Showing posts with label Garden Architecture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Garden Architecture. Show all posts

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.

Seeking assistance on artificial light for plants. Click on the link to visit zone10.com.

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

Garden Architecture | Understanding The Elements Of A Zen Garden Design

A Zen garden design was originally a Japanese style of garden. The design incorporates both natural and architectural elements. A garden designed for one to sit and contemplate. You can have your own Zen garden, you only need to understand a few design principles.

From around the 13th century, the Japanese Buddhist monks used the Zen garden design as a spiritual place to contemplate and meditate. The Zen garden design creates a three dimensional image which is planned with a foreground, and a background leading into a perspective.

All elements of a Zen garden are designed with a purpose for being in the garden.

Water provides life. As a natural element water can be displayed as a stream, pond or water feature. You can also use sand to represent water, an ideal solution in dry climates.

The planting element in a Zen garden design brings emotion to the garden with various colors, heights and textures.

One of the most important elements of a Zen garden are the rocks. With rocks you can create dimensions. When you select your rocks and stones, select various sizes and position them with the larger ones to the front and the smaller ones to the background. Well-worn rocks will add character and depth to the design.

If you want an alternative element to the water element, then sand or pebble formations can be used. If you swirl the sand to create the rippling or rushing effect of the water this will help provide an energy aspect to the garden. What is used is not sand from the beach but rather crushed granite and you can get it in varying colors. A dark area of the garden can be lifted with the lighter pebbles or sand.

An architectural element for your Zen garden design can be a bridge. Bridges can be used to connect different areas of your garden, leading you on through to areas that would be otherwise unreachable.

Other architectural elements of a Zen garden design can be ornaments and these can be used as focal points. Stone lanterns and stone basins are often used. A stone lantern can be placed on a stone pedestal, depending on the height required for balance. A custom for the stone basins is, for the basin to be kept filled with clean water and by splashing the surroundings will keep the area refreshed.

For another architectural element place a gate at the entrance of your garden and this will further enhance the illusion.

You can create an illusion of depth and space with a Zen garden by understanding the placement of the elements required. One of the greatest attractions of this type of garden is, it only needs the smallest of spaces.

It is easier than you think, three simple tips.

1. Use water features, ornaments, gates and bridges.

2. Choose the plants for your climate

3. Use rocks, stones and pebble and be water conscious.

©2007 CTBaird. Carmel Baird contributes to Online Gardening Information where you will find information, tips and hints with new articles about many aspects of gardening added regularly.

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

Garden Architecture | Add Architectural Design to Your Garden

All parts of the house are decorated and maintained with extreme care and intrigue. It is the primary motif of the members of the house to spend a large amount of money on the maintenance of the drawing room and the bedrooms. However, little attention is paid to the garden of the house. It is considered as an extra part and often neglected.

Whereas, the garden area within the house is the only place that has natural vegetation and natural landscape. This aspect must be preserved and maintained. It is a place of beauty and peace and must be developed such that it gives positive energy and fresh feel to everybody who takes a look at it.

When the question of decorating and designing the garden comes, people often tend to make stony curved pavements or of adding a gazebo. They tend to ignore the fact that there are many ways of making your garden look not just a collection of plants but much more than that.

In regard, with the designing of gardens, there are many architectural designs that can be utilized in the garden and the garden can turn into a trendy place of plants. Architects have designed a number of English style benches and chairs that can give your garden a very modern look. There are online sites that can assist you in this regard. Nowadays, there are gardening architects who excel in this field and provide you with modern designed accessories.

Besides this, they also provide you with objects that can collect and assemble your gardening tools in a beautiful manner. Specially designed baskets and gardening tools are there to enhance the effect of the garden.

Besides the various accessories, architectural plants are a very contemporary idea of designing your garden. The choice of the architectural plant is yours, but there are some qualifying traits that a plant should have for inclusion. In particular, it should have a long and distinctive shape, both of the leaves and the overall growth pattern. It is also helpful if the plant is evergreen, or with a distinctive winter presence, such as bark coloration or structure of branches. This is so that your garden does not look dull in winters.

Then, there are many modern Italic and Japanese lamp posts that are especially designed to be fixed in the garden area. They are very modern and chic and are available in many distinct sizes and designs. The lamp posts can be installed for dim lighting effect, which will create a beautiful ambience in the entire area. It gives an extraordinary soothing effect in the evening.

Thus, the architectural additions made to the garden can create an altogether different look of your garden and will eventually give you a very soothing and relaxing effect altogether.

