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	<title>Functional Gardens&#187; Ambiance</title>
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	<description>Tips for creating functional outdoor spaces</description>
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		<title>Garden Fountains for Tranquility</title>
		<link>http://functionalgardens.com/garden-fountains-for-tranquility/</link>
		<comments>http://functionalgardens.com/garden-fountains-for-tranquility/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:22:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Functional</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Tranquility]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[garden fountains]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://functionalgardens.com/?p=98</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Garden Fountains – Add a Sense of Serenity and Relaxation to Your Outdoor Living Space By: Jean Seiler The beautiful sound of running water is soothing to the soul.  How many of us would like to sit by a creek and listen to the water moving across the rocks and fallen branches?  Many of us [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>Garden Fountains – Add a Sense of Serenity and Relaxation to Your Outdoor Living Space</h4>
<p><strong>By: <a title="Jean Seiler's Articles" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/jean-seiler/476491">Jean Seiler</a></strong></p>
<p>The beautiful sound of running water is soothing to the soul.  How many of us would like to sit by a creek and listen to the water moving across the rocks and fallen branches?  Many of us could enjoy the sound of a babbling brook for hours.  Garden water fountains are the perfect way to bring relaxation and serenity to your favorite outdoor environment.</p>
<p><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-99" title="tranquil-fountain" src="http://functionalgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/tranquil-fountain.jpg" alt="tranquil-fountain" width="400" height="265" />Garden water fountains are a classy way to spruce up your home or business.  They look beautiful and add a unique dimension to any landscape.  The sound of falling water can provide privacy for those having intimate conservations.  They&#8217;re also a wonderful way to tune out the sounds of the city or neighbors pets.  Whether you are looking for a way to beautify the asphalt of the city or delight in the sound of trickling water in the garden, there are garden fountains for everyone.</p>
<p>There are many types of fountains to choose from for your garden.  Some are free standing with water flowing from top to a pool at the bottom. There are smaller fountains that can be incorporated with plants and other aspects of your garden to create a cohesive look.  If your yard space is limited then a fountain attached to your wall will provide the sounds and feelings of flowing water. The power to operate garden water fountains can be from a household outlet, battery or solar. Technological advances have increased the energy of solar fountains, making them an eco-friendly alternative to traditional water fountains</p>
<p>Watching flowing water is a great benefit of a garden fountain.  Garden water fountains will draw the attention of those who visit your home.  All ages are drawn to watching flowing water.  You will find that once you install outdoor garden fountains your guests will be making their way to your garden&#8217;s fountains to appreciate them.</p>
<p>Garden water fountains seem to be one of the key garden décor accents and accessories that many gardeners highlight in their gardens. One of the reasons for this is that the addition of a water fountain can truly add a sense of mystery, serenity, joy and beauty to your life.  A water fountain is a source of natural humidity in dry climates, which can benefit thirsty plants and allergy-afflicted people.</p>
<p>Peaceful, tranquil and calming garden fountains are the perfect touch for any garden.  When you hear the running water from a garden fountain you are often transported far away from city life and out exploring nature.  The serenity and tranquility of water is essential to complete a garden or outdoor living space. Your garden fountain will create a quiet atmosphere conducive to relaxation and reflection.  A flowing water fountain is sure to provide a bit of beauty and solace to any outdoor environment.</p>
<p>Garden water fountains are the perfect way to add beautiful décor to your favorite garden space.  You&#8217;ll love relaxing by your garden as you listen to the tranquil sounds of your garden water fountain.  Garden fountains transform your garden into an oasis on hot summer days and adds a comforting vibrancy to any green space, not to mention humidity and lower temperatures.</p>
<p>Take a deep breath and think of the sound of a running stream and relax with a garden water fountain.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>About the Author</strong></p>
