The Perfect Backyard Setting for Getting Away

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Sometimes, everyday life can become a chore and begin to break you down. With all of the stresses that come along with careers, families, and other responsibilities, it can be easy to lose sight of the beauty in the world. Don’t allow yourself to feel burdened by your own life. It’s important to take time away from your responsibilities and center yourself, but sometimes it isn’t always that easy. Since vacation isn’t always an option, create a space in your own home where you can get away from your stresses one evening at a time. With a few conscious decisions, you’ll have a personal little getaway in no time.

Location and Greenery

The first decision you must make is where your home getaway will be. An ideal spot for many people is a designated portion of their backyard. You can create a sense of privacy in your space with vine plants on trellises, or even a gazebo or canopy. Other prime locations are balconies, gardens, and patios. You can bring fresh energy to your chosen space with your favorite flowers and plants. Remember to be creative and to take inspiration from your space. Consider the shape and size of your space and do what works best for you.

Furniture

The main idea of taking a vacation is finding the time to relax. With that in mind, your next step is furnishing your new relaxation spot. This portion doesn’t have to be extravagant. It’s just important to choose furniture that allows you to be comfortable. Opt for something that lets you recline and put your feet up. In this type of setting, it would even be appropriate to set up a few hammocks for the ultimate relaxation experience. Remember that this space is built specifically for your comfort.

Water Features

The element that will truly make your space feel more like a getaway is the installation of a water feature. There are a number of options to choose from. There are a wide variety of statuary fountains that are available in all kinds of designs and sizes.  You can even get a private pond or waterfall installed in your backyard. The steady flowing sounds of the water creates a soothing atmosphere by mitigating unwanted noise. The type of white noise created by fountains has even been linked to reducing stress and anxiety. While you’re in your private space relaxing in your hammock, the flow of the water will be the perfect finishing touch.

You don’t have to buy a plane ticket or go on a road trip to take a break. Even if it’s small breaks, a conscious effort to relax and rejuvenate yourself will do a world of good. With the right location, the perfect setting, and a water feature to complete the scene, you’ll be able to get away whenever the need arises.

Help Your Mind, Body, and Spirit with an Indoor Fountain

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Indoor fountains are great additions to any home. People install fountains inside of their homes for a wide range of reasons. Some people are looking for ways to enhance their decor, while other people may be looking for a way to find peace or mitigate distracting noise. But, did you know that installing an indoor fountain in your home also serves health benefits? It may not be something that people immediately think about, but it is very true. Indoor fountains help to support your physical, mental, and emotional health. These priceless benefits make indoor fountains a must-have in your home.

Physical Health: Air Quality

An impressive feature of indoor water fountains that is often overlooked is their effect on indoor air quality. Many people are not aware that running an indoor fountain is just as effective as running an air purifier. The main difference is that the fountain is much more attractive, and will do a lot more for the style and class of your indoor space. They even help to humidify the air when the weather has left it dry and harsh. After installing a fountain inside your home, your breaths will begin to be a lot more beneficial. Your lungs will surely be grateful.

Mental Health: Stress and Anxiety

At this day and age, stress and anxiety are just about as common as having mobile phones. With all of the effects of going to work, having a family, and living everyday life, many people find themselves in an unhealthy state of mind. They allow their stress to get the better of them, and never find a sense of peace. Don’t allow it to become that bad for you. The white noise produced by the steady and consistent sounds of flowing water have been known to help reduce stress and ease anxiety. Be sure to find the time to relax and unwind.

Emotional Health: Seasonal Affective Disorder

During the winter months, many people suffer from a temporary form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. This disorder causes the appearance of depressive symptoms during a certain type of year in people who otherwise have stable mental health. It is common for it to occur during the winter, and many people attribute it to the lack of outdoor stimulation. Outdoors, nature produces an abundance of negative ions; they have been known to improve mood and reduce stress. Indoors, electrical devices and appliances produces positive ions, which have a negative effect on people. Fountains help to balance this by producing more of the pleasant negative ions that people are missing from nature.

Not only will an indoor fountain improve the look and feel of your home, but your body will benefit from the change as well. With your new installation, you can look forward to support for your physical, mental, and emotional health. A small change to your environment can have a profound effect.

