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17 Outdoor Angel Ornaments & Statues

3/7/2020

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Outdoor angel ornaments
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Angels have been depicted in religious ornaments and statues for thousands of years. They almost always take a female form and are thought to be messengers and protectors. It has been believed that angels are beings which bridge the heavens and the human world.
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Some believe angels have been sent to both guide us and protect us. It is also a held belief that angels can be direct messengers from god. It has always been interesting that angels seem to appear in many different religions. Some cultures also hold very solid belief in angel like beings such as fairies. This has led to some scholars speculating that angels and fairies could be similar entities.
Outdoor angel garden statue
Furthermore it could possibly be more than myths and legends. Celtic religious have a strong belief in fairies and in some countries today a similar belief is held. In Ireland for example a recent motorway project was redirected around a spiritual bush. It had been believed for hundreds of years that this bush was a home for fairies.
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Whether angels and fairies are one of the same or not they historically take the same form, female with large bird like wings. With such awesome imagery it is easy to see why angels have been immortalised in sculpture for generations. As a result we have also loved to decorate our gardens with these spiritual outdoor angel ornaments and statues. For this reason we have found 17 of our favourites and listed them for you in this article.  

​1. Toscano Ascending Angel Sculpture


​This heavenly ascending angel sculpture is 24 inches tall and made of resin with a stone effect finish. It is perfect for many garden styles including classical and traditional.

Garden ascending garden sulpture
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2. Napco Praying Angel Statue


With a classic aesthetic this praying angel statue will bring a feeling of peace and serenity to your outside space. The 16 inch high angel is perfect for the creation of an outside shrine or spiritual focal point.
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Praying garden angel ornament
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​3. Toscano Remembrance and Redemption Angel Statue


This extremely dramatic outdoor angel ornament would make a perfect focal point for any garden landscape. The gentle curves of the naked human form juxtaposed to the powerful, majestic wings are very striking. This statue is a complete work of art and at 30 inches tall quite a statement for any household.
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Redemption outdoor angel statue
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​4. Extended Grace Angel Garden Statue


Why not enchant your garden with this exquisite outdoor angel ornament. Her long flowing wings and feminine for will make her a loved part of your garden. With a crouched for she is a unique angel for someone who likes an exception from the norm.
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Grace angel ornament
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​5. 14.5"h Praying garden angel


This 14 inch resin bonded stone angel is a way to create the ultimate garden focal point. Its praying form is typical of many historical angels within a religious context. Have this serine ornament to own forever.
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Praying child angel stone statue
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6. Roman Exclusive Standing Angel with children


​This enchanting standing angel with rose’s outdoor ornament is a classic design. This style of angel is typical of church yards and Christian decoration. This statue is 14 inches high and perfect for memorial gardens or religious shrines outside.

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Roman angel statue outdoor
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7. Toscano Constance's Conscience Angel


Constance was said to be the voice of the heart and acted as a guardian angel and spiritual guide. Do you need a guardian angel as your guide? This beautiful representation of Constance is a real treasure for a garden space. Whether you are religious or not this really will become the central energy force of your garden.
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Constance angel garden ornament
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​8. Angel with Folded Hands Statue


This praying angel with folded hands stands nearly a meter tall and made from resin bonded stone. She is beautifully detailed all over including her wings and face. This outdoor angel ornament with its height makes a powerful garden statement. It could make a great family treasure to be passed down through the ages. 

praying angel garden statue outdoor
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9. Kensington Hill English Tudor Garden Angel


This 41 inch outdoor angel ornament depicting the Kensington Hill English angel is a real feast for the senses. Made of resin with an iron rust finish it has a real historical feel about it. It has an architectural Aesthetic which means it will easily look amazing in any garden scheme or setting.
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English angel garden statue
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10. Joseph's Studio Angel Holding Bird's Nest


​An angel can portray so many things in the most subtle of ways and this is no less true than with this art piece. This angel garden ornament portrays the fragility of life by holding a bird’s nest with a baby bird inside. Such simple heart warming suggestions can be deeply moving. This garden statue forever reminds us that life is temporary and must be treasured at all costs.   
Angel with birds nest outdoor statue
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11. ​Angel with Dove


There is nothing better than owning a garden ornament that warms your heart on the worst of days. This outdoor angel ornament depicts an angel holding lilies on one side and a dove on one hand. The dove is the Christian symbol of peace and this statue gives off a feeling of serenity. She displays beautiful hand painting and intricate detailing.
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Angel with dove garden ornament
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12. Music from Heaven Angel Playing Harp


Nothing can sooth the soul like the gentle playing of a harp. Combine this with an angel garden statue and you have the recipe for spiritual excellence.

This simply genius angel garden ornament displays an angel playing a harp. What is super amazing about it is the harp acts as a wind chime playing natural music in the slightest of breezes. This ‘music from heaven playing harp angel’ is a real novelty and feast for the senses.
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Angel garden statue playing harp
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13. Toscano Twinkle Toes Fairy Garden Statue

As inspired by European folk law legend this fairy depiction of twinkle toes has a much closely related resemblance to angels. This sculpture is full of magical energy, perfect for positioning so her toes dangle over a pond. This 13 inch poly-resin sculpture comes in a ancient ivory finish. This fairy garden ornament is a perfect light hearted way to enjoy the sight of winged maidens.
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Fairy garden ornament
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​14. Madonna of Notre Dame Religious Statue


This sculpture of the famous Madonna of Notre Dame in France is not really thought of as an angel. However she is a very famous religious depiction which fits into an angel context very well. Why not have a garden representation of one of the most famous religious buildings in the world.
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Madonna Notre Dam garden statue
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​15. Angel holding cross statue


​A very Christian themed angel ornament with the weight of the cross bearing down on her chest. This delightful 18 inch tall piece is perfect for an outside Christian shrine or just patio garden ornament. This resin polymer sculpture has a classic natural textured stone effect.
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Garden angel statue holding cross
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16. Walter Drake White Resin Angel Statue


This is an extremely striking work of art which would make any home owner proud. This kneeling in prayer angel garden ornament is the perfect reminder of faith in the garden.
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This heavenly angel depiction is a blessing protecting the home and family from sin. This ornament is perfect for a walk way, patio or outside place of prayer.


Child angel garden statue
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17. Angel with Children on Bridge


Everybody at least wishes they have a guardian angel watching down over them. This is one of the most typical genres when contemplating angels and their purpose.

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​This cannot be better displayed than with this exceptional garden ornament. This 16 inch statue depicts an angel sheltering two children with her wings. It is a very heart warming piece and one that would be loved by everyone visiting your garden.
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Angel with Children on a bridge garden ornament
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​We very much hoped you enjoyed reading our article about outdoor angel ornaments and statues. If you have enjoyed it why not share it via our share buttons. We really appreciate it when you do and it inspires us to write more helpful articles. Thank you.

Need more cool things for the garden? Why not check out our article here.

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Frog garden ornament

3/6/2020

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Frog garden ornaments


Frogs are one of the most successful species on earth having lived for over 300 million years. Their winning design means they have barely changed in all that time.  They pretty much lives on every continent and have evolved to live in every environment.

These carnivorous amphibians have become numerous in our popular culture, children’s novels and film. It is evident that the humble frog has etched itself into both our imaginations and hearts

They can be colourful, musical, charming and even poisonous. Frogs are carnivorous but have a peaceful non threatening habit. They eat garden pests and control the numbers of slugs and snails around our homes.

​It is no wonder that we have always celebrated this amazing creature. Through statues and cool garden ornaments we can embrace these fantastic fellows even more. Hence we have found our top frog garden ornaments so you can invite these enchanted guests into your home forever.
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Garden Frog Statue with Solar Light Eyes ​


This interesting frog garden ornament looks great during the day but will add a little bit of magic at night. With its large LED light eyes powered by solar panels it can give you quite a stare. Fantastic day or night this ornament will be treasured in the garden.
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Solar frog garden ornament
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Rocking chair frog ornament


​Frogs are famous for their calm and composed persona. Whether they are actually calm or it is just the lifeless stare they all have we will never know. Frogs are always portrayed of being laid back and possessing much wisdom. No better can this be enjoyed than with this care free frog drinking brew and basically just chilling out.

Rocking chair frog garden ornament
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Zen yoga frog garden ornament ​


Sometimes looking at frogs you get the impression they are asleep with their eyes open. There is a cold lifeless expression about their faces which looks like they are meditating.

​When they do spring into action however their agility and flexibility can be quite astonishing. This makes the frogs the perfect yoga practitioners! This funny idea can no better be appreciated that with this hilarious frog garden ornament.


Yoga frog statue
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Lying down frog ornament


It is said that frogs have a humungous appetite! They can eat an amazing amount of food in one sitting which is vital if you are going to hibernate all winter. Although frogs seem a rather lazy creature at first glance they can achieve some impressive feats.

​This can include travelling miles to find water and fighting off rivals. Sometimes however it can become a little bit too much! This lying down frog garden ornament displays perfectly the joy of having a large meal and just passing out! 
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Lying down frog ornament
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Reading frog ornament


Reading often associated with intelligence is often thought of as exclusively a human activity. Frogs are never really thought of as an intelligent animal but for living for over 300 million years they must be doing something right!

​It has been said that frogs carry a feeling of wisdom and grace about them. Well i guess they do in a funny way and this can be enjoyed quite well with this frog garden ornament.  
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Reading frog garden ornament
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Yoga solar garden ornament


Frogs seem to be pretty amazing on the whole especially when you adopt one into your garden. Just for the fact I am still amazed by a frog performing yoga, I had to explore this concept even further.

​Not only can this frog garden ornament do yoga it can also light up at night. These solar balls glow in the dark making the frog look like he has Zen powers.
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solar yoga frog ornament
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Design Toscan Frog Ribbit Garden Statue ​


As much as we love to see frogs in every shape, size, genre and style it is also great to see them in their natural state. Frogs are very beautiful creatures in their own right with interesting colours and patterning.

​This Design Toscan Frog looks extremely life like with its textured skin and bright green patterning.  This frog garden ornament would look great next to garden ponds, water features or in amongst flower beds.

Resin life like garden ornament
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Illuminating solar garden frog statue


At night time the garden can be a dark and lonely place. This is not the case however for a frog. During the day frogs emerge from the depths of the waters to come out and play. The best way to see frogs is with a torch at night especially around ponds.

​Well if you do not like leaving the warmth of the home or do not have a pond you no longer have to worry. This frog garden ornament completely illuminated electric green at night! With its in built self, solar charging light system your garden will never be dark or gloomy ever again.
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Illuminated garden ornament
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Happy hour frogs garden statue


Frogs are social creatures and come together to feed mate and just generally be a frog. Like us they need others to survive and enjoy themselves! Frogs to usually go out to celebrate like humans do or drink alcohol for that matter.

