The days of vine-covered trellises with rows of seemingly haphazardly planted native plants no longer symbolize the height of gardening sophistication. Unless, of course, your home resembles an English cottage.

These days, gardening décor is really a capsulation of your indoor decorating scheme. Like minimalist furnishings with smooth metal finishes? There is outdoor décor available to suit your taste, complete with black marble and clean lines. Crave soft, comfortable seating that bespeaks luxury and comfort? There’s a line of outdoor furniture with your name on it.

And, naturally, if you already collect art in your home, you will find plenty of options in arches, pottery, benches and cast-metal or stone pieces resembling
works of art for your outdoor space.

SUITE YOUR TASTE
“Right now, gardening décor is a personal statement,” says Beverly Welch, owner of Arbor Gate, an 11-year-old nursery and gift store in Tomball. “Outdoor design and indoor design are one. The outdoors has come in. So the garden is really just an extension of your home.”

One of the most significant gardening movements, Welch says, is the idea of creating outdoor rooms, complete with outdoor, mildew resistant rugs.

“It’s no longer your typical patio furniture under a ceiling fan with a gas grill in the corner. It’s actually outdoor living spaces,” she says. “People want a total look. They buy benches and outdoor rugs, which you can spill red wine on and just hose off. These rugs are made of recycled material.”

And like in your home, fragrance and color are desirable components, Welch believes. “For example, I work seven days a week. And when I get home at night, I want to be able to enjoy my garden,”says Welch. “That’s why I plant a lot of white, such as night-blooming jasmine or native datura (also called “moonflower” or “angel’s trumpet”), because they
glow at night. And you can line a walk with rosemary, thyme and mint. If you just brush by it, you have fragrance.”

TRELLISES, TERRARIUMS & POTS
Smith & Hawken has a wide selection of outdoor trellises and décor, says Mark Carney, assistant manager of Smith & Hawken’s Houston location.
The Fleur-de-Lys Arch is a traditionally styled feature with a curved peak at the top. It stands 9 feet tall and retails for about $350.

“But one of the hottest things right now are terrariums,” says Carney. “People are bringing the garden indoors. That’s our hot item.”

On Smith & Hawken’s Web site, you’ll find terrariums and cloches in a variety of styles, from black metal traditional terrariums that resemble miniature greenhouses to smooth, clear glass containers that let the beauty of your plants and flowers show through.

“Terrariums touch both types of gardeners,” Carney says, “the new gardener and the experienced gardener. Terrariums are a great way to start the gardening season. With moss and some décor, they can make great table centerpieces.”

If your aim is lasting beauty, a number of planters from Design Within Reach will do the job exquisitely well. The round or rectangular-shaped Gratia plant holders are commercial-grade, featuring metal-covered Fiberglas that is hand finished to give it a distinct patina that changes over time. You can even drill holes in the bottom of these pots for drainage.

The company’s New Pots or Serralunga line features large-scale, Italian-made planters made from recycled polyethylene. They are lightweight, but extremely
durable, says Sarah Creekmore, account executive for Design Within Reach in Houston.

“You can hit these with your car and nothing’s going to happen to them,” she says. “These are quality pieces that are going to last. They’re collector’s pieces.”

Birds and birdbaths naturally go together and make fine additions to any garden. Photo by Phoebe Lake courtesy Arbor Gate

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