Gone are the days when rust in the garden was something to be ashamed of. Now the warm tones of weather-worn metal and the high shine of copper are having a moment.
Not dissimilar in colour to terracotta, the trusted face of garden pots, rusted metal will work with pretty much any colour combination, from fiery reds and oranges to the more subtle shades of pastel pink and lilac. It also has the ability to blend harmoniously into the border, making it ideal for plant supports and trellises.
Corten steel is one of the most popular materials for the rusty look, as it’s easy to work with and very resilient. Once an outer layer of rust has developed it acts as a protective barrier helping to prevent further corrosion, an attribute that makes it so perfect for use in water features and garden structures that will need to endure all weather conditions. The fact that metal can be worked into many shapes means the possibilities for its use in your garden are endless, from delicate bird feeders to large fire bowls.