Natural stone, especially beautiful sandstone with its veins of rich colour, is a wonderful material from which to craft garden planters, water features and benches. David Coton explains why the Strata Natural Stone range, now available on GardenSite, should find a home in every garden.
Sandstone will introduce a fabulous amount of colour into an outdoor space. The rainbow array of yellows, browns, reds and oranges that flows through the stone is guaranteed to enliven and bring interest to any location.
Benches
Benches may be very practical but sandstone transforms them into beautiful focal points. Although manufactured with traditional care and attention, Strata benches are very contemporary in design.
They are substantial, angular pieces of solid stone perhaps exemplified by the ultra modern profile of the Novus Rufina bench.
Planters
Planters also use the fantastic qualities of sandstone to great effect, contrasting with and enhancing foliage and flowers.
Many come in sets of differing sizes which look superb when grouped together such as the Lacerta planters. However the Elisa Sphere is a notable stand alone piece with its swirling surface reflecting the stone's dynamic hues.
As a departure from normal sandstone colours, the Square Black Lime Planter and Conical Slanted Rufina Planter in Kota Blue make handsome alternatives.
Water Features
Water Features continue the contemporary theme with spheres, bowls and cubes proliferating. Particularly eye catching is the Eridanus design that appears to be split into two and the Caelum feature whose grooved surface accentuates its splendid colours.
Each item in the range is highly durable with unique colouring, the polished surface coming to life both in the sunshine or when rain embellishes the surface with a glossy sheen.
The entire Strata collection offers everyone the chance of displaying the magnificent effects of sandstone in garden pieces that are remarkably well conceived and designed.