Driftwood

Mulch, careful placement of boulders, yard art like metal sculptures, and even the perfect pot can help make the garden aesthetically pleasing. Although master gardener Paul James uses all these design devices, he has a particular favorite.

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Figure A

"There's one thing I really like — driftwood," Paul says. "There's something about the unusual and interesting shapes and forms that I genuinely adore. Maybe it's because driftwood reminds me of fishing on the riverbank with my grandpa back when I was just a little gardener guy," says Paul. Whether it's knowing that the wood was once part of a stately tree whose history is a complete mystery or that over the years an untold number of critters have used it as their home, driftwood looks as unique as its past.

Figure C

Whatever the reason, driftwood is fairly easy to come by. Properly placed in an established garden, driftwood can serve as a subtle accent or a bold focal point.

Figure D

You can even grow plants in and on driftwood like this Tilansia, better known as air plants.

However, if you pick up driftwood from a lake, river, stream or wherever, make sure you have permission to do so. Otherwise, you might be breaking the law.