​However I bet they would if they had half the chance. This elegant frog ornament captures a very special moment between froggy friends. It looks like they are having a great time, well it is happy hour.
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Happy hour garden frogs ornament
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Creative Green Frog Sitting Statue Drinking Coffee


Like humans frogs also have bad days too. Sometimes the only way to deal with this is to get outside in nature, find a rock it sit on and relax. This is not always possible but what is possible is getting enough time together for a warm cup of coffee.

​This cheeky little frog garden ornament has not problem with boosting the caffeine levels. With a warm smile he will keep company on those lonely days outside.


coffie drinking frog garden ornament
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Regal art garden frog ornament


A very impressive thing about frogs is they seem to bled in effortlessly to their surroundings. Their amazing camouflage is one of the reasons they have survived for so many millennia. 

​Camouflage is also what makes them so charming! How many times have you only just noticed a frog when it was sitting right next to you? This ability to blend in makes them such a naturalistic beauty within the garden. This frog garden ornament with its oxidised magnesium effect will look striking in a rockery or by a pond.

Happy frog garden ornament
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Boston international decorative moss frog statue


A great part about being a frog is all you need to do is eat, sleep, swim and have babies. This is far from even a possibility for most of us which can make us quite envious.

​Sometimes you just have to gaze at these amazing garden frog ornaments! This Regal art garden frog ornament has a textured stone effect and a life like moss effect. This mini statue is great for a damp shady corner, patio or water feature.
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Mossy garden frog ornament
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Quirky solar frog lantern


There is nothing like some cool and artistic decoration in the garden, especially when it has anything to do with frogs. This amazing solar lantern garden frog has an energy about it which is hard to describe.

​ With its gazing rabbit in headlights look it will light up a little space of your garden. Sure to become a novelty object in your garden especially when you have guests.

Quirky garden frog ornament
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Michael Carr Designs garden frog ornament


​Gardens can be strange places at the best of times. Unlike inside we generally have the freedom of expression to do whatever we desire with them.

​This is also true of garden frog ornaments! They can be lifelike, strange, colourful, happy, sad or just downright weird. It has to be said that this particular frog statue is one of those. It’s just one of those! Enough said
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Ugly garden frog ornament
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SPI garden frog with watering can ornament ​


If one thing is for certain it is frogs are the gardener’s friend. They consume pretty much any creature that is a pest to the gardener. They lurk around our flowerbeds ready to jump out and catch that slug before it eats any of our beloved plants.

​It is no surprise then that frogs are often humanised as gardeners. This rather elegant gardening frog makes the perfect outdoor decorative sculpture! 

frog watering can garden ornament
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2Pcs Green resin frog garden statue


Most people would agree life is far too short to be miserable and especially not when you’re in the garden. If you are going to indulge in some frog garden ornaments make sure they put a smile on your face!

​Surrounding yourself with happiness and glee is extremely important! This happy pair of sitting frogs will keep you smiling in the garden all day long. 

fun frogs trio ornament
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hugging frog ornament


Knowing that frogs are good for the garden is quite relieving as it often feels like everything is trying to eat it! When trying to maintain a garden you need every friend in nature you can get.

​This means seeing a frog at every opportunity is a very positive affair even if it is just an ornament. This cute little frog will watch over your potted plants making sure nothing tries to take a bite.


Hugging frog garden ornaments
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Bits and Pieces Frog Motion Sensor Statue


There is nothing like placing something a little bit novelty in the garden that raises some eyebrows. With ever improving solar and electrical technology cool garden gadgets will do just that.

​This is even the case when it comes to frog garden ornaments. This fantastic bull frog looking statue has an in built motion sensor and solar cell. When you walk past it its eyes will flash yellow and will make a loud ‘ribbit’ sound! This life like frog is perfect for the garden path or patio.
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motion sensor frog ornament
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EMSCO Yoga frog statue


I just do know what it is there is something just too exciting about a frog performing yoga moves in the garden. As we know if there was an animal perfect for this activity it probably would be a frog.

​However their very large and round tummy does make them look rather peculiar compared to typical yoga experts. This yoga frog statue made of resin is lightweight with a jade green appearance.
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Frog yoga zen garden ornament
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garden frogs with buckets ornament


Gardening being such an involved and physical activity means there is always room for some help. Frogs however are not the first thought when looking for help in the garden. They are great at eating pests but really, gardening?

​Maybe not but if there was one frog garden ornament which embodied their benefit to the garden this would be it. This charming gardening with buckets frog statue is perfect for flower borders and raised garden beds.


Gardener frog with pots ornament
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Thank you so much for reading our article on frog garden ornaments and statues. Do you know anyone else that would like a frog garden ornament? If so why not share it with them via the buttons below? This really helps us to grow and write more helpful articles in the future! Happy gardening!


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Cat Garden ornaments

3/5/2020

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Cat garden ornaments
This article contains affiliate links


The Cat has habituated human settlements since the dawn of civilisation. This strange symbiosis between solitary feline hunters and social human beings is one of nature’s true oddities. However there have always been advantages on both sides of this timeless relationship.

Cats have always been the most convenient predator to have around our homes. They seek out and consume vermin and critters we fear such as snakes. Cats can live around us and never require any care or attention just a warm, dry place to rest up and maybe a warm fire.

With their fluffy soft fur and charismatic charm it is no wonder that we have grown to love cats. This special place in our hearts make them the perfect pet and a also decor for the garden. Cat garden ornaments remind us of our fury friends at a mere glance.
wild cat kitten
There are so many styles including metal, stone, concrete, resin and solar. Just as in nature cat garden ornaments come in a wide varieties of colours and patterns.

​From decorative tabby to the dark and mysterious black cat. These wonderful animals make the perfect garden ornament or statue.
For this reason we have decided to find 18 of our favourite cat garden ornaments and display them in this article. 

Siamese cat garden ornament


This 200 cm high Siamese cat made of cast aluminium and a dark bronze finish is the perfect way to decorate the garden. This beautiful cat looks great along a flower bed, path or lawn. This cat is elegant and stream lined just as the Siamese cat breed in real life. Gently licking its paw the sculpture captures the essence of feline grace.
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Siamese cat garden ornament
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Tabby cat garden ornament


​There is nothing cuter than the playful and mischievous look in cat’s eyes. And this is so beautifully captured in this cat garden ornament. Made of resin this colourful piece is rather striking with its life like appearance. Always be reminded of the beauty of cats with this fantastic ornament which looks great on a patio or lawn.
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taby cat ornament
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Stone cat garden ornament


A cat angel is basically a cat with angel wings and represented so well in this stone cat statue. With its classical feel this ornament can be used as a cat memorial for a lost pet. Its graceful sleeping depiction also makes it great as a simple garden decoration in any part of the yard.
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stone cat ornament
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Cat garden gnomes ornament


​This hilariously funny garden gnome attacking cat is a great example of why we should be grateful cats are not larger than they are. If you love gnomes and cats this garden ornament gives you the best of both worlds. Made of resin and weighing just under one kilogram its fun but not offensive.
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cat garden ornament
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​Sleeping bronze cat ornament


​If there is one thing that seems to amaze people about cats its the sheer amount of time they spend asleep. This is usually the reason most people say that cats have the best life.

​Indeed cats have got us completely sussed out. All they need to do is eat, sleep look cute and their keep is guaranteed. Not only that we will actually place ornaments of them to celebrate their audacity. This bronze garden ornament will become a much loved part of any garden whether you are a cat lover or admirer.
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bronze sleeping cat
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Hairless sphinx cats


There is something quite disturbing and scary about hairless cats. Perhaps it’s the fact all the soft and fluffiness has been removed and you are left one of the most awesome predators on the planet.

Hairless sphinx cats have a particularly evil look in their eye, especially if they are eating garden gnomes! This life like resin garden ornament can easily be mistaken for a real cat sending shivers down your spine all year long.
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hairless cat garden ornament
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Roman pudgy cat garden figure


This rather cute and charming cat, garden ornament will add charm to any outside space. This ornament looks like stone but is actually made from resin. At seven inches tall it is just large enough for a touch of feline decoration to lawns, patios and garden borders. Its rather circular nature could mean it’s time to go on a diet but hey it’s just an ornament.
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Poddgy cat garden ornament
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Bright eyes solar cat garden statue


One of the most amazing traits of cats is how reflective their eyes are at night. A result of millions of years of evolution cat eyes make use of what small amount of light there is and reflects it within the eye.

​This gives them the most amazing eyesight at night. With this resin cat garden ornament now you can admire glowing cat’s eyes at night every night. This cute ornament will become a curiosity to guests who look out the window into the dark.
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Solar eyed cat garden ornament
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Real life sleeping cat


Once again it is hard to visualise a cat without at some point visualising it curled up asleep. Cats can sleep for up to 18 hours a day making them some of the sleepiest creatures on earth.

​Such powerful hunting senses requires much rest and that is exactly what this beautiful ornament is doing. This black and white resin ornament has a feeling of peace about it calming the soul. 

 
sleeping cat ornament
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Tooarts playing saxophone metal cat


One of the things that make cats so popular is their ability to be moulded into any genre or theme. They can evil and scary as well as cute and fluffy. Cats have appeared in art and sculpture for thousands of years from the ancient Egyptians to the ancient Greeks.

​Cat’s pliability when it comes to genres is perfectly illustrated with this metal cat garden ornament. Looking cool and playing the sax this funky garden decor will keep your garden guests amused every time.
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cat playing saxaphone ornament
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​Cat Buddha meditating statue


If there are two things that seem extremely popular now days in our gardens it is cat and Buddha garden ornaments. The truth is it would seem very difficult to find any correlation between the two but you may have to think again.

​This genius garden ornament celebrates Buddha and cats at the same time. This very entertaining pop bellied cat of greatness will be a novelty piece outside this summer.  
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budda cat ornament
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Youngs resin cat reading ornament


​There is something quite charming about this laid back and reading cat. It’s good to know if cats could read they would do it in the most lazy and laid back way possible. This elegant cat garden ornament is made of resin and perfect for patios, lawns and garden borders. This unique garden decoration would make a fantastic gift for the cat lovers in your life.

reading cat garden ornament
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Metal scroll cat solar light


Cats are loved for their ability to master their environment during both the day and night. With modern solar technology cat garden ornaments no longer just have to be a day time affair.

​This metal scroll cat has an inbuilt solar panel which charges up the battery during the day. At night the light illuminates the cat and casts an impressive array of shadows across the ground. This solar cat garden ornament is absolutely perfect for patios and gravel gardens. 
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metal solar cat
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Crouching Cat with Bird Sculpture


One of the things us humans love so much about cats is their love of play. We can sit and watch cats play for hours whether it’s a favourite toy or chasing insects.

