The personal look of your garden with angel statues

Have you ever thought about adding more decoration to your garden and lawn? The possibilities are endless. Garden statues can be the best way to start adding your own personal touch. From the simple to the elaborate depending on the mood one wants to create. Garden angel statues are becoming a favorite among many. Especially as times become more and more troubled. Adding the serenity of an angel or two to guard and protect your own personal surroundings and showing all that believe in the spiritual side of life.
The versatility of garden and lawn statues are very broad. Depending on how one wants the mood to be set. When taking the time to enjoy and relax in your own personal outdoor surroundings. Maybe a garden swing with an angel on each side or how about a bird bath with garden angels close at hand. Angels with their feathery friends singing  songs of joy while resting with a cool drink after a long flight.
A rose garden can be a great place to have a statue of an angel close at hand. Enhancing the beauty and color of the many variety of roses in ones own personal garden. We all know angels and beautiful flowers go hand in hand.
Garden and lawn statues of angels come is such a wide variety of poses and sizes. From the large to small. Angels with heads bowed showing a humble look. To those looking up to the heavens as though looking for answers. A garden angel with a rustic look or a statue of one with a more modern appeal.
Let your creativity show all as to how you feel and dream. By creating your own small place in heaven right in your back garden and lawn area. With statues of angels enhancing the very mood you have created

Choosing and Fitting the Perfect Ceiling Roses For Your Home

Since the minimalist, paired down style of 1990s interior design, there has been a shift to people choosing more romantic, grander looks for their homes, looking to the past for inspiration. This does make sense when you consider how many British properties are not modern builds and do still possess traditional features, like high ceilings and plaster work. If you are lucky enough to own a property with high ceilings, and you wish to create a historic, theatrical look to the room, a ceiling rose could be the flourish you need to finish it off.

There are some really stylish and beautiful designs of ceiling roses on the market, and they don’t need to be put up by a professional either, with a little know how and a good quality product, anyone can do it!

Ceiling roses are available to buy made from either plaster, which is beautiful and looks authentic, but can be extremely heavy and difficult to work with, polystyrene, which is the cheapest (and can look it) or a new product, polyurethane Duropolymer, which is light, hard-wearing and easy to work with.

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There are many different shapes and sizes of ceiling roses to be found, ranging in style from Regency to Art Deco. They are particularly effective for tying together an expanse of ceiling with a large chandelier light, for example, but you must be careful that the intricacy of one doesn’t detract from the other. Also, if you already have cornicing or coving in the room from a particular period, you will need to choose a ceiling rose in keeping with that style. The larger the room, the larger you can go, but think very carefully about whether your room is wide enough to take a large circular rose. You might find a smaller star or diamond shape works better.

If you are intending to put your ceiling rose underneath an existing light fitting, be sure to turn off the electricity before you start and make sure you are confidant about re-wiring the electrical ceiling rose once you have finished attaching the moulding. A junction box system is the most straightforward method when it comes to re-wiring, but if you are at all unsure, it is always worth paying a professional electrician

You will need to fill any uneven surfaces before sticking the ceiling rose and it is also worth priming the surface beforehand as well, so that painting is easier afterwards. PVA bonding painted on to the ceiling as well as the rose will make for a smoother purchase when you come to sticking, but make sure it is dry before applying the adhesive.

Obviously the heavier the rose, the stronger glue you will need. I would suggest using plasterboard screws to attach it to the ceiling (you will need to remove and fill in the holes afterwards), to save you taking all the weight when it comes to sticking the rose down. Specialist coving glue is probably the best adhesive to use as it can be mixed to the right consistency. Spread the glue about 5mm thick, using a spatula. Once the ceiling rose is stuck, it is a good idea to wait for a day before painting and removing any screws. Job done! A little patience and effort is all that is required.

Shanghai Botanical Garden- visit the wonder world of flowers

Shanghai, the most populous city in the Republic of China is home to many unique landmarks. This metropolis located at the mouth of Yangtze River, is the most influential centre of culture and other aspects of East China. This multi-ethnic city’s modernization hasn’t had any effect on its balance.  Shanghai always provides its visitors a memorable stay as it is never short of impressive attractions.  From majestic skyscrapers to authentic botanical gardens, you may find various kinds of social magnets.

