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| Containers
look fine on a deck or patio, but they also add a nice accent
to a perennial bed. Put flowering annuals in a pretty pot
and place it among perennials that have quit blooming to add
color to a section of your garden. Or, as shown here, elephant
ears in ceramic containers add a touch of elegance to a shade
garden. |
Planting
flowers in front of a small section of stand-alone fencing
gives a cottage garden feel to your landscape. Painting the
fence brown instead of the usual white makes it blend with
the plants. |
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| To
keep a large expanse of cinderblock wall from looking monotonous,
hang a pretty plate or other colorful collectible on it. Ivy
draping over the wall gives a softening effect. |
Removing
the lower branches of trees lets in more light and provides
a sculptural effect that can be enjoyed in every season. |
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| Place
a small statue or garden ornament deep among your plants so
it’s barely noticed at first glance. This white statue
looks particularly good next to the white hydrangea blooms
and variegated hostas. |
Plant
small perennials in between stepping stones in a path or patio
to soften the harshness of the hardscape.
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| Window
boxes and strategically placed flower-filled containers transform
the side of this house into a beautiful and welcoming entryway. |
Just
because a tool is rusted and broken doesn’t mean it
can’t add a whimsical touch to your garden. The next
time you visit a flea market or garage sale, keep your eyes
open for interesting items to add to your landscape. |
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| A
small bunny statue sits at the end of this “path to
nowhere.” Besides being a nice visual effect, the stepping
stones provide a way for the gardener to tend the bed without
stepping onto the soil. |
Having
company over for a cookout on your deck or patio? Instead
of a floral centerpiece on the table, hang it on the fence
or deck railing. This decorative pail contains colorful fresh
flowers. |
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| A
piece of rotting log or driftwood provides an interesting
element among perennials. |
A
piece of thick glass supported by two urns is a beautiful
focal point against this plain background. |
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| An
old wheel, some pine cones and a variety of different-shaped
stones add interest to the base of a tree where few plants
will grow. |
A
boring garage wall is livened up by this lattice-covered mirror,
which reflects the garden. This was one of the most-commented-upon
ideas during this year’s tour. |
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| In
addition to using large rocks to border a garden bed, put
some interesting-looking stones in among the plants. |
This
fence was livened up with a collection of objects, many of
which had been thrown away by other people. A little resourcefulness
can turn trash into art. |
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Rather
than putting plants in these urns, an imaginative gardener
topped the containers with moss and polished river rocks.
A nice way to show off these unusual urns. |
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