Green Thumb Gifts: Beyond Gardening GlovesWritten by The Gift Wizard
Ahh, spring! It has sprung! Gardeners (and budding gardeners - no pun intended) have begun quest for a weedless lawn, or a bountiful garden. But if you're looking for gifts for someone with a green thumb (or someone with green thumb envy), consider situation first.Some people think of gardening as a chore. Others see it as relaxing. Some will see it as exercise, and still others consider it art. Some people have magic touch in garden, while others couldn't grow mold if they tried! This is important when considering gardening gifts. You need to know if you should give something to make gardening easier, more fulfilling, more challenging, or more fun. For those people who see it as a chore, gardening just adds more items onto never-ending to-do list. In this case, you need to consider gardening gifts that will make these outdoor chores easier, faster, and less of a hassle. Power tools and storage & organization aids usually fall into this category, along with ever popular lawn tractor. A leaf blower/vacuum can make clean-up a breeze (again - no pun intended). The same can be said for a pressure washer. Heavy jobs are made easier with a wheelbarrow or yard cart. And organizing a collection of garden tools is simple with a storage bench or shed. Other ideas include a convenient watering timer.
| | Add some splash to your garden with a fountainWritten by Johann Erickson
One great way to add character to a garden is to add a fountain. Fountains, also called water features and water elements, can add elegance, a sense of peace or a feeling of fun to nearly any landscape design. The sound of flowing or trickling water is comforting and relaxing for most people, so it helps make environment inviting. In addition, practitioners of feng shui often suggest fountains for enhancing energy flow.
When selecting a fountain, it is important to consider personality of space you want to decorate, as well as effect you would like to create. Fountains are available in a myriad of sizes, materials and designs so possibilities are limitless. Some fountains are built into landscape, while others are self-contained and can be placed nearly anywhere.
The centerpiece fountain
A centerpiece fountain is usually most appropriate for a large outdoor space. Consider using a centerpiece fountain as a focal point for your garden design. Often centerpiece fountains are sculptures consider them as works of art and choose a fountain that you will enjoy and that makes you feel good to view. Usually centerpiece fountains are made of stone, cement or resin.
A large fountain can be used in a smaller place such as a patio garden, but only if primary use of space is not impeded by fountain's placement. For example, if children play in space or groups of adults gather for drinks and barbecue, a fountain in center is probably a bad idea. However if patio is used for reading, tiny gatherings, or just observing sunset, a fountain may be perfect accent.
Waterfalls
While small waterfalls can be self-contained units, most waterfalls are integrated
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