THE SECRET GARDEN.

THE USE OF MIRRORS OUTDOORS.

This one is a real show stopper - creating the illusion of a window looking onto another world beyond. Not only is it a novelty feature which will create a real talking point, it also makes the garden seem bigger than it is.

Mirrors add light and depth to your garden.
Mirrors create a real feature point.

Gothic and plain mirrors can change the look of your garden while still achieving the desired feel of light and space.

Do you have a small corner of your garden that needs some magic?

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


Wall mounted garden mirrors can trick the viewer into thinking that there is a way through to another, secret garden. They can give the impression of a larger space and they will reflect more light into your garden. They are perfect for a secluded courtyard, for placing at the far end of a vista, or for disguising an ugly wall.

Acrylic mirror sheets

Outdoor plastic mirror is lightweight and is 10 times stronger than glass. It is usually made from 3mm acrylic and weighs 80% less than mirror glass. It can be cut to size- simply score halfway through with a knife then break along a straight edge. Or use a hacksaw with a fine blade. It can also be drilled using a drill bit for drilling metal; curves can be cut with a fine tooth saw, cutting disc or tile cutter. When drilling, a piece of masking tape stuck over the position of the hole will ensure the drill bit doesn't slip. You can even fix acrylic mirror sheets using panel adhesive for outdoor use, but you might also want to securely clamp into place until the adhesive has cured. You won't be able to re-position later so screw fixing is the best option if you're not absolutely sure about the final position. Plastic mirrors are not as rigid as glass and should be fixed to a garden fence or wall to reduce any slight image distortion effect. Plastic sheet is easy to care for but do not use any abrasive materials when cleaning. Warm soapy water and a clean soft cloth are usually all that is needed to keep the surface clean and bright. When using tools ensure you keep both surfaces protected from accidental knocks, scrapes and digs. The front surface will show up scratches and the reverse surface will not reflect clearly if damaged.



It's important to keep the element of surprise. So when you are positioning your mirror make sure your own reflection isn't staring back at you. We recommend angling the mirror down and to one side. That way you can see garden, grass, greenery, path etc and not your own feet until you are right up to the mirror (the taller the viewer the longer the illusion).

Create a false perspective

Perspective trellis mirrors used as a background for a garden ornament could add extra highlights and depth to your garden. A raised urn on a plinth would be ideal here and would look just as good empty as full of flowering plants in the summer. For the best effect you will need to tilt the mirror slightly so that it is not reflecting straight back at you. Experiment with the angle to capture the most believable angle for your situation. Use some scrambling climbers like jasmine, honeysuckle, rose, clematis or ivy to help disguise and soften the edges to camouflage, so that it does not seem like glass at all.

Mirror illusions for your garden

Create a pathway right up to the base of the larger mirrors to reinforce the illusion of a way through. You could add pots of topiary either side of the mirrors to frame the "view" and add the feeling that the open gate really links to another part of your garden. Use plants around the edge of the garden mirror to add to the effect and disguise the edges. Enjoy the secret garden effect and you visitors' reaction!



Window frame style mirrors

Brighten up an ugly wall or fence. Use window frame style garden mirrors to add some pzazz to the side of your shed, add a window box to the bottom and some seasonal planting and you are well on the way to creating the illusion of a stylish summer house instead of a utilitarian box. Paint the mirror to match the existing window frames to suggest that they really are part of an extension to the house.

Just add WOW.

The galvanised trellis mirrors are terrific in a modern style garden and just adding 2-3 of them on the back wall of a city plot or a basement garden will add glamour, light and enhance the property. If you are trying to sell a property now it might just add the wow factor to make your sale and best of all you can take your investment with you when you go!



Using mirrors in the garden adds stunning features to your outdoor space or courtyard!
Use these acrylic mirrors inside to create a feeling of light and space - great for tiny bathrooms and loos! Imagine a Gothic arch mirror at the end of a dark hallway....