Think of gardens and what comes to mind are the gentler natural materials, such as wood, stone cork and clay, but metal is another option that is currently taking the landscaping world by storm. Of course, it is by no means a new thing, so we are revisiting a garden material whose use in garden decoration goes all the way back to classical times. China, Japan, Rome and classical Europe have all made use of it to embellish and adorn gardens and formally landscaped areas because it is a durable, low-maintenance material that when applied well can truly add to the style and décor of your outdoor areas. Unlike wood, metal doesn’t require sanding, staining and sealing, but it can easily be used in conjunction with it.

Metal

Metal can make a bold statement in your garden, and it can be as subtle or loud as you want it to be, for oxidated metals create a stylish sense of age-old integration into the landscape, while brighter, larger steel and iron structures stand out and contrast. They can be used for furniture, edging, practical features such as arbours and shaded areas, as well as artistic pieces full of impact. Chrome can add a touch of 21^st century chic in such elements as lights, sculptures, fixtures and planters, but it is especially the natural look of rusted steel that is becoming more and more popular and integrated into modern designs these days. The brown-red hues of rusted iron blend in well with a natural setting, as does the blue-green of oxidated bronze. Naturally, your choice of plants and flowers should bear such colours in mind and further complement their visual impact, so try a row of Berberis against the lower wall to further enhance the rich dark red of metallic oxidation.

 

 

Other materials

In paving, large-format stone tiles are losing out to smaller, more textural versions, often using a variety of different stone types. Examples include limestone, granite and porphyry, and the designs are becoming increasingly intricate, in line with nature itself. Wood is an evergreen material that simply belongs in a garden area, and it is used for pergolas, walls, planting boxes, decking, furniture, classic benches and also for decorative effect only. Matt wood is very popular just now, but you can also use painted or distressed versions, as well as reclaimed wood in the form of railway sleepers, whose rugged, solid look fits in well with a landscaped area. It works well with steel and other more industrial materials to provide a softer touch, while gravel is another natural material that remains forever popular in this field.

 

 

Not only is it practical, but it is also very pretty and blends in seamlessly with planted areas. Our team has a great deal of experience and expertise in this field – feel free to contact us for more information and ideas.