16 Design Ideas to Steal From the Atlanta Botanical Garden

Get inspired by these designs from the Atlanta Botanical Garden and recreate them in your own yard or garden.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these affiliate links.

March 06, 2017

By: Laura James

Shop This Look

Photo By: Grant Duckworth

Photo By: Photo by Laura James

CFF-248-21

2017-03-06 3:00

From: Duckworth Interiors

Fountain Focal Point

You may not be able to get your hands on a Dale Chihuly work, but any kind of water feature instantly creates a focal point in the yard. This focal point in the Atlanta Botanical Garden features Chihuly's Paterre Fountain Installation, a sculpture of blue and white shapes that emulate water, ice and sky.

Adorned With Air Plants

A unique way to add a whimsical touch to a pergola is to attach air plants to the wood. You can temporarily attach them using rust-proof staples until the plants put down strong enough roots to stay attached on their own.

Bamboo Wall

To distinguish spaces in your yard or garden or provide privacy, instead of a plain wooden fence, consider creating a bamboo wall like the one in the Japanese Garden.

Artistic Bench

A basic wooden bench takes on new level of artistry with an asymmetrical metal backing. Try adding a functional yet artistic seating area like this one to your yard.

Chain Supports

Grow vertically with simple wooden posts linked together with chains. This inexpensive type of support system gives an industrial contrast to roses or whatever plants you choose to grow vertically.

Faux Rock

Cover utility boxes or other unattractive items in your yard with a faux rock.

Hanging Plants

Hang plants from a pergola at varying heights for a unique display.

Feature Frog

Think about cleverly incorporating sculpture into your garden scheme, as with this frog sculpture camped out on a wooden bench at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Spiller Strawberries

Let a strawberry plant work as a spiller in a large container like this one. Both functional and beautiful, containers with strawberries can add a unique touch to a simple edible garden.

Border Planters

You might have used planters in clusters on a back porch or patio, but have you ever thought to use large planters to create a border around a bed of small trees or shrubs? Use planters of varying sizes, shapes and color and spread apart with a couple of stones in between.

Scalloped Border

Add an extra detail to a rock border with pieces of rounded metal. A scalloped border like this one is a beautiful way to demarcate beds.

Waterfall Stairs

The Water Mirror in the Glade Garden is a beautiful water feature that looks like a grand staircase with water cascading down it.

Pebble Rock Path

Large pavers filled in with pea gravel form a simple pathway that looks natural and not overly landscaped.

Architectural Entry

This concrete opening serves as an entryway into the Japanese Garden. A large architectural feature like this one would make a great substitute for a simple arbor or gate in your garden.

Japanese Art

Filling your landscape with sculptures or art is an easy way to convey what style of garden you're hoping to achieve. This stone structure sits in the Japanese Garden.

Reptile Gate

This gate doubles as garden art. Instead of using a basic wooden or iron gate, go for something funky like a lizard gate.