<p>Hi, I&#8217;m Jean and I would like to invite you to my site to view my many garden fountains.</p>
<p><a title="Garden Fountains" href="http://www.relaxationsituation.com/waterfountains/gardenfountains">Garden Fountains</a></p>
<p class="tracker">(ArticlesBase SC #2476972)</p>
<p>Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">http://www.articlesbase.com/</a> &#8211; <a title="Garden Fountains – Add a Sense of Serenity and Relaxation to Your Outdoor Living Space" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/accessories-articles/garden-fountains-add-a-sense-of-serenity-and-relaxation-to-your-outdoor-living-space-2476972.html">Garden Fountains – Add a Sense of Serenity and Relaxation to Your Outdoor Living Space</a><br />
<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=72045&amp;u=384163&amp;m=11661&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/garden-fountains-468-90.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></p>
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		<title>Steps for Designing A Serenity Garden</title>
		<link>http://functionalgardens.com/steps-for-designing-a-serenity-garden/</link>
		<comments>http://functionalgardens.com/steps-for-designing-a-serenity-garden/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:06:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Functional</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Serenity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[garden fountain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[patio]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[serenity garden]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://functionalgardens.com/?p=85</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A patio garden does not need to be big to be beautiful. Even patio gardens of  5’ x 10 ‘ or less can have a grand design. The secret is to design with a theme. If you want a serenity garden with a spiritual retreat theme, here are a few suggestions for a winning design. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A patio garden does not need to be big to be beautiful. Even patio gardens of  5’ x 10 ‘ or less can have a grand design. The secret is to design with a theme.</p>
<p><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-86" title="serenity-garden" src="http://functionalgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/serenity-garden.jpg" alt="serenity-garden" width="400" height="265" />If you want a serenity garden with a spiritual retreat theme, here are a few suggestions for a winning design. The following steps outline the main elements of a serenity garden which offers flexible choices of plants and material.</p>
<p>1. Choose a spot to be your focal point and make it your area of retreat and reflection:</p>
<p>Place a small set of patio table and chairs there; a round table with two to four small chairs made of wrought iron material or all-weather wicker will provide rest, serve as an attractive reading and reflection area; a simple bench made of stone or wood can serve the same purpose if you have less space.</p>
<p>2.  Near this seating area add a small fountain:</p>
<p>This fountain, which you can buy from a garden shop, can be functional or purely decorative in design. It needs to add to the sense of being quiet and joyful. Examples of a fountain design: a fountain stand with a leaping fish at the top, a small cascade with layered rocks, a simple bird bath, etc.</p>
<p>3.  Choose a corner near this focal spot to cultivate your favorite plants:</p>
<p>If it’s a sunny location, plant a perennial variety of ornamental grass such as cloud nine prairie grass or fountain grass. If it’s a semi-shady location, plant a tall variety of hosta or an azalea bush. You can also grow winter bamboo in a large container at this corner.</p>
<p>4.  Establish an inviting walk path from the doorway to your retreat corner:</p>
<p>This pathway doesn’t need to be very wide; it just needs to be safe. Use natural material such as bricks, larger pebbles, or random shaped stone slabs to pave the walkway. Make sure the ground is leveled and the surface is not slippery. This path can have a gently curved shape for a soft look as long as it’s comfortable to walk on.  </p>
<p>5.  Along the sides of this walk path you can play with many options:</p>
<p>Grow long-blooming flowers like marigolds, begonia, or lush evergreens and ferns. Grow edible plants such as chives, basil, rosemary, or other herbs. If you have room for a tree, plant a Chinese pine, a Japanese maple, or a magnolia bush. If you have a fence, you can grow climbing vines like morning glory or honeysuckle. A climbing cherry tomato plant can add delight to the eye as well as the guest table.</p>
<p>Now you have achieved a serenity look for your garden of spiritual retreat. It offers you options of a delightful ingredient in edible plants. It provides you with a restful atmosphere in a textured landscape design.</p>
<p>By C. Spring Stillman</p>
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