A patio can be a wonderful place to relax during the warm days of spring, summer and autumn; or all year if you live in warmer climes. At times when the lawn may be too wet or even muddy, the solid floor of a patio means you can sit outside even after heavy rain and make the most of the fresh air, and visual pleasure of your garden. You can even turn your patio into a patio garden to make it more interesting.

You can turn the plainest of patios into a patio garden with the good use of containers or outdoor planters. If you are starting from nothing, and designing and building (or having designed and built) a completely new patio, then it is worth giving the garden aspect of the patio some forethought.

The reason for the pre-planning is that you have an opportunity to create something very special with little extra expense beyond the foundation work and the patio floor. Here are just a few thoughts to build in at the design stage, so your patio garden can be more than just a flat area of paving slabs.

Colour Scheme for the Patio

When planning a new patio it is best to consider the colour scheme beyond just the colour of the paving slabs. If you want a patio garden, then you will need containers to grow plants in. Try to be sure that you can obtain containers or planters which blend well with the colour of the slabs. For example, light brown paving slabs above may look very nice, but are not so easy to blend in naturally with surroundings, or find complementary planters for.

Natural grey stone, on the other hand, is much easier to find suitable planters for, and can have a much more natural appearance in the garden.

That is not to say paving slabs other than grey cannot be used, but just bear in mind the rest of the decor you will need to fit in to make your patio garden attractive.

Consider Height

As with many aspects of garden design, height is important when planning a patio garden. This can be achieved in a number of ways, which can all be used at the same time. Here are some examples:

1. Consider having a wall around the patio, on which you can put a few containers. On a patio or terrace, columns and balusters can be very attractive, and add a distinctive style.

2. Consider having a covered or partly covered patio. That gives you the opportunity to not only provide shade and cover, but allow for trellis on one side. That way you can grow climbing plants on the patio which add that all important height to the patio garden.

3. Choose some high containers that will immediately contrast with your smaller containers.

4. Choose some tall growing plants and container suitable shrubs, to contrast with the low growing and trailing plants.

Consider Your View and Adjacent Garden

It is best not to design the patio in isolation, but consider it in conjunction with the view you would most like to see. This means that the positioning is especially important, as are the garden design considerations in the surrounding garden.

For example, if you want sweet smelling plants to fill your senses on a warm evening, you can plant them next to the patio. Or, if you want a private area in which to sit, some taller shrubs outside the patio in that area may provide you with just that.

By using a combination of the above features, you can develop a patio garden that will be a pleasing and impressive feature of your garden overall, and also be a great place to relax on those balmy sunny days. Try to visualize it in full before starting work on construction, and your garden patio could end up as your dream garden patio.

This patio garden article was written by Roy Thomsitt. For more visit patio.gardens-and-decor.com

Growing a garden may take a lot of time and hard work; however, there are a number of benefits to gardening. One of the many benefits of gardening is that you can design your garden however you want. You can choose to grow flowers, plants, or vegetables; however, you do not have to choose just one. If you desire, you could have your garden be a collection of plants, flowers, and vegetables.

You may also find that the type of garden you choose will have a number of benefits. For instance, plant and flower gardens are often beautiful. If you choose to grow plants or flowers, you may find that they help to improve the appearance of your backyard. Vegetable gardens are a great way to save money on food. Many vegetable gardens are composed of potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, and beets. If you are able to successfully grow these foods, you and your family could enjoy them as a tasty treat or part of a meal.

Perhaps, the greatest benefit of gardening is the relaxation. Although garden requires a fairly large amount of work, there are many who feel as if it really isn’t work. In fact, there are many gardeners who say that gardening is as great way to relax. This is because you can work at your own pace. In addition to being relaxing, a garden will be your own creation. If are able to successfully grow a garden, you may be pleased with the results and proud of yourself, as you should be.

If you plan on using your garden as a source of relaxation, it is possible that you may prefer gardening by yourself. Even though you may enjoy gardening by yourself, you may also find benefits to including your family in the process, especially if you have young children. There are many children who enjoy helping their parents in the garden.

With the ability to create your own unique garden, improve the appearance of your backyard, grow your own food, and purchase gardening accessories for an affordable price, you are encouraged to at least consider this popular backyard activity. You may find that it is perfect way to spend your summer for some relaxation time.

