Using the Unusual

Who doesn't like to be a little different every now and then?  I love beautiful pottery for container gardens, but it's also fun to try something out of the ordinary when deciding on a container for your next plant display. 


Take a walk around your house and look around to see what's lurking and might provide a home for some of your favorite plants this season. Vist antique stores, look through your garage or in your attic. If you let your mind wander a little, you will probably come up with some unique ideas of your own.  To inspire you, we'll post some ideas we've discovered.


An old basket makes a simple container for growing herbs. 

How about an old baby bathtub?

Or a vintage clawfoot tub?

A bright buket is perfect for a container of daisies.

An unsued fountain or birdath is fabulous for adding height to your landscape.

Did you ever think an old bed could be put to such great use?

Or an old bicycle?

Old chairs used as plant stands are another way to add interest.  Paint one a bright color, and you've got instant cheer.

A favorite is an old colander.  Stunning, isn't it?

And if you're lucky enough to find one of these old newstands?  Well, how cute is that idea?

An old mailbox?  Of course!

An old red wagon is the perfect size and it's also easy to move around.  If it's a Radio Flyer, then a double bonus!

An favorite pitcher, filled with flowering plants is sure to perk up your outdoor table.

Or grab a serving bowl you rarely use, and give it new purpose.

Watering cans are not just for watering plants.

Yep, those are rubber boots.

Nothings says reuse and recycle like an old trash can. 

Feeling inspired?  Take a look around and let us know your ideas in our comments section.  We can't wait to hear what you've come up with.

Bringing Sound to Your Landscape

Nothing can soothe the soul more than the sound of lightly splashing water.  Of course, who wouldn't want a gorgeous water feature as part of their backyard retreat?  But sometimes space and dollars come into play. With a little resourcefulness, ingenuity and time, anyone can make a small fountain for their deck, patio or sitting area by following a few simple instructions.  We've decided to share some simple instructions that can easily be altered with your own ideas, and you can also find more tutorials and instructions on the web.

Things you will need to get started:

3 flowerpots of decreasing sizes

Water fountain pump

Waterproof sealant or adhesive

Acrylic Sealant for coating pots

Plastic tube or hose

Tube, preferably made from plastic

Plastic flowerpot stands or small bricks

First:

Clean all your pots thoroughly and let them dry.

For the base of the fountain, use a pot with no hole, or fill the hole completely with the sealant or adhesive. Apply a coat or 2 of acrylic sealant to make it water resistant. Set the pot aside for a few hours  to let it dry completely.

Second:

Place the fountain pump in the bottom of the largest pot, taking care to ensure the opening is not obstructed.  Attach a plastic tube to the top of the pump.  Cut it off at a height that is just shorter that that of all three flowerpots combined.  Next run your fountain cord up and out near the back of the largest pot. 

Third:

Now you're ready to add the second pot.  Place one of the stands or a brick into the bottom of the first pot.  Next, put the second pot on the stand.  Make sure your stands are small enough that the base of the second pot is at least one inch below the rim of the largest (base) pot.  Pull the tube throgh the hole of the second pot.  Seal off the area around the tube with the waterproof sealant.

Fourth:

Repeat the previous step.  Make sure the brim of the third pot is the smallest so water runs down it into the second pot and then into the largest pot.  Slide the tube through and remember to seal the extra area around it.  You can add a tip or sprayer to this tube to give your fountain the desired flow.

Five:

Once the sealant has completely dried, fill the largest (base) pot with water.  Turn the fountain pump on.  The pump will push the water from the base pot, into the second pot.  Fill the base pot again so the water pups into the third pot and water starts running down the side.  Once the flow is working, fill the pots with small pebbles, stone or glass rock.  You will probably have to remove some of the water once you do this. 

Six:

Enjoy the sounds!

Stamped Concrete vs. Pavers

Stamped concrete is a continuous concrete surface that has been "stamped" to look very similar to individual pavers, bricks and stone. There are several reasons to consider stamped concrete over pavers for a patio, walkway, driveway or pool deck. 

