Garden Ornaments

There are a massive amount of garden ornaments to choose from nowadays; sundials, simple garden gnomes, fountains or ornamental statues to name a few. Some ornaments are coloured and really stand out, and some are plain, designed to give a more subtle, natural feel. When shopping for these attractive enhancements to your garden there are a few things you should remember.

Different Materials

When picking a garden ornament, consider that there are many different materials to choose from. You can get metal garden ornaments, stone, steel, wooden, cast stone, tin, concrete, cast iron and even glass. What will complement your existing garden? You may want conventional materials or you may prefer a more modern and architectural look. Remember that metal and stone garden ornaments are particularly durable and sometimes they can be affected by frost. Not that other garden ornaments aren't durable too, but you should give metal and stone special care and attention. If you’re into all things green and saving the planet then why not used reclaimed materials for your garden ornaments? There are suppliers of recycled ornaments that can be found in any good gardening magazine or on the internet.

Themes

Garden ornaments can create a theme and perfectly enhance a disused area.
You could create an eye-catching Christmas scene, with cane reindeer, a wooden sledge used as a plant table, some light catching indoor baubles all lit up with a string of delicate outdoor fairy lights. So much more stylish than those awful plastic Santas so many people now put in their front gardens at Christmas.
Garden ornaments can also make wonderful gifts for keen gardeners – they will appreciate having something to keep year after year and they’ll remember you!
Perhaps you’d like to bring a taste of the orient to your garden. If you have a Japanese sand garden you don’t have to fill it with statues of samurai. It’s more about what fits and works together in harmony. An exotic theme can easily be created with the use of buddahs, stone spheres, dragons and clean lined shapes. There are some fantastically simple glass spheres that catch the light and look absolutely stunning.
You could also consider a nature theme. Group a set of stone animals in a forgotten corner of the garden and it’ll instantly bring it to life. Use a bird bath to complement this theme. Let your imagination go!
Or what about a mystical theme with fairy ornaments, trolls, witches and a gargoyle? This might also be a good spot for the garden gnomes, who have an element of mystery about them. We've even seen a tin man too!

Design

Some time spent planning your garden ornaments will ensure you have an elegant display that enhances your garden. Look at pictures of gardens in magazines to get ideas about which ornaments complement each other.
Don’t put Grecian statues next to garden gnomes as these don’t complement each other. Be careful with position; a sundial is attractive, but if put next to a large statue that blocks the light for half the day you won’t get full benefit from it.
Another tip is not to put too many water features close together or you’ll end up with the roar of a waterfall instead of a gentle relaxing trickle.

More Information on Metal Garden Ornaments

When considering adding metal garden ornaments to your garden, firstly take into consideration the type of garden you have or want. For instance, if your garden is an English country-style theme, you might not want to include obelisks or pyramids as they would look out of place. Metal ornaments tend to look more effective in a modern-style garden. Metal garden ornaments can be used to make creative displays. They can be everything from wall plaques for the side of your house or garage, metal garden fountains to metal sculptures of birds, animals and people. With so many options, you're sure to find the perfect metal garden ornaments to enhance your garden.

More Information on Wooden Garden Ornaments

Add an element of surprise to your garden with wooden garden ornaments. Wood creates texture and can make an area look authentic and traditional. Wooden garden ornaments say who you are proclaim your individuality. We have a few ideas.
Try grouping several wooden garden ornament figurines and statues together for an effective diorama. Add some wooden toadstools and you’ll have an interesting talking point.
Hanging signs that proclaim your philosophies on life and gardening are likely to be something your friends don't have!
You can also attempt to fool nature with replicas of deer, birds, mice, hedgehogs - whatever you fancy can come alive in your garden.

Ornament Size

If you have a small garden space is very important; you don’t want to fill up what little you do have by cramming in a massive metal garden statue of a fairy riding a wooden Christmas tree!
Think in miniature: a water feature you can hang on the wall or a narrow statue such as a figurine or a pole. A totem pole or large bamboo cane can look very attractive. Add some ivy or another climbing plant to it for colour and architecture in a small space.
Alternatively, if you’re lucky enough to have a big garden and love ornaments then you could create an impressive feature with a fantastic display of large stone statues or pots or bronze items. Think big and stylish!

More Information on Japanese Garden Ornaments

Serenity and peace can be brought to a garden by the use of Japanese garden ornaments. Add some bamboo fencing and you’ll bring a sense of colour and sophistication to the atmosphere of the garden. Japanese gardening is all about cool, clean lines, simplicity and peace.
Besides using Japanese ornaments in a Japanese garden you can also use them in other types of garden. Take care where you position them (i.e. not next to traditional cottage garden plants) and you’ll enhance the look and feel of your garden.
Whether your garden is formal or not Japanese ornaments can bring a feeling of elegance to the garden. Probably the most well known Japanese garden ornament is the Japanese stone lantern of which there are three types - a formal upright lantern with a stone base, a lantern on a pedestal, and a lantern on short legs. Choose whichever suits your garden best.

Location

Ornaments can liven up a garden or attract attention so don’t hide them in a corner or group them all in a huddle. Space them out, arrange flowers around them and consider their location as a focal feature.
Ornaments can be used to enhance a patio, driveway, entrance or the main body of the garden.
Don’t make the perfect garden then dump an accessory in the middle because you liked it in the shop or it was on sale. Include ornaments in the basic design and planning of your garden as this is probably the best time to think about what will look best.
Unless ornaments are very heavy it’s probably a good idea not to put them in a front garden in case they are stolen. It’s a shame we have to consider this, but a sad fact of the world we live in.
After you’ve thought about the points above go shopping at a garden centre and see what you can find that inspires you. We all have individual taste, and you can reflect your personality in your choice of garden ornaments. Some people love gnomes and others hate them. Some find simple and modern ornaments beautiful whilst others prefer little statues of animals. Whatever your preference, plan, purchase and enjoy!
Remember Have fun with your Garden Ornaments. Many thanks for Reading