As a matter of fact, the largest municipal botanical garden in China is sited in Shanghai enclosing a heavy collection of thousands of plants inclusive of some rare plant species.  Nurturing plants from abroad as well as from China, the Shanghai Botanical Garden was opened to public in 1978. Since then it has gradually developed in to becoming a comprehensive foundation uniting plants research, tourism, production and education of nature science and is has become a winner of many awards at international flower shows.

This garden is basically divided into four spacious areas that specialize in peonies, roses, osmanthus, magnolias, azaleas, ferns, maples, bamboo and conifers.  Owning China’s best Orchid garden, it acts as a tool for education, production, scientific research and sightseeing.  The garden also carries out a training programme on introduced species.

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At the spring time, grand flower shows are held presenting a mass of enchanting colourful flowers.  Let alone their colour, their shapes and fragrances are bound to fill up your senses.  You’ll be captivated by the sight of fully blossomed Cherry, Plum, Cherry, Peach, Begonia and Bauhinia n the Rose Garden.  The fascinatingly graceful national flowers of China will provide a feast to your eyes in the Peony Garden.

With the arrival of the sunny summertime, the Bamboo garden transforms in to a romanticized summer resort. Here Bamboos from many places of China and abroad can be seen while chilling at one of the houses made from Bamboo on the road sides.

The vision of flowers with various colours and contrasts and their intoxicating aroma will refresh your mind and body. The garden’s natural charm is so appealing that the number of visitors to it increases day by day and for their convenience, it houses some restaurants, vendors’ stalls, exhibition halls, a greenhouse with 3,500 of Southeast Asian tropical plants and a few kids’ playgrounds.

The visitors to Shanghai mostly prefer to stay at a hotel in Shanghai in the heart of the city. Travellers who set their sights on an exceptional private dining Shanghai, check in to The Langham Yangtze Boutique Shanghai, which is a iconic five-star hotel presenting modern luxury.

Roses in Art – Heal, Nourish and Indulge

As an artist as well as a writer, I can say without a doubt that there are many misconceptions about art. In my search for a rose-artist, I found Gina De Gorna. Her art techniques, styles and paintings of roses in oil were the subjects I found exceptional. Whether painting a single rose or a bouquet of roses, she captures in vivid detail this beautiful flower.

Not all of us have a sense of color or even proportion – but everyone can learn how to ‘use’ them. The secret is in learning how to “feel” what the artist is actually “saying” to you from his or her painting.

Each artist may paint the same object in a different manner; it is only because those objects must first become an image in the mind of the artist before it is then translated to a corresponding image on the canvas. The final image painted on canvas could appear to be nothing like the image as seen by human eyes. But to both the artist and the connoisseur, the images are very real. There are no two roses exactly alike, and if you study the old Masters you will find many interpretations of our rose.

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But for the lack of confidence in one’s ability to reproduce various shapes or forms, say of a rose, ordinary people might overcome the biggest obstacle a person has to ever draw, paint or sculpt one. Gina paints in oil, acrylic and a variety of limited edition Giclee reproductions, cards and prints.

Much has been said about the ‘balance of an artwork not affecting reality’… for the purpose of balance and a pleasant composition, artists often make their version of reality; this may mean your own version of that rose garden, or even a single rose.

Artists, therefore, do not copy exactly everything they see from a photo or nature. They freely change, omit or add elements of a scene, shapes, colors or interesting textures. This is called “artist’s license”, and please, do use it.

Do not be afraid to alter what appears to be reality. One person’s reality is not always another’s. Before attempting to paint a rose, a bouquet of roses or even an entire setting of a rose garden, you must first stare at the object of your thoughts. Then, allow your mind to wander and envision the endless colors that will appear before you. It does take a bit of practice, but in the end, you will learn how to focus on your own reality of the image or images you wish to place on your canvas.

