Archive for July 20th, 2010
A gazing globe is a unique lawn ornament with a rich history and is whimsical in nature. As more folks adorn their yards with outdoor decorations, a gazing globe is a natural choice in enhancing the appeal and look of the back yard. This article will discuss what gazing globes are, its origin, history, and their uses in the 21st century. In addition, different styles and designs are described.
Also known as a yard globe, lawn ball, garden ball, chrome ball, and mirror ball, a gazing globe is a mirrored sphere typically displayed atop a conical ceramic or wrought iron stand as a lawn ornament. They come in various size ranges. Gazing globes used to be made from glass, but are now also made from stainless steel, ceramic or stained glass. Different colors and designs are also available, with each having a unique and distinctive look. The gazing globes rest on a stem so they can securely rest in a stand.
Gazing globes originated in 13th century Venice, where they were hand blown by skilled Italian craftsmen. They are an important element to gardens, both spiritually and aesthetically because they are a fixture in European gardens, and are especially associated with Victorian era English gardens. Throughout history, gazing globes have been called many different names, including: witch ball, butler globe, globe of happiness, and Victorian ball.
Along with their whimsy, the gazing globe carries with it a few superstitions. European had these orbs around their gardens because they believed they held magical and mystical powers. It is also said to bring happiness, good luck, and prosperity to anyone who owned one. The gazing globe was also said to ward off evil spirits, misfortune, illness, ghosts, and witches!
Some suggest the ball be placed near an entrance to a house. If a witch were to enter, she would not be able to get past her reflection, therefore, unable to break away from her own image. Others believed that looking into a gazing globe for a long period of time, that one would be one with the universe. You can easily get lost in the point of light that appears in the center.
With its hold in European culture, the mystical gazing globe made its way to America in the 20th century. Soon, everyone had at least one in their gardens, with colors ranging from luscious greens to bright blues. In Victorian times, the butler ball served as a mirror for servants to see when guests required assistance without staring at them during mealtime. In the American South, the gazing globe’s purpose was useful in a southern antebellum garden. It was placed strategically by the path from the front gate so that folks could see from their porch who was calling before the caller could see them. This allowed plenty of time to prepare food and drink for their guests—or simply to hide! It was also said that the gazing globe could be used in the foyer so parents could keep an eye on their daughter and her date, for example, as she kissed him goodnight.
Today, the gazing globe is used to enhance the overall look of the garden and yard landscape. The reflective ball allows you to view the entire garden, including the sky, all at once. Add a group of different colored balls together that peek out from between the shrubs or flowers and it gives the garden a whimsical feel. Gazing globes are simple, but elegant ornaments that fit well in almost any application. It adds beauty and a fanciful and wondrous look to any outdoor area.
The colors, sizes, styles and designs for gazing globes are endless—there are so many to choose from! Here are just a few types worth mentioning:
Glowing with a glass stand
Copper
Solar globe light
Mosaic disc
Artisan garden gazing globe
Celestial gazing ball
Steel
Color changing
Most of the gazing globes are coated with a mirror-like, reflective coating, some are clear and transparent, and others are hand painted with various patterns and designs—are mounted on various platforms as well. In terms of care, gazing globes should be cleaned on a regular basis with a dry cloth. If moisture were to ever get inside the globe, the reflective coating would peel off. In addition, they should be taken inside during the winter months to keep them from freezing and/or cracking.
Gazing globes are versatile, weatherproof, and provide long lasting beauty and enjoyment, adding life and personality to any garden. No matter what kind of gazing globe you choose for your garden, it will certainly become a pretty and suitable fixture for many years of enjoyment. Garden Winds has a variety of gazing globes to choose from that match your outdoor garden landscape. Create whimsy and wonder with a gazing globe and a stand and add your own unique touch for the ultimate in outdoor entertaining.
Landscape architects-they are members of a team that you call in when you want your landscape to have an impact. Landscape architects are the professionals that help you turn your property into your dream home. And into a true investment.
Landscape Architects: Background
Who are landscape architects? To become a landscape architect usually requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are two undergraduate professional degrees: a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA). Typically, these degrees entail four or five years of study in design, construction techniques, art, history, natural and social sciences.
For landscape architects seeking advanced degrees, there are two routes. Those who hold undergraduate degrees in landscape architecture can earn their Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) in two years. If you hold an undergraduate degree in a field other than landscape architecture and want to go into landscape architecture, the MLA usually takes three years of full-time study.
