Gothic Gardens

What is a gothic garden?

In today’s society, a gothic garden most likely conjures up images of Morticia Addams trudging around a graveyard in the moonlight, searching for belladonna or mandrake to mix into one of her toxic brews. But it should invoke the longing stare of a flawed romantic, the Byronic hero, seeking solace through nature. Some people go to great lengths to make a part of their yard look mysterious or gothic through their choice of landscaping, which might include strange topiary, vine-covered arbors, garden sculptures (think gargoyles) and plant selection that usually favors dark blooms. Every year around Halloween, gothic gardens become a short-lived phenomenon. A common feature in gothic gardens are plants that produce “black” foliage or flowers. Apparently this is a visual representation of the shadow world so prevalent in gothic imagery. While there is no true black in the flower world, the nursery industry often inserts the word “black” to describe blooms that are deep purple, dark red, burgundy or chocolate. In the right light, they can look black. And while black flowers might be sought after for groupings in a gothic garden, they also can join the yellows, oranges and reds of any other garden. In borders around a white picket fence, for example, what will stand out more, white Shasta daisies or Aguilegia “Chocolate Soldier”, a columbine that produces dark brown flowers?

One plant not normally associated with dusky hues is the calla lily (Zantedeschia). Most of these natives of South Africa produce creamy white flowers, but, hybridizers have expanded the color range. And, as more colors make their way into people’s gardens, the more popular calla lilies become. The Associated Press recently reported that a variety of calla lily called “Edge of Night” is one of the most popular cut flowers in Europe. The 3-inch, conical flowers are a purplish-red that in the right light look like black velvet But, the eye appeal doesn’t end there. “Edge of Night” has silver-flecked, purple-edged, glossy green leaves and deep purple stems. Calla lily is a moisture-loving plant that prefers partial shade, but the amount of sunlight will affect the blooms on “Edge of Night”. More sun increases the blackness of the flowers. In the Yakima Valley, calla lilies work best in containers because they can be transported inside before the first frost. The rhizomes, however, can be dug up at the end of each season and easily over-wintered.

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Garden Zone GOTHIC POT TRELLIS 505190 $23.37

Vampire Garden Poster Mercy Brown Gothic Lowbrow Art $7.99

Graveyard Gothic Garden Dome Terrarium Halloween $26.95

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GARGOYLE STATUE GARDEN DAGGER GIFT ART GOTHIC VINTAGE $34.99

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Gothic UNICORN New Small Garden Flag Banner VERY COOL $11.99