Many homeowners are deciding on stamped concrete over pavers because of the spaces that are left between pavers.  These spaces allow weeds to grow between the individual pavers;  something that will not happen with stamped concrete. 

Aesthetically, stamped concrete is able to give the look that many people identify with individual pavers.  With a multitude of stamp patterns and color choices, a homeowner can select a very natural look for their surface.  There are stamps that can be used to look like slate, granite, cobblestone and even wood surfaces.  With all the choices available and because of the ease of maintenance, stamped concrete has become a new favorite with homeowners.

A Virginia Favorite...Geraniums

Geraniums have been gracing the steps of Virginia homes for ages, and it's not a surprise considering their impact.  Geraniums are one of the most reliable plants for adding color and will produce new flowers from spring until frost. For best flowering production, be sure and place your geraniums in a sunny spot.  Be sure and fertilize your geraniums with a liquid fertilizer during the growing season, and pinch back those spent blooms.

We thought we'd share a few of our favorites.

Ivy Leaf Geranium.

Apple Scented Geranium.

Regal Elegance Geranium.

Summer Showers Ivy Geranium.

Chasing Weeds

Your landscaper has come and gone.  Your yard looked amazing for a period of time.  But now you see new weed growth.  You may have thought you'd never need to weed again, and if you stay on top of the new weeds that DO show up, then the job will be so much easier. No matter how well your beds were weeded and treated, some new weeds will appear as the weeks go by.

It really does seem like an endless job, doesn't it?  That's because it is! No matter how hard you work, no matter how many weeds are removed, there always seems to be some new weed growth popping up.  Even if you hired a landscaper to remove EVERY SINGLE WEED from your beds, chemically treat  your beds or use weed mats, weeds will find a way into your flower bed.  Weed seeds travel!  They do! Of course, if you remove them correctly the first time, and stay on top of the new weeds as they find their way into your flower beds, then the job will be minimal and much easier than if you only weed once or twice a year.  A few minutes every two or three days will decrease the job dramatically and will ensure that your initial clean up was well worth the price and effort involved.

There are multiple ways to minimize weed growth in flower beds.  These include:

• Pulling weeds by hand.
• Pulling weeds with a garden tool.
• Using a chemical product.

A combination of each of these methods is usually needed when attacking a weed infested flower bed.

Hand Pulling.  Yes, it's as hard as it sounds, but it's effective.  Very effective.  It is very important that you remove the weeds as well as their roots.  Shallow rooted weeds are easy to pull. Deep rooted weeds, like dandelions, may require a small amount of digging to ensure the roots are removed. 

Using a Tool.  A garden tool can assist you with the difficult task of hand pulling.  Hand pulling can be a strain on the back, so consider using a good tool to help with weed removal.  A winged weeder is a great garden tool and makes the job of weeding those deep rooted weeds a much easier project.  They come in a variety of sizes, so choose one that feels comfortable in your hands.

Chemical Products.  There are so many chemical treatments on the market.  Oodles and oodles of them!  When trying to determine the right weed killer for your use, ask questions and read the label.  Do your research!

However you choose to remove weeds, be sure to stay on top of things.  It's much more effective to spend a few minutes every couple of days then break your back after waiting to address your weed problems. 

Decorating Your Deck or Patio or Porch

You spend hours, if not days, contemplating the interior decorating of your home.  Why should you neglect that outdoor living space?  Once your contractor has finished his work, you should take a step back and truly engage yourself in this newest "room" of your home.  It's a blank canvas.  Relish in the opportunity to get your creative juices flowing.  Conceive a plan and make your deck, patio or porch a place where people want to congregate and relax.

The question many people ask themselves is, "where do I start?  We'll address the different areas, and then you decide which ones will work for your space.  Pull out a few magazines, tear out your favorite looks and get started on putting it together in a way that makes it work for your home. 

