Dishfunctional Designs: garden

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

The Upcycled Garden Volume 18: Using Recycled & Salvaged Materials In Your Garden

Hey friends! Here we are again; another garden is upon us, and I always look forward to putting together my Upcycled Garden blog posts for you each year. Here we are at volume 18! Enjoy this garden aesthetic inspiration and read on below for some of my best tips for using recycled & salvaged materials in your garden! Happy summer!

Small Hanging Metal Sculptures: Metal sculptures are always popular garden decorations. Why not try your hand at making your own?

Birdbaths: Use old birdbaths in your garden but in new ways: as planters, for candles, or as a butterfly feeder - each unique piece of garden art.

Flowers: Display plants and flowers in unexpected containers.

Rustic Birdhouses: Use old wood scraps and bits and baubles to create a rustic-style birdhouse for your backyard feathered friends.

I hope you are having a great summer!

Stay tuned for my newest book, coming soon!

~Laura

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Laura

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Article and images copyright ©Laura Beth Love 2026 and may not be republished in print or other media without express written permission from the author. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Gothic Garden Inspiration

In the world of contemporary garden design, one style stands out for its dramatic flair and historical roots: Gothic-influenced gardens. Inspired by the architectural grandeur and mysterious allure of Gothic art and literature, these gardens offer a unique blend of wildness, exoticism, and rich, jewel-tone beauty.

At the heart of a Gothic garden is a sense of untamed wilderness. Unlike meticulously manicured lawns and symmetrical flower beds, these gardens embrace a sense of overgrowth and unpredictability. Imagine pathways winding through lush, tangled foliage where every turn reveals a new surprise—a forgotten statue half-hidden by ivy, or a mysterious fountain shrouded in creeping vines.

The plants themselves play a crucial role in capturing the Gothic spirit. Dark, moody hues dominate the palette, with plants like blood-red roses, deep purple irises, and the darkest peonies lending an air of mystery and romance. Old-world flowers such as hellebores and foxgloves, known for their historic associations and rich colors, find a natural home here.

Architecture also plays a pivotal role in Gothic gardens, often serving as focal points or backdrops. Whether it’s a weathered stone wall evoking ancient ruins or an ornate wrought-iron gate leading into a secret garden, these elements add depth and narrative to the outdoor space. Arbors draped in climbing roses or clematis echo the intricate tracery of Gothic windows, creating a harmonious dialogue between natural and man-made structures.

Water features in Gothic gardens are not just functional but evoke a sense of melancholic beauty. Reflecting pools mirror the sky above, while moss-covered fountains trickle softly, their sounds mingling with the rustle of leaves. These elements contribute to the garden’s atmosphere of enchantment and timelessness.

In a world where minimalist and modernist garden designs often reign supreme, Gothic gardens offer a refreshing departure. They celebrate the allure of the past, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a world where nature and history intertwine. Whether you’re drawn to the wildness of untamed foliage, the romance of darkly-hued blooms, or the haunting beauty of ancient architecture, a Gothic garden promises an escape into a realm of enchantment and discovery.