​One thing is for if you don’t like cats chasing wild animals around your garden you will love this ornament. Made of aluminium it has a metal, bronze look to it and would make any garden lawn or patio look even better.
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pouncing cat garden ornament
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American mountain lion statue


Not everyone visualises pumas when they think of cats but these majestic hunters are closely related to our feline friends. This resin cat garden ornament is extremely life like and will become the talking point of your garden. Allow this apex predator to blend into your flower borders or even walk across your garden path.
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mountain lion ornament
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mountain lion garden ornament

Old river outdoors winged cat gargoyle


With their striking features and secretive nature it is no surprise that cats regularly feature in folk law and myth. In fact cats have been immortalised in sculptures for thousands of years featuring in early settlements. This wonderful statue combines the gothic theme of gargoyles and cats to create a rather splendid garden spectacle. This would look good guarding any garden shed or a pair either side of a path or doorway.
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cat gargoyle ornament
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Toscano shadowed predator Black Panther ornament


​Not to mention a garden ornament of the majestic Black Panther in this article would be a crime. That is why we have included this amazing and life like resin ornament.

​It displays a skulking black panther which would be perfect on any garden patio. The Black Panther is actually the black form of either a jaguar or leopard. The black colour makes these cats seem even more sinister and intimidating which is why we love them so much.
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black panther garden ornament
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Discoveries Egyptian cat goddess statue


Last but not least is this incredibly unique Egyptian Bastet cat goddess statue. It is actually hand made in Cairo and an actual depiction of the ancient goddess. She is the feline goddess of joy and protector of the home and family. This novelty cat ornament is 8 inches tall and made of polymer resin, a perfect gift or for the patio or lawn.

Egyption garden cat ornament
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We thought seeing you were here we would put a smile on your face with a very hilarious funny cat video!
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36 Lawn Decorations that will make you smile all year

3/5/2020

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Lawn decorations


Lawns have been the centre stage of gardens since they were first conceived many years ago. Grass provides the perfect green, soft multifunctional surface for work rest and play. 

​Many garden lovers obsess over their lawns working hard to make them a perfect, consistent surface. As lawns provide a perfect backdrop for other garden accessories it is no wonder lawn decorations are extremely popular.

Lawn decorations can be added to celebrate special events such as Christmas and birthdays. Alternatively lawn decor can come in the form of animal statues or cool garden ornaments.

​The range of interesting lawn decorations out there is endless with everything from Halloween decor, elegant statues and funny garden gnomes. From decor which helps frame the lawn or focal points which sit inside the lawn itself we have correlated the best lawn decoration ideas here. 

1. La Jolie garden Solar Snail


​This charming little snail makes a really cool way to decorate your lawn, flower beds or patio. Just place him wherever you want turn him on and allow the sun to charge him for around 24 hours. The La Jolie solar snail has many small solar lights which glow warm amber and an infections cheeky grin nobody could resist. 
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snail lawn decoration
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​2. Metal flamingo ornament


Flamingos have long been admired for their bright pink complexion and elegant but rather whacky appearance. Their amazing natural beauty makes them a typical choice for lawn decorations especially on the edge of flower beds. This metal flamingo ornament is perfect for enjoying the lawn whatever the weather is doing.
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flamingo lawn decoration
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​3. Stinky garden gnome


Garden gnomes have become a staple of garden lawns up and down the country for generations. They have become a much loved part of the garden with more modern versions becoming ever cheekier and refined. This cheeky and somewhat stinky garden gnome should really take his business elsewhere. However he does work very well as a light heated lawn decoration.
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gnome lawn decoration
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​4. Cute pig statue


Pigs are sometimes are not given the credit they deserve for both their intelligence and charm. Being a favourite livestock animal people forget just how cute and interesting they can be. This resin baby pig statue will pull at the heart strings of any garden lover! Even the ones that like sausages! This adorable little makes the perfect lawn decoration to treasure forever. 
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cute pig ornament
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​5. Bashful bunny


Rabbits are a very popular choice when it comes to animal statues and especially for the lawn. Rabbits are charismatic herbivores that are a typical symbol of rural living. Although most gardeners would threat at the idea of rabbits eating their plants there is no risk from the bashful bunny. This resin garden ornament makes a great lawn decoration with its life like aesthetics.
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Rabbit lawn ornament
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6. Decorative solar rose


​These exceptionally lifelike and beautiful garden solar roses are a feast for the senses day or night. These ornamental roses can be staked directly into the lawn or used in flowerbeds. These remarkable lawn decorations can add wonder to the garden at night perfect for weddings and birthday celebrations.
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solar rose
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​7. Child reading statue


Nothing can be more heart warming than the sight of children quietly reading outside on a warm spring like day. In a day of smart phones and digital devices it is easy to see how quickly our children are losing a sense of inner peace. This charming statue will bring quiet reflection at the most busiest of gardening duties.
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reading children statues
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8. Dragon lawn ornament


For thousands of years globally there have been cultures which depicted dragons in their artwork and legends. From ancient China to the Middle East and Europe dragons have featured in stone buildings and famous paintings.

​It seems humans obsessions with such creatures have never gone away. What better way to decorate your lawn than with this stunning dragon statue.
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Asian dragon ornament
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9. Zombie garden gnome


Zombies have become popular after a series of horror movies and video games immortalised them in our mines. Some of us just love to dabble in the weird, wonderful and downright scary. If it is for a Halloween event or just a bit of fun this is a lawn decoration that will turn heads every time.
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Zombie garden gnome
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10. ​Sleeping cat

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​No one can deny that cats are one of our most loved pet choices. It can be hard to see them as the graceful predators they are when they are curled up on our sofas. Or screaming to be fed! The truth is these wonderful animals have us wrapped around their fingers, well claws. This sleeping cat makes a wonderful lawn decoration if you are a cat lover or just admirer.

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sleeping cat ornament
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11. Solar moon light


It would be hard for any person not to be enchanted by the moon and the stars. This garden solar moon light replicates the majestic sight of the moon on a horizon and is powered by LED solar lights. This can simply be staked into the grass to create the perfect lawn decoration day or indeed at night.
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Solar moon ornament
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​12. Wishing well


Although wells have not been a necessity since the dawn of extensive pipe networks we still seem to love them. Perhaps for so long they were our access to life giving water we still crave them in the landscape. Whatever the motivation this wishing well will make the perfect lawn decoration to be cherished forever.
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wishing well ornament
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13. ​Terry the turtle


When it comes to lawn decorations there is nothing quite like exploring the animal world for inspiration. It is not completely certain if Terry is indeed a turtle or a tortoise! However his splendid lawn textured shell will make him blend in well with your garden lawn. Even better there will be no need to find him somewhere to hibernate every winter.

Lawn tortoise
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​14. Fire hydrant garden ornament


One sometimes wonders what it is exactly about fire hydrants that make them so visually appealing. Anyhow for some weird reason they are and you have to admit this hydrant garden ornament does have some rustic appeal. If it’s just to add a feature or just be different this will become a garden novelty for sure. 
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Fire hydrant garden ornament
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15. ​Watchful Meer cat 


There are very few who do admire the team work, family bonding and quirky personalities of Meer cats. These watchful little fellows make perfect lawn ornaments with their amusing upright posturing. Why not give one of these funny ornaments a home in your garden.
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Meerkat ornament
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​16. Solar ant


Ants are some of the most ancient insects in the world. Their collective efforts produce some of the most outstanding feats within nature. However this solitary, garden, solar ant is a bit of a peculiarity.

​With its curious look and bright red body it will have your guests amused. Wait until the sun comes down then this solar beauty really comes to life. 
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Solar ant ornament
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17. Solar wind spinner


​There is nothing better than watching the raw power of nature within the garden. From a kestrel coming down to take a rodent or sitting at the window watching a thunderstorm.

Any garden gadget which harnesses the motion of the wind is an exciting one. This solar wind spinner will make the garden come alive especially at night.
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solar spinner
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18. Stainless steel gazing ball


This stainless steel gazing ball will create a whole new dimension to your garden reflecting from the ground up to the sky. This garden novelty will capture the sun’s rays and create a focal point even on the darkest of winter days. Its alluring sparkle will create a spectacular lawn decoration perfect for landscaping of all types.
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gazing ball
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​19. Snowy owl garden ornament


Nobody can resist the charm of owls let alone the godly nature of the snowy owl. These amazing birds of prey are one of the most successful species on earth. Immortalised in life size and a life like resin aesthetic this lawn ornament will become a much loved part of the garden.
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snowy owl
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​20. Black panther garden stalker


When searching for a lawn decoration with the biggest impact who could deny that this is not a contender. The majestic Black Panther is one of the earth’s most efficient predators.

The panther is a melanistic form of either the leopard or Jaguar and one of nature’s wonders. Why not give your garden a touch of magic with this fantastic feline ornament.


panther garden ornament
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21. Yeti statue


For many years men have seen tall hair covered ape like creatures in the remote wildernesses of the planet. Bigfoot or yeti like creatures is reported pretty much all over the world. If you believe in yeti or not you have to admit the idea is sure exciting. This fine representation of the elusive but handsome beast can make an interesting lawn decoration to be cherished.
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Yeti statue
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​22. Metal peacock


​Nothing in nature can be as unique and amazing as the male peacocks tail display. Peacocks perform this dance to attract a partner during the mating season. The thing is people kind of like it too! It is not really practical for every household to keep one as a pet but you can buy this fantastic metal ornament instead.
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peacock ornament
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23. Magical mushroom lawn decor


Mushrooms are one of nature’s novelties; they spread their networks of mycelia under the ground over large areas. There is so much we still do not know everything about these amazing organisms.

​What we do know is some of them have magical qualities with some being very medicinal. There quirky nature makes these ornaments perfect lawn decorations to be enjoyed anytime.


mushroom lawn decor
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​24. Iguana statue


Lizards like this impressive iguana have walked the earth for millions of years. There beauty and somewhat menacing appearance make them so captivating.

​Perhaps it is because they are the closet living thing we have to dinosaurs? Well whatever your climates with this resin replica ornament you can enjoy this natural beauty any time. This iguana will have you guests curious as it skulks the edge of your lawn. 
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iguana garden ornament
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​25. Standing bird bath


As I am sure we will all agree garden birds have reduced in number over the past few decades. A dramatic loss of habitat and food has led to less of these iconic song birds.

​One of the ways we can help them back from the brick is to provide fresh water for drinking and bathing. This standing bird bath makes great lawn decoration while encouraging birds back into the garden.
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Bird bath
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26. Sitting fox Ornament


​Whether you love foxes or see them as a pest you have to admit they are very cute. Even though many people are not overwhelmed to have them in the garden we wouldn’t mind this handsome ornament. This life like sitting fox will watch over your lawn and have people second glancing, wondering if it will take off suddenly.
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Fox lawn decoration ornament
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​27. Solar butterflies


Everybody is enchanted by the fluttering of butterflies on the summer time breeze. These colourful insects look amazing during the day but now you can also appreciate them at night.

