Need A Little Trim? Proactive Trimming Prevents Challenges

Proactive tree and shrub trimming helps prevent landscape maintenance challenges.

According to Island Landscape, a licensed landscape contractor in California and Hawaii and maintenance company, infrequent trimming can:

• contribute to poor irrigation coverage, 
• cause sprinkler head blockage, 
• reduce lighting, 
• impede access/walkway areas, 
• create security challenges,
• increase your liability, and 
• create more green waste.

By maintaining a regular trimming schedule, you will increase the enjoyment of your garden or landscape and help avoid these challenges.

Japanese Gardens Offer Many Benefits

The benefits of a Japanese garden or landscape are many.  They include:

• Providing a place for peace & serenity;
• Helping one connect with nature;
• Health benefits by helping to relieve stress. Many gardens include a koi pond and watching koi is known to help relieve stress, as well as provide many other benefits;
• Added exercise with maintaining the garden;
• Inspiring new thoughts;
• Encouraging reflective time and meditation which helps to improve focus;
• Conserving water through reduced plantings and use of natural elements.  Japanese garden and landscape designs can also be done as Xeriscapes  or even Zeroscapes; 
• Some designs require less maintenance than other garden/landscape styles;
• A design style that works well with native grasses and trees; and 
• Koi are used in aquaponic systems, so a koi pond that is part of a Japanese garden can be leveraged to help grow food.

To reap these rewards and include a Japanese garden in your landscape, visit www.JapaneseLandscapes.com.

Japanese Garden at the Manito Gardens
in Spokane, Washington

Is Your Plant Receiving The Right Water?

When a treasured plant in your garden or landscape dies, it feels bad.  It can lead some to believe that they do not have a green thumb.  I know, because I have often felt this way.  However, I later realized the challenge was more an issue of not having the necessary plant knowledge to care for particular plants.

Plant health is often an issue of location and watering.

According to Island Landscape, a licensed and insured landscape contractor in California and Hawaii, yellowing, drying, burning, bug infested or dying plants may not be getting enough water or too much.  

Find out or ask your professional gardener or landscape maintenance company if problem plants are appropriate for the zone they are in and getting the right amount of water.  Adjust the the watering schedule for each as necessary.  

If you need further help, a landscape maintenance professional will be able to discuss and make plant recommendations based on the plant type, weather patterns for the area, sun exposure and soil conditions.

Knowledge is key, so get the knowledge you need to appropriately water your plants.

Features & Benefits of Japanese Garden Design

Japanese gardens are rooted in meaning, history, religion, and nature.  They promote balance and harmony and require careful consideration during the design process to create a garden that touches your spirit, reveals your style, and enhances your outdoor living.

Open space, natural, and water elements are essential in every Japanese garden design.  Here less is more.  By not overcrowding the garden and filling every space with plants, you make peaceful, calming areas that encourage thought, reflection, and rejuvenation.  Natural facets help to connect one with nature and water, such as a bowl of water for purity, or design elements that symbolize water, reflect the passage of time.

Japanese gardens epitomize understated elegance.  Few garden accents are needed, but popular accents such as lanterns and bridges quickly showcase the design style and can enhance the overall look.  However, they are not required elements.

A well designed Japanese garden or landscape should feel like a private sanctuary where you are surrounded and embraced by nature.  The design should incorporate natural screening and sounds to block out noises and visual elements that might otherwise detract from the serenity of the garden.

If you are looking for a beautiful, tranquil place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a Japanese garden or landscape may serve you well.  When you are ready to get started, contact Brian Kashima, the Owner of Island Landscape, to learn more and benefit his valuable expertise and 30+ years of experience as a Japanese gardener and landscaper. 

Or, if you are interested in helping us build a beautiful Japanese garden at The Aloha Garden of Maui, in Kula, Maui, Hawaii, you can support this effort by purchasing a garden brick here.

Japanese Garden at The Manito Gardens in
Spokane, Washington

Avoid Water Problems in Your Garden & Landscape

Water is a precious resource that must be conserved.  Unidentified irrigation challenges can lead to high water bills, be detrimental to plants, create environmental issues, cause property damage, and increase your liability.  The following is a landscape maintenance tip from Island Landscape, a licensed landscape contractor in California and Hawaii, to help home owners and property managers know what to look for.

