7 Tips You Must Know to Create Your Own Asian Garden

Working in your garden can be one of the most exciting and rewarding summertime experiences. Whether it’s starting a brand new garden, caring for your preexisting garden, or giving your space a face-lift, there can be quite a lot of fun to be had!

But what if you want to create a brand-new garden but don’t know where to begin or what style to implement? If you’re looking for a sleek, clean, peaceful type of garden (and if you’re relatively patient and like being outdoors), then why not consider creating your very own Asian garden?

Asian landscapes are known for evoking feelings of peace and calm. Designers expertly use positive and negative space in the garden and natural features to invite contemplative, serene sentiments within ourselves.

If you’re ready to get your Asian garden started, check out these 7 tips to create your very own Asian garden!

Make Art Your Focal Point – When creating an Asian garden, it’s important to make art your focal point of the garden. Using art in your garden such as pagoda towers and Asian sculptures will add another layer of interest and beauty to the entire garden. Do be sure, though, to use art sparingly. You don’t want to have your space totally dominated with sculptures everywhere!

Create Meandering Paths – Making a straight pathway of rock or bricks might sound appealing, but this is a big no-no in any Asian garden. According to Asian folklore and legend, straight pathways allow evil spirits to move swiftly and directly into the home. Zigzagging pathways, however, will confuse any malevolent spirits that are wanting to invade your home. Try a swirling pathway made of stone or rock instead of a straight brick walkway.

Beware of White Flowers – When selecting your flowers for an authentic Asian garden, you should stick to certain types of flowers and plants. One of the main rules when constructing an authentic Asian garden is to avoid white flowers. In many Asian countries, white flowers are seen as a funeral or burial flower and signify mourning. Additionally, Chrysanthemums in any color have a similar meaning. Instead, select flowers like irises, star jasmine, or azaleas.

Look Out Your Window First – In order to get the best look for your Asian garden, plan your garden views by looking out your window. You’ll want to enjoy the focal points and soothing scenes from inside your home, too! Looking out your window will help you to create the outdoor space that you want.

Choose the Right Plants – Set the tone by selecting iconic Asian plants! Trees and plants such as flowering cherry, Japanese maple, ginkgo, bamboo, juniper, and jasmine do very well to set the tone for the landscaping that you want.

Less Is More – You might have several ideas of what you want to do or want to go out to buy lots of iconic Asian items and plants already. Remember, however, that when it comes to Asian landscaping (and home décor, for that matter), less is more, and balance is key. For example, placing a statue or a tree like a Japanese maple can be very compelling and dramatic when placed among low, carpet-like plants.

Remember Outdoor Lighting – Don’t forget about outdoor lighting when planning your Asian garden! And no, you won’t have to be limited to just lanterns. There are several styles of lights that can work very well within an Asian garden. Lighting a pathway can be as simple as using direct light on sculptures or artwork or implementing solar lights that have an oriental flare.

Want more tips? Looking for the home (and garden) of your dreams? That’s where we come into play! Call The Massey Team today at (618) 791-5024 or at (618) 791-9298 or visit us online at www.dianamasseyhomes.com. Together we can help you find that home you’ve always dreamed about having!

7 Quick and Easy Ways to Brighten Up Your Home for Spring

It’s springtime, which is a wonderful time to throw open the curtains and windows, put away the heavy draperies, and let the sunshine pour in! It is also a fantastic time to brighten up your home just a little bit!

Don’t worry, you don’t have to go overboard or spend a ton of money in order to reinvent your home! There many things you can do to brighten up your home that takes very little time, effort, and money! In fact, we have 7 quick and easy ways for you to spruce up your home today! Check them out below!

Purchase Cheap Houseplants – Want a really easy way to perk up your home and bring some it some life? Buy some cheap but beautiful houseplants! They will not only bring a pop of color to your home, but they will also provide you with free, clean air and make your space seem more cheerful! You can easily find very cheap houseplants both big and small at your local nurseries, grocery stores, and in large stores like Lowes and The Home Depot!

Switch Out the Pillows – As the weather gets warmer outside, you know it’s time to switch out your pillows to match the nicer ones! Put away the warm winter pillows and opt for plain and patterned pillows in pastel or bold shades of pink, blue, green, and yellow. Feel free to mix and match pillows to match your rooms’ different feels and styles!

Bring Out the Candles – Instead of going to the beach and the outdoors, bring the beach and the outdoors inside to you! A scented candle can change the atmosphere of your home very easily, so choose scents that remind you of spring weather! Opt for citrus-flavored or floral scents, or you could even choose to begin pining for summer by selecting a “beach” scented candle!

Spruce Up Your Dining Table – Give your dining table a pop of spring color with a beautiful and simple tablecloth! Select a tablecloth that blends well with your dining room’s décor and curtains. Opt for shades of pastel and material that is easy to clean and maintain.

Grab Some Fresh Flowers – What’s more spring-like than fresh flowers? Add a touch of color and calmness in your kitchen, living room, hallway, or any other room by selecting colorful spring flowers! For ideas, try using yellow daffodils, purple tulips, or maybe even a bright carnation or two. Be sure to display these gorgeous flowers in attractive vases painted in bright or pastel colors! Remember, you don’t have to have a huge bouquet of flowers to make this work – even one or two fresh stems can look just as beautiful!

Switch the Bedding – That’s right, it’s time to put away those heavy, warm comforters and blankets and switch for light-weight bedding and throws! If you can, select bedding in fresh spring colors like blue, pink, green, or yellow to help make your room pop and bring life back into it!

Break Out the Paint – One of the most inexpensive ways to reinvent and revive your home is with a simple bucket of paint! Find a color that lifts your spirits and makes you think spring, and get to work! You can opt to paint just an accent wall or paint an entire room one color, or you can turn that paint on cabinets, vases, or other small decorations!

Remember, springtime is a time of renewal, so let the warm weather and sunshine energize and inspire you to help you brighten your home this spring! If you’re looking for a new home to brighten up your life, then you’ve come to the right place! Just give us a call at (618) 791-5024 or (618) 791-9298 or check us out online at www.dianamasseyhomes.com! You’ll be glad you did!