The difference between an average garden and an extraordinary one, isn’t always the flowers.
Like the way furniture and decor pieces define the style and ambiance of your home, the same is true of the garden! Think about the gardens you’ve seen on line or in magazines. They probably had some kind of focal point in the scene.
Art objects bring a refreshing new look or fun feature to the yard or garden that makes magic happen. The key is to use them in just the right way and the right place. Here are some ideas to transform your garden into an imaginative and inviting place to spend time.
Garden on display
Create a little vignette
A vignette is a small grouping of similar objects together; by color or by theme. Think of it as a little display. Vignettes tell a story in your garden and give it a personality. I used to be afraid that such displays would be distracting, but in fact, they draw attention to your flowers in a big way.
Do you have a spot in the yard or garden where nothing seems to grow? A little corner you’ve noticed that just needs “something”? Maybe it’s a good place for a vignette! Think about what might fit in within the dimensions of that space.
Does it need some height? Maybe a tall wooden ladder used as a plant stand. Lean an old garden rake up against it. If it’s a small pocket space, maybe a chair with a basket of flowers and a cute figurine next to it; a bunny, toadstool or an elf. With a little creativity, vignettes really perk up a garden.
Vignettes give strength to a garden theme. So create displays that reflect your style and personality as the gardener.
The strength of the unconventional
Odd things deliver a big dose of character and humor. They are attention-grabbing pieces that are wonderful as a focal points. Due to uniqueness, many people like to use them in the most visible places in their garden or along the walk way leading to your front door. They know everyone will be gushing over it!
Then again, sometimes a more unusual display makes a bigger impact off the beaten path. Consider a place in the yard or garden you’re not really doing anything with, and make it play a role. Maybe that’s an area with natural vegetation, down around in back, behind the house. Ah, but when you turn the corner…surprise!
Create a scene that’s bold and whimsical that literally jumps out the landscape. That’s when you’ll know where something unconventional really fits.
Sculptures as focal points
Sculpture has a long tradition as a focal point in the garden. We’ve all admired Grecian/Roman figures in concrete or stone that recall formal European gardens. But you don’t need to blow a lot of money on high end art. Practically anything can be turned into sculpture that you can make yourself.
This farming family’s garden is filled with giant flower sculptures from old junk uncovered in the fields. But what they all have in common is precisely what gives this garden a uniform look. There is something to see from one end to the other.
This clever sculpture serves duo purpose as a fence. It’s actually pretty simple in design and would definitely be a focal point of an artist’s studio, or perhaps a children’s Day Care, making it easy to find.
Fountains are also nice features in a vignette. This dragon takes it a step or two further as a sculpture in the fantasy garden. Here again, any bland spot with natural vegetation can be made part of the whole with the use of a strong focal point. You could even play it up with little signs along the way that say “Beware of Dragon”, or “Dragon Territory ahead”.
Final thoughts
Every garden needs a strong focal point. With “key” elements that communicate the vibes that transform any ‘space’ into a more exciting PLACE that makes your garden memorable. Invite your favorite decor theme into your outdoor spaces with a vignette display. Add a sculpture here or there and the whole backyard becomes an experience. Even those places where you don’t have anything planted.
This summer, why not turn an average garden into an extraordinary one?
more creative garden design ideas
