Having been on both sides of the fence, both as a gardener/plant-buyer and as a nursery owner, I have a unique, if prejudiced set of opinions on the best places to find great plants at great prices. It was not always so.
Years ago, when I was young, but still full of gardening ferver, I was seduced and be-dazzled by the lush displays of every conceivable (or so I thought) plant at chain stores, big box stores and franchises.
They were so beautiful to my way of thinking, so …

Every garden seems to have some type of furniture in it. From benches to patio tables, the furnishings in the garden are just as important as the plants and flowers. One of the best choices you can go with for the material of your fittings has to be oak.
Oak furnishings can be used in any garden or patio area. A bench would be a great addition to just sit and relax or to enjoy a great book. A picnic table could be a wonderful place to enjoy your morning coffee …

Choosing garden furnishing should not be something you rush in to. There are considerations to be made. How much are you willing to spend? How much time are you willing to spend maintaining the furniture? What will it look good in your garden? How many years of life do you want to get from the furniture? What material will not only look good, but remain sustainable in the climate?
Choosing wooden furniture over plastic or metal is a great choice. Plastic - while it comes in every possible shape, size and …

Gardens are not just fair weather milieus. They carry on in all kinds of weather and in every season. When it is time to choose garden furnishings, the furniture needs to be up to the task of withstanding blistering sun, saturating fog, drenching rain and blustering wind. Consider cast garden furniture for this all season job. Cast from the enduring metals of the earth, it will withstand extremes of temperature and humidity year after year.
Cast garden fittings come in either aluminum or iron. In both, the casting is done by …

Stone garden furniture is a beautiful way to bring art and new life into a garden area. This furniture is an elegant statement of style. A stone bench can instantly spruce up any outdoor lounging area. There are many options that go far beyond a simple bench, however. A patio set is a lovely way to entertain outdoors, and an unexpected addition to your garden. There are chaise lounges made of stones and bar sets as well. These pieces can instantly change the look of any outdoor space and create …

With a garden being nature’s bequest, a clever decorator adds character to the garden in organic style. It seems backward to have plastic in an area that has been created for live plants and flowers. Rustic garden furniture is a striking choice, some made from a variety of woods. Metal furniture will also allow it to keep its rustic notion.
Garden furnishings made of wood are sturdy and blends into the natural canvas of the great outdoors; wood ages naturally and smells distinct. Wood furniture is many times made by hand, …

Some erstwhile, haphazard gardeners who want to satisfy themselves they’re getting the “most” for their money refuse to put in annuals in the spring. I have to say I find their penny-pinching excuse amusing and just another worn out rationale in their large repertoire of excuses for not getting serious about gardening. The argument goes that since annuals don’t re-seed themselves and poop out after late fall, they are somehow inferior to perennials. Hysterical stuff!
You need to have both kinds of flowers in …

If you are looking to purchase furniture for your garden but you want to veer away from more traditional styles, there is an extensive selection of modern garden furniture to choose from in stores and online. But with such a variety of options, it is important that you know what you’re looking for before you hand over the money.
When choosing your furniture, consider these key questions:
1. How much room do you have in your garden?
2. What pieces of furniture must you buy (e.g. four chairs, two side tables, two loungers …

Many people love to decorate their gardens. It is quite natural to have the urge of showing it off when you have spent a lot of time and energy making and shaping it to be just the way you want. There is sometimes even a little bit of friendly rivalry between neighbours where they will buy anything in order for their garden to look better than the gardens that their friends have. Most people however, seem to have completely ignored antique furniture. Antique garden furniture is among the most beautiful …

Planning a big party or wedding? If you need flowers, make sure to take some time to shop around. There are different types of florists, and your local retail shop may not be right for a big event. They may make beautiful arrangements, but for any event that needs more than six flower arrangements, consider a special event florist.
This type of florist is one that does large events exclusively. Some will even limit themselves to resort parties or weddings only. They generally do not have a retail shop where you …