Author: Terro White

These relaxing outdoor retreats are actually the fabric slings, made of cloth and synthetic rope. They are generally used for relaxing in the front water areas, backyards, and cottages. You may even use them on ships and sandy beaches. They provide a safer relaxation place to the people in order to enjoy their sleep. They are available in the market in different forms and patterns. Adding more, they require less maintenance and are durable. They are extremely comfortable, especially for growing kids. They come as Spreader-bar, Mayan, and others.

Today, everyone wants relaxation regardless of the place, be it indoors or outdoors. If you are thinking of various ways to get relaxed, your mind may conjure a resting picture of a person on this kind of fabric sling that is being secured between the branches of the two trees on the shore of a beach. The mere imagination provides us with a feeling that instills peace, comfort, tranquility, and relaxation inside us. Undoubtedly, these slings are the best way to get relaxed in the outdoors meanwhile cherishing the natural beauty. They are being used by people all across the world since centuries.

They can be found in a variety of materials such as network or cloth. They are actually great utility products. As they are suspended above the grounds, so they are able to give a complete protection to the sleepers from poisonous reptiles and dirt. People in the ancient times used them not only for sleeping purpose, but also for seating. Nowadays, people use them in yachts, ships, and in the backyards of their homes. They are even used to enhance the pleasure of camping.

Due to their increased popularity, they are now being designed in many new styles that contain mosquito nets and silk materials. You may also find them in the colors and shapes of your choice. They not only provide relaxation, but also add to the home décor. Thus, lying in this fabric sling and enjoying the natural charm is the dream come true. It actually takes us to the world that is beyond our imagination and is much more comfortable than the daily world that we experience everyday.

With this you can relax anytime regardless of the time, be it a quiet afternoon or a silent dusk. It is really important for every individual to have its personal space so that he or she may be able to get time to overcome all stress and to enjoy the emotional space in life. You may even look for additional accessories that can help your swing more pleasurable and durable. The only requirement is to make a right selection in order to have multiple benefits.

Hammocks make a wonderful way to have an extended enjoyment. With this you can even personalize your swing in your own way. You can even lend a homely touch to your backyard with them and can treat yourself at the best. Even the young children can use portable hammock in camping activities in the outdoors of your home.

About the Author:

Hammocks not only provide comfort, but also add to your home décor. For more information log on to http://www.hammocksrock.com/.

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Author: Owen Chubb

Little wonder that modern attitudes towards gardens and what they represent have evolved from traditional views over the last fifty years. Not so long ago, the garden was ‘an area’ intended to be enjoyed, easy to maintain, yet full of variety and ideally providing colour throughout the year. In fact apart from children running around playing, mowing the lawn and deciding how and when best to prune the fruit trees, gardens were considered more in visual terms, in other words within the garden space, form took precedent over any garden activity. This traditional perspective has been dramatically overtaken partly because of the vast array of new garden products featuring innovative technologies but mainly by the dynamic changes in modern living and working habits.

Yes gardens have become smaller and people generally have less time for garden maintenance activities, but most will demand more and spend (both time and money) more in getting the outdoor space right for them and enjoying more time outdoors, whether it is alone or with family and friends.

No matter whether you consider your garden large or small, traditional or minimalist, it should not be seen as merely an asset to add value your home or property but more importantly as an asset that enhances your outdoor living lifestyle.

A place to sit

We probably spend more time in the garden sitting and eating than any other activity. So it is vital the layout of the outdoor space takes this important aspect into account. Invariably the sitting and eating activities take place on or the near the patio areas. Not long ago patios were constructed from poured concrete or even concrete flags. In more advanced gardens, crazy paving invariably broken pieces of natural stone were used. Today’s choice is vast including an extensive range of natural stone which includes bestsellers like Sandstone, Granite and Limestone to name but a few. Unquestionably Sandstone available in a wide range of sizes and colours is a top seller and the preferred choice by far of most people. Natural stone demanding little maintenance is still the preferred choice over other patio alternatives such as man made products and decking. Locating the patio in the sunniest part of the garden is obvious but you would be surprised to discover how frequently this prized location in the garden is occupied by the garden shed. Monitor the sun movements throughout the day to determine what is the best position for the patio. Most prefer sunny positions late afternoon or early evening but some might prefer dappled shade during midday. So choose a location for the patio where and when you’re most likely to use it most. Patios should be level so that you have no trip hazards at joints or patio chairs do not annoyingly rock each time you shift position. They should also have a slight slope or fall for rain to run off. A typical fall is 25mm in 1000mm (approx 1:40). Fall should not be confused with sloping sites which can be cleverly utilised to create split or different levels in the patio. In other words do not be too quick to level sloping ground instead seek new ideas to develop imaginative patio forms. In larger sites it is not uncommon to find two or more patios, designed to take full advantage of the sun at specific times.

