The Beauty And Ease Of Homemade Wind Chimes

Wind chimes are important to any garden scape because they allow us to engage with our garden with a sense other than sight. We hear the rustle of the leaves, along with the gentle, tingling sound of wind chimes cascading in the wind. Aside from their relaxing sound, wind chimes have been used for many reasons. Some cultures believe they ward off evil, others use them as a charm to bring good fortune. They can also be helpful in scaring pesky unwanted birds from your garden, if placed near by. Wind chimes also have a way of reminding us of weather changes as well as changing of the seasons.

But as valuable as these garden ornaments can be, they do not have to be expensive. You can even make your own wind chime, with a little creative flair! Wind chimes can be made of all sorts of materials, each type having their own unique sound. A fun design can be making a chime from old silverware. Flea markets, yard sales or thrift shops are good places to find this inexpensive cutlery. Simply gather the mismatched silverware, string them on a light wire and add some color beads to accent. This would look wonderful even indoors, as an added kitchen decoration hanging above the sink.

Try some old rusty nuts and bolts, old skeleton keys or discarded drill bits to make a rustic unique wind chime. The chiming sound you hear from this beauty would be low and bold. Be sure to use heavy fishing line to string these and a secure place for hanging as they tend to be heavy, depending on how many objects is used.

Small glass bottles can be made into a wind chime as well. These have a look all their own and a sound like no other wind chimes. Old medicine bottles, perfume bottles or small mouthed jars will work great for these chimes and, again, can be picked up reasonably price at thrift shops, second hand stores, etc. Search for an unusual variety of shapes and colors that will make a unique display and also effect the sound of the chimes. Wrap some thin wire around the bottle necks and twist them together as you work your way to the top of you mobile structure. Add some colored water to them or let mother nature fill theses bottles for a unique sound.

Maybe a seaside wind chime is more your style. Using a piece of drift wood and colored glass from old broken bottles, you can create a natural beach themed chime. You can even add shells as long as you place them so they will not break. If you do use delicate shells, place your wind chime in a low wind area or adorn an indoor space with it. The only hardware needed for you seaside chime is pronged jewelry caps, fishing line and some chain and glue. This will be quite a show piece that will add charm to any beach house or garden.

As you can see, the options are limitless for home-made wind chimes. Creativity really is the key, but if your not a crafty person and choose to buy a wind chime, check out mygardenornaments.com for a wide wind chime selection.

Choosing the Right Garden Fountain

A water feature will bring any garden to life if given some thought to its choosing. The ever changing sound of running water adds a whole new meaning to a garden design. In a smaller garden, a freestanding garden fountain may be used where as a traditional lily pond might over power the area. All though personal preference will play a role in ones choice.

The garden fountain selected should also be the style and size to go with your home and garden that you are trying to create. A big elaborate fountain may look good in a large formal garden, but it will make an already small garden look even smaller and cramped. Its important to give some thought into where you position your garden fountain. The water feature will create different effects depending on the size and where its placed. Using a larger fountain will create a focal point and should be used as a center feature in a garden. You may want to place it so its not so revealing and let wonder and the trickling sound of the water draw visitors into the garden.

A half barrel can be used above ground or partially sunk to give a small areas, a pond effect. Add some small aquatic plants, a few fish and a nearby statue, and you have created you own garden oasis. Planting some grasses and flowering perennials around the garden along with the barrel of water will attract butterflies, hummingbirds and other insects and provide the with a nature stop. If needed this water feature can always be moved to another location if your not happy with its original placement. Wall fountains are another alternative in the garden. This water feature takes up less space, if you have a wall or fence to place it on. These can be contained in themselves or have a spout protruding out from the wall and spilling water into a trough below filled with large pebbles. Add some tall grasses on either side if possible, to complete this garden fountain display. This type of garden fountain can make a grand entrance into any backyard garden haven.

Maybe you don't have a garden area and live in a place with only a deck overlooking the neighbors. Then why not try a table top garden fountain. These can still give you the soothing trickling sound of running water and can be used indoors or out. Place some small potted plants close by, a few small rocks and you created a little oasis right under you eyes.

To find the right garden fountain for your home or backyard, visit mygardenornaments.com