Be Silly. Be honest. Be kind.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
Backyard Living
by Patty Lee
It used to be a patch of green grass was enough, but
today's homeowners want a finished patio area. And not
just any design will do; more and more people are asking
for unusual shapes with built in hot tubs or with
children's play areas incorporated into the design. Patios
have become another room, a place where we entertain, cook
and relax.
Arbours are enjoying a renewed interest. I remember my
Grandfather's arbour simply covered with climbing roses in
mid-summer. A walk in his garden was a joy beyond
comparison. It was a wooden structure back then, painted
white, to show off the beautiful red roses. Today, arbours
come in all sorts of materials, some that never need
painting!
What's great about today's backyards is the variety in
texture that is created by using different materials for
different purposes, e.g. pressure-treated wood for the
main part of the patio just off the house and interlocking
bricks for the part that leads to the pool. Don't you just
love those handmade stepping stones for creating paths
through a flower garden? Although I've never tried it
myself, I understand it is quite easy to do, using one of
those clear plastic trays that are used under flower pots.
You fill one of these with quick setting cement and
working quickly, you either draw designs or set coloured
rocks, etc. into the concrete before it sets. When the
stone is dry, you pop it out and there you have your very
own custom made stepping stone.
Take the time to install some lights in your garden so
that you can enjoy the lovely summer evenings. And don't
forget that nothing sets a mood more than music; so,
designate a place for those built-in speakers for your
music system, too.
Wishing everyone a relaxing, fun-filled summer.
Patty Lee - Manager of HerIdeas, a place for all crafters
and hobbyists. Visit us at
http://www.herideas.com Subscribe to our newsletter.
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