A rustic country garden is a landscape in keeping with the natural surroundings. What it lacks in formal design it makes up for in natural beauty. Adorning such a landscape with props and features calls for an eye toward the unpretentious—simple, functional, and undeniably lovely.
A country garden takes its design cues from the landscape itself. From rolling hills to lazy ponds, from woodland borders to sunny paths, a country garden extols all the virtues inherent in its clime and locale. Adorning such a setting will enhance its enjoyment for all. Simple water features, footpaths, rustic bridges, log containers—all of these elements and more may be used to furnish a country landscape for even greater visual appeal.
Often country landscapes boast small ponds, streams, even simple creeks. These water elements can be created if they don’t already exist—even created with a natural appeal, but if they already adorn your garden—so much the better! All that’s left is to maintain them and add special features. A creek or stream can be enhanced by a simple bridge. Rustic wood planks and a simple log rail will suffice, but a stone bridge will make a dramatic statement. Consider a small covered
bridge as well teeming with common ivy or a blooming vine.
Your pond might be enhanced by a simple platform at its edge. Chairs and a table set on such a platform makes for a lovely garden niche but a platform filled with containers of more invasive water plants can actually provide all the attraction of such species without all the maintenance that comes with cutting them back as they invade the water. Of course, ponds can be the most beautiful features when ornamented by water lilies or lotuses. You might even consider transforming your pond into a wildlife habitat for even greater rustic charm.
Since the garden itself is the crown jewel of a country landscape, many of your prop choices are those best suited to the plants themselves. For example, a series of trellises will doubtlessly create much beauty with its array of climbing plants, but it is also quite functional. Vines and climbing plants require supports to thrive. Even edibles like various gourds and berries can enhance a trellis before they adorn your picnic table.
Containers come in all shapes and sixes, materials and colors. Choose simple pieces in various sizes. Baskets provide country charm, but are not always the most practical containers. Simple terracotta is timeless and will adapt to any landscape. Stone planters are more expensive, but simple designs will also look right at home in a country landscape. Refrain from overtly stylized and ornate containers. To add a splash of personality to your props, consider using household objects like water jugs or unique pieces of pottery to house your container plants.
You will also want to consider furniture for your country landscape. Simple twig furniture can be adorned with ivy, but more substantial wooden furniture can decorate the porch or patio. Stone or wood benches set off in the landscape can be placed at strategic spots for the best views. Swings, gliders and rocking chairs are right at home in a country landscape.
Other props to consider in rustic designs: birdbaths,
birdhouses and feeders, gazing balls, country animal statuary,
wind chimes, arches, water pumps, etc…Don’t be afraid to take a chance with your props—a country garden is more open to creativity than a more rigidly designed formal landscape. A broken stained glass window is a great fixture for the center of a flowerbed. An old oak door makes a great trellis. Even a wagon wheel can be placed in the landscape and look right at home.
To find props for your rustic landscape, visit local flea markets and search out old barn and farm implements or any item that will work for your garden.