Soil run-off, erosion, moss, green walls, and dramatic changes in plant coloring can all be signs of excessive water use, along with more obvious signs of over watering such as ponding or running water.  Keep an eye out for these symptoms and take appropriate action.  

Your professional gardener or  landscape maintenance company should regularly monitor your irrigation system for:

• appropriate seasonal watering (making adjustments for rainfall and other weather conditions), 
• damaged sprinkler heads, 
• valve problems, 
• broken lines, 
• improper trimming, etc. 

Correct excessive watering or irrigation system issues immediately and keep a report of the work done.  It will benefit you, your garden and landscape, and the environment.

Be Water Wise

Benefits of Creating Gardens & Landscape

Beautiful gardens and landscaping transforms properties into works of art and produces outdoor areas that welcome guests, inspire, nurture, aid relaxation, and provide exciting living and entertaining spaces year round.  While these benefits are widely known and regularly thought about, landscaping also offers other significant economic, environmental and social benefits, including:  

Energy Savings

By reducing sunlight and heat build-up, landscaping can keep homes and buildings cooler and bring down energy bills. The American Public Power Association found that landscaping can reduce air conditioning costs by as much as 50% by shading a home's walls and windows.  The U.S. Department of Energy reports that appropriately placed trees can cut as much as 25% of a household’s energy consumption for heating and cooling.  

Improved Living Conditions

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, trees can reduce bothersome noise by up to 50% and mask unwanted noises with more pleasant sounds.  They can also reduce temperatures by as much as nine degrees Fahrenheit per a report by American Forests.

Living Space ExtensionWell designed gardens and landscapes can dramatically add to the usable size of a yard and the square footage of a living space through functional open-air rooms.  They can extend indoor activities to the outdoors and make a smaller property feel more sizable.

Enhanced Aesthetic Value & Curb Appeal

It is all about a first impression and captivating gardens or landscapes draw immediate attention.  They set the tone for and can be the determining factor in whether a prospective buyer elects to explore the property or not.

Increased Property Resale ValuesBuyers are willing to pay more when they can see how the garden or landscape will add to their enjoyment of the property.  Inviting decks, relaxed seating areas, and outdoor barbeques offer wonderful visions of entertaining.  Japanese gardens, waterfalls, and koi ponds can conjure up a sense of tranquility.  Rock and stone entryways and features deliver sophistication and elegance, while connecting people with nature. Lush tropical landscapes bring the essence of the islands to mind.  According to the American Nursery and Landscape Association, a striking landscape can add between 7 and 15 percent to a home's value and accelerate the sale of a home by five to six weeks.  Landscaping achieves a high recovery value of 100-200% at selling time according to Money Magazine, as compared to a kitchen remodel at 75-125%, a bathroom remodel at 20-120%, and a swimming pool addition at 20-50%.

Smart Money Magazine, March 2003, noted that by spending 5% of the value of your home on the installation of a quality low-maintenance landscape, you could boost the resale by 15%, earning back 150% or more of your landscape investment.  In fact, a Society of Real Estate Appraisers Study, 2003 indicates that 955 of the members of the Society of Real Estate Appraisers say that landscaping adds to property value, while 99% agree that landscaping increases speed of home sales.

Gardens and landscaping raises one’s property satisfaction, provides savings, delivers a significant return on investment, and contributes to the bottom line.  

To reap these benefits and make your garden or landscape dreams a reality in Hawaii, visit Island Landscape's website at IslandLandscapeHawaii.com.

(Mahalo [thank you] to the American Nursery & Landscape Association for publishing the statistical information which was obtained from their website.)

Enhance Your Pond with an IslandScape

IslandScapes are living floating gardens that enhance the beauty and biological health of ponds and waterways--providing an innovative filtration and a lush growing environment for terrestrial plants.IslandScapes provide added protection for fish, added biofiltration (such as nitrate removal), shade, and a natural food source for fish and other life.

