Ironing it out – garden style – by Diane Morey Sitton

Whether it’s the way the heavy pieces complement the frailty of flowers and foliage or whether it’s the history that radiates from their curves and curlicues, antique iron furniture, fences, urns and ornaments have a way of enriching gardens.

But not all iron is alike.

Contrary to what some folks believe, the terms “wrought iron” and “cast iron” are not interchangeable, but rather describe different production techniques that result in iron with different characteristics.

Like its name implies, wrought iron is iron that has been heated, and then hammered into shape by a blacksmith. The more it is heated and hammered, the stronger it becomes. It was commonly used in construction through the 19th century. Gradually, machine-formed metal parts replaced the more expensive, more labor-intensive wrought iron, and the demand for wrought iron shifted from construction to decorative items such as fencing and bench frames.

“Cast iron” refers to a conglomerate of iron alloys that are mixed together, melted into liquid form, and then poured into molds. The iron solidifies as it cools. Although cast iron is strong, it is non-malleable and comparatively brittle.

Casting reached its heyday during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, cast iron is commonly used for items with complex shapes, like ornate garden benches.

Despite their different strengths and characteristics, when exposed to outdoor elements (rain, humidity, moisture from overgrown vegetation, etc.) bare surfaces of both wrought iron and cast iron are susceptible to rust and corrosion.

For some gardeners, layers of chipped paint – and rust – help authenticate an old piece, lending charm and an historic footprint to gardens. To leave the item “as is”, but to help prevent further deterioration, coat the piece with clear, rustproof spray.

On the other hand, a maintenance routine of cleaning and coating helps preserve old iron by thwarting rust and deterioration.

Start by removing any garden debris (weeds, leaves, etc.) that built up around the fence, urn or other iron object. If necessary, wash off dirt and mildew with warm soapy water. Use mild detergent and a soft cloth. Rinse with clean water.

Next, use steel wool, sandpaper or a wire brush to remove chipping paint, rust and corrosion. Intricate curves, embossed designs and hinges trap moisture and dirt, so pay special attention to those areas. Wipe clean with a tack cloth, or if the iron piece required extensive sanding, wash again with soap and water, rinse and let dry.

Once the old iron is cleaned, apply a rust-inhibiting, exterior-rated primer designed for metal. Aerosol primers are ideal for intricate pieces. Let dry. Finally, apply a rust-inhibiting, exterior-rated enamel paint designed for metal. Spray paint gives uniform coverage.

From wrought iron gates to cast iron benches, each piece of antique iron décor has a story – a history – that it carries from one garden to another. With proper care, your garden can become part of its legacy.