Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Solar Fountains - Easy Installation

If you have wanted to have a water feature on your property, but, didn't want to go through the effort of running electricity to it, solar is for you.  Solar fountains make it so easy, all you need to do is make sure that the solar cell is exposed to sunlight.  For those of you who's property is very shaded, or, you have more cloudy than sunny days, these fountains also include adapters that work off of traditional electricity.  At Alice's Outdoor Emporium, we have some lovely solar fountains that are easy on the wallet.

A charming way to start a fanciful display, the Frog Hollow Solar Fountain will add a touch of humor to your yard.  A handsome frog rests on the top of an old fashioned cobblestone hollow.  He adds a constant stream of water to the waiting pool below.  While it looks extremely realistic, this fountain is actually made from durable polyresin.  Plant some greenery and colorful flowers behind the fountain and you will create a truly handsome outdoor space.

Like something plucked from a medieval castle, the River Rock Solar Garden Fountain looks wonderful in so many settings.  Whether you place it on your patio, lawn or garden, it is sure to add storybook nostalgia to your home.  It has the appearance of genuine river rock, but is made from a composite of polyresin, stone powder and sand.  Shaped like a two-tiered turret, water cascades from the top to the lower basin and provides a soothing sound.

Gracefully shaped and the essence of peace and serenity, the Temple Solar Fountain will transport your imagination to the Far East.  Use it as the inspiration for creating an oriental themed garden or lawn feature.  The rounded pedestal base holds two tiers that are shaped like the roofs of ancient temples, the gently flowing water adds to it's exotic appeal.  Made from a durable blend of polyresin, stone powder and sand that is fashioned to look like hand-hewn stone.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Cherubic Delights

Very nostalgic and Victorian, who doesn't love the delightful look of plump little cherubs.  They add a touch of romance and whimsy to your outdoor space and look quite charming tucked here and there.  At Alice's Outdoor Emporium, we love cherubs and have assembled quite a collection of statues that can become cherished family heirlooms.

Sure to capture even the hardest heart, our Cherub Tealight Sculpture is truly enchanting.  You will never lose your way, this chubby little cherub holds an iron lantern that will hold a tealight to cast a romantic glow in the evening.  He looks quite charming on a patio or nestled in your garden.  He is made from stone-finished polyresin for durability.

Lighthearted and sentimental, the Kissing Cherubs Sculpture is sure to make you smile.  A handsome little cherub bestows a gentle and innocent kiss on the cheek of his companion.  Beautiful and realistic detailing make this sculpture even more sweet.  Made from alabastrite with a stone finish, it has the look of a fine antique statue.

Perfect for posing amongst your greenery, the Sleeping Cherub Garden Statue adds a gentle and peaceful presence to your garden.  This angelic little cherub looks light he just drifted down from heaven to take a nap in your garden.   He looks like a weathered antique, but, is made from chalk tan colored resin to keep you company for many years to come.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Fun Yard Decor

Life shouldn't always be taken too seriously, and, at Alice's Outdoor Emporium, we have some funfilled ways to decorate and put a smile on your face.  Probably the most popular way to add a splash of color to any yard is with good old-fashioned Pink Flamingos.  It all started in 1957 when a guy by the name of Don Featherstone working at Union Products designed the first pink plastic flamingo.  You too can add an iconic touch of Americana to your yard.  We are proud to offer the Flock O' Flamingos Decor constructed out of sturdy colorfully painted wrought iron.

Who doesn't love lovers?  Bring a touch of whimsical, but, romantic charm to your yard with Loving Frogs on a Swing.  A pair of sweet frogs enjoy each others embrace as they sway gently on their garden swing.  Embellished with vines, bud vases and a "Lover's Lane" sign, it is a nostalgic way to decorate your lawn or garden.

Have a little fun and mystify guests with the Woodland Squirrel Tree Decor.  This realistic squirrel comes in two halves, a front and rear, both surrounded by a knothole.  You can hang him up two different ways.  Hang one half on each side of a tree to make it look like he's gone through the tree, or, hang one above the other on the same side.  Either way, this squirrel makes an amusing addition to your yard.  We welcome you to visit our Emporium for these and many other decorating ideas.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Feed the Birds

While this is the time of year where there is plenty of natural food available, birds still reward those who feed them throughout the seasons with their presence.  It's always nice to wake up to the sound of the birds in the morning and see the variety of birds who come to dine.  At Alice's Outdoor Emporium we have a variety of styles of birdfeeders to choose from that can also be accents for your yard.

Add a touch of old fashioned whimsy to your yard with a nostalgic statue that is also a clever birdfeeder.  The Country Boy Birdfeeder is a charming statue of a young boy carrying his hat in hand upside down.  His hat will hold a generous amount of seed for the birds to feast from.  He looks like carved and painted wood but is actually made from polyresin and stands almost two feet tall.

