Rounding out the garden – by Diane Morey Sitton
It’s hard to pinpoint what makes garden orbs so appealing. Some orbs resemble colorful balloons, others suggest iridescent bubbles. Still other orbs, with their craggy textures and earthen hues, appear to be stones worn round by time and water. But whether they are made from glass, metal, concrete, stone or stainless steel, or whether they are woven from wire, rope or grapevine, orbs as décor add eye-catching interest and unique texture to gardens. In addition, some orbs act as mirrors, reflecting images of flowers and plants, increasing garden interest even more.
With their wide range of colors and materials, orbs fit comfortably into gardens of all styles including formal, modern, whimsical and even shabby chic. Their organic shape is a natural companion to plants of all types including succulents, grasses, and flowering annuals and perennials. Large orbs make dramatic focal points. Use them to break up tedious borders or draw the eye from one part of the garden to another. Stacked in baskets on decks and patios or scattered about in small gardens, soft-ball size orbs can reinforce color themes or act as accents.
What’s more, few accessories are as versatile as orbs when it comes to placement in the garden. Position them on pedestals. Set them atop flower pots. Display them among flowering plants in borders. Nestle them among low-growing grasses and groundcovers. Float them in pools, birdbaths and wall fountains. Heap them in hanging baskets. Suspend them in rope slings. Showcase a single orb or display orbs in groups. Stainless steel orbs are available in sets of cascading sizes.
For craft enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers, online ideas abound starting with tips on how to re-purpose bowling balls into garden orbs. Got a supply of old nail polish? Drip it on a bowling ball to create streaks of color! Add sparkle and shine by covering bowling balls with glued-on craft marbles. Select a single color or use craft marbles in different hues to form designs. Some crafters take bowling balls to another level by coating them with copper-colored spray paint before gluing on shiny new pennies. Yes, pennies. The crafters cover gaps and add depth by adding a second layer of coins. They complete the look by displaying the copper-coated orb on a copper rod. Other crafters recommend creating your own orb by filling a beach ball (or other disposable plastic ball) with Quikcrete. They allow it to dry before removing the plastic form.
Whether softly-hued or brightly-colored, reflective or textured, it’s no wonder orbs are a natural companion to gardens. After all, they mimic the shape of earth itself!