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Welcome to the UK Water Feature social hub. We love sharing new and exciting garden design ideas and simple & effective gardening tips. From time to time we will post new and exciting blog posts right here on the UK Water Features social hub page. If you are more of a social media junkie then feel free to come and join us on our Facebook or Twitter pages where will have exclusive member only content such as gardening competitions and unique voucher codes specifically for our fans and followers. We would love for you to come and join in on the conversation or even start one of your own. Feel free to share your gardening design ideas, garden tips or even just to say hello.
Those who are blessed with some great space outside their homes often end up doing landscaping with greenery. Of course there is no better way to make use of the space. Considering the fact that you can have themes with your garden, there are a range of accessories that you can make use of. Every garden can be enhanced with an ornament or two. Here are some examples.
Stainless steel ornamental spheres add a touch of intrigue to any place they are set in. These stainless steel orbs come in varying sizes, which gives you the flexibility of arranging them the way you want to. Most of the spheres are made of marine grade 304 stainless steel which makes them all weather versions. They give you some amazing reflective images and even on a dull day give a look of life to your garden.
You could alternately choose to go with branded garden accessories such as Willowstone garden ornaments. These accessories come in a range of natural materials and designs, and are all crafted by hand. Before a piece actually leaves the warehouse, it is checked to make sure that every detail is executed correctly. Almost every new design takes as much as half a year to go from idea to finished product. There are a range of themes to choose from such as Victorian,Tudor, Rustic, Rose and Poppy, Marbella, Contemporary, Modern Fruit etc. No matter what the theme of your landscaping may be, there will be a design to suit you.
Solar garden ornaments are another smart invention which is functional. Outdoor lighting these days is often laid out with solar panels. This saves electricity from the grid and gives you lighting at an economical level. To enhance the experience solar garden fixtures are now ornamental in nature, which makes them an aesthetic as well as gorgeous enhancement to your garden.
If you have a water body designed into your landscaping, then the feeling of Zen can be further enhanced with the addition of Buddha garden statues. These are made from all purpose materials and can withstand the onslaught of the elements. Garden gnomes, scattered around your landscape make for a playful addition to your décor. They can be found in a variety of poses and are often a hit with the children. You can find functional ones as well, with light fixtures or dustbin provisions.
Every garden has a theme to it, but if you want yours to stand out for sheer novelty sake then you could think of adding a bit of humor to your garden. There are several items of décor that you can introduce to your garden and watch the smiles it brings on the faces of all those who pass by. Take for example garden gargoyles. They have a look of mystery around them and you could consider placing them at the entrance of your garden. They may come across as scary to others, but they do hold an element of intrigue.
An interesting addition to your garden can be Garden Ziblings. These are smaller versions and rather adorable in nature. There are different kinds of ziblings depending on what you are trying to do with them. You could use the Ambling Zibling to ward off evil spirits roaming around. Or even the Dreaming Zibling that makes for a great item to collect. There are several other kinds such as the Gazing Zibling or the Laughing and the Happy one. Each one of them has a different tone that you can choose from.
And not to forget the dog lover, there are several Dog garden ornaments that you can choose from. Take for example, the little boy and his dog. This is an eternal favorite among dog lovers. The size of the statue is just perfect for it to be placed next to a water body or near a shrub. You also have the reclining dog, or the man’s best friend model and so many more to choose from. A cursory glance online will give you a good idea of what to expect.
There are a range of garden lights that you can choose from as well. These can be battery, mains or solar power based. Either way it gives you an additional source of light in the garden, especially if you want to use the space to entertain at night. Along with these garden lights you can choose from a range of garden ornaments to help make things beautiful. You have stainless steel spheres, dragon garden ornaments, garden gnomes and lights that come in several styles that they leave you totally at a loss when it comes to making a choice.
Scope out your garden first and take a look at what will work well in it, then make a choice to suit your tastes.
During hot and dry weather in the United Kingdom up to 50% of the total water usage is used outdoors. This maybe to water plants, wash cars or even to provide drinking water for birds.
The increase in demand for water is putting a strain on natural resources. It is vital that we now find ways to conserve this valuable resource.
Saving water in your garden is an easy way to reduce your household water bills, reduce the risk of drought orders and water restrictions and also help protect garden wildlife.
Installing a water butt in your garden is both cheap and easy and will enable you to start collecting some of the thousands of litres of rainfall which fall onto the average roof every year.
With water shortages and the media now mentioning droughts in the South of England this summer now is the perfect time to buy a water butt and begin to save water and money!

UK Water Features, a lot more than just Water Features. Garden Arbours, Swing Seats, Barbecues, Solar Garden Lights and Garden Ornaments.
Looking for a post box to go with your home exterior? There are a host of options available to help you choose the best of the many varieties available. Modern day letter boxes are available in many styles and colors and serve people with diverse artistic interest and of course budget.
Modern post boxes are trendy, stylish and engineered to stop pilferage. They are sturdy, long lasting and aesthetic in their look and purpose. Stainless post boxes also provides the best service in terms of durability, function and affordability. Residential post boxes are available in many styles and cool colors. You are sure to find the perfect one for your home among the huge variety of collection available.
The steel post boxes are made from brushed, high quality stainless steel and can be accessed by key. There are top loading as well as side loading types available while all the varieties are weather resistant and rustproof. They can be wall mounted easily and come with one year warranty.
Are you looking for cheap post box models? Budget post boxes are now available in steel with a lot of color options. The features include name plate window and mail check window. They are designed to facilitate easy removal of contents from a side hinged door.
