How to Use Mirrors in the Garden

Use a colorful mirror as an accent piece in your garden.

Just as you can use mirrors in your home to visually enlarge a small space or reflect a favorite piece of art, mirrors in the garden can work their same magic out of doors. A reflective surface can add a new dimension to any space. Small or large, horizontal or vertical -- a mirror can be a surprisingly appropriate element in an outdoor space.

Instructions

1. Replace existing windows with mirrors to extend the garden. If you have a garden shed with windows, replace some of the panes with mirrors. The mirrors work the same way as in a narrow hallway in a home. Unlike regular glass, they reflect the view and visually extend the garden.

2. Hang a mirror behind plants on a trellis to reflect the backs of favorite flowers. Use an old window frame fitted with mirrors instead of a solid mirror behind the trellis. The mirrors will reflect a view of the plants we rarely see, in addition to bits of sky and the view beyond.

3. Place mirrors on the back fence. Use them to back hanging planters, again reflecting atypical views. Fill the planters with your favorite flowers. To soften the edges of the mirror, attach a series of nails up each side of the mirror and run string or twine for training vines, such as morning glories. Or hang a wreath or hanging basket from the top of the mirror.

Tips & Warnings

• Mirrors in the garden take more abuse than mirrors in the house. Unless you're prepared to take them down during inclement weather or wintertime, be prepared to replace them every few years. Do keep in mind that age and patina is part of the charm of garden decor.

• Shop for mirrors and window frames at garage sales and building resale outlets.

References

• Apartment Therapy: Using Mirrors in the Garden
• Apartment Therapy: Outdoor Mirrors