I love visiting gardens and seek out every opportunity I have to wander through public and private spaces. During a recent road trip through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Michigan I gained inspiration from many different landscapes. I realized there are often many take-aways from visiting other gardens which can easily be applied to your own oasis.
Light the way
Most of us are busy. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I’m actually able to relax in my garden and absorb its beauty. By adding interesting lighting to your outdoor space, you can extend the time spent in your garden and further your enjoyment of it. This becomes especially important as days become shorter. Plus, lighting adds an incredible ambience and can enhance your viewing of plant material.
Woven wooden lighting in the Phipps Conservatory
Interesting lighting in the Cuba exhibit at Phipps Conservatory
Add Whimsy
Who doesn’t enjoy laughing? After all, it is one of the best medicines (or so they say). The Hidden Life of Trolls exhibit at the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh made me laugh out loud. Think about ways you can add the unexpected to your landscape and cause a garden visitor to smile as they take in the scenery.
A troll made entirely of plant material at the Phipps Conservatory
More troll whimsy at Phipps
Incorporate Sculpture
Some gardens are dedicated to sculpture like the Grounds for Sculpture in New Jersey and the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I believe every garden is enhanced by the addition of a sculpture to create a focal point or invite someone to a certain part of the garden.
A modern sculpture in Grand Rapids, MI at the Frederik Meijer Garden
Horseshoes became butterflies in Holland, MI
Sculpture in the Phipps Conservatory
Glass flowers seem right at home among live plants
Another glass sculpture creates a magical space
Use Unconventional Containers
When looking for a container, don’t always choose the obvious vessel. There are many different objects that make great and interesting containers such as galvanized buckets or even Dutch wooden shoes!
An old bucket makes a perfect container for succulents
Have some old shoes? Why not use them as planters!
There is no shame in using someone else’s ideas in your own garden. Go ahead and add some light, whimsy, sculpture or unique containers to your landscape. Then enjoy your additions and reflect on your travels and the spaces that inspired them.