If you are in the market for an expensive designer post box, then there are some attractive options available. Stylish high end designer post boxes can be customized and made to match your exact specification. You are free to choose the styling and color and any additional features that you might like to have.
You can even order multi-occupancy post boxes now available from leading manufacturers of designer post boxes. Apartment post boxes made from high quality steel and a paint finish in a variety of colors are available from leading manufacturers. The flush designs allow multiple boxes to be fitted side by side easily or one below the other. Despite their close location, they allow easy removal of contents and are extremely convenient to use.
The letter boxes are weather proof and designed to withstand the British weather. There is no way your important mail will be damaged or affected by the damp English weather. You just have to make sure that you order your post box from reputable manufacturers. The best manufacturers will give you an extended warranty and the best prices.
UK Water Features has a huge range of garden summer essentials ranging from garden lighting, garden buildings, bbq's and water features.
Well we may not have had a winter like we did last year, but one thing for sure it was certainly a cold one. With the short days and grim weather finally coming to end, the winter season is about to drift off into the distance for yet another year.
It is officially Spring here in the UK on March 20th. It may seem a way off but believe me it will soon be here. Now is a great time to start thinking about your garden. If you are one of those people who love to spend some time in the garden then now is the time to begin your preparations and add them unique touches.
As many of our gardens may have taken a little bit of a battering from the harsh winter weather they will more than likely be in need of a little love and care. However, it is February so it may be a little on the chilly side to get out there and start pulling up weeds and cutting the grass.
A little thought and preparation needs to go into owning a beautiful garden, in most cases it is not just a case of placing a wooden garden arch in the corner and planning a few flowers. A well thought out plan is key to a successful garden design.
It is possible to enhance your garden by adding some beautiful garden features however, think carefully about their placement. Creating an eye catching focal point in your garden can be as simple as adding a collection stainless steel ornamental spheres in a flower bed or corner of your garden. Growing your own flowers and vegetables is a very traditional yet extremely effective enhancement to any garden of any size or style. Simply by growing your flowers or vegetables in a decorative garden planter or even a wooden planter will add a beautiful touch to the garden.
UK Water Features offers more than just water features with a wide range of garden ornaments, barbecues, garden furniture, garden lighting, wild bird feed and electronic pest control products.
If you are looking to add a little extra to your garden or patio area this summer then why not add some beautiful decorative garden aggregates to a flower bed or at the base of a garden water feature. These simple additions really do add so much to a small space. Simply enhancing the base of water feature for example with some decorative chippings or garden pebbles add to the overall look of the feature and help to bring out its natural beauty.

Kelkay is one of, if not the most respected name in garden features. With so much on offer, such as garden fountains, water features, decorative garden ornaments they now offer a wide range of decorative garden aggregates that are suitable for paths, driveways, ground cover, mulch, most ponds and water features, where specified by the fish friendly logo.

It really does not matter what you do in your garden, nor do in your garden looks like one thing for sure is that the addition of small and simple additions such as placing a garden aggregates in a patch of your garden certainly adds to the overall effect. The addition of decorative garden aggregates is a favourite amongst professional garden designers and is sometimes the considered to be the last touch to complete a garden.
UK Water Features has a huge range of garden summer essentials ranging from garden lighting, garden buildings, bbq's and water features.
There are many different types of bird feeders out there in the market these days. With such a wide choice, how do we know which feeder is more suited to our own needs. Well here is brief breakdown of some of the more popular types of bird feeders to help narrow it down for you.
All in all, basic seed feeders are the most recognized. We may well know them as their common designs such as hopper, trays or tubes. People tend to combine these feeders with the option of sunflower seeds or mixed seed. Different seeds attract different species of birds (very similar to humans, certain restaurants attract people with different tastes. For example you wouldn't go to an Italian restaurant if you did not like Italian food). Bird enthusiasts find the black oil sunflower seed very lucrative as it seems to attract a wide array of birds. If you have never heard of the black oil sunflower seed then is a seed that differs from those other types of sunflower seeds in that the shells are thinner and there for are easier for the birds to crack open. The kernel is generally larger than other sunflower seeds and unusually high in fat and protein. Therefore, these seeds are a good source of energy for birds.

Due to the need of keeping squirrels away from the bird food, there are various defence mechanisms that may deter these limber animals from getting near the birdseed. According to various manufactures Some seed feeders now come with devices that are weight sensitive and which will essentially shut off the access to the seeds whenever a heavy weight is detected. Other seed feeders are designed to be mounted on poles as apparently it is much harder for squirrels reach seed feeders. The simplest type of squirrel proof feeder is a tube-like feeder surrounded by a metal cage.
A suet feeder is typically similar to a metal like cage-like construction with a plastic covering that will then contain a block of suet. These types of feeders are usually used to feed species such as woodpeckers, flickers, nuthatches, and many other species of insect eaters. Suet logs are also very common. These wooden logs have holes drilled out for suet to be inserted. Suet is a high in fat energy source which will help to keep birds warm and nourished during the cold winter.


A small birdbath is also a simple way to attract as many species of birds. Yet this is still considered a feeder it is also a great place for your feathered friends to cool off and bathe in the sun this summer. Birdbaths must be kept clean, and refreshed frequently with clean water to avoid any unwanted flying insects. Hanging birdbaths are a perfect escape for any frightened bird who feels threatened at any point from animals such as cats or squirrels. Cast Iron birdbaths which sit on your garden or patio area are a perfect to attract the birds and allow you to observe them enjoying the facilities and luxuries that you have provided them.