They come in different shapes and sizes and can be combined to meet your pond and design needs.  Plant them with flowers to create splashes of color and make your pond pop, or  wetland plants for a more natural feel.  You can mix and match to create many phenomenal looks.

Click here to learn more.

It's a mini-landscape in a pond!

Native Plants Add to Landscape Design & Help the Environment

Native (indigenous) plants, characteristic of a particular region, can be used in artistic landscape designs to address scarce water resources and sustainable living.

There are many benefits to using native plants in the landscape.  They are hardy, drought resistant plants that, when properly planted and established, save time and money and contribute to the environment.

They help control soil erosion and help prevent flooding, decrease the amount of water needed for landscape maintenance, require very little maintenance, do not need fertilizer, and call for fewer pesticides.  Native plants contribute to overall conservation efforts in a big way.  Additionally, the reduced fertilizer and pesticide use means less contamination in water runoff.  They also enhance biodiversity, reintroduce an area’s heritage, and promote a culture of conservation.

Understanding an area’s traditional landscape, climate/zone, rainfall/precipitation, and other environmental factors are key elements to consider when producing a comprehensive landscape design.  Incorporating native plants in the landscaping plan delivers a landscape that is colorful, low maintenance, water resourceful, and highly enjoyable.

In Maui, Hawaii, Island Landscape creates beautiful landscapes that meet owners’ needs and are a reflection of their lifestyle.  The company’s slogan is “Sustainable landscapes with style” and they incorporate sustainable practices into every project to help protect the environment, reduce maintenance costs, and deliver spectacular outdoor living spaces.  To learn more, visit Island Landscape’s website at www.IslandLandscapeHawaii.com.

Akia - A native plant on Maui used in many landscapes.

Outdoor Furniture for a Variety of Garden Styles

Inspired garden design enhances garden living and a big part of the design includes suitable furniture. Find outdoor furniture you love that speaks to your interests and style.  For examples of furniture and decor that catches our eye, visit http://pinterest.com/thealohagarden/outdoor-furniture/

Great Outdoor Gift Ideas for Dad

Father's Day is Sunday, June 16th, just a week away. Here are a few gift ideas that Dad can enjoy outdoors. Some are more practical than others, but we hope each of these ideas will inspire gifts that promote outdoor living. A variety of options are included from outdoor BBQs to bowling, with many things in between (like outdoor movies, games, etc.), and with DIY to store purchased items.  Enjoy and plan something amazing for your Dad this Father's Day.  See http://pinterest.com/thealohagarden/outdoor-fun-for-dads/

Get Dad A Great Gift This Father's Day.

Mailbox Renovation Makes A Statement

From ordinary to extraordinary, this mailbox renovation was part of an front yard landscape renovation that completely changed the look of the front yard.  The mailbox alone makes quite a statement and contributes greatly to one's first impression of the home.  A newspaper slot was also included to prevent the paper from being thrown on the lawn. It was done by Island Landscape in Maui, Hawaii. For more information on their work, visit www.IslandLandscapeHawaii.com.

This mailbox went from drab to fab.
Picture courtesy of Island Landscape.

Use Colorful Lanterns to Make Your Garden Party Pop

Summer is here; let the garden parties begin! Make your party shine with bright, colorful hanging lanterns.  They are inexpensive, easy to put up, and have a tremendous impact. They come a variety of styles, with many different to colors and designs, to compliment almost every garden party theme.  As guests arrive and see the lanterns they instantly know that fun is happening here. And, should your daytime party continue on into the evening, the lighting has already been taken care of.  So, add colorful lanterns to make your garden party more memorable.

Lanterns line path to garden party.

Decorate Your Garden Table with Items From The Garden

This delightful garden table design is simple and beautiful. The decor comes from items found around the garden -  a small planter with flowers, a watering can, a lantern, and a tea light pail. With the addition of cut flowers and a wooden heart, you have a charming and romantic table with available lighting an intimate evening.

Lovely garden table vignette.

Top Ten Benefits of Plant Stands In Your Home or Garden

Plant stands have so many uses that we thought we would share our Top 10.  Here they are.

