Spring is upon us, and with it comes a variety of outdoor activities. Although our climate is pretty temperate year-round, now
is the perfect time to get outside and exercise that green thumb. Gardening is the perfect way to usher in the new season and fill your surroundings with beautiful perennials and bountiful greens. If you find yourself more of an outdoor novice and less than stellar when it comes to do-it-yourself projects, there are still plenty of ways to update your yard. Simply adding new décor, such as vases, organic art or other props, gives lawns and outdoor spaces an instant boost, and they’re great additions when creating a cozy entertaining area.
1. (ABOVE) Sometimes small, simple touches, versus a huge overhaul project, can be more satisfying – especially if you’re just adding to an already manicured green space. Adding new pots and vases is quick and affordable, and doesn’t require a huge time commitment or working knowledge of gardening. Bella Nola, 4236 Magazine St., 897-9499
2. As the weather gets warmer, outdoor dining and entertaining make a wonderful option when guests pop in. Oversized pillar candles and country-inspired holders create nice mood lighting for early evening cookouts or cocktails. The Plant Gallery, 9401 Airline Highway, 488-8887
3. Nothing puts you in the mood to garden more than the perfect gear to get motivated. Cute and motivating shirts, like the ones from the Life is Good® company, inspire you get out there and have some fun playing in the dirt. Canine Culture, 8110 Hampson St., 373-5141
4. If you love to cook with fresh herbs, but are tired of shelling out the money on expensive organic ones, why not grow your own? For the price of a few fresh sprigs of rosemary you can buy a packet of seeds, a container and potting soil, and have an abundance of herbs within a month that will continue to grow year-round. Harry’s Ace Hardware, 3535 Magazine St., 896-1500
5. Adding organic art with a New Orleans feel spruces up any space, be it outdoors or in. Hand-painted granite or slate pieces bring the best of the city right to your backyard. Exterior Designs, 2903 Octavia St., 866-0276
6. A multi-hued, oversized clay pot adds a pop of color to a mostly green landscape. Place them around the perimeters of your yard with equally bright perennials inside for eye-catching beauty. American Aquatic Gardens, 621 Elysian Fields Ave., 944.0410
7. Whimsical garden art and sculptures allow you to personalize your yard without completely redoing it. These funky rock creations are small enough to create a nice element of the unexpected to an otherwise polished garden.
Judy at the Rink, 2727 Prytania St., 891-7018
8. If the idea of starting from scratch to build your perfect garden seems a bit daunting, there are many professional landscape services available in the area to help you realize your vision. Landscape Images, though not a retail destination for garden supplies, has a knowledgeable sales staff and great antique accessories they can add to your outdoor paradise. Landscape Images,
655 Central Ave., 734-8380
