Conant Custom Weather Instruments

One of the things I insist upon having in my backyard are Conant Custom Vermont instruments. It's my way of spoiling myself. If you don't know what they are, these are those wonderful, old fashioned looking thermometers, hydrometers, barometers and weather stations. Vermont Instruments still use faces and dials! I love it! Yes, my boyfriend has accused me of being analog and not digital but there is something warm about a dial as opposed to a LED screen with block numbers.

They are just gorgeous. Even though I do have the required digital, wireless weather station which tells me the temperature indoors and outside, what the weather will be like for the next ten days, heck, what the weather will be like next year and if I should take care due to driving conditions on Saturday, I also have a Conant Custom thermometer and rain gauge. Oddly I tend to look at the Conant Custom thermometer first, before I look at the digital unit. And every gardener needs a proper rain gauge.

Conant Custom comes in more than just brass finishes, although the brass finish is the classic and traditional style one normally associates with them. Some of their products as well come in stainless steel and antique copper finish options. Along with this, Conant Custom makes the fabulous line of Jefferson weather instruments - a very unique rain gauge and an unusual thermometer. These were not actually designed by Thomas Jefferson, but Jefferson inspired. They are quite different and fun. Check out a full line of all their products at Conant Custom Brass Weather Instruments.

Contemporary, Modern Outdoor Flatwall Water Fountains

For those who like luxury and opulence but have modern, clean taste, a great decorating idea for outside is contemporary modern outdoor flatwall water fountains. A flatwall fountain is one with a flat back that fits flush against a patio or garden wall, and they are also look gorgeous when tucked into a large ornamental shrub. Contemporary style have a cleaner, smooth look and are perfect for those with minimalist taste who don't like to see decorative items over done.

Water fountains are beautiful additions to outdoor setting and create a calming, relaxed atmosphere by including the sound of falling water. On a porch or patio they are great center pieces, or in a door or entryway, a strong and bold statement is made right away. A flatwall fountain, with it's space saving features, is a terrific way to add old world class and charm yet have a modern or contemporary look and feel. Both the ambiance of a landscape and the serenity of a home benefits from a garden water feature. Your yard should be your private, personal retreat and a relaxing place to relax or have an evening outdoors with friends!

Indoor, Outdoor Garden Gongs

A gong is a beautiful piece of garden decor by adding a simple, understated touch that brings an exotic feel to any setting. They have a rich and long history with the first gongs recorded coming from Java, Annam, Burma, and Chin, so often they have an oriental cast about them. They were created to produce sound and music, with the art of gong making being held in families as a closely guarded secret. Gong makers knowledge was believed so specialized, that they thought the creating of a eminent gong calls for the help of greater powers. The technique of gong making is so consuming that gong artists saw they experienced strong powers that the majority of the people never experienced. I adore this story! However, Asian style gongs are not the sole pick in design, they are as well available in other styles. For a period in the Victorian era, garden gongs were quite popular. These were larger floor standing models and quite ornate as the Victorians tended to be. On a note, a floor standing gong looks lovely in front of a fireplace in summer months when the fireplace will see less use.

Buddhist use gongs in their temples as well as to apply them to signal both the beginning and the end of a meditation session ant to help clear the mind. If you are a person who practices the art of meditation, adding one to your sacred personal space may help create the air of calm beauty we seek. Designed to be melodious, a soft striking of a gong indeed brings forth a very unique and beautiful feeling when one is having a peaceful moment. They can be truly magical.

I find them romantic. Wile I am not a superstitious person, gongs are said to call good spirits when rung, and I am rather taken by that tale. While most people think of gongs as something to use indoors, they may also be hung outside on a porch or patio, on a terrace or perhaps from a tree with low growing branches. If used in a tree they bring a hidden secret garden aspect. You can shop online for a selection of gongs at indoor outdoor garden gongs.

David Austin Roses

David Austin Roses are world renowned of course. Like many other gardeners I am totally amazed by the beauty of the old fashioned style of these wonderful roses. I just can not seem to love they hybrid tea roses nearly as much.