Wednesday's Words

"The Garden"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved.

Nothing in all the world is so good as

the knowledge and love of Christ, and no pleasure that can 

be enjoyed equal to the joy of serving Him with all one's heart.

Susan Warner

Comfortable Garden Furniture to Relax in This Summer

Summer is here and it’s time to turn the television off and get out into the open air! The garden is the perfect place to make your own summer haven and here is a guide to the most comfortable garden furniture that can help you do so.

Day Beds

Day beds are the epitome of comfort outdoors. As the name suggests, these items of garden furniture are essentially beds that are used and left out in the garden. Day beds often feature a sun canopy and are the perfect way to relax on a hot summer’s day.

Day beds come in both single and double size, and many different shapes and styles from square and rectangular to circular and oval-shaped.  Unlike other garden furniture items, day beds must be stored in a dry place during the winter months so bear this in mind when considering the size of the day bed you’d like to purchase- if space really is that limited, then consider opting for a hanging chair instead.

Hanging Chairs

Hanging chairs are fantastic items of garden furniture that are both comfortable and practical. Most hanging chairs are suspended from a metal frame that can be adjusted to suit the individual requirements of the owner.  Hanging chairs can be gently swung to provide the user with a feeling of deep relaxation.

The best feature about these chairs is the fact that as the chair hangs from a freestanding frame, it can be picked up and moved to wherever the owner wishes- this means you can chase the sun around your garden until it sets.

Sun Loungers

Sun loungers are the obvious seating choice during the summer and no garden is complete without one (or two.) These garden furniture items can be reclined until they are horizontal making them ideal for sunbathing, reading a book or simply sleeping in the sun.

Sun loungers are made from many materials besides the typical plastic ones you see dotted around swimming pools. Rattan for example, is a popular type of wood that is used in the production of garden furniture because it is lightweight, modern and has a great wicker appearance.

Summer Sofa Sets

Another item of comfortable garden furniture is of course a summer sofa set. Similar to their indoor counterparts, summer sofa sets provide a comfortable seat for several people to enjoy at once. Summer sofa sets come in a range of sizes, styles and shapes to suit the difference in garden size and individual requirements. Many of these garden sofa types often come with a parasol or canopy attached which offers the users some much-needed shade.

Summer sofa sets offer a great platform to host and entertain family, friends and other guests this summer.

Hammock

The hammock may be the old favorite when it comes to comfortable garden furniture but it still has its place in the garden today. Hammocks offer the user a comfortable resting position which moves ever so slightly in the wind, providing a gentle way to relax in the garden. Hammocks are easy and convenient as they are easy to take down and fold up very small meaning they can be stored very easily.

About the Author:

Warren James is a part time blogger and sales advisor at Brooks Furnishings- the South’s leading furniture retailers based in Romford, Essex.

Garden Perspectives - Lollipops in the Garden

Several years ago, my wife and I took on of those bus tour trips which took us to several National Parks as well as a few local places in California. I'd never been to these parks, much less California.

At the time, I was exploring photography, not really intending to get as involved as I did or am now. Which in some ways, is a bit frustrating as I didn't take notes to track any of my photos- like the name of plants or birds.  So, while in California, I did what the Californians do, I enjoyed myself.

"Lollipops in the Garden"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

While enjoying myself in California, I came across this plant. To, me it is absolutely beautiful and looks like some "giant" put his lollipops in the ground. So, I call this photo, "Lollipops in the Garden."

I have no idea of it proper name, if you do, or have a suggestion how I can find out- please leave a comment below.

  

Take a Tree-cation Around the UK

If you love trees and you love the UK, then why not spend this year’s holiday exploring some of the most incredible trees the Great British Isles have to offer? We've found the country’s most fabulous trees from all around Britain, so take a look at our list and enjoy a UK Tree-cation this summer!

Tallest

This ‘see it to believe it’ megatree is thought to have been around since before the last ice age. Situated by the side of Scotland’s stunning Lock Fyne measures 211ft tall. But get there fast - the tree’s status as the tallest in the UK is set to be overtaken by Snowdonian firs planted back in the 1920s within the next few years.

Thickest

Known appropriately as ‘Majesty’, Britain’s thickest tree is in Kent’s Fredville Park and has a circumference of 40ft. The entirely hollow pedunculated oak tree is, however, situated on a private estate, so you’ll need to ask permission to visit.