GARDEN OF EDEN INTIMITY GLASS GOTHIC ALCHEMY BNIB, $234.16

Gothic Grim below medieval Dweller Garden Sculpture LG $150.00

Gothic Grim below medieval Dweller Garden Sculpture RG $90.00

Paden City Yellow Etched Gothic Garden Snack Underplate $14.95

GOLDEN DRAGON GARDEN OR WALL PLAQUE GOTHIC MYTHICAL $0.01

GOTHIC CAST /WROUGHT IRON ~Garden PLANT STAKE $9.00

20 BLUE Petals WEDDING CENTERPIECE Beach Garden Goth $0.99

GARGOYLE STATUE GARDEN 2 pcs ART GOTHIC VINTAGE $18.99

Alchemy Gothic Cross In Garden Rare Fantasy Art Poster $0.99

Metal Moroccan Gothic Decor Garden Deck Lantern 4 Pack $27.57

GARDEN FAIRY SUNDIAL GARGOYLE GOTHIC sun dial $49.99

GARDEN FAIRY SUNDIAL GARGOYLE GOTHIC sun dial $49.99

LARGE RED GOTHIC FAIRY DOOR++FOR YOUR SECRET GARDEN $9.99

Goth Dragon Guild SMALL GARDEN FLAG BANNER COOL L@@K $11.99

CAST WROUGHT IRON FLEUR DE LIS GOTHIC GARDEN WALL CROSS $7.99

HAUNTED GOTHIC WICCAN SPELL GARDEN OF DIANA $9.99

Cast Iron King Gothic Man Wall Decor Tree Garden Plaque $21.99

Naartjie Gothic Garden Cranberry Netting Skirt 3 3T $0.99

Notre Dame Gothic Gargoyle Statue Home Garden Sculpture $17.50

VITOR TWO COLUMN GOTHIC PEDESTAL 42″ for Home & Garden $549.00

GOTHIC BASE PEDESTAL for Home and Garden objects $59.00

GOTHIC COLUMN PEDESTAL 22″ for ANY Home & Garden object $109.00

DOUBLE PILLAR GOTHIC PEDESTAL 44″ for Home & Garden $499.00

LOUIS CATHEDRAL GOTHIC PEDESTAL 44″ for Home & Garden $599.00

Naartjie Gothic Garden Cranberry Netting Top 3 3T $0.99

Naartjie Gothic Garden Romantic Lavender PLAY Top 3 3T $0.99

Naartjie Gothic Garden Mystery Purple Swing Top 3 3T $6.50

Create your own shelter in the garden

Looking to spice up your outdoor space of living of the next autumn? There is no better way to increase the character, charm and individuality to an outdoor area by adding some of the structures of the season's hottest garden, such as pergolas, garden arbors, the outer columns accent beds and, of course, fire pits. The problem is simply choose the best garden design is for you.

If you are a homeowner to design your own backyard oasis or an experienced architect outdoors, thanks to the endless selection of never outdoor structures, the process of choosing to live better open air design to complement a home and family needs can be a bit overwhelming.

Pergolas

If the parties to picturesque meetings are commonplace in the backyard of his family, then the addition of a pergola to your living area outdoors can be perfect. These garden structures actually provide the best of both worlds. They exude a rural charm without however, add a modern and elegant feel to any backyard design.

Pergolas are great for providing relief from the intense sun of summer and autumn. Add a few never leave Cape Cod Adirondack style chairs white fiberglass under your pergola is perched on a stone artifact, and you have a patio Rear dream encounter. A point of sale even bigger, some companies have created maintenance free pergola designs. They are elegant, practical and not require maintenance. You just can not beat him.

Garden Arbors

garden arbors are remarkable additions to any living room outdoors. Garden arbors come in several different designs, like the arch, Gothic and two waters and are made of different materials such as copper, iron, fiberglass, wood, vinyl, plastic and metal. It's not really something for everyone, no matter what style you want to set backyard.

Add your own touch of personality and charm to let their favorite flowers or ivy to grow around a shaft of wood or fiberglass. Create a grand entrance to any space picturesque outdoor living.

Outdoor Columns

Wanting to add class incredible and character to your property? Exquisite cast stone exterior columns are definitely the way forward. Both are easy to install and incredibly durable. Whether form of input columns, like those below, the columns or in the yard, cast stone products are in the forefront of outdoor architecture.

Add a cast iron door and a fine Gothic shrubs pruned, and has created a majestic entrance to the property.

Accent raised and Garden Beds

And for people who love growing their own vegetables at home healthy, mix in a few raised garden beds. Gardens have a tendency to fall into an out of control, as raised garden beds are ideal. They help to contain vegetables and allow a large garden to grow a small area. In addition, the compact space of a raised garden bed makes maintenance and repairs easier.

Red cedar beds are a great option. Not only are durable and attractive, but the fights made cedar rot and insects.

But if the cedar is not what we want is that there are a number maintenance, ornamental stone raised beds accent to add a more sophisticated and dramatic look. The mixture of green and vibrant flowers that flow is an essential tool for any backyard landscape autumn.

Outdoor fire pits

The fact that cold temperatures are fast approaching does not mean it's time to pack up the backyard of the season. In fact, the fun has just begun.

What better way to fend off those blue late summer that huddled around an outdoor fireplace.

Honestly, on those cold nights, which is more cozy gathering around a campfire roasting marshmallows and backyard?

A Backyard Sanctuary

Already possibly a combination of a charming garden pergola and exquisite cast stone columns, or the coupling of a gazebo and a lovely accent raised bed, the end result can be spectacular. Just as spectacular and in fact, one never want to leave the confines of your backyard comfortable again. Who needs a holiday this fall, when there is a retreat a few steps from the back door?

About the Author

Diane Deluca is the marketing director for Eye Level Corporation and a big fan of elegant outdoor living spaces that put a vacation right outside the backdoor. Eye Level is a manufacturer of modern, maintenance-free outdoor living design products, including cast stone columns, garden arbors, raised accent beds, hose reels, mailbox posts, and their signature pergola designs.

For more information visit www.eyelevelliving.com, call 888.782.1760 x152, or write the author at ddeluca@eyelevelliving.com.