The floor.  A deck, patio or porch instantly becomes a "room" with the addition of an exterior rug.  There are plenty of choices on the market from grass mats to more "rug like" materials.  We love the selection at Outdoor Rugs Only and there's sure to be a color and material that works perfectly with your taste and space.

The furniture.  Not an easy choice, by any stretch.  Especially now, with so many people turning their outdoor spaces into actual living space.  Comfort should be key, so try it out before you buy it.  You do that with indoor furniture, make sure you do the same with the furniture that's going to serve as your oasis this season.  I am partial to wicker and cushions, but some of the more modern choices can be just as appealing and comfortable.  Brown Jordan continues to be a favorite manufacturer of mine, so I have no problem promoting their site.  They sell EVERYTHING patio and deck related.  If you can find something you like at Brown Jordan, you are one hard sell!

The cover.  Everyone loves the look of an umbrella, but we also love the function!  We're in Coastal Virginia.  Sometimes you just HAVE to have that shade.  The backyard umbrella industry has grown and changed in so many ways, and that can be attributed to the appeal of creating a backyard space.  Umbrellas can be found made of canvas, acryllic and polyester.  Your use and weather can help determine the material that will work best for you.  Crate and Barrel has an amazing selection of colors and shapes, and I'm particularly partial to their rectangular umbrella when looking for something different.  With the umbrella lights available, the purpose of an umbrella is carried into the night.

Planters.  Where to begin?  I love some of the modern choices, and if you're deck or patio theme lends itself to the modern, then you should consider a geometric, fiberglass planter.  This one's a favorite for me, for the shape and height interest.  Buying pottery from a local artisan is another smart decision. You're supporting your local artist and you'll be owning a piece of art.  And if you're feeling really creative, visit one of the paint your own pottery places and create your own backyard masterpiece.

Accessorize.  It's important to accessorize your look outside, in much the same way you handle your indoor accessorizing.  The Outdoor Selection at Pottery Barn is definitely swoon-worthy.  Pillows, dinnerware and pieces for outdoor entertaining, a small coffee table, decorative touches that include things to hang on the wall if your deck or patio is close to the house and lamps and lanterns to hold candles that are capable of withstanding the evening breeze. 

However you choose to decorate your outdoor patio or deck, be sure to take the time to give it the perfect look that reflects your personal style.  Have fun decorating!

Welcome!

When someone walks or drives past your home, does the exterior of your home make them pause and want to visit or does it make them gasp and want to keep on going?  Stand in the street in front of your house.  If it wasn't your home, how would you feel about walking up to the front door?  Perhaps it's time to make changes to your landscape. 

There are numerous ways to make your home more inviting.  How can you improve your front yard?  Does it involve your door?  Your porch?  The overall landscape?  With a little thought, your home can invite people to stop on in, with or without the welcome sign. 

The first part of your yard to address is the area closest to the street.  It's what people see first, and will give the greatest initial impact. Creating an area that includes color is a sure way to say, "hello, look at me" and beckon visitors to continue forward.  If you have a mailbox by the curb, dress it up with a flowering vine or surround it with river rock and an interesting array of flowering species. 

Next, encourage visitors to continue forward to your porch.  Include a bed that adds interest with both height, texture and color.  These areas should include flowering shrubs and trees.  A Japanese maple or a brightly flowering crepe myrtle surrounded by low growing flowering shrub will continue the adventure as guests approch your front door. 

Your doorway should be visible from the street.  If it's not as noticeable as you'd like, try painting your door a brighter color to draw attention to it.  A brightly painted door always says, "welcome."  If you have a front porch, use it to create a seating area.  A porch swing or a bench with cushions ensures guests that they are approaching a home that wants people to stop by and enjoy their space.  Fill your front porch with attractive pieces of pottery, overlfowing with colorful flowers and plants.

However you choose to invite people into your home, remember it starts with that intial first impression.  Use your creativity or that of your landscape designer to welcome people to your home.