Placement of your bird feeder is essential. We don't want other animals steeling our feathered friend’s food. Therefore, many bird feeders now a day are designed to be squirrel proof for example. The placement of a bird feeder is a perfect deterrent from squirrels to aid in preventing them from gaining access to the seed.
UK Water Features has a band new range of bird feeders, bird feed, nest boxes and birdbaths. Check them out here.
Wildlife is a great part of any garden. It is actually possible to attract various species of wildlife to your garden with a few simple additions to your outdoor space. Wildlife can be a further element to your garden that provides you with a peaceful and tranquil ambiance.

Creating a wetland area in your garden is a perfect way to attract various forms of wildlife to your garden. Creating a wetland area in your garden is a brilliant solution to dealing with waterlogged soil. Instead of abandoning these boggy areas of your garden, plant a wetland are and enjoy the many beautifully coloured birds and butterflies that it attracts. Many plants thrive in wetland conditions, including grasses, hostas, marsh marigolds, petunias, irises and lilies. It is advisable to use a diverse selection of plants in order to attract the widest variety of wildlife to your wetland garden. So long as the plants have similar flooding needs they may be planted together in a wetland area.
Simply adding a pre-formed pond to your garden is a simple yet very effective solution to creating a wetland area in your very own back garden. With various options available in a variety of sizes there really is a size that is suitable for all gardens, small or large. Pre-formed ponds and pond liners create an instant pond in your garden. They are strong and durable providing you with a satisfaction that your purchase is a long lasting one. Once the pre-formed pond is installed, filled and decorated wildlife will quickly begin coming to your garden.
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Birdbaths and bird nest boxes are also a simple way to bring wildlife back to your garden. Adding a birdbath to your garden provides your feathered friends with a place to cool off and bathe. Especially with the predicted heat wave that is set to hit the UK this weekend. There are different types of birdbaths that are suitable for all types of gardens whether yours be a contemporary garden or a more traditional garden, birdbaths ranging from cast iron birdbaths to a hanging birdbath. One of our most popular bird nest boxes is the camera nest box. A great technological nest box that provides you with a fantastic opportunity to actually experience what goes on inside the next box. It is equipped with a digital video recorder that captures all the excitement from within the box. Great for children to witness nature for themselves.
Bird feed is also a fantastic way to attract various species of birds to your garden. Many birds prefer different feed. So it may be worth a little bit of experimentation to see which birds like what. With the weather warming up and a heat wave set to hit the UK this coming weekend your feathered friends may find it a little more difficult to find a good source of food. Bird feed is a great simple addition to your garden that is sure to keep your friends happy.
Garden ornaments are a perfect addition to any garden in order to enhance the overall outdoor space. With the range of garden ornaments so wide, there is certainly one or two out there that are suitable for all types of gardens whether your garden is a modern and contemporary design or a more traditional and quaint, there are little features that will certainly add to the overall space. All in all enhancing your garden and creating a unique outdoor living space.
If you are sat in your garden one afternoon and are thinking that there is just something missing but you can not quite put your finger on it, then it may be worth considering the addition of a garden ornament. A simple, cost effective garden feature.
Over the years one of the more popular garden ornaments that people have turned to are bird baths. The addition of a bird bath to a garden is so simple and extremely versatile. It not only provides a great platform for your feathered friends to bask in the rays of the sun it is also a great ornament in your garden. With many of the bird baths especially designed to look very attractive in your garden. Bird baths are certainly suitable to be uncovered in your garden all year round with many of them being made from cast iron; they make a perfect weatherproof garden ornament.
The simplicity of creating or enhancing your outdoor living space is so easy with the addition of a garden ornament. Simply placing a set of stainless steel spheres in a corner of your garden or patio area will not only add a real attractive feature to your garden but a real focal point to an area that you are wanting to enhance. As mentioned in a previous blog post, the overwhelming popularity of the garden gnome is certainly not slowing down. Garden gnomes may not be everyone’s cup of tea, however it is safe to say that they do provide a creative and imaginative element to your garden. Perfect for children as many garden ornaments are themed. Especially with the success of the hit film Gnomeo & Juliet children are definitely taking a great interest in garden gnomes.
Simple features such as garden mirrors, wall art and garden clocks require minimal installation yet provide a great focal point to any garden, patio or decking area.
Garden arbours and garden swing sets are a great little addition to your garden a place where you can sit and relax, while creating your own little tranquil atmosphere. With the amazing weather we had over the last week, and you were unfortunately tied into cutting the grass or pulling weeds all weekend then what better way than to sit and relax after all that hard work and admire a job well done than in a beautiful hand crafted garden arbour or swing set. When picking the perfect garden arbour it is essential that you look at what you are actually getting.
We all love sitting in our garden throughout the day, and now that the nights are certainly getting longer (and warmer) what better way to sit there and unwind after a long day.
The individually hand crafted in the United Kingdom the unique Scandinavian timber that is used in garden arbours and garden swing sets are a proven sign that you are getting a quality heavy duty feature. With each garden arbour being individually hand crafted in the UK, is also a good sign that when these products were being made to the highest possible standards as none of the garden arbours or swing sets are imported or assembled on a line in batches. A large range of colours are available so you are able to tie the new garden feature perfectly with your garden. As garden arbours and garden swing sets are all fairly large features, they can sometimes be a hassle to assemble. So if you are looking for an arbour or swing set, you may be interested in ones that are flat packed. This makes them easy to assemble and short assembly time, so you can get them up and ready in no time.
Those small last touches are sometimes the key to creating a fabulous looking garden. Garden bridges are great as they can actually be used for decoration purposes as well or to get you over a small stream. Garden bridges have recently become more popular with gardens that have a more oriental feel.