​Why not pin these solar butterflies into your lawn? They will light up the garden at night in the most dazzling way making especially awesome lawn decorations.
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Solar butterflies
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28. Japanese blue herons


This sophisticated Japanese blue heron ornament is a perfect match for any garden lawn. The blue heron with its majestic beauty and handsome good looks will make it a focal point. Do you have a garden pond? Even better this garden ornament will look even better reflecting in the water’s edge.
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stork
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29. tortoise resin garden ornament


Tortoises have always been extremely popular pets and for good reason. These extraordinary animals have remained unchanged in evolution since the dinosaurs.

​With stricter pet laws tortoises are not as plentiful as they used to be but you don’t have to miss out. This life like resin ornament will mean there is always a curious little tortoise not far away. 


tortoise garden ornament
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30. Buddha garden statue


There is something about the imagery of Buddha which resonates with so many people. Regardless if they are Buddhist or not we just love sculptures of this iconic figure.

​With his iconic warm smile and pop belly we just love him especially in our gardens. Maybe he just makes us feel good about our own waistline? One thing is for sure he makes for perfect lawn decoration, every time.
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Buddah statue
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 31. Japanese stone lantern


Japanese stone lanterns or Toro’s were typically used to line pathways around Buddhist temples. The lanterns were traditionally lit with candles and are works of art in their own right.

These beautiful garden ornaments can be wired with electric mains or solar lighting. This makes them a perfect option for decorating the garden lawn or any part of the garden for that matter!
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Chinese lantern
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32. Solar flame lights


Solar lights can really set help to bring that extra something special to the garden at night. What makes these solar flame lights unique is the dancing flames add excitement and drama at night. These solar lights are perfect around the edge of flower beds helping to frame your lawn when the sun comes down.
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Solar flame lights
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33. Goddess of youth garden statue


​The Greek Goddess of youth Hebe was the daughter of Zeus and married Hercules. Regardless if you are into Ancient Greek culture or not you have to admit she makes a good statue. Regardless if you have a classical themed garden or not this work of art is the ultimate historical lawn decoration. 


Goddess of youth statue
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34. Roman column


Large stone columns are typical in Greek and Roman architecture. They were used as a decorate means of supporting large lintels and roofs.

​They were so effective that they have been re-used in modern buildings until the present day. Not only do these relics of ancient architecture work well in buildings they look great on garden lawns also.
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Roman column
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35. Stone lion statues


Lions have been popular statues since the dawn of architecture and for good reason. Lions are known as the king of the beasts and it is easy to see why.

​The male lion with its impressive maine and terrifying stare is an impressive beast indeed. These lion statues will watch over your garden lawn with pride and be the envy of all your neighbours.
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Lion statues
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Lion statues

36. Celtic fairy statue


There are many different types of fairies in Celtic culture. In fact many people in Ireland today still believe in these spiritual beings.

​There is a famous case in Ireland where a whole new motorway rude was moved because it initially travelled through a sacred fairy tree. Whether you believe in fairies or not this statue will certainly bring some magic to your garden.
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Celtic angel statue
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family reunion sign


What better lawn decoration is there but one than one that welcomes your family and friends quite literally to a special event.

​This Family reunion sign simply sticks straight into your lawn perfect for birthdays or just family events in general. Why not surprise them by creating a garden shrine to your family making everyone reflect on how lucky they are to have each other.


Family reunion sign
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 Thank you for reading our post on Lawn Decorations that will make you smile all year round. Did it help you in your search? If not why not check out our article on garden décor ideas here.

Or alternatively we have linked to a useful video below! If we did do a good job of helping you why not share it with your friends?
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Garden tool organisers

3/4/2020

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Garden tool organisers
This article contains affiliate links


Gardening is one of those past times that just require so many tools. Whether its lawn care, planting, weeding or clearing, the amount of tool you need can be quite overwhelming. 

Garden tool organisers are a great way to organise a shed or garage. They can help sort your tools into different categories and types. The best thing about garden tool organisers is they can help you utilise vertical space.

Such vertical areas are commonly neglected space that is perfect for organising your gardening tools. These organisers can come in the form of storage boxes, racks and wall mountable shelving systems.

​We have broken down the types of garden tool organisers which are perfect for your garage or shed.

Garden tool stands

A typical issue when it comes to organising garden tools is how long most of them are. Long handles on gardening tools allow for minimal bending and over exertion. This does not however make storing them easy. It is common for them to be stacked horizontally up against a wall or corner. After a while they become tangled up and ever more leaning taking up too much space.
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This also becomes a trip hazard around sharp and spike instruments. It is beneficial therefore to have a garden tool organiser that allows your tools to be stacked upright. Garden tool storage racks and tool stands allow you to do just that.

​With a system that allows you to put your tools in handle first there is no chance of snagging. These garden tool stands also have side pockets for smaller hand tools and accessories.
garden tool stand
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Garden tool caddies on wheels

It is one thing to get your garden tools stacked neatly and organised in a shed but what about while you work. Having only two pairs of hands it can be challenging moving your gardening tools everywhere they need to be.

​It is difficult to stay organised when on the move especially if you have a large garden. The best way to organise your tools on the move is with a garden tool organiser caddy.

Very much like a golf caddy these trolleys can stack long tools vertically as well as smaller hand tools. These come in a range of sizes and types making your gardening easier over distance.

​Another option for a mobile tool organiser is to purchase a garden pull along trolley.  These allow you to lay gardening tools down horizontally ready for long distance duties.
garden tool caddy
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Garden tool shelving

Many things we need to maintain our gardens are not always long and cumbersome. Many tools and for want of a better word ‘bits and bobs’ are also very difficult to store efficiently.

​Making use of vertical room for these tools is best done with some high rise garden tool shelving. These vertical structures are great garden tool organisers. I have put one of the best examples on Amazon here.

garden tool shelving
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Garden tool storage box

It is usually garden hand tools which become a little challenging to organise. This is especially true if you often undergo garden improvements and landscaping projects.

This can mean owning extra tools on top of all the gardening essentials. Add to these garden items such as weed burners and lawn care gadgets and more space will be needed. This is where garden storage boxes can come in handy.

​These are great for organising your tools as they allow you more space. These large boxes or chests can have an opening lid which becomes extra seating when it’s closed.

garden tool storage shed
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Garden tool storage shed

Sometimes the best way to ensure organised garden tools is to keep them separate. This means removing them from a shed or garage completely and moving them somewhere else.

​The best way to do this buy separate outdoor tool storage shed. This allows you to create more storage space in a place that is easy to access. Garden tool, storage sheds come in a range of sizes, materials and styles. These make great garden tool organisers especially if you have limited storage space.
garden tool storage shed
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Wall garden tool organisers

​One of the best ways to organise your garden tools is by fixing storage methods to walls. The vertical surfaces in garages and sheds have huge potential for making tools methodically accessible. There are a few different products and methods which fall into this category. We have listed some of the best below.  
Wall garden tool organiser
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Wall mountable tool holders

These usually come in brackets which screw to the walls of your shed or garage. They present a series of horizontal loops or holes so you can hang gardening tools through them.

​The type of tools you can store with these depends on the type you buy. Most examples of these display the type of tool suitability on the sales image. The best wall mountable garden tool organisers can handle a variety including long and short tools.

Wall tool hooks
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Garden tool hooks

Tool hooks are the simplest form of wall mountable garden tool holders. These come in many variations and can be arranged vertically or horizontally.

​In essence these are similar to tool holders but with the flexibility to position individual hooks. Garden tool hooks are also effective for making use of ceiling joists and doors.

Tool screw hooks
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Bin panel racks

Bin panel racks are a great way to vertically organise all those small bits and pieces the gardener needs. Things like screws, nails, hose attachments and wire. These wall mountable garden tool organisers come with a series of boxes or bins to put things in.

​A metal wall plate is fixed to the wall and the provided bins simply clip on to it. This allows you to effectively clad the wall with miniature storage boxes. This is a great way to organise things if you have many bits and bobs. 
bin panel racks
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Magnetic tool organisers

These genius tool organisers are a fantastic way to store tools in a place you can actually see them! How many times have you been fiddling around at the bottom of buckets trying to find one tool?

​This garden tool organiser is probably not effective for very heavy tools but for smaller ones it’s perfect. Simply attach the magnetic strip to the wall and just organise your tools how you wish.

magnetic tool organiser
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Garden tool organiser ideas

​When it comes to organising garden tools there are so many methods, products and ideas. We have found a useful video with extra tips and ideas to effectively manage your garden tools below. 

DIY garden tool organisers

If you are handy with DIY you may wish to consider creating your very own garden tool organisers. This is particularly useful if you need to custom build things to fit in tight spaces. Some of the most effective tool organisers are built in this way. We have posted an informative video on the subject for you below.
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Thank you for reading our article on garden tool organisers we really hope we helped you with your search! If we did help, why not consider sharing it? This really helps us out and inspires us to write more helpful blog posts. 


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Mini Greenhouses:  a step by step guide with pictures

3/4/2020

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Mini greenhouse
This article contains affiliate links


Mini greenhouses come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and materials but fundamentally do the same thing. They provide a warm growing environment for germinating and growing your plants of choice.

​Unlike large greenhouses they can be moved around and do not necessarily need a base of any kind. Any greenhouses are particularly good for germinating seeds and growing on young plants early in the season. Because mini greenhouses come in such a wide spectrum we have put together this step by step guide for you. 
Cold frame

What is a mini greenhouse?

Mini greenhouse is really a blanket term for a whole range of smaller greenhouse devices and structures. They all do the same job as a large greenhouse but more flexible in terms of positioning.

By far the most common association for the term ‘mini greenhouse’ is the walk in or lean to greenhouse. These are very similar in construction to regular greenhouses but much smaller. These will usually be fixed to a wall or south side of a house.  

​Most mini greenhouses are not suitable for growing very large plants. They are however perfect for germinating young plants while growing a few tomatoes and chillies in summer.

​I have identified thirteen types of structures which are commonly thought of as mini greenhouses. I have given a full breakdown of these below with some links to them on Amazon.
greenhouse

Propagators

Propagators are typically small growing trays with domed, transparent plastic covers over the top. Their primary function is to germinate seeds and grow them on until large enough to handle.

Propagators are in their own way a type of mini greenhouse but far from such in many ways. These are used on south facing window ledges during the spring to get plants started early.

​There are many variations of propagators on the market including some electric heated propagators. We have left a link to one of these below.
​If you would like more information in general about how to grow in propagators check out our article here. 
Propagator
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Terrariums

A terrarium is an enclosed or open transparent vessel which contains a unique growing environment. Usually domed a terrarium mimics the atmospheric hydraulic cycle within a small area.

