Designers today are shifting to eco-conscious or eco-friendly materials and practices. Sustainable practices or lifestyles are taking the forefront in all life aspects. What can be the most sustainable material than the earth itself? Terracotta is made of clay that is baked hence it is porous in nature. It is a versatile and sustainable material and it has already passed the time test. Terracotta was found in the ancient civilization’s ruins and this is in itself a huge example of durability.
In this article, you will learn about how to style your garden with terracotta.
Terracotta being completely natural and eco-friendly will add an earthy and rustic feeling to your garden. If the terracotta material breaks in your garden do not worry it is completely biodegradable. It is a win-win situation!
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How you can style your garden area with terracotta
Terracotta is loved for its warm and rustic charm and it adds a cozier ambiance to your garden. Here are a few ideas that you can use to style your garden.
1. Terracotta floor tiles
Do you want pavement or pathways in your garden? Terracotta floor tiles will feel warm and look beautiful under your feet and they age wonderfully too. Terracotta is made through a natural process of baking and it helps to cast various shades of warm and rich color. No two tiles will be perfectly alike as these are mostly hand-made.
The earthy palette of colors (earthy brown, deep red, burnt amber, or dull ocher) will have a great contrast with the greenery of your garden. These tiles are easily available in multiple designs and sizes and they will leave an exotic feel to your garden floor.
Terracotta is porous thus it can retain water if your garden overflows in the rainy season.
2. Wall tiles
Terracotta looks great on walls too. In low-cost architecture, exposed brick walls made with terracotta feel very charming. If you have wall fences or walls that face the garden then you can design them with terracotta wall tiles. It will again give people a soothing contrast between the greeneries, flowers, and warm terracotta bricks.
The terracotta wall does not require any embellishments rather it will create a classic look that will never step out of fashion or style.
Chipped or imperfect wall tiles add to the chic and shabby appearance.
Tip- You can add plants like creepers on the glazed or matte terracotta walls.
3. Terracotta pots
These have been always used as planters for both outsides and inside the house. They look absolutely perfect with lush vegetation. You can choose between different sizes or harmonize different styles of pots, urns, and planters to make them more visually appealing.
If you enjoy DIY projects then this can be an appropriate project for the weekend. You can even paint the terracotta pots with different patterns with the help of acrylic paints.
4. Murals of terracotta
Do you have an artistic mind? Then you can create wonders with decorative pieces of terracotta murals. Murals are embedded or integrated into something like walls to make a complete design or picture. This is a Spanish theme that uses bits or pieces of broken terracotta. The bits are put together by embedding them in the wall of plaster with the help of cement slurry.
Tip- Always keep on cleaning the plaster surface as you go along with the mural.
5. Terracotta accessories and statues
Vases, statues, sculptures, and figurines made of terracotta will appear great in your garden area. You can even keep a terracotta fountain for your garden. Place them along the pathway or pavement across your garden. You can also put up terracotta lamps along the garden. This will light up your whole garden with a rustic and earthy touch. You can even pair them next to colorful beds of flowers or your garden entrance.
How to maintain your terracotta garden items
Terracotta products also require attention and care so that they can keep looking their best.
- Garden floors with terracotta tiles should be cleaned on a regular basis as the older it gets, the shinier it becomes.
- You should never clean terracotta items with vinegar, ammonia, or acids as it will discolor the surface of the terracotta.
- Wall terracotta tiles should also be cleaned with mild detergents (non-chemical) on a regular basis.
- Any spillage or stains should be wiped immediately as terracotta will retain the stain due to its porosity.
- All terracotta items in your garden should be sealed (once in two years) to extend their durability. The sealer takes seventy-two hours to dry and can be applied with the help of a brush.
- Non-glazed terracotta products attract dust easily. So, remember to vacuum or clean regularly.
- Terracotta is fragile and gets easily scratched. Thus, you should keep the items in such places in your garden where the footfall is the least but ensure it catches the eye as well.
How are terracotta products manufactured for gardens?
Terracotta, in Italian means, baked earth. The cay is filtered at first to remove small stones, dust, or other particles. The clay is then mixed with water until you get the correct consistency that becomes enough pliable to get molded without breaking apart. Prior to its drying out, it is quickly molded by pressing, and after it has dried out completely (air dried) it is put inside a fire kiln that can take time up to 2 weeks. Glazing is also done on the surface to increase its longevity and to give a shiny and smooth appearance.
End note
Natural planters, designer pots, sculptures, floor tiles, wall tiles, etc. made out of terracotta are great options for decorating your garden area. You can easily control the feel and look of your garden space by finding the correct container or pots and designer sculptures made of terracotta. Terracotta pots are the go-to items for gardeners due to their porous nature as the moisture and air can circulate freely through the terracotta pot supplying it directly to the plants. Overwatering or overflowing of water during rains are also taken care of by the porosity of the terracotta items.
We hope you have received your answer on how to style your garden with terracotta. Happy gardening!
