Did You Know You Could Do This to Your Garden?
Quirky, one-off features can bring vitality and pizzazz to your garden; take a look at some stunning options
Is your garden, backyard or landscaped courtyard looking humdrum? There is so much more to a garden than paved pathways, lush plantation and flower beds. Even gazebos, pergolas, swings and water features have become a common sight. It’s time you think out of the box and invite some unique features to make your green space come alive! You can take cues and ideas from the winsome elements listed below.
An arbour
An arbour, in simple terms, refers to a shaded area with climbers and vines growing over a framed structure. It can either run over a pathway or flank a boundary wall to form an alcove. Apart from providing shelter, arbours can add a sculptural element to create vertical interest in the landscaping. The one in the picture proves the point.
Take a look at gardens from around the world
An arbour, in simple terms, refers to a shaded area with climbers and vines growing over a framed structure. It can either run over a pathway or flank a boundary wall to form an alcove. Apart from providing shelter, arbours can add a sculptural element to create vertical interest in the landscaping. The one in the picture proves the point.
Take a look at gardens from around the world
How about this one with a modern appeal? This solid-aluminium arbour, with laser-cut leaf patterns, casts organic shadows along the backyard and provides a calm place to sit under shade.
Find a professional who can help you with your garden décor here
Find a professional who can help you with your garden décor here
A sunken garden
If only one has the space and structural provision for it, a sunken space can make for a definite talking point for a garden. Sunken gardens are great for creating a snug and intimate junction right in the open and the one in the picture is no exception. I love how it breaks monotony and gives meaning to the large lawn here.
If only one has the space and structural provision for it, a sunken space can make for a definite talking point for a garden. Sunken gardens are great for creating a snug and intimate junction right in the open and the one in the picture is no exception. I love how it breaks monotony and gives meaning to the large lawn here.
A gallery wall
Who said a gallery wall is only for the living room or hallway? See how a gallery over the green wall fashions a dreamy setup in this outdoor sitting area. A composition of frames, mirrors and artwork can act as a unique backdrop for your garden, while reducing the scale needed to make any sitting space inviting and warm.
Who said a gallery wall is only for the living room or hallway? See how a gallery over the green wall fashions a dreamy setup in this outdoor sitting area. A composition of frames, mirrors and artwork can act as a unique backdrop for your garden, while reducing the scale needed to make any sitting space inviting and warm.
A space to ‘hang’ out
Think beyond the archetypal hammocks and swings, and welcome some modern hanging chairs instead. The glass hanging egg chairs in the picture do not obstruct the views and make for a fun spot to spend time around a fire pit. Do not shy away from using bright-coloured chairs or chairs with plush fabric upholstery; they can help you add to an unexpected allure to your outdoors.
Think beyond the archetypal hammocks and swings, and welcome some modern hanging chairs instead. The glass hanging egg chairs in the picture do not obstruct the views and make for a fun spot to spend time around a fire pit. Do not shy away from using bright-coloured chairs or chairs with plush fabric upholstery; they can help you add to an unexpected allure to your outdoors.
A rockery
A rock garden or rockery is an arrangement of rocks of multiple sizes, heaped over one another and secured with soil. Although rockeries are a timeless classic, a simple composition with rock plants and succulents can rightly enhance the charm of your garden, big or small.
Here are fresh ideas for landscaping with rocks and stones
A rock garden or rockery is an arrangement of rocks of multiple sizes, heaped over one another and secured with soil. Although rockeries are a timeless classic, a simple composition with rock plants and succulents can rightly enhance the charm of your garden, big or small.
Here are fresh ideas for landscaping with rocks and stones
A pebble garden
As the name suggests, a pebble garden is composed of pebbles. It is a easier-to-do alternative to a rock garden, particularly if you are working with a small footprint. You can couple the pebbles with bigger rocks or a standout planter, like in the picture.
Here are ingenious ways to use pebbles in your home
As the name suggests, a pebble garden is composed of pebbles. It is a easier-to-do alternative to a rock garden, particularly if you are working with a small footprint. You can couple the pebbles with bigger rocks or a standout planter, like in the picture.
Here are ingenious ways to use pebbles in your home
An eye-catching sculpture or art installation
Contemporary sculptures, made of glass or metal, can make a stronger, singular impact than the predictable stone ones. There are manufacturers in the market who can customise an art installation for you with the material, colour and shape of your liking. Remember to install uplighting to let your masterpiece light up during the evening and night.
Find out how outdoor sculptures are a key element for completing your home’s oasis
Contemporary sculptures, made of glass or metal, can make a stronger, singular impact than the predictable stone ones. There are manufacturers in the market who can customise an art installation for you with the material, colour and shape of your liking. Remember to install uplighting to let your masterpiece light up during the evening and night.
Find out how outdoor sculptures are a key element for completing your home’s oasis
A scene from the fairytale
A tarp painting, a couple of rustic chairs and table, a vintage mirror and a crystal hanging fixture does so much in this small area. I love how it adds drama and a striking vignette that can take anyone into a world of singing candlesticks and dancing trees.
Read more:
Green Tour: A Tiny Garden Sparkles With Art
Dream Spaces: 10 Ways to Add Oomph to Your Urban Garden
Tell us:
Which design element did you find most interesting? Why? Tell us in Comments below.
A tarp painting, a couple of rustic chairs and table, a vintage mirror and a crystal hanging fixture does so much in this small area. I love how it adds drama and a striking vignette that can take anyone into a world of singing candlesticks and dancing trees.
Read more:
Green Tour: A Tiny Garden Sparkles With Art
Dream Spaces: 10 Ways to Add Oomph to Your Urban Garden
Tell us:
Which design element did you find most interesting? Why? Tell us in Comments below.
A traditional architectural element of Chinese gardens, a moon gate is a circular passageway cut out in a garden wall. The one in the picture is a free-standing moon gate adorned with flowering vines. Thanks to their basic yet sculptural nature, moon gates are a failsafe way to instill a distinct focal point to a garden.
Check out these stunning gates for every garden style