April 2013 – MarvinGardensUSA

Why a Firepit Is Still Useful in Warm Weather

There is something very communal and almost tribal about gathering around a fire. Our ancestors did it, and there’s a reason we still enjoy doing it so much. In addition to being able to use a fire pit for cooking, it’s a great focal point for a gathering.

garden accessories — Image via Better Homes & Gardens

Just because the weather is getting warmer doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from having a fire pit in your yard. Not only are they pleasant to look at, but they can also add an extra level of relaxation to your space.

What you want to use your fire pit for will help determine which one is right for you. There are the open fire pits in which you can cook or roast marshmallows over. There are pits which are large and surrounded by brick and stay in one place, which are great for entertaining guests. You can also get fire pits which look like old wood stoves, bringing a very homey feel to your outdoors. These are great for relaxing next to while reading a book or spending time with your family.

Make the most out of your summer nights with a fire pit! Contact us for more information or inspiration for adding a fire pit to your home in Connecticut.

Garden Seating: How to Stay Creative

outdoor furniture accessories — Image via Pinterest

If you want to spend hours of comfort in your garden, having proper seating is a must. We’ll look at some unique options to keep your garden creative and a fun place to relax.

We’ve all seen the typical patio and lawn furniture, but why settle for that? Waterproof fabric is available in an array of styles and options. Get yourself an outdoor couch that can withstand the elements and not only look great, but is incredibly inviting. Why not place it on your back lawn under a large tree to relax on those hot summer days?

You can also incorporate nature directly into your set-up by creating chairs out of logs or finding large flat stones and covering them in pillows. You can even create indoor rooms outside by getting yourself a large waterproof fabric mattress and dressing it in pillows. You can hang sheets around it or even a mosquito net to keep away the pests.

Consider placing pairs of chairs all throughout your yard so your guests can relax in a number of spots. You can mix and match chair styles for an eclectic appearance.

These are just a few of many options for seating arrangement in your yard or garden. For more helpful tips and ideas, contact our knowledgeable staff at Marvin Gardens.

Fermob Bistro Collection…Classic French-Made Patio Collection

“Two words epitomise Fermob furniture : Outdoor Lounge. Outdoor, for everything which attracts and draws us outside to recharge our batteries; and Lounge, for our desire to relax and feel at ease. In brief, Fermob furniture is part of the pleasure gained from the positive effects of nature, such as getting together in a garden, improvising a terrace on a beach or creating a green paradise in one’s own back yard… For the ever-increasing number of people who yearn for this lifestyle, Fermob offers a range of innovative and comfortable furniture, in various shapes and sizes which let one’s imagination run wild and encourage numerous creative ideas for decoration, since the furniture is available in a multitude of colours.”

Marvin Gardens is proud to carry Fermob’s Bistro Collection, made in Thoissey, France.

Folding patio chairs and tables are available in a variety of classic Fermob colors. Special order colors are available as well. Stop in to pick up your set at our new location:

759 Danbury Road

Wilton, CT

Come take a peek at what is new…new arrivals daily!

See you soon!
amabel

Feung Shui Tips for a Spring Garden

Feng Shui is all about organizing objects to get the most positive energy out of a space as possible, also known as Chi, which helps to bring harmony and balance into your life. Placement is key to a successful Feng Shui design both inside and out, not only what you place, but where you place it and why.

The more disconnected from the rest of the world your Feng Shui garden is, the better. Large shrubs or trees are ideal for concealing your space and giving you peace of mind while you relax. Running water is one of the leading features you can incorporate into your outdoor space, this can include; fountains, ponds, reflecting pool or even a waterfall.

If you’re designing your outdoor space with Feng Shui in mind, note that straight paths should never be used. Let the path take its time and curve and flow through your space instead of running straight through. This is a space that should be relaxing for yourself or for your guests. Nature lends a huge inspiration to these arrangements and should be carefully considered while doing so.

Marvin Gardens can help bring more peace and tranquility into your life. Make your outdoor space much more than a scenic location and consider adding Feng Shui design principles to your garden.

Gorgeous Picks for Hanging Garden Plants

When adding hanging plants to your garden, you want to include those that bring something unique to your space. Nearly any type of flower can be placed into a hanging basket, but it’s important to choose ones that are right for your garden.

Begonias can withstand a variety of conditions and come in a vast array of different colored flowers such as red, pink, yellow & white. The flowers are very full and will hang slightly below the edges of your basket.

