French Country: Putting the Rust in Rustic

Don't you love a scattering of rusty metal in the garden?

I know I do.

And the rustier, the better. 

A touch of rust makes your garden or patio feel like it's been there for ages,

steeped in history and patina. 

This vignette on my patio reminds me of stone houses in the south of France,

their walls dressed up in faded blues and sunny ochres with rusty accents.

Rust brings back fond memories of crusty French lampposts with old-world patina. 

This primitive well in the French countryside with its rusty pulley dates from Roman times.

In my garden, a rusty lantern and my Dad's old pitchfork lend an aura of days gone by.

My version of heavy metal!

A vintage fireplace coal grate creates a feeling of permanence on my patio.

Love the rusty ornamentation.

Won't it be pretty filled with orange mums this Fall?

A sweet rusty birdfeeder peeks through my salvia.

This planter with a glaze of rust and chippy paint . . . 

provides a perfect nest for this multi-colored verbena.

A metal fence dappled with rust defines the edge of the patio.

Most visitors to my garden think my wall fountain is rusty iron but it's actually lightweight fiberglass.

Rust gives this giant metal sunflower a warm patina. 

I found this one and its smaller twin at Goodwill hiding in the drapery rods!

This rusty headboard forms a unique sculpture against my garden shed. 

Soon it will be draped in purple morning glories. 

How cute is this inspiration from a neighborhood bistro? 

All kinds of metal containers were used for little plants wired onto this aged patio screen.

The owner told me she'd seen something similar in Saint-Remy-de-Provence.

I will have to try this next season so now I'm collecting rusty tins. 

Rusty metal gives your garden warmth and patina and provides a lovely contrast to your plants.

So, if you're looking for a way to age your garden, try a little rust. 

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Linking with:

Designthusiasm, Rustic & Refined, Dwellings, Between Naps on the Porch,Rose Chintz Cottage,

Coastal Charm, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, Savvy Southern Style, A Delightsome Life, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson, The Vintage Nest, Peonies and Orange Blossoms,

Poofing the Pillows, Adirondack Girl at Heart, Rooted in Thyme, Shabby Art Boutique,

French Country Cottage