In keeping with our theme of features you can use in your landscaping other than plants, we're now going to take a look at some more elements that aren't generally thought of as garden decor or accents. Common and functional elements storage sheds can be accent or decorative additions to your landscape which can fill blank spots, create a sense of depth, and give your yard a more €complete' and fulfilling appearance.
While objects such as sheds or lighting aren't usually thought of as design elements, they can be. And many others not mentioned here can be hand-crafted or obtained inexpensively at yard sales and flea markets. Without further ado, here are a few more attractive and creative ways to make your yard and gardening areas more functional and inviting.
Gardening Sheds and Lean-tos: Such structures aren't usually thought of as decor or focal points. They're created for storing, cleaning, and maintaining your gardening tools, starting seedlings, etc. However, potters sheds and lean-to structures are more than functional; they can also be incorporated as design elements that will complement your yard and your home. Your gardening shed can be designed to match the style and architecture of your house, i.e. add a gable or make it Tudor-style. Both lean-tos and sheds can have paint and trim which match the colors of your home or complement your gardening color scheme. Add matching window boxes and you create a fulfilling sense of completion.
Lighting: Low-voltage lighting can be extremely attractive along pathways and as accent lights to highlight specimen trees, focal points, and other outstanding landscaping features. More importantly though, they can also improve your safety by lighting up potential hazards and dark areas. Low voltage lighting is generally a simple and safe do it yourself project. However, sometimes it can require special wiring needs. In which case, you'll need a qualified electrician. Be sure to use a qualified electrician or landscape contractor certified in electrical work if you are going to have High voltage lighting installed.
Berms: These are nothing more than raised earthen garden areas. Surrounded with heavy timbers, stone retaining walls, or free-standing, they are an attractive means by which you can create the illusion or more topography, a more three-dimensional site, in level areas. They are great for erosion control and can be also be useful for adding privacy while waiting for your new plantings to get tall enough for privacy buffer height. Berms should fit subtly into your landscape, recommended heights being from 1to 2 feet above ground level.
So keep in mind that not all of your design has to be sculpted and designed. Elements that you may not consider design elements may help take up more space and cut down on the amount of area you have to consider for design.
While objects such as sheds or lighting aren't usually thought of as design elements, they can be. And many others not mentioned here can be hand-crafted or obtained inexpensively at yard sales and flea markets. Without further ado, here are a few more attractive and creative ways to make your yard and gardening areas more functional and inviting.
Gardening Sheds and Lean-tos: Such structures aren't usually thought of as decor or focal points. They're created for storing, cleaning, and maintaining your gardening tools, starting seedlings, etc. However, potters sheds and lean-to structures are more than functional; they can also be incorporated as design elements that will complement your yard and your home. Your gardening shed can be designed to match the style and architecture of your house, i.e. add a gable or make it Tudor-style. Both lean-tos and sheds can have paint and trim which match the colors of your home or complement your gardening color scheme. Add matching window boxes and you create a fulfilling sense of completion.
Lighting: Low-voltage lighting can be extremely attractive along pathways and as accent lights to highlight specimen trees, focal points, and other outstanding landscaping features. More importantly though, they can also improve your safety by lighting up potential hazards and dark areas. Low voltage lighting is generally a simple and safe do it yourself project. However, sometimes it can require special wiring needs. In which case, you'll need a qualified electrician. Be sure to use a qualified electrician or landscape contractor certified in electrical work if you are going to have High voltage lighting installed.
Berms: These are nothing more than raised earthen garden areas. Surrounded with heavy timbers, stone retaining walls, or free-standing, they are an attractive means by which you can create the illusion or more topography, a more three-dimensional site, in level areas. They are great for erosion control and can be also be useful for adding privacy while waiting for your new plantings to get tall enough for privacy buffer height. Berms should fit subtly into your landscape, recommended heights being from 1to 2 feet above ground level.
So keep in mind that not all of your design has to be sculpted and designed. Elements that you may not consider design elements may help take up more space and cut down on the amount of area you have to consider for design.
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