 

Beat the Winter with These Tips

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When the leaves fall, the skies turn gray, and the temperatures drop, life seems to get a little more difficult. During those winter months, a lot of people are dealing with the struggles of seasonal affective disorder. This occurs when the lack of sunlight and fresh air begins to take a toll on a person’s health, mood, and mental state. There are a few things you can do to avoid this, or at least soften the blow. With a regular boost of Vitamin D, a workout routine, and an indoor water feature, you’ll feel like you flew south for the winter.

Eat right

People often neglect the profound effect that their diet has on their mood and overall well-being. During the harsh winter days, when depression seems to creep up out of absolutely nowhere, it is very important to stay on top of what you take in. One of the main reasons people suffer from season affective disorder is the lack of vitamin D in their systems. Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, and during the winter, your body thirsts for it. With a vitamin D supplement, or vitamin rich foods, you can keep this feeling at bay.

Stay active

A big mistake that a lot of people make is keeping their exercise exclusive to the time of year that invites it. That is a big problem when it comes to suffering from seasonal affective disorder. When you are regularly active, your body takes note of that. Sticking to a regular workout schedule, even if it’s just a small bedroom workout or brisk walk around the block, tells your body that there is reason to move. You will have more energy and motivation, which will increase your mood and soothe the effects of the hard, cold winter.

Create the scene

Even when it’s 10 degrees outside with a foot of snow on the ground, you can enjoy yourself indoors as if it were a spring day. Installing a well-placed water feature can bring a new sense of life and energy to your home. The dry air from your furnace will be combatted by its humidifying and air purification qualities. And, the steady flow of water is reminiscent of the spring, distracting you from the frozen world outside. You can build an entire indoor oasis that always serves as your private little getaway – all year.

The harshest time of the year doesn’t have to be so harsh if you prepare for it. Seasonal affective disorder is real, and it’s real bad. With some extra vitamin D and exercise, and an indoor waterfall to set the scene, you can ease the pain until the weather breaks.

Experience The Lively Seasons All Year

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For a lot of us, springtime is the absolute best time of the year. Old man winter is finally retreating, and life returns to the earth. The spring rain comes in to refresh the land and the breezes begin to warm, giving people a sense of comfort and renewal. Eventually, summer rolls around and the breezes get even warmer, until fall and winter are back, almost as quickly as they were gone. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if it could be springtime all year? We may not be able to control the weather, but we do have pretty good control over the conditions in our homes. There are a few ways you can always have that refreshing sense of life and rejuvenation that come along with the springtime.

Floor Fountains

One of the most outstanding characteristics of spring weather is the refreshing rain. There is something special about that steady, yet gentle rain. This feeling can be recreated with a number of different floor fountains. They are available in a wide range of styles and designs, including sleek modern designs and even abstract artistic styles. Many statuary fountains are designed to simulate the sound of falling rain, and offer a beautiful visual accent to your interior space. Listening to the spring rain is one of the most calming parts of the season; find that peace all year.

Wall Fountains

If you would prefer not to have a floor fountain, wall fountains are a wonderful indoor choice. Wall mounted fountains take up no floor space, and are a great alternative to hanging art on your walls. There are a wide selection of wall fountains, many of which are made from copper, slate, and stone, which are great for bringing that natural feeling inside your home. The steady flowing sounds of the cascading water will complete the feeling of your new atmosphere.

Plants and Greenery

Another great way of evoking the natural outdoor feeling, so closely associated with spring, is by having plants and greenery inside of your home. Plants are a great way of bringing that fresh sense of life to your home everyday. In a way, this is one of the most transformative changes you can make. Living plants offer many benefits, and contribute nicely to the air and scents that surround you everyday. There are many designs of planters that fit with almost any style, and lots of plants that can survive inside all year.

When the time comes, we eventually do have to say goodbye to springtime. But, we can still hold on to some of our favorite elements. The calm and refreshing feeling we get from steady spring rain, and the life we feel from the budding plant life are feelings we can try to cling to. With the installation of a floor or wall fountain, and indoor plant life, we can hold on to the best of springtime all year.

