Contributed by Info Guru Tim Brugger

After what seems like years to much of the country Spring is in full swing and summer is just around the corner.

For green thumbs everywhere that means it’s time to literally get down and dirty. For layperson a garden generally consists of a few flowers or maybe a vegetable or two coexisting with the requisite weeds.

Ah, but for the true garden lover that simply won’t do. If it’s time for a change of outdoor scenery take a peek at the following Best of contemporary garden designs.

The right plantings

Grow modern

As with any garden, getting your contemporary garden on it’s way to immortality requires the right plants, something architectural and unusual like kale, which in turn require the right seeds. Whatever your plans are; vegetable, spice or flower garden Stokes Seeds is the place to one-stop shop. They’ve got a pretty good handle on what the avid gardener is looking for to create a modern-themed garden.

Custom landscape rocks

Be creative

If you’re a gardener, novice or full-fledged plantophile (yeah, I just made that up), you’ll love Rock-It Creations. They allow you to customize large or small rocks for placement in and around your garden. Use ‘em to mark particular plants or flowers, or communicate at modern theme in your special area. You can even send Rock-It Creations your own images or designs and they’ll include those on your stone.

Backyard warmth

A new look

Even in the summer evenings, depending on where you live of course, can get a bit brisk for those who enjoy lounging in their own personal nature preserve. While there are space heaters and traditional-styled chimeneas, nothing oozes contemporary garden motif more than a striking outdoor fireplace. The Metropolitan is an indoor-outdoor fireplace, as comfortable on the patio as it is in your living room, and one of what seem to be a limitless supply of options you’ll find.

New furniture

Opt for new furniture

Yeah, putting together let alone maintaining your contemporary garden takes some work. Well, non-gardeners would call it work anyway. With all that, it sure is nice to be able to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of your little oasis; comfortably that is. It probably won’t surprise you to learn there is a huge selection of sleek, contemporary outdoor and garden furniture for the most discriminating taste. And with the size of the selection available, it’s fairly easy on your pocketbook too.

Bird watching for techies

Go gadget-friendly

There’s a reason many gardeners share the same love of nature bird watchers do; a well designed and maintained garden attracts some of the most beautiful local birds. Kicking back and gandering at nature enjoying what your own handiwork feels pretty darn good. As if your flowers and other flora weren’t enough to spread the good word among the local bird citizenry, a well placed attractive bird bath from Gardener’s Edge will certainly do the trick. And this example screams contemporary with it’s clean lines, gadget-friendly add-ons like a water jiggler and battery-powered heater. The relaxing sound of trickling water all comes from the sun’s rays. No nasty cords to bury or electric bills to concern yourself with. Just lots and lots of new (bird) friends to enjoy.

Container gardening

Sleek garden pots

You’ll pay a lot less for drama when you go large and funky with big white planters from Jackson and Perkins. Planters also come in assorted sizes with unique sculptural details, which is what makes any garden look contemporary. Ideally placed pots add a certain something to cutting-edge garden design, so why not get the best?