Incorporating Art Into Your Landscape

Gardening | Landscaping

 Beautiful, healthy plants usually define a garden, but sometimes adding something unexpected (and not necessarily green!) helps re-define the space and reflects something of our personalities and creativity. This can make your garden grab visitors attention more than just a display of lovely plants.

Incorporating art and other elements into the landscape can be incredibly inspiring and enjoyable. But if your creative juices need a little stimulating, consider these suggestions for refreshing your garden:

SCULPTURAL PIECES

Adding landscaping rocks and boulders, fountains, statues, containers, benches, and sculptural pieces that can withstand the elements will add interest and sometimes needed balance. Consider size, shape and color when making buying decisions. One tasteful sculpture can be much more effective than 17 different cheap, flashy trinkets. SITE LOCATION

Just plopping something into the middle of the garden is too obvious and doesn’t usually add much to your space. Look at your overall design layout and determine where there are some “holes” or twists and turns that would benefit from placing something unexpected. “Conceal and reveal” to add an element of surprise and makes the garden that much more interesting to explore.ARCHITECTURAL PLANTS

Large or unusual plants can make a bold statement in the garden. Consider Seven-Son Flower, a tree-form Hydrangea or a large Hosta such as the impressive ‘Empress Wu’.

NIGHT LIGHTING

Illuminating a large plant, shrub or tree can have a dramatic effect at night – creating mystery with layers of light and shadows. Stringing small lights on a trellis or rails of a deck add a festive element to the landscape all season long for a more minimal approach.