Creating an Animal Friendly Backyard

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There are many benefits to installing a water feature in your backyard. It transforms your visual setting, and creates a brand new atmosphere in your outdoor space. One benefit that people overlook is the ability to attract beautiful wildlife. Whether it is a small tiered stone fountain and a birdbath, or a pond and waterfall, your favorite animals will love to come and visit. If you are the type of person who loves observing birds, frogs, deer, or rabbits, installing a water feature in your outdoor area is a great way of bringing some of your favorite animal friends to your own home.

Attracting Birds

If you are an avid advocate of our avian friends, installing a stone fountain in your garden is the perfect choice for you. Be on the hunt for something with obvious water flow. Animals are very attracted to running water. Choosing something with multiple levels and cascading streams of water is an optimum choice. Birds will have a lot of difficulty trying to resist this oasis you have designed for them. When you go out to your garden or courtyard to relax and enjoy yourself, your new bird visitors will be there for the very same reason.

Large Properties and Deer

If you live in a location that is farther from the city life, you have even more options for attracting wildlife to your property. In areas that are separate from the city activity, it is not uncommon to attract a few deer to your home. Imagine peeking out into your backyard to see these beautiful creatures enjoying themselves in full view. Installing a beautiful pond or waterfall in your landscape is the perfect addition, and the perfect drinking fountain for your visitors. They will be very grateful for the drinking water, and you’ll love to observe them.

Clean Water

If you do expect animals to visit you for a drink, be sure that the quality of your water is appropriate. Animals will naturally want to drink from, or splash around in, a source of fresh water. Make sure that water is actually fresh and clean. There are a lot of ways to keep your pond and fountain clean, but they are not all safe for your pets and animals. If you are in the market for a product to combat algae and other unwanted growth, be sure to opt for a product that is safe for animals. Choose products that are specifically designed to clean ponds and fountains. They are generally not toxic to wildlife.

Your home can be the oasis you always wanted it to be with the addition of a well-placed water feature. The scene will be a beautiful sight to behold, and the mood created by the steady flow of water will be welcoming and relaxing. You will enjoy all of your time there, and you’ll find that some of the wildlife will enjoy the space, too.

Refining Elements for Your Backyard

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Your home is place that you should certainly take pride in; you’ve spent countless hours earning and developing it. And, your backyard and patio space is where you spend some of your most precious moments. Think of the many garden parties, cookouts, and outdoor celebrations that occur at your home. Be sure that when you are hosting your friends and family, your home reflects your style and class. With the addition of a beautiful stone statue, an outdoor fountain, and some LED light accents, your home will be the most beautiful place in the area.

Display Stone Artwork

One of the best ways you can elevate the level of class in your home is with the addition of artwork. When it comes to exterior design, people often overlook the effect of art, but there are a wide range of options for outdoor sculptures and statues. There are pieces that are designed to be placed in or next to a shallow body of water, and some that create an entire scene on their own. These masterpieces are carved in 360 degrees of stunning detail, and are certain to provide your scene with a fresh sense of style and culture.

Install a Beautiful Fountain

Another great way to accentuate the beauty of your environment is by installing a classic, elegant stone fountain. Picture a beautiful tiered work of art in your own backyard. See the beauty of the water spilling from the finial and cascading over the edges of the piece. It will transform the look of your space, while creating a welcoming and relaxing scene for you and your guests. Everyone will be dazzled by the stunning water show, and your home will take on a brand new look. This type of choice is guaranteed to please.

Install LED Accents

If you would like to take your statues and fountain to the next level, consider the installation of LED light accents. There are kits available that are designed specifically for tiered fountains, and plenty more options for your landscape. Accent your staircase, walls, and garden with the perfect touch of light. It is sure to add a modern and contemporary look to your space that is subtle and very easy on the eyes. There are even options available for color changing lights. With the right set up, you can design your space to fit any mood and occasion.

When the time comes for you to make some decorative changes around your home, be sure to make the right choices. Create a scene that is full of class and elegance, one that reflects the style of you and your family. With the addition of stone statues and sculptures, an elegant tiered fountain, and a few LED light accents, you are sure to transform your home into the ideal space. You and your guests are sure to be pleased.