This combined with sunlight warming the structure create a unique microclimate. Like a miniature tropical rain forest this is perfect for growing mosses, ferns and other unusual plants. In the past terrariums were used in scientific studies to study insects and rare plants.

​Sometimes terrarium structures are created as a planted showpiece or an enclosure for warm loving creatures like snakes.

Terrarium
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Cloches

Cloches are used to cover plants which have just been planted outside early in the growing season. Young plants can go into shock when first planted outside.

Even in early summer nights can still be cold and cloches allow you to just give plants that transitional cover while they adapt. I would say cloches are used to protect from the cold rather than create a warm environment.

​These come in a wide range of styles from domed individual plant covers to long foldable plastic tunnels. By far the most common are the long planting tunnels which are typically used by vegetable gardeners.

Cloche
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Mini pop up greenhouses

These rather fun mini greenhouses are very similar in set up to pop up tents. Simply allow the greenhouse to pop up and then you have a small space to grow what you want.

Although extremely convenient and portable these mini greenhouses are not very particle. Firstly you will need to make sure it is anchored so it does not blow away in any strong wind.

​Such a small growing area can lead to extreme fluctuations in heat which can be testing for many plants. Pop up greenhouses to have their place but are probably best used as large propagators or cloches. 
mini pop up greenhouse
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Cold frames

Cold frames are typically rigid structures made of timber and glass. They utilise horizontal space with lids to open and close. This allows you to place seedlings and young plants places outside to grow on and gain strength.

Cold fames are mini greenhouses that are usually used to ‘harden off’ plants before they are planted out. This involves taking plants out on sunny days but putting them back inside during the night.

​Cold frames are very useful to bridge the part of the season that has warm days but cold nights. These miniature greenhouses do come in a wide range of types. We have put a selection of these below.

coldframes
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Cupboard cold frames

Cupboard cold frames do exactly the same jobs as conventional cold frames but they utilise vertical space. The added benefit with these is they can be mounted up against a warm wall.

This enables you to take advantage of a mild microclimate when growing. The main disadvantage with these mini greenhouses are they are usually shelved. This means there is not much potential to grow taller plants.

​Furthermore the shelving can block the sunlight to lower levels. This can cause seedlings to lean and become leggy making them difficult to plant on.

Cupboard greenhouse
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Lean to mini greenhouses

Lean to greenhouses rely on another external vertical surface like a wall to create an enclosed growing area. They are extremely efficient at using unused vertical space for growing.

Placed up against a warm wall, lean to greenhouses can actually become warm on sunny, winter days. The only issue with these mini greenhouses is they can be a little pokey and become extremely hot on summer days. 

​They are however a great way to make used of an unused part of the garden. I have left a good example on one of these below.
lean to greenhouse
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Walk in garden greenhouses

Walk in greenhouses allow you to walk in via a central avenue and have planting areas and shelves on either side. These range from very shallow mini greenhouses that lean up against walls or deeper set glasshouses.

What the exact measurement of pathway is where a walk in greenhouse becomes a conventional greenhouse is unclear. I would say when a walk in greenhouse reaches as deep as it is wide it would become just a greenhouse. 

​This is a lose assumption but in general these have the feel of a walk in wardrobe but with plants.
walk in greenhouse
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Mini greenhouse dome

Mini greenhouse domes have slowly come into fashion in recent years for growing but also as a focal point. These range in sizes from window seal examples to larger greenhouse types.

Some larger examples are built with sophisticated metal work and glass. When it comes to growing plants however they are a little intractable. The sloping edges and circular walls make it difficult to add shelves and staging.

​This makes for an awkward mini greenhouse to grow in but can still be fun for the garden. Admittedly dome greenhouses to look modern ad exciting. 
Mini dome greenhouse
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Victorian mini greenhouse

The Victorian era saw its fair share of greenhouses. The Victorians used to build the most elaborate and decorative greenhouses which they filled full of exotic treasures they found from faraway lands.

Due to the beauty of these structures there are now many Victorian mini greenhouses on the market. Admittedly I find these all very well built and charming.

​Probably best for smaller planting operations and to house novelty exotics like citrus perhaps. They come in a wide variety of colours and sizes. I have left a link to a favourite here.

Victorian mini greenhouse
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Mini greenhouse tunnel

Some mini greenhouses that have become rather popular in current times are the small tunnel greenhouse. Technically a polytunnel these mini greenhouses can be quite large.

Generally real commercial polytunnels are absolutely huge but these garden varieties are a good greenhouse alternative. These typically consist of a stainless steel frame and durable polyethylene plastic.

​Greenhouse tunnels are a great way to get a larger growing area with a less permanent infrastructure. Depending on what size you get you can grow everything from gherkins to chillies on mass.  Greenhouse tunnels are also rather cost efficient for the amount of growing space you get.
tunnel mini greenhouse
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Mini greenhouse shed

Another type of mini greenhouse is the greenhouse shed. It’s not that this space is miniature in any way it is just these are a greenhouse shed hybrid.

Typically they have all the characteristics of sheds but with one side completely glass. This allows for a modest area to grow multiple warm loving plants. At the same time much of the same space can be used to store tools and other typical accessories.

​Greenhouse sheds vary greatly with some having large amounts of glass and some simply have large windows. Whether you want to sow a few seeds or grow a row of tomatoes there is a wide range to choose from.

Shed greenhouse
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Small greenhouses

When covering a subject as broad as mini greenhouses it is important to realise common greenhouses are small in comparison to commercial glasshouses. There are some standard garden greenhouses that are small in size and ideal for smaller gardens. I have included a link to a small traditional greenhouse below.
Small greenhouse
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DIY mini greenhouse

​In its simplest form a greenhouse is just a rigid structure covered in a transparent material. Therefore it is not too much of a difficult thing to build yourself with some basic DIY knowledge. You may wish to recycle some old materials you have or just want to custom build your own. For this reason I have linked to this video which gives inspiration for building your own greenhouse. 

Plastic mini greenhouses

When it comes to buying a mini greenhouse you can try a tent like one with a plastic sheet to get you started. With these you have to realise the plastic will only last 3 years if you are lucky. Seeing these are generally cheep to begin with and very portable this is not a huge problem.

If you want to buy a plastic greenhouse try to buy one with a metal frame, preferably one that screws together. I say this because through experience ones with plastic connectors and frames become brittle very quickly.

​This will leave them very vulnerable to wind damage pretty much from the first season. Much better to have at least one robust frame and you can purchase replacement covers as you need them. 
Plastic mini greenhouse
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Glass mini greenhouses

In general I would say if you are serious about gardening in a mini greenhouse the stronger the better. From experience when you get used to having a glass house it is very difficult to go back.

There is nothing worse than buying one and it fails within a couple of years. Hence any structure that is designed to hold glass will be sturdy and robust. Whether its metal or timber frames mini greenhouses with glass are always a better option.

​With glass however there is always the threat of breakages. If you or your neighbours have young children you may have to consider how often they play ball.  
glass mini greenhouse
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What is the best mini greenhouse?

Seeing the term ‘mini greenhouse’ potentially spans so many options I would consider a few points. How big is your gardening operation? If you love gardening or new but expanding remember the larger the better.

It is difficult to expand when you already have a small greenhouse. If you are simply trying to geminate plants before the spring a walk in greenhouse is perfect. If you actually want to grow full sized crops such as tomatoes and chillies you are better off with at least a small tunnel.

In summer it is amazing just how large and quickly plants can grow in this warm environment. Measure out your space, have a think about what your maximum growing area should be and review this article again to help you make a decision. 

Where do I position my mini greenhouse?

The best place to position your greenhouse is somewhere that gets plenty of light. A south facing position is always optimal but as long as it gets at least 6 hours sunlight a day it should be fine.

Remember that mini greenhouses can fluctuate in temperature during the summer months. If you do locate it in a very sunny area try to make sure there is enough air circulating the space.

 This way in summer if it gets too hot you can easily ventilate the structure. Try to locate your greenhouse near a water source of some kind, there will be no plants if there is no way of watering them.

​If you have a large garden try to keep it in view of the home, It is so easy to forget about plantings if you are busy. If you have young children who like to play ball try to locate it out of harm’s way. For more information on positioning your greenhouse we have provided an informative article here. 

What can I grow in a mini greenhouse?

​You can grow pretty much anything in your greenhouse that its size and growing medium will allow.  During the winter months you can grow some leafy greens while in summer you can grow more exotic plants. Tomatoes, peppers, gherkins egg plant can all be grown in greenhouses in temperate climates. The best way to learn about the uses and limitation of greenhouses is to buy an informative manual. I have placed one for reference down below.

Mini greenhouse care

No matter what mini greenhouse you end up getting you will need to practice some annual care. After every growing season wash the inside of your greenhouse with soapy water and a sponge.

​This will stop any fungal spores building up and get with of any pests and bacteria. Also try to clean pots, turn over soil to oxygenate and top up with fresh compost. With these annual hygiene tips your greenhouse will be productive for many years to come.

Enjoy your greenhouse

Once you are a proud owner of a new greenhouse you should be excited about this new adventure! You will now have much longer growing seasons and be able to dabble in some exotic wonders. Whatever you end up growing one thing is for sure! Your gardening will be just a little bit more exciting from now on.


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Are garden multi tools any good?

3/3/2020

5 Comments

 
Are garden multi tools any good
This article contains affiliate links


Making an investment in any new power tool is always a tricky process. Often it can be a complete minefield trying to find out if something will be a valuable return on investment. We have all been sucked into the trap of buying something cheap and paying more in the long run. I am sure that most would agree that paying more is fine as long as you get something that will last.

This is the same thing I asked myself when I first came across petrol garden multi tools on Amazon. They seemed like the ultimate wonder tool that could perform 4 separate functions with one device.

Most of the numerous multi tools have a hedge trimmer, chainsaw, strimmer and brush cutter attachment. Furthermore most of these average £150 which seems rather good value. To buy these tools separately would easily double that cost straight away.

Although I have generally had negative experiences with garden multi tools I am now on my third! Their good value for money and ability to generally do the job has kept bringing me back. In hind sight however there are many things I would have considered differently if I was to buy them again.
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In this article I will describe my experience with three models and come to a conclusion if they are worth the money.  
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What are garden multi tools?

Garden multi tools are 2 stroke petrol engine machines that can carry out multi functions in the garden. The engine drives a shaft through a central tube which can power different working attachments.

​These commonly consist of a strimmer, brush cutter, chainsaw and hedge trimmer. They typically have an extra pole extension for extended long reach. Many of the garden multi tools on the market also come with a hardness and health and safety equipment.

