Turn Your Garden Into a Gallery With Outdoor Sculpture
Art doesn't have to be reserved for the interior of a home. Here’s how to take it outdoors
Incorporating a piece of sculpture into a garden can add sophistication to an outdoor area, transforming a space with style and artistry. Here’s what to consider when selecting and positioning outdoor sculpture, along with tips and advice from landscape designers Dean Herald of Rolling Stone Landscapes and Steve Taylor of COS Design.
Location. The viewpoint, or viewpoints, in relation to a piece of sculpture will help determine its placement, as will its surroundings. Consider whether it is to be seen through the window of a house, as in this elegant home and garden; tucked alongside a winding garden path; or added to an otherwise plain wall as a standout feature.
“Sculpture is typically used as a focal point, either to a garden setting or through an internal window vista, or both if the design is right,” Taylor says. “A selected piece can add height, form, architectural presence and a contrast to the surrounding greenery, and with selected lighting, sculpture can add a dramatic element to the garden at night. The artwork pictured here against the wall is from Lump Sculpture Studio and is made from rusted Cor-Ten steel.”
Materials. Weather and climatic conditions will affect the durability of a sculpture as well as how that sculpture interacts, over time, with the surrounding landscape. “Due to being placed outdoors, the durability of a garden sculpture’s material is critical, which is why the use of stone, metals, glass and timbers are considered,” Herald says.
The bold metal sculpture pictured here was part of an award-winning display designed by Herald for the HIA Sydney Home Show. It has contrasting textures, strong lines and shapes that are ideal for a contemporary outdoor space.
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The bold metal sculpture pictured here was part of an award-winning display designed by Herald for the HIA Sydney Home Show. It has contrasting textures, strong lines and shapes that are ideal for a contemporary outdoor space.
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This stone sculpture has a calm and rounded form that perfectly suits the informal and tranquil nature of the garden.
Other materials can include Cor-Ten steel, painted or stainless steel, mosaic-clad options and wood. This carved totem pole-like sculpture was created by the homeowner’s neighbor. It serves as an artistic marker to the entrance of the home and also accommodates the mailbox. Its natural motifs and organic style suit the tropical garden and also complement the wood cladding and laser-cut screens of the house.
Style of sculpture. There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to the selection of a piece. There are those that stand alone and need to be secured at the base or those that serve as wall art and must be affixed to a masonry, metal, concrete or wood wall.
Taylor’s advice? “When choosing a sculpture, you should first assess the space where the piece is going.” He then suggests you ask yourself which form or shape will best complement the space or, if required, create the perfect contrast to a space. He also recommends that you ask yourself whether you need height or width, a round or geometric form, something transparent or solid, or a sculpture in a particular color.
And, as Herald says, “The style is also important to ensure it matches the theme of the garden.” He chose this reflective sculpture for a garden designed to look and feel relaxed and contemplative.
Taylor suggests finding a piece that you love. “One person’s treasure can be another person’s trash, so there are no rules apart from finding a piece that connects with your inner self, something that turns a quick glimpse into a smile and a feeling of happiness and joy.”
The pieces in these two photos are both part of an outdoor space designed by Taylor, who has added vibrant foliage-inspired sculptures for extra visual detail.
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Planting. When it comes to choosing plantings around a sculpture, landscape gardeners say it’s all about balance and contrast. If the sculpture can function as a stand-alone feature, then planting should be kept understated; otherwise, choose plantings that help the sculpture maintain a sense of place.
Taylor recommends low ground cover, such as turf lily (Liriope muscari) or the trailing plant kidney weed (Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’) for a sculpture that needs some space around it. “This creates the illusion of the piece floating over a green living bed,” he explains. This sculpture is a weathered/oxidized wire and steel sculpture, called Tempest from Terra Sculpture.
“Planting should also be based on the theme of the garden,” Herald says. These tall, pink tulips complement the form of the sculpture.
Installation. The foundation of the garden needs to hold the weight of the sculpture and in some cases may require some engineering support to keep it upright.
“You need to understand the size, weight and subsequent safety requirements of the foundation or footings,” Taylor says. “You don’t want a piece to fall over in strong winds or to be knocked over, so you may need to consider some engineering of the support base.”
“You need to understand the size, weight and subsequent safety requirements of the foundation or footings,” Taylor says. “You don’t want a piece to fall over in strong winds or to be knocked over, so you may need to consider some engineering of the support base.”
“Often we consider installing sculptures on a plinth that is in keeping with materials used on the project,” Herald says. Again, size and weight need to be considered for positioning a sculpture on a raised platform.
This contemporary metal outdoor garden sculpture is titled Reaching Out Blue and was created by American artist Jon Allen.
This contemporary metal outdoor garden sculpture is titled Reaching Out Blue and was created by American artist Jon Allen.
“Unfortunately, theft is another consideration, so you will need to make sure the sculpture is secure,” Taylor says. “Also, if the sculpture is within a pond, then you will need to make sure the fixing mechanisms are 100 percent waterproof.”
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How to Choose and Site Garden Art
Ornament Your Garden the Artful Way
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How to Choose and Site Garden Art
Ornament Your Garden the Artful Way
“Garden sculpture can add a dramatic, striking and unique element to most gardens if the right piece and position are carefully considered,” Taylor says. “It can also add a personal touch to a space. As artwork is an individual thing, your personality can be expressed through art.”
This sphere in a London garden is actually a sundial. It is made from stainless steel and sits on a plinth surrounded by a box hedge.