Garden gnomes

Gnomes are defined as a race of small, misshapen, dwarf-like creatures that dwell in the earth. Somehow, they have managed to infiltrate our gardens, our homes and, yes, even our television shows and commercials. Where or how did it all begin?

Historically, the first clay German Garden Gnome ("der Gartenzwerg") was made in Graeferoda, Thuringia, Germany in the 1800's. The first recorded appearance of a garden gnome in England was around 1840 at the estate of Sir Charles Isham, the 10th Baronet of Lamport Hall.

The Polish call them by the familiar 'Gnom'. Bulgaria and Albania use 'Dudje'. In Hungary, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia, Gnomes are called Mano. Within the United States, there are differing opinions as to what the little creatures should be called. For example, in Hawaii, they are referred to as 'Menehuenes' !

Even now, garden gnomes are viewed as more than lawn ornaments. They are considered to be special symbols of hope, luck, and good karma. If you need some help with your fishing or your garden, adopt a gnome. For those of you who love music, there is a musician gnome, too. Enough said already! The point is that there is one to fit everyone's requirements.

Gnomes are available in many sizes. You can purchase small, medium, large or, for the real enthusiast, there is an extra large available. Gnomes can be seen cuddled with a rabbit or pushing a wheelbarrow. Patriotic gnomes are nice to display all year round.

Shabby chic

Shabby Chic can be anything you want it to be, and is a great way to bring your personal style to any room. Most Shabby Chic decor is based on a white-on-white or beige-on-beige theme. Soft pastels are often used as accent colors, but with a little creativity, you can add just about any color you want. A classic example of Shabby Chic would be to cover couches and overstuffed chairs with white slipcovers, whitewash your wood furniture and hang white airy curtains. Then hang your favorite painting or artwork in the most prominent place in the room. Choose one or two colors in the painting as accent colors, and repeat the colors in throw pillows, flowers, soft throw blankets, and candles. Another great feature of Shabby Chic is the worn and well-loved look. That side table that has an interesting shape but has seen better days is perfect for Shabby Chic. Simply whitewash it and put a vase with flowers on top. Better yet, use an old china teapot or your grandmother's favorite vase for the flowers. It's the little details like this that make Shabby Chic work so well.

Birdhouses

Decorative Birdhouses are active garden ornamentation - the presence and movement of birds creates a fluid focal point for your garden. As such, placement is critical for you to earn maximum benefit from your birdhouses. Cavity nesting birds will not be attracted to your garden without the appropriate environment. Each bird has a particular way they want to live and specific needs.

Wind chimes

Wind chimes are a soothing and beautiful way to decorate your patio or garden. The soft melody playing in the breeze and the sight of your favorite wind chime is a perfect way to set the mood outdoors.

Since wind chimes delight the senses with sound and with beauty, it makes perfect sense to use wind chimes in your favorite outdoor places. On a patio a carefully chosen wind chime can take center stage, or it can be a simple accent to your decor. Wind chimes also make a charming addition to a garden. Imagine the delight of following the soft sound through the garden to finally come upon the beautiful set of wind chimes.