Gardeners have a fair old amount of elements to consider when it comes to planting their vegetables. After a long hard and certainly cold winter, where you have had plenty of time to think about what you are wanting to plant this spring, now is the time to start putting those prized plans into action.
As we all know, the climate here in the UK is certainly not the same as the south of France. It would be nice, but unfortunately it isn’t. So we have to take into considerable consideration the variable UK climate when it comes to the right time to start preparing your garden for the planting season.
There are many types of Greenhouse Heaters, Planters and other Greenhouse Accessories you can buy to improve the growing conditions for your plants, fruit and vegetables. However they can all be very susceptible to fluctuating temperatures, humidity and lighting conditions so it’s important that you are prepared for this and that you have the necessary garden accessories incorporated into your greenhouse setup and design.
When choosing a greenhouse it is very important to choose one that matches the overall design of you garden as well as the general year round climate. For example you wouldn’t want to choose a flat roofed greenhouse if you expect a lot of snowfall throughout several months of the year. It would be much more realistic and certainly more beneficial to you to use one of the more popular, slopped roofed greenhouses where the snow and heavy rain can easily slide off eliminating any unnecessary damage.
With the overwhelming popularity of the organic food market in today’s health crazed society across the country and the increase in cost to buy an organic carrot compared to a non-organic carrot more and more people are turning to “grow your own” products. If you have the space to grow your own fruits and vegetables then why not invest a little to save a lot. If you enjoy eating organically grown vegetables with your Sunday dinner however are not much of a fan for paying the through the roof prices that the supermarket chains are slapping on them then now might be a good time to consider growing your own. Your Sunday dinner will taste even better knowing that you have put the hard work in to grow the food which is on your plate. Incredibly several statistics have shown that the average price is roughly 35%-45% higher on Organic products across the UK. When you look at in those terms, it seems silly not grow your own and save some of that hard earned money on the weekly shop.
If you are considering growing your then there are many choices of planters that will suit the needs from the beginner gardener to the up most experienced. Growing your own vegetables can be both fun and rewarding. Get your children involved in the process; we all know how kids love to be in the garden helping mum and dad which all in all is helping them maintain a good healthy and balanced diet, and you never know having your kids help grow their vegetables may make them want to eat them.
As we are all probably aware the Royal wedding is coming up, just in case you aren’t then it is on Friday April 29th 2011. That being said, there is not that long left for you to finish your preparations (4 weeks to be exact) so now is the time to double check you have everything in place and keep those fingers crossed the weather holds out so we can all enjoy this memorable moment.
A barbeque is always a popular one when it comes to outdoor parties. If the weather is nice, then a bbq is the way forward. With the Royal Wedding on a Friday, and a majority of us been given the day off of work it is a perfect time to invite some friends round to enjoy some succulent burgers and juicy chicken wings whilst watching the wedding from the comfort of your own home. Gas barbeques tend to be the more popular choice with consumers as these have a very large cooking area. However, if you prefer to be different to the ‘in crowd’ then a masonry bbq may be more to your liking as this is not only a barbeque but a permanent feature and a real focal point in your garden. I am personally more of a traditional person, so my bbq preference lies with the good old charcoal barbeques as I feel food grilled on a charcoal bbq has that distinct grilled flavour.
With the clocks going forward last week we are getting longer daylight hours, so our party can go on into the night while we enjoy that little bit of extra sunshine. However once that sun drops below the horizon temperatures may drop a little causing it to get a little on the chilly side. We don’t want to be sat outside in the cold, eating those perfectly grilled burgers shivering do we? So if we want to enjoy the evening then we are going to need to think about some sort of outdoor heating. Patio heaters are a great and simple addition to any outdoor living space and provide ample amount of heat to warm up a small area under the patio canopy.
The final touches to your outdoor party are also important. It may be a good idea to add a few outdoor lanterns to set a small amount of illumination and a mellow relaxing evening ambiance to calm the evening.
Let’s not get caught up in with the little things like barbeques and garden lighting and forget about the entertainment! Being a good host it is necessary for you to provide some entertainment (for when the wedding is not on). Some popular activities such as garden games such as Tug-of-War, swing ball, football, volleyball, basketball, cycling, face-painting, musical chairs, dancing competitions and karaoke. Don’t forget it is important to try to involve everyone in the fun and games so chose activities that are suitable for all. End the night in style and show your patriotism by setting off a few St. George sky lanterns, and remember this is an historic event to be remembered for years to come, have fun!!
Well with the weather certainly warming up we thought it would be a great idea to add a few new products to our already extensive line. Last week we added a large range of premium garden play features.
We all want our kids to be fit and healthy so it is important that we take a note of the key health benefits of encouraging an active lifestyle while keeping it fun and entertaining. A simple trampoline can amuse children (sometimes adults) for endless hours. Not only will they be outdoors enjoying the sunshine they will be bouncing their way to a fit and healthy lifestyle while having great fun along the way. Trampolining is not only great fun it is also a great way to encourage outdoor play and exercise all year long. With safety a priority, there is a selection of various enclosures for safe bouncing. If trampolining is not exactly what you are looking for, there is good news. Trampolining is not the only outdoor garden play feature that promotes any sort of outdoor play, both wooden and metal swing sets are great ways to encourage some outdoor activity along with activity centres and playhouses, which are exceptionally good for building strong creative and social skills.
