Garden Style

I went on a garden tour where the owner had created a cairn. Not only was this stack of rocks a conversation piece, it added a sense of mystery to the garden.
Your garden style is your personal signature. Take something unique to you and your environment, and be creative. I have seen some very creative recycled objects used as focal points during my garden travels.
Old bathtubs, sinks, bowling balls and even shoes can be used.
If you look around your house you can find something to turn into an interesting focal point. The best advice is to experiment and have fun.
Whether you've always wanted a Grecian urn to add that classic flair, or a gazing ball to reflect the sky and colourful plants, the possibilities are endless. Have fun.
how to
Paint terracotta pots
CHALKY white paint and natural stripes can add a crisp, clean look to terracotta pots.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
Pencil
Eraser
Ruler
Masking tape in varying widths
Blade
Terracotta pots with saucers
Paint
Soft cloths
Soft paint brush
1 Old pots will need a good scrub with warm, soapy water before you begin. Once they're clean, place them in the sun to dry. New pots tend to accumulate dust and a few scrapes during the packing and display process. Give them a good wipe with a soft, dry cloth to dislodge loose dust, then finish with a damp cloth to remove any marks. Leave to dry.
2Decide where you want the natural terracotta stripes to be placed, then measure down from the rim, or up from the base, and make guide marks with a pencil around the circumference of the pot. Apply the masking tape, using the pencil marks as a guide. Smooth the tape down firmly, paying particular attention to any creases. Use an eraser to remove the pencil marks.
3 To achieve a soft, semi-translucent look, you need to water down the paint. Mix two parts paint with one part water and stir well to combine. Use a soft brush to apply the paint; you'll get a better finish if your brushstrokes follow the circumference of the pot rather than brushing vertically up and down. Paint the outer rim of the saucer. Leave to dry.
4 Once the paint is completely dry, carefully remove the tape. If there are any bleeds where the paint has seeped into the creases in the tape, remove them by gently scraping the area with a sharp blade. Use a damp cloth to wipe over the marks. The pot is now ready for planting.