Come With Me To The Casbah!

A ripe persimmon is a thing of beauty ? sweet, succulent and an amazing shade of orange-red. Orange and red continue to be popular colors in decorating this year but 2004's shades are softer and more vibrant, like ripe persimmons and pomegranates.

Don't limit these jewel-tones to the inside of your house. They can be incorporated into a beautiful outdoor theme by using the rich and exotic influences of Morocco.

• In countries such as Morocco, which line the balmy Mediterranean, curtains are often used in place of doors to allow breezes to circulate freely. Use gauzy fabric such as mosquito netting or scrim, a light, sheer, loosely woven cotton or linen cloth used for upholstery lining. Since it's inexpensive, you can install luxuriously full draperies without going broke.

• If you'd rather not have curtains, consider using the same fabric as a tent over a table or a chaise. Some nettings come with a center hanging unit, or you can easily make one of a 2' square piece of plywood and some rope.

• Intricate latticework is another element often seen in Morocco. You can emulate the look by edging pieces of plain lattice (the closer the weave, the better) with old carved porch posts. Paint roughly with turquoise or azure and then further distress the finish with sandpaper. Alternatively, you can install a carved wooden room screen.

• Wood furniture will give you the most authentic Moroccan look. Don't have wood furnishings? Try constructing a simple low-slung chaise from a used solid core door with six fence post tops screwed into the bottom. Paint or stain it to look like rich wood and top with a thick cushion (use an 8" foam mattress cut to measure). Use a heavy-weight fabric for the cushion cover and make sure it's a bright orange or red color!

• You can improvise a table from a hollow core or solid core door set on cement blocks or stacks of bricks. Cover it with layers of rich cloths in your chosen colors. You'll find this table sits low to the ground and you'll be able to eat in the traditional Moroccan way: sitting on pillows and rugs. Cover the cushions with co-ordinating or contrasting fabrics in rich finishes. Use azure, persimmon and lots and lots of gold fabric.

• Tiles are an absolute must in Moroccan style. If you cannot incorporate them in the floor of your space, by painting a tiled pattern on a wooden deck, laying tiles on a patio, or edging your pool-side cabana, be sure to pick them up in a tabletop, a plant pot, a wall-hanging or a large tray. Mix bright turquoise or azure blue and goldy-orange tile pieces in intricate patterns to capture the Moorish look.

• Moroccan-style lanterns usually have some sort of filigree work, whether wicker, metal or some other material. They are often pointed at both ends, necessitating hanging. Most often, they will enclose a flame, either of candles or small oil torches. You can also use white or ivory pillar candles instead of, or in addition to, hanging lanterns.

• Use accent pieces of dark wood or brass. Pile a brass tray high with exotic fruit such as persimmons, tangerines and glossy pomegranates.

• For greenery, use succulents such as banana trees and mother-in-law's tongue, and tropicals like palms and ficus. You can also add more color to your space with lush pots of bright geraniums.

Use the rich color and sensual textures of Morocco in your outdoor space and this summer you'll be escaping to the casbah!

About The Author

Debbie Rodgers owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Visit her on the web at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on "Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space". Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com

---

Garlic: The Stinking Rose

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been used for centuries for both... Read More

Tarragon: A Favourite of French Chefs

Long a favourite of French chefs, the herb Artemisia dracunculus,... Read More

Lawn Care Business Owners - Dont Buy Yourself A Job

Most businesses consist of the owner only or the owner... Read More

Parsley: A Cooks Best Friend

A cook's best friend, Petroselinum crispum, commonly known as curly... Read More

Guide to Basic Lawn Mower Maintenance

Trying to start your lawn mower after a long winter... Read More

Growing Vegetables in Containers - The Compact Solution

Container vegetable gardens are a great alternative for those that... Read More

Teak Patio Table - Why You Need One

Do you love to cook outdoors but end up having... Read More

Mint: The Herb of Hospitality

The Mentha species or mints as they are commonly called... Read More

Wildlife Gardener

Gardening for wildlife has become quite a passion for me,... Read More

Selling Your House? Mow Your Lawn!

A property that has a well manicured lawn has one... Read More

Wild Flower Garden - Recreate the Splendor of Nature in Your Own Backyard

A few years ago I made the decision to create... Read More

About Window Ledge Gardening

The growing of flowering or foliage plants on window ledges... Read More

Gardening with Bamboo

Myths and facts A misconception about bamboo is that they... Read More

Laying Out Your Landscape Part Two

Part Two in a SeriesOnce you have your landscape design... Read More

How To Find Cheap Flower Delivery In Your Area

As humans, we are always on the lookout for a... Read More

Plan Before Buying Rose Bushes

So, you have decided to plant rose bushes in your... Read More

Plant Hardiness Zones

When selecting plants for the landscape, is important to select... Read More

How To Prevent Damping Off

Damping off is the single term used to describe underground,... Read More

Garden Benches - What They Are

Putting in a flower garden or any garden for that... Read More

Low Maintenance Teak Furniture

In all likelihood you have heard of teak furniture and... Read More

Blue Wild Flowers for Your Garden

Planting wild flowers in your garden, or simply scattering wild... Read More

Hydroponics Gardening - An Introduction To Hydroponics Gardening For Beginners (Part 2) Plant Needs

THE BASICS OF HYDROPONICS.What Do Your Plants Need?All plants need... Read More

Preparing The Garden For Winter

Are you like me? Sad to see the summer end... Read More

Teak Outdoor Furniture - Where Function Meets Beauty

The wonderful thing about choosing teak outdoor furniture is that... Read More

How To Build A Waterfall

The number one, most asked question that I receive about... Read More

A Couple of Good Places to Buy Lawnmowers

After much searching and deliberation, I finally bought a lawnmower... Read More

The Ultimate Magic Garden

Spring is the season to start planting seeds for the... Read More

A Compost Primer

Most gardeners and landscapers will agree almost unanimously that the... Read More

Spurce Up Your Garden With Decorative Birdhouses

Decorative Birdhouses are active garden ornamentation --the presence and movement... Read More

Halfway Through Summer - Are We Having Fun Yet

Today is Thursday the 23rd of June and we're almost... Read More

Hand Feeding your Koi

One of the most rewarding and entertaining things about having... Read More

Hot Feeding Tips

Summer is the most enjoyable water gardening season and the... Read More

Dog Days of Summer

Here are a few tips to keep your garden and... Read More