Any sort of outdoor activity whether it be bouncing on a trampoline, playing in a sand pit or even playing with football with dad are all great ways to get your kids out there and enjoying an active lifestyle. With technology constantly getting more and more advanced, video games are becoming more appealing. So now is the time where we need to make that little extra effort to promote some outdoor fun and games and get our children outside. Providing a fun filled, safe environment for kids to play is a great way to get your child outdoors and out from under your feet for when those school holidays are in full swing (no pun intended).
Well you might have thought that the era of the garden gnomes was in the past, which it was. However with the overwhelming success of the recent hit Disney film Gnomeo & Juliet it seems like the gnomes, are back in business!
Garden Gnome sales have increased significantly over the past few months as more and more people are keen to add these rosy faced characters to their garden causing these ornaments to be the 'in thing' at the moment. Adding a garden gnome to your garden especially at this time of the year is a simple and now fashionable way to add a little colour and life to your garden. With the cold drab weather coming to an end and spring season beginning to roll in, now would be a perfect time brighten up your garden or patio area with a little character with our top selling grow your own gnome ornament.
If garden gnomes still aren't your cup of tea, then the alternative for adding some simple personality and colour to your garden would be the addition of a cheeky rascal ornament. These are similar to garden gnomes however have that extra cheeky personality. Each rascal comes with it's own unique story to tell and with a large range there really have a collection for all. These simple ornaments will blend in at the side of any water feature or flower bed perfectly but will stand out just enough to get noticed and add to the cosy feeling of your garden.
All in all if you are wanting to be with the 'in crowd' then you are going to need to add a gnome or two to your garden soon, especially if there are any roumours of a sequel...
Halloween in the UK is following the trend across the pond and more and more families are going the extra mile and decorating homes and gardens along themselves ready for the frights that await on the 31st October.
Adding a Mister to a bucket or area of water can instantly create a realistic looking witches cauldron.
Misters work using a metal and ceramic disc which vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency. The vibrations excite the water molecules turning them into water vapour mist. It doesn't use any chemicals making it safe for children and pets.
Our best selling mister is the Midi External Mister
Gardens are often considered extensions of the home; an outdoor room so to speak. When creating the right ambiance in the garden area one should not forget about lighting which is necessary for enjoyment of this space at all times of the day or night.
Garden lighting illuminates the darkest spaces especially so you can enjoy the darker nights in your garden when the nights draw in but also helps to create an inviting place to bring family and friends. There is a wide variety of lighting fixtures to choose from when planning how you will light this most desirable space.
Since you will be placing lighting in the out doors for your garden, choosing lighting that is designed for outdoor use is a must. Placing strings of lights on trellises provides much needed illumination so that you will be able to see what you are doing and the faces of those who are around you, but you may wish to create a specific feel in your garden area.
If that is the case you may choose to place statuary with embedded lights for the desired effect. This might be in the form of small animals or human figures. Solar lighting is another good choice especially when electricity is not readily available to a specific area of the garden. Candles, lanterns and decorative torches are another great way to light your garden but for safety reasons should never be left unattended when lit.
Most people treat their gardens as a place of beauty, serenity, and life. When you combine all three of these elements, you come up with a slate monolith. While there are many different types of water features you can put in your garden, very few can compare to the beauty and peacefulness of a slate monolith. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colours, so finding one that fits your garden would be a breeze.
Even if you don't use your slate monolith as the main centrepiece of your garden, it will still seem to breathe new life into the atmosphere. Nothing is more peaceful-sounding than running water, and when that sound is combined with the beauty and smell of the life around you it can complete any garden theme. While you can get that same basic sound with any old water feature, nothing quite pulls it all together like a beautiful slate monolith.
While a slate monolith may seem very simply in design (it is basically just a slab of beautiful rock), the uniqueness of such a water feature astounds even the most experience landscaper. You can find one that fits just about any budget, and once you place it in your garden and see it in its majestic glory, you will realize what a good investment it was. What’s more is that they are sourced from Wales.
Garden lighting is quickly becoming one of the more prominent home improvement products sold today. These lights are simple to place and come in many different designs and styles.
To take advantage of the greatest use of garden lighting the placement of the lights are one of the top crucial factors in the decision. These lights can be placed for security purposes or for their aesthetic purposes. Some garden lights are so easy to install that the owner can move and place them several times.
Lighting developed for outdoor use will help with safety in the garden to not only illuminate pathways but offer security by illuminating darkened corners in the garden. These lights do not need to be high powered ones to do the job efficiently. Solar light strings and even single light lanterns are beautiful in design and offer the same security as the higher priced ones. LED lights are a favourite in groups of individuals who enjoy saving the planet as well as saving of money. These lights only require the sun to power them. This means that the only investment into this type of garden light will be the initial purchase. These garden lights are pleasing to the eye as well as perform their job just as well as other types of lighting do.
Installing a garden building in your favourite outdoor area can be a great way to utilise a beautiful space that may otherwise only be used for visual appeal. The variety of buildings available as storage spaces, greenhouses and even outdoor rooms can become an extension of your house with a hallway of luscious landscaping. Whether you’re looking for an office within peaceful surroundings, a personal gym or a guesthouse, the options on what to do with a garden building are endless.
There are a variety of garden buildings such as summer houses, gazebos, outdoor benches and arbours amongst others that will accommodate your personal needs and create a space that is ideal for your lifestyle and garden. The creation of a garden building expands your usable space as an addition to you house without the inconvenience of tearing apart your existing home. By putting up a garden building of any sort you are expanding the practical space around your home while creating an ideal location for your desires that nestles within your favourite natural place. Whether you are looking to expand your storage capabilities, find a place for a home office or create an additional room for guests or older children, the design of your very own garden room can accommodate all your requirements.
