Collect Driftwood To Place In Your Flower Beds

Finding different things to set in gardens for an exotic look can often be found in nature. The collection of old driftwood is gaining more and more popularity among gardeners because it is an organic and inexpensive element that can be used to decorate flower beds in a visually dramatic way. While you can locate a few stores that sell machine-tooled driftwood, this wood has been smoothed down and has had most of its irregularities cut off or removed. Natural driftwood offers different dimensions to a landscaping project since no two pieces are exactly alike which is why most people prefer to collect driftwood at rivers instead. Some pieces can be very smooth and even colored while others have very splinters, rough, gnarled notches with two-toned or patchy grain patterns. Driftwood can also be found with the branches still attached and in various lengths, shapes and sizes. If you collect driftwood at rivers that contain freshwater, the wood needs to be completely dried and treated to resist constant moisture from the elements over time. As an additional note, people who live in a region where grapevine, Madrone, Oak, Pine, Manzinita/Buckbrush should be aware that these types of woods are susceptible to rapid fungal growth and rot. Fungal Growth and Rot Prevention To make sure that the driftwood you find doesn't rot, you can use a waterproof sealant. Most sealants contain harsh chemicals, toxins and heavy metals in their formulations. If you prefer using a sealant product that will not harm the environment, you can now find numerous eco-friendly waterproof sealants (advanced aqueous formulas) that provide years of protection and do a superb job of minimizing moisture buildup as well as reducing fungal and microbial invasion and wood-boring pests. Eco-friendly sealants are available as semi-transparent tinted formulas or go on clear that will not discolor the wood while still preserving its natural beauty. Another option is to collect the saltwater driftwood;this variety has usually been 'seasoned' by the environment over a long period and doesn't rot. It is an ideal wood to place in gardens for an exotic look if you prefer to leave the wood untreated. Arranging different pieces of driftwood in flower beds in an aesthetically pleasing way will take some thought. Experiment arranging driftwood in different angles or mixing pieces of different lengths, shapes and sizes to create flowerbeds that are visually interesting and unique.