Beautiful landscaping integrates the house and garden into a home, allowing you to relax outside day and night. The right garden décor further blurs the distinction between indoor and outdoor living with both functional and decorative elements. At Overstock.com, your online home store for savings on home décor, you'll find a wonderful selection of garden design products to match your needs and personality. This garden décor buying guide includes some basic information to help you make an educated buying decision.
Choosing the outdoor lighting is one of the most important aspects of landscape design. Landscape lighting illuminates dark paths, highlights interesting garden elements and deters intruders. Above all, outdoor lighting creates a welcoming ambience of warmth and safety. That's why Mom always left the light on for you.
Path Lighting: Outdoor lighting keeps driveways, garden paths and stairs safe for walking after dark. Featuring vintage and contemporary designs in impact-resistant plastics and metals, path lights usually have a domed top and pagoda style that directs the light towards the ground. This increases the light's effectiveness and decreases light pollution. For convenience, path lighting is usually sold in sets and includes electric and solar designs. Light sets make great outdoor patio lights and deck lights. While they are bright enough to illuminate a sidewalk, path lights are dimmer than many accent lights.
Low Voltage: These energy efficient outdoor lights use 12 volts or less of electricity. A transformer converts the 120-volt electric power line to 12 volts for a set of lights. As a popular option for path lighting, low-voltage light sets often include their own power packs. An experienced do-it-yourselfer can assemble this system; however, Overstock.com recommends professional installation of these lights.
Solar Lights: This outdoor lighting uses sunlight to charge Ni-Cad batteries which power the light fixture. Solar lights automatically switch on at dusk and will generally stay lighted for up to 10 hours. This safe, wireless design doesn't use electricity, making solar outdoor lights an excellent option for the yard. Solar deck lights resemble soft candlelight -- creating a romantic glow. Solar-powered batteries need to be replaced about every three years. The Light Emitting Diode (LED) panels are not replaceable but generally last about 20 years with proper care. Solar lights may not work well in shaded areas or during cloudy weather. However, solar lights emit enough light for adequate path lighting in most regions.
Accent Lighting: Use individual accent lights to showcase interesting design elements in the yard. Spotlights will make a pretty tree look spectacular at night and properly illuminate flags. Floodlights make good house and patio lights, but their brightness will make outlying areas appear darker. Use a set of path lights for garden lights -- multiple low-light lamps will create a soft glow over flower beds.
Lanterns: These garden lights take several forms, the most common being the hanging lantern. Featuring vintage and contemporary designs, hanging lamps dangle from tall stakes or wall and ceiling hooks. Many of today's lanterns use electric or solar power; although lanterns with candles will create a romantic glow as patio lights. Of course, the lantern-style light is still popular for post lamps and porch lights. You'll find a variety of lanterns in the garden décor department and in the sconces and vanities section of our lighting department.
Extend the garden onto your patio with outdoor planters. Using planters for decoration is a great way to add greenery to the patio or balcony, especially for apartment dwellers. Planter styles include stands and hanging baskets for one plant and multi-shelved stands to hold many garden plants. Outdoor planters are made of the same durable materials as outdoor furniture; such as cedar wood, bamboo, and iron. Rustic flower planters, made of cedar, add color to the yard, and many are large enough to hold a mini vegetable garden. On the other hand, many iron or mosaic planters are elegant enough for indoor use and double as small patio tables. Of course, Overstock.com has a variety of outdoor planters to accent your garden décor. Be sure to fill those planters with live and silk plants from our fine selection.
Enhance your bird watching experience with bird feeders. Choose several bird feeders to attract multiple birds and put them out in early spring before the migrating birds arrive. Early placement entices the birds to visit your yard throughout the seasons. Large feeders need fewer refills, but smaller feeders attract small song birds and deter larger birds from dominating the feeding station. Be sure to place pedestal and ground bird feeders at least eight feet from bushes where predators may lurk -- this gives birds room for escape in case the neighbor's cat is hungry.
Bird feeders come in a variety of sizes and styles. Overstock.com's garden and patio department has great discount prices on quality bird feeders of every variety.
Hummingbird: Crafted just for these charming birds, hummingbird feeders often are as decorative as they are functional. They feature bright colors that attract hummingbirds and can be made of glass or plastics and metals. Most have a bottle design that that dispenses nectar through ports or into a saucer. This bird feeder requires nectar for the food (purchased or made at home).
