AGEING BEAUTY Garden designs using Corten steel

AS SEEN ALL OVER LAST YEAR’S RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW, CORTEN STEEL IS THE BIG NEW STORY IN GARDEN DESIGN

1. Focal point this giant corten steel pot makes a striking centrepiece for a small front garden. Known as weathering steel, the material is created from alloys making it corrosion resistant. that means it can be left outdoors, where it develops a dense, protective oxidisation layer. Find celso pots at primrose and Buy Metal online.

2. Contrast a low Corten steel wall stands out against a pale limestone rill. Choose pre-weathered steel with oxidisation achieved with chemical washes, to prevent metal run-off staining other surfaces.

3. living wall Here, narrow planters in Corten steel have been mounted to grow drought-tolerant plants. this type of living wall is a great way to extend small garden spaces by adding vertical interest.

4. water bowl low-maintenance Corten steel is ideal for water bowls (try round wood or the Pot Company). if using as a birdbath, seal with rust oil as the run-off can be toxic to animals.

5. sculpture this circular piece by anvils blacksmiths was commissioned by roger Platts for his rhs Chelsea show garden. it inspired his burgundy and scarlet planting.

6. walkway Cube planters filled with grasses line the base of a delicate metalwork arbour. you can put ornamental plants straight into the pots, but if growing edibles use a liner pot.

7. obelisk During the growing season a rusted obelisk can be home to climbers such as clematis or roses, while in winter it provides structure and an upright focal point.

8. Screening Due to its strength, thin sheets of corten can be used for larger elements such as screens, as in this RHS chelsea Show garden by Tom Stuartsmith. The orange hue is the ideal backdrop for planting in contrasting purple or complementary tones of apricot.

9. Step edging For their RHS chelsea Show garden, Laurie chetwood and patrick collins used corten for angled steps. Similar edging is available from everedge, but for complex bespoke features commission a specialist company such as Outdoor Design.

“Corten steel works well with natural materials such as green oak pergolas and sandstone paving. the patina simply gets better with time” GARDEN DESIGNER Roger Platts