Out in the Yard: Creating an Art-Inspired Garden

jannie says:

Regarding birdhouses, it is essential to do some research after determining what type of birds you want to attract. For instance, to encourage eastern bluebirds, which are desirable for both color and song, the height of the post and the diameter of the hole have to be specific sizes so other birds don't move in, and you must be mindful of the bird's territorial habits by not placing birdhouses too close together. Even then, you have to monitor the birdhouse, and remove the nesting material if you see an unwanted bird nesting there. Having birds as regular visitors is a great thing but, particularly in an urban/suburban setting, there's more to it that just putting up the accommodations. That said, it's worth the work when a pair of bluebirds chooses your yard, and the sapphire blue male minds his territory all summer long.

Denise Vilim says:

So many wonderful ideas for sprucing the landscape up!

- jannie - Good to know for any who are interested in attracting birdies. Thanks!

Perri's says:

Please note the broken link for GI Designs: http://http//www.gidesigns.net/

Should be: http://www.gidesigns.net/

CAROLE MEYER says:

These are beautiful examples! I love the sound of water in a garden and in our San Miguel de Allende, Mx. home, I had the wonderful stone carvers make fountains for the garden as well as one of the terraces. I have also incorporated hand painted terra cotta pots for extra color.

lwarren2 says:

Love allende's pots, particularly the black and white zig zag! Very exotic looking.

My husband and I can't help but be proud of what our daughter accomplished in her small patio w/o any help from anyone. She constructed a koi pond which incorporates a waterfall (right beneath the solar-powered buddha light), added texture and privacy with a reed fence, brightened up a hand-me-down cement bench with paint, and added some colorful/structural plants such as the beautiful yellow kangaroo paw on either side of the red bench.

lwarren2 says:

Oops -- photos didn't load .... here's another try

Modern Country Lady says:

Salvaged Items. I quite agree , not only they are a fun way to add charisma to any landscape, but it can also make a big difference in cost.. this statue for instance was " rescued" from a pile of quarry stones in a council waste yard and has added some nice visual interest to a corner of the garden..to my surprise it was featured on Apartment therapy ( link is here : http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/standing-tall-statues-in-the-garden-149820 )

Modern Country Lady says:

Another idea for adding some sculptural interest...is convert a fallen down tree into a bench with some clever cutting using your (chain ) saw- - something I am still planning to do.. you can see this bench here http://www.ngs.org.uk/gardens/gardenfinder/garden.aspx?id=8394

Tracy Learner says:

My handblown lighted art glass in our backyard