If you are a rose lover, you may want to have a few pieces of rose art in your home. Perhaps as you hold a lovely rose in your hand, you might be tempted to capture its beauty on paper or canvas yourself. You have nothing to lose and a huge sense of accomplishment if you win. Indulge!

America’s Best Gardens

Gardening is wonderful hobby and in many ways an art form. Through careful planning and hard work a garden can bloom to be a beautiful canvas. One of the best gardening tips that I can recommend for garden improvement is to find a source of inspiration. This winter when you are planning a vacation think about visiting some inspirational gardens to help get your creative energies flowing when Spring rolls in.

During the winter months, one of the best places to visit is one of America’s first green houses. George Washington was an avid gardener ever since he chopped down his first cherry tree. Mount Vernon, located near Alexandria, Virginia, was the plantation home of George Washington. The mansion is wood construction, built in neoclassical Georgian architectural style. The estate is located on the banks of the majestic Potomac River.

Mount Vernon is open seven days a week, every day of the year, including holidays and Christmas. Visitors are invited to tour the Mansion house and more than a dozen outlying buildings, including the slave quarters, kitchen, stables, and greenhouses. Stroll amidst four lovely gardens, hike the Forest Trail, and explore the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer’s site, a four-acre working farm that includes a recreation of Washington’s 16-sided treading barn. George Washington worked tirelessly to expand the plantation acreage from 2,000 to over 8,000 acres! The mansion now has 21 rooms, originally only 6 rooms.

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The next stop on the tour is the Biltmore Gardens… Biltmore House is a French Renaissance-inspired chateau near Asheville, North Carolina, built by George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1888 and 1895. It is the largest privately owned home in the United States at 175,000 square feet. You may stroll across acres of formal and informal gardens designed by America’s foremost landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted. From the formal beauty of the Italian Garden to America’s first managed forests, Biltmore’s lush landscape is a living tribute to Olmsted’s genius. Our experts continually work to preserve the original vision of the gardens and grounds, including our All America Rose Garden, featuring more than 250 varieties of luscious roses.

The final stop on this tour is also an Olmsted creation: Central Park in New York City is more than just a park, it also features lovely gardens. This may be the world’s greatest urban park. New York’s Central Park was the first big project that started Frederick Law Olmsted’s career and the profession of landscape architecture in the US. It has a conservatory garden similar to a European formal garden complete with parterres, fountains and herbaceous gardens.

If you would like to know more about gardens or gardening please visit http://www.no-crank.com for gardening articles and hose reel information.

Pink Roses in the Victorian Era

People in the Victorian era took the language of flowers very seriously. Due to the repressive atmosphere of the times, flowers became the means by which women communicated with their suitors. The distinct scent of a particular flower or the grouping of flowers in a bouquet conveyed unique messages.

Often, these botanical gifts demonstrated feelings and emotions nobody dared say out loud in public. Even the way flowers were given to someone had its own hidden message. For instance, if a man handed a woman an upright bouquet of flowers, he had something happy and positive to tell her. An upside-down bouquet, on the other hand, meant he was bringing her some dark news. Handing a man a flower with the right hand indicates that she is agreeable to his proposal, while presenting the flower with the left hand often means that she is declining his offer.

It was important for those in the Victorian age to know what each flower meant so that they would send the right message to their lovers or anyone else. Entire dictionaries were written and published to explain this mysterious language to everyone. However, it was fairly common for mixed message nightmares to occur when two people had conflicting version of the “language of flowers dictionary.”

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One of the most popular flowers during this era was the pink rose. If you’ll look at figurines, paintings, jewelry, and other heirlooms and antiques from that time, you’ll notice that the pink rose is a predominant motif in Victorian art. The rose as a symbol of love was already common knowledge then, but they also knew that each type and color carried its own meaning.

Pink roses come in different shades, from a blushing pale pink to a dark crimson. The pale pink rose was the favorite of women during that time – they often used rosebuds to adorn their hair and dresses, and took care of their pink rose gardens like they would take care of children. The pink rose is said to mean a lot of things – romantic love, in particular – but the appeal of the pink rose today isn’t so much the message they are supposed to contain as the sheer beauty of their color and form.

