Garden Antiques

There are a variety of garden antiques to choose from, they can add an unusual touch and ambiance to a garden, both decorative and functional. There are antique wheelbarrows, antique tables and plant stands, antique planters, water features, fountains and birdbaths. As well as antique buckets, barrels, watering cans and antique urns, jardinières and garden statutes.

The History of Gardening

Gardening has become somewhat of an expression through nature as time has passed. The very earliest gardens were grown for practicality, herbs and vegetables were grown to eat and for medicinal purposes. However as classes emerged in civilisation, gardening namely in the upper classes became increasingly decorative and easy on the eye, often the upper classes had servants who attended to their maintenance.

In ancient Egypt gardens took on a religious significance. Roman gardens tended to feature a number of sculptures and statutes. By the 16th C gardens often included water features alongside statutes. By the turn of the 18th C gardens for pleasure were still very much reserved for the middle and upper classes but as the years progressed they became a common feature of most households.

Types of Garden Antiques

Garden antiques are made from a variety of materials including bronze, brass, terracotta, glazed earthenware, fossils, cast iron, stone, marble, bamboo and wicker. It is possible to pick up vintage garden furniture and features these days based upon earlier designs.

Antique wheelbarrows

Wheelbarrows have been used in the garden for thousands of years, namely for carrying loads, they have long been considered an important tool, useful for gardening. Antique wheelbarrows were made by craftsman as such there is an individual nature to each ones construction and a variety of designs to choose from. These designs include antique high-sided wheelbarrows, antique primitive wheelbarrows, antique child’s wheelbarrows and antique wheelbarrow spoke wheels. Antique wheelbarrows made from ash and oak are particularly durable and are a great way to decorate a garden, either as a planter or as a stand-alone feature.

Antique Garden Urns

Antique garden urns are similar in shape to that of a vase, first designed in Greek and Roman times they were made from a variety of materials including wood, pottery, bronze and an array of metals. Particularly popular during the Renaissance period an antique urn is decorative and a nice piece spotted around the garden. Antique urns made from copper, bronze or brass are considered more valuable than iron. In terms of durability an antique stone urn will last decades.

Antique Jardinières

An antique jardinière is an ornamental stand or pot that is usually used to display ones plants, it is a lovely decorative feature for the garden. There are different jardinières influenced by particular styles, an Arts and Crafts copper jardinière with leaves, plants or vines embossed on is attractive. For a more elegant jardinière a French gilt wood jardinière is a nice choice, whereas an Edwardian mahogany jardinière is both elegant and simplistic.

By the beginning of the 20th C garden antiques were influences by the Arts and Crafts movement with a move towards modernism and uncluttered gardens. There are a large number of garden antiques to choose from, either practical or pretty, or a combination of both.