Turn Your Garden Into a Gallery With Outdoor Sculpture
Sculpture needn't 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.
What to Consider?
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, such as in this elegant home and garden; tucked alongside a winding garden path; or added to an otherwise plain wall as a stand-out feature.
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, such as in this elegant home and garden; tucked alongside a winding garden path; or added to an otherwise plain wall as a stand-out 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 explains. “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 corten steel.”
Materials
Weather and climatic conditions will impact 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,” says Herald.
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 which are ideal for a contemporary outdoor space.
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Weather and climatic conditions will impact 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,” says Herald.
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 which are ideal for a contemporary outdoor space.
See more of this project
This stone sculpture has a calm and rounded form that perfectly suits the informal and tranquil nature of the garden.
Other materials can include corten steel, painted or stainless steel, mosaic-clad options and timber. This carved totem pole-like sculpture was created by the homeowner’s neighbour. It serves as an artistic marker to the entrance of the home and also accommodates the letterbox. Its natural motifs and organic style suit the tropical garden and also complement the timber cladding and laser-cut screens of the house.
Style of sculpture
There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to the actual 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 timber wall.
There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to the actual 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 timber 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; and whether you need a sculpture in a particular colour or a monotone hue.
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.
More on outdoor sculptures, screens and installations
More on outdoor sculptures, screens and installations
Taylor also 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.”
These pieces, left and above, 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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See more of this project
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 standalone feature then planting should be kept understated; otherwise choose plantings that help the sculpture maintain a sense of place.
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 standalone 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/oxidised wire and steel sculpture, called ‘Tempest’ from Terra Sculpture.
“Planting should also be based on the theme of the garden,” Herald advises. Above, the pink-coloured tulips enhance the femininity 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,” says Taylor. “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.”
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,” says Taylor. “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.
Other Factors to Be Aware Of
“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 per cent waterproof.”
TELL US
Do you have sculpture in your garden? If not, which of these sculptures would you like to grace your outdoor space? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
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Browse a gallery of garden sculptures
“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 per cent waterproof.”
TELL US
Do you have sculpture in your garden? If not, which of these sculptures would you like to grace your outdoor space? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
MORE
Browse a gallery of garden sculptures
Sculpture can add a focal point to a garden, providing a visual and atmospheric feature – whether subtle or dramatic – and can reveal a glimpse of the owner’s character.
“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 is actually a sundial which has pride of place in this UK garden. It is made from stainless steel and sits on a plinth surrounded by a box hedge.