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At this time of year we are again
reminded that spring is a time for renewal and growth, a time to
plan, prepare and dream of that "perfect garden" we are
sure to achieve THIS year! With such a tremendous palette of
flower choices and garden décor available, where do we begin?
Let’s take a look at the upcoming trends predicted for the 2004
growing season:
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The line between indoors and
outdoors has blurred. Homeowners want
to bring the comfort of their home outdoors into their yard, and
the beauty, color and fragrances of their gardens into their
living spaces. How can this be accomplished?
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Clay pot assortments make
wonderful kitchen table centerpieces with river rocks
sprinkled around, and planted with moss or grasses for a fresh
springtime look.
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Large urns or garden planters
make wonderful bases for glass tabletops to be used as coffee
or side tables.
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Copper garden spinners can be
hung indoors near a window to reflect the rays of sunlight and
send them dancing around the room, bringing the warmth inside.
These are just a few ideas for bringing the outdoors in
year-round, even when fresh cut flowers from the garden may not
be possible. Try setting your patio table with a nice tablecloth
and dinnerware set (some climates may be more conducive to this
than others) as a method for extending your home comforts
outdoors. Throw pillows in fun shapes and indoor/outdoor rugs
may also bring some softness and comfort to a concrete patio or
wood deck. Experiment -- you will be amazed at the
possibilities!
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Strategic garden design and
planning is back. Gone are the days of
randomly scattering seeds and waiting to see which flowers
emerge. The chaotic nature of the wildflower look has been
replaced with planned patches and patterns, coordinated colors
and hues.
Do you prefer a garden that invigorates and energizes you the
moment you see it? If so, then vibrant reds, oranges, pinks and
yellows are the palette you will want to work from. However, if
you prefer your garden as a relaxing escape from the harried
world around you, shades of blues, greens, lavenders and pastels
will better suit your style.
Another important consideration is whether you prefer a path
meandering through your blooms, or possibly a sitting area deep
among the foliage. Will it be made of pebbles, shredded bark,
moss covered stones, or maybe sand? These are all elements of
your garden you will want to ponder in the planning stage.
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Accentuate your blooms with
artistic décor. There are no rules
that say a garden must only be made up of flowers, in fact, an
interesting garden that draws visitors back time and again has
much more -- focal points which inspire and mesmerize you with
their shape, movement and texture. They should coordinate with
the overall feel of your garden, as well as adding interest in
unexpected areas.
 A
double copper cosmix spinner, for instance, can be hung from a
tree branch, garden pole, stake, or house. The slightest breeze
will make each of the two cosmix spin in a different direction,
giving you a mesmerizing visual. Adding motion wherever it is
placed, the shiny copper reflects rays of sunlight and makes
them dance around the garden. A very popular gardening accent,
it is also available with a single cosmix spinning around a
spiral of glass marbles which glow in the sunlight (Cosmix
Spiral Planet). Both are available at
http://bluefroggoods.com/outdoor_decor.html.
Other garden art may include benches, stepping stones,
birdbaths, or windchimes to add beautiful tunes to your
gardening experience.
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Color, color, color!
According to Pantone’s Color Institute and The Color Factory
(both professional color analysis experts), the trend in 2004 is
bold, playful, lush and spirited. Timid colors are out and
colors that get noticed are in. Vibrant reds and any shade of
blue are THE colors of the season.
Now that you have some starting
points for that "perfect garden" you are sure to achieve
THIS year, put down that seed catalog and start planting!
Pam Mehringer - Pam is the owner of Blue
Frog Goods (www.bluefroggoods.com),
an online eclectic garden, home and office decor store offering
uniquely designed items to add personality to your surroundings.
She enjoys gardening, creative pursuits, and the outdoors; and
strives to incorporate these elements into the products she
hand-selects for the store, to introduce them to others as well.
This article Copyright ©2004 - Pam
Mehringer and Blue Frog Goods. Reproduced with permission.
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Ballet Barre for Home or Studio
Ballet Barre for home or studio
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