Hopper: This bird feeder has a large reservoir for birdfeed which it dispenses through port holes. A hopper can have a tray for the birdfeed or poles at the ports for the birds. These bird feeders attract small and large birds, especially jays and blackbirds.
Platform: Featuring a large, flat tray with or without a roof, this feeder attracts many types of birds, allows several birds to feed at once and, often, can be hung or set on a pole. Platform bird feeders also make good ground feeders for goldfinches, cardinals, towhees and doves.
Tube: With long, thin tubes and many small feeding ports, the hanging tube bird feeder is good for attracting small birds such as finches, chickadees, nuthatches, and siskins.
Squirrel-proof: While no bird feeder is completely squirrel-proof, several designs deter these furry critters. Some designs have domes set above and/or below the unit to keep squirrels from climbing onto the feeder. A cage feeder houses the food station in a structure that has openings for small birds. Finally, some bird feeders use a weight-triggered mechanism. When a squirrel steps onto the pole or tray, his heavy weight triggers the bird feeder to close the feeding ports.
Outdoor fountains add the relaxing sounds of running water to any setting. Fountains are decorative arrangements where water either jets out or pours out into a basin before being drained away. Fountains range in size from tabletop rock gardens to large pieces of public art. Outdoor fountains help create a sense of privacy by masking traffic and other noises. When choosing an outdoor fountain, first consider the size and how it will fit into your garden décor. Most yards will accommodate the larger pedestal outdoor fountains while a smaller fountain will create a focal point in the flower garden. Be aware of how much water noise you want -- the water noise increases with the length of the waterfall. Birds are attracted to the sound of running water and many bird baths are fountains as well.
Bird baths not only provide clean water for birds; they also make beautiful garden statues. Featuring a multitude of designs, bird baths are usually crafted in metals, ceramic, fiberglass or resins. Cast iron and cast aluminum are especially durable. After finding a bird bath you like, consider a couple of practical design elements. First, the bowl should have a gentle incline of two or three inches in depth. Also, look for a rim with a rough texture -- the birds will have better footing when the rim is wet.
Hanging: This bird bath features a small bowl made of copper, resin or even decorative glass, and hangs from a tree with chains -- a great design for the smaller garden or patio.
Heated: These bird baths use solar or electric energy to heat the water, keeping it thawed and providing drinking water during the winter months.
Mounted: Some bird baths attach to railings or to walls. Also called deck mounted, these baths often feature heaters that can be plugged into an outdoor electrical outlet. Wall-mounted fountains may have classic old world style elements including European, Grecian, and Asian influences.
Pedestal: The most common design in outdoor fountains and bird baths, a pedestal sits on the ground and features a base stand with a bowl set on top. A pedestal needs a weighted base to stay steady on uneven ground.
Solar: A convenient feature for outdoor garden accents, solar-powered products have LED panels that store energy from the sun and use that energy to run motors or pumps. Be sure to place the item in a sunny area. Some outdoor fountains and bird baths still use electrical power so be sure to check the product description carefully.
Tabletop: A small fountain meant to sit on a table or ledge, these are usually indoor models. However, an indoor tabletop fountain is an excellent addition to the covered porch or garden room where the extra humidity will help garden plants.
Waterfall: These fountains resemble a small stream tumbling over the rocks, yet they circulate the water like a regular outdoor fountain. If you want to keep the garden décor natural, choose a waterfall fountain.
Here's the chance to add personality to your garden design. From truly classical, as in Greek goddess garden statues, to American suburban (think pink plastic flamingos), garden art features a boundless sense of style.
Accents and Art: These are the little pieces that complete the garden design. Copper contrasts vividly with a green garden and is featured in a variety of outdoor art: rain gauges and weather vanes; wall art such as suns and moons; and hanging lanterns. For color, choose sun catchers that shine like stained glass or bright flowers and animals that spin when they catch the breeze (a whimsical update of those pink flamingos). Some of these garden accents do double duty as solar lights, adding a colorful glow to the night.
Wind Chimes: The sweet song of wind chimes, carried on the breeze surely defines comfort noise. Often unseen, wind chimes remind us that there is a well-tended home nearby. However, wind chimes can be as beautiful as they are melodic and can be made of brass, steel, wood, bamboo, even painted gourds. Choose steel wind chimes for higher tones and wood or bamboo for softer, lower tones.
