February 2012

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee which marks 60 years of the Queen’s reign takes place later this year. The Diamond Jubilee Central Weekend is scheduled to be held from 2^nd to 5^th June, 2012. Buckingham Palace is making preparations for coordinating the events the details of which are being awaited by the public enthusiastically.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is going to trigger off celebrations of monumental magnitude across the UK. Official as well as private parties are sure to take place on a scale that has not been witnessed in recent times. You too can make arrangements to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in style in your own backyard with an unforgettable garden party.

Since it is an once-in-a-lifetime celebration, you must make sure that the party is grandiose on all levels. If you have chosen your luxurious garden as the venue to throw the party on the big day, it is imperative to have luxury garden furniture to create the right impact on your guests.

There are few things that you can do with lighting to create the right ambiance. Solar garden lighting is a good option to choose to make sure that your garden, walkways and patios decks remain well lit even after dark. There are a variety of solar garden lights to choose from that includes hanging types, stake mounted and wall mounted.

Brushwood screen fencing is a great way to keep unwanted eyes from snooping into your exclusive celebrations. Your Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations are an event for your friends and family. The bamboo screening can be attached to existing fences and stone walls, chain link or even arbours. They are made of vertical bamboo slats and acts as a natural screen giving a completely natural look to your garden.

The food for such an exclusive occasion must be special too. To add your own touch of exclusivity, you can order an outdoor masonry BBQ or 3 burner gas BBQ which can be assembled in a jiffy. There are models that come with ready mix mortar and in a terracotta coloured table. They are designed for use with charcoal.

The arrangement can be completed with some truly exquisite luxury garden furniture which can be ordered from any leading garden furniture store or from online resources. Now you are ready to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in style with a garden party that has all the elements of luxury in it and of course some delectable and choicest foods and drinks.

Finding it difficult to grow exotic plants naturally in your garden? Well, the next best option available is to fake it. There are many garden owners faced with the same predicament but have found fakes to be the ideal solution for overcoming the problem.

Topiary balls can be an attractive option to consider when it comes to decorating your garden. Artificial topiaries can make attractive decorative items at parties. You can make your own topiary with materials that are easily available. It is easy to make and will live much longer than a topiary made from a living plant.

There are many fake topiary plants to choose from including outdoor and indoor topiaries. It is an ancient form of art which can be easily replicated in your home or even as a commercial venture because the demand for these plants is large. Artificial topiaries are used in various decorative arrangements for garden parties for welcoming guests and to lend more colour and foliage.

Artificial topiary is in great demand especially the silk topiaries. They provide a great decoration option and can fit into multiple designs and landscapes. You can choose among the bay leaf topiary, ivy topiary and of course the silk topiary which requires virtually zero maintenance. They are available in the latest designing trends.

Artificial topiary plants can also be used in home and office interiors to eliminate that drab, monotonous look and infuse an element of greenery and freshness. It is the ideal way to make use of the greenery without having to undergo the trouble of maintaining these plants. The artificial plants feature soft natural looks and bring the warmth and pleasant look of the outdoors into your homes. Decorating with topiary plants is one of the easiest ways to spruce up the look of your drawing room or conference hall.

There are many people who love greenery but don’t really mind using fakes as long as they look completely natural. Beautiful blooms that look as good as, if not better than, originals are available nowadays and at prices that are wholly affordable. Ivy topiaries that are tall and have thin stems with wispy tops can dramatically alter the looks of your place. They are not like your usual stiff and stuffy artificial, they look naturally green and lively.

The only difference between real and artificial topiary is only the smell factor. They don’t smell like fresh herbs but there is no denying the fact they look so very real and more importantly they will last for years to come.

Are you looking to bring a little structure to your garden this spring? There are many ways of sprucing up the look of your private garden but it must be done with a lot of care and detailed planning.

You can start off with a wooden garden arch to add a touch of rustic charm to your garden. They can also be used to create a pathway between two areas of your garden you want to demarcate. Garden arches made of top quality timber will give you a feature that will last for years to come.

Garden swing seats of various shapes and designs are also great garden accessories to give your garden that dramatic change in looks. You must remember that buying hand crafted seats or swing seats takes time and consideration so don’t rush into the job. You must have a closer look at the shape for it is important to feel absolutely comfortable and relaxed. After all that is the reason why you are looking to invest in exclusive garden furniture.

Another great way to make your garden look graceful and attractive is to add a garden pergola. They can be a useful way to add structure to your garden. More often than not, these pergolas capture the attention of visitors for their beauty and style. It can be a natural focus point of your garden and can be used either as a decorative material for screens or to support climbing plants.

There are other ways of bringing a little structure to your garden this spring. A wooden planter will not only help you create a bed to grow your favourite plants but will also enhance the looks of your garden space significantly. They can fit in any corner and comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. Most of them are made of pressure treated wood and are hence durable and fit to endure rough climes and conditions.

