Garden Art - It's Your Signature

Garden art is a great way to put your signature touch onto your landscape. I'll tell you right up front that finding that one piece that is right for you IS important. Don't just get anything that looks nice.

Quick tips for garden art selection:

For me, there are three basic kinds of placement for art -- accent, focal point, and hidden reveal.

Accent

It gives the garden more texture, color, and interest. This could be a unique birdbath or a rustic bench, for instance. The flower pots on the corner of your deck are also accents.

Focal point

You place a one-of-a-kind piece in a spot where the landscaping 'points' to it. As soon as you are in the area, your gaze is drawn towards your special piece. This could be a fountain, a large statue, or an urn filled with flowers. Focal points make a statement.

Hidden reveal

Don't you just love those little surprises in gardens? One of my favorite things is coming around a corner and finding a little something special -- something tucked into a nook where you almost didn't see it.

No matter what garden art piece you choose, it should 'work' with your landscaping. I know that there are a lot of pieces that I love, but not all work for my garden. Know what type of style or feel you're going for in your landscape and all of your art pieces should reinforce that feeling instead of taking away from it.

Materials

What the art is made out of also makes a big difference. There are a lot of items out there that are plastic. I'm not knocking all of them, but if you hold it up next to a concrete or stone piece, you'll know. Be careful and select one or two high-quality pieces instead of 5 or 10 low quality -- it's worth it.

TIP

If you're in an area with frost, strongly consider concrete, stone, or metal objects. If you can leave them out all year, it reduces work for you and you can see the beauty change with the seasons. The view from your window doesn't have to be all snow.

If you're looking for 'less expensive' and a high quality look, try terra cotta. You will have to take it indoors before the frost hits, but you can find nicer pieces than you might for the same amount elsewhere. I've found that there may be a larger selection, generally, with terra cotta.

Remember, too, that not all metal pieces are going to hold up outdoors. Check the quality. Locally, we have a metal artist that works with wrought iron and powder coats his pieces. This is the same high-quality finish that is used with vehicles. If you want a one-of-a-kind piece -- check out your local artists. It will have all the neighbors talking.

Placement Ideas...

*If you've got a large fountain or other large piece, make sure that it's in the spotlight. Don't place a lot of other sculptural pieces or flashy shrubs near it that will distract from it.

*A wall or hedge makes a nice backdrop.

*If it's a focal point, it should be big enough to be easily seen. If the piece is smaller, consider putting it on a pedestal or raising it somehow.

*Placing a larger art piece at the curve of a path beckons all who walk on it to travel further.

* If you're looking for curb appeal, make sure that your sculpture or art can be seen from the street or driveway.

Well, that's a start. As you look at garden art for your garden, think about the space that you'll be placing it in. It will make a huge difference in how it all turns out.

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