Biggest

Herefordshire’s Croft Castle is home to a sessile oak which holds the record for the greatest volume of timber and measures 3,800 cubic feet, making it not only the country’s biggest tree, but also the UK’s largest living thing. Historically, Elms were often the biggest trees, but disease has wiped out much of the species. However, a felled wych elm in Staffordshire was recorded as being 16ft thick and 121ft tall, but that was back in 1636!

Oldest

There are three UK trees vying for position as Britain’s oldest. All are yews and all are situated in churchyards. Each tree is thought to be more than 5000 years old and you’ll find them in Fortingall Perthshire, Llangernyw Conwy and Discoed Powys. There are many yew trees found in British churchyards and they’re believed to have played an important role in the Pagan religion. Many legends surround yew trees and many Fortngall residents believe that Roman Governor Pontius Pilate was born under the shade of their ancient oak.

Rarest

Believe it or not there are several unique trees in the UK of which only one specimen exists. The Audley End Oak in Essex is widely considered to be the rarest and although several attempts have been made at planting grafts, none have been successful. The tree was planted in the late 1600s and its Latin name is Quercus audleyensis.

Greatest Span

Planted in the mid-1600s, Wiltshire’s Corsham Court is the home of the UK’s most far reaching tree. The tree, which is on a privately owned estate, spans around 210 ft, practically the size of a football pitch. The tree is so large that many of its lower branches have begun to take root. Shute House in Devin is home to the tree with the greatest unsupported crown. The tree spans 177ft, which is almost three times the size of the St Paul’s Cathedral dome.

Fastest Growing

Harcourt Arboretum in Oxford is responsible for housing the UK’s fastest-growing tree. The Silvertop belonged to the eucalypt family and grew to 66ft tall in six years, that’s around the same height as a seven storey building. Unfortunately fast growers often drop off fairly quickly, too, and the tree died in the winter of 2012.

About the Author:

Nina Slater is a green finger blogger and gardening expert at King and Co The Tree Nursery Ltd, offering the finest collection of semi mature trees and shrubs, hedging and topiary in the UK.

Garden Perspectives - My Grandmother's Iris

"My Grandmother's Iris"
(C) Allen Pearson,
All Rights Reserved

My grandmother passed away in February 2010 after nearly 90 years of life.  It was the end of the West Virginia era of my life which was sad.  I loved going over there as a child exploring my "grandparents" world and as a college student escaping the boring life on campus.  

My grandmother was a devout Christian who taught me about her beliefs both in word and example.  She was instrumental in teaching me how to be content with whatever you have -material stuff not that important -and to enjoy the simple things in life.

Wednesday's Words

"Macro of Clematis"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

"Not that which goeth inth the mouth defileth a man;

but that which cometh out of the mouth, 

this defileth a man." - Matthew 5:11

Sunday's Thought

"A Purple Flower"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

Grace is love that cares and stoops and rescues. 

John R. W. Stott

Sunday's Thought

"White Clematis in the Garden"

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!

Serve the Lord with gladness;

Come before His presence with singing.

Know that the Lord, He is God;

It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

And into His courts with praise.

Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

For the Lord is good;

His mercy is everlasting,

And His truth endures to all generations.

-Psalm 100:1-5

Garden Perspectives - Summer's Sunny Flowers

"Summer's Sunny Flowers"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

I have several framed works on display at the Western Fairfax Chiropractic Center with one of them being "Summer's Sunny Flowers."   Several years ago, I found this flower at my local garden center.  Since I love the Purple Cone Flower and already have several of them in my yard, this flower grabbed my attention.  It grows and looks and acts like the Purple Cone, except the petals are yellow.

I've been using Chiropractic care by Dr. Jason J. Fecko and Dr. Richard A. Weiss, or "The Guys," for several years now for one reason or another.  I've been very happy with Dr. Fecko and Dr. Weiss as they genuinely care about their patients.  They listen to what's going on with you and develop a treatment plan.  They are even able to work with each others clients as they take good notes and can easily step in for the other as needed which makes scheduling your next appointment so much easier.

The Western Fairfax Chiropractic Center is located Lee Jackson Station, 14029 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy., Chantilly, VA 20151, Phone: 703-378-8633.