Do you have a wind chime in your garden? Have you heard of the Music of the Spheres wind chimes? Once you listen to these chimes, I think it’ll make a huge difference in understanding why these are becoming popular for gardens. Here’s an inside look at why use wind chimes in gardens and around our homes.

The history of wind chimes goes way back. Wind chimes seem to have begun in India, starting with bells. They were meant to scare away birds and evil spirits. China and Japan followed suit. Japan developed glass wind bells, which they called F?rin. They are used a lot in Feng Shui.

Wind chimes can be used to ‘lift the energy’ in a room, or to smooth out too much energy in a space. They can be protection from birds and animals in a garden. Similarly, Chinese gong accents can be an added musical element to a garden. The gongs can be used to offer up prayers to spirits. Mixing music elements in the right way can liven up any garden in a Feng Shui fashion.

The music of the Spheres wind chimes are actually a unique sort of chime. With a higher quality sounds and a broad selection of options, you could create a musical orchestra in your own garden. With distinct cultural sounds like Hawaiian and Gypsy, the wind chime bells can be combined. Find the sounds you love, and mix and match as you wish.

Prices range around $100 for smaller versions to over $500 for larger ones. So small gardens and big gardens can have a combination.

The history of wind chimes has grown over the years to be not only for Asian gardens but for modern American ones as well. I can promise that a great wind chime can make a great difference in a garden, especially when the wind hits them just right. It makes such a lovely sound that’s great while you are enjoying your yard.

Photo by Inferatu.

So there’s a few new additions to solar powered goodies that you can add to your garden. Lanterns are beginning to be solar powered. Some lights along walkways are beginning to be solar powered.

Now there’s all sorts of water elements that are solar powered as well. There’s the solar powered fountains that are very lovely to have in place as a water element. Those who were interested in feng shui gardens may appreciate a fountain that requires only solar energy to use.

Fountains are an element in gardens and yards that I absolutely love. There’s something about adding a water element to the yard that just makes me feel tranquil. Serene water fountains of all shapes and sizes are now being created so that you can get one that fits your tastes. Maybe one day we’ll talk about making your own custom water fountains.

The thing is, to use the pumps, usually they require power of some kind. That usually means using electricity. Fountains, however, are a great element to use with solar power as a small solar power can energize a fountain. It looks great costs nothing in energy costs, and you get a clean water rotation.

One of the more unique pieces I’ve found have been the floor fountain products. These are really great for having a self contained fountain that can be moved and put in different areas of your garden. Having one or two of these to match each other is a great way to add a water feature to your garden.

Water can reflect the color of your flowers, provide a focal point, and if you chose a floor fountain or decide to incorporate one of the larger fountains available, or even add a fountain to an established pool, by golly, send me a photo so I can post it on my blog. I want to see those water elements in your garden.

Photo by robby_m.

So these toilet composters look a lot like other toilets, except there’s very little water used. Once you ‘flush’, your waste goes into a holding tank. Here’s a little bit on how it’s supposed to work.

Here’s what I understand. Depending on the type of toilet you get, the waste flows down into a holding tank. The liquids evaporate. The solid bits are broken down chemically until it all turns into oxidized salts. So it’s a lot like regular composting. It all crushes and blends together into fertilizer. So the composting toilet is supposed to be good for your garden.

Not just that, but it’s supposed to be great for the environment as well. An average 4 person household can waste as much as 70 gallons of water in a single day. So using a no water toilet will help eliminate your water bill a whole lot, plus the whole saving water thing which is great.

Companies like Outdora are bring out composting toilets that blend in with your decor as well as doing their job in composting. Compact and they look easy to install. Imagine not having to buy fertilizer, because you are your own fertilizer generator. Awesome!

Even if you don’t grow a garden, imagine the lower water bill. Also, did you know that we waste a lot of clean, drinkable water in our toilets? If you remember anything from environmental science class, you’ll know our water supply isn’t as everlasting as we think of it being. We use more than we can clean every day.

So, maybe the composting toilet is a great response to this. Would you use this?

