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| This little boy statue is hidden next to a hydrangea and waiting to greet a garden visitor. |
Garden decorations can come in all sizes, shapes, colors and price ranges. Some are made of stone, plastic, cement, metal and even resin. I like pieces that are made of cement, stone, steel or cast metal due to their durability in the garden over those that are made of plastic or resin. Most resin or plastic pieces are nice but will not hold up for many years. I have had several resin pieces damaged by falling limbs during storms and with many, the finish wears off from exposure to the elements. Once they have been damaged, they are difficult to repair.
When selecting garden decorations, select a few nice pieces that can be distributed out into the garden. Try to select pieces that fit the style of your garden. A Japanese lantern looks wonderful in a Japanese style garden but a decorative cast iron urn would look out of place in a Japanese garden.
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| A beautiful small stone shell is placed in the front of a bed where it can be easily seen. |
When placing garden decorations in the garden, try to tuck pieces away and out of sight by placing them near shrubs, trees and other plants to help block them from sight. As a garden visitor explores your garden, they will
discover the pieces. Keeping a few pieces hidden from direct sight helps to eliminate a cluttered look. Always remember that when it comes to garden decorations,
Less is
More.
Garden decorations should draw visitors into and around the garden. They should help show off your garden and compliment it. I have been in a few gardens where they had garden decorations everywhere. The garden looked very cluttered and I found myself feeling overwhelmed, that I never saw the plants or the design of the garden.
Always add a few nice pieces as focal points in the garden. Normally these are larger pieces that can be easily seen and are placed in key spots in the garden to really show them off. As a focal point, they will tend to draw the garden visitor to that part of the garden.
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| This Japanese lantern is made of a heavy resin material. |
When buying pieces, look for pieces that can add function to the garden like decorative planters, a birdbath or a beautiful bench. These items can be used as an art form and also serve a purpose. Here are some examples in the pictures.
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| This statuary looks beautiful in the garden but also serves as a planter. |
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| This planter is colorfully planted and looks great in a formal garden . |
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| A full size stone angel stands in a garden as a beautiful focal point. |
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| A gazing ball and resin stand are beautiful in the garden yet inexpensive to purchase. |
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| Here is a piece that functions as a bench and as a beautiful piece of garden art. |
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| This cast iron urn stands on a brick foundation. It is a very elegant focal point in a garden. |
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| A little stone owl is cute in a woodland garden and will last a long time in the garden. |
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| These two bronze birds stand in the pond water with the water lilies. |
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| An old stone Japanese lantern provides light and is placed near the steps in a Japanese garden. |
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| This piece of recycled garden art is made from old car parts. It adds a bit of whimsy to the wildflower garden. |
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| A beautiful piece of statuary is placed in a mixed border of flowers and shrubs. |
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| A birdbath has a nice decorative form yet functions for the birds and as a water feature for the garden. |
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| This copper water feature now functions as a planter on the wall of a house. |
Always remember when buying decorations for the garden, look for items that will last, add function and can accent or become a focal point. Do not clutter up your garden with lots of pieces.You want garden visitors to enjoy your garden, the plants that grow there and all your hard work that went into making your garden.
Less is
More and
Less is
Best!
Happy Gardening!
Debbie
