Garden Gates

The garden gate can truly change the impression a viewer has of your home. These additions can add that special touch of individuality that allows you to express yourself and that will leave a strong impression on those who visit. The breadth of styles and materials that you can use to construct your gate is amazing, but with a little time and effort you can put together a combination that will please you each time you step into your backyard, whether if it is to tend your garden, throw a BBQ, or simply to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning.

One way to go is with wrought iron. If you use the same material for your entire garden, you will create a pleasing uniformity that speaks to your sense of style and minimalism. Wrought iron has a unique look and feel that is sophisticated and modern, with a touch of the ancient. It is easy to have a set custom-designed that would include a gate, bench, table, and, if you so desired, a small sculpture. While this could be on the expensive side, anyone who visits your garden would be impressed with your taste.

If the dark, metallic style of wrought iron is not to your taste, there is always wood. Just as tasteful as iron, wood can express a more natural feel for those who want to emphasize the vegetation in their garden. Be sure to choose a type of wood that is suitable for the design of your house. Also, the style of gate needs to match with the architecture of your home. Keep this in mind as you choose between the various styles such as double gates, an arched gate, or flat top. Also, depending on where your garden is located, the height and lock on the gate may become a factor. Will the gate be purely decorative or is security an issue?

For a more avant-garde approach, consider a moon gate. These are based on Asian design principles and represent the embodiment of certain spiritual ideals. They are usually free-standing and completely open, and therefore not appropriate if security is an issue. Although generally constructed from stone, there are now a wider variety of materials used to build them. They can be covered with ivy or some other plant to create an extremely relaxing, zen-like experience for those who enter your garden.

These are just three of the nearly limitless approaches you could take to installing your garden gates. If there is a particular atmosphere you wish to create in your garden–modern, naturalistic, spiritual–there is definitely a material and style that can evoke it. Even if you have a definite atmosphere you wish to create, keep in mind that, overall, the garden gate will look better if it matches or, at least, complements the existing design and architecture of your home. And make sure your choices match with your budget as well.

Glenwood 10x12

Ezee Shed 8x6

Backyard Pavilions

One of the main benefits to having a backyard is being able to go outside and sip on a beverage and enjoy the fresh air. Whether you live in a hot area or a cold one, a rainy climate or a dry one, you want to be able to take advantage of the space and privacy provided to you by your backyard. There is a wide range of backyard pavilions, from the sturdy high-end design that can accommodate a kitchen and shower, to the ephemeral structures that children build to house tea time for their dolls. Let’s examine two of the basic types that you might be interested in setting up in your backyard.

One popular type of super low-tech pavilion is the so-called “tent pavilion,” which is great for kids. This works well if you have more than one child, and want to get them to go outside instead of sitting in front of the television all day. Give them some old blankets, and a couple of tent poles or stakes of wood, some tape or strong twine, and maybe some cardboard or thick paper stock for constructing decorations. You can then help them set it up as you would a tent. Drive the stakes into the ground and secure the old blankets by taping them to the stakes. This will protect your kids from the elements and provide a space where they can be creative without the need to resort to electronics. Encourage them to decorate the sides of their new fort with the card stock. This can eat up quite a bit of time on its own. If you have a cooler you can fix them some lunch and stick it out there with them. And if they must play with their electronic devices, hand held game players or mobile phones can be used.

At the other end of the spectrum is the barbecue equipped pavilion. This is great if you frequently entertain at your house during the warm months. A backyard pavilion that has the space to house a nice grill, a few chairs, and a table can really enhance the atmosphere of any party. If you are really ready to take it to the next level, run electricity to the pavilion and hang a television so that you can watch the big game. This is likely to be a fair investment of time, but is actually a very straightforward construction for someone who is good with tools.

If you are looking for a way to take advantage of your outdoor space, and want to distract your kids or step up your ability to entertain guests, a backyard pavilion might be just the thing for you. You can chose from the ultra-minimalist tent for your kids, or the high-tech, electricity-enabled BBQ pit. Either way, make sure that the design of the pavilion is appropriate for your needs, that it matches the existing decor of your home and backyard, and that it fits into your budget.

Glenwood 10x12

Ezee Shed 8x6

Beautiful Backyard Walkways

Your backyard is a haven for you to relax and enjoy life.  Beautiful backyard walkways can add even more to your yard and make it more special.  You can use these ideas for inspiration of what you can do in your own yard.

If you’re like many people then you’re more of a visual learner.  One of the best ways to find the right kind of walkways to fit your style is to actually see them.  Suddenly the inspiration will hit and you’ll say, “that’s it!”  You can find plenty of ideas in the various landscaping publications that are out there.

Another way to find great looks for your walkway is to browse through real life yards.  Since you don’t want to be caught looking through random people’s backyards, you’re safest to visit the homes of friends and family for ideas.

There are also pictures of walkways online.  You’d be surprised at the number of people who post proud pictures of their own backyards on message boards and websites.  This is a great way to get inspired.

You have a couple of choices for the actual creation of your walkway.  Your first is to hire a professional landscaper.  Feel free to show them pictures of what you want and to ask them for their opinion about what your yard and budget can handle.

Another option is to do it yourself.  Many people feel a sense of pride in doing their own landscaping.  You can also save money this way, but keep in mind that you’ll be trading the expertise.  It’s still something you can on your own with the right planning.

As with most things you build or put together, you need to come up with a blueprint.  Always take exact measurements of the area you have and the walkway you want to put in.  This definitely isn’t as complicated as it sounds!  You just want to be sure everything will fit properly and look nice.

The materials are also an essential part of the planning.  If you’re putting the backyard walkway in yourself you’ll have to order it all from a garden center or specialty shop.  Pay close attention in choosing materials that will stand the test of time.  If you’re using a landscaper they may take care of ordering the materials on their end.

Beautiful backyard walkways are must haves.  Getting inspiration is half the battle.  Then you can have one for your own yard and watch the compliments pour in.

Glenwood 10x12

Ezee Shed 8x6