We all live our lives day to day thinking that nothing bad will happen. We never think that we will be the ones dealing with the cleanup of a house fire. Unfortunately, there are many, many families that suffer the impact of house fires each year. Last year, a close friend of mine was a victim of a house fire and since then, my life has been different. I have spent many hours researching fire prevention, causes, and teaching children about fire prevention and what to do in the case of a fire. It is my hope that my research can help those of you concerned about house fires make the necessary changes in your home and teach your kids what they need to know about fire.
If you have a traditional or, especially, historical style house, you may be wondering what type of yard will best complement it. Of course, you can never go wrong with a beautiful lawn. However, perhaps you'd like your yard to feature a classical patio and some formal landscaping. Design your yard to offer Old World elegance.
Utilize the Proper Materials
If the goal is classical elegance, then obviously anything too modern is a bad fit. However, traditional materials such as stone, brick and wood are appropriate. Precast stone is a good way to match the façade of your home since contractors can construct the concrete to simulate the exact same material. They can also manufacture precast stone to mimic slate or other natural stones for the walkway. Additionally, consider installing a wrought iron or picket fence.
Pave a Grand Path
A formal path adds that traditional sophistication to your yard. The Landscaping Network suggests keeping the path straight since this provides a more formal air. Additionally, the pathway should be wide enough for two people to walk side by side. This gives the illusion of a grand walkway leading to your home. A useful, durable option for the walkway is precast stone, which can be purchased from companies like Harristone Pre-Cast - Merrillstone Natural Stone Products - G. S. Harris Co., Inc.
Add Formal Landscaping
The plants you choose for your landscaping depend on which ones will thrive in your locale. The key, though, is to plant them in formal patterns. For example, plant box hedges to flank the pathway or surround the yard. A wide expanse of lawn is elegant, but add at least a mini garden of flowers for visual interest. When planting the flowers, keep them in regular rows – envision formal English gardening.
Include Interesting Yard Accents
Proper gardens should also include interesting details for visitors to enjoy. A stone fountain is a treat because it offers the beauty of the interplay between water and sunlight as well as water music. Place the fountain so that it's clearly visible both from the yard and the house. Additionally, consider other charming yard art such as a sun dial, birdbath or arbor. Such an accent piece can serve as a centerpiece of your mini garden.
Attend to the Patio
The patio serves as the transition between indoor and outdoor living, so you'll want to implement that Old World ambience here as well. Consider using the precast stones to simulate a flagstone or tile floor. Additionally, find ways to repeat elements of the architecture and yard within the design. For example, if your house features arched windows, install an arched arbor in one corner. Likewise, plant a container garden in the same palette as your flower beds. This creates chic cohesion between the spaces.
Utilize traditional materials and classical symmetry to create Old World style in your yard.
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