Old-School Green Design: Art Imitates Plants

In this seating area, the colors and shapes in an abstract painting pick up on the lines and shades of the surrounding garden.

The shapes of these grasses — clumps at the bottom and short whimsical plumes at the top — is referenced in the fence design. Without being a literal interpretation, the two work together as a subtle repetition of shape.

In this example, the fence also relates to the surrounding plantings as it weaves through it. Like the waving grasses in this garden, the fence seems to say that this home is relaxed and easy going.

This fence is another example of seamlessly integrated natural materials. Color variations between white and black appear in the birch tree trunks as well as on the fence posts and railings. The horizontal line of the fence references the horizontal striping that naturally occurs on birch bark.

This beautiful statue is arching back into the wind, just as the surround trees and grasses do when a gust of wind blows by. The tall, skinny nature of the statue complements and imitates the line and shape of the trees beyond.

Tell us: Do you have a beautiful old oak tree or field of meadow grasses that could inspire a new backyard design? Perhaps you are inspired by the blooms of a classic peony or a more graphic red-hot poker. How could you reflect their brilliance in your artwork or outdoor room design?

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