An old cornice. Terra cotta medallions. Limestone spires. Cast iron planters. Junk to some… the detritus of progress. To others, architectural salvage is pure treasure waiting for new purpose.
The incorporation of architectural salvage is often overlooked when planning a new landscape. However, these pieces can add a new dimension to a landscape- fusing the past with the present and creating a unique sense of wonder and beauty. The cornice pictured left once soared above city streets and now, the building long gone, waits for a new purpose. Perhaps nestled among hosta, dicentra swaying nearby… some ivy curling along the weathered stone…. a forgotten piece of the past.
There is always, it seems, a quiet, poetic quality to architectural salvage. I always wonder how they looked when new, what the building was like, and the people who made them. Did they ever imagine that cornice or medallion would be part of a
garden? It seems an impossible thought. But that is what makes these pieces unique and so interesting.
There are many ways architectural salvage can be used in the landscape. One method, already alluded to, is to incorporate the piece among plantings so it is something to be discovered- almost hidden, as if seen from the corner of your eye. Perhaps the piece is partically buried, not only to cover the unfinished sides, but to incorporate a sense of time- it has been here a long time. Another option would be to make the item, such as the limestone medallion pictured here, a center of attention. The piece could be set upon a natural stone base and viewed as a sculpture. It could be used as a stepping stone, or maybe even made into a water feature.
Architectural salvage is not limited to carved stone. Old limestone block or old bricks can be reclaimed and used to build walls or patios. Old victorian cast iron urns can be used as planters. Wrought iron decorations or old windows could be added to walls and sections of old iron fencing used as a trellice. The possibilties are endless, and the result is always a unique, dynamic addition to the landscape.