Winter Maintenance For Your Garden Fountain

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Outdoor fountains are popular choices, with many people using them to accentuate their lawn, complement their patio space, and to serve as centerpieces in their gardens. They come in a wide range of impressive designs, and offer many benefits for your home. People who live in colder climates, or experience harsh winter weather are often very apprehensive when it comes to installing water features in their own home. But, there are actually plenty of options for people in cold areas. It is important to know which materials are more capable of withstanding the conditions, and crucial to know how to prepare them for the harsh weather.

Choosing the Right Material

Outdoor fountains are made out of many different materials. Some fountains are made of natural stone, while others are made of concrete or metal. These materials range in durability and strength. The right material with the proper maintenance can last for years, even in rough climates. When choosing your fountain, avoid materials that could chip or break easily. It may be best for some areas to choose fountains made of iron. Many companies also offer maintenance and repair kits, and the way you care for your fountain will make all the difference.

Draining for Winter

Fountains come in a wide array of sizes and styles. Some can circulate a hundreds of gallons of water, while others operate on just a few. If you are installing a water feature in a location that experiences harsh winter conditions, you’ll definitely want to choose something that you can easily drain. Units that move less water are more easily drained, and you’ll need something like that. If you leave water sitting in a fountain through those winter months, it will freeze, and that can cause major, irreparable damage to your garden fountain. You don’t want to turn on your fountain in the spring to find that it is cracked and broken from ice damage.

Protect Them from the Elements

The cold temperatures aren’t the only ways that your water can be damaged by the elements. If you want to protect your fountain from some of the more brutal effects of nature, you’ll probably want to utilize a fountain cover. Covering your fountain will protect the materials and finish during the months when you do not have it operating.

If you live in a harsh climate with heavy precipitation in the winter time, a simple cover might not be enough. If you are still worried about what Mother Nature might do to your outdoor water feature, consider purchasing one that isn’t too hard to move. Sometimes the best way to avoid the elements is to escape them altogether. During those unforgiving months, you may consider placing your fountain in a garage or shed.

Don’t let the fear of cold weather stop you from having water features in your own garden. There are still options for those of us who sometimes get snow and ice. Draining during freezing weather, protecting the pieces from the elements, and choosing fountains made of durable materials will allow you to have the water features you’ve always wanted.

Completing Your Small Private Courtyard

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There is nothing quite like enjoying a peaceful evening with a cup of tea in a tranquil courtyard. With the warm breeze and the blue skies, it’s a great way to wind down and relax. Is your home designed with a private courtyard or patio, or are you in charge of developing a public courtyard space? It can be difficult to decide what to do with your outdoor scene. If you are looking for ways to develop a blank courtyard area, be sure not to overlook a few important qualities that complete any courtyard setting. Be on the lookout for appropriate seating and tables, flowers and greenery, and a stunning tiered fountain to serve as your centerpiece.

Outdoor Furniture

When choosing furniture for a courtyard area, it is apparent that you must choose appropriate outdoor pieces. There are a wide range of styles and weather-resistant materials to choose from for your courtyard furniture. Choose items that complement your scene, and are sure to be long-lasting. One of the best choices for this type of location is a set of stone furniture. Line the walkways of your courtyard with granite benches, or create a small seating area with a marble or jade table set, complete with stools or benches.

Flowers and Greenery

No courtyard would be complete without the presence of a collection of plant life. When you are choosing which plants to grow, be sure to consider your space and its climate and weather conditions. If your courtyard gets a lot of shade, try to choose plants that won’t thirst for the sunlight. There are also many desert plants that can thrive in a setting with limited water. When you are arranging your plants, your design process can be made a lot easier if you implement the use of plant containers. This way, you can arrange your planters, urns, and troughs in the perfect design before adding your soil and plants.

Fountain Centerpiece

If there is no fountain present, some people wouldn’t even consider the space a courtyard. A grand tiered fountain is the perfect classic centerpiece to complete the look and feel of your courtyard space. There are a wide range of sizes, designs, and materials to choose from. The fountain will create an atmosphere that is soothing and welcoming, allowing the people there to feel comfortable and relaxed. You can even install LED lighting kits in your fountain to enhance the nighttime view of your space. With the many color options (and color-changing options), you can create the perfect evening setting that flows seamlessly into a beautiful night.

