Southampton - Garden Trends revive the old adage: "Everything old is new again!" Fountains, water elements, sculpture. All are natural evolvements within the landscape of our heritage and our minds. When we travel to distant countries like Italy, Spain, England, and tour their parks, museums and gardens; we are often inspired by the serenity and profound beauty that surrounds us. I know I always return to my home and begin to recreate a similar ambiance. Often through colors and artwork within my home, and most times, of course, in my gardens and the gardens that I design.

Fairy and Mercury Ball. Photo by Frank Roccanova

Today, here on the East End of Long Island, we have several staple looks for our gardens. And while attempting to keep in sync with our surroundings natural beauty, one sometimes likes to step out of the line and create a signature garden. A garden, or a special place in your garden, that will personify your level of awareness and appreciation for beauty in this moment in time.

Fountains are always in. Who wouldn't love to hear the cool sounds of water cascading? Here in Bridgehampton within a French Garden I designed for clients, I found the perfect central focus. The fountain is the right proportion, size and style.

Pool Garden, Water Mill.

Statutes
Statues add a whimsical and sometimes pensive mood to our gardens. With a keen eye one can scout antique stores and garden nurseries and sometimes find the most beautiful pieces. Once your garden is flourishing, there comes a time for you to introduce a new form of interest. Statues and Gazing Balls are always a reasonable and perfect compliment.

Fine art sculpture kicks everything up a notch! More and more we are seeing the revival of introducing fine art sculpture to our gardens. Depending on one's taste and the perfect positioning of sculpture; you can achieve a most commanding and glorious visual effect.

Pool Gardens
Pool Gardens that flank or surround the pool seem to be a favorite these days with my clients. Pools that basically have minimal stone work around its border; eventually need to be visually anchored. And what better way than beautiful lush gardens.

Vegetable Gardens/Ortos
Vegetable Gardens fashioned after Italian Ortos (Vegetable Gardens) are always a favorite, and a as we are blessed with great soil and growing conditions here on the East End many people are coming to the conclusion that the joys and the savings are wonderful. Much like a Victory Garden, friends and families all benefit from the bounty received. The personal satisfaction of growing your own! Just like the old country.

Pizza oven in Cintoia, Italy.

Pizza Ovens
A given in Italy of course. And now, at last catching on here. Definitely to be considered before you build your outdoor entertainment area (wink, wink). Imagine how tasty - pizza made with the basilico and tomatoes fresh from your Orto!