Green Your Oasis

Plants, flowers and lighting can work together to build an outdoor environment. Go as simple or elaborate as your style and budget allow. Yes, you can make it work without a green thumb. The key uncontrollable is the climate where you live. Every area of the U.S. is listed on a garden 'zone' map. The map is based on growing seasons, rainfall, and hi-lo temperatures. Once you determine which zone you live in, you can research the best plants for your zone.
https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/

Think about your space - do you have a spot or more for in ground planting, perhaps potted plants suit your oasis best. A great and manageable plot for gardening is a raised bed - hint, you can buy ready made forms in wood or resin materials.

Lets go back to your gardening/growing zone - which plants grow best, are you looking for annuals for a dash of color for a season, or perennials - permanent plants that either flower, bear fruit, or berries year after year. Annuals are a great option to change your décor with the seasons and an easy option for patios and decks. Perennials usually prefer solid ground and do better when not disturbed. In ground also offers the option to plant something much larger which can be surrounded by smaller plants or potted varieties.  The choices are extensive - again, you will need to do a little research. In many zones you can cover up your garden plot, raised bed, and even potted plants during colder times.  Greenhouses are also a handy addition to store delicate seedlings in spring or house your plants in the worst months of the year.

Terra cotta pots offer an endless array of options for garden planting, flowers, color, stacking, arranging - go for it. Let your ideas flow. Beautiful paints and sealers can be used to excite the outside of your pots - match your pillow colors, your favorite colors, or a touch of artistic creation in
a design.






Ok, I'm listening, you really don't want to get your hands in the dirt, worry about watering, wind and weather. You can still green up your space with artificial trees, plants and flowers. Yes, you can change out the flowers and plants to coincide with the seasons. Winter holidays with poinsettia's, pine and holly. Spring with tulips, Fall with mums - and so many options for Summer, you choose. Be sure and change out when the natural colors begin fading from sun exposure, but artificial options will last quite a while. Reminder - the better quality, the more natural appearance. Have fun!

Lighting for your space will allow you to enjoy night time outside. There are many options for solar lights, LED lights, solar lit décor and fountains, hanging strings and lanterns. To determine what is the best option for your space - 1) what is the size of the area to be lit 2) a deck, a yard, a pathway... 3) hanging strings, fixed in ground lights, fence/deck post lights 4) do you prefer electric or solar 5) how much light would you like. Once you have narrowed down your choices, do your research on what is available, ease of installation, and power source.  You have almost completed your outdoor oasis. Put your choices together and have fun making it a reality.

Although winter is upon us - this is a great time to decorate your existing landscape for the holidays and start planning for spring greening!




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