Gardens Balls, Large and Small

Decorative Orbs, be they of carved stone, wrought iron or mold-cast lead, beautifully embellish gardens of all styles. These simple shapes, which are too perfect to be naturally formed, are attention-getters and so positioning them requires a bit of finesse. Always think of how ornamental balls relate to their immediate surroundings; strategically deployed, they’ll serve as the finishing touches, or punctuation, to your garden vignettes.

At Upton Wold, in Gloucestershire, paired orbs balanced upon thin-cut fieldstone bases flank steps leading to a sun-dappled path. Courtesy of nanquick.com

Crowned by an exuberant combination of orbs and obelisks, the entrance to the Walled Garden at East Ruston Old Vicarage in Norfolk is a wonderful demonstration of traditional design done with a modern twist. Courtesy of nanquick.com

A single, precisely-placed stone ball garnishes a pocket garden in Worcestershire. Courtesy of nanquick.com

Even in miniature, orbs can be combined to pack a hefty visual punch. Spheres in graduated sizes form a dynamic spiral alongside an English walkway. Courtesy of nanquick.com