Use garden furniture, lighting, ornaments etc as your garden accessories.

Garden Ornaments

Garden accessories such as garden ornaments can do a lot to set off garden plants or create a focal point. A statue placed at the bend in the path can entice a visitor further into the garden. If the same statue is set at the end of a straight path then it provides a full stop to the end of the garden.

A pair of Urns placed either side of a doorway can give a formal look. A single Urn or similar can balance a lush planting on the other side of the doorway. A collection of potted plants can be made more interesting by the introduction of a few large pebbles placed around the pots.

A vast majority of garden accessories and ornaments these days is made from concrete, which can look a bit on the garish side, but there are ways to "age" these ornaments and make them fit in more with the garden surroundings.

Garden accessories do not have to be expensive, chimney pots, clay drainpipes, large rocks and pieces of driftwood all add to the affect of creating a more interesting garden.

Garden Containers

Anything that can hold plants and compost can be classed as a garden container, from pots and troughs to hanging baskets and old car tyres. Any plants can be used, annuals, perennials, shrubs, bulbs etc. Containers should be well drained and kept well watered and fed during the summer months.

Outdoor Garden Furniture

Still classed as garden accessories, outdoor garden furniture can be made from wood, metal, plastic, brick or stone. Portable furniture can be moved around the garden as necessary and stored in a shed or garage during the winter months.

Hardwood, such as Oak or Teak will look good and last a long time if treated twice a year with teak oil or similar. When not in use during the summer months covers can be used to protect the wood from the elements.

Metal furniture should be either galvanized or coated with paint or acrylic. Plastic furniture is cheap and lightweight and easy to clean and dry.

Most barbeques are portable, but if you decide to build a permanent one out of brick then try to include a cupboard to store the charcoal and utensils etc.

Garden Lighting

There are tree types of garden lighting:

1) Solar energy lamps charge up their cells during the day using the sun's energy and switch on when the light starts to fade. These lamps do not have cables attached to them and are fine for putting at intervals down the side of a path or driveway just to show the way.

2) Low-Voltage lighting comes in kit form and is easily installed, using a transformer they convert 240 volt mains electric down to a safe12 volt supply. Low voltage lights give out little illumination, but can be quite effective when used in areas close to the house.

3)

Mains Lighting

For maximum brightness e.g. security spotlights and floodlights, mains electricity at 240 volts will be required.

Cables taking electricity from the mains through the garden must be protected by an armoured cable and laid at least 50 cm deep. Outdoor plugs and switches must be waterproof and should be fitted to walls or concrete posts, (never fences). Consider including switches both indoor and out.

The circuit must be protected by an RCD, (residual current device), and a fuse or MCB, (miniature circuit breaker), which is separate from all other household wiring. It is always advisable to get a qualified electrician to carry out this work.

Halogen lights including PIR, (passive infrared detector), which detect body heat are fitted onto the house walls, can help you and your visitors find their way to the door in the dark and provide a good security measure.

Use spotlights and floodlights in the garden to pick out particular plants and features. Large flowered plants and subjects with architectural shapes tend to show up the best when lit.

Garden accessories add interest to a garden, but too many can detract from the natural beauty of the garden.

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