You can take professional's services to build contemporary garden offices and get more ideas for construction.

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

Garden Architecture | Architectural Salvage - For the Home and Garden and More

If you live in a vintage home, when it comes time to replace doors, windows and other decorative elements, it can be very challenging to match the architecture of the home with contemporary products. Instead, many homeowners choose the look for architectural salvage to match the look of their antique homes. Just as you would purchase antiques to furnish your period home, so too can you embellish the exterior with the appropriate antique salvage pieces.

Doors

Your front door is the first area that visitors will see when approaching your home. Because it is always on view, many homeowners choose to upgrade with an beautiful architectural antique door. A great deal of architectural reclamation occurs to make these doors structurally sound and historically finished so that the piece will serve well for many years to come. You could also take your current door and give it a vintage facelift with the addition of a new finish and antique salvage hardware, including the doorknobs and hinges. Doors appropriate for indoor use for bathrooms, closets and other areas can also be found by shopping at architectural salvage antiques stores.

Stained Glass

The beauty that comes from adding an exquisite piece of stained glass architectural salvage to your home is quite stunning. Handmade stained glass antique salvage pieces from yesteryear are pieces of artwork that can be displayed in the home or added to windows and doors.

Windows

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then perhaps the windows are the soul of your home. Architectural antique windows are a hot-ticket item in decorating circles these days, and for good reason. Every home style, from Queen Anne, Folk Victorian, Tudor, Beaux Arts, Mission, Craftsman and others feature specific types of window styles that were typically used for each specific type of architecture. Finding architectural reclamation pieces that fit with the vintage of your home will truly make it look authentic, and will provide your family with savings in energy costs, because refurbished pieces will more reliably keep the cold out and the heat in your home.

Wrought Iron

Vintage architectural salvage wrought iron pieces are sought after by discerning gardeners living in period homes. These wrought iron architectural salvage pieces are typically used for fencing, gates and balcony railings, but they also have other uses in the garden. From pieces of antique salvage wrought iron fencing, tables can be crafted using the iron pieces as legs, and with a marble tabletop attached it will surely be a unique piece that you will use every summer in your garden.

You can find architectural salvage antiques listed with online sellers.

Susan Slobac writes about--Architectural Salvage.

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

Garden Architecture | Varieties of Architectural Lighting

Architectural lighting is often used to highlight the unique design elements of a home, garden, or professional building. It is generally placed around and near entryway porticos and arches, on and around columns and the textured exteriors of buildings including walls and other structures and to highlight statues, ponds or other structural features.

When used appropriately in any garden setting, architectural lighting can accentuate the asthetics of a selected garden bed, a swimming pool, patio or decking around the house.

The coach light is one of the more popular and widely used styles of architectural garden lighting. It is a reminder of the old fashioned gas lights that were used to light the paths, streets and driveways of the past and lends a romantic charm to the setting. The typical coach light is placed on top of a pole and allows a dazzling light display through clear glass or perspex panels and can often be installed along one side or both sides of a driveway or at the corners of an outdoor deck. Coach lights may also be used in a garden or used to accentuate a flowerbed or pathway.

Another example of popular architectural garden lighting is the hanging lantern. These are usually attached to a pole inserted into the ground with a spike. These lanterns are now made as works of art as well as serving a functional purpose and are constructed from durable materials including high-impact plastic, stainless steel or even copper. Some include the use of solar lighting as an economical and environmentally friendly choice of lighting and all are easy to maintain.

Walk lights are quite often used to accentuate the beauty of a flowerbed as well as providing illumination for safety purposes along a walking path. These lights are set low to the ground and usually attached to a short pole or sit on top of a spike pushed into the ground. Many of these also incorporate the use of solar lighting. This eliminates the need for awkward cables or electrical boxes as well as costing virtually nothing to run.

LED garden uplights are used in architectural garden lighting to highlight elements of the garden that are attractive or a main feature. They are usually inserted into the ground and the light source is directed upwards. Elements such as trees and other tall plantings are thus showcased. Uplights can also be used to light an entryway or arch entrance.

Floodlights have similar characteristics to uplights, the difference being that their light can be directed either up or down. They can be used to illuminate entrances and to highlight exterior architectural elements such as archways, porticos or landscape elements.

You will find a huge array of different styles of architectural garden lighting in the market. Architectural garden lighting can be purchased through lighting stores that specialize in this field, lawn and garden stores, and even on-line.

