Congratulations to Sandy T, this week’s winner of the Avant Garden Giveaway! Missed out on the giveaway this week, but still have your eye on the prize? Visit our website to read reviews or place an order today!

It’s time for another Weekly Garden Giveaway! This week we are excited to feature the CobraCo® Eminence Garden Obelisk! Emphasize your garden or entrance ways with this stylish obelisk from CobraCo®! Perfect for vine type plants, this decorative structure will add a tasteful element to any outdoor area.

The CobraCo® Eminence Garden Obelisk has an elegant antique green finish that will emphasize your flower garden. With its 50″ height and gorgeous detailing, it will be a stand out in any garden! It’s also ideal for displaying vine plants on apartment or condo balconies or patios.

CobraCo® Eminence Garden Obelisk – Specifications
• Part of our Eminence Collection
• Adds a decorative touch to outdoor areas
• Obelisk dimensions: 9”W x 50”H
• Antique green finish

Expert Decorating Tips

There are many dos and don’ts when it comes to garden décor, especially in the planning phase. Believe it or not, landscape experts tell us the first thing you should do when planning to create an outdoor landscape or living area is to decide what hardscaping elements you’d like to add.

Do you want to add a water element, such as a pond, fountain, or bird bath? Perhaps you’re envisioning stone work to create a wall or pathway.  Other hardscaping elements you should consider include trellises, arbors, and/or obelisks. Decorative floor planters, baskets stands, or various specialty planters could also be part of your plan and allow you to add décor, while keeping a consistent theme throughout. You may also consider having a vegetable garden in your plan – this would be a good time to include that as well.

• Focus, focus, focus. Develop a focal point for your outdoor living area. You want the attention to be on one main element, but surrounded by other complimentary sub-elements.

• Make sure your hardscape flows well. Don’t add items that appear unnatural or out of place in your layout.

• Be certain hardscape items you add are proportionate to the space available and your surroundings. For example, don’t use large rocks in a small yard – they’ll stick out like a sore thumb.

• If things get too overwhelming or you feel you just need a second opinion, consult a landscape expert at your local nursery or at one of many online gardening sites. They can offer some good advice without having to hire someone. Also, don’t bite off more than you can chew. Consider your skills and abilities when designing your outdoor living area layout plan.

• Last but certainly not least, remember whatever hardscape elements you choose, make sure you have the appropriate materials to secure them, in the case of any-weather occurrences. These materials are important – you don’t want to jeopardize all your hard work or the money you spent.

Take your time in the beginning to make it right, and you’ll be pleased with the results!

To enter the Weekly Garden Giveaway for a chance to win, please leave a comment on this blog post.  All comments will be visible once the contest ends on Wednesday 7/27/2011.  Winner will be contacted by email.