Be sure to do all you can to make the time spent in your courtyard space relaxing and enjoyable. Imagine the beautiful evenings that will be spent enjoying a nice cup of tea, or glass of wine, as the breezes blow and sun sets. With the right outdoor furniture and plants, and the perfect fountain to bring it all together, you’ll be sure to create a beautiful space.

The Various Styles of Indoor Fountains

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Have you been looking for the right way to make the most of your indoor setting? Installing a water feature in your home is a simple way to make a noticeable improvement. The presence of a steady flow of water in an artistic form is inspiring, calming, and therapeutic. With all of the options that are present in the realm of indoor water features, it can be hard to decide just which type of water feature is appropriate for you. When considering your purchase, consider three main possible location options: the wall, the floor, or the table.

Wall Fountains

If you are looking to transform the style and feeling of a room in your home, it is definitely worth considering purchasing a wall fountain. Water walls are popular choices for interior decorating, and for good reason. With their many styles and sizes, they can accent a room or create a major scene. A small water wall can hang near a bed to help with sleep and relaxation, while one of the more grand options can take up an entire wall in your house, creating a truly magnificent visual. Wall fountains require the most installation of all the indoor options, but they are well worth the labor.

Floor Options

One of the more overlooked and underrated options for decorating your home or office is the floor fountain. These versatile pieces are the perfect option if you’re trying to decorate a space that has no room on the walls or tables. They serve as perfect accent pieces in your foyer, dining room, or even your bedroom. They aren’t the best option for small rooms, but they are a great way to make a large room more welcoming and comfortable. You can use them as sculptures to add to the artistic energy in your home, and as tools for relaxation and concentration.

Tabletop Fountains

A final option for placement comes in the form of tabletop fountains. These small, unique pieces offer plenty of possibilities to those who have no room on their walls and would like to conserve floor space. They are a great tool for decorating the spaces where you entertain guests and enjoy family time. You can use one as a perfect centerpiece for a table in your living room, providing aesthetic appeal and conversational inspiration.

There are a wide array of options when it comes to adding a water feature to your home or other indoor environment. Even when you narrow it down, the choices can seem to keep appearing. Choose the room you would like to enhance with a water feature and go from there. Decide what type of mood or look you are searching for, and choose the best feature to accomplish those goals. The perfect fountain for you is out there!

Making the Most of Your Patio Space

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When old man winter has blown his last frigid breath, there is no better feeling than emerging from hibernation to feel the warmth of the sun. The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and the warm breezes are calling us to experience it all. Do you have an ideal location in your home to relax and enjoy the beautiful days? Be sure to make the most of your patio space. It will become a location that you will cherish. With the right selection of patio furniture, an assortment of live plants, and a perfectly-placed water feature, you can be certain that your patio is perfect for you and your guests.

Patio Furniture

Finding the right furniture for your patio is a very important process. There are so many styles and options, it can be hard to find exactly what you need. Before going out to make a purchase, begin by predicting how you will be spending most of your outdoor time. Some furniture is better for hosting, some is better for dining, and some is best for relaxation. Next, consider your outdoor climate and which materials are best suited for your area. If rain is very common in your area, you may want to avoid outdoor furniture with cushions or other absorbent materials. Finally, find a set of furniture that fits in your allotted space, and create a scene that fits your setting.

Plants, Planters, and Urns

One major mistake that people encounter when designing their patio scene is allowing the space to remain plain and lifeless. Your outdoor space should reflect the beauty and energy that is found in nature. The installation of a few stone planters is a great way to achieve this effect. They are works of art themselves, and also allow you to display some of your favorite flowers and greenery. The presence of living plants will bring a fresh new energy to your patio space.

Outdoor Water Features

Another great way to maintain a refreshing energy is by installing the right water feature for your home. There are a wide range of options available to you. A classic tiered fountain is perfect for accentuating an elegant and refined style. A sleek spillway is more desirable for some people. It creates a contemporary look with a smooth sheet of water splashing gently into a basin below. Any of your water features can be enhanced with LED lighting to take your scene to the next level. Be sure to choose a piece that reflects the style and feel of you and your home.

You patio space should complement your home; it should be an extension of your interests and personality. Create the perfect scene that caters to exactly how you like to spend your time. With the appropriate patio furniture, the presence of a few lively plants, and the addition of a perfectly placed water feature, your patio space can become an ideal backyard oasis.