Are you searching for ways to make your ordinary gardening area “pop”? With the use of garden ornaments and solar lighting, you can turn these plain areas into breath-taking views around your home. Simple decorating and lighting additions can turn your gardening areas into a unique, one-of-a-kind sanctuary that defines who you are.
For personalised touches, you can add stepping stones that feature poems and special sayings that may represent a time or person who is in your life. Gazing balls can help to create focal points that allow you to just sit and ponder the special moments that you would like to relive, even if only in your mind and heart. Fountains and waterfalls provide a sense of tranquillity that seems to be missing from the chaos of everyday life.
With the use of solar lighting, it is possible to enjoy your gardening areas during the evening hours as well. Available in many different designs, solar lighting can be used to line pathways to your garden, be installed within the gardening area itself or used to accent your various garden decorations. These solar lights are simply placed where you will get the most benefits from them. There are no complicated wires or electrical hook-ups that need to be installed.
So as you can see, using gardening decorations and solar lighting have many great benefits. The designs and uses are limited only by your imagination. So get creative, and enjoy the visual beauty you can create with your own two hands.
Most homeowners agree that there is never enough space to keep their belongings. They also agree that clutter detracts from the value of the property. That’s why garden storage sheds are so popular. They serve as a valuable space to store the lawnmower and other gardening equipment and furniture as well as belongings that just won’t fit in the home or garage.
No matter what type of garden building you choose as an addition to the garden space, to add value to the property it must blend into the garden design as well as being functional.
When planning the storage shed, don't limit the function with a boring design. The addition of windows and shelves will allow the storage shed to be used as a potting shed for the gardener, a playhouse for children, and a larger garden storage shed can even be converted to a workspace for a writer or artist.
The garden storage shed will enhance the value of the property and the design of the garden if it is painted to complement the home. A quaint garden bench and some potted flowers in the shade of the storage shed will add an inviting, peaceful, relaxing outdoor area to the garden.
Add functionality, beauty and value to your outdoor space with a garden building. From a garden shed to an additional summer bedroom, garden buildings can a bit of luxury to your property.
Depending on the materials used and the design of the structure, a starter garden building can be planned for almost any budget. A handy home owner can turn the construction of the building into a do it yourself project. Garden building kits are available to make the process easier if time is a concern. An ambitious project can be outsourced to a contractor.
Choose the type of garden building that best serves your lifestyle now while remembering that circumstances change with time. A garden building intended to serve as a playhouse for the children can serve as a storage area; a gardeners shed or even a studio in the future.
A larger storage shed, built with quality windows and entry ways can be converted to a summer guest house with the addition of partitions or even a loft. The addition of a porch or deck will add an entertainment area to your outdoor space.
A garden building can be used to add privacy to your outdoor spa, block the view of an unattractive neighbouring property or just serve as a shaded area to relax in.
Perhaps, the first thing that will come into your mind when you hear the words “garden shed” is storage. Traditionally, garden sheds are indeed just storage. A outdoor garden building is commonly built to store the lawnmower, children's inflatable pool, ladder, and other items that are considered as clutter. The extra items you have that are unable to fit inside your garage or basement are also stored in the building. It is sometimes used to store flower pots, fertilizers, and gardening tools, as well. A garden shed is generally plain-looking. In addition, it is often made of wood, metal, or plastic.
However, as times have passed, garden sheds have also improved. Today, these buildings are no longer merely storage houses anymore. They can already be used for a variety of purposes. One of the most obvious purposes of a modern garden building is for display, such as a swing seat. A lot of people nowadays are considering having garden houses in their gardens and backyards due to the additional value they provide. Yes, if you will notice, houses that have garden sheds are more expensive than those that have none. Modern garden sheds are aesthetically appealing, and they always manage to attract the attention of guests.
Another wonderful purpose of a garden shed is to house flora. Yes, you can place your collection of plants and flowers in your outdoor building. You can even turn it into a mini greenhouse. Since all your garden tools, seeds, and fertilisers are in the building anyway, why don’t you maximize the space? Utilising your garden shed as a house for plants is really amazing and practical, especially during the months when you are getting ready for spring and starting to grow your plants indoors. You have to modify the roof, though. You will need to use fibreglass panels, so your plants can grow well. Moreover, you can install a gas heater and an exhaust fan if you want to use your garden shed as a greenhouse all year long.
Then, you can also use your garden shed as a hobby shed. The purpose of this is to provide you with a place wherein you can go on with your woodworking hobby safely and freely. This is especially true if you have small children who are fond of running around whenever you are working on your masterpiece. If you paint your wooden shed properly, you can also control the dust. You can even add heaters, so you can use it even during the winter season. Moreover, you can use your outdoor building as an office. Here, you will have the peace and quiet that you desire. You will also have a safe place wherein you can store your office materials neatly.
Furthermore, you can use your garden shed as a bar or even as a guest house. Well, this is if your outdoor garden building is spacious enough. If your house does not have an extra room to accommodate a guest for an overnight stay, this will be the perfect place to offer. Also, if you are going to host an evening party, your garden will be the best place. You will be able to show off your beautiful plants and flowers, and you will be able to have an accessible bar nearby.
A BBQ is a great idea for entertaining at your home this summer. You will love being able to invite friends over telling them that you will cook out dinner for them. It can be a great experience for all. Sit a few chairs out in the garden and cook dinner. Enjoy a nice drink and conversation with your mates while you eat. A BBQ is always an investment that you won't regret purchasing for yourself. You will wonder to yourself why you never bought one before this year. It is always a great way to bring people together. It is an easy way to entertain. A BBQ should last you several years so this investment will be worth it over time.
