How to make your Backyard a Wonderland Oasis
Home and garden accessories make the difference between house and home. Unfortunately, quality accessories can be notoriously expensive and in today's economy, finding beauty at a price one can afford is sometimes difficult but can be done. The difference between an empty backyard and a lush garden oasis comes down to the details. Visual and aural grace notes can transform any space.
Creating a relaxing atmosphere has as much to do with sound as with visual details. For instance, a simple white hammock suspended between two trees or a solid-wood swing becomes a perfect spot for Sunday afternoon naps and quiet conversations. Accompany that with tea-light candle lanterns, arranged attractively on a treated outdoor cocktail table placed next to a rose bed makes a perfect place for morning coffee. Hang a wood and steel wind chime nearby, hung high in the trees, sending pleasant notes over the air. Depending on the materials used in construction, wind chimes can sound like tinkling bells, or have rich, sonorous chimes. Finally, place a gently flowing fountain just behind is always an elegant finishing touch. Voila. You've incorporated all the elements: fire, water, steel and wood, and created your own Feng Shui paradise.
For those fond of outdoor pieces, like garden statues, birdbaths and fountains, be sure to take the height of the surrounding plants (if any) into consideration. If you have a lush garden, full of tall grasses and flowering plants, consider foot tall or higher plaster statues of children gathering flowers, angels whispering to one another, or playful rabbits. Small plaster statues in the form of either sweet cherubs or amusing gargoyles (believed in ancient times to keep evil spirits away) are very charming when placed in garden beds featuring low growing border plants.
When choosing home and garden accessories to enjoy in your backyard wonderland, don't forget to think of the very birds, bees and butterflies which also call your backyard home. The friendlier a backyard is to flora and neighborhood fauna, the more inviting it is to people, too. Watching robins in the spring, hummingbirds in the summer and sparrows in the fall
Pat Metheny On Piano Jazz
The ever-evolving Pat Metheny constantly experiments with new technology, honing his improvisational skills and refining his unique style. On this episode of <em>Piano Jazz</em>, Pat Metheny performs with bassist Christian McBride and drummer Antonio Sanche.
It Takes Time To DIY
Over at <em>The Record</em>, NPR arts editor Tom Cole has an interesting thought about the new self-empowered music economy and jazz artists. Not that creating an online profile is a good or bad thing, he writes -- just that it takes a minute to do right.
Hiromi, Michel Camilo On JazzSet
At Newport's Harbor Stage, Hiromi's stride-style left hand pumps rhythm to support the fabulous speed and articulation of her right. And on the Main Stage, the Michel Camilo Trio plays his signature arrangement of "Poinciana" and ends his set with a lively "A Night in Tunisia."
Listening, Party For Two: Miles and Monk At Newport, 1955
The Boss Lady is currently on her way to the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals. So we thought we'd spring on her a classic jazz recording made at Newport: Miles Davis' 1955 live version of "Round Midnight," with composer Thelonious Monk on piano.
is one of the more relaxing aspects of backyard living.
Outdoor garden decor is as reliant on lighting as it is on comfortable, all weather furnishings. After all, you want to be able to enjoy your beautiful outdoor living room in the evenings too. Though the most impressive lighting systems can be very expensive in ground, electrical solutions, the experts at Backyard Wonderland want to remind you that sometimes simple, old fashioned candlelight is the most romantic and beautiful lighting of all.
For those with outdoor gazebos, or trees with limbs strong and low, the selection of a candle-bearing chandelier can be breathtakingly beautiful. Similarly, tea-candle lanterns, hung on low branches create mysterious and romantic lightscaping. Asian lanterns, with frosted glass panels, and Moroccan lanterns, with colored glass panels, create environments simultaneously festive and romantic.
Of course, nothing beats a set of impressive table-top candlesticks. Strong carved wooden options, standing over a foot tall, make any outdoor dining experience more formal instantly. Brass, bronze, and metal sticks convey style and strength, and make dramatic impact. Ornate candle centerpieces set a beautiful table, and can be either fancy in polished metals, or whimsical in novelty designs.
Statuary is not relegated only to outdoor environments. A beautiful bronze statue in the style of Remington, Rodin, or Michelangelo always makes an impressive statement in living and dining rooms. Patriotic sculptures and statues, too, are enjoying new-found popularity.
Robert Gravestock
Backyard Wonderland
About the Author
In today's economy, finding beauty at a price one can afford is difficult. Providing our customers with this opportunity is our highest priority. At Backyard Wonderland, we strive to offer our customers the finest backyard accessories at the lowest possible prices and first-rate customer service.
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