You can protect the wood by lining the inside of the planters with plastic and securing it in place with small nails. Don’t forget to make provisions for adequate drainage before filling it with soil and compost.

A garden arbour is another fantastic way to enhance the aesthetic appearance of your garden. Arbors can draw immediate and admiring attention from visitors to your place. They allow creepers and vines to gradually wrap around them, creating a look that can improve the look of your garden by several notches.

You can consult landscaping or gardening experts to get more input if you want to bring a little structure to your garden this spring. 

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.  

Every Friday we run a simple competition on our Twitter page where our customers and friends can all take part. This past Friday we asked everyone 'what there all time favourite gardening tip was'. We received some excellent tips and ideas from hundreds of people.

With Spring right around the corner, many of us will start planting within the next few weeks so we thought it would be a great idea to put some of your gardening tips to share with everyone. 

When it comes to gardening, we want to get it right. Here are 10 top gardening tips from our followers on Twitter. 

1. It is a good idea to place bird feeders in your garden and keep them stocked up on fresh bird feed throughout the season. Providing bird with fresh clean water is also a advised. Having birds in the garden will help reduce the number of insects and slugs who will sabotage your crops. 
2. If you are into vegetable growing it is advised to never put your 'show leeks' out until June. The reason for this as we all live in the United Kingdom where weather is slightly unpredictable and we may see a late freeze during the Spring season. 
3. When growing vegetable it is advised to move plant plots and planters from year to year to make best use of natural nutrients provided by the surrounding soil. 
4. In preparation for growing this season, a top tip is to place your small seed pots on a quick was cycle in the dishwasher in order to disinfect the pots. 
5. Try to not fuss too much about your growing strategy. Leaving things to grow with out preening too much increases your success rate more than being to controlling. 
6. The use of egg shells to deter slug's, simply placing them in the soil will protect your plants and vegetables. 
7. Placing some old carpet with pre cut holes on top of a flowerbed and then covering it with soil. Planting on top of this helps to reduce weeds & retain moisture.
8. Another top tip for vegetable growers is to grow your carrots inside of containers. This will reduce the chance of your crop being attacked by fly's and other insects. 
9. Give Summer-flowering clematis a hard prune. It sounds a little drastic, however the plant will put on rapid new growth during the Spring season. 
10. Take advantage of the discount stores, it is possible to have a beautiful garden even on a limited budget. Online garden centres are able to offer lower prices on garden accessories than your local or standard stores. 

There we have it, 10 selected top gardening tips from our loyal followers on Twitter. Come and join in on the conversation this Friday where we will have a new question and a new prize up for grabs.

UK Water Features has everything you need for your garden in one online gardening store. Stocking a large range of gardening accessories, planters, greenhouses and much more. 

With winter on its way out and spring slowly making its way in, this is now the right time to get that gardening equipment you had stashed away and prepare your garden for the burst of color that this season brings. This is the time you get rid of all your winter plants that have run its course. It is time to prep those garden beds, put in new flowering plants and a fresh batch of nice summery vegetables. Along with prepping your garden up for the show of colors that will soon happen, you can also change the way it looks. Introduce elements that are aesthetic while being functional.

For those home gardens that are constantly low on space, you could think of bringing in a 4- tier greenhouse. It will stand perfectly against the wall and will serve as the perfect place to start germinating those plants. It comes with an easily removable cover and four shelves, giving you the space and flexibility you will need to tend to the plants. Assembling a stand like this does not need an expert and in fact requires no tools as well. It’s the ideal place to start growing your vegetable garden.

If you live in a fenced home, you will understand how unsightly the fences can get when you have a beautiful green garden in front of it. If you would like to cover than up, you could think of investing in bamboo screening panels that are usually available in a 6X6 standard size that can easily open up in one of your fence walls. All you have to do is attach these panels to your existing fence and you will have a great background on which to show off those creepers. Almost instantly you will have a perfect setting for a garden.

Another element that will be of great use in a garden cramped space or not, is garden planters. You could choose a few of the classic 34” trough wood styled versions which come with stain resistant woodwork. This works well in a garden where water is of course a constant. The heavy frame will keep things in check and you can easily put it together from the box without the worry of something falling apart. These are perfect for flowering plants and for a range of vegetables you might want to grow.

And finally, to bring in a bit of nature, do introduce a bird bath in your garden. There is nothing like waking up to the sound of grateful chirping birds that have come down for a drink or a bath. 

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.  

There is something about water that can calm even the most stressed person. It is perhaps the one reason why we all look forward to a steaming shower after a long day, or love to feel the sand at our feet as we watch the sunset over the sea. If you are a water lover and are truly soothed by its presence, then you could think of including an indoor water feature in your home to give you the constant source of relaxation you seek.