Plants please

Of all the elements that go to make up your perfect garden, plants after structure are the essential component. The choice of plants today is practically endless, whether your preference is evergreen or deciduous (shed leaf in autumn), lime haters or lime tolerant,

prefer sunny or shade, dry or damp, open or sheltered conditions. Also how you use plants in the garden can yield specific effects on overall garden size and style. Some plants may be planted as sole specimens, i.e. the centre of attention in a low level bed or to provide a screening requirement. Others may be planted as informal i.e. natural groups or formally to create dramatic geometric patterns.

Ideally plants should be used in as naturalistic way possible so as to enhance the desired look whether it is to follow a gentle curve or sometimes affect the overall appearance. For example, trees and shrubs can be cleverly used to disguise a long narrow garden to make it appear broader in effect, conversely plants can also be used to lengthen broad gardens which are not very long by using the taller plants nearer the house and shorter further away to create a perspective effect that makes the garden appear longer.

Although plants may be used in a variety of ways, it is well worth considering the maintenance aspects before making final selection. There is little point in planting large varieties in confined spaces and despite repeated cutting and pruning neither plant nor gardener will ever be happy. Instead choose plants carefully, consider mature heights and spread not just what the label states ‘…in ten years…’ because plants continue to grow. Instead try to determine what is actual plant height and spread at maturity. Pick plants to suit the suit site’s soil, prevailing conditions and size. This way you will have plants that will flourish and require little or no cutting.

Borders can be straight but better to have gentle curves. Avoid intricate curves and above all pathways that dissect the lawn which will destroy the open aspect and make the garden appear smaller. Instead position pathway to oneside. Ideally borders with at least two or three planting lines look far more interesting. The backline representing usually the taller varieties are the all year round backbone with the middle and lower foreground lines providing seasonal impact. Beds should be at least 900 mm- 1,200 mm deep and to conceal structures like rotary lines or garden sheds might be larger than 2.000mm or more.

For added interest, try to use plants and shrubs with contrasting shapes, heights and colours all linked in a gentle flowing manner around the garden. More impact can be achieved by planting in groups and here think odd as best., i.e. plant in groups of 3,5,7,9 etc for effect. Group planting can be very effective to emphasise the curve nature of the border. Also better to allow at least 100mm-150mm clear space between front line plants and lawn edge, this are can be easily maintained and looks particularly attractive when edged with mini-chip bark mulch dressing. Alternative lawn edgings are available including brick, stone which are a very effective long-term solutions to defining lawn-bed boundary but also providing a useful (lawn must be at least 20mm above height of stone) mowing strip and standing area for any seasonal maintenance work.

Raising your spirits

Raised Beds are becoming a very popular feature for more gardens, not only do they provide added height and hence presence to particular planting arrangements but a great solution to creating soil conditions required for specific groups of plants not found in other parts of the garden. Here azaleas, rhododendrons, forest flames all with spectacular foliage and flower characteristics and are easy to grow so long as the soil is lime free soil. These soil conditions are easy to create in raised beds. Raised beds can be positioned against boundary walls or more prominently as island beds within paved areas. Raised beds may be constructed form brick, natural stone and a variety of timbers can also be used to create attractive enclosures for water features. Trailing bedding plants can be used to great effect in Raised Beds.

Watered Features

There are a wide range of types and sizes but nowadays people choice is influenced by the safety aspects and low maintenance requirements, hence the popularity of Reservoir features typically positioned on or near patio area where they are best enjoyed for both visual and the soothing sound effects of trickling water. In more contemporary gardens stainless steel columns are a popular choice. Irrespective of your style preference, water features add a new dimension to any garden. All that is required is careful attention to detailing, a thoughtful selection of plants, e.g. ferns, ornamental grasses combined with natural river cobblestones create superb compositions and very pleasing features to admire.

