One way to catch a prospective buyer's attention to your listing is to mention the water feature that is installed in your back yard. We all love them, especially when they are already set up and running. There are many reasons why a water feature draws everyone's attention, including the hypnotic effect of watching the never ending motion of water; it is said that the sound of running water is relaxing. Many people are hesitant to install a pond into their yard. Often they, or their children, have young tots that could fall into the pond and drown. However, there is another solution, if you can forego the goldfish, which is safe even for young children. The sound of running water and the idea of a water feature in your yard can be satisfied by assembling a pebble fountain in your back yard. This will take a simple reservoir, a small pump which comes with container and lid (or find your own) and pebbles! The quickest way to go about this is to buy a DIY water feature pack and you will have everything you need. If [more..]

For centuries, one of the most popular things to do around one's home was to create a garden. Gardens were filled with flowers, plants, or food, and they provided enjoyment and sustenance for the homeowner. The tradition of gardening continues to this day as gardens of all types and shapes can be found around nearly every home. Some gardens are small and might even fit on a windowsill. Others are much larger and can occupy a significant portion of the property. Some gardens are obviously more than a haphazard collection of plants and flowers, they are planned, organized, beautiful, and often thematic; and those gardens are the product of landscape gardening. Landscape gardening has origins that go back centuries and to different continents. English gardens of the 18th century had many elements that are associated with modern landscape gardening. English gardens (or landscape gardens as they were known in England) often revolved around a pond, and would have small bridges and pavilions that were used as vantage points. In the Far East, Japanese and Chinese gardens were prevalent, and remain popular to this day. Eastern [more..]

Create an Outdoor Kitchen that Revolutionizes Backyard LivingOne of the great aspects of any house is the backyard. Here is where homeowners take the extra steps to let their personality really begin to shine. Some favor small intimate backyard settings that provide for cozy environments with family and friends. Others utilize the backyard as an entertainment arena where action unfolds right before guestâ??s eyes. Whether it is created on a small scale or a larger entertainment scale, backyard living requires a few fundamental pieces.Essential ElementsGrilling on a BBQ is a treasured part of life. Many great memories of times spent with friends and family originate around the barbeque in the backyard. This tradition typically takes place during the warm summer months when the weather beckons everyone to spend a few more minutes outside in the evening. The grill is where everything gets started. Therefore it only stands to reason that a  Built In Grill is the core piece of an outdoor kitchen.Outside grills are available in every size imaginable with plenty of design options to match. Many built in grills come equipped with searing and [more..]

Do you want the perfect garden this spring? Have you already bought some flowers or shrubs to put in some of the empty spots in your garden? Stop right there! The key to great design is to see the end in the beginning. You need to have a clear picture of what you want before you start.So, the first step to perfect garden design is to determine where your garden is going to go. Draw a map of your property and identify the area or areas you are going to focus on this year. This is crucial to having a successful and stunning garden. The ideas will start flowing once you know where the garden will go.The absolutely essential next step in great garden design is to evaluate the condition of the soil and determine what needs to be done, if anything, so it will be hospitable to your plants and flowers. The last thing you want to do is spend a lot of money and time only to find out that nothing will grow. Most gardening stores have kits to do soil analysis. Or, [more..]

Designing a water garden is fun and easy, it can be created by a person or by a professional landscaping company. A water garden design should factor in the space allowed, the plants desired, and the climate of the area the garden will grow in.Digging A HoleMaking a water garden in one's back yard begins by digging a hole in the ground. When planning the dig, gradually slope the sides to allow different plants optimal growing conditions. Some water plants flourish in deeper water and others are suited for shallower water.Some water garden designs will begin with a shelf for plants that enjoy one foot of water or less and from that point the pond will slope to around eighteen inches and the deepest point over twenty-four inches deep. This will allow for a variety of plants to be grown in one water garden.Choosing PotsA water garden design should be planned similarly to a container garden because that is essentially what a water garden is. One difference is the type of pots needed for water gardens, water garden plants will do best if they are [more..]

The Birmingham Botanical Garden is highly recommended by Activ Birmingham as a place to visit under its heading of Great Days Out. These delightful gardens and glasshouses are located in Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, and Birmingham. The gardens cover some 15 acres of interest and enjoyment, and were designed by one of the leading garden planners of the day, J.C. Loudon. Loudon was also a respected horticultural journalist and publisher. The gardens first opened to the paying public in 1832. Today, visitors will find peace, splendour and tranquillity, plus excellent facilities including a shop, gallery, library, museum, a most essential tea room and a study centre. The gardens also provide educational facilities, courses and workshops. The Botanical Gardens promote various events from outside organisations during the year. The Gardens, with its unique facilities and surroundings, also cater for banqueting, conference, weddings (either civil ceremony and/or receptions) with its tailor made menus and extensive dishes.  It also offers excellent dinner dance amenities and is also an excellent venue for cocktail parties, lunches and dinners. Over the years the Birmingham Botanical Gardens has achieved a reputation of excellence for providing clients [more..]