Indoor décor has developed such that you can easily have a water-based feature brought into your home. Almost instantly you can transform your study into a serene place to work in with a table top water feature. Often this requires a simple plug point and you will have a little fountain like structure chugging away on your table. You will find that it will help you work better.

You could also think of introducing an indoor fountain in your living room or even in the enclosed patio that you may have. Nothing like sitting beside it in the evenings with a cool drink in your hands and letting all those tensions of the day get washed away in its tranquil sounds. Indoor fountains can be of several kinds and can easily be customized to blend into your décor. You have large ones that can form part of the décor or individual pieces that can actually be moved around to suit your convenience.

Research has show that an indoor water body can bring about tremendous health benefits. For one, it can instantly calm you down, bringing down your blood pressure. It also acts as a mood enhancer and helps those with breathing or asthmatic problems to relax and slowly gain rhythm of their breathing. Water fountains tend to release negative ions that induce a sense of well being in the body. These ions are the same ones that are produced when one is one the beach, in front of undulating waves or under a waterfall where water is constantly flowing. These water bodies also produce a level of humidity in the nearby surroundings, making breathing smoother.

There are a range of water bodies that you can choose from depending on the room you would like to put it in. Choose something that comes with a night light for your bedrooms as this can then serve a dual purpose. You could also think of using one in the children’s room to help them sleep better at night and concentrate on their studies when needed. 

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 the time has come for you to revamp the look of your garden, then you should consider including a water feature or two in your landscaping. There are several reasons for this – the first that it adds a look of serenity to your garden. Throw in a few lights, some water based plants and the sound of a flowing fountain and you can easily transport yourself to some serene location in a forest resort. It provides a calming effect, something that every stressed family looks out for. Why wait for just that hot shower in the bathroom, when you can have water features all around your home and your garden.

One of the most common of water based features for outdoor landscaping is that of a garden fountain. Depending on the size of the garden you have and the amount of space you are allotting for it, you can discuss things with your landscaping artist and have a fountain installed. One way of enhancing a garden fountain is by installing it in the midst of a rock garden. You can have it flow down the stones adding to sound effects that it produces and making it look better. Bring in a few gold fish and you have your very own slice of heaven in the garden.

Another way of introducing a garden fountain is by creating an infinity pool of sorts. You can have the water cascade down a wall, go down into a pool and then go back up to make for a constant motion. For a more Zen like feel, you could introduce a bronze statue of Buddha at the base of your fountain or in the center. Enhance the feeling when guests are around with some ambient sound and lighting.

There are several advantages to introducing a garden fountain. For one, it can keep children very happy, especially when you decide to have a garden picnic for them. It also serves as a calm and quiet spot to enjoy dinner with a loved one at the end of a tiring week. If you meditate early in the day, then this would serve as a perfect calm spot for you to try out.

Flowing water release ions that actually work at calming tense nerves. It is the reason why people feel calm after a hot bath or when they walk past of the waves at the beach. This very same effect can be brought into your garden, saving you the hassle of actually going all the way to the beach on crowded weekend. 

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.  

With winter still sending shivers of cold down our spines, you could still try and make things easier for you with a range of products that will smoothen this winter period. Getting snowed in at your home can be quite the hassle, especially if you have deadlines to meet every day, which is often the case. A good snow shovel is what will help clear those paths and perhaps give you the exercise your body needs in this cold season.

There are several versions to choose from. You could go with the Horse Muck style shovel, which is quite sturdy and can pick up a serious amount of load each time. This comes with a plastic handle and a strong tray and helps you work efficiently. You could also consider an aluminium snow shifter shovel. Relatively new on the market, it comes with a strong aluminium shovel head giving you more leverage while you are at work. If you live in one of those heavy-duty snow areas, then you may want to invest in an ergonomic shovel. This is necessary, since you will be spending a good amount of time each day working on clearing snow and you will need something that will support your back while you work.

One great thing about the snow is that it’s also the time for some great family one. And the one thing that gets brought out as often as the shovel is the sledge. There are several models of sledges you can choose from depending on what you need to do with it. Allow the children to have a whale of a time with a snow glider sledge. These are made of plastic, extremely durable and can easily carry the weight of children. If you just want to lug about things from the house to say your car or to the shed, you could think of the simple plastic sledge that you can pile things onto and move around. Of course, small children will have other plans for it.

One thing that really helps in breaking down heavy blocks of snow is rock salt. Notorious for blocking up paths and roads, buying heavy-duty bags of this can help you break down the snow over the weekends and then shovel it out of the way. Maintaining your road way then, can be an easier task. It will also prevent your pathways from becoming slippery and a hazard to young and old alike.

Investing in some good quality snow products this year will help you tide over the cold in a much more comfortable manner.

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.  

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.