Creating a beautiful outdoor retreat can be a breeze when you use the right combination of backyard landscaping and outdoor ornaments such as bird feeders or wind chimes. Depending on your preferences, you may want to create a backyard that attracts hummingbirds, creates music from the wind or is simply a pleasure to look at. By using decorative elements such as bird feeders, wind chimes or lawn ornaments, adding some flair to your backyard is easy.
If you are looking to attract hummingbirds or create a natural sanctuary for wildlife in your area, you may want to consider bird baths or feeders for your backyard. These pieces create a welcoming environment for birds, as well as beautiful structures which add to your outdoor area's architecture. You can add several well-placed tube bird feeders, which can attract a variety of birds in your chosen area. On the other hand, you may also purchase a decorative bird bath/feeder structure which looks artistic and is functional. Just imagine the beauty your backyard will have if you are frequently visited by a variety of beautiful birds!Wind chimes and wind spinners can add a playful and colorful element to your background, and are a relatively inexpensive addition to your d�cor. Wind chimes come in all sizes, design and colors and are easy to place throughout your yard so that a symphony of music emerges once the wind blows. Wind spinners are also relatively inexpensive, and always provide a good topic of conversation once they start spinning with their unique shapes and colors. Consider putting these elements in places where they will be noticed and admired, such as close to your outdoor patio furniture.Wind Chimes are similar to wind spinners but have some differences. Wind chimes not only look pretty in the wind but have a relaxing tune to the wind. Many people use wind chimes as a stress reliever and they make wonderful lawn ornaments. Wind chimes are the perfect solution to a hard day of gardening for mom or grandma. Wind chimes come in many different shapes, sizes and themes, which make it easier to find the perfect one for mom or grandma. Wind chimes can also be inviting to friends and guests. Enjoy the peaceful sound in the background of conversation with any wind chimes you buy.With these three great gift ideas, wind chimes, wind spinners and garden planters for mom and grandma, you should be set for gifts for a while. Because wind spinners, wind chimes and garden planters are so versatile, you can always start a collection for mom or grandma if they haven�t already. You can never have too many wind spinners or wind chimes or garden planters in or out of the house. Especially garden planters because they can be used for all sorts of plants and flowers. So bring in some color, entertainment and beauty to their backyard. Mom and grandma will definitely appreciate the thought you put into buying their wind spinners, wind chimes or garden planters."This one has a sculpture of children descending into heaven, and look how they used wind chimes to represent each of the victims in this design," Debra said to her daughter. "These are simply amazing." The Maxons were among nearly 13,000 who came during the past four days to view the designs for the Oklahoma City Memorial Center. Nine judges began reviewing the 600-plus entries Tuesday. Three to five finalists will be announced April 19, the two-year anniversary of the bombing. The winner will be named July 3. The judges include six design professionals and three family members who represent the victims and survivors of the bombing. "In the first stage we are looking for a concept that best describes the memorial's mission statement, which is basically remembrance and peace," said Helene Fried, one of the advisors for the competition. After the finalists are selected, they will receive $15,000 to make the design more detailed to include a three dimensional model describing the concept and an estimated budget for construction, Fried said. The finalists must also submit a team of professional architects and engineers to implement the designs. "These designs basically reaffirm what people felt from all over the world," said Bob Johnson, chairman of the Oklahoma City Memorial Foundation. "Overall, the quality is better than we could have hoped for." The memorial center will be built on the grounds where the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building once stood. The entries, which came from around the world, ranged from modern designs with sun dials and dark shades to the traditional memorial concepts with large pillars, reflecting pools and flower gardens. David Packman of Oklahoma City said he was more than impressed by the different interpretations for the memorial site. "I can tell there was so much creativity and inspiration that went into these designs. Each one brings back the memory of the bombing in its own unique way," he said. For Oklahoma City resident George Wesley, seeing the designs made him realize the memorial will be a kind of healing for the city. "These designs have so much symbolism," he said. "They represent the kind of cleansing that we need to heal from this tragedy. I know when it is finished it will be very therapeutic for us all."Wind spinners are a great gift idea because they come in many different colors, shapes, sizes and themes and are mesmerizing in the wind. Good quality wind spinners will survive harsh weather if made of stainless steel which does not rust. Taking care of stainless steel wind spinners is a breeze because there is simply no maintenance. The most work mom or grandma will have to do with her wind spinners is move it to a different location if she desires. Wind spinners can be hung from brackets, hook stands, the ceiling of a porch, some deck railings, outside the front door, and for smaller ones in the window, the rearview mirror of your car, or on the Christmas tree. Wind spinners are great lawn ornaments for the garden or yard.
For more inspiration and wide range of backyard d�cor ideas including wind chimes, wind spinners, lawn ornaments and bird feeders visit www.outdoormama.com.
Author: Angie Loomis
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