Garden designer Peter Dowdall on the best places to find unique pieces for your garden

When it comes to designing our outdoor spaces, it can be hard to know where to look. From furniture, to pots, and ornamental pieces, what we buy can greatly impact the character of our space. Garden designer, Peter Dowdall, knows this only too well. “Whether it’s a sunny square of grass behind an urban semi-detached or a sprawling country estate, there’s something deeply personal about how we design our outdoor spaces,” he says. “Just as we put thought into how we shape the interiors of our homes, a garden should reflect our values, express our creativity and personal style, and spark an emotional response.” 

A great believer in choosing pieces with personality and provenance, Peter is looking forward to Victor Mee Auction’s annual Summer Garden Sale on June 10 and 11. Here are the reasons he loves seeking out second-hand and vintage garden pieces.

One-of-a-kind finds that tell a story

As home and garden high street retailers go the direction of fast fashion with a focus on décor that changes with the seasons or latest trends, the rare and remarkable pieces offered in auctions offer future heirlooms full of character. 

Craftsmanship that lasts

Mass-produced items simply cannot compete with the enduring quality of vintage and antique garden pieces. From Victorian wrought iron glasshouses to hand-carved stone statuary, these items have stood the test of time already and will continue to age gracefully, adding a sense of history and gravity to your space.

Sustainable, soulful style

Reclaiming and repurposing older pieces brings depth and authenticity to a garden while reducing waste. A salvaged trough as a planter or a vintage bench as a focal point not only enhances your garden’s aesthetic, it reflects mindful living.

Artful investments

Great gardens grow and evolve over time, and the same is true of the finest collections. Expand your home art collection with standout pieces. Outdoor art transforms a space while also increasing or preserving its value, offering a dual benefit for the collector.

Designing for biodiversity

Garden sculptures can be more than decorative. By inviting nature in through features like a bird bath, you are creating a home for nature in your own garden.