YARD DECOR ADDS COMFORT, SPLENDOR.

Byline: JANE GATES Gardening

SANTA CLARITA - As the hot weather settles in, some folks may think gardening must retire indoors to the cool, but this is the best time to enjoy your garden.

Early morning walks when temperatures are still low will let you enjoy the rewards from your previous work. Edible gardens offer up their bounty, and flowers can be snipped to bring inside for enjoyment.

Apart from the growing parts of your garden, there are other ways to make your garden special all year-round.

The world of garden decor offers endless possibilities. Adding a fountain can refresh the warmest gardens, and there are styles, shapes and textures to fit any taste or design.

A smooth cement, ornate metal or rustic wooden bench makes sitting a joy and gives you a chance to peruse your garden with comfort. Stepping stones can be as elaborate or simple as you desire, creating pathways, resting areas or simply a little artistic spot to rest your feet upon. In natural landscapes, boulders and chunks of wood can create interest.

You can find faux rocks that are amazingly realistic and weigh a fraction of the real thing. Water gardens are larger projects. Bridges and pergolas add connecting ``events'' for larger gardens. And sometimes an unattractive wall can become the centerpiece of a garden when a good mural is added.

For those looking for small introductions to garden decor, consider sculptures and bird baths - small or large. Dangling wind chimes, colored glass and groups of rocks all can add interest. There are arches in metal or wood that can form a welcome entrance. Or build one of your own.

The same with fences. You can use materials from gardening stores or objects you find yourself. Fill a retired wheelbarrow or rusted bucket so it looks like it is spilling over with annual flowers. Look around the garage and check out leftover material that is just sitting there and be creative as you put it to use in your garden.

Decorating your garden is a year-round project that is only limited by your time and imagination. Visit home stores, nurseries and specialists that sell fountains and garden decorations. See if you fall in love with something, or maybe get some ideas of your own.

And if you just want to get out in the garden and work despite summer heat, remember mulching will keep your plants cooler and your water bills lower. Weeding will be easier if done regularly before the weeds grow too big, and removing spent blooms (deadheading) will keep your plants flowering longer.

Keep an eye out for broken sprinkler lines or heads and fix them before they become a major problem. Watch for aphids and other pests and get them before they do in your plants. Keep those dead leaves and flowers composted.

And don't forget to take care of yourself: a comfortable wide-brimmed straw hat and a coating of sunscreen will keep you in good shape so you can keep enjoying your garden.