Art in the Garden

What do you think of when you hear the words, "Garden Art"? Flamingos, gnomes, bathtubs or bedsprings? The list can go on... manure spreaders, wagon wheels, wind chimes and more. There are so many ways to add art to your garden. Do you like DIY art, repurposing items and planting them in the yard or are you a fan of painted signs, large boulders, metal arches or stately statues? Find ones that inspire you and work them into your yard. Here are some examples.

My favorite art in the garden are items that not only give structure, but also serve a purpose. Garden tuteurs, metal arches that provide a space for climbing vines, pumpkins, sunflowers.

In a couple of more years, this metal structure will be holding up a large colorful clematis, as well as displaying the metal decorative plates.

This handmade garden trellis brings in height to the garden, serves as a plant support, and the color provides a beautiful contrast to the purple flowers beneath it.

Garden art can define your personality, or at least your garden's personality.

I love these rocks and the gravel and the rake marks. How many different ways could you rake the gravel and make spirals, lines, small circles, dots or dashes?

Maybe that is the best part about it, thinking of new designs and then figuring out how to step out without leaving footprints.

The images below are from a garden in Ontario, that displays a mix of art from Japan, welded repurposed metal gates and lanterns. All beautifully made. You can see more of this garden here: A Sense of Place

Deciding your garden theme might depend on your neighborhood. Here is how Jenni designed her front yard in a rural subdivision.

The rusty truck cabs and the use of pallets make an interesting display in this country setting.

Masses of flowers surrounding the repurposed cabs are a delight to the eye!

Garden decor does not have to be large, little accents hidden around the garden can add unexpected surprise to the viewer.

This candelabra, found at a thrift store, now looks great in the garden with trailing vines around it.

A curtain rod planted in the ground (supported by rebar) transforms into a hose guide.

Some Favorites

This combo clock and weathervane in the midst of lavender always thrills me. The colors surrounding it, the intricate ironwork are beautiful.

See more garden decor at Lavender Acres here: Lavender Acres

This hammered metal goat eating the hyacinths makes me laugh!

Although you can't see it, this reclining angel is positioned near the backyard pool!

A bejeweled clock on the backyard shed. Why not add some glam?

Add a sign to display what's on your mind.

Sculpture and Statues

Adding sculptures to garden design has been done for hundreds of years. Sculpture adds drama by taking center stage in drawing the viewer's eye toward it.

This sculpture below is a favorite of mine.

Even in winter, or maybe especially in winter, it provides great visual interest. This work of basalt and steel can be found at the Idaho Botanical Garden, the artist is Mark Stasz. The dried grasses in front and the hedge behind it furnish a frame for this piece.

This tall work, by Amber Conger, still dressed in Christmas lights, can be found at the Idaho Botanical Garden.

Cleo's garden in Murphy Idaho is filled with statues. These illustrious men, Mark Twain, Abraham Lincoln, and Shakespeare, invite you to sit down and join them.

At Cloe's garden, there are kids everywhere!

These kids are going on a bike ride. See more of the statues here: Cleo's Ferry Museum and Nature Trail

No matter what style you choose for garden art, it makes the garden yours! Enjoy.

READ MORE BLOGS! Try these:

GO NATIVE:

https://gardentronic.com/blog/go-native-plant-native-plants/

NURSERIES OUTSIDE OF BOISE: DO THEY EXIST? YES!

https://gardentronic.com/blog/nurseries-outside-boise-and-meridian-part-two/