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Wow, what year is it? Oh that’s right it’s 2008 and yet I kid you not there is a lady that lives down the street from me who’s garden is ripe with those little garden gnomes! I know what your thinking let her be, it’s her house her garden she can decorate it the way she wants. Which is all well and true but it just got me thinking that there has to be cooler, newer garden decor to fill your lawn with now a days. Right?

Answer: YES

Take for example this awesome Buddha Garden Statue from Exterior Accents!

This beautiful Buddha in Lotus Position garden statue is created in the time honored cold cast method mixing resin with bronze, marble, granite and other quality materials. Durable, yet one third the weight of concrete allowing for easy mobility, each sculpture is completely weather resistant and will add years of visual pleasure to your garden.

Price - was $349.95 on sale $319.95 (click on image or link to shop)

If Buddha statues are completely not your style how about this “Flowers for Felicity Garden Statue” from Design Toscano!

We bet you love flowers as much as Felicity does! Balancing two faux woven baskets hanging from metal chains and ready for your favorite posies, this lovingly crafted sculpture boasts rich details, from the buttons proudly popping off her overalls to her bouncy, beribboned pigtails.

Personally I am a little bit scared of all statues or frozen forms of children. I think I watched too many horror movies in my youth. But Felicity is cute! Well until she comes alive at night and runs giggling through your hallways! Ha, I am kidding. If you can picture her in your garden she costs $75 dollars.

Call me kooky but I like this Lady Goldfish Pond Spitter!

It reminds me of Flounder from the Little Mermaid movie, plus garden statues and lawn art should be affordable and durable. Which this little goldfish is, it’s a beautifully sculpted spitter featuring a female goldfish resting atop a rock-like base.

This statue is crafted from a resilient resin blend for a construction that will last through many seasons.

The best part is my little fishy only costs $21.99

(To shop or browse the Beckett Lady Goldfish Pond Spitter, click the image or the link)

Plus if you spend over $75 dollars at TheBestNest.com Shipping is FREE!

OK so I realize that the Mother Duck and Ducklings figurines might appear a tad cliche to some, but I happen to think that they are adorable!

I happen to prefer the flesh and blood versions myself but if you don’t see yourself housing a family of ducks, why not purchase the frozen statuesque variety?

These Outdoor Duck Figurines possess all the charm of the weathered stone originals without the hefty pricetag! Constructed from a blend of resin, styrene, and fiberglass, the lighweight material makes the statues easy to maneuver.

The noble aged, black finish make it indistinguishable from the stone variety and each duck comes with a stake to securely place them along your lawn.

was $89.00 now $30.00 (you save $59.00)

Well hopefully I have given you ample options to the lonely 2 foot gnome currently residing in your front lawn. If I can’t convince you to retire “the garden gnome” then at the very least make an attempt to find him modern and classy company.

Well my roommates and I decided to try saving a few bucks every month and promptly alerted our gardeners that we would not be needing their lawn mowing services until further notice. I am starting to think it was the dumbest way to save a few dollars. Turns out this lawn upkeep thing is much harder than I anticipated.

First things first, we needed to purchase our own lawn mower! We all pitched in and decided we could not afford or want to invest in a model worth more than 500 dollars, just in case this ended up being a short term money shaving theory.

So here are some lawn mowers I found for less than $500 dollars:

1. Poulan-Pro Lawn Mower

My first choice is this 21 inch high wheel, bagged, push mower from Poulan. Has 5 different height settings so you can spare your back and adjust the level of the handlebars to your optimal setting. Has an attached bag to collect the lawn debris and a 6.0 torque engine.

Plus it was $378.09 but is on sale now for: $266.64 (you save $111.45)

(click on image or link to shop or browse)

2. The Black & Decker Cordless Mulching Mower

This model has a 24 Volt Sealed Lead Acid Battery for Trouble-Free Cutting of Up to 1/3 Acre Homesites (grass conditions will effect run-time). Well here is a list of features:

- Rechargeable Battery Recharges to 60-70% in 4 Hours and to 100% in 16 Hours

- Hassle-free Starting With the Flip of a Switch

- One-touch Height Adjustment Adjusts All Four Wheels With the Touch of a Button
Folding Push-handle Has Adjustment Which Folds Down so Mower Stores in Less Space.

-2 Year Warranty and No Assembly required

Price $399.95 (but has a Free shipping coupon)

(click on image or link to shop or browse)

3. Black & Decker Mulching Electric Mower from Ace Hardware

Well first of all it’s electric, because who could afford a “gas” mower right now? Cuts a width of 18 inches, mulches your lawn debris and expels on the side. There is no side bag attached but I think the “mulching” feature pretty much takes care of that. I personally would like to collect and dispose of the debris but I may be wrong. The Black & Decker electric mower has a single lever height adjustment feature and a lifetime warranty for the deck.

Price $209.99

(to purchase, shop or browse click on the link or the image)

4. Black & Decker Electric Mower

Last but certainly not least is the Black & Decker Electric Mower!  Lightweight and easy to maneuve, this model is also electric. The one lever height adjustment lets you adjust all four wheels at once.

