Garden and landscape designers have been playing with the relationship between art and nature for centuries, imitating nature so skilfully. In the contemporary garden, this process has been carried to a further level of elegance and sophistication.
At SSB Garden Design we believe that sculpture and art are important components of a beautifully designed garden. It can include any object, perhaps a simple grouping of stones or pieces of wood that provide personal satisfaction or are of particular significance. We love to place a modern piece within a traditional, established garden or conversely a classical style figure, sundial, or astrolabe in a sophisticated, minimalist, contemporary garden. Placing your artwork in this way, may provide an element of surprise or humour and add something to spark the imagination, especially if placed in the middle of your border or within a hidden part of the garden. For a more obvious focal point, we usually place the form at the end of a pathway or at the junction of two pathways and we also consider the views of the piece from the rooms within your home. Abstract sculpture and art can offer different views from all angles and perspectives, as one is required to consider the view from a distance, the front and then as you walk around it. Smaller forms bring your focus closer into the garden and planting design while larger pieces act as the main focal point, drawing the eye to a wider area.
Sculpture and art can also play a major part in the creation of a concept and theme of your garden. Rough cut, vertical limestone panels can create the atmosphere of a mountainside in mist, also stone and pebbles may be positioned in drifts to recreate a coastal theme. Columns are useful for creating a strong vertical outline, drawing the eye upwards, perhaps in place of a tree, or to hold up a roof structure. Sculpture and art come in a variety of materials such as limestone and concrete which are well suited for traditional or formal gardens while bronze, fibreglass, and metal offer more flexibility in terms of design. Metals will be the most durable as limestone and concrete will weather over time. COR-TEN steel, with its weathered, rust coloured effect is a popular choice of material at the moment. Old stone or wood columns can often be bought as salvage items and brought up to date when used in conjunction with metal or glass. Also, lengths of clear, white, or coloured perspex and even strengthened glass can be used and look wonderful with uplighting.
We provide expert lighting advice to add a different perspective to your form’s shape, colour and texture at night. The key to good lighting is to recognise that each outdoor sculpture is different and it can be a challenge to strike a balance between the amount of lighting required. The shape of the piece can cause awkward shadows and shiny metal can create an overpowering glare. Vertical sculpture may need to be lit from a distance to create a softer effect. The exciting use of additional fibre optic lighting within water can add movement and creates a reflective, witty, and synthetic imitation of the interplay between sunlight and water around your piece. Also, incorporating internal lighting within an artwork is a popular and stunning option. We will recommend qualified contractors to install all the lighting requirements in your garden.
At SSB Garden Design we choose plants to complement or contrast with the colour, texture, and size of your artwork. Smaller plants placed at a lower level around the form are better, as they will not obstruct the sculpture, plinth or particular backdrop. It is also important to think about seasonal interest and how the planting will coincide with the different views throughout the year. If positioned well, swaying branches and leaf dappled shadows will add movement and further beauty to your piece.
SSB Garden Design 