Garden multi tool

Why I bought a garden multi tool

I had recently moved to an agricultural property and now had a third of an acre of garden to maintain. I had a background in garden maintenance so was familiar with petrol garden tools.

​I now had a 60 metre long Leylandii hedge to cut which was 2 metres high. I also had an 80 metre hawthorn hedgerow, a small fruit orchard and a 400 metre lawn. I knew that I was going to at least have to buy a long pole hedge trimmer.
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As the same with many people I had limited shed space so did not want to clutter it with tools. While browsing through Amazon I came across multiple examples multi tools and was quite impressed. I rapidly came to the conclusion that for the cost it worth taking a punt on petrol garden multi tool. 
Hedge cutting

My experience with three garden multi tools.

Overall I would certainly say my experience with these tools has been negative. On the other hand I have on every occasion put them through a fair bit of work.

I would say that may garden is larger than the average persons in the UK. I have used them to cut hedges, cut through brush and cut large, established apple trees.

​My first two purchases did the work but soon stopped working the third; the Parker brand is still working well. The reason for this is having learnt something’s that if I knew in the beginning would have helped. I will share these later in the article.

The Trueshopping  5 in 1 multi tool

My first experience was with the Trueshopping 5 in 1 multitool.  Everything worked well but did notice the device was very shaky during use. The harness was very flimsy and the straps would often slip out of the buckles.

The strimmer worked very well but the brush cutter dented and buckled easily after hitting a few rocks. At first the hedge trimmer attachment worked well and cut the Leylandii hedge well. I then tried cutting the one year old sprouts off of the hawthorn hedge. The cutter worked well but struggled with slightly larger stems.
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When it came to cutting the Leylandii hedge again I found that it was no longer cutting cleanly. Strands of foliage were simply left hanging annoyingly from the hedge. Then that year in the real problems started. The multi tool was always tricky to get started and took many pulls to get going.
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The cord had actually started to break into the casing via abrasion. This goes some distance to explain the quality of this product. Soon after the tool would not get going with any power. I tried to adjust just about everything I could before I took it to a repair shop. The repair shop simply refused to look at it and insisted they would not be able to fix it.
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Having already faced a losing battle with the tool I decided to get rid of it. I generally found this multi tool to have a cheap feel about it. I would certainly not recommend buying one. 

The Timber pro 52 cc multi tool

After having a bad experience with the Trueshopping multi tool I thought I would consider a few options moving forward. I guessed the old saying ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ had some relevance here. Perhaps I should buy just a good quality hedge trimmer just for the large hedge?

Perhaps it was a good idea to just buy a separate tool for each function.
Scrolling down through the Amazon reviews of multi tools I couldn’t help but think I had been unlucky. There were simply so many different types on the market most with good reviews. The problem was the Trueshopping multi tool also had good reviews!
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I had come to the conclusion that buying one of each tool was going to cost me a substantial amount. I decided to give petrol multi tools another try. This time I would do even more research and try to zoom into the product images to get an idea of quality. My line of thought was going for something that looks much more robust. 
After a couple of hours researching I decided that the Timber Pro garden multi tool was the one. This model was a little more expensive but had great reviews and looked sturdy.

I bought it and waited for it to be delivered. On its arrival I decided to have a good look at it and read through the manual. It was indeed more robust and sturdier than my last purchase.

The first project was to cut the Leylandii hedge; I mixed the fuel and started her up after 5 pulls. This machine seemed much more stable and more powerful than the Trueshopping.  It did everything I asked from it and cut both the Leylandii and hawthorn with no bother. Later that year I decided to lower the whole hawthorn hedge.

By using the chainsaw attachment I effortlessly cut through the 4 inch diameter branches. As I got to the last few bushes a branch fell on top of the saw forcing the plastic case into the chain. This completely busted the case and the chain and I had to complete the job with a hand saw. 
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The garden multi tool was good for a year and a half until it started to become difficult to start. I would find myself spending ages pulling at the cord to get it started. I knew I wasn’t flooding it, it wasn’t the spark plug or fuel mix so I was getting rather frustrated.

Then I pulled quickly and the cord came loose from the mechanism. Annoyed but patient I decided to unscrew the back to re-connect it. I do not think of myself as someone who is mechanically minded but I can do very basic repairs.

I found the springs and plastic which held the wheel in place very flimsy and cheap. One of the plastic attachments had broken in two so decided to screw it back up and seek help. The first two lawn mower repair shops would not touch it as it wasn’t a recognised brand t them.
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I did find a guy that would look at it for me but gave me quite a dismal summary of the situation. He said it was basically not worth fixing and would not be able to get the parts for it. Now I am not completely convinced this is completely the case but three repair services could not help. The fact that I could spend more repairing it than it was worth rendered it a write off. 

A lesson learned

During my time running around to different repair shops I did obtain some interesting information. Most of the time I got the same response ‘do not buy cheap stuff off Amazon!’ But a couple of people said that when using these machines it is good to use a fuel additive.

This can stop the fuel corroding working parts when it has been left idle for long periods. One repair shop guy advised me to only buy things which were built in the same country with accessible spare parts.  I decided in the end to buy individual professional tools for each of my main gardening chores. These included hedge cutting, tree cutting and strimming.

Tree cutting – For general light cutting I decided to buy a Makita 32cc petrol chainsaw

Strimming – For strimming I bought a Parker brand 52 cc brush cutter and trimmer
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Hedge cutting – For hedge cutting I bought a Stihl HS45 Hedge cutter
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From the day of writing this I have owned all of these for 3 years and all without a single problem.  Costing me collectively a little over £550 I would say in hindsight it was the better option. I just wish I hadn’t spend the £340 on the other cheaper multi tools. However it is important to note I was asking for a lot of work out of what is essentially a cheap product.  
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The Parker brand garden multi tool ​

​From reading the last paragraph you are probably wondering how on earth I got to buying a third one of these things! Well I hold my hands up, I went against all my logic and gut feelings, here is why.

​During my previous experiences and frustrations with petrol garden multi tools I had learnt a lot. Firstly I was simply buying something cheap and working it on a professional scale. My third of an acre patch with huge hedges and hedgerows were simply too much for them.

There was one feature I did miss about the multi tools and that was the long reach. The extender poles were perfect for reaching those hard to reach places and high branches.  My Stihl hedge cutter was great for cutting my hedge but I still needed the step ladder for the top section.

​With this in mind I was missing the long reach of the multi tool for some scenarios.  At this point I had met someone who had purchased a Parker Brand multi tool 4 years ago and it was still working well. He had made some recommendations to me on the model and his maintenance schedule.
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I came to the conclusion that it would not hurt to give a garden multi tool one more chance as a backup. Even if I used it sparingly for those awkward jobs that needed extra reach. 

I had already had great success with the Parker brand brush cutter which had now lasted a few years. I looked on Amazon and saw their multi tool was selling for £130. With some amazement at myself I took a deep breath and made the purchase.

This time I implemented some extra maintenance techniques to the garden multitool. I only used it for things that required extra reach and jobs that did not push it to its limit. The Parker Brand multi tool is now completing its second year and still working well with no problems.

​How it will fair over time is anyone’s guess but I have a feeling this time it will last a few seasons. Below are a few things you should consider and implement if you want a garden multi tool to last.  
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Storage

With hind sight one of the potential problems I was having was storing a garden multi tool in a damp environment. Even with a concrete built shed, cold and damp winter air can get into working parts.

​This can cause a range issues including corrosion and electrical faults. If you are storing a multi tool in a shed consider keeping it in a sealed container. By keeping the engine box inside or in a sealed environment will prevent damp getting in.

Fuel additives

One of the problems facing most petrol garden tools is they can stand idle for long periods. This can lead to fuel being left inside the engine for long periods.

​This can result in the fuel losing performance and corroding the inner parts. With garden multi tools it is a good idea to mix in a good quality fuel additive to reduce this risk. This will also go some way to prolong the life of petrol tools especially on the cheaper end of the spectrum.

Fuel additive

Make sure you can get it repaired

One thing to bear in mind with buying any power tool is it will at some point need things working on. Sometimes the cost of the parts and labour can mount up to a large proportion of the original cost.

​ This is therefore a good argument to buy reputable brands and pay a little extra. At the very least make sure you can get parts for it and this is not outside the realm of economic viability.


From my experience the garden multi tools were so cheap it was a calculated risk. If you are thinking of buying multi tools consider asking the seller for repairs information and spare parts.

​Visit your nearest garden machine repair workshop and ask their advice on which is the best. After all they will be the ones repairing it if it goes wrong.
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Should you buy a garden multi tool?

So I guess it is time to make a verdict here. Should you buy a garden multi tool?

If you have an average sized garden and do not intent to operate it on a large commercial scale it should be satisfactory. I have found them to not respond well to heavy duty gardening projects. If garden multi tools are pushed above their capabilities expect to only see one good season out of them.

With moderate garden tasks and correct storage and fuel care these can last 4 years and maybe longer.  Within the latter context they are worth the price. If you have moderate duties for each attachment it further supports their economic viability.

However if you have one huge hedge to cut every year buy a more robust tool designed specifically for that job. This also goes for chain saw cutting and brush cutting. Anything which mimics commercial operations on an annual basis will be too much for garden multi tools. This will inevitably cost you more in the long run.


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5 Comments

Fence decorations

3/3/2020

4 Comments

 
Fence decoration ideas
This article contains affiliate links


Fences and boundary walls are a necessary element to any outside space or boundary.  Most of the times these are build with timber fences. However these can also me wire mesh, brickwork, block work or other masonry. Generally when fences and boundaries are first put up they can look quite acceptable and even pleasing to the eye.

However in time the vigour’s of the outside environment can take its toll on fences and boundary walls. There may be times when it seems the best course of action is to cover these with some fence decorations. This can because there is a big event planned such as a wedding or birthday.
​Simply you may just feel the garden needs sprucing up a little.  Fence decorations can be effective in turning a dull boring fence into a work of excellence. This may seem a little ambitious but there plenty of things you can do to make your fences easy on the eye.

With their vertical surfaces and dry, shaded undersides fences can seem devoid of possibilities in most gardens. In fact fences have always created a bit of a head ache for most garden designers over the years.

​The truth is vertical boundaries of any sort can offer potential opportunities in all sorts of ways. Whether it’s adding colour, attracting wildlife, growing fruit, or just having fun! Fence decorations can transform a garden in ways you never though possible.
Solar fence decorations

Solar fence decorations

Fences and boundaries in general can become shaded and darker places of the garden. This combined with rain shadow can render them not the perfect place for plants. One of the main visual strengths of fences though is they have a strong backdrop perfect for projecting light. Although this is not the best fence decorations solution for during the day it can be very effective.
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This is especially the case if you intend on having many evenings with friends outdoors. Bear in mind lights can be used in addition to other fence decoration ideas later in this article. Solar fence decorations have the added benefit of not needing any continuous mains power being better for the environment.