The meaning of Light

Lighting is really a must have in the garden. It can not only make an ordinary garden look spectacular revealing an aspect unseen during daylight, but come nightfall the silhouettes of trees and shrubs against textured walls take on a whole new meaning. Just as much as gardens can be visually admired for their interest during daylight, lighting offers a whole new dimension to the meaning of beauty in the garden albeit at nightime. There are many lighting effects to be considered including: spread lighting across access paths, uplighting to direct light up through the branches and trunks of trees or up the walls of buildings, spot lighting can be used to illuminate a statue or water feature and downlighting is typically used to illuminate steps.

Contained Treasures

Growing plants in containers whether it is seasonal summer planting and/or all year round planting is an important dimension to the planting aspects of gardens. Much easier and less costly to introduce to a garden, containers be they urns, planters or humble terracotta pots can be very cleverly used to add high drama and bold colour schemes to areas within the garden. Container planting also permits the growing of plants which might be too vigorous to grow in open ground because of lack of available space or other limitations. Bamboos are fantastic container plants so too are Japanese maples but require sheltered conditions which may not be available in open beds during winter months. Containers can be very useful mobile units to locate around patio to great effect. Try bringing fragrance (lavender, santolina, helichrysum or rosemary) nearer the patio. For added impact try and use three plant types per container, i.e. place tall specimen in centre, small compacts in corners and trailers between corners.

In summary

For some of us relaxing in the garden is nothing more than sitting out or swinging in the hammock, usually in the sun but perhaps increasingly in dappled shade. Whether alone or with family and friends, sitting or eating, dozing or entertaining, living outdoors is a major aspect of how we relax and sometimes let’s be honest, a popular place ‘to get away from it all.’ Today’s outdoor living spaces reflect our preferred ‘approach to interior living’ and hence the common link to bring the indoors out or take the garden in. Irrespective of how you express it, more and more people are demanding more from the outdoor living space and wish to integrate it more with the established ‘interior world’ both visually but also how and what activities take place outdoors. How we use the outdoor living space is increasingly becoming more important than how it looks. In other words today’s homeowners are demanding more functionality from the gardens, yes, you guessed it, form follows function, is the prevailing principle and the smarter approach to determining the outdoor living space.

Owen Chubb is Director of Owen Chubb Garden Landscapes Limited, an established and award winning landscaping company offering clients a complete landscaping service including Garden Design, Construction and Planting. A full member of the Association of Landscape Contractors of Ireland (ALCI), the only professional body for landscape contractors and proud winners in 2005 of the prestigious ALCI Award for BEST PRIVATE GARDEN (Over € 13,000 Category). Tel 087-206 128 / 01-492 0904 www.owenchubblandscapers.com

About the Author:

The Author is a professional garden designer and owner/manager of award winning Dublin based landscaping company: ‘Owen Chubb Garden Landscapes Limited’. The company has extensive experience of designing and constructing stunning gardens in a range of sizes and styles. Featuring natural paving (sandstone, limestone and granite) and mature planting, it’s attention to detail that has made it’s name and practical kno-how that has created many stunning compositions.

website: www.owenchubblandscapers.com
blog: www.owenchubblandscapers.com/news

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Before creating the perfect outdoor space on your patio, you need to figure out and understand how you want to use it. If you want to relax and entertain on your patio, realize that it is an outdoor space, and that you want it to be relaxed, but bordering on formal.

Realize also that your patio furnishings will be exposed to the elements year-round, unless you bring them in for winter storage. The summer sun will beat down on your patio furniture, so you will need to find pieces that won’t fade in sunlight. For patios where rain is not a problem, either in desert climets or where the patio has a sheltering roof-overhang, wicker furniture is a popular, elegant choice. If rain is a problem, though, cedar patio furniture works, but teak tends to have more style.

You have a number of options to choose from when it comes to patio furniture. We’ve already mentioned wicker, cedar and teak. Similar to wicker, there is also rattan with an air of sophisticated informality. Regardless of material, though, make sure your patio furniture is well-treated and designed for outdoor use. Otherwise, it probably won’t stand up to extended outdoor exposure.

