Anglo-Saxon Gardens at the Time of the Norman Conquest
Anglo-Saxon Gardens at the Time of the Norman Conquest Anglo-Saxons felt great changes to their day-to-day lives in the latter half of the eleventh century due to the accession of the Normans. At the time of the conquest, the Normans surpassed the Anglo-Saxons in building design and cultivation. But before focusing on home-life or having the occasion to think about domestic architecture or decoration, the Normans had to subjugate an entire population. Most often designed upon windy peaks, castles were straightforward constructs that permitted their inhabitants to devote time and space to offensive and defensive schemes, while monasteries were rambling stone buildings commonly installed in only the most fecund, extensive valleys. The calm practice of gardening was not viable in these dreary bastions. The best example of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture existent presently is Berkeley Castle. The keep is said to date from the time of William the Conqueror. A massive terrace serves as a hindrance to intruders who would attempt to mine the walls of the building. On one of these parapets is a picturesque bowling green covered in grass and enclosed by an aged hedge of yew that has been shaped into coarse battlements.
Your Outdoor Living Area: A Great Spot for a Wall Fountain
Your Outdoor Living Area: A Great Spot for a Wall Fountain The inclusion of a wall water feature or an outdoor garden fountain is a great way to adorn your yard or garden design. Contemporary designers and fountain builders alike use historic fountains and water features to shape their creations. Therefore, in order to connect your home to earlier times, include one these in your decor.
In addition to the wonderful attributes of garden fountains, they also generate water and moisture which goes into the air, thereby, attracting birds as well as other creatures and harmonizing the environment. Birds drawn to a fountain or bird bath often frighten off irritating flying pests, for instance. Spouting or cascading fountains are not the best alternative for a small yard since they need a great deal of space. Either a stand-alone fountain with an even back and an attached basin placed against a fence or a wall, or a wall-mounted style which is self-contained and hangs on a wall, are some of the possibilities from which you can choose. Both a fountain mask placed on the existing wall as well as a basin located at the bottom to collect the water are necessary if you wish to add a fountain. Be sure to employ a professional for this type of job since it is better not to do it yourself due to the intricate plumbing and masonry work involved.
Fountains As Water Elements
Fountains As Water Elements
A water feature is one which is a large element through which water flows. There is an extensive array of such features going from something as simple as a hanging wall fountain or as complex as a courtyard tiered fountain. Known for their adaptability, they can be used either indoors or outdoors. Swimming pools and ponds are also regarded as water elements. Look into placing a water feature such as a garden wall fountain to your large backyard, yoga studio, cozy patio, apartment balcony, or office building. The comforting sounds of trickling water from a fountain please the senses of sight and hearing of anyone closeby. Their aesthetically pleasing shape accentuates the decor of any living space. Softly moving water not only leads to a feeling of peace, it also masks bothersome noises and produces a captivating water show.
An Introductory Guide to Herbs in Your Garden
An Introductory Guide to Herbs in Your Garden Herb gardening is a subject that many gardeners are attracted to. They're effortless to grow indoors or out, and offer instantaneous gratification when used in marinades, various recipes, sauces and soups. Maintaining your herb garden all year is effortless to do as you can cultivate the herbal plants in pots and move them in when the climate starts to turn cold. If you are thinking of adding perennial herbs to your back garden, you are making a good choice because they do not die easily or need replanting after every year goes by. In addition, the varieties of herbs you prefer to cook with should affect your personal herb selection.
Personalize your herb garden to the type of food you most routinely cook. For example, plant cilantro if you prefer Mexican or Thai food. If you cook more Italian food, definitely plant basil, oregano, and thyme. It is relevant to determine where your herbs will be grown in order to decide which herbs will thrive. If you live in a mild climate, with warm winters and relatively cool summers, it may be easiest to plant straight into the ground. This makes your yard look breathtaking without the trouble of making or buying planters. If you do not want to your plants to perish or become dormant after being exposed to intense weather conditions, you can always rely on planters. They are convenient and flexible and you can relocate indoors at any time.