Solar wall lights

​Solar wall lights come in a wide array of styles, colours and sizes. These are perfect for accentuating the vertical lines of fence posts all the way along the boundary. Solar wall lights also can project various colours such as red, green and blue to completely transform the feel of the garden at night. 
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Solar string lights

Solar string lights also come in multiple styles and can bring a very festive feel to the garden as a whole. The main advantage of string lights is they can be used to frame the garden space at night. String lights can also be laid in a path to spell out special messages along fences. This is perfect for personal family events and gatherings.
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Solar net lights

Solar net lights are the perfect way to completely cover a fence with colour and light at night. These are the most effective fence decorations for a night time display. They can be fixed tightly to a fence or allowed to hang down from the top. The latter will allow for gentle movement in the night time breeze.
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Animal fence decorations

Animals bring us joy and are a visual reminder that we share the world with amazing creatures. Nothing man made can recreate the beauty of some of the animals that walk our planet.

For millennia man has decorated his environment with depictions of wild animals to celebrate their environment. Even in modern times this has not changed. Animal ornaments and paintings are as popular today as they were thousands of years ago.

​It is no surprise therefore that they also make great fence decorations. From vibrant ladybirds to beautiful peacock animal wall art is perfect for decorating garden fences. We have displayed some popular ones on Amazon below.

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Artificial plants fence decorations

Most gardeners and even people for that matter love to see lush green environments. Gardens provide most of us with the only real option to access this within viewing distance of our homes.

This can be quite concerning especially for people living within very urban environments. It has been proven that green spaces can be good for mental health and well being. The problem is not everyone is a keen gardener and gardens full of large plants are difficult to maintain.
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These Fence decorations in the form of artificial plant screens could be the perfect solution. These weather proof artificial foliage fence decorations will cover up unsightly boundaries without the plant care or maintenance.
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Living green wall fence decorations

Without a doubt the best way to green a fence ideally is with real living plant material. Even though artificial foliage can look good there will be no seasonal interest or flowering. In addition to this living plants can have some very ecological benefits to our surrounding environment. Plants through photosynthesis produce oxygen which feeds the air we breathe with oxygen.

Plants also help to cool down urban gardens in summer and purify the air of pollutants. The only real way to utilise your fence as a new growing area is by creating a green wall. This can be done by installing a modular system or pocket system. Either a lattice of planting trays of fabric pockets are fixed to the fence and then filled with soil. 
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​These can create quite dramatic and inspirational planting schemes. By using plants with varying contrasts striking displays can be created. Herbs and leafy green vegetables can also be grown to create a living edible wall!

These elaborate fence decorations are all possible as long as you water every day in summer or install drip feed irrigation. Some modular systems come with their own watering system build in.
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Alternatively with smaller fabric systems dry loving plants such as sedums can be grown. We have displayed some of these living wall fence decoration systems below.
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Vine supporting fence decorations

For many the idea for heavy soil laden modular cells and fences full of more plants can be a step too far. This is especially the case with regular watering in summer or installing irrigation. There is no doubt however that there real benefits of living plants acting as eco friendly fence decorations.

The other option is to grow decorative or fruiting, climbing plants up the face of the fence. With careful species selection and pruning this can be an effective way to cover a fence. The best way to train climbing plants up a fence is by fixing a wire system. This can be done by fixing steel eye bolts to fence posts and tightening horticultural wire between the fixings.
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The result is a horizontal cable system for climbing plants to grow. If using this system try to grow delicate evergreen climbers. These will not get too thick at the base and heavy for the structure and look great all year round.
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Fruit bushes and trees

Small fruit bushes and trees can be carefully pruned up against a fence to completely cover it. This method will require meticulous pruning every year but the results can be extraordinary. 

​Fruits like pears, peaches and even figs can be grown this way covering your fence with tasty treats. A word of caution this is not ideal for very small gardens. Even with regular pruning fruit trees will also take up some horizontal spaces making a garden slightly narrower.
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Lattice fence decorations

Lattice timber and metal frames can also be effective fence decorations. With these you have the opportunity to hang extra decorations or grow things up. These can come in a wide range of styles and materials. Below we have left some suggestions of these.
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Screening

Screening can come in many forms but one of its many benefits is it can hide unsightly fences and create a consistent surface. The main types of these are bamboo, reed and willow screening. These are usually sold in rolls and fixed to the fence beneath. Below is some examples of typical garden screening.
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Hanging fence decorations

A great way to decorate your fence is to hang novelty things from it. One of the most common ways of doing this is with hanging baskets. Hanging baskets are typically suspended pots filled with soil and planted with decorative plants.

These baskets usually turn into magnificent floral displays in the summer time. With daily watering hanging baskets can become great fence decorations your neighbours will envy you for!

​The best way to suspend these is with triangular metal brackets which hold the baskets a few inches from the fence. When it comes to hanging fence decorations there are many options so we have put some good examples below.

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Fence decorations for wildlife

Commonly fences will seem completely inadequate for supporting any form of interest or life for that matter! However it is completely possible for a fence to be both interesting and perfect for all sorts of wildlife. One of the best ways to achieve this is with insect hotels!
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These brilliant boxes of cane tubes and dense nooks and crannies are perfect for solitary insects to live. Insect hotels can provide nesting opportunities for beneficial insects eat your garden pests. The varying textures and colours of insect hotels really jazz up standard fences making them cool fence decor. 
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One habitat type which has become particularly rare in modern gardens is dead wood. Old decaying branches and logs provide food and shelter for rare beetles and over wintering insects. Small logs and old branches can be fixed tightly to fences to create naturalistic cladding.
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Small song birds such as robins like to nest about 5 foot off the ground. Why not decorate the tops of your fences with nesting boxes to encourage this friend of the garden. Please note probably not a great idea if you have local cats. 
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Painting

It may in many ways seem obvious to paint a fence especially if it is getting old and tired. As well as making it look much better good quality paint will assist in prolonging a fence considerably.

​Even though painting is a great decoration option very few people do it. Perhaps for some it is scary to let your creative flare go wild and paint your fence with bright colours. So in order to persuade you we have shown some inspirational examples here.

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Garden mirrors

​Garden mirrors are a great method of decorating your garden fences. They can easily be attached to vertical surfaces and can give the illusion a space is bigger than it really is.  Mirrors also make a space lighter which means they are perfect for small town gardens. They come in a wide range of styles and sizes; we have left some links to some on Amazon here.
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Artificial lawn

​This may seem like a rather weird and wonderful suggestion but artificial lawn is effective on vertical structures. If you want to cover and unsightly fence or wall fake lawn provides a soft and fine textured surface. This can become a novelty fence decoration and blur the line between what is garden and boundary.  Artificial lawn can be fixed to fences with nails or strong adhesives. 
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More fence decorations ideas



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4 Comments

Garden Hand tools: a step by step guide

3/2/2020

1 Comment

 
Garden hand tools
This article contains affiliate links


Gardening hand tools come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and uses which reflects how varied gardening is. In order to decide what gardening tools are best for you can be tricky at first. The key is to decide what kind of gardener you are, how big your plot is and what you will be growing. The biggest determining factor is the size of your plot. If you only grow in pots such as a city or balcony gardener a basic hand tools will be effective.

If you have a larger garden and growing in soil your hand tool collection will be much more substantial. Activities such as digging, pruning, clearing and tidying require their own specialised gardening hand tools.

​These staple activities will also be accompanied by more specialised gardening activities within your preference. For example if you develop an interest in propagating new plants you will need propagators and hand trowels. Fruit growers will need good quality pruning and cutting tools.
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Generally though all gardeners including the most regular weekend gardeners will all need a good selection. Hence we have put together our step by step guide of garden hand tools describing each ones uses. This will enable you to browse through and decide what ones you need.

Digging

Digging and working the soil is one of the most labour intensive gardening activities. Although hard work, digging and working the soil is a fundamental part of gardening.

​Digging allows you to add beneficial particles to the ground including organic matter and sand or grit for drainage. Turning the soil also adds air which assists reaching a friable texture where plants roots can spread with ease. Turning the soil, conditioning, weeding and planting are some digging activities which need specific garden hand tools

Spades

Probably one of the most common garden hand tools the spade is a typical digging tool. Spades consist of a long handle with a flat metal digging plate at the end.

It has foot rests either side of the blade which allow you to excerpt downward force to penetrate the ground. Once the blade is submerged using the mechanical force of leverage soil can separated from the surrounding ground.

​It is typical for soil to be dug out in clods and turned over or carted away. Some primary uses of this garden hand tool are planting shrubs, digging out old shrubs and double digging. The spade being a primary digging tool can be used for all sorts of gardening and landscaping projects.

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Shovels

Very similar to spades shovels also consist of long handles and a flat blade. Shovels are forged at a slight angle with a larger, slightly cupped blade. This allows for more scooping type work for example clearing out loose earth or aggregate materials. Generally shovels are used for manual loading materials such as sand and clearing up garden waste.
Shovels
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Post hole diggers

These rather odd looking garden hand tools are an essential gadget especially for landscape gardeners. They are made up of two spade like tools hinged near the blades. This allows for them to be rammed into the ground with a great downward force.

The handles can be then be pushed together to collect loose soil. This motion is perfect for digging long, narrow holes perfect for planting and erecting fence posts. Even though these garden hand tools are meant to dig they are not good at loosening tough ground.

​For deeper holes it is common to loosen tough ground with a spade or iron bar.  It is a good idea to wear steel toe cap boots when using this tool to avoid accidental impacts to feet.
Post hole diggers
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Forks

Forks are a garden hand tool that is common to many gardeners’ sheds and garages across the land. These are called into action when the ground is exceptionally dry and compacted.

​The four pronged spikes allow you to push down a lot of force on a very small surface area. This makes it easy to push down deeply and dig over the soil. Digging over the soil with a fork leaves the ground rough and open to the elements. This is the first step to working the soil into better condition.

