The A-Z Guide of Garden Essentials - PART FOUR

Sincerest apologies (again) for my posting slackness readers . After an extremely busy few weeks of getting amongst my new city and exploring Melbourne's maze of hidden laneways, funky bars, delightful restaurants, off-the-beaten-track boutiques and plethora of coffee shops, I have finally found a moment to sit quietly and bash out 'Part 4' (the final installment) of the A-Z Garden Essentials Guide. This guide follows on from Part 3 (which covered letters N-S). 

This A-Z Garden Essentials Guide will have you going ga-ga for greenery! Upon completing Parts 1 – 4 of this glossary you will be armed with all the information you need to completely transform your outdoor space. 

The concept of outdoor living has become a hugely popular trend in home improvement. Not only can the additional living space significantly increase the value of your home, it’s also a fantastic way to celebrate the outdoors!  Investing in your outdoor space is equally as important as ensuring the interior of your home is current and up-to-date. 

Read on to discover more ‘can’t afford to miss’ alfresco trends and a list of the most desired garden extras. Scroll down for letters T-Z.

T – Terrariums: I love terrariums and you will too! A terrarium is a small clear glass container filled with plants to create a miniature garden eco-system.

Low-maintenance and self-watering, terrarium plants get all the moisture they need from recycled water that disperses throughout the container. Typically the top part is closed and the front is open. Water from the soil inside the terrarium rises into the air creating ‘water vapour’. Vapour then collects onto the surrounding glass and cools. It then turns back into droplets of water which drip down into the soil and the whole process starts again! 

To learn how to make your own terrarium visit West Elm.

U – Umbrellas: Bright and beautiful, colourful and cool - a garden umbrella might be just the splash of colour you need to make your patio pop! 

Whether you have a preference for strong solid colours or vibrant patterns, there are many different options available. You shouldn't have any trouble finding the perfect parasol to compliment your outdoor décor scheme. 

A garden umbrella could be the missing piece to your garden puzzle. To achieve a complete and overall stylish look, firstly, decide on what type of aesthetic and mood your garden conveys, then select an umbrella in a colour, pattern or style that helps to pull all of the other elements in the scheme together. 

Not just for rain, umbrellas are made to create shade. Look for options that have UV protection marine fabric and come with a screw fastening and tilt function. This will help to provide protection from the sun no matter what time of the day. For breezy days, a canopy with double reinforced pockets (that are vented for wind release) will add strength and stability.

Check out the Pool and Patio for their Top 10 picks for patio umbrellas. 

 

V – Vegetable Patch: Re-connect with the earth by designing your very own mini-vegetable garden. There’s nothing more satisfying or rewarding than being able to nip out to the back yard to collect some fresh, enviro-friendly, GMO-free, organic veggies that you cared for and cultivated yourself. 

A veggie patch offers a smorgasbord of colour, texture and fragrance. Choose from tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, cucumbers, carrots, leeks, or leafy greens such as lettuce, chard and kale to create a living work of art. 

Your veggie patch needn't take up a lot of space either. Simple garden boxes can be created and if space is really limited; boxes can be staggered or tiered (see image below). 

Avoid sewing too many seeds at once – you don’t want to feel overwhelmed. The trick is to start off small then gradually add to your veggie patch. This will allow you to better gauge how much time and effort you need to devote to your new edible garden.

For a step-by-step guide to creating your own veggie patch visit: Better Homes & Gardens

1. W – Water Features: The soothing sound, undulating movement and mesmerising texture of water brings a calming, tranquil element to the garden and provides a beautiful focal point or dramatic design statement.

Water features can be as simple or grand as you wish and are suitable for any sized outdoor space. There are options to suit every budget and definitely worth the investment. A wall mounted option is great for those with limited space, whilst a fountain or pond-less feature work well in a more spacious area. Both require very little maintenance but bring so much visual interest to a garden. No matter what your taste the design styles and finishes options are endless. Materials such as natural stone, textured glass, stainless steel, aluminium, mosaic tiles or pebbles are hugely popular and lighting can be incorporated to make the garden look magical at night.

Thanks today’s modern technology; water features can be designed to clean the air throughout the day, then automatically drain and refill with ‘Reverse Osmosis’ filtered water at night. It is also possible to have full control over the water feature, including the water speed, sound, and cascading water patterns! Visit Kalsi Aluminium for more details.