Next up, you will want to consider your cushions. The major problem here is with fabrics that can discolor, fade and become ruined when daily exposed to UV. Laminated cotton, vinyl coated polyester and acrylic materials are some of your most rugged fabric choices.

So, what pieces should you get? If you want to eat outside, you will definitely want a patio dining set with four or six chairs and a dining table. In addition, you should either get a large patio umbrella or have a roll-up or retractable patio awning installed. Be careful with umbrellas — always close them up when not in use, and store them in a sheltered area like a garage during storms. Awnings, too, should be retracted when not in use. Retractable awnings are more expensive than umbrellas, but are also more convenient and offer greater coverage.

A couple of Adirondack chairs and a hammock will make your patio more inviting to lounge in, but patio carpeting to cover the concrete and cushion your feet, and a couple of cedar planters with herbs or flowers should make things homey and pull the whole patio together for you.

Don’t forget the Wind Chimes for your patio.

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Author: stevem

Water brings a sense of calm and tranquility to its surroundings. In homes, Outdoor Fountains and garden fountains have always been a preferred addition in outdoor living spaces. Many are discovering that the semblance of natural serenity produced by cascading waters can also be had through various indoor fountains. It appears that fountains have found its niche in the busy pace of modern life. Having one paves the way for the simplest form of relaxation possible – listening to the sound of water in the comfort of one’s home.

Fountains complete the look and setting of patios. Together with the right patio furniture and patio heater, a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere is created. A hammock makes it more inviting while a gas grill or fire pit on the side completes the picture of leisurely living. A traditional tiered, sleek glass or stone fountain as well as the modern styles will provide years of service as long as they are maintained properly. The use of the right maintenance products will ensure that pumps run properly at all times while preventing formation of stains on garden fountains.

Nothing brings a pleasant and restful feel to one’s home more than the sound of trickling water. The introduction of wall fountains has made it possible to distribute such feeling all over the house without necessarily occupying a big space. The newer designs can easily transport one into a haven, which is free from the stress of everyday life. Those that are made of high quality materials are guaranteed to bring a sense of happiness and peace for many, many years. Owners of fountains as well as their guests are encouraged to sit back and relax to fully enjoy the warm and encompassing feeling brought about by its beauty and magic.

Water’s association with health, wealth and longevity has been known since ancient times. It is believed to provide healing qualities and is used in a number of traditions and customs all over the world. This specific feature of water is catching the interest of many who wish to bring water’s desirable focal points into homes and offices. A room can at once be transformed into a rejuvenating zone by simply adding the suitable indoor fountains while outdoor and garden fountains can spell the difference between an ordinary garden and a truly captivating one.

Style is achieved by combining different elements that work together in the same manner that different elements can work together to produce a relaxing enclave. A strategically placed hammocks and carefully selected patio furniture can present an all-together different picture when such items are just thrown in together without a thought for the over-all effect. Other items such as gas grills and fire pits can lead the activities that can be conducted in a certain area. Grills and pits are readily associated with weekend barbecues, family gatherings and intimate socialization. Garden fountains will do the rest in terms of setting the mood or even serve as a starting point for conversation, the interest in water being a universal thing.

Peace and relaxation are some things that do not come by so easily these days. People even have to go to the extent of looking for it, although it can remain elusive. Fountains can provide the gateway to tranquility in their simplest beauty. There are joys to be found in simple things and fountains are the best example of this.

About the Author:

Ethanpauloutdoor author of this article specializes in Outdoor Fire Pits, Outdoor Fountains, Garden Fountains, Gas Grills, Outdoor Heaters. Get highest quality outdoor decor, at the lowest everyday price on the internet.

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Author: Bob Blick

Nothing is better to get away from the hassels of work and everyday life than having a backyard retreat. Grab a drink and head out back to just sit and relax. Listening to the sound of running water and watching the birds and butterflies has a soothing effect.

Here are some tips to make the backyard perfect for you if you are starting from scratch. If you already have a backyard theme, you can build on that by utilizing some of these tips.

First decide where you are most likely planning to be sitting and relaxing the most. If you have a deck, it’s pretty obvious. If you don’t, plan a place where you are likely to gather.


