Steeling your Landscape

When one thinks of landscaping, steel might not be the first material that comes to your mind. But various types of steel are being widely used in the field, from small detailing like edging to entire compound walls! Steel edgings are very strong despite the thin profile, making it the perfect choice to separate your landscape elements without worrying about a rogue car tire or gardening tool. Yes, it can rust, but very slowly, so even a thin edging will last you about 40 years. Corten steel or weathering steel - is the fan favourite in the market, designed to create a self-protecting coat of rust on exposure to the natural elements. Along with the plants and seasons, its earthy shades change according to the slow rusting, adding dynamism to the entire landscape. Corten steel pots and planters are the ideal replacement to bulky, fragile, terracotta pots to give your landscape a rustic look. Who would say no to a family get-together or a friendly meetup around a bonfire in the garden? Wide range of ready-made corten fire-pits are long lasting and can even double up as a barbeque pit.

Various kinds of stainless-steel structural frames can be designed as per requirement to explore the unlimited possibilities of gardening - from aquaponics to hanging gardens. It is also the best material for outdoor furniture. Your steel benches and chairs and gazebos will last longer against the constant attack of the seasons than any other material while being sleek and aesthetic. Make your garden standout with a dynamic steel sculpture. You can finish it off with complimenting stainless-steel railings, lattice screens or corten clad compound walls in your desired design as an alternative to conventional plain, boring concrete or brick ones.

However, a life in the city may not always give you the luxury to have a backyard or a lawn, increasing the need for maximising the little area available – outside and inside. Once upon a time, master-architects and designers dreamt of vertical cities, which has become a reality now, thanks to steel. But sometimes, don’t you just look away from your screen, out of your window or balcony, in search of a leaf blowing in the wind or a patch of greenery to soothe your senses? In the flight for development, as we tread on more land than ever before, it is now time for another vertical growth – of plants and gardens. The value of oxygen and fresh air to breathe has been a very rude wakeup call in the past year. With COVID-19 protocols and lockdowns across the world, more people are staying at home than ever in recent history, and many have turned to gardening to find solace.

Soon you realise your balcony has space only for 3 or 4 pots, so it’s time to innovate! Steel frames are available in the market which can be fixed on any vertical surface by yourself. Mounting cups can be attached to this frame in which your desired plants can be grown. The strength of the material ensures that it can handle the heavy load of the soil and plants. Multilevel terrace or indoor gardening is also possible by making simple steel support frames, or even design your very own vertical planters! Climbing plants are a go-to for any urban garden. They can thrive on a simple and light assembly of galvanised or stainless steel wires or mesh installed vertically, with a minimal amount of soil at the bottom for the roots to grow.

Urban landscaping is not only for homes. Commercial buildings like malls and office spaces have become some of the largest canvases for the art of vertical gardens. Stainless steel is the ideal choice for the support structure, owing to its ease of maintenance, longevity and resistance to environmental influences. Due to its versatility, an envelope or framework of any profile can be made and hollow sections also allow for easy installation of irrigation systems. Green walls are also getting increasingly popular for interiors, improving not only the quality of air by filtering pollutants, but also enhancing acoustics and helping in lowering indoor temperature. Each plant species requires different types of support – and there are as many types of variation in steel frames possible. It is important to ensure you use the right kind of steel and design for the desired landscaping with proper research.