If you prefer a hanging birdfeeder, our Vine Garden Birdfeeder is a handsome choice.  It has a lovely verdigris finish and is a sophisticated blend of vines and milk glass.  It holds a wealth of birdseed which is dispensed at the bottom of the feeder and has plenty of space for birds to gather and dine from.  The generous sized top helps provide shelter for diners in inclement weather.

An affordable addition to your yard decor, the Standing Gazebo Birdfeeder looks like weathered copper.  This birdfeeder stands over three feet tall and has a beautiful pedestal base.  It is made from very durable plastic that will withstand the elements and provide many years of service.  Birds feed from the elegant classic gazebo on top, just place your seeds in the center for them to feed.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Patio Planting

Planting boxes and planters are an easy way to beautify your patio, porch or balcony.  Perfect for apartment dwellers, small yards or just to add a little something extra to your outdoor space.  At Alice's Outdoor Emporium, we have some good sized planters that will provide you with many years of enjoyment, and they won't break the bank.

The Brunello Planter is a very natural and classic looking planting pot.  Made from a weather-resistant polyresin plastic, it resists fading and is crack-proof.  Because it is so lightweight, it's easier to move your plants where you want them.  There are pre-drilled drainage holes to help keep your plants healthy and it is available in four colors; Rust, Weathered Terra Cotta, Weathered Stone or Weathered Concrete.

Able to hold an abundance of flowers or greenery, the Better Barrel Planter by RTS is a very handsome planter.  Woodtone colored and textured, it is actually made from recycled plastic.  The barrel won't rot, mildew or fall apart and it withstands freezing, thawing and high temperatures.  The steel bands will weather nicely and give the planter the look of an authentic whiskey barrel.  The indented drainage holes can be knocked out for container gardening or left in for water gardening.

The Etruscan Planter looks like it's made out of heavy stone, but it is made from resin to be light and portable.  This planter's sweeping classic lines show off plants and flowers to perfection, and, it won't chip, crack or fade.  There are pre-drilled drainage holes and it is available in three lovely colors; Terra Cotta, Rust or Weathered Grey Stone.  We invite you to vist our Emporium for these and other fine gardening ideas.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Bathing for the Birds

As the weather warms up, birds truly appreciate a place where they can make a splash, cool off and also take a drink of nice clean water.  Birdbaths are a charming way to decorate your yard, and, your feathered friends will reward you for your kindness.  It can be quite entertaining to watch them as they play and your yard will be alive with the sound of birdsong.  At Alice's Outdoor Emporium, we have a birdbath to suit any environment, whether it be tradtional or modern.

If your taste runs towards old fashioned beauty and charm, the Antiqued Iron Birdbath fits the bill perfectly.  This Victorian style pedestal birdbath looks like something you would find in a vintage garden.  It is made from rust free cast iron with an antiqued finish.  A charming little iron bird perched on it's rim will help to entice the birds to give it a try.

A colorful way to greet both human and feathered friends is with the Bird's Nest Solar Greeter.  This enchanting polyresin tree is topped with an adorable nest shaped bowl that can also function as either a birdbath or birdfeeder.  The welcome sign has a secret, it lights up at night from a hidden solar powered battery.  It will make a lovely addition to your yard.

Understated elegance applies to the Portsmouth Solar Birdbath Fountain.  Not only will you be giving the birds much needed water, but, you also receive all of the enjoyment of a fountain.  It has a patented underwater solar panel that will keep the pump constantly providing water from the hidden reservoir.  It has a lovely weathered stone finish that makes it look antique, yet, has the most modern of technology.  It includes a low-voltage pump and water filter.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Make the Breeze Sing

One tradition that I have to celebrate the arrival of spring is to unwrap my windchimes, dust them off, and hang them up.  Wind chimes are not only pretty to look at, but, they create a marvelous symphony of sound when the breeze blows.  When the weather warms up we get a beautiful afternoon breeze from the ocean in Southwest Washington.  I always look forward to hearing my daily serenade and enjoy the serenity that the chimes provide me.  That's why we've included a selection of lovely chimes at Alice's Outdoor Emporium.

We are proud to offer several wind chimes from manufacturer J. W. Stannard.  This company is known for the quality of their workmanship and each pipe is hand tuned to ensure a magical tone.  When their wind chime pipes are strung together, you can be sure that you are in for a musical treat.  We currently offer their Lark, Moonlight, and Tabernacle wind chimes, each has a unique sound style to offer you and will provide you with many years of enjoyment.

Everyone is familiar with the pipe tubes that most wind chimes have, but, you can also vary the sound of your orchestra with a bell wind chime.  The Temple Bells Wind Chime has metal bells that sway gently in the breeze.  This creates a sound very reminiscent of the bells heard at Far Eastern temples.  They are sure to bring a sense of tranquility wherever you hang them.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Lazy Day Comfort

Before you know it, the lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer will be here.  Get ready to spend some time outdoors breathing fresh air and relaxing with a good old fashioned hammock.  They are so comfortable, it's what you would imagine it would be like to be laying on a cloud.  They're easy to install on either a convenient stand or between two trees.  At Alice's Outdoor Emporium, we have a selection of cozy hammocks and we're adding more as we find them.