You can't always get what you want but you can find what you need on the subject of led outdoor lighting. Today you too can gain from our years of experience, visit plant-care.com.

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

Garden Architecture | How to Make a Garden Lighting Less Expensive

Many of those people who take care of their gardens want them to be beautiful not only during the day but also after the sunlight is gone, during the night. Those people usually like to spend warm, summer evenings in the garden. That is the moment when we need good garden lighting.

We should think about the lighting that would give our garden more charm and accent its character. We can light the paths, parts of the walls, water ponds and elements of garden architecture - all to make it look more wonderful, peaceful and original.

But there is one important thing about garden lighting - that we should think about it before we even start planning the garden and its design. If not all our garden design might get destroyed by need of digging trough it to put electrical installation.

Of course none of us wants such situation happen.So what we can do when the garden is all done and the electrical installation would be difficult to install? We can choose sun lamps that uses natural energy of the sun to give us light.

Installation of such lamps is inexpensive and may bring us a lot of benefits. Especially when the garden is big and we need a lot of lamps and electricity to light it up - we would prefer sun lamps rather than the regular ones.

Enjoy garden in the summer, also after the sun and day is gone, and still feel the powerful energy of it.

Garden buildings and summerhouses might also interest you

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

Garden Architecture | Belgium's Top 10 Spring Garden Destinations

Millions of tourists flock to the Netherlands each spring to take in the beauty of the tulip fields. Most have no idea that further south, Belgium is a garden lover's paradise.

The following list contains 10 spring garden and nature destinations in Belgium that are not to be missed. I hope you find one that inspires you to enjoy Belgium's natural beauty.

Vredehof Tulip Garden

While definitely not as large as the Keukenhof Bulb Gardens in Lisse, The Netherlands, The Vredehof is no less special. This garden, in Kessel, was started by one man, Fernand Geyselings, when he retired in 1987, as a tribute to his late wife. Geyselings planted over 200,000 different bulbs, by himself. There are 200 different varieties of tulip and 185 other spring blooms, from daffodils to hyacinths. There are also a number of flowering trees and garden decorations.

Address: Torenvenstraat 28, Kessel

Groot-Bijgaarden Castle and Gardens

The Groot-Bijgaarden is another must-see for tulip and spring bulb lovers. The grounds of this castle are open to the public for a month in the spring. As well as the stunning castle grounds, there are also indoor displays by local growers. The Garden is open this year from from 8 April until 6 May.

Address: Is. Van Beverenstraat, 5 - 1702 Groot-Bijgaarden

The Japanese Garden of Hasselt

Although you wouldn't expect it, the largest Japanese Garden in Europe is in Belgium. The Japanese Garden of Hasselt is magical in the spring as its 250 cherry trees burst into bloom. The garden is based on 17th Japanese Garden architecture and was constructed with the help of Hasset's sister city in Japan, Itami.

Address: Gouverneur Verwilghensingel - 3500 Hasselt

Cherry Blossoms in Brussels

If you can't make it all the way to Hasselt to admire the Japanese Gardens, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in Brussels. Although there are cherry trees in bloom at various locations around the city centre, one of the best places to view them is in Park Leopold, near the European Parliament. There are various spring blooms in this little park, which is a hop skip and jump from the larger Parc du Cinquantenaire, also in full bloom in the spring.

Address: Park Leopold, 1040 Brussels

Belgian Royal Greenhouse at Laeken

One of the most anticipated spring garden events in Brussels is the opening of the Royal Greenhouses at the Palace in Laeken, Belgium. The palace is the main residence of the Belgian Royal family and their private grounds are only open to the public for several weeks in the spring. The Greenhouse complex was built between 1874 and 1895 and is 2.5 hectares. The plant collection includes giant palms and ferns from Africa, azaleas, geraniums, orchids and bleeding hearts among many others.

Address: Domaine Royal de Laeken, Avenue du Parc Royal, Brussels

National Botanic Garden of Belgium

The National Botanic Garden of Belgium is located just outside of Brussels in the town of Meise. The garden is 92 hectares and holds 18,000 varieties of plants from magnolias and rhododendrons to medicinal plants and wild roses. There is also a large glass house with tropical and dessert plants, a traditional farm house and garden and a garden shop. At the centre of the Botanic Garden sits Bouchout Castle which is often open to the public and is available for receptions.