1. Beautifully displays multiple plants
2. Brings the outdoors indoors when placed in your home
3. Creates a positive impact in a small space
4. Makes decorative or seasonal updating easy by simply changing the plants and/or pots
5. Adds a comfy, natural feel where placed
6. Welcomes guests at entry ways
7. Brightens up dull corners when placed there
8. Ideal for apartment or condominium living
9. Great for small balcony, deck or yard spaces
10. Groups plants for efficient watering

Plant stands come in a variety of materials, styles, heights and colors.

Support The Aloha Garden of Maui & Get A Great Deal!

The Aloha Garden of Maui is a sustainable botanical garden and ag tourism operation that is being developed Maui, Hawaii.  When complete, it will house a botanical garden, a boutique farm, country store, garden and nursery center, outdoor classroom, and sustainable models throughout the project.  It is being created on 9.6 acres in Kula, Maui, for residents, visitors, and you to enjoy.

You can help us build and grow the garden and show your support by purchasing this Maui garden logo wear.  And, we are now having a summer sale.

Stock up on summer logo apparel from alohagarden.qbstores.com! Any order placed
with coupon code "25Store" will save an amazing 25% until June 14, 2013. Or,click below to start saving now.
http://alohagarden.qbstores.com/OC/25Store

Quaint Wheel Barrow Flower Pot Display

This wooden wheel barrow plant display adds an element of old world charm to your garden. It creates a wonderful focal point in a garden in and of itself and can also be combined with other rustic or country pieces for nostalgic look or western or country feel.

This wheel barrow is a charming garden accent.

Enchanting Fairy Solar Fountain Saves Energy

The adorable and inexpensive fairy design garden fountain (under $200) brings garden fantasy and fairy tales of days gone by to mind and inspires magical moments and story telling in children. Enjoyed by young and old, it is a delightful garden addition. It offers peace, serenity and soothing sounds, with the added benefit of knowing that you are saving energy because this fountain is solar powered, making it easy on ear, the environment, and your pocketbook.

Tuck in a Garden Lizard for a Fun Surprise

I love walking through a garden a discovering something unexpected. It's like finding a hidden treasure and I enjoy the element of surprise.  One of the best parts about gardens for me is that there always seems to be perfect little spaces to put things in - under plants, beside or in a tree, in rock wall crevices, around a corner, popping out of a plant - the possibilities are endless. Here this colorful and whimsical lizard peeks from underneath a plant to find you.

Garden lizard crawls out to say "Hi."

Cute Wire Plant Stand Is Great Indoors and Out In The Garden

This adorable wire plant stand holds two planters, takes up little room, makes an area more cheery by incorporating plants and color, and lets the plants shine. It's perfect for your home or garden and the design works with many different decors.  Plants and/or pot colors can be periodically swapped out to stay current with changing seasons.  

Elegant wire plant stand to feature your plants.

In Honor of Memorial Day

Today is a day to remember and honor those who gave their lives while serving our county and upholding the ideals and freedoms we have and cherish, as well as to honor those who are still missing during their service and to pray that they are found and come home.  

It is a day to be with family and friends, to kick off the start of summer, and to be proud of our great nation, ever vigilant that we will not take our freedom for granted, will stand up to protect it, and will never forget those who gave their life for it.

May you spend time with those you love and enjoy all that hold dear today. Blessings and best wishes to you and yours this Memorial Day.

Colorful Boxes Make Your Garden Wall Pop

Create a colorful garden wall display this summer by painting wooden boxes in different colors to showcase your plants, bird houses, small garden statues, other garden accents, tools and more.  This bright arrangement draws your attention to the many items placed on the shelves and gives each its own space and special attention.  It is also a great way to organize and house cherished items.

From plain while to garden inspired and bright.

Celebrate Memorial Day with a Garden BBQ & Grilled Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa

Monday is Memorial Day, a day associated with the beginning of summer.  As a result, outdoor cooking on Memorial Day is a long-stand tradition for many families. It is a time for reunions and to honor those who died while serving our country in military service.  So, plan a garden BBQ to spend time with your family and friends on Monday.  It is a great way to entertain and celebrate our heroes.

