Makeover Tips for Patios and Outdoor Spaces

Now that Spring is here, many people want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Afterall, the flowers are blooming, the sweet smell of nectar wafts in the breeze, and the weather is great. The many beautiful sights, sounds, and smells of spring captivate us and draw our attention outside. With so much of our focus shifting to the outdoor area, it is only natural that you spend some time sprucing up your outdoor space.

Focus On Decor
The spring is a great time to take stock of our outdoor decor. Patio tables, chairs, ottomans, outdoor area rugs, pillows, and the right lighting come together and set the tone of an outdoor living area. This spring season, everyone should take the time to rejuvenate their outdoor living area. It is the perfect time to go through a space's outdoor decor and eliminate any faded or worn materials. Bright colors and bold patterns will breathe new life into any space.

Unexpected Touches
Modernize outdoor decor with unexpected touches. This is can mean using modern cement planters or modern non-electric chandeliers. Pops of color and sophisticated materials can delight and focus our attention to area's of interest in an outdoor space.

Add Some Green
Succulent planters are one of the most popular modern planting choices. The easy-to-care-for plant arrangements make the perfect addition to patios, porches, and outdoor seating areas. For color, purchase some inexpensive annuals. Often affordable, annual flowers add wonderful color and brighten up every outdoor space. Consider planting these hardy plants in either modern concrete planters or bright ceramic vases.

Storage Solutions
Ensure that an outdoor living area always looks its best by thinking ahead and planning its outdoor storage solutions. Outdoor potter's benches and baskets offer versatile storage solutions in an outdoor space. These solutions can hide plant food, garden hoses, extra planters, and other unsightly objects.

Style and Durability of a Garden Iron Trellis Suits Any Garden

A trellis is a necessary garden feature for anyone who wants to grow climbing plants like ivy, vines and climbing roses. Trellises allow these plants to climb and flourish as they grow while adding a beautiful decorative element to the garden. There are several types of trellises available, such as wooden lattice, bamboo and metal. However, the only type that stands the test of time is the garden iron trellis. Iron is a very durable material which looks nice for decades and requires minimal upkeep.

Iron trellises are available in a variety of designs. When choosing a garden iron trellis, it is important to consider both the size and style of the garden it will be placed in. Single panel trellises, such as a wrought iron steeple or rounded spear trellis, are best suited for small gardens. Choosing a tall, narrow trellis for a small garden maximizes room for plants to grow without taking up too much space. Large gardens can take advantage of wider trellises like double hoops and extra wide hoop and arrow designs. Tri-panel decorative screen trellises also work well in large spaces and provide ample shade when they are covered with plants in full bloom.

Novelty designs and bright colors are great choices for trellises in a children's garden, while a trellis with a rooster on it complements a farmhouse garden. A garden located in the front of a house is the perfect opportunity to put up a welcome sign trellis. Traditional gardens are best suited by graceful styles, such as a wrought iron square, fluer de lis or Jacob trellis. Edging fence trellises are a functional and beautiful solution that suits almost any garden. They can be used to separate a garden from adjacent property, distinguish different areas of a garden or simply to showcase climbing plants in an out-of-the-way location.

When a garden has more than one trellis, it is not necessary for them to match. Combing contrasting styles, such as placing a modern-looking trellis between two traditional trellises, creates a unique and memorable look.

Adding Curb Appeal with Cast Iron Patio Urns

With the advent of spring comes the urge to plan a beautiful garden. Many homeowners do not have a lot of yard space; so they utilize their porches and patios for their flowers and other plants. Flowers, ornamental trees, and shrubs are one of the best ways to add natural curb appeal to any home.

A unique way to display plants is in cast iron patio urns. These stunning favorites are hand-forged in the classic Old World shapes. The colors of any type of plant pop against the gentle curves of the black cast iron. They are also chic even without plants. Iron urns are eye-catching in pairs or in random groupings along a patio or porch. Although they are made of iron, they are still light enough to be moved around to different locations.

Another great feature of cast iron patio urns is their durability. They are forged of heavy iron and are not likely to tip over and spoil your plants. This is especially beneficial for patios that get a lot of cross breezes. Unlike plastic and other composition urns, the iron ones will last for years without cracking or falling apart. For those who would prefer a different color than black, these urns are easily painted with special metal paint. They come in various sizes as well.

There may be some people who worry about cast iron rusting, since the plants it contains have to be watered. With proper maintenance, these urns will stay beautiful for years. There are special liners people can get that protect the planter urns from extra moisture. It is also recommended for homeowners to spray a protective sealant on their urns that is resistant to rust. A yearly coating keeps them looking fresh.

Urns are ideal for many types of flower arrangements. Some gardeners love to plant ivy, small shrubs, or ornamental grasses in them for a dramatic Grecian effect. The urns can also complement a primitive design with colorful annuals growing in them. Cast iron urns are perennial favorites for the patio or any other place homeowners want to add a touch of style and interest.