Address: Domein van Bouchout, Nieuwelaan 38, Meise

The Grand Béguinage of Leuven

The Grand Béguinage (Groot Begijnhof van Leuven in Dutch) is not specifically a garden destination; however it is a quiet oasis in the centre of the Flemish city of Leuven. The Béguinage is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It dates from the 13th century and was a refuge for unmarried semi-religious women. These days the Béguinage is owned by the university and houses visiting students and professors. You can wander through the quiet cobbled streets and admire the small gardens and climbing roses that decorate the living quarters.

Address: Schapenstraat, Leuven

Hallerbos, The Blue Forest

Hallerbos is a beech forest near the town of Halle. Throughout the year it is a haven for walkers, cyclists and horseback riders. In spring however, the forest acquires a magical carpet of blue, created by millions of Bluebell flowers covering the forest floor.

Address: Near Halle in Flemish Brabant

Villers Abbey Medicinal Garden

Belgium is famous for its many abbeys and the wonderful beers brewed in them. Because the monks were often the area's physicians, many abbeys had medicinal gardens. One great example can be seen at the Villers Abbey (abbaye de Villers) in Wallonia. In addition to the garden, there is a working vineyard as well as the ruins of the abbey which are stunning to wander through.

Address: Rue de l'Abbaye, 55, B-1495 Villers-la-Ville

Ronquières Inclined Plane Boat Lift

I admit that a boat lift may seem like an odd choice for a post on gardens and nature. You can't however discuss gardens in Belgium without a nod to the country's agricultural heritage. Farming remains a mainstay in this country and what better place to admire the fields of Belgium than 70 metres in the air. The observation deck at the boat lift offers panoramic view of the countryside as well as the Brussels-Charleroi canal.

Address: Ronquières, 7090 Braine-le-Comte

Belgium is often overlooked as a travel destination in Europe. For garden and nature lover's, however it has many hidden jewels just waiting to be discovered.

About the Author

Alison Cornford-Matheson is a Canadian garden and travel photographer who lives in Brussels, Belgium. She is a passionate traveller who loves to share her discoveries through her words and photos. To read more about her expat life in Belgium and her travels in Europe visit her blog http://cheeseweb.eu.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cornford-Matheson

Garden Architecture | Suzhou Classical Gardens-World Cultural Heritage

Talking about China, you will think of the images of Chinese classical garden. Suzhou, a cultural and historical city in east China Jiangsu Province, is celebrated around the world for its elegant gardens. If you are a Chinese Gardens lover, don't miss to go there.

Suzhou is also known as "Gusu city", having the fame of "Oriental Venice" with more than 2500 years history. As the world of garden, Suzhou offers the best museum to show its ancient gardens which are the gem of classical garden architecture in south China and has been included in the UNESCO heritage list.

Local chronicles reveal that Suzhou city held nearly 200 gardens during its heyday. As the saying goes, gardens to the south of Yangtze River are the best in the World and Suzhou gardens are the best among them. These gardens attain their high reputation not only for their vast numbers, but also for their charming natural beauty and harmonious construction.
Enjoying or appraising Suzhou Gardens, you should keep in mind six points as below:
# Conception

# The way rockery and waters are arranged

# Pavilions, terraces, halls and chambers

# Flower and tree arrangements

# Appropriate name

# Poetic touch

The Surging Waves Pavilion, the Lion Grove Garden, the Humble Administrator Garden and the Lingering Garden in Suzhou are inscribed as the Four Most Famous Gardens in China and they represent the different styles of Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. And the Garden of the Master of the Nets is another exquisite garden in this city.

Song Style Suzhou Gardens: The famous example is the Blue Wave Pavilion (Canglangting). The oldest classic garden in Suzhou, It is originally built in the Tang Dynasty. Canglang Pavilion emphasizes the harmony between man made buildings and the natural environment which features a range of man-made mountains on the inside and landscapes on the outside.

Yuan Style Suzhou Gardens: The famous example is the Lion Grove Garden which is reputed as a "kingdom of artificial mountains". Built in 1342, the garden is an ideal sightseeing site as it many elegant pavilions, majestic towers and numerous other works of art. What fun it will be when you are viewing fragrant flowers and winding delicate corridors!

Ming Style Suzhou Gardens: The famous example is the Humble Administrator' s Garden. The garden consists of three parts with different types of buildings around streams and ponds. In the main garden, there are four pavilions placed at different spots. Each pavilion has a very beautiful and lyrical name which represent the four seasons.