Ivy is always a great addition to a hanging basket, whether it be on its own or arranged with other plants or flowers. Ivy flourishes and will easily grow all around your garden, walls, pergola or any other structure you want to incorporate it into. Licorice Vine is another similar plant that is great for trailing and growing around structures. Other great additions to your hanging gardens could include Fuchsia, Lobelia, Golden Pothos and Spider Plants.

Spice up your garden with some unique hanging basket arrangements. For more information on additional plants and tips, contact us at Marvin Gardens!

Design an Outdoor Setting Fit for Entertainment

Your patio or yard could easily be the most inviting part of your home. With that in mind, we’ll look at a few ways that you can make the most of your outdoor space to entertain your guests.

One of the most important choices to make is seating; you want your guests to be comfortable for long periods of time. Be sure to choose pieces that will ensure your guests will be relaxed and that fit your space. You can either have your seating facing each other in a circle or break them up and spread them out. Fire pits are a great addition to any outdoor space, and be sure to include plenty of side tables for your guests. A large table can be vital; it can be used for cookouts, games or other entertainment purposes.

Lighting can play a big part in your outdoor design, whether that be candles, lanterns or even hanging lights. You want to make sure your guests are comfortable even after the sun goes down.

Marvin Gardens can help you with the perfect design to entertain your guests and keep them coming back! Contact our professional team so we can assist you with your garden design!

Gardens That Soothe the Soul

Gardens take a lot of work, but they can also give a lot back in return. Creating a comfortable space can be extremely satisfying and become your own little spot away from the world.

Atmosphere is everything, so surround yourself with items that suit you well. Soothing sounds of running water or wind chimes can ease those hard days and help you get back to feeling like yourself. You can include a fountain or even a small waterfall in your yard to bring that touch of nature back into your life. A stone monolith or colored object can work as a focal point in your outdoor space.

Swings are also a great addition to your yard or garden and can be built from an endless array of materials. Get creative with it and make it something that has meaning to you!

Would you like a relaxing atmosphere right at home? Contact us at Marvin Gardens to help turn your yard into your own private retreat.

Marvin Gardens New Store Location

Marvin Gardens has settled into a new home at 759 Danbury Road, Wilton as of April 1, 2013. The new location is just several hundred feet north of the old home of 10 years. With the move comes a fresh look, with lots of bright interior space and an expansive exterior. Renovations and improvements continue as the warm weather progresses and planting out becomes part of the daily routine. Stop in to take a peek at the new and improved Marvin Gardens!

Store Hours:

Monday -Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday 12 noon – 4:00 p.m.

See you soon!

Amabel

Indoor Decor That Deserves a Spot Outside

garden design Connecticut — Image via Houzz

The warmer seasons open up outdoor spaces as an extension of your home. To make this space as equally welcoming and comfortable as your home, you can easily take furnishings from inside and place them in your yard or garden.

Items usually reserved for indoors such as a sturdy wooden tables, metal chairs or benches of any type can be incorporated into the design of your outdoor living space. A pop-up tent or removable gazebo over the furniture can turn it into an inviting area for your family and guests.

Instead of throwing away your old furniture, consider re-purposing it as pieces in your garden, as side tables, or as cozy spots to place your potted plants. Any kind of aluminum or metal decor can be used outside with little maintenance. Even for an outdoor garden, a few well-placed vases with plants or flowers can greatly add to your outdoor set-up.

A walk through Marvin Gardens can help inspire you to take your existing indoor decor or furniture and incorporate it into your porch, yard or garden. Get the most out of your outdoor space this year! For more information about Marvin Gardens, please contact our team.

Top 5 Tools You’ll Need for a Spring of Gardening

Having the right tools when planning your garden keeps the process simple and fun. It’s much more enjoyable to spend your time in the yard without the interruptions of having to get tools you forgot about or overlooked. To help you plan, we’ve compiled a short list of some essential items you’ll likely need for your spring garden:

Trowel
Hand Fork
Rake
Watering Can/Hose
Gloves

Digging and working the ground and soil are only part of the tools needed. After your plants or seedlings have been placed, they’ll need the right amount of water to flourish. Larger gardens may require a hose and attachment with adjustable settings while a smaller garden many benefit from a watering can. And often overlooked when preparing a garden is a comfortable pair of gardening gloves. Gloves keep the work more comfortable and assure your focus will be on the joy of gardening.

Every garden is different and Marvin Gardens can help determine what tools are right for you. Stop by Marvin Gardens’ new location for more helpful tips and information!