If you want to send your beloved a bouquet of pink roses, go for the pale pink color of aqua roses. Besides their sweet and delicate shade, aqua roses also have a heady aroma that clings to their petals; creating an aura of mystery in the room they are kept. Chances are she won’t know about the meanings Victorian women placed on the pink rose, but she will love its pastel shade and the overall effort you placed in sending her flowers.

Beautiful Vivaldi Roses in the Philippines

Roses may speak more eloquently when words fail to say exactly what you want to say and as beautiful as you want to say it. Sometimes, there are situations when it may be awkward to talk to a person about certain things. This is when we turn to roses to do the saying for us. Their simple beauty can easily express a deep feeling for a person without stuttering and the risk of sounding fake.

Sympathy and admiration are two emotions that are hard to verbalize exactly. Why? Well, it’s because sympathy is very similar to pity, and in some cases it is almost impossible to tell them apart. The difference lies in the fact that while sympathy for a person is very welcome since it shows just how much you care, pity is not. Pity may mean that you find the person hopeless and pathetic. In expressing sympathy, one must be very careful not to appear as if one is pitying the person since doing otherwise may hurt a person’s pride and feelings and you don’t want to do that.

Admiration, on the other hand, can easily be mistaken for love. Admiring someone means that you respect, esteem, and look up to him or her. The person’s achievements may be things you want to achieve as well, thus you feel admiration for a person. Love is different because it involves a deeper feeling; it is passion for a person you want to spend your life with. Often, when we love someone, we admire him or her as well for qualities, which we value. However admiring a person doesn’t automatically mean that we love the person. Giving the wrong signal may hurt the person or result in awkward situations.

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Sympathy or pity, admiration or love—it is indeed difficult to tell the difference, more so to express them. If you don’t trust your words, giving a rose may help you say what you want to say. The rose color that conveys admiration and/or sympathy is light pink. Make sure to get the best light pink rose to convey your feelings and it can be found in the Philippines through Island Rose.

Island Rose Philippines has the perfect light or baby pink rose which they call Vivaldi. Vivaldi is a hybrid tea, which is one of the most popular type of roses in the world. The blooms are of the large variety while the stems are straight and measures around 55-70 cm. The vase life is very good, which means that it doesn’t wilt as easily as other commercial roses. If you want to order, they offer delivery in the Philippines. Delivery is fast and efficient, so buying Vilvaldi isn’t a headache. Their quick delivery ensures that you get fresh Vivaldi roses straight from the farm.

If you’re looking for the perfect light pink rose to express your admiration and/or sympathy for a person, try Vivaldi. You definitely won’t get your words mixed up!

Days Out in Snowdonia: Parks, Gardens and Woodlands

With its mile upon mile of scrubland, farmland, mountains and rugged coast, you might think that Snowdonia is an untamed wilderness. While this may be true of many of the region’s open spaces, Snowdonia is also home to a number of well-tended parks, gardens and woodlands, many of which are open to the public.

From formal gardens and pristine parks to nature gardens and managed forests, Snowdonia’s managed open spaces offer something for everyone, and in many cases provide a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past; indeed, many of Snowdonia’s historic houses and castles are just as famous for their gardens as they are for their architecture.

1. Portmeirion

A triumphant experiment in creating man-made beauty in a setting already made beautiful by nature, Portmeirion’s acres of formal gardens and managed woodland meld effortlessly into the rocky backdrop of a site carved out of the landscape by the elements over millions of years. Ponds, fountains, exotic plants and to-die-for views across a wide, sandy estuary add to the photogenic brilliance of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis’ Italianate architecture, making Portmeirion one of Snowdonia’s favourite visitor attractions.