Qing Style Suzhou Gardens: The famous example is the Lingering Garden. Possessing typical Qing style, it is well-known for the exquisite beauty of its magnificent halls, and the various sizes, shapes, and colors of the buildings. Dating from the 11th-19th century, the gardens reflect the profound metaphysical importance of natural beauty in Chinese culture in their meticulous design.
Recommended tours:

# Day 01 Arrival Suzhou

# Arrive in Suzhou. Be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day.Day 02 Suzhou

# Depart from hotel in the morning and be transferred to visit Humble Administrator Garden, the Tiger Hill and the Lingering Garden.Day 03 Departure Suzhou

Visit the Garden of the Master of the Nets in the morning. Free at leisure until to be transferred to the airport for your next destination.

china tour-Professional China Tour Operator with tailor made service. Come with us to see China with your own eyes and touch this ground with your hands. All services are private and in small group with English speaking tour guide and license driver.

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

Garden Architecture | Garden Landscape - Lets You Experience the Nature's Therapy

It will not be wrong to say that nature is men best friend, and what can be more rejuvenating than an exquisite garden outside your home that gives you a real paradise experience. Landscape design is the best option to make your surroundings beautiful, the method does not limit to garden or lawn making rather it is a complete gardening architecture. The entire architecture work adorns the beauty of your house, garden landscapes, pool landscapes, commercial landscape. But it is often seen that people take the task themselves and end up making the place a disaster. Choosing an adept landscaper will provides a beautiful look, if you have decided to get your garden landscaping done then firstly plan out what all things will be involved in it. Determining the theme such as native, subtropical etc is very much important, just think about what varieties of plants grow well in your surroundings. Do take suggestions from the experts about the well-grown plants in your area so that they flourish more with lower maintenance costs.

Professional landscape designers helps you to build your paradise, they are the best guide which provides you unique designs, construction details, lists of suppliers and plants. Before hiring any professional do check their previous projects, credentials, references and portfolios. The costs of this totally depend on the area you live and the training and experience of the person your hire. Be upfront about the budget you have, as a professional landscaping can cost high at your pockets. Landscaping is done in several ways, some of its aspects are soft and hard landscaping, soft landscaping refers to simple and creative creation of garden while the hard landscaping includes rockery works, pond, patio, pathway, terrace, and driveway constructions.

Hence it is very much clear that selecting an appropriate landscape designer is a necessity, they are likely the ones who will turn your place into paradise. With the emergence of technological advancements they are able to execute their plans in a more favorable way.

Paradise Landscapes serves as a best solution for landscaping for the people of Auckland. The firm is efficient in creating exquisite landscapes projects according to the likes and dislikes of the customers. They also provides consultation and quotation for free of cost, their expertise designing and planning guide will provide you a complete overview to make your place a heaven. To have glance at their portfolios and services you can browse via http://www.paradiselandscapes.co.nz.

Paradise Landscapes carry out entire landscape projects from garden landscaping, pool landscape design, planting, hard, soft landscaping and garden maintenance as well as the project managing the entire job.

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

Garden Architecture | Garden Design Trends in 2010

In this season we can observe visible, increasing involvement of designers in garden architecture. Small spaces, next to the houses, patios, balconies, covered walkways, terraces, even window sills and roofs - all are now adapted for ornamental plants. Designers put emphasis on bringing the green closer to buildings and creating functional and moody space to rest and work.

Architecture
Main change in garden perception is that it is no longer just a collection of ornamental flowers, shrubbery or trees. Crucial role play now both: green and garden small architecture. And this functional perspective includes the colors composition, as well.

Colors
In architecture and plants arrangement highly recommended are corresponding colors, like: purple and violet - hits of the season. Also contrast compositions of those colors with yellow and orange are in. Moreover, traditional white-blue color set is still popular and recommended. Aubergine, chocolate and orange currently are getting a high ranking in the style stakes and being used to accentuate focal points.

Curvaceous shape and contrastive elements
Irregular, mysterious garden with hidden corners are on the top in 2010. Square, symmetric spaces are out. As it was mentioned, contrast is characteristic feature of garden in this season. It does not concern only the color composition. Interesting effect can be gained thanks to using different (smooth and abrasive, dark and pale) materials in pavements.

Eco Boosting
Very important trend of new season. To make your garden more "Eco" focus on habitats for butterflies, bees, and wildlife. Also, do not use any 'garden' drugs. Instead of that look for alternative ways to nourish and protect your plants. There are currently many green substitutes for the chemicals. Also, be aware of "what is in" things. For instance: mulch - much of it is artificially colored and does not break down as it should. Good mulch will protect and eventually feed your plants, bad mulch will sit for ever and eventually choke your plants.