Many people are aware that fire can be one element they may want to keep out of their yard and away from their home, but many people enjoy a cozy fire, even outside, on a cool night. Now with advanced products, a simple fire can be displayed without the mess. A pit, an outdoor fireplace and other items can be used to create a nice look of an outdoor fire. Placed near a pool or set out just for a party on the patio, it can keep the mood and be romantic and fun.

So how do you know what you would like to use for an outdoor fire? Some more popular decorative pieces for fires are chimineas,which are Alternate versions of old fire ovens. They come in various sizes but the smaller versions seem to be the most popular. Most are decorative only, and can be set in the corner and be lit without heating an entire area.

However, for more practical use and just as decorative, a fire ring or designated and designed fire pit can provide both heat, light and usefulness. Roasting marshmallows or even cooking an entire meal on a fire pit can be a great experience. Fires in pits like these can be toned down for summer fun as well as turned up for winter comfort.

Can you believe that many fire rings and fireplaces are actually transportable. No more going to the camp ground and finding a soggy hole where a fire pit used to be. You can now bring your own and guarantee a safe place for a fire.

Avoid unsightly damage to your property and have more of a designer element to your yard by using the portable fire ring or using one of the chimineas instead of digging a pit.

How do you get organized and make a plan?  Maybe you love the sound of your Lynx grill firing up and haven’t thought of the details on how to put it all together. I once was at a cook out and the host had forgotten all about napkins! Barbecue without napkins? So there are ways to be prepared and keep your parties perfect.

1. Location, location… The space where you host your party is very important. You want a clean environment. If there’s grass space, make sure it’s trimmed well and looks good. Seating is super important. Depending on the number of your guests, you should have just as many places to sit, and they should all be comfortable. Expecting guests to stand for hours is simply unkind.
2. Upgrade your grill if you wish. If you’re looking to upgrade your grill with a Twin Eagles grill or similar brands, remember that barbecue grills are like anything else. You should get what you absolutely love and can work with well. If you buy a cheaper model, you may only find all the flaws in your barbecue and never fully enjoy it. So get the one you’ll most enjoy. Save money for a few months if you need to get the one you want.
3. Cook with your grill. Become very familiar with your barbecue grill. Hopefully, you didn’t wait to get the grill you really love, maybe you have the one you like already. Once you have it, use it, and not just at the party. Turn it on and cook a few dinners on your grill. Get to know how to roast a potato or bake a dessert right on the grill. Impressing your friends with how well you cook on your grill comes with experience. Follow some recipes and experiment.
4. Count on your friends. Or rather, count how many friends are coming and imagine they each brought one to two other people with them. Have a handful of extra steaks and chicken breasts on hand. They don’t have to go to waste. Because that brings us to number five…
5. Buy take out containers. Give your friends and family a little extra barbecue love with something they can easily take food home in without having to return a dish to you. Simple takeout boxes can be purchased ahead of time.
6. Themes are alright. Don’t be afraid of sounding a little corny with your theme, because a theme can set the mood for a fun night and it easily gets people in the mood before they come if they know there is a theme.
7. Use time wisely. Do your prep work before the party begins. If beef needs to marinate for an hour, do it before the guests arrive. Guests arrive to a barbecue having not eaten for a little while, and they will quickly get hungry. Fire up that barbecue grill and get cracking.
8. Get the main meal finished quickly. People can linger around and chat and digest their food after they’ve eaten, but you don’t want hungry guests. A short time between prep and finish from when your guests arrive is the key to a successful party.
9. Ensure protection. Don’t be afraid of insisting you’re the only chef for this meal. Protect your guests from raw meat and burnt fingers. Entreat your guests to relax and enjoy themselves and that you are at their service for the evening.
10. Have a clear ending time. Plan a last activity of the night. Guests may linger for several hours after the food has gone, and some may be unsure of a graceful exit. Do the work for them by announcing ahead of time when the party will be over and use a “last moment” activity to indicate this. It may be handing out party favors, the take out boxes, etc.  It gives guests a graceful way to say goodbye without feeling guilty of leaving so soon or staying late.

Photo by chidsey.