Statuary: Use garden statues to create focal points in the garden. A light-colored stone or ceramic statue balances the dark green of a shaded grove, while bronze deer or rabbits enliven the front lawn. Folk art bowls and figurines will look wonderful on the patio. Remember, bird baths and outdoor fountains also function as attractive statuary.
Fireplaces: Most outdoor fireplaces are basically portable fire pits; a large bowl set on sturdy legs. A patio fireplace extends the outdoor entertaining season by letting guests enjoy those cooler evenings under the stars. Outdoor fireplaces burn wood or charcoal, and some feature grilling grates. The average outdoor fireplace includes a spark arrestor screen in the lid -- an important safety feature. If you prefer a more elegant look, look for patio tables with small built-in fire pits. After choosing the perfect outdoor fireplace, check out our selection of garden furniture for your patio. Overstock.com's low prices will spark your imagination.
Grills: Sure, the old charcoal charbroil grill will cook up some hamburgers (if the dog doesn't tip it over), but the serious outdoor chef needs a modern gas grill. These outdoor grills use propane or natural gas as the fuel. The natural gas grills cost more, initially; however, you save money long term by using this cost-efficient fuel (and you never need to replace a propane tank). If you don't have a natural gas line on the deck or you don't wish to install one, choose an outdoor grill that uses propane. Today's outdoor grills offer great features including rotisseries and smokers. Cast aluminum is the best material for outdoor grills.
Choose a portable grill for a small area or tabletop cooking -- portable grills are great for tailgate parties. Many small grills are enclosed units and use charcoal as their fuel. They grill and often bake foods; in fact, modern portable grills can cook a complete meal all at once.
What are the care instructions for garden décor?
With proper care, your garden décor will last for years. As with any product, follow the manufacturer's care instructions (found with the packaging or on their websites) for best results in cleaning.
In general, outdoor decorations, such as garden statues, can be rinsed with water to remove dust and debris. Wipe dry with a soft cloth. For heavier cleaning jobs, use a solution of mild detergent and water to clean furniture, then rinse well with clear water and dry. Certain products such as bird feeders require more special care:
Care of bird feeders and bird baths: Birds thrive on fresh food and water, yet garden décor can also be a source of bacteria and disease. To keep birds healthy, clean bird feeders and bird baths every two weeks. Use a mild cleanser or a vinegar and water solution for cleaning. Disinfect with a mild bleach solution of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach. Replace the water in a bird bath every 3-4 days and always remove the old food before adding new food to a bird feeder.
Hummingbird feeders need more frequent cleaning than other bird feeders. Clean a hummingbird feeder every five days (every two or three days during especially hot weather) with a mild solution of 5 parts water to 1 part vinegar. Use small brushes to clean the ports and replace the nectar with fresh product. Clean with the bleach solution every two to three weeks.
Calming Visions
From the lush greens of trees to the bright pinks of roses, gardens delight our senses. To make your own yard a true oasis, enhance and structure outdoor living places with garden décor. Use outdoor area rugs to define the space for patio furniture. Featuring many of the classic patterns of indoor rugs, outdoor rugs are made of durable materials, and resist mold, mildew and sun damage. (Yes, Overstock.com has amazingly low prices on rugs, too!) Grouping artistic birdhouses creates a charming display -- you'll find unique handcrafted birdhouses and other garden art in our Worldstock store. Stately or whimsical by day and mysterious by night, a beautiful visual landscape calms the soul.
Soothing Sounds
Every patio or garden needs a setting for quiet meditation or afternoon naps. Too bad the traffic, barking dogs and kids keep disrupting those rare moments of relaxation. Many people wouldn't consider sound an element of garden design, but noise significantly affects our enjoyment of the outdoors. Wind chimes and chirping birds blend well with neighborhood noises. Mask louder sounds with the gentle splashing of a fountain. Don't forget the evening hours. Who can resist the crackle of a campfire? An outdoor fireplace will bring back memories.
Begin your journey to relaxation with a stop in Overstock.com's home décor. Our selection of garden décor and our discount prices will put a smile on your face. We make decorating the home easier than you ever imagined.