METALS account for the majority of sculptural work in gardens, ranging from the traditional to the modern. However, metalwork can be applied to a range of garden elements, including fencing and gates, surfaces, containers, arbours and other garden architecture and bridges.
All metals have diverse tones and vigour of colour, so the final choice depends on your individual taste. However, all metal products are expensive when used widely, not only because of the demanding production processes but also the expert labour required in making then fitting pieces.
Metal boundaries are conventionally constructed from wrought iron; antique railings can be found in reclaimed shops, but these will need to be cut to size or professionally fitted. Indeed, wrought iron work is seeing something of a revival. Delicate metal intricate railings when extended to gates, a well-balanced look are achieved.
However, because metalwork can prove expensive, a sole metal gate integrated into a garden wall fence is more suitable and pleasing than a wooden gate within a run of metalwork. Small pieces of wrought iron are more affordable too. Styles of metal gates are many and varied - ranging from the simple to the elaborate.
The preferred furniture of the Victorians was cast iron, chosen because of its strength and weight. This allowed it to be left outside throughout the year. It has now largely been replaced by aluminium alloys or steel.
All the metals below can be moulded to form containers and metallic pots are becoming more widely used. Unusual containers can be surprisingly effective; old buckets, watering cans or bathtubs, once planted up, can look superb.
Aluminium alloy products are ideal substitutes for expensive cast iron products and are just as sturdy. They are also much lighter and less expensive. Aluminium-framed chairs are produced with many different surface finishes and coating.
Bronze accounts for many sculptural pieces because of its strong, reliable colour; strength and pliant nature. Lead, although still available, was used more often in the past, but due to its high cost, and the sheer weight involved in handling it, it has gone out of fashion.
Copper when left untreated is affected by the element to produce beautiful verdigris surfaces.
Copper can be used to make containers, but because plants find copper poisonous, any leaves and roots that are in direct contact with it can result in a very dead plant! It is much better to leave vessels in this material empty, to be used as focal points. But, if you want to plant them up always use suitable pot and ensure that the leaves are not in
contact with the outer pot.
Iron if left untreated will rust, becoming red, orange and yellow. Corroded metals used for garden ornamentation are becoming more and more popular.
Stainless and galvanised steel can give a modern twist to fencing when used in sheet form or as a mesh. However, great expanse of stainless or galvanised steel can be overpowering and prohibitively expensive. Using only small sec-tions in internal boundaries will not dazzle so much and will be less demanding on the pocket too.
Wrought or cast iron arbours and pergolas are easy to keep clean and can be moulded into the most intricate shapes. They have a timely beauty, whether sited in an urban setting or a traditional rural garden.
Zinc has a dusty grey surface when it has aged and it works wonderfully when used either inside or outside the garden.