2. Brondanw Estate

The historic home of Portmeirion’s creator Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, Brondanw is one of Snowdonia’s best-kept secrets. Entering the gardens is like stepping into the pages of Alice in Wonderland; formal topiaries, lawns and avenues of trees sit alongside wild woodlands and a rocky outcrop topped with a ruined lookout tower. Meticulously and sympathetically designed (like Portmeirion) to slot into the Snowdonia landscape and look as if it’s always been there, the whimsical, fairytale feel of Brondanw is absolutely delightful.

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3. Parc Glynllifon

Another site with a rather whimsical feel, Parc Glynllifon has a bit of everything; a historic mansion with a restaurant serving oh-so-British cream teas; peaceful forests where all you’ll hear is the rustling of leaves and endless birdsong; Victorian follies including a little pond-side hermitage; and a contemporary slate amphitheatre with a shallow river running through its middle, separating the stage from the audience in a way that children in particular seem to find satisfying.

4. Bodnant Garden

Sitting above the River Conwy in 80 acres of grounds, Bodnant Garden is one of the UK’s most beautiful gardens and one of Snowdonia’s best-loved attractions. The garden is split into two parts; terraced gardens with informal lawns, and a wild garden set in a river valley. Bodnant is planted with exotic plants from all over the world, particularly Chinese and Japanese plants which are well suited to Snowdonia’s climate.

5. Coed Y Brenin

Coed Y Brenin, in the south of the Snowdonia region, is a vast forest that’s ideal for mountain biking and walking. Routes are waymarked so it’s easy to find the one that’s most suited to your party’s abilities, and there’s a wonderful tiered children’s play area to keep your little ones happy.

6. Conwy Valley Maze

Conwy Valley Maze is the world’s largest garden maze, covering over two acres. The maze is constructed from English Yew, and uniquely contains themed gardens including a rose garden planted with 200 roses, a Japanese Zen garden, tropical garden and butterfly garden. The maze is open for most of the year, but may close during bad weather – call 01492 660 900 before you visit, to avoid disappointment.

7. Plas Tan Y Bwlch Gardens

Picturesque 13-acre Victorian garden in the Vale of Ffestiniog. Plas Tan Y Bwlch is a large Victorian mansion used as a training and study centre, with largely wooded gardens open to the public for free. Wonderful sweeping lawns and ornamental pond, a variety of rhododendrons and azaleas, and a beautiful water garden combine to make Plas Tan Y Bwlch a great spot for peace, tranquillity and wildlife watching.

8. Plas Yn Rhiw

Plas Yn Rhiw is a small 16th century manor house on the Llyn Peninsula, with ornamental gardens and spectacular views across Cardigan Bay. Rescued from neglect in 1938 by three sisters, who lovingly restored Plas Yn Rhiw and then donated it to the National Trust who continue to care for the property today.

9. Gwydir Castle

Allegedly one of the most haunted houses in Wales, Gwydir Castle is a Tudor courtyard house set in historic gardens incorporating 16th century arches and walls. Gwydir’s gardens are among a very small number of gardens in Wales with Grade I Listed status, and a fine example of Tudor and Stuart formal gardens – complete with peacocks.

10. Penrhyn Castle

Penrhyn Castle is a 19th century, neo-Norman castellated mansion set in 60 acres of beautiful grounds. Parkland, a Victorian walled garden, exotic trees and shrubs together make this one of the region’s most popular gardens – but of course the house itself, the priceless art collection, the railway museum and doll museum also contribute to Penrhyn’s popularity.

Does Your Garden Have Style?

Does Your Home Garden Have a Style? You may be asking me “Style? For a garden? I just plant flowers.” But, if you think about it, you can see that there really can be different styles for gardens.

A garden style can help you decide what kind of look you want for your garden as well as where to put your plantings.

How do you take style design into your gardening plans when you have so many practical matters to think about? You have garden size, whether the area is in sun or shade, its proximity to buildings, and how you will be using the space.

The solution is to treat is element of your garden as a part of a single design. The walls, garden furniture, even potted plants should all relate to the overall garden style. The most successful and beautiful gardens have started with a plan.

