One of my favorite parts of a garden are the "focal points". Focal points are garden objects that draw the eye and create a feature of attention in the garden. In an earlier blog on "Entry", I wrote on how entry shows where the garden or garden rooms begin or end. The focal points are those items that we discover as we enter the garden and journey through the garden. Focal points can be statuary, planted pots, a bench, urn, bird bath, fountain and much more. The key to focal points is not to over do it. You want people to notice your garden design, plants and your hard work - not the "stuff". Have you ever seen a garden that was full of garden statuary, gnomes, fairies, gazing balls, fountains, pink flamingos, and every type of wind driven plastic bird or bug that has ever been made? Your eye was drawn to all these objects at once that it became confusing and cluttered looking. You never saw the flowers, trees and shrubs that made up the garden. With focal points "less is more". Depending on the size of your garden, choose a few good garden objects, spread them out and place them in prime spots that compliment them in the garden. They don't have to always be in view. Hide a few things in and around the garden for the garden visitor to discover as they move throughout the garden. The little garden gnome peeking out from under a shrub is more interesting that just sitting in the middle of the lawn. Garden focal points should compliment your garden style. Pick items that belong in your garden both in time period and theme. A Japanese garden would look wrong with a sun dial but correct with a Japanese lantern. Always consider the size of a garden object based on the size of your garden to keep it in proportion. Consider color and color intensity also as a focal point in the garden.
The large neutral colored urn stands out in a colorful garden.
A statue of a fishing boy standing next to a garden pond.
A little girl statue standing admidst the flowers.
A ceramic ball compliments the flowers around it.
Three pots in different sizes in an intense color at an entrance.
The fairy pond sized in proportion to the landscape.
Focal points catch and hold our attention. They define a space and give it direction. Focal points can be simple and ordinary objects. Make focal points an important part of your garden or next garden design.
Happy Gardening!
The Creative Gardener
The Creative Gardener