Corten Steel at The Chelsea Flower Show

Corten at Chelsea

Corten Steel at The Chelsea Flower Show

The Chelsea Flower Show is the cornerstone in any gardener’s calendar and when it comes to inspiration for outdoor spaces, this year most certainly delivered.

As one of the UK’s leading specialists in Corten, we were delighted to see such wide use of Corten steel structures within the gardens, and the cherry on top? Three of them receiving awards.

Gold-winner Morris & Co. were heavily influenced by flowers and gardens, choosing an intricate Corten metal screen to complement its pavilion. Meanwhile Silver-Gilt winner Hands Off Mangrove honoured a story of community activists by combining nine Corten steel roots to create a protective sanctuary.

While it’s fantastic that Corten is becoming even more popular in outdoor spaces, what’s most exciting to see is how it’s helped to tell each garden’s story. These beautiful structures are as integral to a garden’s vision as the plants and flowers alongside them – both working together in beautiful harmony.

Adding to this storytelling is the striking visual element of Corten. Its appearance develops and changes over the years – acting almost as a living, breathing entity – before turning its final burnt orange hue. This in itself is a beautiful signature piece for any garden.

If it’s your first time coming across Corten, or you’d like to become more familiar with it, you may be pleased to know it has lots of different uses. From planters and water features to sculptures and signs, this is a great all-rounder material.

Corten for all outdoor spaces

Corten looks right at home within a wild, less obviously structured garden as it does in a more formal space. Such versatility is perhaps the reason it soared in popularity at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show and continues to remain on trend.

Incorporating Corten into your garden

If you’re keen to take inspiration from the Best Show Gardens and incorporate a Corten feature into your own outdoor space, you’re in the right place.

Our products are durable and of the highest quality. And as a family-run business we really like getting to know you and your requirements before designing. It’s the personal touch.

Perhaps you already have an idea in mind or would rather one of our experienced, expert designers dazzle you with something bespoke and perfectly suited for your space. Either way we have a wide range of products to choose from, each of them hand-crafted and made to order in our rural, British workshop.

Want to know more?

If you’d like to know more, please get in touch 01858 419 940 or email enquiries@afsculture.uk