Garden Decoration - Part 3

Hi and welcome to part three of my omnibus on garden decoration. In the first two parts we talked about structural elements that make up the boundaries of our garden. We covered edging paths and garden fences. We have one more subject to cover concerning the structural elements of garden decor, and there will be into the part that I think you will find more interesting -- actual decorative objects.

Our final structural elements is garden steps.

Like any other structural elements, your garden steps need to be part of a cohesive theme. If your gardens full of Greek statuary, elegant stonework is the order of the day. For more informal garden, wooden steps, recycled railroad ties and even some carefully placed local stones will be fine.

Something to keep in mind is that you need to check the look of your steps from every direction. Before you make his final decision on the type of material in the arrangement of steps (semicircular, staggered or traditional rectangular) go ahead and stand where you would be if you had already climbed them and looked down.

Would you want your visitors and friends to see from this vantage point? By the same token go-ahead to walk down the slope to the lower section of your garden. What do you see here? Perhaps there is a planting, or natural structure that you can now see should act as a boundary for the steps, or natural railing.

Well, now that we've got our garden space layout structurally, we get into the fun part: the actual decoration. Let's jump right into it with a quick look at garden pots.

Garden pots -- the workhorses of lawn and garden decor

Pots are not only easy to find, purchase and place in your garden, they offer the most variability of any decorative element. Obviously, you can use a beautiful earthenware pot to brighten up a particular area of your garden with some mums. But they have other uses as well. Lots of people like to use larger pots to Mark and entranceway, or is decoration at the top of a set of stairs. There is no need to limit yourself to simply using your pots for plants, either. I've seen them used as outdoor storage, trash cans, and even as miniature goldfish ponds.

You get pots in a multitude of different materials with pretty much any kind of coloring or finish you can imagine. Keep in mind that a highly detailed and decorated pot should contain a simple plant and vice versa. If you have a really beautiful plant with lots of colorful blooms in interesting ways, it will seem a bit much of an elaborately sculpted Grecian urn.

Garden benches

Even more so than in your living room, seating in your garden is just as decorative as it is functional. Aside from my often repeated admonition to make sure that all of your elements work together and at least complement each other (or maybe contrasts in an interesting way), or a number of practical considerations that come in to play when selecting your garden chairs or benches.

First of all, it should be comfortable. I have to confess that this is where I break ranks with many people who decorate their outdoor spaces. I am no fan of concrete garden seating. I find concrete to be cold and unwelcoming. I suggest you strongly consider using an alternative material, or at lease providing outdoor cushions for your guests.

You'll also want to consider how many people you really expect to use your garden. Obviously, if you're going to be holding large garden parties, you're going to need several pieces of furniture scattered throughout, and you will want to create a conversation area. For a simpler garden, a single bench might well suffice.

You may find that you don't wish to install any permanent seating in your garden. That's fine, there are a number of manufacturers creating beautiful pieces that are made to be stored during winter or inclement weather.

One final thing -- don't fall into the trap of placing your garden furniture where it is most convenient for you, the hostess. Remember that your guests will want something to look at while they're eating their spareribs. Place the furniture so that the most attractive vistas available are presented to your visitors.

Garden statues -- from kitschy gnomes Grecian statuary

Like many of the more pleasant things in life, the idea of beautiful statuary in the garden comes to us from the Italians. They believed they garden statuary focus the mind on more positive aspects, stimulating the imagination and staring the consciousness away from trivia and selfishness. Not all no fault that's true but they definitely add an element of refinement and beauty to any garden.

Nowadays good garden statuary is highly sought after, and classic pieces can command tremendous prices at auction. Unfortunately, these antique statues are difficult to match up with the Martin garden and will most likely not match the rest of your decor.

At your local home center, you're going to find poorly done, mass-produced copies of classic statuary and plenty of kitsch like leprechauns, frogs, etc. I'd like to suggest here that you just pass on that.

Instead, consider what types of objects were statues will most complement your existing garden decor. Maybe it's something as simple as an unusual or interesting rock from a nearby field. Another great idea is a single Greek column or a sundial which can double as a bird bath.

Okay, this is getting pretty long. Going to have to bust this up into yet another article. I hope you stick around and follow the link below to part 4 in my garden decoration series

Garden Gates: Wooden or Wrought Iron?
How to Buy a Gate Opener
An Introduction to Garden Decor - Part 1
Outdoor Garden Decor - Part 2
Outdoor Garden Décor - Part 4