No gas, No tuneups, No oil … makes it super easy to maintain and start!

Price $159.99 

(click on image or link to shop, browse or purchase)

Well I hope these options prove useful to you if you are in the market for a new lawn mower or are planning on buying one for the first time like I was.  Happy Humpday Everyone!  

What is your garden missing? I think a little tropical recluse is always a lovely touch to any green scene. Nothing soothes my nerves after a long day like the sound of trickling water.

The Stone Hill Tranquility Pond would make a wonderful addition to any garden, small patio, deck, balcony or backyard. Water gently cascades from the top tier to the bottom, the fountain is lightweight, durable and the pump plugs directly into a standard grounded outlet.

Originally the Stone Hill Tranquility Pond costs: $79.99 but is currently on sale for: $71.99! (you save: $8.00 10%)

To purchase the Stone Hill Tranquility Pond, click here.

To shop for more discount Ponds & Fountains, click here.

As temperatures continue to drop at nightfall, you may want to invest in a patio heater of some sort. Although I live in California it is a great investment, and is often borrowed by friends and family for assorted events and parties. Patio heaters are especially handy during these winter months to keep your guests or yourself toasty. This way you can marvel at the clear starry nights or moonlit garden blooms without freezing your tooshie!

Frontgate - Deluxe Patio Heater

The Frontgate Deluxe Patio Heater is equally at home in your residential backyard as well as in a trendy cafe’ or coffee shop! You can extend the entertaining season well into Spring with an outdoor space heater to warm the winter nights.

Here are the highlights:

• 40,000-BTU heat output keeps a 15′ radius toasty warm
• High-efficiency burner system features a flame-failure device and anti-tilt switch
• Push-button ignition
• Adjustable heat control
• Three-piece slidable aluminum reflector intensifies heat
• Weighty 20″ base rolls easily on wheels
• Patio heater uses a 20-lb. LP tank (not included)
• Price: $395.00

To purchase or shop for the Frontgrate Deluxe Patio Heater, click here.

Lil’ Arctic Sun Patio Heater

This portable gas fueled table top heater is a perfect heat source for your deck, patio, or campsite. Shipping is FREE and it is currently being offered by MoreMailBoxes.com for only $173.99!

Here are the features:

• Available in Beige, Green, Bronze or Pewter
• Constructed with a cast iron base, stainless steel emitter screen shield, and an aluminum reflector dome
• Easy 10 minute assembly
• Tip-over safety switch
• Burner grid radiates heat up to an 8′ diameter
• Push button Piezo electric ignition
• Efficient burner system with 100% safety shut-off
• Up to 11,000 BTUs
• Fueled by a standard propane disposable tank (approximately six hours of burn time)
• 1-year limited warranty
• LP tank not included
• Made in China
• 39.5″ H x 20″ W x 20″ D

To purchase or shop for the Lil’ Arctic Portable Patio Heater, click here.
To shop for more discount patio heaters, click here.

There is nothing quite as tranquil and beautiful as a Japanese themed garden! Check out the following exotic and tropical plants you can purchase to add a touch of the orient to your home and garden today. With its beautiful braided trunk, the Asian money tree is not only of unique visual interest, but some believe that good luck follows with each unfurling leaf. The large tree has bright-green leaves and a substantial trunk with a visual creativity that is offset by the square, white ceramic pot.

The Large Traditional Money Tree featured is offered by Red Envelope and retails for $65.00!

Upgrade the energy of your home, your luck and your life with this auspicious plant. In Feng Shui philosophy, the lotus bamboo is believed to bring prosperity and blessings. It is named for its leaves, which form the shape of the inspirational lotus flower, signifying purity, peace and the higher spirit.

Sold exclusively at Red Envelope, The Lotus Bamboo Traditional Plant retails for $38.00!

Practiced for centuries in China and Japan, the art of bonsai captures nature’s beauty in a confined space. Not your traditional bonsai tree, the exotic, tropical Sago palm brings a bit of paradise down to earth. This plant is easy to care for, the miniature version adapts to indirect light or full sun and needs only occasional watering.

The Palm Bonsai Exotic Tropical Plant is sold for $50.00, at Red Envelope.

Durable and beautiful water lilies, with a floating arrangement of three lilies grouped together. A lovely way to add bold color to your pond. Free weight and green anchoring line included.

Water Lily Cluster costs $10.39 at Drs. Foster & Smith.

Hopefully these plants inspire you to create a little piece of tranquil heaven on earth, a remote respite where you can de-compress and center your Zen!

To shop for more deep discounts on Plants and Seeds, click here.  

Take advantage of huge savings and deals at After Christmas Sales! As an example, Wrapables.com one of my favorite sites is having a Year End Sale that offers up to 55% Off merchandise.

The featured Indoor Gardening Tool Set is currently on sale, originally sold for $24.95 it is currently on sale for $14.99!