Imagine all of the things that you can cook on your BBQ. Fixing steaks, shrimp, and chicken are all great ideas. You can spice them up a little if you would like that better. There are so many different things that you can cook on the BBQ. Don't be afraid to try new things. Pineapple is great cooked outside. You will be happy with all of the new flavours that you come up with for your meals. Enjoy the atmosphere of eating outside and have a good time.
The first question you may find when purchasing a BBQ is whether you want to buy a gas or charcoal BBQ. Both gas and charcoal come with several disadvantages and advantages that may influence your final decision.
Convenience of the product tends to be a heavy influence, but one that does not exactly make the grill a good choice. Gas BBQs tend to be more convenient than charcoal grills. Gas BBQs require you to simply turn on the grill, the fire comes up, and you are ready to go. Gas BBQs are great for those individuals who want to come home after work and grill hamburgers for dinner. With the ready to go model, the food does not benefit from that great smoky flavour from the charcoal grill. Charcoal grills provide foods a nice, rich smoky flavour that you just cannot achieve with gas grills. This is most evident in steak and chicken that is grilled. Hotdogs and hamburgers do not benefit well from the smoky flavour, as it seems to be more difficult to notice. The gas BBQ is also extremely easy to clean because it does not contain ashes or charcoal stains like the charcoal BBQ does.
Location is also an influential factor when choosing a BBQ. You may want to have your BBQ right next to your house, but the chances of flare up may keep you from doing so. Flare up is the rise of flames above the grill that occur after starting the BBQ. A charcoal BBQ does not contain a flare up. Charcoal BBQ require a small fire to start the BBQ, and the fire typically remains low and around the charcoal. A gas BBQ usually contains a large amount of flair up. Flair up can result in a house fire, so it is recommended to keep the gas grill away from the home structure.
Cost can also make or break the sale of a BBQ. Charcoal BBQs tend to be the least expensive to purchase. These units are generally smaller, but they do require the constant purchase of charcoal. Charcoal is rather inexpensive, so most people do not mind spending the additional money. Gas BBQs are generally the most expensive, but they can also include features such as a side burners or rotisseries, and have a far more attractive appearance. Although there are additional styles, like smoking food, these require grill parts that are purchased separately. Gas BBQs require a gas tank to be purchased and installed. These tanks usually need to be replaced every year; possibly more often if it is used daily. The gas BBQ allows the griller to have instant heat, at the turn of a switch. With gas, the griller also has the ability to control the heat to ensure the heat remains constant. Gas barbeque grills can be extremely difficult to assemble because they require a lot of small parts to operate. Charcoal BBQs usually come in three to five large pieces and are very easy to assemble.
You’ve create the perfect garden, a wonderfully serene environment to relax in after a hard day’s work and entertain friends. You’ve now come down to the finishing touch, the garden lighting and don’t want to go to the expense and hassle of hiring an electrical contractor. There is an alternative and a way to Install Your Garden Lights Easily and efficiently, you can use the power of the sun with solar lighting. Solar lighting is free to run and the quickest and easiest way by far to light up the beauty of your garden.
I know you’re thinking that we don’t get enough sun in the UK for solar lighting however many of today’s solar products include rechargeable batteries, enhancing performance for even the most inconsistent UK weather conditions.
You can choose from a wide array of styles like traditional hanging lanterns, which can hang on your home to light a flowerbox. Adding spot lighting is as simple as driving a short plastic stake into the ground and letting the power of the sun do its thing. Some UK companies offer the ultimate in lighting ease with simple decorative and portable glass lamps and string of lights that can be placed on a table or strewn on a wall. With today’s battery enhanced solar lighting, adding garden lighting couldn’t be easier.
Creating an outdoor living space is one of the most common objectives on the home to-do list. Creating an outdoor entertainment area with paving stones and friendly garden furniture is actually a simple task to complete.
The main objective is to create a beautiful and enjoyable area. Use the paving stones as a way to maintain focus on a specific area. You can lay these stones out in any pattern you decide, so consider laying them out in a manner which defines an area. This can be done by simply laying all the stones out in a horizontal layout, and switching up to a vertical layout for your entertainment area.
Including some friendly and fun furniture will be a great feature in your outdoor space. Be sure to include multi purpose furniture such as a sitting wall, and a fire pit with a sitting wall around it. This type of furniture can provide additional seating just by adding a comfortable pad. This is incredibly beneficial if more people show up than you originally planned to entertain. Be sure to include a few easily accessible tables to place drinks and plates, and plenty of furniture that will allow guests to kick back and relax.
Adding a few small plants can be the perfect touch to tying an area together, giving it an additional beauty factor.
Garden lights can be great for adding some details to a garden or for creating a sense of security for a home. They come in several different varieties and at affordable prices. A session with a consultant is not necessary with a do-it-yourself mentality and a little inspiration from a visit to a home improvement store.
There are several things to consider when choosing garden lights. The most important factors are safety and security. The lights need to be clear and bright enough to light walkways at night. Time in the garden can be extended, too, with the right lighting. Also, garden lights can increase the overall security of a home because intruders are more likely to stay away from lit places. After considering that, the choice of lights are purely aesthetic. Be sure to avoid over-lighting and save colored lighting for special occasions. Spotlights are great for accentuating specific features of a garden but can be bad for eyes at night if they are used to light walkways. LED lights are great overall because of they have longer lives and they use less energy.
Regardless of whether the garden lights will be solely for atmospheric or functional purposes or both, choosing the right lights can be fun and easy.
