garden ornaments

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.

When it comes to high quality craftmanship, many people turn to the specialists known as Haddonstone. Now if you are unaware of who or what Haddonstone is then you may find these short paragraphs very interesting.

Haddonstone was established in 1971 to produce high quality decorative cast stonework. At first they had a small range of just seven cast stone designs to offer during the first year of business. Over the years Haddonstone have become more and more successful and have constantly added new lines to the original seven. Their collection of high quality garden ornaments and architectural cast stonework has expanded to well over five hundred standard cast stonework designs. Today, Haddonstone is recognized as an international market leader with group companies in both the UK and the USA

Now what exactly is Haddonstone? a unique form of hand made cast limestone with a surface texture similar to natural Portland stone. The cast limestone material matures and weathers like natural stone or quarried stone yet, piece for piece, normally costs significantly less than quarried stone.

Haddonstone has the ability to mould cast limestone material into almost any shape, thus giving their customers the opportunity to own a one off garden feature, a simply unique piece.

Haddonstone use nothing but the very best of materials in order to design and manufacture their pieces. In fact the cast limestone material used in every design exceeds the compressive strength requirements of the United Kingdom Cast Stone Association and complies with all relevant UK and European standards, whilst TecStone also meets the requirements of all US standards.

Haddonstone take great care in their designs as every single piece is handmade here in the UK using special moulds that are created specifically in shops and studios across the UK. Where some features maybe handmade in the USA you can rest assure that the same amount of care has gone into each and every single design.

As mentioned, Haddonstone has expanded their product line extensively over the years. Starting with seven unique designs they have now well over five hundred. Some of the more popular features in the Haddonstone range include garden bird baths and garden ornaments. The Haddonstone range provides attractive garden features for all tastes and garden sizes. Their range of garden fountains is simply remarkable. The large range of Centrepiece garden fountains and water features provide a truly magical focal point to any garden or landscape, whether traditional, classical or contemporary. Haddonstone's range of self contained water features is certainly a strong candidate for their most remarkable features. With such a wide range of self contained features that are suitable for any garden. Over the years, self contained water features and freestanding fountains became more and more popular for use in gardens and terraces and not just in larger landscaping developments or business parks. The combination of Haddonstone's history, the unique and reliable materials used in each design and their overall desire to provide their customers with a simply beautiful garden feature that will last the test of time Haddonstone has truly deserved their spot as one of the worlds top international garden feature specialists.

UK Water Features is a proud supplier of Haddonstone garden features, stocking some of their most enjoyable and beautiful garden products. 

As the summer weather finally starts to shine upon us we are all thinking about making the most out of this very temperamental weather and with the weather forecast set to be a good one for the next week now would be a good time to enjoy the weather on our back gardens. As some of may well be a little limited on space back there here are a few little tips that can enhance your garden and make the most of the space that you have got.  Irregardless of what sized garden we have it is so easy to make the most out of the outdoor space that we do have with a few simple additions a little maneuverering and a little playing around.

Let's get started. I know we are all thinking "Let's have a BBQ!" well it certainly is set to be a lovely weekend for one. However if

your garden is in fact limited on space then remember that to host a great BBQ for a few friends and family there is no real need to have a huge BBQ. A simple BBQ like a flat bed2 burner is ample for a small party. Get out of the mind set of thinking that the 'bigger the better' and opt for the smaller BBQ that will fit nicely in a corner somewhere.

For those with smaller gardens, there really is no need to panic and start thinking that there is just not enough room to fit everything that you want. Well ask yourself this Do you need a full fledged patio set with a massive umbrella? In most cases you probably don't. The good thing is there is certainly room for some seating. After all a seating are in your back garden is essential. Think a little on the smaller side and add garden furniture that has enough seating for your family and maybe a friend or two. The Illinois Round Sunburst Teak Table & 4 Chairs is a fantastic little garden furniture set that will not take up too much room in the garden, giving you more room to play with.

Now if your small garden isn’t quite big enough a large flower bed or decorated area, it is still possible to brighten it up with some strategically placed garden accessories such as garden gnomes, birdbaths or even a small water feature. It is even possible to brighten your garden up with some strategically placed potted planters or some beautiful hanging baskets that are off the garden floor preventing any unwanted clutter.  

With the summer not quite hitting the highs right now, the evenings are still a little on the chilly side. So if you are planning on  entertaining outdoors or if you are fond of the lazy summer evenings on the back garden then it is certainly a good idea to consider a chiminea or firepit. These can be placed in around or near a small garden furniture set. Many of the newer models are a lot more versatile so they can be moved around the garden when needed. Once finished simply place them back in a corner in you garden for another day. Keep in mind though, many of the designs are very decorative and offer a lot unique ad traditional look/feel to your garden, so you don't want to store it away somewhere where no one can see it.

Your garden may be small, but you need to tell yourself this "If I move this over there this will create a little more room here for this". When creating room inyour garden and making the most out of your space it really is as simple as trail and error. Move things around and play with the space that you have got.

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.

There are not many of us that know much about Cretan Pots, where they came from or how they first originated however what we do know is that they look simply beautiful in our gardens. The add a very stylsih and unique focal point to any garden design.

