Beyond green

Gardens are about plants, but you can greatly improve them by adding a trellis, a shrubbery or a waterfall.

While plants may appear to be the mainstay of a garden, it can be enhanced, made functional and more accessible by the addition of one or more garden features. Many gardens have conditions that may not produce flowers or even attractive foliage at all times. Well-designed features can distract the eye, when your plants are not at their best, combining nature and art to make the garden a place of interest.

OPEN SESAME: First impressions do count, and an attractive gate at the entrance to your home  can show your indivuality. If the wall is particularly dull, add an attractive garden light or a fresco beside the gate.

 

UNDERFOOT: A winding path through your garden can define and add charm to a square or rectangular plot. A wide range of paving material is available; pick one that is not too busy and will complement the surroundings. Within the garden, cobblestones can be laid in decorative swirls and cemented or inlaid with grass. Floor cover need not be a lawn, it can be stone or brick paving, or wooden decking. Steps have endless posibilites too — bricks, wood, stone or patterned paving can be chosen for the risers and the treads.

PAINT IN THE GARDEN: If you need colour and your plants do not oblige then paint it on. Indeed paint can enliven the dullest garden — pots, chairs, walls and gates can be enhanced with a fresh coat of paint!

ROCKS: Used in rockeries with shrubs, succulents and cacti, the versatile stone is a useful landscaping material. River-washed pebbles and jagged rocks are also used in oriental gardens and naturalistic landscapes to create serene stone gardens.

WATER FEATURES: Whether a miniature waterfall on a terrace garden or a lotus pond in a larger space, the presence of water completes a garden.

POTTED: The most flexible feature in your garden, potted plants can be moved around in different areas of your garden as needed. Resist the urge to buy large numbers as they need regular watering and care. Opt for a few, large decorative containers with an attractive palm, or a collection of cactii or ferns.

GARDEN FURNITURE: A garden bench, swing or a table to enjoy a meal outdoors can transform your garden into an inviting space to linger in. Invest in garden furniture that can be a permanent and attractive feature — a painted wooden bench for an informal garden; an intricately patterned cast iron seat for a formal garden; a carved wooden swing in a sheltered courtyard.

LIGHTING: Strategically placed garden lights are necessary to light paths or highlight special features. The fixtures can be a discreet spotlight hidden behind shrubs or an ornate garden lamp to suit the space.

OBJECTS OF INTEREST: If classical statuary, sundials and marble artfacts are not your style then look for garden bells, basins and bird houses to give your garden a contemporary spin. Garden accesories do not have to be perfect; in fact, the older and more weathered, the better.

PROBLEM SOLVING: Features like a trellis or fence can be used to conceal an ugly spot in your garden, provide privacy or brighten up a dreary corner.

GARDEN PROJECTS: If you have the time and inclination, then you can make your own garden artifacts; paving tiles, mobiles and freizes from broken ceramics, bells and baubles.

There are unlimited possibilities and clever solutions to stamp the garden with your style and make it an extension of your indoor space.

(Lathika George is landscape designer based in Kodaikanal)