GARDEN ENRICHMENT ITEMS
Garden includes many items other than plants which enrich the beauty of the garden
1. Garden furniture
As in the case of indoor rooms, comfortable and usable furniture are needed in outdoor too. For a residential garden chairs and tables are included as outdoor furniture In public landscape park benches, trash containers, playground equipment’s and other special items are considered. The appropriateness of outdoor furniture to its size is important. Outdoor chairs are made to lightweight aluminium tubing with plastic mesh stripping. Brightly coloured and long lasting types are suitable for the purpose. Ina public park, comfortable material on which to sit are wood and fabrics. Both iron and stone are too hard and at most seasons of the year they remain too cold or blistering hot.
2. Plant stands
Different types of plant stands are available where pot plants can be arranged up to a considerable height. Plant stands are made in such a manner that the beauty of the plants are viewed from all sides. Movable types of plant stands are kept on the roof, terrace at the entrance of the house or even inside a big hall. Pot plants can be replaced time to time for a change and to introduce variety.
3. Floral clock
Floral clocks are positioned in a garden as a feature. This is a large size clock which is decorated profusely with dense low growing herbaceous plants and Colored pebbles. Figures of the clock are also made with the help of carpet bedding plants. The huge hands of the clock are operated by electricity and machine is concealed in the ground.
4. Sundial
In an old world garden. sundial was in harmony. Now a days it is an object of interest and curiosity. In the olden days. to know the time various devices were used, sundial is one of them. A circular metal plate with another triangular metal strip set on it at right angle, is placed horizontally on a vertical stand in such a way that the position of the metal strip on the metal plate records the hours on a sunny day. The best
position for such a sundial is where it gets the maximum sunshine .A sundial in addition to bringing a traditional feature of interest in a garden is of value as a centre Piece to formal flower beds, or at the end or centre of a lawn, or at a junction of termination of a path
5.Bird baths
Bird baths are meant for a quiet corner in a landscape. A large bowl shaped container is fixed on a pillar or column of about one meter height. Water in the bowl is meant for drinking and bathing of birds. In a section where bird bath is positioned the surrounding area may be planted with the plants which attract birds
6. Statues/Sculptures
These are artistic elements that add interest to the garden In hotels, corporations and institutional campuses sculptures have become an important part of the landscape. Walls of old buildings are sometimes converted into bright multi-storeyed murals. Terracotta pots, figures, fixtures are commonly used. Bronze, stone or marble idols are also used.
In gardens, statues of animate or inanimate objects are placed for beautification. Beautiful marble figures of artistic value are placed in suitable places to enhance the charm of the garden. Statues may be the figures of angels, Fedics or children. These can also be carved out of stones or made of bronze. Statues can be placed in the midst of a running stream of water, along the border of a big lawn, at the cross sections of two roads or at the end of a road or near the door way of the house. The figures should be of a decorative character. When the back view of the figure is of no interest, it may be placed at the background of planting, trellis or walls or in the corners. Towers and sculptures are sometimes placed at the edge of water so that they form reflections in the water.
7. Lighting
Lighting cannot be considered only as an embellishment. It is a necessity in the landscape, both to guide people safety through the circulation routes and to provide security for the grounds. There are, several ways to utilize lighting as an enriching item in the landscape.
8. Water features
Water has a mesmerizing quality that draws the eyes, acts as a foil to planting and when still, reflects light, mirrors surrounding features and adds to the mode of tranquillity and relaxation. So we can add various water features in our garden like water garden, water falls, water course and fountains.
Water is an important feature in landscaping. Water can be changed to different forms and each form has its own beauty. A natural body of water needs modification in outline and area to confirm to the layout and expanse of the garden in which it is included. Water has the ability to freeze. evaporate and liquefy and hence can be made in forms like waterfall cascades, flowing water. streams, pools. Island. fountains, Swimming pools, ponds, etc. Any water feature present in a garden cools down the environment and creates a pleasing effect. Water also a habitat for fishes and other fauna, it brings down surrounding noise and creates a place to relax and feel calm.
9. Musical instruments
Sound is an integral part of the landscape. Although some kind of outdoor sound must be screened from the property owners ears (for example, traffic and factory noises), other sounds are welcomed. The pleasant sound of running water have fluttering sound of birds is enjoyable. Another inviting sound is that of wind chimes or bells. Like moving water, soft cracking sound producing element, should be chosen individually for their sound and appearance. It is possible to harmonize the sounds of several of these devices.
As with water effects, wind chimes or bells must be placed from where they can be heard. A small bell at the remote end of a property may be insignificant unless the design calls for visitors to attract that corner, and get surprised by the sound as they arrive, Electronic sound system may also be installed in the garden. Conversely, extremely loud instruments, whose sound overwhelms listeners, should be avoided. Sounds should be muted only adding background to other pleasant features in the yard.
There are almost endless combinations available for landscape enhancement through the use of embellishments. To a large extent, the individuality of each landscape is the result of these forms of adornment. They greatly make more interesting the landscape, stimulating discussion among those who see them.
By
Ms.Darneshree
Assistant Professor
Dpt of IDD