Coming from Hawaii, where it warm year round, I’d like to recommend some grilled Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa .  It is a healthy, bright and festive dish, perfect for a summer barbecue.  Just in case you are interested, here is a recipe.  Enjoy!

Grilled Mahi Mahi

• Mahi Mahi Steaks
• Cooking oil or spray
• Mr. Yoshida’s Sauce or Seasoning to Taste

Apply cooking oil or spray to your grill before grilling the Mahi Mahi to prevent it from sticking.  Heat the grill to medium high.  Add a little marinade like Mr. Yoshida’s sauce or seasoning. Grill Mahi Mahi for 6-8 minutes on each side, watching it carefully to prevent it from burning.  Turn the steaks over when it they turn white, adding more marinade or seasoning.  They are done when they are cooked through and can be flaked with a fork in the middle.  Serve with Pineapple Salsa.

Pineapple Salsa

• 2 cups diced fresh pineapple
• 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
•  ½ cup chopped Maui onion or other sweet onion
•  ¼ cup chopped bell pepper
• ¼ cup minced fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeno pepper, stemmed, seeded and chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
•  ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and stir well.  Chill or serve at room temperature.

Use White Lanterns To Light Your Garden This Summer

Summer nears and it's time to brighten things up by day and night with striking white lanterns.  Lanterns are decorative and functional and therefore widely used in gardens, landscapes, entryways, and homes. They can be placed along a path to light the pathway or direct guests to an entry. Hung from tress, they light the area below, as well as provide uplighting for the tree for a sensational effect. They adorn tables during the day, while providing light for conversation or reading at night.  Lanterns are ideal decorations and lighting for outdoor or garden parties and weddings.  Place them throughout the garden and/or hang them from a gazebo, pergola, or tent to WOW your guests.  Bright white lanterns are perfect for summer, but can be used year-round. They easily fit in any decor with coordinating color placed nearby or around their base.  In addition, they are a fantastic decorative accent indoors and make wonderful table centerpieces. They are one of those "must have" garden accents given their many different uses. And, if you are ever not using them, I'm sure your friends or family would love to borrow them because they are always a hit!

Large White Metal Garden Lantern.

Landscape Ideas - A Winning Combination

This landscaped planter incorporates a number of design techniques to arrive at a winning combination that is representative of the area. Whether it is your personal style or not, it is great to see how various elements were blended together for a wonderful and dramatic effect. The design includes use of drought tolerant native plants, natural materials (mulch and rock which give a natural feel, while also reducing the number of plants needed and watering), pops of color to brighten the landscape, and a significant piece of garden art. The end result is stunning.

Planter in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 

Birdbaths Are Great Amusement And Garden Accents

Summer is coming and the birds are going to need a place to cool off too as the weather heats up.  Incorporate a birdbath, like this beautiful antique iron birdbath, for a great garden accent and endless amusement. Watching birds frolicking in the water is both relaxing and enjoyable. Once the birds know it is there, they will come back time and again and by keeping the birdbath cleaned and filled both you and the birds will have hours of fun all summer long. However, since standing water can attract mosquitoes, place it in a spot in your garden where that won’t be a problem and refresh it every couple of days.

Make Your Garden Stand Out with Art

Big, bold art adds interest and intrigue to your garden.  It can be abstract and thought provoking or themed to match the style of a particular garden, such as Asian (as seen in the picture of the horse statue below).  In this example, the horse statue alone has an Asian feel for those familiar with the style, but it could merely reflect that the owner likes this particular piece or horses. Combined with the Japanese lantern, however, it is clear that it is part of an Asian garden.  What is your garden style? Would a large statue or piece of art make your garden more impressive?

Art, it does a garden good!

Honor Service & Show Your Pride with a Garden Flag This Memorial Day

In the United States, we celebrate Memorial Day to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving our county in the Armed Forces.  It began after our Civil War to respect both Union and Confederate soldiers and was later expanded to pay tribute to all Americans who died during their military service.  It is officially celebrated on the last Monday in May.

