Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were no doubt a sight to behold. Today, people try to recreate a microscopic version of that by using hanging baskets to enhance their patio areas and add color to their favorite outdoor areas. It was also a part of Victorian culture as well and came with the colonists across the Atlantic as they settled America. Their love of flowers coupled with their diverse cultures created various methods of displaying hanging baskets of flowers.
The use of beautifully colored baskets and plants are an attractive way to decorate porches and verandas. The position that the baskets are in (side of the house that they are hung) will usually determine the types of plants that you put in them. There are three types of sun that plants can be exposed to: light or none, partial (part of the day), or full sun. There are plants available for all types of exposure to the sun.
You don’t have to hang baskets strictly on a patio or porch. You can hang baskets of flowers or plants adjacent to patio or porch steps, frame your entrances with baskets, or build an arbor and hang baskets on it. Once you decide to plant, you’ll want to figure out the type of planter that you want. Most come in sizes from 6” to 12”, but you will want to choose a size that is conducive to the area that it is going to hang in.
The first thing you’ll need to do is to line the basket with moss. Most people use Sphagnum moss due to its moisture retentive qualities and the fact that it actually helps plants grow better. Once the moss has been moistened and fitted to the contour of the hanging basket, then you will want to add the potting soil and any nutrients that you want the plant roots exposed to right away. You may want to add some polymers because potting soil normally will not hold any nutrients. So polymers should be added to the potting soil periodically.
Despite the fact that they have recently been reinvented to fit in with changing preferences in outdoor decoration, gazebos are not new and have been around for ages. Gazebos were originally fixed structures that were constructed of brick and mortar which eliminated the need for much maintenance. Self-supported by either beams or pillars, they are normally covered (roofed) with open sides. Though shade is the primary function in that they protect people from direct sunlight, they are also used as a shelter from rain and snow.
Gazebos are characteristically built in a garden setting as well as on backyards, lawns, and public parks. They are available in a variety of sizes and are either round or octagonal in shape. Either they can be shipped in a panel format to be assembled by the do-it-yourself individual, or they can be constructed by professional laborers. They are available in metal as well as the traditional materials.
When purchasing a gazebo, it is recommended that their endurance and utility factors be checked out primarily because if they are prone to rotting, they will eventually be rendered as useless. Rotting will result when they are constructed of wood and exposed to extreme weather conditions such as excessive moisture. Harsh sunlight and high temperatures, as well as snow will also have an adverse effect on their life expectancy.
In recent years, modern techniques have been integrated so as to answer consumer concerns and complaints about their durability. Some gazebos are constructed with treated lumber (coated with protective oils and varnishes) so as to enhance their durability and protect them against rapid weathering. Wooden gazebos also suffer with insect problems (e.g. borers and termites). Care and maintenance should be performed so as to protect the material that the gazebo is constructed of. Information is usually provided regarding the care and maintenance issues, and it is advisable that a regular schedule of cleaning and preventative maintenance be done in order to enhance the gazebo’s appearance and longevity.
Garden patios are generally classified as either attached or unattached. Attached patios are normally attached to the house in the backyard area. They are normally semi-open to completely open and are decorated with outdoor furniture. Because of the open nature of this type of patio, those who use it normally have a nice view of the backyard and garden areas.
The second type of patio is free-standing in the garden area and is not attached to the house. Typically there is a sidewalk or stepping stones that lead from the house to the patio in the garden. These types of patios are generally of a semi-open nature as well. In some instances there are doghouses within the patio area which protects the pet. This type of patio can also be decorated in a distinctive manner since it is totally separate from the rest of the house.
Garden patio construction is usually fairly simple and oftentimes is nothing more than a medium height brick wall with an attached sloping roof supported by vertical posts. Though simple in design, this type of patio creates a habitable space for those who intend to use it on a regular basis. The main purpose of a patio is to create a small space wherein people can enjoy the outdoor surroundings.
Where patio landscaping is concerned, a little creativity can create wonders. An extra interest can be created simply by integrating the surroundings into the realm of the patio itself. As an example a pond or even a portion of the lawn can be incorporated into the patio’s interior. Just remember that the main purpose of the patio, whether it’s attached or not, is to use it and enjoy the surroundings. As a finishing touch, one can utilize decorative container gardening and floral hanging baskets to create a soothing atmosphere to relax in.
