breath (Gypsophila elegans) -- 1
C. Daisy (Argyranthemum 'Madeira White') -- 2
D. Stock (Matthiola 'Harmony White') -- 3
E. Nicotiana (Nicotiana 'Saratoga White') -- 4
F. Snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum) -- 2   

Enjoy a Pastel Color Theme

Like a soft rain, delicate blue lobelia flows over the side of this window box. Many types of lobelia have a tendency to fade out during the hottest summer days, so pair them with another heat-loving blooming trailer such as cascading petunia or million bells (also called calibrachoa) to keep your display looking good all season long.
A. Geranium (Pelargonium 'Bullseye Light Pink') -- 2
B. Petunia 'Supertunia Bermuda Beach' -- 1
C. Lobelia 'Riviera Blue Eyes' -- 2   

Dress Up Your Deck

Take the idea of a window box and put it on your deck rails for a brilliant burst of color. For an outstanding all-put-together look, use the same plantings on your deck as you do beneath your windows. Your friends will love your creativity.
A. Petunia 'Surfinia Patio Hot Pink' -- 1
B. Salvia 'Victoria Blue' -- 1
C. Geranium (Pelargonium 'StarStruck Lavender Pink') -- 1
D. Mum (Chrysanthemum 'Brunswick') -- 2
E. Dracaena marginata -- 1
F. Vinca major 'Variegata' -- 1   

Deck Planting, Take Two

Here's another enchanting planting to decorate your deck or your home. Because pansy is a cool-season plant, you have the opportunity to give your window box a new look as the seasons change. Don't be afraid to swap it out and replace it with a heat-loving plant such as blue angelonia to keep the drama going into summer.
A. Pansy (Viola 'Delta Beaconsfield') -- 3
B. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum 'Fordhook Favorites') -- 1
C. Lobelia 'Riviera Midnight Blue' -- 1
D. Dracaena marginata -- 1
   

Select Fun Foliage

We've always thought grasses have a fun, festive look -- and love to use them to create extra-special plantings. Here, grassy-looking flax lily's shape and zinnia's starry white flowers create the look of fireworks to give you a top-of-the-class container combo.
A. Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas 'Margarita') -- 2
B. Flax lily (Dianella tasmanica 'Variegata') -- 3
C. Zinnia haageana 'Star White' -- 3
D. Salvia guarantica 'Black and Blue' -- 2
E. New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens 'Sonic Sweet Purple') -- 3   

Look to Your Home for Inspiration

Set your window boxes apart by tying in elements of your home's architectural details. Here, for example, the window box blends seamlessly with shutters, while the salmon-shaded geranium blooms play in with the buff colors of the flagstone wall.
A. Asparagus fern (Asparagus sprengeri) -- 2
B. Geranium (Pelargonium 'Fantasia Pink Shell') -- 3
C. Fuchsia 'Angel Earrings Cascading' -- 3
D. Torenia 'Catalina Blue' -- 2
E. Salvia 'Salsa Burgundy' -- 1   

Try It on a Trellis

Trellises are a great way to give your deck, patio, or yard a little privacy. If you're not able to grow vines on your trellising, try creating a colorful display with a light window box. This moss-lined basket is filled with colorful plants that, when placed strategically, give you a double dose of screening.
A. Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas 'Margarita') -- 1
B. Impatiens 'Fiesta Rose' -- 2
C. Marigold (Tagetes 'Durango Yellow') -- 1
D. Geranium (Pelargonium 'Designer Cherry') -- 1
E. New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens 'Sonic Cherry') -- 1
F. Wax begonia (Begonia 'Prelude Scarlet') -- 1
G. Viola 'Sorbet Plum Velvet' -- 1   