At many locations across our great nation, the United States flag is swiftly raised to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position in reverence for our soldiers until noon.  It is then raised to the full-staff position again for the remainder of the day to signify our resolve that we will not let their sacrifice be in vein and will continue to stand up and fight for liberty and justice for all.

We also proudly display the American flag at our homes, placing it in our yards and gardens, as well as at grave sites, to our honor these men and women for their service to our country and in support of the United States of America.  

So, pull out or purchase an American flag this week in preparation for Memorial Day next Monday, May 27, 2013.

American Flag Garden Flags with Different Holders.

Help Create A Beautiful Botanical Garden on Maui With A Brick Purchase

This Garden Grows with You!  Bricks are now available for The Aloha Garden of Maui.  A botanical garden and sustainable ag tourism business being created on approximately 10 acres in Kula, Maui, Hawaii. When complete, this botanical garden paradise will be a place where children and adults can bask in nature, laugh and play, celebrate special occasions, let their imagination soar, sooth their soul, learn about gardening and sustainable living, and find unlimited fun.

It is founded on the "Spirit of Aloha" and "Ohana" (family), where all are invited to help bring this magical garden to life and own a piece of it with a brick purchase.

Custom engraved bricks are available, beginning at $100, and are being sold in Phase I of the development for placement in the Founder's Court.  Your inscribed brick can celebrate a joyful occasion, honor a loved one, recognize military service, leave a family legacy, or express your family's or company's support of the garden and sustainable living.  You will also help support the garden and have a spot on Maui that is yours, where you can visit your brick again and again.  Special Hawaiian graphics are offered, along with your custom artwork, with an inscribed message.  They make great gifts and are ideal for Mom, births, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, retirement, and to commemorate a special Maui visit.

To learn more, please visit www.thealohagarden.com.  Or, to order your brick today, click on the link below the picture to go to the brick ordering page.  Mahalo (thank you).

Sample of engraved brick with The Aloha Garden of Maui logo.

A Fountain Can Turn An Unusual Space From Plain to Magnifiscent

This delightful European, angel topped, fountain helped fill an unusual corner off a deck, creating an alluring and soulful element in the garden that adds energy and life to the surrounding landscape.  It can be viewed and enjoyed at a distance from a garden path and can be heard from the deck, where the trickling water sounds help to sooth and relax people as the sit on the deck and enjoy the tropical landscape.

Angel Fountain Adds Interest & Appeal

Have A Garden Picnic to Kick-Off Summer

Summer nears and the weather is becoming more and more perfect for spending time outdoors. Take advantage of this a have a spur of the moment garden picnic. Dust off the garden furniture and throw a bright cloth on a table or throw the cloth or a blanket on the lawn and eat outside. Whether you have a whole meal or just dessert, eating outdoors is one of those simple pleasures that makes life so enjoyable.  It is quick, easy, and so much fun.

A garden picnic - pure fun!

Wishing Wells Are Wonderful Garden Accents

Wishing wells are where dreams often start. Like a fairy-tale, they draw you in with their beauty and promise of hope, taking you back to childhood thoughts and desires. This enchanting rustic wishing well planter evokes country charm, but is designed to work with many different garden styles.  You can't help but take a moment to reflect, close your eyes, and make a wish. Here, it may well (pun intended) come true.

Wishing wells are magical!

Bring Nature Into Your Garden with a Stream

Add life and magic to your garden by adding a stream.  A stream in the garden creates a natural setting, with soothing sounds as water runs through it.  Your stream can be connected to a pond or waterfall, or created in and of itself like the picture below.  It can look more natural or more man-made to reflect your individual style.  And, with plants and lighting it can be as dramatic as you wish.  To learn more, visit your local garden center or contact a landscaper like Island Landscape to assist you with a garden stream design.  

Gently curving stream has a natural look and feel.

