Every landscape has its blemishes. But a little elbow grease and some creativity can make even the worst eyesore tolerable. SHNS photo courtesy Joe Lamp'l

Electric meters, air conditioners, chain-link fences, a rotting old stump -- everyone has something in their garden that distracts from the beauty of the landscape. But these eyesores don't have to be the focal point. With a few tools, some hardware and paint, you can disguise the "uglies."

Choose the camouflage that matches the feel of your house and landscape. If it's formal, use well-built structural solutions, like cabinets around a gas meter, or a symmetrical, espaliered tree against a shed. Rough wood, shaggy vines and found objects are fine for more informal styles.

Then determine the best location for the screen.

Make sure it really hides the offending item from your and the neighbors' view. And don't forget that meter readers, service personnel and repair folks need access to the object you're hiding. Leave them plenty of space, and check local codes for any restrictions.

Metal storage sheds are a classic "sore thumb" in the garden. You must have somewhere to stash tools and equipment, but even a brand-new shed can be unsightly. Paint it with the color scheme of the house, or cover with wooden lap siding, which hides cracks and dents, too. Even some honeysuckle on a simple trellis will make a shed fit in instead of standing out.

Air conditioners are a special challenge. They have to have room for air to circulate freely. And the hot air they blast out while running means plants around them will scorch. Build a screen out of prefabricated plastic or wood lattice, cut down to about a foot taller than the compressor's height. A two- or three-sided structure with four-by-four posts for the corner legs will obscure most of the machine. Leave one side open or at least accessible for repairmen to work.

Chain-link fences may be good for keeping pets and kids in the yard, but shiny, silver grids really steal attention from a landscape. A coat of flat black latex enamel paint will make a link fence become just another shadow in the garden. Remove dirt with a spray of soapy water, then prime with exterior-grade metal primer and roll or spray on the flat black paint.

Electric and gas meters are so common you don't really notice them, but those glass fishbowls still become unwelcome focal points in a well-designed garden. Always check with the utility companies before making any changes, then try building a grid of 1-by-4s across the meter with a hole cut for the face dials. Plant a climbing vine to soften the lattice. A cupboard painted to match the house with an access hole for the meter reader also works.

You could simply sand and repaint old, rusty downspouts -- or, better yet, cover them up with annual flowering vines like morning glory, sweet pea or cup-and-saucer vine. Lightly drive a few finishing nails into the house along the length of the downspout and zigzag twine up and down to support the vines. Tie them loosely to the twine as they grow. Snip the vines and twine off in the fall and add to the compost heap.

Speaking of compost and recycle bins, woodpiles and work benches -- no matter how beautiful it may be to you, it's unlikely others will think as highly. Modular fence panels installed with some space between them rather than as a solid wall make a great screen to hide utility areas. Grow annual vines against them and you can change the scene every year.

Finally, stark, unadorned walls are real artistic opportunities. If you're on good terms with your neighbor, ask to decorate any barren stretches of his or her garage or outbuildings that face your yard. Offer to help do the same for any of yours. Display antique tools, hang baskets, even paint that side of the structure to match your home.

Every landscape has blemishes. But a little elbow grease and some creativity can make even the worst eyesore tolerable. You never know: That "ugly" might even become the centerpiece of your garden.

•Joe Lamp'l, host of "Growing a Greener World" on PBS, is a Master Gardener and author. For more information visit www.joegardener.com.