Increase Your Garden's Appeal with Props
Photo: © Pavla Zakova - Dreamstime
Some carefully placed props or ornaments can add charm to your garden. But, the key word here is "careful"; haphazardly adding items around your landscape will make your garden into a cluttered mess. To avoid a chaotic look, stick with a consistent theme or style. Here are some style ideas.
A Rustic Garden
Rustic gardens are typically not too formal. Natural features should compliment the beauty of the garden and function to enhance the plant growth. An arbor seat is a great addition for a prairie or cottage style garden. Or, add a rustic wood bench in a relaxing spot so garden visitors can sit and enjoy the pleasant surroundings. Create a touch of shade with climbing plants; a simple trellis is the perfect way to add a plant-loving prop to this style of garden.
A Wildlife Garden
Props and ornaments reflective of local fauna add considerable appeal to a wildlife garden―use props like birdbaths, birdhouses, and birdfeeders. A deer-shaped wire mesh could serve as excellent support for climbing plants like ivy. Even simple ornaments like butterfly wind chimes or pots painted with ladybugs can add quaint details.
A Southwestern Garden
A southwestern style landscape draws on both Spanish and native tradition. If your patio has a wall, consider painting a mural of corn harvesters or native weavers to add an artistic backdrop. Terracotta pots in all sizes or glazed earthenware pots in muted desert colors are perfect decorative props to adorn the landscape. Consider Spanish style tiles to adorn a stone fountain and Mexican blankets to decorate patio furniture.
A Victorian Garden
The Victorians were excellent gardeners. Manicured landscapes should be complimented with exquisite ornamentation: cherubic statuary, ornate stone urns, black wrought iron patio sets and elaborate fountains. From carved flowerbed edgings to wall-mounted fountains, the Victorian garden embodies great beauty through plantings and props alike. To top off this look, consider a handsome Victorian gazebo as a backyard focal point.