So crisp and inviting, the Blue Striped Hammock  will make you feel like you have your own personal cabanna.  This summery blue and white beauty is made from 100% cotton and includes a comfy pillow.  It is generously sized so that you can truly sprawl out and has a maximum weight capacity of 240 lbs.  Another cotton beauty is the Carnival Striped Hammock.  Very colorful, it is the essence of summer and it's sturdy construction and generous size will have you snoozing peacefully in no time.

If you just want to sit and enjoy the outdoors, try a hammock chair for a change of pace.  They are ultra comfortable and will melt your cares away as you sway gently on your perch.  Our Hammock Chair is easy to hang from your porch or a tree branch and is made from cotton netting with a wooden stretcher and has a maximum weight capacity of 200 pounds.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Crazy for Gnomes

There is something mischevious yet touching about garden gnomes.  Perhaps it's that they bring back memories of childhood stories, but, many of us are addicted to their lighthearted whimsy.  You can't just stop at having one, you always need more.  At Alice's Outdoor Emporium we are always looking for more gnomes to offer our customers and we invite you to come check them out.

One of my new favorites is the Enchanted Book Gnome.  This charming fellow is taking a break and enjoying his favorite book.  He has a startled look, as if he's been caught by surprise.  With bent knees, he looks adorable perched on a railing, rock, or garden steps.  Quite colorful, he looks like he's been carved out of wood, but, is actually durable polyresin.

Add a touch of color and fun with the Secret Garden Gnome.  A shy little garden gnome peaks around from behind the door of his enchanting Secret Garden.  A charming way to welcome visitors to your sanctuary, he truly is like a fairytale come true.  This decoration is easy to place, it comes with two stakes to secure to the location of your choice.

Extremely colorful and beautifully detailed, the Slumbering Gnome Statue is sure to put a smile on your face.  The poor thing is quite exhausted after a days work in your garden and is deep in repose.  Snoozing so peacefully, with a sweet expression on his face, he's catching his zzz's craddled inside his favorite hammock.  You'll want to put this gnome in a place of honor.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Adding Peace and Serenity

Your yard should be a sanctuary from the rest of the world, a place where you can relax and gain a sense of peace and serenity.  Nothing promotes a feeling of calm more than the sound of gently flowing water.  A fountain is not only a thing of beauty to see, but, the musical sounds of gentle waters can also have a soothing effect on the soul.  You don't have to be rich to enjoy one in your garden or on your patio.  At Alice's Outdoor Emporium, we have a nice selection of reasonably priced fountains to suit almost any style or taste.

Bring back memories of childhood days spent playing until the sun went down with the Fun and Play Garden Fountain.  A young boy and girl are taking a break and all set to take a refreshing drink from their garden spigot.  The fountain is made from durable polyresin and it has a beautiful bronze finish.  The detailing on this fountain is superb and very lifelike, the essence of childhood is perfectly captured.

Nature lovers will adore the enchantment provided by the Forest Fantasy Fountain.  Water cascades down over levels created by natural looking moss and mushroom covered log segments.  Poised throughout this fountain are colorful little birds enjoying the bounty that nature has provided them.  A delight to the eye and the ear, this fountain is made from lasting polyresin.  A lovely addition for your garden, patio or yard.

If you don't want to worry about running electricity for a fountain, a solar one is a good alternative.  The Fairies Solar Fountain features two adorable sprites pouring water into the pool below.  The pedestal base is adorned with lovely flowers and the fountain has an old fashioned feeling.  The solar panel provides the power, but, it also comes with an optional electric plug for cloudy days or shady spots.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

The Sun, the Moon, and the Stars

Since the dawn of mankind, we have been staring up at the sky with a sense of wonder.  The sun gives us light, warmth and makes our plants grow.  The moon and stars are our companions of the night, dazzling us with their beauty and firing the imagination.  It's no wonder that our daily miracles have been the subject of scientific study and the objects of ancient worship.  Their importance to our very existence has always been with us.  At Alice's Outdoor Emporium, we have fun garden art that will help you celebrate the return of the summer sun.

Beautifully detailed, warm and friendly, the Celestial Wall Plaque will be a stunning addition to your patio or garden wall.  It celebrates the sun and the moon with stars between, and, conveys a sense of motion as day passes into night.  You can also hang a loving tribute to the sun with our Golden Sun Terra Cotta Wall Plaque.  This is a stunning ornament with a gorgeous golden sun face that is shown off perfectly on a dark blue background.

Add a touch of mystery and fun to your garden with the Glowing Celestial Garden Stone.  Half night and half day, this garden stone with clever faces makes a handsome addition your yard.  But, make sure that you keep it somewhere that the sun will hit it.  The moon portion of this garden stone along with three stars will
glow in the dark and provide you with a charming display at nightfall.  Come visit our emporium for these and other ways to add sparkle and personality to your outdoor space.