So, where do they originally come from?
Their heritage dates back to the infamous Greek civilization of the Minoans over 4000 years ago. Traditional techniques are still be used today by the potters from the Thrapasano region of Crete. The use of the traditional techniques are emphasized to make pots and pithoi (Pithos (plural pithoi) originally referred to a large storage jar of a characteristic shape. The word was at one point used by western classical archaeologists to mean the jars uncovered by excavation in Crete and Greece; it has now been taken into the American English language as a general word for a storage jar from any culture).

The creators take exceptional amount of pride when they create these wonderful pieces. A genuine 100% authentic Cretan Pot will be completely handmade, making each pot very unique. Essentially the pots are all made from local clay which is carefully sourced from various surrounding mountain areas and then hand thrown on the wheels which are then heated in a special kernel at over 1150c. Even 4000 years ago they were thinking about economically friendly ways as the kernels all use the islands olive harvest to fuel the blazing fires. Because of the ridiculously high temperatures that the kernels it helps guarantee exceptional quality, durability. Back in the day, these large pithoi pots were used for storing olive oil, wine and honey etc whilst the smaller pots stored olives, pickles, cheese and salt and so on.

Well, there is a little history lesson for all of you who were really wondering where these magnificent pots originated.

Many Cretan Pots are now available as a water feature for your garden, so they add that extra wow factor. Our most popular Cretan Pot is the Demeter Cretan Pot which is a stunning water feature that is 100% hand thrown and frost proof terracotta cretan self contained water feature made to the highest quality.

It truly is amazing that after all these years; we are still including them in our gardens today. 100% handmade Cretan pots are a brilliant and stunning addition to any garden design whether they are a contemporary or traditional designed garden a Cretan pot will add a brilliant focal point. Oh, and now after reading this blog you will be able to sit in your garden and show off your knowledge about Cretan pots next time you have people over for a glass of wine or two now that these lighter and warmer spring nights are sweeping in.

UK Water Features

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...

Winter is coming to an end and spring is upon us. With all the grim weather and all the snow we have had over the winter, warmer weather is on the horizon and now is the time to start thinking about preparing your garden for the spring season. 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.

If your garden is in need of a little touch up just before the spring season starts then a few simple additions will go a long way to help you achieve that special look this year. The addition of a self-contained water feature or fountain is a brilliant way to add a unique touch to your garden. These are all very easy to install and require no additional plumbing. With the warmer weather just around the corner, what better way to relax over the weekend and admire your garden than sitting on a new garden swing? The addition of a garden swing or furniture would be a great addition to your garden a place where you can sit and relax and enjoy the view. Keep in mind that there will still be a chill in air so the use a patio heater will be very useful. Finally adding the final touches are key, small garden ornaments will set a larger garden feature off and help them stand out.

It is officially spring here in the UK in 20 days, so you should also begin to consider what plants and/or vegetables you are going to be planting. Here’s tips though, do not go rushing in with that post winter gardening itch and begin planting quite yet. However get out there and inspect all your gardening tools and if needs be then now would be a good time to purchase any new tools and equipment that you may need this year. It would also be a great idea to clean and organize your garden shed.

UK Water Features offers a range of water features, paving, aggregates and ponds for all your garden needs. 

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.

What better way to both beautify your garden and show your pride in the great UK than with a slate monolith dug from Welsh quarries? Most slate monoliths available in the UK were dug out of quarries right on the mainland, so not only would you be adding a beautiful piece to your garden but also showing your support of British-based manufacturing companies.

Not just any old water feature will do in the great UK. Water fountains can be found in gardens literally all over the world, but authentic Welsh slate monoliths can only come from one place. Simply adding a water feature to your garden can take the ambience to a whole new level, but also adding the beauty of one of these slate monoliths puts it over the top, above and beyond the neighbours' gardens.

If you want a quick and easy way to turn your garden from an everyday run-of-the-mill garden to a place of beauty and serenity, a slate monolith direct from a Welsh quarry is the way to go. Since we have the privilege of calling Great Britain home, these amazing pieces of art can be shipped to us in days and installed in a jiffy, all while not breaking the bank. I've got one literally smack dab in the middle of my garden, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

There is just nothing like trying to get Christmas decorations up at the last minute and find that you can't find what you wanted, so why not prepare for Christmas by buying your festive lights earlier. The ideal time to purchase Christmas lighting of course would be right at the end of the season or even as soon Christmas is over. We can't always do that but we can get started early for best selection.

Christmas is just not Christmas anymore without the christmas lights that we expect to see everywhere we go during the season. I know that I like to go around the neighbourhood and town to see the lights that everyone else have up on their homes but I also like to have a pretty tree inside my home.

If I want to have the best looking tree we have ever seen I need to make sure to purchase the lights before they are all gone and that means shopping early. I know what it is like to put off buying the decorations for another time or waiting for the price to go down. I usually don't get the lights I was hoping to find and wind up wishing I had gone ahead and bought when I saw them the first time. Christmas should not be a time for disappointment.

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.