The first recommendation is to start with a pond. It can be small or large but, if you do plan to put in a pond, it will be the center of attraction upon which the rest of the landscape will be designed. A pond not only looks good, but the running water attracts butterflies and the water itself becomes a drinking area for birds and wildlife.

I would highly recommend you use a pond liner and not a preformed plastic liner. The look is much more natural. After you finish putting in rocks and plants, the pond may look like it has been there forever. It’s not really that hard to build a nice looking pond, but if you are hand digging, you may want to spread the work out over a couple weekends. Dig different levels with at least one area being two feet deeper or more so the fish can get away from the heat and any predators. It will also be an area they go in the winter months.

You can go to construction sites and ask if you can haul away some of the rock to lay around the pond. Don’t skimp here. Bring in more than you think you need. You can always use the leftovers to place in different areas of your yard. It seems you can never have too much rock.

In the pond itself you can add water lillies, iris and other plants to give it a colorful look and to cut down on the algae. Add goldfish. They are not only fun to watch but they also eat the mosquito larvae.

If you get nothing done the first year but a pond, it will be well worth it.

The easiest way to begin adding plants is to take sections of the yard and work that area, tilling it and adding plants. Look at this as a continuing process and it won’t seem so daunting a task. Add a section or two every year.

When choosing plants and flowers, take into consideration color to add beauty and find out what type of plants attract butterflies and hummingbirds. In addition, read the labels and find out whether the plants need shade, abundant sunshine or a combination. This will help you determine which type of plants to plant in each section.

Each year you may decide to add more color or make some changes to a section. You can usually carefully dig up the plants and move them without causing harm. If you do, be certain to water the plants you move daily for a couple of weeks until they become established. Any new plants will require continual watering until they are established as well. Adding mulch around the plants can help keep the ground moist for longer periods and cut down on the amount of watering you need to do, not to mention cutting down on weeds.

As the plants bloom and the butterflies and the birds begin to visit your yard regularly, you will find you can’t wait to get home and head out back to sit and relax. Lay your head back and listen to the water as you gaze at the sky.

You don’t have to be rich to create a backyard haven. A little work, a yearly garden budget and some time and you will have a backyard you can be proud of.

About the Author:
Bob Blick has a website called Gardening for the Birds, where you can pick up a lot of tips on creating an outdoor garden area you will be proud to show your family and friends. Visit his site and get tips on ponds, rock gardening.

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Ready to sit back and enjoy the great outdoors? There’s no major trip to the woods needed for this, if you create a fun seating area in your own backyard. Think of what makes those nature getaways what they are? Trees? Wildlife? Outdoor benches where you can sit down and take it all in?

Why can’t you recreate this environment in your backyard? You can, with just a little work.

Start with outdoor benches. After all, what good is a great backyard getaway without somewhere to sit and enjoy it? Outdoor benches come in a number of shapes and styles these days.

If you want to recreate that escape in the mountains, you can look for wooden outdoor benches that look as if they would have found a home in a national park.

Would you prefer feeling like you have not only escaped a busy world, but also the current time period? Many people create backyard getaways that are steps back in history from Victorian to medieval times. There are cement outdoor benches that look as if they came right out of a Victorian garden. Other primitive wooden benches will fit right in for a medieval scene.

Want to be extra green in your backyard? In addition to enjoying the plants and flowers of your yard, you also can choose recycled materials for your garden benches. We’re not talking about stacking old tires up and sitting on them, but instead looking into the number of recycled products that have come on the market. Many of these poly plastics are formed to look just like wood, or other high-end plastic outdoor benches.

Once you have your outdoor benches in place, what else do you want to enjoy in your backyard?

When you are sitting on those outdoor benches what will you see? Sure, you have trees, but what are you doing to bring on the wildlife? You may want to start shopping around for bird feeders and birdbaths. These too can be found to fit any décor style you have in effect in your backyard.

If you are thinking of entertaining in this area, you will also need a table that goes with the outdoor benches. This would be a perfect getaway after a busy workday.

Other additions many use in this kind of outdoor escape are fountains. The trickle of a flowing fountain has a very relaxing effect on people. Maybe it’s a flashback to sitting on a mountainside near a babbling brook or just the thought of the cool feeling of being in flowing water. Either way, fountains are often the centerpiece of a relaxing getaway.