Garden forks
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Pitch folks

Pitch forks are similar to garden forks but used for lighter, usually loose green material. These garden hand tools have longer handles and spikes that conventional forks. This makes them perfect for shifting green materials such as garden waste, manure, bark mulch, hay and hedge clippings. Pitch forks are also very effective for turning compost.
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Grafts

​Grafts consist of a long iron bar with a robust small spade at the end. These are very effective at breaking apart compacted ground chopping out large roots. This garden hand tool is commonly used for fencing work and deep excavations. Its length and sturdy rigidity means it can very useful for heavy jobs requiring leverage
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Mutts

A mutt is effectively a huge metal scrapping and chopping tool with a long sturdy handle. Many speculate that this garden hand tool does not have a specific purpose. It is nonetheless extremely useful for a whole variety of different uses. In the garden it is great for chopping out roots, edging and trenching the ground.
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Mattocks

​Mattocks are often mistaken for pick axes but they are in fact quite different. Mattocks are shorter and more compact with an axe head on one side and a wide copping head on the other. These are great for working with hard ground full of roots and rocks. The chopping head can cut out large portions of soil while the axe can chop and be used as a leaver. This is a great garden hand tool for demolition and groundwork’s.   
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Pick axes

​Pick axes utilise the swinging motion of the user to generate enough force to penetrate difficult ground. They are similar in form to mattocks but have longer, thinner heads. Pick axes are used for harder ground where there are obstacles such as loose aggregate and concrete in the ground. Pick axes are used to firstly penetrate the ground and then using leverage pull up and loosen the substrate. 
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Planting

One of the most fundamental parts of gardening is planting the plants you love. Whether it’s germinating new seedlings and potting them on or planting larger shrubs.

Planting successfully is a skill all of its own, once you have dug the hole you need to plant and consolidate the soil but not compact. Then the plant must be watered in to settle the soil around the roots. In the northern hemisphere the planting season is from November to March.

​The reason for this is plants are dormant at this time of the calendar with re-planting causing less stress. There are a few staple garden hand tools you will need for planting we have listed below. 
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Hand trowels

Hand trowels are an essential part of the gardener’s tool kit. They allow you to get close to the soil and plant your plants with ease. They do come in a wide range of sizes and quality but all do the same job. Some hand trowels have a longer, narrower blade which is ideal for weeding and sowing seeds.
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Hand augers

Hand augers give you a little more power when digging out ground for planting. Augers are effectively a large drill bit which you can rotate into the ground to bore out a planting pocket. As well as hand augers you can also buy power drill auger attachments for quick and easy excavations.
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Bulb planters

​These very useful garden hand tools can take the top layer of ground away where bulbs are going to be planted. This is particularly useful on garden lawns where sections of lawn can be neatly replaced afterwards. Bulbs are usually planted at two and a half times the depth of the bulb. Bulb planters regularly have measurement makers on one side to aid accurate planting depths. 
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Clearing

There is no doubt that most gardening jobs are recurring as trees and shrubs they never stop growing. Add to this the seasonal surges of growth and death and there is always a need for garden clearance. Whether its autumn or spring gardeners will always require garden hand tools to clear up waste material. From hedge cuttings to clearing dead growth these are some of the gardeners’ essentials.

Rakes

Garden rakes all come in a variety of styles and shapes however they all do the same thing. The long handle, widely fanned head and long prongs allow a gardener to gather waste material up with ease. Rakes are especially effective on rough ground such as grass on collecting autumn leaves and general clippings.
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Brooms

Brooms are very recognisable garden hand tools and certainly one of the most common. For gardens it is best to choose a robust broom with thick bristles. These landscaping brooms are much more robust and effective at clearing large garden debris.
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Grabbers

Grabbers come in many forms and materials but are very effective at clearing up garden waste. This is particularly true of autumn leaves which can amount to significant piles at the end of the season. These garden hand tools can be used as extensions of the hands to collect rubbish at an amazing rate.
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Garden bags

Extremely relevant to follow on from grabbers are large garden bags. Not really thought of as a garden hand tool but nonetheless an essential part of the gardeners tool kit. These robust bags can hold large volumes of waste for easy transportation. The robust woven material means there is no chance of tearing and puncturing.
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Weeding

Weeding is a job gardeners just cannot escape from at the best of times, the truth is it comes with the territory. Weeds come in two main forms, woody perennials and annuals.

The annual weeds are usually blown in on the wind and can become a persistent nuisance all summer long. The only way to deal with these is very high frequency weeding or doing little often. Perennial weeds can also be a nuisance but are better at spreading slowly.

​These are exceptionally difficult to get rid with deep roots and a persistent nature. There is one thing that is for sure, weeds are here to stay! With the correct garden tools however weeding can become much, much easier.

Weed pullers

Weed pullers work on the concept of sinking prongs deep around deep rooted weeds in order to pull them out. Commonly it is three prongs which grip around the roots and using leverage pulling them out.

​This is a very effective way of getting stubborn deep weeds like dandelions. Pullers are very good for ridding lawns and flower beds but not the best at accessing hard to reach places. 

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Hoes

When many new gardeners look at garden hoes they often wonder what in the world they could be used for. Hoes basically consist of a long pole with a small cutting blade at the end. They are in fact one of the best ways of weeding your garden ever invented.

This garden hand tool is best utilised for the high frequency method of gardening. By using a back and forth motion the blade cuts roots off an inch or two under the ground. This leads to weeds simply shrivelling up and dying.

​It has to be noted this should be done in warm dry weather as rain can mean weeds re-growing. The concept is if you only disturb the top inch of soil it stops submerged weed seeds coming to the surface to germinate.
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Weed burners

Weed burners are basically a gas bottle with a blow torch attachment to literally burn your weeds away. This is not one of the typical garden hand tools but does make weeding much easier.

These are especially effective on annual weeds and those which invade patios and pathways. The disadvantage with these is after a while the bottles empty and loses pressure.

​This can mean continuously buying expensive replacement canisters. These weed burners do not always perennial weeds to the roots.

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Thermal weeders

Thermal weeding devices are electrical garden hand tools which blast weeds with an intense wave of heat. This toasts the weeds to the core making them shrivel and die within a couple of hours.

​These can become hot after a about 10 minutes of usage and you are advised not to use it for extended periods of time. What is good about them is the intense heat can penetrate the soil killing more of the root and consequently the whole weed.
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Pruning

Pruning tools are a necessity for gardens of all sizes. Unless you are only growing herbaceous annual planting then you are sure to have to prune at some point.

The activity of pruning can range from cutting away perennial plants all the way to cutting established trees. Typical pruning however usually involves annual trimming such as pruning roses and fruit bushes.

​Some plants respond to pruning very well even on relying on pruning to encourage extra flowering and fruiting. Below we have put together the essential garden hand tools to prune successfully. 

Pruning knife

Pruning knives are a very useful tool for quick and intricate cutting around the garden. Usually pruning knives are only used by serious gardeners as they are not essential for most pruning.

​Knives have traditionally been used for grafting and taking clones both of which are horticultural delicacies. Pruning knifes however can be used for other jobs such as dead heading and cutting twine.

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Pruning saw

Pruning saws are a hand held saw which folds like a large pen knife or comes with a protective sheath. These garden hand tools are very effective in cutting tree branches up to 4 inches think.

​Perfect for fruit trees, pruning saws are effective for intricate cutting where it is too cramped and awkward for chain saws. Typically used by professional tree surgeons pruning saws are good to have in the tool kit.

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Bow saw

​Bow saws are a more familiar garden hand tool and used for large, green trees and large shrubs. These consist of an adjustable metal bow frame with a long blade in the centre. The advantage with bow saws is the blade can be replaced when it becomes blunt. This is probably not a hand tool you will use every day but always useful to have to hand. 
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Secateurs

Secateurs are a effectively a pair of robust gardening scissors which can be used with one hand to prune thick stems. Secateurs are adequate for cutting stems up to 1.5 cm making them perfect for pruning roses and medium sized shrubs. These garden hand tools do not change much in design across the board but will vary in quality greatly. They are notoriously sharp and should be sharpened regularly.
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Garden shears

When it comes to garden hand tools, traditional garden shears operations have generally been replaced by mechanical means. There are still some major advantages of owning garden shears over petrol and electric hedge trimmers.

Hand shears have long blades which can handle softer foliage at the top to thicker stems at the bottom. Garden shears are easy to sharpen with good quality ones lasting a life time. Mechanical trimmer blades are more difficult to sharper and can fracture if they hit harder objects in a hedge.

​Mechanical blades often become slightly forced apart over time leading to poor cutting of thinner foliage.

garden shears
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Loppers

​Loppers are hand held garden tools which are ideal for cutting thick stems and branches from 1cm up 4cm. larger branches can be cut depending on the density of the cutting species. Loppers have long and sometimes telescopic handles for long reach pruning. Their secateur like cutting blades mean they are perfect for fruit trees.  
Loppers
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Long handled pruners

Long handled pruners consist of a very long handle shaft with a pruning saw on the end. Some varieties also have secatuer blades under the saw engaged by a pull cord.

​This pruner is perfect to cut up in high and awkward foliage where a ladder will not go. These garden hand tools can also be of good use to disabled and elderly gardeners. They come in a wide range of lengths and styles. 
Long handled prunners
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Lawn care

The perfect lawn is an ambition of many a gardener but it is not always easy to turn existing grass into a masterpiece. Successful lawn care is actually a monstrous topic with so many considerations and systems to implement the perfect lawn.

​As with most gardening pursuits the best results will be achieved over time. Typically a series of garden hand tools and lawn care gadgets is needed to reach the perfect lawn. We have listed the best tools for lawns below.

Edging spade

An edging spade has the basic construction of a spade but with a half moon shaped blade at the end. This allows for a gentle rocking motion which can easily slice into turf. The blade is thin and sharp allowing you to edge the law with ease.
edging spade
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Edging shears

Edging shears operate exactly the same as other garden shears but with a right angled sideways motion. Lawn edging shears allow you to cut the grass crisply to the turfs edge. This makes for a very neat lawn which prevents grass from spreading into flower beds. These garden hand tools are essential as there is no mechanical method of cutting lawn edges.
edging shears
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Lawn aerators

Lawns regularly become over compacted and devoid of nutrients. The only way to improve a lawns structure by adding oxygen, drainage and fertility is by aerating. One of the best garden hand tools for this job is a lawn core aerator.

​Using your feet by sinking the spikes into the lawn you can pull out cylindrical sections of soil. This leaves you with many small holes inside the lawn. These are then filled with sand and compost to add drainage and alleviate compaction. 
Lawn aerator
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Hand tool sets

When it comes to gardening tools there are some very effective and compact garden hand tool sets. These contain most of the small gardening essentials such as hand folks and trowels. We have displayed this example on Amazon below.
Gardening hand tool set
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Health and safety

When using any garden hand tools it is important to follow health and safety procedures. We have linked to a good video on garden safety here.

Garden hand tool maintenance

Good quality garden tools will last for many years if you take care of them properly. This is best done when the gardening season comes to a close in late autumn. We have linked to an informative video on garden hand tool maintenance here. If you want to read a good article on garden tools for beginners there is a link here. Alternatively see our article on gardening tools for beginners here. Happy gardening!
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    Author

    Paul Nicolaides is a Landscape architect and garden builder with over 30 years experience in designing, building and maintaining gardens. Contemplating just how important garden space is for nature and recreation he created 'Cool Garden Gadgets' to explore the best gadgets for enhancing outside spaces. From outdoor dining ideas to the latest garden technology we break it down for you here.  

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