Another unusual one is called Kiss Me Over Garden Gate. Yes, this really is name of a plant! It's official name is Polygonum orientale. It's an old-fashioned annual knotweed used for bold effect. It has large heart shaped leaves and pendulous clusters of small pink flowers. In rich, moist soil and full sun it can go to six feet tall. Best to sow seed in fall or early spring where it is to grow.

Lastly another unusual plant to try is Balloon Flower. These are perennial, meaning they will return year after year. The latin name for these are: platycodon grandiflorus. They are very hardy, durable plants and very beautiful. Balloon flowers are about size of a ping pong ball and look like little "balloons". Once they fully open up they split and you can see center portion and bloom then resembles a star. They usually come in shades of purple, pink and white. Very cute, plants only get about 2 feet tall. Try one!

What a wonderful feeling that is, isn’t it? And this is something totally within your range of possibility. Think of all things you could do to turn your yard into a park. You could put little statues at entrance, beckoning everyone that passes by to stop and commune with nature a while. If you’d like to educate your friends as they enjoy your garden, you could put up garden signs, naming more exotic plants and flowers you’ve brought in. Great conversation pieces!

One of more popular items in a creative garden these days is a pond. There are dozens of types of fish you can keep, depending on size of pond. You can fill it with lily pads, and floating plants. You can even put a fountain right in pond.  There’s nothing like sitting in your yard with your eyes closed, listening to soothing sound of gently-splashing water. It just seems to take you away from it all, doesn’t it?

Gardens can be functional, too

The functional aspects of your garden can be esthetically-pleasing, too. You can now get decorative water sprinklers with a dragonfly or butterfly on top.  And garden structures don’t have to be big and ugly. You can get garden sheds that look more like little guest houses, colorfully decorated with ivy and vines.  Outside shed, you could put a garden bench, inviting someone to sit and take a deep breath of fresh air, fueled by fragrance of blooming flowers.

You can do same thing with your shade structures, too. You can strategically place canopies around your garden, creating little rest areas. Or you can get very creative with awnings, like attaching them to your gazebo, or a trellis, where they can be rolled out as sun passes. Again, these are available in many attractive designs, fulfilling their function, while still providing a pleasant view.

And how about a deck, to connect all that garden beauty to your house. A deck can also be very functional, while still remaining charming and stylish. And you can outfit your deck with some great-looking teak patio furniture, and protect yourself from sun with a colorful awning that’ll match your house. Again, it can look good and provide a purpose at same time.

What a picture you’ve painted

That’s quite a picture you’ve painted in your mind, isn’t it? Well, it doesn’t have to remain just a picture. You can turn it into reality any time you want. There are some wonderful Garden Centers out there. There’s sure to be one in your neighborhood. The people there are usually very knowledgeable and very helpful. They can guide you through all phases of creating your own park in your own yard. They’ll help you find best garden decorations. They’ll show you best garden furniture. They’ll help you choose best garden structures.

When you’re developing your garden, take time to let your creative juices flow. Come up with unique ideas that identify your garden with you. Duplicate your personality in your garden.