April 20, 2006
Mock Boulders for the Garden
Now is this not a really cool idea? Haven't seen these up close but the concept is great. These hollow "mock rocks" come in several sizes and colors mimicking various types of stone. They are made from a plastic composite and are shipped with ground stakes. Cover that unsightly feature in your backyard that you can't get rid of, and then maybe plant a vine nearby to grow over it and make it look natural. Could be the perfect solution.
Mock Rocks
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Slate Fountain
I don't know about you, but in my experience, nothing is more relaxing than lying in a three-point hammock as you listen to water flowing over natural slate and dream about how beautiful your garden will be. This 30"x12"x9" fountain will fit nicely beside the hammock we covered in the last post, and can be brought indoors too, in case your garden is on your windowsill.
Slate Fountain
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January 05, 2006
Positively Peachy Products
And here we have synthetic suede rose gloves with the deep cuffs that protect the forearms from thorns to go with your new roses. These from West County Gardener are lighter in weight and more flexible than gloves made from leather, come in bright colors, and have many nice features you can see on their website. It's not too early to start resupplying. Spring is only two, no three...well, it's not that far away.
Synthetic Suede Rose Gloves
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December 07, 2005
Celestial Moon Thermometer
This gorgeous 12" thermometer made from recycled aluminum is said to weather the harshest climate and can be used outdoors as well as inside. It comes in a verdigris or French bronze finish, weighs 4 lbs and costs $52, plus s/h. Available from the folks at Eco-gardening (nice site), it does take two to three weeks to produce so order asap for any hope of Christmas delivery.
Celestial Thermometer
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November 29, 2005
Illuminated Glass Globes
Night orbs are handblown soda/lime glass globes that attach by undergound wire to any 12-volt lighting system. Their creator, LaSorgente Glass Studio, says they are "extremely durable, owing to their spherical shape, thick glass, and a 36 hour annealing process...and can withstand run-ins with lawnmowers, weed whackers, children, animals, heat and deep snow." The website is as beautiful as the product, which looks really gorgeous in the photos. Hand-blown glass does not come cheap, however. A single standard 8" orb with 1-2" stem is $395 plus s/h. Also available: water orbs with underwater cable and a movable version with 5" polished granite base.
Night Orbs
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November 28, 2005
Totem Stake Molds
You too can make your own totem stakes out of concrete using totem stake molds designed by Catherine Failor. These molds will withstand multiple pours and are made from recycled plastic. At $9.00, they are economical and would make an unusual gift for your garden artisan. Shown is the plum blossom design. They also offer a bird design totem, flower vines, garden god, grapevine and oak leaves.
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November 21, 2005
Hearth Crickets
Charming. Solid brass hearth crickets are a symbol of good luck. Every house should have a cricket. I like the live ones, too, but these are more practical. Just under 5", they come in the polished finish or verdigris and cost $8.95. Is this not a cool stocking gift? Or buy several to hide in your pots or even put out on the patio table. I can't wait to get mine. (We always had a large hearth cricket by the fireplace when I was growing up. Nice memories.) This is just the kind of sweet little gift that LeafyLife loves.
Good Luck Hearth Crickets
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Christmas Wreath Stand
Here's a nice idea–a cast iron stand, 7'8"H with 8" spikes for staking in the ground to hang a wreath from. Why would you want a wreath stand (they call it a hanger)? You can't put a Christmas wreath on your front door or you want one in your garden, of course. I confess I've never seen one of these and really like the idea. The $89 price plus $15 shipping is a little steep, but the concept is great and they've done a nice job with the design. You could do the same thing with an easel if weather is not a problem.
Fleur de Lys Wreath Hanger
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Mini Greenhouse
This 4-tier mini looks like a real bargain. I know. I almost bought something similar from the local nursery at a much higher price. It has a steel frame, replaceable clear vinyl cover with zippers and takes "just minutes to assemble." The dimensions are 27"W x 62"Hx19"D so it fits on a patio or deck as well as out in the garden. Looks like it might be a great idea for those of us in deer country! Also available: a version with black knitted shade cover "to protect plants from high heat" that they call their All Season model for $44.95. In other words, you're paying $5 for the shade cover. And this is another case of the online price being HIGHER than the catalogue, which advertised it at $35.95. Caveat emptor.
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Christmas Tree Lights
Christmas tree lights with frosted petal shades to look like paperwhite narcissus make a nice change for the bulb gardener from traditional hardware store lights. Up to three 31' strands of these indoor/outdoor prismatic lights can be linked. The online catalogue says $19 per strand, but their paper catalogue says they are on sale for $15.20, so it might pay to order by telephone. Also available–very pretty pointsettia lights, a different look but also attractive.
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Deer Chaser Rocking Fountain
This 12" fountain is a classic Japanese garden feature called Shishi Odoshi or Deer Scarer. The rocking of the center piece creates a soft tapping noise, and the water has its own tranquil sound as it falls on stones or whatever you might choose. It could be used in the garden, in the house, even at the office, and comes with pump and instructions. This is just a beautiful little creation. I can imagine making a whole miniature scene with some bonsai and deer figurines. A lovely gift for $59.95 from Greenfeet.
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November 18, 2005
Electrolux Jeppe Utzon Barbecue
This stainless steel and corian barbecue and seating is an Australian creation of the well-known designer Jeppe Utzon. Since they are made-to-order, they require at least eight weeks plus shipping time if going outside/up above Down Under. At around $6,000 US, it is as much a design statement as it is a functional barbecue, but wouldn't it look swell with the Gehry furniture? Maybe the idea will catch on...
Electrolux Barbecue [via Land+Living ]
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Egg-Shaped Birdfeeders
Perfect. This egg-shapped birdfeeders would blend beautifully with the Gehry-inspired birdhouses that go with the Gehry outdoor furniture or the Dedon oblisks, don't you think? It is available in a range of bright colors, costs $128, and is–one would assume–impervious to squirrels. Designed by Jim Schatz, this beauty is handcrafted of ceramic earthenware, has aluminum fittings and was named one of Fortune magazines' 25 best products of 2004. It easily disassembles (so they promise) for refilling. Offered by Design Within Reach. See the colors and photos of some in situ at the link below.
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Unusual and Unique Birdhouses
Birdhouses to go with the Frank Gehry outdoor furniture we just posted on are actually available, would you believe? Artist/designer Tom Dukich designed one, won awards and is now selling them to the masses. He was inspired by Gehry's Guggenheim in Bilbao to create a functional birdhouse with a contemporary aesthetic–hence the stainless steel material. The top swings open for cleaning, the soft finish reflects the surrounding landscape, there are twenty vent slots, drainage holes in the bottom, and even a tiny ladder inside so that the baby birds can climb up when they're fledged and ready to fly. Isn't that sweet? Obviously these interesting variations on the traditional birdhouse are impervious to squirrels. Less obvious is that they have been rigorously tested for heat buildup during summer months. Follow the links to read all about them and contact the artist. They cost $179.95, including a pole and ground stake or house mount and can be ordered in custom sizes and/or made out of titanium. Thank goodness.
Museum Birdhouses [via Land+Living]
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September 02, 2005
Copper Garden Firepit
This beauty, manufactured in Turkey of all places, would enhance any garden or patio. The 100% recycled copper bowls on their wrought-iron stand allow for either a high or low placement, so the fire can be enjoyed either standing or sitting. One of the bowls doubles as a cover or log holder, and a protective screen is part of the package. At $349 plus delivery charges, its price is not far off other firepits of similar size.
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