Enjoy a Harvest

What could be better than reaching out to your window box and grabbing a handful of edible flowers, herbs, or vegetables for supper? Try edibles with ornamental appeal for two times the pleasure. Tip: Look for dwarf varieties, such as determinate tomatoes, so your plantings don't grow out of control.
A. Pansy (Viola 'Matrix' series) -- 3
B. Scented geranium (Pelargonium 'Rober's Lemon Rose') -- 1
C. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum 'Alaska') -- 2
D. Everbearing strawberry (Fragaria 'Ozark Beauty') -- 3
E. Bell pepper (Capsicum 'Purple Belle') -- 1
F. Johnny jump up (Viola tricolor) -- 3   

Choose Classics

Petunias and geraniums are no-fail choices for hot, sunny spots -- so fill your window boxes with their colorful blooms and know you can enjoy their display of nonstop flowers all summer long. Tip: Pay attention to the variety; many newer petunias and geraniums bloom more and with less care than older selections.
A. Ivy (Hedera helix 'Eva') -- 2
B. Petunia 'Surfinia Patio Hot Pink' -- 1
C. Geranium (Pelargonium 'Orbit White') -- 2   

Add Color to a White Wall

An all-white wall may seem like it needs an explosion of color to dress it up, but you can create an equally impressive display by going with soft, subtle shades. Petunias and geraniums are the perfect choice for adding color either way -- let your personality be your guide.
A. Geranium (Pelargonium 'Orbit Pink') -- 3
B. Swan River daisy (Brachyscome iberidifolia 'Lemon Mist') -- 3
C. Petunia Surfinia Patio White -- 2   

Mix Foliage Tones

Be bold: Experiment with fun new plants for a flashy display of color and interest. We love how this window box has mixed time-tested flowering favorites like verbena and calibrachoa with more unusual selections featuring beautiful foliage.
A. Verbena 'Peaches and Cream' -- 4
B. Calibrachoa 'Terra Cotta' -- 2
C. Flowering maple (Abutilon thompsonii 'Pictum') -- 1
D. Flowering maple (Abutilon 'Bella Deep Coral') -- 1
E. Geranium (Pelargonium 'Occold Shield') -- 1
F. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) -- 1   

Embrace Country Style

If you love country style, you can't beat the simplicity of a rustic window box filled with a few lush plants. Here, for example, purple verbena and gold licorice plant make a striking contrast against the peeling red paint on the walls. Tip: Other ways to create the country look are to pick plants with a loose, open habit and use old-fashioned or recycled containers.
A. Vinca major 'Wojo's Gem' -- 2
B. Verbena 'Aztec Purple Magic' -- 3
C. Calibrachoa 'Cabaret Rose' -- 1
D. Licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare 'Limelight') -- 2   

Make a Mock Window

Be playful with window boxes and enjoy them even if you don't have a window. This weathered box made of planking goes vertical with a vintage window frame attached to the back. The window frame is a perfect trellis for a tropical mandevilla. Bonus: Attach this to a fence and insert a mirror behind the window frame for even more appeal and the illusion of more space.
A. Mandevilla 'Alice du Pont' -- 1
B. Aster alpinus 'Beechwood' -- 3
C. Aster alpinus 'Dunkle Schone' -- 3   

Lighten a Dark Wall

Make your home sing -- even if has dark or faded shutters and siding like this one -- with a colorful window box. This one does double duty thanks to a scented geranium; its soft scent is a great incentive to open the window and enjoy some fresh air. Tip: Other plants that offer great scents include heliotrope, lavender, rosemary, and sweet alyssum.
A. Wax begonia (Begonia 'Bada Boom Pink') -- 2
B. Verbena 'Tapien Plum Frost' -- 2
C. Ivy (Hedera helix 'Eva') -- 2
D. Scented geranium (Pelargonium 'Lady Plymouth') -- 1
E: Thyme (Thymus 'Argenteus') -- 2    http://www.bhg.com/gardening/container/plans-ideas/plant-combinations-for-sunny-spot-window-boxes/

Colorful Touches for Outdoor Decorating

Outdoor Wall Art

Add color to your outdoor decorating with a fence covered with suspended flowerpots. It's wall art for your outdoor room. Start with nine terra-cotta pots and coat the bases with spray paint. Next, plot the grid arrangement and secure pot hangers to the fence. Finish by suspending pots from hangers and filling each container with brightly colored annuals or herbs.   

