Some spaces call for focal elements like garden sculptures and planters to create visual cues that establish hierarchy within the layout. Sculptures and planters can be used to frame entryways, to draw the eye to feature gardens, and sometimes to conceal sins or introduce planting where it would otherwise not be possible.
If a sculpture is what you seek then selecting or commissioning sculptural works from an artist you like is a great way to personalise and create impact within a space. If you haven’t got the right space for this (or the right budget) but you’re interested in adding a little something to your space, you can find a good range of contemporary garden sculptures, ornamentation and planters at WG outdoor. Most of our recommended planters come from WG, because they’re available in a wide range of styles, at the scales required to truly make an impact within a landscape.
As with all decisions you make when choosing items for your outdoor space – your budget and taste will determine what you decide to include. Ornamentation is also something that can be developed gradually and enjoyably as you settle into your space. While it can be helpful in the planning stages to nominate sizes and placements of key pots or sculptures, these are some of the easiest things to add later.
Many gardeners like to develop their garden ornament collections into grand, unique networks of personal objects. If you’re one of those people, you probably already have some favorite spots to look for ornaments. One of the beautiful things about gardens is that they are responsive to the input of the people creating and caring for them, and are all unique. If you’re not sure where to begin in adding decorative elements to your garden, here are some general tips for creating high impact spaces.
Pots and Planters
- Scale: Larger planters that are in scale with the home and surroundings usually (but not always) look more like they belong than lots of little planters scattered around the landscape.
- Formality: if you’re going for a more formal design, use planters to frame pathways, steps or archways. Placing a feature bowl on a plinth can make a good focal point for a traditional garden. If your landscape is somewhat informal, symmetry is less important, but balance is key. An easy way to balance non-traditional landscapes and fill in empty spaces is to use triplets of planters in different sizes. This is also an easy way to introduce a mix of heights and textures in planting.
- Planting: Go for plant selections that relate well to your selected vessel, if you have a very tall planter, try a mix of cascading plants with taller central specimens to get the most benefit out of the height. If you have a low bowl, look for species that will round out the shape but not grow to conceal it, succulents are a frequent feature of low bowls.
- Maintenance: Unless you have time to hand water frequently, be sure to allow for easy future maintenance by either installing a self-watering system or running feeds from your reticulation system.
Sculptures and Ornaments
- Functional Decorating: Sculptures and Wall art can be used to especially great effect in outdoor areas where planting is restricted. Mirrors can be used to borrow greenery from adjacent areas, sculptures can be lit, and used to draw the eye through the landscape.
- Style and Materials: We recommend looking for artworks, ornaments, and sculptures that touch on the architecture of the home stylistically or through material selections. This can improve the connection between home and garden.
Water Features and Fountains
The sound of trickling or flowing water is calming and has been used in gardens and places of quiet contemplation for centuries. Methods for doing this are virtually endless and range from the ready-made freestanding water feature to custom ponds accommodating fish or tranquil water plants. Water features can also be built into your new pool. If you’re in the market for a high-quality fountain, we would suggest a visit to WG Outdoor Life in Osborne Park to see some of their designs and fittings in operation. If you’re designing a garden with us, we’ll make suggestions for water features we think will be in keeping with your home, garden and lifestyle. We’ll also offer suggestions for placement and custom pond designs if needed. When positioning a fountain or water feature, location is essential. Exposure to excess sunlight could mean your water is constantly drying up or being consumed by algae.
Water features and ponds (particularly large ones) are not a set-and-forget element, regular maintenance will be needed to ensure the continued smooth operation of pumps and filters.
Water features include:
- Natural ponds
- Water walls
- Waterfalls (with or without ponds)
- Rain curtains
- Scuppers – form part of your pool
- Fountains – classic or modern designs
- Birdbaths
- Freestanding urns
There are plenty of places in Perth to find the right water features, planters and ornamentation for your landscape project. These are just a few of our tips. If you’re still struggling to achieve the look you’re going for, or there’s more to do in your garden, maybe it’s time to reach out to the experts.
TDL’s residential landscape designers have been working with clients and suppliers in Perth for almost forty years. If you’ve got an outdoor project and are looking for a more comprehensive overhaul of your garden, we are here to help.