I don’t know about you, but ever since this never-ending spell of rain hit, I haven’t set foot in my garden. But with every (rainy) cloud, there’s a silver lining – and this £20 drum from Amazon is it, turning the constant rainfall into a soothing tune that makes me want to use this once-unused space again.
These clever little instruments turn raindrops into music, helping to transform a gloomy, miserable downpour into something that brings joy and a sense of peace to your garden design.
Rain drums are typically made of ceramic or metal and come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and thicknesses, giving each one a unique pitch and tone.
Made from high-quality steel, this rain drum measures six inches and will produce a light and cheerful tune.
This 10-inch rain drum creates a deep, mellow chime and offers 11 different tones.
To find out whether a rain drum is worth the investment – or just another garden trend – I spoke with two gardening experts to hear their thoughts.
"We’ve used them in several projects [and they] create a tranquil, percussive soundscape, ideal for clients who want their gardens to feel immersive and sensory," says Matthew Wilson, Professional Gardener and CEO of Handy Gardeners. "They work especially well in modern or tropical-inspired spaces, where visual and acoustic texture really matter."
Mirela Bajic, Senior Garden Designer at House Designer, is also a fan of rain drums and how they create a calm, slow, and intimate atmosphere that connects people to the weather.
"It brings a gentle kind of magic to the space. The moment raindrops begin to fall, you get this soft, percussive tapping that instantly shifts the mood," she says.
"Instead of dashing indoors when it rains, you feel encouraged to pause and enjoy the moment. It makes the garden feel cocooned, especially in busy urban settings where a touch of natural sound can soften the noise of the outside world."
Matthew Wilson is a professional gardener and CEO at Handy Gardeners. He leads the company with a passion for landscaping and environmental sustainability. Under his guidance, Handy Gardeners has become a trusted name in the gardening industry.
Mirela is a Senior Garden Designer at House Designer, known for her considered approach to planting design and outdoor space planning. Her work focuses on creating gardens that feel cohesive, well structured, and easy to live with, balancing visual interest with practical use.
Rain drums are an easy and affordable way to make the most of gloomy weather, giving you a reason to relax in your garden all year round.
To enjoy the music without getting soaked, you might want to learn how to build a garden room and take inspiration from our favourite garden room ideas.