1, 2, 3, 4 Easy Steps for Great Garden Decor

Create a large garden focal point in four easy steps.  Step one, purchase a big, beautiful ceramic pot in a color and design that fits your garden. Step 2, obtain numerous stocks of bamboo, taller than the pot, in widths of an inch to two inches wide, to fill about half of the pot opening when bunched together. Step 3, purchase gravel or rock to fill pot the bottom third of the pot and add weight after the bamboo is put in.  Step 4, assemble in the same order.  Put it all together and what have you got? One simple, but exquisitely decorated pot.

Elegant & Simple Pot Design

Create A Fantasy Garden with Gnomes

The history of gnomes began in 19th-century Germany where they were known as Gartenzwerg (garden dwarf). According to Wikipedia, the term "gnome" in English is first attested to in the 1930s and has clearly taken hold.  Basically, gnomes are small, human like figurines wearing a pointy hat.  

Early stories of Eastern and Western European folk tale talk of both benevolent and malevolent characters, however, many stories exist that depict gnomes as helpful, caring creatures that look after gardens. They are often considered "protectors" of the garden. 

Today, these enchanting little helpers are still a popular and sophisticated garden addition.  There are many manufactures and different styles to choose from. These are a few of the adorable gnomes we carry.

Garden Gnomes Tending to the Garden -Well, Some Are.

Take Mom to a Beautiful Garden on Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day.  Surround Mom with beauty and inspiration this Mother's Day by visiting a botanic or community garden. It is a wonderful way to spend several hours and have time to talk and catch up. Furthermore, it relaxing. There is nothing like it.  You will also be able to take gorgeous pictures and are likely walk away with a new idea to beautify your home.  Combine the garden visit with a fabulous meal and you are sure to have a spectacular and memorable day.

Renaissance Garden at the Manito Gardens in Spokane, WA

Cute Container Planter Adds Charm

The cute planter combines half of a whisky barrel, flowers, and a cone shaped spruce to create this welcoming garden accent.  Here it lines a walkway, however, it can be used in many different locations for a bit of country charm.  Barrels such as these can be found at many local hardware stores with garden centers.    While it only takes a little effort to plant them up, the results are tremendous.

Container Planter from Sisters, Oregon

Feed the Birds for Hours of Fun

You give a little and you get a lot in return with a bird feeder.  Hang this good-looking vine gazebo bird feeder in the garden, fill it with bird seed, sit back and enjoy all of the fun. Or, if you're like me, sit way back, with camera in hand on high zoom, and take great photographic shots of our feathered friends.  A little investment in bird seed goes a long way, giving you both economical and relaxing outdoor entertainment.

Great Entryways Wow Guests On The Way In

It is all about a first impression and a grand entrance makes a statement.  A great entryway and garden will also welcome you home and Wow! your guests when entering your property.  Here we show how lining your drive with Foxtail palm trees, along with Plumeria trees and other tropical plants produces a dramatic tropical entryway.  It is accented by decorative masonry for style and function. Imagine driving to this home for the first time.

This Entryway Is Set To Impress

Mosaic Fountain Added to Garden Planter Enhances View Inside & Out

This affordable mosaic fountain in pineapple design would be a wonderful addition for many gardens.  Below we showcase how this fountain is used to enhance interior and exterior views.  Looking out from the inside, the fountain, improves the view from the window by giving owners and guests a decorative feature to look at and enjoy.  Outside, the fountain fills a gap in the side planter, adds a pleasing water element, offers soothing sounds to help people relax, and provides a place for birds to get a cool drink and play.

Fountains Are Great Additions For Your Home

Need an Impressive Garden Accent? Go Fish!

One of things I love most about garden decorating is that you are already working with a vibrant, living canvas - the garden.  Given this, sometimes all that is needed is a well-placed attractive element to draw one's eye.  This is illustrated in the picture below that simply incorporates a spectacular fish.   Not your style? No problem, "Go fish!" and pick an accent that's right for you.

This Is One Attention Grabbing Fish

Stepping Stones with a Message

Decorative stepping stones with a message personalize your garden, adding inspiration, meaning and giving insight into the owner's life.  They can bring joy, honor a loved one or cherished pet, celebrate a special occasion, and more. They deliver special sentiments that connect those who read them with the owner in a heartfelt moment and make wonderful gifts.

A Simple Message Creates A Memorable Space