Saturday, June 12, 2010

Garden Architecture | Modern Garden Design - Suit Your Needs

The "new look" in building architecture started in Europe, and on this continent in California, early in the 20th century. It did not come to Canada until after the Second World War. Basically, modern architecture is functional rather than decorative. It emphasizes the structural mass in buildings and calls for ordered surroundings.

Garden planning has not developed a modern style to such a clear extent as architecture, since traditional materials and practices have not changed as much in gardening as in building. Gardens cannot be purely practical as their function is largely decorative. Their reasons for existence are to provide beauty, relaxation and a natural setting for the buildings. When we work with complex natural forms, it is difficult to adhere to the plain surfaces characteristic of modern architecture.

Today we arrange plants in new forms to suit the scale and proportions of the new buildings; and we arrange the space in our gardens to suit our changing social habits. The key idea in modern garden planning has been to consider the garden as an outdoor extension of the house for the comfort of the family, rather than as a plant museum. This idea has also led to using more outdoor furniture, lighting, BBQ, screens, shelters, swimming pools and other things for decoration.

The average homeowner wants pleasing surroundings and a place to relax, with little labor and expense. Most of us look after our own gardens with perhaps a little unskilled labor for grass cutting and other regular chores. Unless gardening becomes our hobby, we will have less variety of plants than in the past. Also, there will be more careful planning of space as we become more appreciative of good design.

Because we need privacy, where there is little space we now use screens of closely woven lattice, opaque plastic or broad louvers of plywood to separate our garden from the neighbor's. The more expensive walls of masonry or boundary plantings of trees and shrubs take up too much room to be used in a small garden.

Plants of rather unusual form are used in front of these flat surfaces to cast interesting and changing shadows. The effect of moving light and shadow is given by the lattice or louvers themselves, or by "egg-crate" beams in the roof overhangs on garden shelters. The interest of this movement is a substitute for variety in planting and artificial light for plants.

Concrete paving blocks and three-dimensional cast figures are taking the place of more expensive stonework and statues. The outdoor barbeque grill, with dad cooking has replaced tray-carrying servants for entertaining.

Because we like to sit and enjoy the garden from one spot, raised masonry planters, decorative pottery or flower beds are used to connect the inside of the house with the garden, when viewed from inside.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marshall_Clewis

Garden Architecture | Top 3 Concrete Garden Statues

Garden statues are a great way to add some personal charm and a beautiful look to your yard. Plus, concrete is a durable, inexpensive material that works well outside. There are all kinds of subjects and styles on the market, and statues of just about every size. That means that it'll be easy to find the concrete garden statues that are right for you and your home. However, a few styles are definitely more popular than others. That means they'll be easier to find and have greater appeal. Let's take a look at the top three categories of garden statuary on the market.

Animals
Animals are a popular subject for concrete garden statues. They come in all kinds of styles, too, from traditional carving to cartoony looks, to Japanese and other Asian styles. There are animal statues out there to suit any taste. Squirrels, rabbits, and other small North American and European mammals are popular, but they're not the only option. You can also find monkeys, fish (koi are popular) birds, lions, and many others. There tends to be an emphasis on the cute, rather than the majestic, in garden statues, but some less cute animals are also available. If you can't find the one you want, think about talking to a local sculptor. If you have your concrete garden statue custom made, you can have any animal you want, from a cat to a capybara.

Human Figures
Another popular category includes the human figure. This is a very broad category, encompassing everything from religious statues of saints and the Buddha to cute cherubs and garden gnomes. You can find beautiful mother and child statues, as well as concrete renderings of famous artworks, for a truly elegant look. There are also cuter and more playful garden statues out there that create a fun atmosphere. Angels and fairies are also a popular choice for gardens. The choice is up to you. Concrete garden statues of people come in all sizes, but most are on the smaller side.

Lanterns And Architecture
You can also find concrete garden statues made to look like architectural features. Some of them even serve as lanterns. Just place a candle lantern or other light source inside, and use your statuary to provide light for an outdoor party. Most of these designs are inspired by real architectural forms in Asia, and will have a Japanese, Korean, or Chinese feel to them. However, there are some architectural concrete garden statues that use Western or other cultures' buildings as inspiration as well. These are a little harder to find than people or animals, but are still an excellent choice.

Concrete garden statuary is a great addition to your home's garden. Use it to ornament just about any part of your property at a relatively low cost. Garden statues can run the gamut from cheap to highly expensive, depending on size and level of detail. That means that you're sure to find one that fits your budget. If your garden is a little bit boring, check out your options.

Thomas Johnsen is a popular Author and the Leading Expert on Concrete Garden Statues. For more information about Mr. Johnsen and to find his Concrete Garden Statues Guide, click the links for instant access.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Johnsen

Garden Architecture | Garden Sheds - Finest Architectural Landscape

Is storing garden product a headache for you? Are you planning for some extra storage space that adds architectural beauty to your house? Are you fond of gardening and want to have some accessories related to it?

Colorful gardens bring delight

If any of the above is the case with you, the articles here brings sufficient information that would definitely prove beneficial to you. There are many people fond of gardening in this modern world. Gardening is an activity full of fun and enjoyment. Moreover, gardens in front or back your house add glory to the building. This colorful part of the house has its own unique features that fill the heart of viewer with delight.

Need of Garden sheds

To solve your problem of storing, garden shed turned up in scenario to help you out. This single story building can serve its owner in several ways. For people fond of gardening, it can offer a good storage space to store relevant tools, equipments and seeds etc... moreover; they add architectural beauty to your house. Providing space to every type of small and large accessories of the garden, they serve in several ways.

Kinds of garden sheds

As already said, these garden sheds serve their owner in several ways. Depending upon the utility, these are of various kinds. Some of them are as follows-

o Garages
o Green house
o Storage building
o Play house for children
o Work shops
o Cabins
o Farm sheds
o Conservatories.

Depending upon the type of material used to make the shed, garden sheds are of following types:

Metal sheds- these sheds are made up of thin metal sheet. These sheets are generally galvanized to make it more durable and provide resistance against insects, fire etc... dents on them have turned out to be one of the disadvantages of these types of sheds.

Plastic sheds- these are available in kits. Made up of PVC, these types of sheds are strong, light and comparatively more durable and stable. The great thing about these is they can be molded later. Windows, attic storage, easy extension, shelving, peg boards and other accessories can easily be added.

Wooden sheds- they offer natural look and can easily blend with your garden environment. They need regular maintenance and moreover are more use to fire or termite attack.

Garden sheds can serve a small business house or play house. These can also be used as a bird house, pet homes or chicken coops. In the hectic schedule of today, it can serve as a place of peace and privacy. So, what more think? Get the garden shed in your house today and avail the maximum benefits.

For any help on Garden sheds, check out the info available online, these will help you learn to find the Garden shed an instant go!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hinds_Ryan