Rock Gardens are one of the most effective landscaping features.

They also provide that all elusive curb-appeal that adds signicant value to a home at minimal cost.

There are few features in the garden that provide such a variety of interests in so little space as a well-planned and carefully planted rock garden.

The smallest plot may contain a rock garden which will house a representative and charming collection of alpine plants; but, on the other hand, there are few features in the ordinary garden that are so neglected and so ill-understood.

It must be remembered that the chief function of the rock garden is to provide the plants grown in it with conditions, so far as possible, similar to those existing in their natural haunts.

The alpines and high alpines are the most typical of all rock plants and are mostly natives of the high mountain crags and screes of the Alps and Himalayas.

The ideal rock garden, therefore, should, so far as possible, provide the soil and natural conditions pertaining in these regions.

During the short alpine summer the plants are subjected to fierce and baking sun; many of them, therefore, have thick leaves covered with down or hair to protect them from its shrivelling rays.

The roots, too, at this time need ample moisture, and this is provided by the melting of the snows on the mountain tops, whence it permeates through the scree of the moraine.

Also, to live in their natural haunts they require to be very deep and strong rooted, very often with a much greater root run than the foliage and flowers which their roots support.

Enjoy. DT.

Liz Hekimian-Williams is owner of Giftsprings.com, an online gifts and home decor shop where you can find many indoor and outdoor home decorating novelties including custom engraved stones. http://www.Giftsprings.com
How will you create a memorable first impression to your home? Think outside, original, creative and something you don't see just about everywhere. Wouldn't that have your eyes taking note? Don't get too outlandish though! You have to maintain that delicate balance between being memorable and being tasteful. In other words, think about your idea relative to acceptability guidelines of any deed restrictions there might be in place within your neighborhood or if you might offend any overly sensitive or traditional neighbors.

Decorating the exterior of your home for a memorable impression should, above all, be fun. Think about the image you want to portray to anyone who visits your home. But also think about what's important to you, your values, the things you enjoy about homeownership and your property but perhaps haven't yet developed or emphasized enough. Don't forget that YOU need to enjoy the look and feel of your space as well.

For instance, if you like birds or birdwatching, you can add a birdfeeder and/or a birdhouse. These come in many different styles and your choice will further tell a bit of a story about you. Folks are likely to feel and imagine different things about you and your home when seeing your whimsical little wood cabin type birdhouse complete with a little sign that reads Gone Fishing on it, compared to seeing your inspirational angel birdfeeder with wings outstretched holding out her gown with birdseed in it.

If you'd like to add any type of seating in your front yard or porch area, let it be practical but also let its materials and design speak to your soul. Think about making a more natural seat out of materials you have on hand or can inexpensively obtain. One of the more memorable seats I recall was simply made out of a tree trunk that had been laid down horizontally and placed strategically within the owner's landscaping plan for use as a natural log bench.

Windchimes can be a memorable addition to your outdoor decor too because they add both a visual element as well as an auditory memory. The more of our five senses that are activated, the more likely we are to remember something. You'll find that the sounds of windchimes can vary greatly due to the different materials, shapes, and sizes that they are available in.

If you'd like a personalized and memorable novelty for your front yard consider getting a custom engraved rock! You can now personalize stones with an image, your family name engraved within the rock, your address and/or an important word or quotation on it. Engraved garden stones, such as these, are among some of the newer ways some homeowners are using to decorate their front yard to create memorable first and long-lasting impressions.

Copyright 2003 Elizabeth Hekimian-Williams

About the Author

Liz Hekimian-Williams is owner of Giftsprings.com, an online gifts and home decor shop where you can find many indoor and outdoor home decorating novelties including custom engraved stones. http://www.Giftsprings.com

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