House all your gardening necessities in this durable and thrify garden tote tool set. This small gardening dynamite includes a pruner, snips, rake, trowel, shovel, and glass spray bottle. The canvas tote has a reinforced bottom and it has brass grommets, elastic tool bands, and an eight-pocket capacity. Perfect for tending to small gardens and indoor plants.

To purchase this Indoor Gardening Tool Set, click here.

To shop for deep discounts on assorted Garden Tools & Garden Supplies, click here.

The key to all great cooking is the freshest ingredients! So why not grow your own herbs on your kitchen counter top? This Italian Herb Garden that is sold exclusively at Red Envelope features basil, oregano and chives. It would make a delicious gift for friends and family who would appreciate the use of fresh herbs in their culinary delights.

This sweet deal also includes 3 glazed ceramic containers decorated with herb illustrations and premium seeds and soil. Honestly they couldn’t have made it any easier for us, if they slowly S-P-E-L-L-E-D it out. Oh wait a minute it comes with step by step instructions! I am officially all out of excuses.

Retails for $29.00

To purchase the Italian Herb Garden House Plant, click here.

To save money on more House Plants, click here.

Honestly this is one of the coolest and most inventive stories I have read in a mighty long time, please read about eco-architect Mitchell Joachim’s visionary ideas about how to grow living treehouses from ficus molded around frame structures. Displayed below is a video from Mitchell Joachim explaining the details of how they work. Joachim does better justice to his imaginative ecological designs than I am able to do in a mere post, so if you have any interest in living tree houses (and you should), check out the video below.

YouTube - Watch VIDEO: Grow a Treehouse with TerreForm

To read more about “Living Treehouses”, click here.

So recently a colleague of mine came by for a visit. By visit I mean he walked by my desk and decided to hover and talk for a bit. He said while he enjoys my blog immensely, (these are his words, not mine.. ha,ha) that I should post more about gardens and gardening.

Well never let it be said that I was not open to constructive criticism. In truth gardening is not my expertise or my passion, our resident authority on such matters is Melissa.

But I did some internet digging and I personally find the following information intriguing:

I have been wondering why it happens at all. Why do the leaves fall off a tree? I am fairly certain they don’t all just adopt a nudist attitude, but who knows?

It turns out that the death of a tree’s leaves actually has a name. It is called Leaf Senescence. Senescence is the process by which a biological organism crosses into old age. Everything that lives reaches senescence. Senescence it what causes us to get old and get those wonderful laugh lines that we very rarely laugh about. The same process that leads us into old age and eventually death is the same process that kills the leaves on a tree. Basically, with senescence, the cells stop functioning as they should. Their functions shut down slowly until they no longer function at all.

In a tree, leaf senescence starts when the Fall photoperiodism is triggered. I know, I keep using those $10 words, but bear with me.

Photoperiodism is the ability of a tree to measure the amount of sun that the tree is getting each day. In the Fall, photoperiodism triggers the leaves to enter senescence. Amazingly enough, there is no universal amount of sunlight that will trigger senescence in trees. Even trees within the same species will be triggered at slightly different amounts. Which is a good thing for Fall foliage watchers, because this is what causes the lovely collage of colors. The trees are at different points in their senescence cycle, resulting in different colors. All that is known is that at around 12 hours of daily sunlight, photoperiodism triggers leaf senescence in trees. (Source)

Anyhoo, so we have established that trees don’t go on some kind of arbortorial bender in the fall and get naked. It is actually a process that is rather sad or romantic, if you think about it. Once a year part of the tree dies. Once a year, the tree kills some part of itself so that it can survive until next year.

So there you have it, interesting right? I want you to store this information away as I did and someday if you come across some super hot Herbologist you will have something intelligent and interesting to converse about.

It’s long been suggested that you should talk to your plants, kiss em’, hug em’, whisper sweet nothings into their leaves! Doing so apparently makes them healthier, but now the plants are talking back. A company called Botanicalls have merged plant care with telecommunications, devising and constructing a way to bring container gardening to the 21st century: using their system, your plants will call you on the phone when they need to be watered, when they haven’t gotten enough, and to thank you when they’re no longer thirsty.

The system currently involves a soil moisture sensor, hardware and software to interpret that data, and a call to a lounge phone; phase to will include a bunch of new features including a light sensor, display, ambient sensors, output to the web and email, as well as calls to your personal cell phone (not just the one connected to the plant). You’ll even be able to call and check on the plants status. (Source)

Ok so here comes my two cents. Ready?

Cent One: I think this idea is genius because I am a plant serial killer. As I mentioned in a previous post about the wonders of the tilting vase, I have yet to own a plant that didn’t commit suicide in my care. So I applaud the creativity and innovation involved in this technology.

Cent Two: The only drawback I can think of regarding this idea is how annoying some of the calls or texts might become. I mean I have enough on my mind without getting badgering calls from my tulips whining about not having any water! (Hmm…now that I think about it, such feelings are probably why they commit suicide) Overall I still think this idea is very cool and could save many, many plant lives.

Watch the Botanicalls animation to learn more about the project, visit their site to get all the details. ::Botanicalls via ::Reuters