Toning it Down

By now you are all probably sick and tired of hearing about the current trend of using lots of color, so I have a small treat for you. Avid gardeners are putting their feet down and demanding neutral-toned accents, simply because they feel that the flowers in their gardens should do all the talking in the color department.

Many people are looking to have a very elegant garden with fountains, accents and décor, and if they use the more neutral/earth-tone colors, it doesn’t take away from the colors the floral sprouts. Way back when there wasn’t any statuary, fountains or garden décor, people just had the plants to make their gardens a beautiful place to visit, and they actually were the most beautiful gardens you could imagine, without any fancy or bold hardgood garden décor. With the passing of time, more and more interesting materials have come to the market, and now, plant people realize that those pieces might be a good addition to their gardens, just as long as they are in more subdued colors so the plants are the ones that stand out.

Just picture walking through the botanical garden in your area; they do the same things. They have fountains, urns, statuary and more, but these items are mostly neutral colors that blend nicely with the landscape and do not take away from it. Plants have always been nature’s way of decorating, and a lot of people realize that. Just adding a subtle accent to the beautiful flowers can make a huge difference without distracting from the plants.

You all use the same philosophy in your garden centers every day. You put the plants on a neutral colored bench so the plant pops a little more. You want your customers to be attracted to the plants more than what they are sitting on or around.

To really work this trend, look for accents in tones of green, taupe, beige, brown, etc. — colors that blend in well with nature, not taking away from the popping plants. You can easily apply this trend to the obvious products like statues, fountains, accents, containers, bird feeders, outdoor furniture, etc. Other possible products include landscaping rocks, edging, lanterns and even water gardening-décor accessories.

There are so many things available in both the bright new colors as well as the neutrals and earth tones. Basically, there is something for everyone in the marketplace now, and hopefully the bright and contemporary consumer as well as the elegant and low-key consumers can both be happy and develop beautiful gardens.

1. Fountain

Slender curves and gently flowing water make the I-Fountain with Ball an aesthetic masterpiece. Water glides over a sphere and down a column into a square basin. It stands 73 inches tall, and customers may choose any color in the manufacturer’s palette. Trevi Manufacturing. (702) 644-7732. Write in 1520

2. Pagoda lamp

This pagoda lamp is easy and practical. It is made in three sections. Simply lift off the top and add a candle, and you have soft, glowing light. It measures 25 x 11 inches. Anamese Garden & Home. (337) 734-3656. Write in 1506

3. Oil lamps

The three oil lamps from the Serene Garden collection are made of terrazzo and stand approximately 6, 7 and 10 inches tall. New Creative. (800) 435-1000. Write in 1512

4. Floating rocks

These Floating Rocks are available in three sizes and two colors. Discount Pond Supplies, Inc. (800) 979-0999. Write in 1510

5. Accent

These hand-carved pieces are an example of the detail found on temples all around Asia. Crafted in the centuries old tradition passed down from generation to generation. They weigh approximately 10 lbs. and measure about 24 x 12 x 2 inches. ThunderLake Statuary, LLC. (866) 443-1087. Write in 1519

6. Bird feeder

The Gazebell is 32 inches tall and built with lifetime-guaranteed recycled plastic milk jug material and a lacquered spun copper top. It is available with a sunflower feeder screen or the brass bell as shown. The Gazebell is also available in white recycled plastic with a buffed copper top. Backyard Nature Products Inc. (800) 817-8833. Write in 1507

7. Water feature

The Bird Fairy measures 10 inches tall. It is a perfect accent to fountains and other water elements in the garden. It is cast one at a time using the lost wax method, for fine detail and lasting durability. The Brass Baron. (800) 536-0987. Write in 1518

8. Landscape stones

Yardright Decorative Landscaping Stones beautify landscapes, block weeds and prevent erosion. These stones are permanent, pest free, long lasting and 100 percent natural. Oldcastle. (877) 538-4068. Write in 1513

9. Fountain

Classical Fountains are versatile, portable and self contained. They offer a relaxing atmosphere and bring old-world charm to the garden, patio, veranda, sitting room and foyer. The Fountains include a Whiskey Barrel, Calabria, Roman Vase, Vintage Trough, Warwick Trough with Planter, Woodland Trough with Planter, Copper Kettle with Planter, Adobe Trough with Planter, Tuscany, Classic Pitcher and Cottage Cauldron. Patio Garden Ponds. (405) 636-4759. Write in 1515

10. Display bench

The 92-inch Tilt Bench can be used inside or outside of the greenhouse to display herbs, specialty annuals and flats. The bench tilts to three different angle positions and lays flat. It is made of northern white cedar and measures 36x92 inches. Bench Systems. (888) 881-3081. Write in 1508 Á

11. Birdhouse

The Green Gables 18 Room Martin House will comfortably house 18 martin families. Constructed of exterior grade ply-board with kiln-dried hardwood details and topped with an asphalt roof, the top of this feeder lifts off with the removal of several screws. It is finished with a non-toxic outdoor paint. Home Bazaar. (516) 827-7771. Write in 1511

12. Border

GroundScape EZ Tie Borders replace traditional landscape borders for both landscape and playground applications. Lightweight, safe and non-toxic, EZ Tie Borders are perfect for playgrounds, pools, gardens and landscaping. They are easy to install, keep playground areas clean and are available in three coordinating colors of brown, red and green. Parksite Plunkett-Webster. (800) 845-6160. Write in 1514

13. Bench top

The new Dura-Bench Ultra plastic bench top is for greenhouse tabletops. The bench is designed with larger openings for more air circulation, end tabs for quicker installation and patented recessed plastic rails for easier attachment to your bench substructure. It is durable, smooth and non-porous, and allows trays, flats and pots to slide across the surface without snagging. The bench will not rot, crack or splinter, and it will not corrode, rust or have sharp edges like expanded metal or wire tops. Southwest Agri Plastics. (800) 288-9748. Write in 1516

14. Rocker

This outdoor rocker is made of perforated, galvanized powder-coated steel and heavyweight plastic. It is weather resistant and will not rot or peel. It is lightweight yet very strong, ships in one box and works well on a patio or deck. Syr-Tech. (866) 338-8000. Write in 1517

15. Fountain

This classic cast stone fountain was inspired by a similar basin found in a garden called the Generalife, located in Granada, Spain. The Alhambra fountain is easy to assemble and comes complete with pump, tubing and all the necessary accessories. It is available in one of 10 hand-applied patinas in addition to natural cast stone. The dimensions are 36 inches wide x 12 inches high, weighing 349 lbs. Campania. (215) 538-1106. Write in 1509