We’ve gathered a few photos o what you typically see in the stores.  We’ve also pulled together some photos of pits that most people don’t see.  The ones we prefer are not the small, dinky, rusting store bought type, but the brick or stone, homemade or contracted kind.

While the difference in cost may be significant, the quality and longevity of having one that is permanent and fixed in a spot in the yard, far out ways the benefits of those small ones that are sure to rust out within three years.

The one above is perfect for a small backyard gathering.  Notice that the house appears to be inside a residential neighborhood.

Above, the owners decided to embed the fire pit into the patio foundation, then use ceramic tiles to add color and decor.

Now that your garden has been designed, the plants are growing and getting ready to bloom; it’s time to look at what you want to relax on while you enjoy the evenings where you can watch your hard work flourish.

There are different types and styles of garden furniture. We’ve selected a few examples to help give you an idea of what you might want.

Above we have the fairly standard wicker type furniture.  Wicker stands up to the sun and rain over long periods of time, though, without cushions, you’ll find that it may become uncomfortable over long periods of time.

Then there is the aluminum furniture set.  While it may say aluminum, over time you will find that welding points and areas that receive regular contact will begin to rust as the thin layer of paint used begins to chip away.  These sets are available in almost any store with a garden section.

Above is the time tested image that most people have when they think of a garden and a field.  Here, the owner has strategically placed a wooden bench inside the garden.  There appears to be a small walking path leading up to it.  Beautiful image.

They make an excellent choice for people that live in cold-weather regions who want to bring a tropical flare to their outdoor spaces.

During warm months, keep them in direct sunlight.

During cold months, bring them in so you can keep that tropical feeling going. Just make sure they get plenty of sunlight.
These plants will remain a manageable size when grown in a container. The flowering plants in this collection have proven easy to bloom.

If you live in a frost-free region, these plants will be very happy living outside in the landscape year ’round.

Alpinia purpurata, Pink
Pink Cone Ginger, Hawaiian Ginger

Alpinia purpurata, Red
Red Cone Ginger, Hawaiian Ginger

Hedychium coronarium, White
Ginger Lily, White Butterfly Ginger

H. psittacorum, Golden Torch

H. rostrata
Lobster Claw heliconia

Duranta repens
Rain Joe, Golden Dewdrop, Skyflower

Hawaiian Ti Plant

Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Yellow
Poinciana pulcherrima LINNAEUS, Pride of Barbados, Mexican Bird of Paradise, Dwarf Poinciana

Veitchia merrillii
Christmas Palm

When it comes to adding water features to your backyard garden or patio, you may want to consider either a fountain or pond.

With everyone having a busy schedule these days, most people, when opting for the pond, choose the prefab ponds. You can still build your own and form the base of your pond if you want, but if you want to speed the process along, there are tons of stores that sell prefab ponds. Once you decide on the one you want, simply install it, then begin decorating it with the look and feel that you want.

Below are several photos of ponds people have installed themselves.

With Summer on it’s way, it’ll take linger and longer for the sun to set, but you may also find you’re spending more time outside, enjoying the weather and your patio.

When the sun does set, you’ll want to have some kind of lighting. We’ve provided a few photos to give you an idea of what can be done to both provide light and the decorative look you may want.

Options include:

Traditional strung lighting

Lamps

Solar powered lights (common for walkways)

Exterior, All weather Lamps

Potted Lamps

The potted lamps are great, they both function as decoration and lighting, while also providing room for a small plant to grow.