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Bridges are particularly pleasing garden ornaments. Even if you don't have a pond in your garden, there may be a place for a bridge. Introduce a bridge to cross a dip in the landscape.
In addition to being visually fascinating, a bridge can mark the passage from one part of the garden to another. Crossing it is like a rite of passage. Just be sure that the bridge leads to somewhere worth going. It is disappointing to come to the end of a pleasant journey only to realise you have arrived nowhere.
The style and size of your bridge will depend on the setting and overall style of your garden. A bridge across a bed of dry stones might be quite simple: perhaps a large, flat slab of stone or a massive plank of wood that fits into the bank, joining both sides.
Moon bridges and painted bridges make an individual style statement. A high arching moon bridge typical of the Japanese-style gardens is a remarkable feature that inevitably draws visitors. The Japanese Zen gardens often incorporate zigzag bridges.
For a more Western look, choose a bridge with a less extreme arc. The individuality of such bridges is often expressed in the unusual designs of their side railings. Some are starkly simple, while others have a lacy pattern of fretwork.
A bridge is a magnificent opportunity to introduce an unexpected bold colour into the landscape. Wooden bridges in Japanese gardens are often painted a characteristic reddish orange color. Considering that the constant foot traffic would quickly wear off the paint, the floor of the bridge could be left unpainted.
Whatever the style and colour you choose for your bridge, make sure it is structurally sound. Bridges have a 'come hither' aspect to them, so people will have the desire to cross them. It wouldn't be practical if the bridge could not take heavy foot traffic. Also, provide side railings for additional protection and as an arm rest for people who would want to lean over the edge.
Gardens and sculptures belong together. A well placed sculpture can serve various functions in the landscape. It can offer a focal point, add a touch of whimsy, or fill a niche in a hedge or wall.
Selecting the right sculpture for the right place in the landscape is the key. Primarily, the sculpture should be in scale with its surroundings. A small ornament set by itself in a large space will be dwarfed.
However, this same piece of sculpture becomes a valuable detail when tucked into a small gap among the stones. In contrast, a large sculpture needs a place of importance. Use one as a focal point at the end of a long walkway.
Don't overlook the option of natural items that have sculptural quality to them. Large seashells make pretty garden ornaments; a piece of driftwood may earn a place of honour in your garden.
Topiary, the art of pruning plants into fanciful shapes, creates living sculpture in your landscape. To make the job of creating and maintaining the topiary easier, choose a plant whose natural growth habit is compatible with the shape you would like to create.
Topiaries trained on forms are well suited for containers.
