Garden Mastery Tips
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October 2004 |
Garden Art
I recently visited several open gardens and found interesting and unique art amongst the plant life. Everything from dad’s old logging boots planted up with sedums to mom’s retired bowling bowl was given a place of prominence on a pedestal in the front perennial bed. So when it comes to art in the garden, you ask, “what goes?” I say “anything!”
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Madeline, my lovely reclining lady, rests on a cushy bed of Scotch moss. She has a serene feel to her. She looks out at the view of Mt. St. Helens from my backyard. When I see her, it reminds me to put down the shovel I have in hand, slow down a moment or two and enjoy the garden and yard my husband and I have created. |
A simple spray-painted leaf design on this rock gives this area in a Battle Ground garden bed a focal point. |
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A garden in Canby, OR had this fabulous combination of a carved-out basin in a large boulder and a wrapped wire vertical piece. They give this garden bed a very earthy feel. The design on the wire mimics the structure of the nearby pine tree and other conifers. It also provides a sort of screen to keep your attention on this small area before moving into the more open backyard of this incredible garden. |
In the Sellwood area of Portland I came across this cute little frog gate that welcomes you to the “frog garden.” This garden houses frog planters, statues, water of course and even the real little guys living and croaking there. |
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A ceramic totem found in the same Sellwood garden gives structure and height to this bed. It allows the eye a place to rest for a moment before moving on to the array of varied plant material. |
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You aren’t stuck with using boring structures for supporting peas or beans. I found these steel trellises to be not only useful, but decorative. |
In my mind, no garden is complete without the use of water. A simple bird bath, a small running fountain, or a rushing waterfall. They are all great. The cast concrete Gunnera leaf is entrancing as it allows water to trickle off it’s tips. The water falls into a shallow basin creating soft background noise and an ambience of peace and tranquility. The stream and pond pictured below offer a completely different sound and noise level. You should consider where you place your water feature so you get maximum enjoyment. |
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Last, but not least, don’t forget to add seating. You’ll want to take time to “stop and smell the roses”, rest, relax and enjoy your garden space. |
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