When we’re planning what to put in our gardens, we tend to think about plants and flowers, trees and vegetables. What might not spring to mind straightaway is artwork. But the garden is a great place to showcase beautiful works of art, adding colour, texture and interest to your outdoor spaces. And, with a little imagination, man-made art can sit alongside natural beauty to create a wonderful effect. So, if you love art and gardens, here are some ways you can combine the two:
Sculpture
Think of art in gardens and it’s likely you’ll think of sculptures first. So versatile, you can introduce just about any type of sculpture into your outdoor space. Large or small, traditional or contemporary, natural materials or man-made constructions, the options are endless. And with so many options available, it’s easy to find something to fit your budget from a small piece from a local garden centre to a large structure commissioned just for you by a local artist.
Choose a piece of sculpture you love and place in a position where you can admire it. You might want to put it close to a seating area or in a position where it can be seen from the house. Alternatively, rather than creating one focal point with a large sculpture, why not place several smaller pieces around the garden to enhance your planting schemes?
Garden furniture
Garden furniture doesn’t have to simply be functional; it can also be beautiful. When buying tables or chairs for the garden, opt for pieces that add a creative touch to the landscape. For example, a mosaic table can enhance a Mediterranean theme.
Water features
Create interest and movement with an artistic water feature in the garden. As with sculptures, you’ll find many different styles on offer so look around to find your favourite styles.
Topiary
If you want to introduce your own artistic flair into the garden, you could give topiary a go and turn the plants themselves into works of art. Evergreen shrubs such as box, yew, privet and holly are the perfect plants to shape. Use books or the Internet to research different designs first. Make sure you have the right tools and start with a simple shape before progressing onto something more detailed.
Mosaics, tiles and mirrors
To add interest and artistic detail in smaller spaces, why not experiment with different colours and textures? Mosaics, tiles and mirrors are all great ways to enhance your garden, bringing colour to small spaces. Just make sure that whatever you use will be able to withstand different weather conditions; or be ready to bring pieces inside if the weather turns wet or windy.
Murals
For the ultimate piece of art in your garden, why not commission an artist to create a mural? This is a great way to brighten up a boring wall or fence and you can create any picture you like to match the style of your garden. Use natural imagery to complement the flowers in your garden or create an abstract design for a more modern look.