X – Xtras (and other brilliant garden essentials): 
This section includes my picks for the top 10 most amazing garden ‘must-haves’ (that weren’t included in the previous A-Z categories). This is the ultimate garden ‘wish list’! 

1. Garden Games – For fun with friends and the family! Introduce a game or two such as; Giant Jenga, Chess, Badminton, Lawn Boules, or my favourite – Croquet!

2. Hammock – A plush pillowed hammock in a bold-eye catching colour or stripe can be matched with an outdoor umbrella to add cabana worthy flair.

3. Hot Tub – Take a soak in the ultimate form of relaxation.

4. Gazebo / Summer House – Offers a luxurious sheltered setting for dining or relaxation away from the main house.

5. Greenhouse – Essential for the serious gardener.

6. Lap Pool – The perfect space saving solution for exercising and cooling off.

7. Signs and Plaques – More than just a ‘welcome’ greeting or ‘beware of dog’ alert, quirky signs can add a whimsical element and help to highlight a garden theme.

8. Stylish Shed – Far more than a tool store, a shed can be styled to become a main garden feature.

9. Tent or Tepee – Not just for festivals (and much cheaper than a gazebo); a cute tent with lots of plush floor cushions makes a fun and cosy garden addition.

10. Trellis – The ever useful garden trellis is no longer ugly and outdated! The modern day trellis is now available in punchy colours and sculptural designs that support your plants in a much more contemporary, decorative way!

Check out Flora and Terra Trellis.

Y – Yoga Area: Imagine listening to the sounds of nature as a sensation of warm sunlight washes over you and a gentle cool breeze brushes past your cheek.
There are so many health benefits associated with being outdoors; the sights, sounds and scent of a garden is naturally relaxing and healing and can help to develop a peaceful state of mind. Take the opportunity to get high on nature and practice the art of yoga, stretching and meditation in your own backyard with a dedicated quiet space.

Pick a private, quiet spot within the garden away from high activity areas and traffic noise. You will need to have a relatively level surface where you are comfortable sitting, standing and laying down. A decking area is ideal; however, grass can work just as well. It’s a good idea to have the area already set up and ready to use. It will be far more motivating for you to have easy access to matt’s and equipment. Consider implementing clever storage solutions such as hooks, painted timber boxes, or a chest with an upholstered seat covered in a bright outdoor fabric would work well.

       

Z – Zen Garden Elements: Introduce a little East to your West with a few key Zen design elements! Taking cues from a Japanese garden will help to instil a peaceful atmosphere within your outdoor living space. It will also provide a tranquil place to de-clutter your mind and nurture your spirit. 

A Zen landscape consists of simple, clean lines which avoid symmetry. In essence, the design should replicate the randomness of nature, alter perception and engage the senses. It should offer a sense of mystery and magic without being pretentious or unnatural, and just like a fine wine - it should improve with age. 

Whilst a Zen garden doesn’t require or expect any single component, some common features that are typically depicted include; bridges, islands, ponds, streams, waterfalls, basins, sand, pebbles, stepping stones, sculptural rocks and plants, pathways, lanterns, bamboo fencing and Buddha statues.

To learn more about the mystery of the Zen take a quick peek at this article by Ezine and Do It Yourself. 
For inspirational imagery visit Better Homes and Gardens. 
         
And that’s a wrap! Congratulations, you have completed all 26 categories of the A-Z Guide of Garden Essentials! It’s time to get out into the garden and embrace the joys of alfresco living! You now have absolutely everything you need to spring into action and convert your outdoor area into an amazing oasis. 

If you would like to review any of the previous sections of this guide, please click on the links below.
Part 1 
Part 2 
Part 3 
Celebrate Summer in an Outdoor Oasis. 

Happy Gardening!

                                                     *    *    *

Image references: 
Terrariums:
1.
2.
3.
Umbrellas:
1.
2.
3.
Vegetable Patch:
1.
2.
3.
Water Features:
1.
2.
3.
Xtras (and other brilliant garden essentials):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
4.
5.  
6.
7.
Yoga Area:
1.
2.
3.
Zen Garden Elements:
1.
2.
3.