Poolside Patterns

Use outdoor fabric to add color and style to pool or patio furniture. Polka-dot outdoor fabric adds modern flair and durability to the chairs. A freestanding umbrella in yellow adds a pop of color to the green foliage and neutral patio backdrop.
Editor's Tip: Outdoor fabric is an ideal choice for sun-filled areas and outdoor rooms because it's waterproof and fade- and stain-resistant.   

Bright Table Toppers

Outdoor dining is a treat in warm-weather months, so make it even more special with pretty table settings. A plain table runner gets a color boost from colorful appliques. Bright tableware adds splashes of color to the table. A white awning provides shade and brightens up the space.   

Colorful Furniture

Add pizzazz to a plain deck with colorful furniture. Mix and match chairs of a similar style in a variety of colors. Here, bright pinks, oranges, blues, purples, and greens fill the deck with summer colors.   

Pretty Fabrics

Create an outdoor room with fabric. This deck's setup is similar to an indoor living room arrangement. An all-weather rug anchors the furniture, and outdoor fabrics in pretty patterns cover the plush seat cushions. The arbor serves as a wall and ceiling, and panels hang from it like window treatments. Accents such as lamps and throw pillows complete the look.

    
 

Colorful Starting Point

The home's exterior creates the perfect starting point for this patio's color scheme. Orange accents, such as throw pillows, hanging fabric, and oversize letter B, pop against the green exterior. Wood candle holders and potted plants bring the natural elements of the yard onto the patio. With plenty of seating and multiple tables, this patio is just right for enjoying bright summer days and warm summer nights.   

Patio Dining

The home's blue French doors provide plenty of bright color for this patio. Because the patio is adjacent to the home's kitchen, the simple picnic table is great for taking meals outside.   

Pretty Posts

Separate a garden from the rest of the backyard with a colorful fence. The bright green and blue hues pop against the grass and plants. The fence provides a colorful view from any angle   

Easy Solution

Colorful containers are a simple way to brighten an outdoor space. Choose pots in various colors, sizes, and textures.   

Fire Flies

Create a twinkling treescape by suspending colored-glass votive holders from low-hanging tree branches with fishing line or wire. Colorful outdoor pillows, now readily available at retail, are a simple way to pop a little color into your backyard.   

Party Atmosphere

Metal furniture is generally affordable and it gives a cool color vibe to your garden or patio. A bar cart is always ready for a party, offering up a handy serving surface.   

Sunny Accents

Small basic accessories such as this galvanized container can be brightened with paint for a personal look. To be on the safe side, don't let food come into contact with the surface unless the paint you used is labeled food-safe.   

Citrus Punch

Give your backyard a shot of summer color with accents dressed in fruit-inspired hues. This citrus-color metal bistro table is home to an apple-green hobnail-pattern glass lantern.   

Cottage Charms

An unassuming garden shed becomes a festive focal point with bold stripes and scalloped molding. Before you begin, add a coat or two of water-base primer to the facade -- it will help your creative expressions last longer.   

Double Shift

Lanterns with bright graphic designs can light up an outdoor setting even before the sun sets. After dark, turn on battery-powered lightbulbs to increase the glow.     http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/porch/outdoor-rooms/colorful-backyard-decorating-ideas/?psrc=S1104BRL4042S130_yarddecorating

From the Garden…

A great way to save money on food is to grow your own, then can what you don’t or can’t eat. Then you have homegrown, preservative free foods for the rest of the year and until your garden is up and producing again.

An even better way to save money is to have family do this then share!

Dwayne brought home a baker’s dozen of assorted goodies on Friday after visiting his brother. We now have green beans, tomato sauce, and even some lovely venison (a great alternative to beef).  http://anneonlife.com/2010/11/15/mmm-mmm-good-the-way-to-ones-heart/