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Garden Ideas: Harmonise With Nature
Now that our climate is cooler, and our nights are longer, your plants have reacted to a process called photoperiodism, where the shorter days and longer nights, signal preparations for a slow down period. Many living creatures in the garden slow down their body processes too. Snakes, lizards, frogs, toads, Millipede Assassin bugs and ladybugs and many other insects all slow down, so that no extra energy is used up.
March 2013 Newsletter
Rock Solid
In these times of environmental consciousness and eco-homeownership, rock garden landscaping ideas are near the forefront of eco-friendly design plans because of their frugal use of water and other resources, and of course they are low maintenance. Rocks also make wonderful homes for all the gogo’s that like to live in cooler darker habitats, thus encouraging other wildlife that feed and seek shelter in this eco system.
Using rocks, boulders and pebbles to add interest and focal points to your landscape is a solid investment as they are maintenance friendly, timeless and simply a great idea for a focal point or to retain an area on a slope or as a rockery. Rocks can also be used to line pathways and edge garden beds.
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Rock gardens also make perfect backdrops for a water garden or oasis reminiscent of a lagoon abundant with wildlife. Lush ferns, palms and cycads with spiky grasses all come together to create the feeling of a calm and balanced eco system. It’s not difficult to incorporate some rock garden landscaping ideas into an existing design scheme. A few weathered rocks or river boulders used in water features or even outdoor seating can add elements of rock without breaking the bank or your back! Stone planters, pathway stones and rock fire pits can be just the thing to complete your space.
Perhaps there’s an area in your landscape that is in dire need of landscaping. Is there a stretch of land on the verge just begging for your attention? Consider placing your rock garden here, creating a layered effect with cleverly placed rocks and plants of various heights and textures. Never underestimate the wisdom of choosing water wise plants, like aloes and succulents especially in a rock garden, so this area becomes a strictly low-watering zone. Large boulders can add distinction to your landscaping. They made great centre pieces or attractive focal points. You can purchase boulders that are small enough to be put in place by a few healthy individuals or ones that are so large they require a crane to put them into place. Boulders are available in all shapes, sizes, and colours to give you a very unique look.
The use of rocks in your design is entirely dependent upon your personal tastes, budget and what you already have to work with. Adding little rock elements here and there and softening them up with bright foliage and other garden accessories will create a space that is attractively warm, interesting and eco –chic.
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