One final consideration is if you ever plan to enjoy this outdoor area at night. While you could rig up spotlights and other large lighting options, those can also take away from the beauty of the environment you have created. Instead, look for lanterns and other more romantic lighting options. While some are run with candles, others can be hardwired in to be electric lighting that don’t look out of place.

Jennifer Akre, the author of this article, is an owner of different niche sites that offer clients and customer not only products, but information relating to furnishing and decorating their indoor and outdoor living space. Whether you want to redecorate your living room or create the ultimate outdoor oasis, there is a ton of helpful advice to take advantage of. Today, she shares her insight when purchasing lavish benches, sturdy park benches, and comfortable outdoor benches.

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What could be better than a picnic at the beach for a family dinner outing? Sand in your toes, the roar of the ocean a walk on the beach, and a roaring fire to gather around. If you aren’t lucky enough to live near the ocean, a lake, pond, creek or fountain will do. Or simply put blankets down in the back yard. A few easy dinner recipes for a picnic at the beach then later when it gets dark you can do some star gazing.

What you need:

1) A place to go. Choose a local beach, preferably with fire pits or BBQs. One with a bit of shelter from the wind is ideal. It will keep the sand out of your food later.

2) Fire – a fire ring, BBQ, or create your own. You can bring a small portable BBQ or dig a pit and line it with stones. If you are making your own fire pit it is great to involve the whole faily in the digging, the hunt for stones and the search for firewood. It is a good idea to bring a grill to set on top of stones on your firepit. And i always bring some backup firewood in case the search for wood turns up less than an adequate supply.

3) Seating – a picnic bench, folding chairs or a huge old quilt or blanket are wonderful to sit on fireside. Bring several so as the day gets cooler you can all be near the fire and you can switch side s as the wind direction changes to avoid getting smoke on your eyes.

4) Games – It is a great idea to bring some games or toys to occupy the troops until dinner time. A bucket and shovel are classic beach toys and the basis of any good sand castle. It’s really amazing how the sand itself is entertaining for kids to play with. It’s like at Christmas when all the little kids love to play in the boxes and wrapping; take them to the beach and they love the sand. Of course later they’ll have it in every crevice, but that’s a price well worth paying for a good afternoon at the beach. Beach balls are another good choice as are Frisbees. Bring another bucket if you’ve got a shell collector. They’ll spend hours combing the beach for treasures. You can make a game of collecting sea shells and sea glass and have a craft day later where you turn your treasures into a craft such as decorated picture frames.

5) Camera – Since we may be making some decorated picture frames later with our collected shells, we may as well bring the camera and capture some sun and sand logged goofiness on film. I love a shot from the end of the day when everyone ir pink and sandy, tired and happy.

6) Safety – Be sure to have the safety discussion with kids early on. Depending on how many you have with you and what their ages are, there rules may vary, but each child should clearly know whether they are allowed in the water, and if so how deep. (To the knees? To the Belly button?) And if we are wandering the beach looking for shells, lets choose marker to show how far it is safe to go and whether you need to have someone come with you.

7) Drying off – Bring loads of towels, preferably big beach towels. Bring more than you think you’ll need because someone always gets cold and wet when it is later in the day and beginning to get chilly.

Warm clothes – be sure to bring jackets for every one. Once the day turns cooler it is easy to get chilled. Bring something soft in case we’re gotten any sunburn.

9) Sunscreen – I hate to have to cut a great outing short becasue we didn’t plan well enough for sun exposure. Be sure it is water proof, plentiful and it is reapplied as needed.

10) Drinks! Be sure to have plenty of bottles of water on hand and well as fruit drinks for the kids and whatever the adults would like. Why not go with a beach theme and have some mai tais on the beach. They needn’t even be alcoholic to taste good, although a little rum add good flaover. Buy mai tai mix, orange juice, mango juice, pineapple juice and rum if desired and go to town. It’s extra point if you bring cute glasses (non breakable of course) and super extra credit for those little umbrellas.

