Garden owners sometimes forget what a dramatic difference a few pieces of carefully positioned garden art can make to their landscape. Borders full of lovely shrubs, perennials, bulbs and beaming annuals can be made even more interesting with the addition of some eye-catching static forms. Quirky, cute, clever, elegant or unusual elements placed strategically around a garden space can make visitors feel like they are in an outdoor museum. Pots, urns, sculptures, pedestals, trellises and carvings highlight transitional areas and invite visitors to ponder their meaning.
The Philadelphia Flower Show is always full of intriguing garden designs. Check out the use of stone figurines, molds and borders to create separate themes in divided spaces. Study the choice of plants teamed together to enhance stylish vessels. Plants can act as sculpture in their own right, and as part of an art piece. Note the materials used to create individual areas, including red brick, stacked stone, concrete forms, boxwood hedges, twig fences, floral teepees, espaliered trees and aisles of moving water.
Indoor gardeners are also treated to some inspirational opportunities. This year, be sure to visit the PHS Hamilton Horticourt to view up close the floral displays under glass, terrariums and container gardens made from wood and rock. Also in the Horticourt are gorgeous topiary forms, succulents and cacti, along with stunning orchids and an English “sweet shop” colored variety of spring bulbs.
If you are planning to update your garden space, then consider adding a few objets d’art. Don’t forget to add seating areas, so that you and your guests can enjoy the new view.
The Philadelphia Flower Show ends on Sunday, March 10.
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