Notes from the Garden: The Art of Garden Accessories
An exquisite garden is a planned one, in which each plant has been selected to compliment the others in size, shape and color. Accessories such as benches, sculptures, mirrors and lanterns can be included to enhance the magnetism of the environment where the garden is located.
Sculptures accent sweeping lawns when they are large in size. Large sculptures should be positioned on an angle with landscaping corners. Small sculptures can be placed inside borders with plants surrounding them. I suggest using any kind of sculpture, made by sandstone or marble, because when those materials are exposed to the weather, they age gracefully. Frogs, bunnies and turtles in neutral colors appear magical when placed in flowerbeds or close to pools and fountains. They also can be placed on top of birdbaths, so they are visible from a distance. By pools, certain statues can be connected to water and spill water into the pools.
Bird baths have an important use: centralizing views. They should be placed in the center of the beds, or borders on different garden structures. The height is very important. Usually, three to four feet is the correct height, although the ones low to the ground in the shape of shells and flowers, made in sandstone, are glorious along the edge of flowerbeds, shrubs or under trees.
Spheres in concrete or stainless steel give a clean look to the landscaped areas due to simplicity and shape. Spheres in stainless steel reflect sunlight and moonlight. Sold by Unlimited Earth Care located in Bridgehampton, made by Blomus in Germany, these can float and look fabulous in swimming pools. Spheres made of French popular wood exhibit exquisite colors when weathered, matching the natural tones of the tree bark.
Outdoor mirrors are a British garden tradition, yet usually forgotten in our English country style gardens. When hung outside, they reflect the beauty of a garden. They can be found in iron, wood and acrylic, and they can be hung near porches, pool houses, or any outside wall located near a garden.
Oriental garden stools, made of ceramic in different colors and shapes, look very special when they are placed along borders, gardens or by swimming pools. These seats are a long-time oriental tradition in gardens. Philippe Starck has recreated them in acrylic, in amazing colors and weather resistant. These accent the outdoor superbly because of the color and transparence of acrylic. More traditional benches in concrete or wood bring romance to wooded areas under the canopy trees.
Lanterns and torches should be placed in permanent spots along areas where light is needed. The glow of a candle is the ideal tool to give your garden more intimacy. Standing torches in stainless steel have a sophisticated look and are durable. Citronella oil is used to light these torches and help keep the undesired night bugs away. Lanterns by the steps, patios, or hanging by trees or pergolas reflect the right amount of light to compliment the beauty of outdoor areas. Larger lanterns, made in stainless steel with unbreakable glass, improve all outdoor areas and may also be used on top of the table.
Pots and planters should be outside year-round. Concrete, fiberglass, metal pots, planters and urns can be used year-round in Hampton’s weather. They give majestic structure to driveways and entrances, especially when elevated by columns. I even love to see them when they are covered in snow.
All this detail compliments our gardens and makes them even more special. Personalizing them with the correct elements is important. Different accents bring movement, character and interest to the landscape. Every single well-placed detail will amplify the harmony of nature.
There are numerous ways to utilize garden accessories to achieve a better and more attractive landscape design. Most important, for Unlimited Earth Care, is the character and spirit that we bring to landscaping. We work very carefully in the selection of the European items that we have in our showroom to find appropriate objects and furniture that will flow with each individual design.
Landscape writer, lecturer and designer, Frederico Azevedo is the owner of Unlimited Earth Care landscape design and showroom/boutique located at 2249 Scuttlehole Road, Bridgehampton. Call 631-725-7551 or visit www.unlimitedearthcare.com.