If you are interested in garden design trends, you might be also interested in reading about wooden walkways and patios.

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Garden Architecture | Consult Professional Garden Decorators to Endure Your Garden Architecture

The outdoors of the house says a lot about the indoors. A beautiful garden not just makes you feel the beauty of nature at home but also makes you feel relaxed and at ease. Properly managed garden space not just adds to the exquisiteness of your home but also makes your home look one of a kind. Garden arbors make your yard look beautiful and also give you the opportunity to differentiate your yard from others. Proper placement and decoration is very important when it comes to the decorating your yard. Various garden yard decorators are professional experts that make sure that your garden is decorated in a perfect manner and the space is properly occupied.

These designers know exactly what should be incorporated where, and how to make full use of your garden area. They make sure to incorporate all the beautiful elements needed while planning garden structures and landscape designs to make your garden look elegant and refreshing at the same time. They understand the exact measures and keep in mind proper length and width so that whole area would be occupied properly. Garden arbors have always been everyone's favorite and have been installed into their garden yards to add to the beauty of the yard. The large payment issues may worry you before hiring a professional decorator for the planning and design of your garden yard.

The professional decorators make sure to design your garden in every shape, color, design and size with the most reasonable price. These professional decorators know exactly how to design, what to buy, from where to buy and how much should it cost. Their experience not just gives your garden arbor a beautiful look but also save you that extra penny and hard work. We already know that arbors add a lot to the beauty to the outdoor living experience. Either you want to create a focal point in your yard or just like to make a statement with the entrance way into your outdoor room; these decorators make sure to provide you exactly what you desire at a price that fits your pocket.

Their arbors are architecturally designed with superior detail and are maintenance free so you can enjoy your arbor without having to spend any time painting or staining it. These decorators use their creative ideas to manufacture these garden arbors with various materials from everlasting plastic to the traditional quality wood and you can always be sure that these arbors are strong and made of durable plastics and do not need any kind of maintenance. Hire these professionals to make your garden yard look one in a million and let your neighbors envy you!

More information about Garden arbors please visit http://www.newenglandarbors.com.

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Garden Architecture | Better Homes & Gardens Architectural Home Designer

Whether you are considering a quick and gentle garden makeover or a total home design, the Better Homes and Gardens Architectural Designer package from Chief Architect will be of great use to you. The package can be purchased at different levels according to whether you want a more professional or more basic version. At the moment you can chose from suites 6, 7 or 8. Check carefully to ensure that you hardware will support the package that you chose and also make sure that you will be getting all that you need. Likewise, check that the suite that you choose does not have too much that is unnecessary. This can sometimes complicate an otherwise simple task.

The Better Homes and Gardens Architectural Designer has been compiled by people who are very experienced in the world of property design and the concept has been taken from professional design software. Because of this you will be getting a product which is specifically for your needs. It is not a game and you will be impressed with the professional results.

The software is easily installed and within no time at all you will find that you will be able to draw the basic walls and home design. There are over 30 instructional videos which give step by step instructions to help you and if you want to be completely guided through the process then you will find that the Wizard is invaluable. With the Better Homes and Gardens Architectural Designer you will be able to use one of a number of templates to create your ideal home. If none of these are what you are looking for then you can easily start from scratch and come up with a design which is totally unique and incorporates exactly what you want. Even if you use a template you will be able to personalize your design and make adjustments. Windows, doors and walls are all easy to move and rearrange and you will find that advice is given throughout the whole process.

Once you are happy with your initial design of the building, you will find is easy to start adding the other essentials of your new property. Kitchen planning, room arrangement and bathroom facilities are straightforward to add and then alter. Better Homes and Gardens Architectural Designer does not expect you to come up with a perfect design with your first ideas. The whole concept is that you can move things around, change room sizes and add and remove structural walls.

You can imagine the time and money that you can save by using Homes and Gardens Architectural Designer for the initial design work of your new property. If you were to ask a professional designer to alter your plans for the 30th time you may find that you are running up quite a large bill. Also, it means that you do not have to compromise with your design. Within the restraints of building feasibility the design can fulfil you dreams.

Candis Reade is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about homes & gardens architectural [http://homesdesignbusiness.info/better-homes-gardens-architectural-home-designer], please visit Homes Design Business [http://homesdesignbusiness.info] for current articles and discussions.

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