Let’s take a look at some different garden styles:

You’ve probably heard of the cottage garden. This style is suggested by rambling roses, type of fencing (usually rock or stone walls) , stones for garden paths, ponds and other natural grasses and materials.

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Some other garden styles can be classified as “national” styles. These garden styles can be Italian, Japanese, English, Spanish and American. American gardens are broken down further into southern, desert, southwest and others.

Many times, the style of a garden is determined by climate and location. Gardens located in Arizona, for instance, must be of a different style from those located in northern, colder climates. And plants in southern gardens with their lush greenery and overblown flowers won’t live in either hot desert or cold snowy climates.

So, you can see that the style of your garden is closely tied to the climate conditions surrounding it.

Gardens can also be defined in style as formal or informal. For instance, a simple rose garden can look dramatically different when planted in a cottage garden style than when planted in a more formal geometric style.

When trying to decide on a style for your garden, first look at your geographical location. Then, think about what style you have in your home. Is it more casual or quite formal? This will give you a place to start for designing your garden.

Now, decide on how you will be using the space. Will you be having family barbecues or will you be doing more formal entertaining? Do you have children or pets that will need a lawn or enclosed area to play in?

Next, take a look at your trees and buildings. You will need adequate shade (or sun) for certain flowers and plants.

Once you have taken these matters into account, you can start your actual garden plan. Draw up a plan for your garden. Even a rough sketch of the space where your garden will be and where each element (such as flowers, foliage, stonework,or pond) will be can be a tremendous help in planting your beautiful new garden.

Now, all you have to do is plant it!

Using Rosehip oil As an Ingredient in Skin Care Products

What is Rosehip oil

Its botanical name is Rosa rubiginosa L. (Synonym R. eglanteria) and it belongs to the family Rosaceae. Its common names include: Wild rose, Sweet Briar, Sweet Briar Rose, Egelantier, Eglantine, or Sweetbrier.

Considered a noxious plant in parts of Australia, the Wild rose is a deciduous shrub native to Europe and western Asia, and grows to 2.5-3.0m high and 2.5-3.0m wide.

As is so often the case, what is considered a weed by some, and in some regions rightfully so, is often a powerful medicine for others. Just think about Dandelion, Milk thistle and so many other ‘noxious’ Australian weeds, many of which have powerful medicinal properties and several of these ‘weeds’ are used in modern pharmaceutical drugs.

Where does Rosehip oil come from

When the flowers looses their petals, what is left is the fruit of the rose. This is the part used to make teas, and where the carrier oil comes from.

What are the properties in Rosehip oil

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Rose hip oil contains 80% essential fatty acids (EFAs), predominantly linoleic (Omega 3) and linolenic (Omega 6) and is naturally enriched with antioxidants beta-carotene and lycopene. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, C and E (natural d-alpha tocopherol), flavonoids and other biologically active compounds, thus it is a powerful antioxidant.

An infusion or tea made from the dried rose petals can be used to treat headaches and dizziness; with honey added the infusion is used as a heart and nerve tonic and a blood purifier.

The rosehip seed is rich in vitamin E and the carrier oil extracted from the seed is used externally in the treatment of burns, scars and wrinkles.

Rosehips also contain tannins (astringents), which explains its effectiveness in the treatment of large skin pores externally, and diarrhoea when used as a tea or herbal extract, internally.

Using of Rosehip oil in Skin Care Products

The essential fatty acids aid the regeneration of skin cells and the repair of damaged tissues. It retards the signs of premature aging and provides excellent results in the treatment of scars, burns (including sunburn), dry eczema and other skin blemishes. The antioxidants in Rosehip oil are effective in reducing post-acne and surgical scarring.

These properties of Rosehip oil make it an ideal ingredient in natural skin care products and Rosehip oil is recommended for use in anti-aging facial creams, body lotions, in hair care products for dry and damaged hair, and for use in sun care products.

On its own, or in combination with other ingredients, it has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of scarring from acne or postpartum, when used for prolonged periods of time.

This carrier oil is relatively expensive, however it provides a powerful arsenal of constituents for common skin problems and skin complaints and should not be overlooked.

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