11) Food! I bet you thought we never get there, but you know the food is the highlight of the day. Today we’re doing shrimp boil in foil; succulent tender shrimp, sweet summer corn and spicy sausage all grilled together in a foil packet. The are make ahead and kept in the cooler to pop on the fire when we’re ready. Also bring a loaf or garlic bread, all buttered and sliced and wrapped in foil to warm on the grill. For appetizers I like to do little smokey sausage links. Give everyone a weiner roasting stick or fashion them yourselves from coat hangers, spear a little smoky sausage and heat over the fire until sizzling. Careful though, they’re hot! Bring more than you think you’ll need because appetites get big with all that sun and activity. I’m convinced it makes the food taste better too! For dessert, it’s got to be s’mores. Bring marshmallows, roasting sticks, chocolate bars and graham crackers. Again bring more than you think you need to account marshmallows dropped in the sand, burnt like torches and hearty appetites!

Grilled Shrimp “Boil” in Foil

A shrimp boil is a traditional southern dish where shrimp, shellfish, sausage and corn are boiled together with Old Bay seasoning. This has all the good flavor, but is faster and easier to prepare in foil packets.

Serves 4

1 1/2 lb Shrimp – medium – peeled and deveined
1 lb Mussels
1 lb Clams
1/2 lb Kielbasa, sliced
2 Cobs of of corn, shucked
2 Tb Butter
1/4 C Water
1/4 C White wine
1 Tsp Old Bay seasoning

Instructions

Preheat grill to medium high heat. Cut the corn into 1 inch rounds. Tear off 4 large sheets of foil and fold in half to double. Divide seafood, corn and sausage evenly among the packets, dot with butter, sprinkle on Old Bay, and 1 TB of both wine and water. Fold up with double folds to secure well. Grill packets about 10 minutes turning once until puffed. Empty each packet carefully into a bowl to serve.

Julie Languille

Mom, step-mom, foster mom and adoptive mom and owner of Dinners In A Flash

http://www.dinnersinaflash.com
Easy Dinner Recipes, Menus and Meal Planning for Busy Families

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There is no better way to set a calm, serene atmosphere in your home than by creating a serenity area. Every home should have a room or area decorated with tranquility in mind. At the same time, it should be comfortable for all of those dwelling within the home. With these ideas, you can undertake a simple home improvement project with very beneficial results.

Make a Retreat out of Existing Home-Construction

While color and lighting can create the right effect for a serenity room, the ideal way to create this space is with the great outdoors. Combining the tranquility of Mother Nature with the comforts of home, you can achieve the perfect balance.  Dressing up a normal deck with the right furnishings allows you to strike the precise cord, making a harmonious setting for serenity and relaxation.

Look at the Big Picture

There are many elements to consider when designing your patio retreat. You must think about the potential views, the existing construction of your deck and most importantly, your personal preferences. Also, you should pick your outdoor furniture and style based on the climate in your area.  The key to achieving a relaxing environment is remembering subtlety; overdoing any particular theme will overwhelm rather than soothe.

Eyeing the Details

After processing the features of your outdoors area, you may move on to more particular details. There are many themes that can create a reposeful realm. Just as with music, you can orchestrate a symphony by playing the right notes together. Depending on your preferences and personality, you may find that combining eclectic styles suits your taste; or, you may find that sticking to a single motif gives more appealing results.

Get in Touch with Your Inner Style

Style possibilities are endless. An Asian-inspired theme, for example, lends itself well to winding down after a long day. Clean lines and solid colors, such as black aluminum, is the way to arrive at this style of choice. Another theme you can follow is the graceful design of beautiful French ironwork sets. Different distressed metal finishes can create this style. For an entirely different look, opt for the rustic motif of wicker furniture. Comfortable, easy chairs and benches are available in a wide array of lovely and appealing colors. Employing simplicity, all of these designs, and many others, create a crisp, clean look and feel. For added elegance, assemble a smart arrangement of plants or buy a soothing fountain.

Reap the Rewards of Planning

Careful assessment, fine-tuning and a well laid plan make your meditation dreams a reality.  Everyone needs a retreat – somewhere to go without distractions and frenzy.  Make your patio area this oasis with a few simple improvements.  You’ll be amazed how such an idea can really replenish your body and soul.

Freelance writer and home improvement expert, Leah Perry is newly married. She writes about the different techniques of home design and decorating as she applies them in her own house. For more great ways to organize your home, check out [http://www.PatioandHomeFurniture.com]PatioandHomeFurniture.com