Garden lighting fixtures can be used to illuminate areas for the comfort and convenience of visitors and to compliment plants and water features.
Lighting fixtures along paths and shining on areas of pedestrian traffic need to be placed in a way that illuminates the area but should not be overly bright. They should be installed in a configuration that does not shine directly into the eyes but still gives appropriate lighting.
Many garden lights are controlled by a timer or solar cell that turns them on and off automatically, eliminating the need for switches and special wiring. Less frequented areas are a good location for motion sensor lights that can be set to turn on when approached. They are designed to ignore animals and can be adjusted to stay lighted for various periods of duration.
Solar powered lights, which depend on the sun recharging them each day, need to be in an area where they can gather full sunlight into their solar cells. Other areas can be illuminated with low voltage or standard voltage lighting.
Gas lights are available for garden lighting, but care must be taken to have the lines that feed them properly installed. They should be placed in such a way that they will not interfere with future cultivation. The same caution should be observed when installing wiring for electrical lighting.
Lighting fixtures should be installed in such a way that they do not draw attention to themselves during daylight hours. Placing them behind rocks or statuary and tucking them in behind plants serves well as long as they are kept properly trimmed to avoid overgrowth.
At night, they should compliment the plants they illuminate and should be of proper wattage so they are not too bright in relation to other lights in the garden.
Trees and large plants create a pleasurable appearance when their limbs and branches are illuminated with up lights, but caution should be taken so that the area is not over illuminated.
In areas where other gardens are in close proximity, care should be taken so lights do not invade neighbors' windows or interfere with other garden lighting.
Choose lighting that highlights the favoured areas of the garden, and select subdued lighting for areas of less interest or importance. A transposition from light to dark is a good design feature as long as proper lighting for walking safely is preserved. Small lights that illuminate the earth or stones along a path serve this purpose well.
Water features offer an excellent area for lighting to be creatively placed. Underwater lighting is available in many variations and is especially attractive in a small pond with fish swimming about. Care should be taken to use lighting that is properly installed and is specifically designed to be placed underwater.
Waterfalls and fountains totally change in appearance when lighting is added to their areas of the garden.
Both natural light and lights of various colours can make water features the focus of attention or an attractive background for plants.
Choosing Lighting For Your Garden can be an enjoyable experience and can be done over a period of time stretching out the cost and allowing designing as the seasons change.
Chinese Sky Lanterns are ideal for your garden. In fact, they make excellent decorations at a very economical price. Chinese sky lanterns are actually thousands of years old. They were used by Asian culture in celebrations that welcomed the New Year. The Chinese sky lanterns, which are also known as paper lanterns, were released into the sky to signify a release of all the peoples worries into the night sky while also welcoming the new year. Now in modern times many cultures are fascinated by the beauty of the Chinese sky lantern and wish to incorporate it into their garden decorations. The lanterns would work well in an Asian inspired garden. Use the decorations to add instant exotic Asian glamor to a bland garden setting. The lanterns are very welcoming to guest and set a very festive mood.
Some might assume that the Chinese sky lanterns are unsafe. This is not true. They are very safe if handled properly. The idea that they might not be safe is often attributed to the lanterns construction. The lanterns are usually constructed with rice paper and held together with a bamboo frame. A small candle is placed inside the structure. The lantern then rises as long as the heat from the flame keeps it afloat in the air. Once the flame goes out the lantern descends. Chinese sky lanterns are quite safe as long as they are watched closely. Chinese sky lanterns are manufactured in an array of shapes sizes and colors. And it should be quite easy to find several lanterns that fit your garden theme.
Everyone loves an outdoor party in the Summer. However, there is nothing that can be more of a disappointment than a party that has to be cut short because it gets dark. Just because the night falls, does not mean that the party should have to end there. A party should last as long as the people are still having a good time. A great way to avoid something like this from happening is to accessorise your garden with lights for an outdoor party. These garden lights will allow you to party all night if that is what you wish to do. they are a very stylish way to provide your guests with the light that they need to keep the party going for a long as they want to.
There are many fun and creative ways that you can add lights to your outdoor garden or patio. If you are looking for a temporary lighting system, for example, Chinese lanterns are a great thing for you to consider. These paper style lanterns add a soft glow and a great deal of style and fun to any outdoor occasion. They come in a wide array of shape and colors and are very inexpensive to acquire. This is just one of the fun ways that you can spread a bit of light on your outdoor party. There are many other ways that are great as well. By doing a small bit of research you will find that there are many wonderful ways that will available to you.
Imagine you have friends or family over enjoying a sunny, warm day when, before you know it, the time gets away from you, and you are watching the sun sink slowly below the horizon. That is usually when the party winds down, and your guests begin to leave not wanting to catch a chill in the night air.
But a chilly evening doesn’t have to spell the end of your lovely time together, not when you have a patio heater ready to fire up at a minute’s notice. Patio heaters come in a variety of styles using various mediums for heat. The gas patio heaters offer a clean and efficient way to heat an area that will warm up to 15 of your guests at one time, leaving no one out of the fun.
For a more rustic addition to your garden, you may want to consider a ceramic or metal Chiminea patio heater or a firebowl which allows you to safely burn wood as a source of heat. Imagine the smell of seasoned wood as you sit around a blazing fire telling stories and sharing a few more laughs before you finally call it a night.
If it’s just heat you’re interested in, a parasol patio heater or an electric stand patio heater may be more to your liking. Whatever style you choose, adding a patio heater to your outdoor space or garden will definitely add another dimension to the way you entertain outdoors during the cool evening hours.