Autumn. The season of swirling leaves, crisp mornings and a sun that sets the world in a golden glow. As nature prepares for winter, the garden transforms into a palette of warm, deep colors. And precisely in this picturesque setting, one material effortlessly finds its place: corten steel. With its robust, rust-brown appearance, the corten steel planter is not just another trend; it is the perfect embodiment of the autumn atmosphere.
But how do you integrate this beautiful material into your own garden? We dive into the world of Corten steel and look across the border at the latest garden trends in Europe to inspire you.
What makes corten steel so special?
Before we dive into the garden, a brief introduction. Corten steel, also known as weathering steel, is a metal alloy that has a special property. When exposed to the outdoors, it forms a dense, protective layer of rust. This layer stops the further corrosion process and gives the steel its distinctive, warm and earthy color.
The benefits at a glance:
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Unique look: The orange-brown color evolves with time and fits perfectly with autumn colors.
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Durable and strong: It lasts for decades without weakening.
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Low maintenance: You don't need to paint or treat it. Nature does the work.
So that rust color is not a sign of decay, but rather of strength. It is a living material that perfectly reflects the cycle of the seasons.
European garden trends: autumn across borders
We often think that garden trends are universal, but each country has its own accents. Especially in autumn, we see fascinating differences that go perfectly with Corten steel.
Trend 1: The "New German Garden Style"
Wild naturalness (Germany) 🇩🇪
Growing in Germany is the popularity of the New German Garden Style, a movement inspired by natural plant communities in the wild. Think lush, layered plantings with a mix of perennials and ornamental grasses that remain interesting throughout the year.
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How does corten steel fit in? The clean, modern lines of a square or rectangular Corten steel planter are a stunning contrast to the wild, organic shapes of swaying ornamental grasses such as Pennisetum (lamppost grass) or Calamagrostis (ostrich reed). The warm color of the steel enhances the golden and bronze tones of the grasses in the autumn sun. It brings peace and structure to the "organized chaos.
Trend 2: "Le Jardin Sec"
The dry, elegant garden (France) 🇫🇷
With the increasing drought in southern Europe, the "dry garden" or jardin sec is gaining popularity in France. This style focuses on plants that require little water, such as lavender, rosemary, and various succulents, often combined with gravel and natural stone. The atmosphere is minimalist and elegant.
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How does corten steel fit in? Corten steel blends seamlessly with the Mediterranean, earthy palette of these gardens. A low, wide Corten steel planter or retaining wall filled with Sedum or graceful Agaves becomes an artistic statement. The rust brown combines beautifully with the gray-green of the plants and light gravel, giving the garden a modern, architectural look.
Trend 3: The "Rewilding" Movement
Back to Nature (United Kingdom) 🇬🇧
In the United Kingdom, "rewilding" is a big trend. It's about letting nature take its course more, even in a small urban garden. This means less rigid lawns and more space for native plants that attract bees, butterflies and other animals. The result is a vibrant, ecologically valuable garden.
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How does corten steel fit into this? In a feral garden, corten steel elements can serve as subtle, human interventions that still give the garden some form. For example, use corten steel edging to demarcate a wildflower bed from a grassy path. Or place a tall, slender planter as a vertical accent among lush, low plantings. The material feels natural and is absorbed into the landscape, so to speak.
Plants that shine in a corten steel autumn container
Okay, you're convinced. But now what do you plant in that beautiful container? Choose plants that compliment the warm color of the steel or create an exciting contrast with it.
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Heuchera (Purple Bellflower): The varieties with deep red, orange or caramel-colored leaves, such as 'Caramel' or 'Marmalade,' are an absolute dream combination.
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Carex (Rye): Species with orange- or bronze-colored leaves, such as Carex testacea, seem made for corten steel.
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Skimmia: This plant offers something beautiful all year round. In autumn, the deep red flower buds appear, providing a beautiful contrast to the rusty brown steel.
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Helleborus (Christmas Rose): For a touch of magic in late fall and winter. The dark green foliage and (often) white or pink flowers stand out brilliantly.
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Small Maples (Acer palmatum): If you have a larger container, a Japanese maple with its spectacular fall colors is an unparalleled eye-catcher.
Creating a playful landscape
One planter is nice, but a group is even better. Dare to play with different shapes and heights.
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Combine a tall, slim tub with a low, square one.
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Place three bins of different sizes in a triangular arrangement in one corner of your patio.
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Use a long, rectangular container as a natural divider between your patio and lawn.
Through these combinations, you create depth, rhythm and a captivating landscape where your eyes discover something new each time.
Autumn is not an end, but a transformation. It is a season of warmth, texture and understated beauty. And Corten steel is the material that captures this mood perfectly. It is the bridge between sleek design and the wild beauty of nature. So embrace that golden glow, and give your garden the warm autumn hug it deserves.