In 2007, 61 U. S. colleges and universities offered 79 undergraduate and graduate programs in landscape architecture that were accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
Landscape Architects: Their Work Process
The first step for landscape architects in planning a project is to study it as a whole. First, they strive to understand the clients’ objectives and the available budget. At the same time, they take into consideration the natural elements of the property, such as the climate, soil, trees and other vegetation, and the slope of the land and resulting drainage issues. Additionally, they assess where sunlight falls during the different seasons and the different times of day. They also take into account the surrounding area-the neighboring homes and buildings, sidewalks, streets and utilities.
With studies and analyses in hand, landscape architects then draw up a preliminary design. This is the time when landscape architects consult with other professionals who may be involved in the project, such as civil engineers, landscape contractors or residential architects. This initial design takes into account any late-arriving changes that the client wants, as well as unforeseen requirements made by different governing bodies. In other words, changes, additions and adjustments are expected during this stage.
A proposal is then prepared, showing detailed plans of what the landscaping will look like. Most landscape architects use computer-aided design (CAD) in these technology-driven days and some firms even use video simulation to help clients better see the suggested ideas and plans. The final proposal may include written reports, sketches, models, photographs and cost estimates. These documents will be used both by the client and regulatory agencies.
Finally, landscape architects prepare working drawings to be used by the landscape contractors that show all existing and proposed features. Included is an outline that details the methods of construction and lists the approved materials. At this point, landscape architects usually move into a supervisory role, monitoring the project as the landscape contractors and their crews carry out the plans.
Landscape Architects: Finding One
In the state of Texas, the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners www. tbae. state. tx. us/Professions/Landscape. shtml regulates the practice of landscape architects. Only those individuals who have become registered as landscape architects may legally call themselves a landscape architect. The website provides a link to find a registered landscape architect.
The American Society of Landscape Architects (www. asla. org) is one of the leading industry groups for landscape architects. Founded in 1899, ASLA represents more than 18,200 members in 48 professional chapters and 68 student chapters. Its website offers a “firm finder” link.
Landscape Architects: Things To Do Before Interviewing
The ASLA offers these tips to better prepare yourself to find the best landscape architect for you:
Think about what you want and how you will use your landscape. Formal entertaining, herb gardens, and children’s playgrounds are just some of the possibilities. Think about your preferences for the look of the grounds-would you like an English garden design or perhaps a Modern landscape design?
Don’t just limit yourself to plants and trees; maybe you would like a distinctive garden gate, an outdoor water fountain, a outdoor kitchen, swimming pool or dramatic landscape lighting.
Make a realistic budget. One rule of thumb is to invest 5 to 10 percent of your house’s worth into landscaping. If this seems steep, remember that homes with professional landscaping can fetch 15-20 percent more at the time of resale than homes that lack landscaping, according to a 2004 study commissioned by the Professional Landcare Network.
Look at books and magazines for ideas and start a file of plants, trees, gardens, yards, pools, patios, decks, fences and other hardscapes that you like-or dislike-to show your landscape architect. This research will help you communicate what you want to achieve or avoid.
Tomato lovers should be dreaming and salivating about the sweet taste of a home grown tomato. You might be dreaming of the day your garden soil is warm enough so you can get in the dirt and plant your tomatoes deep into your newly prepared soil. Tomatoes are easy to grow, but a true tomato lover will appreciate that tomato gardening tips are always welcome. It does not matter if you have a full backyard garden, or if you just put tomatoes in containers on your deck, the time is getting closer to get these things planted!
One of the tomato gardening tips not many people realize is how it is important to plant tomatoes deep as you can get them. The deeper you can get those roots planted the better. Your main goal is to establish a strong root system. The more of the tomato plant’s stem that is placed underground, the more roots can form. The more roots, the more nutrients can get to the plant, and the more sturdy your plant will be and less likely to fall over in a heavy summer rain storm.
What you need to do: When you buy your tomato plants from the garden center or nursery, get the tallest ones. Snip off all the leaves except the top two or three and then plant it deep enough so the only thing showing above ground is those top leaves. Leave a well around it, up to a foot deep. This way when the plant grows, you keep taking off the lower leaves as new ones form up top while pushing more dirt around the stem keeping only the leaves above ground. Keep taking off leaves and adding dirt until the well is full. Even then you can shore up the root system by making a mound around the plant. Keeping this vast root system watered daily is even more important as the plant’s health depends on a gallon of water a day.
This tip will not take the place of other tomato gardening tips involving staking, or tomato cages to hold the plants up. Some people who have large spacious gardens will let them spread and grow on the ground. Anyone who has ever grown a tomato knows that at one point it just goes wild and you can hardly keep up with it. You will keep pinching new growth and take care of your plants and know that all of this is due to the strong root system!.
There are many tomato gardening tips that will come your way, and there is lots to learn about the best care of tomatoes. It seems each year people will tend to try something new. One thing that should never change is to always take the time to plant tomatoes deep as you can and then keep those roots well watered.