Container Gardening
If you want to leave your containers out all winter, use either attractive concrete cast or stone containers. If you use terra-cotta containers, they will deteriorate from the freezing and thawing of the moisture in winter.
Pruning
Pruning is all about timing. Prune azaleas immediately after flowering to either reduce the plant size or to shape them. If you wait too long to prune your azaleas, you will cut off the flower buds.
Beds with Curves
To install a garden or flower bed with a beautiful curve, before you start digging, take a garden hose and lay it down until you see a gentle S curve that pleases your eye. Do not have too many intense curves, but rather more gentle curves.
Container Sizes and Watering
If you use small containers, they will dry out quickly and plants will die. Use larger containers with multiple plants that have some extra soil for growth over the season. Until the plant roots fill in, be careful not to over-water.
Walls and Fences
Walls and fences can help to block unattractive views and create a sense of intimacy. Creating windows in the wall or fence helps to capture views to the outside and allow for the movement of sound, air and light through the garden.
Decks
Enhance your deck with creative patterns by varying the width of the boards, running boards at right angles, or even placing them diagonally to keep the surface interesting.
Arbors and pergolas can be effective at screening the view. They usually have a lightweight ceiling and are made more attractive by planting with vines such as clematis.
Select tables, chairs and benches that are decorative in addition to being functional. Place benches and chairs in places with beautiful vistas to enjoy viewing the garden. Also, use garden furniture as a focal point to pull your eye along on the garden journey.
As the name implies, the light comes from above, shining from a lamp hooked or mounted in a tree or high wall. The light simulates the moon and gives the garden a natural and restful feeling.
Flagstone paving is an excellent choice for a walkway or patio. It is especially beautiful to use irregular sizes and shapes, as it creates a more informal look. Piecing them in an artistic arrangement can be like doing a jigsaw puzzle. Colors range from blue to gray and tan to brown. Flagstones should be at least 1 inch thick and laid on a bed of stone dust.
Hot, intense colors such as reds, yellows, and oranges glow so brightly that they appear to foreshorten space. In contrast, pale blue and purple flowers and blue-green foliage seem to recede and create more space in front.