Improve Air Quality with a Wall Foutnain

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There are many reasons to choose to install a water fountain inside your home. They are beautiful and stylish additions to your interior design, they provide steady, soothing sounds, and they enhance the class and elegance of your home. Those are just a few of the many benefits that come along with indoor water features. While they are some of the main reasons people purchase indoor fountains, they are by no means the sum of the list. One important, and often overlooked, quality of indoor fountains is their ability to improve indoor air quality. Indoor fountains are capable of humidifying dry air, purifying air, and diffusing negative ions in the air.

Humidifying

Those dry winter months can be hard to endure. The air is already cold and dry, and while heaters obviously help with the temperature, they make the lack of humidity even worse. One of the best ways you can increase the humidity of your space is by installing an indoor fountain. Indoor fountains provide a constant source of flowing fresh water for the air in your home. It will evaporate into the air and create a much more tolerable environment. Just be sure to keep an eye on your water levels in these conditions. You may have to add water from time to time.

Air Purifying

People often overlook the cleanliness of the air in their homes. Unclean air can be the source of many negative effects, including allergies and airborne sicknesses. It’s very important to stay on top of the air quality in your home. A little known fact is that an indoor fountain is very capable of purifying the air in your home. Depending on the size of your indoor fountain, it has been proven that they are capable of removing as much dirt and debris from your air as a HEPA air purifier.

Negative Ions

Another commonly overlooked aspect of the air in your home is the lack of negative ions. Negative ions are produced mainly in nature and are proven to reduce stress and anxiety, and to regulate serotonin levels. These healthy negative ions are great for people, but are hard to come by indoors. Electrical devices and appliances are a common source for the positive ions that fill many homes. Combat these positive ions with the presence of an indoor water fountain. The constant flowing water will help to balance out the ions in your air.

Your new indoor fountain serves more benefits than you ever knew. Not only this new addition improve the style and class of your home, but it will serve much deeper and more valuable benefits. With the capabilities of humidifying air, purifying air, and providing negative ions, an indoor fountain is more than just a decorative piece.

Build a Desert Oasis with a Garden Fountain

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Gardening is one of the most beneficial and therapeutic ways you can spend your time. The act of cultivating life is soothing and rewarding. People all around the world have home gardens where they grow some of their favorite flowers and greenery. There are gardens that thrive any many types of environments, but some people believe that there is no hope for the hopeful gardener living in a dry desert location. Those people are truly mistaken. An entire oasis can be built in the backyard of a desert home. With the addition of an outdoor garden fountain, resilient succulents, and a shaded seating area, your desert location can be a thriving and comfortable place to spend your time.

Garden Fountain

One of the biggest changes you can make to your arid environment is introducing water to your scene. Considering the fact that a lack of water is what makes a desert, the presence of a water fountain in your yard will be a great transformation. An outdoor fountain will add a sense of life and rejuvenation an old, dry scene. There are many designs available to fit any style, and a wide range of sizes to complement any size space. Your fountain will be the center of your oasis.

Succulents

An oasis would not be an oasis without any life there. This is where many people believe desert climates come up short. The words garden and desert are rarely spoken in the same breath, but there are actually many types of plants that can survive with little water. Many of these plants are referred to as succulents, and they grow in a wide variety of colors and shapes. Succulents are thick, fleshy plants that are very efficient when it comes to storing water for extended periods of time. Cacti fall into this category, but they aren’t alone. You can create a beautiful diverse garden full of succulents.

Shaded Seating

Desert climates see little rain, so clouds are often scarce. The constant powerful rays of the sun can become very uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous. When you’re in this type of climate, it is important to find ways to protect yourself from the sun. A great way to enjoy your new oasis is by completing the scene with a canopy to frame your seating area. With the right selection of outdoor furniture, you will be able to set up the perfect space for hours of conversation, dining, and relaxation.

Don’t let the harsh effects of a desert climate force you indoors. If you are hoping for an oasis in the middle of your dry environment, create one in your own backyard. With the right fountain, the right plants, and the right shaded seating area, there’s no way you could go wrong. Make the most of your desert scene with water and life!