A few weeks ago I confessed that I knew little about the design concept: “Shabby Chic.” (See my blog: “What is Shabby Chic?”) Since then, not only have I taken a crash course in the popular decorating style (I’m almost done completely transforming my home—what can I say, it’s addicting), I also learned there are ways to take the “Shabby Chic” theme outdoors to create a “Shabby Chic” garden.
Some successful “Shabby Chic” gardeners call it an extension of their home decor… and the techniques are just as easy. You simply follow the same rules outdoors as you do indoors. For example, if you have plain outdoor furniture, consider covering it with vintage floral fabrics. Or, the next time you are at a flea market look for chipping wrought iron pieces. Many pieces that people have used indoors can do double duty in your garden–from wrought iron shelves (perfect for small potted delicate plants) to large urns that can house decorative topiaries.
I visited one “Shabby Chic” garden (although, the owner actually referred to it as a “Cottage-style Flower Garden”—I later learned the terms are interchangeable) that had stone cherubs sitting and hanging EVERYWHERE. (I was told that cherubs are considered must-have accessories in “Shabby Chic” gardens because they add an element of whimsy and serve as a reminder of “blessings from the garden,” and I guess who wouldn’t want a cherub watching over their garden? I’ll let you answer that.)
If you decide to forgo the cherubs, there are other more subtle pieces that work just as well. I found a great Italian angel wall plaque (it’s medium-sized, made of whitewash stone, and can stand alone or be hung up) and an iron bird feeder that can be hung from a tree or trellis. I also found a beautiful wrought iron garden planter adorned with etched garland detail—it was gorgeous, but expensive. I didn’t get it. Instead, I’ve decided to challenge myself to find a similar piece for half the price and with a little handiwork transform it into something that looks like the one that was out of my price range. After all, isn’t that half the fun (and the most addicting part) of implementing the “Shabby Chic” concept?