Creating Romance In Your Garden this Valentines Day

What a lovely Valentine’s day gift.

There are thousands of ways to incorporate romance into a garden space. Even better, there are no “set in stone” rules, and the outcome is entirely up to you. This article features a wide variety of suggestions to inspire you. And, quite honestly, it’s just the beginning. Let’s get started.

Roses

According to historians, Cleopatra is said to have scattered rose petals before Mark Anthony’s feet. Nero released roses from the ceiling during extravagant feasts and banquets that were held.

The rose is the flower emblem of England. According to English folklore, if the petals fall from a fresh-cut red rose then lousy luck was sure to ensue.

Exquisite and radiant in every way, the red rose is the principal messenger of love. A single rose denotes perpetual love. Red Roses are the most popular flower in expressing love and have been the sentiment of bachelors throughout the world.

For a romantic garden, a beautiful rose is one with a strong scent.  The fragrance is like no other and has been reproduced in perfumes and air fresheners for years. There are rose-scented oils and lotions, bath products. There are rose colors and rose images galore. You can find rose parades and people named Rose. You can even come out “smelling like a rose.” All because of a mere plant that reached enormous proportions of popularity.

The rose plant is available in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and types. It is known worldwide.

Do you want a rose plant already started in a pot? You may have to repot it. Make sure you do your homework before you buy one.

Rose plants carry so many different names; it’s probably enough to fill a small book! Some of the names include Rose Blaze, Rose Red Eden, Rose New Dawn, Rose Neptune, Rose Zephirine, just to name a very few. If you want a rose that sounds like it belongs in a class all its own, you could buy a Rose Paris D’Yves St. Laurent!

Arbors

Believe it or not, the concept of the arbor dates back to medieval times. Early arbors were used as a means to provide a shady passageway in hot weather. While they still accomplish the task, today’s arbors are also used for decorative purposes and to anchor gates, walkways and an occasional bench or two.

There are hundreds of types of arbors to choose from. You are free to construct your own, either from scratch or materials in a kit. They are also available in some ready-made styles.

If your garden happens to be narrow, using an arbor as an entryway is ideal. It provides an element of privacy and also the extra space to grow additional flowers, depending on what the arbor is made from.

For example, using a grapevine arbor allows climbing roses to grow beautifully in every direction. In this case, if you prefer, you can easily hide the base of the arbor with small decorative shrubs or your choice of groundcover.

Some arbors are quite simple in style, while others are very ornate. Using a combination of wood and stone is a popular choice for gardeners who are interested in architecture. Using different colors and sizes of stone makes the overall design that much more interesting.

Pairing one or more arbors with a staggered trellis fence results in a classical cottage feel. Depending on the size of your garden space, you may even want to enclose the whole area. Add a matching gate (or gates), and you have your private backyard haven to enjoy for years to come.

Many creative gardeners opt to use salvaged materials to construct unique arbors. Some of these materials include old doors and rustic wire fencing. Remember, when it comes to building a one-of-a-kind arbor, you’re only limited by your imagination.

Bird Baths

 

Including at least one bird bath in your garden helps to ensure frequent visits from your feathered friends.

Incorporating more than one bird bath into your romantic garden is a great idea.

It goes without saying that you should choose a level spot in a safe area – especially if you’re using a bird bath constructed out of lighter materials. Birds won’t use a bath that they can’t see. The perfect location is one that’s visible to birds and birdwatchers alike.

Keep in mind, however, that if the bathing facility is exposed, some birds might not use it. They have a tendency to get nervous when they drink or bathe.

It’s up to you whether you want to put the bird bath in the sun or the shade. If you live in a cooler climate, you might want to place it in the sunniest spot available. This helps to keep the water warmer. On the other hand, if you live someplace hot, placing the bird bath in the shade helps to keep the water cooler and slow down the growth of bacteria.

It’s not recommended that you position a bird bath under a fruit tree or any other tree that sheds blooms or nuts. Also, it should be far enough away from bird feeders to avoid stray seeds from finding their way into the water.

While it’s ok to put a bird bath in the middle of a flower bed, first consider the delicacy of the surrounding plants before doing so. Bird poop changes the acidity level of the soil. Delicate plants may not live through the change.

Change the water frequently. Birds won’t play or bathe in dirty water. The closer you put your bird bath to a water source, the easier it will be to maintain, and the more the birds will appreciate your efforts.

Bird Feeders

With such a large variety of bird feeders to choose from, it’s extremely easy to add whimsy to any garden and do your part in feeding birds at the same time. The more you know about bird feeder etiquette, the better the chance you’ll have of enjoying the widest variety of fowl possible.

Bird watching is a delightful pastime. There’s nothing like observing these fascinating little creatures after a hectic day. So, why not include several bird feeders in your garden space?

For Tips And Suggestions For Hanging Bird Feeders, click on the link

The absolute best place to position a bird feeder is in a spot that simulates a bird’s natural feeding habitat. For example, if you’re trying to attract woodpeckers, place suet feeders near tree trunks. For best results, don’t place feeders in a noisy area. Birds prefer a quiet place to dine.

Regarding visibility, birds won’t visit your feeder unless they can see it. Think back to the previous information about bird bath placement. The same holds true in this case. Also, if you use any chemicals in your garden area, it’s not a place to put a feeder. Birds eat seeds that fall to the ground. You don’t want to serve them contaminated feed.

Remember to strategically place your bird feeders so that filling them is easy. You certainly don’t want to have to pull out a stepladder every time they need a refill. Naturally, keeping your feeders full will result in attracting more birds.

If you live in an area that frequently experiences windy or rainy weather, it’s a good idea to situate your feeders in a sheltered area. This protects both the feeder itself and your feathered friends from inclement weather.

Squirrels are another issue to consider. Squirrels love to raid bird feeders. It’s a fact of nature. Not only do they consume large quantities of seed and other bird-related treats, but they are also known to wreak havoc on whatever vessel they are eating out of.

Many people plant colorful flowers around their bird feeders. This attracts birds to the area, as does the inclusion of bird baths and perches.

Don’t forget to include two or three hummingbird feeders in your garden, if hummingbirds are native to your location. These tiny birds are so exciting to watch. Once you initially attract them to your feeders, chances are they’ll keep coming back for more. Sometimes, they even bring their friends along.

Statues

Statues are a romantic addition to almost any garden. They come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes.

Choose angels or fairies for a romantic feel and place near a pathway or a table for all to see. Match your statue choice to its surroundings. That is to say; you probably don’t want to add a Roman statue to an Asian-themed garden unless you have your heart set on it. Many times, the right statue is all that you need to help create a romantic garden.

Larger statues are typically used as a focal point, meant to draw attention to a specific area of the garden. It’s recommended that you avoid placing one of these in the exact center of your garden space. Off-centering it a bit is considered more visually pleasing. There is an exception to this rule, however. Placing a statue in the center of a small pond is generally “doable.”

Statues are appropriate to use in alcoves or at the end of a garden path. Formal statues naturally work better in a formal garden setting. Whimsical statues, on the other hand, are perfect for children’s gardens and other informal garden themes.

We’ll if is not going to be a romantic garden for your loved one, think about adding some fun to the garden this Valentines day, or any celebration day, click on the links for

“Adding Fun To Your Garden”  or “Kitchen Gardens – The right tools and getting started” both posts have excellent ideas for Valentines Day.