"Distressed" garden ornaments

I see what you mean ... though the little epimediums (which flowered for the first time this yr after a long, long wait) would be unimpressed. In the l-shaped bit there is a native Kerria. It flowers quite well, as this is before the oak leaves come out so there is more light then. The Fargesia beside it is in a sunken pot, so I can keep it hydrated better. Another Fargesia in the empty spot (in a sunken pot) couldn't cope at all. Just goes to show a couple of feet in one direction can make all the difference.

 

I have bitten the bullet and ordered the "distressed" orbs. I had them on my ebay watchlist and the seller offered me 10% off.

 

Yes that's top advice...always add eBay items on a watchlist

 

It has worked for me 3 times this week alone. I suspect it is almost standard now for sellers to automatically send out discounts if you show interest.

@JennyJB, I have taken on board your advice and put one of my spare ferns in a light coloured container on the ground in the crook of the L. It really draws the eye well.

 

Update!

My orbs have arrived. Impressive speed. Not absolutely convinced they brighten the area as much as my lampshade-mirror concoction, but I quite like them. Strangely, I would really baulk at paying £25 for a plant and yet for some shaped metal strips, it doesn't seem a problem. On the plus side, they involve zero plastic and are completely recyclable, two bonuses!