Garden Ornamentation

There are three styles of ornamentation--natural, classical and whimsical--and a wide variety of items from which to choose. Let the ornaments in your yard reflect your personal taste and complement the plants and the theme of the garden. If the garden is the setting for tranquil reflections, then a bench and soothing fountain would be the ideal complement. If your tastes run more towards antiques, a weathered sled, wheel barrow or favorite statue might be in order. And you can carry an indoor theme outside by using some Asian art pieces, whimsical creatures or a collection of pottery and urns.

No matter your style, the key to successful ornamentation is to use elements that blend with the existing plants and not compete with what's there. While garden ornaments provide focal points, they should also draw the eye to the natural beauty of the landscaping.

Shopping for garden ornaments

Take photos of your garden before you go shopping. Pictures can help you visualize how an ornament will look in your landscape, and you can show the photos to a salesperson if you need help.

Consider these qualities:

• Function. Do you want something for ornamental purposes or do you need function, too, such as a seating area or bird havens?
• Sizes and shapes. How does the ornament add to the overall flow of your garden?
• Color. Does the color of the ornament blend with the colors in your garden or conflict with them?
• Materials. Consider whether wood, iron, concrete or other material blends best with your garden theme and how several ornaments mix and match with each other.
• Weather considerations. Will the ornament be able to withstand the elements without fading or chipping?

• decorative edging
• trellises and obelisks
• armillaries (old fashioned, spherical sundials)
• birdbaths and birdhouses
• sculptures:

• lion, symbol of bravery
• dragon, symbol of harmony used in gardens to ward off evil spirits
• gargoyles, traditionally used to drain water from roofs of castles and cathedrals
• rusted metal dragonflies and butterflies

Make sure your garden ornaments have no sharp edges, and that the corners are finished off, to prevent brushing against them and hurting yourself or others. Also, turn birdbaths over during the harsh winter months, or store them and statues indoors.

How to install garden ornaments

Installing ornaments is simple if you know a few tips.

• You can allow a trellis to rust naturally, or you can paint it with a powder coat finish, which is better for the environment than enamel paints and lasts much longer.
• If you want to rust a trellis, you can speed up the rusting process by spraying it with a mixture of 1 cup each of hydrogen peroxide and vinegar and a teaspoon of salt. Place the trellis on a tarp, put the mixture in a spray bottle, and spray it in an area away from plants and pets. Take care to not get the mixture in your eyes. Let it stand for about an hour (or longer for more aging) and then rinse it off.
• Level the soil with a shovel before placing your garden ornaments.
• When placing a trellis against a house wall, simply push the trellis right into the ground, or pour cement at the base for a more permanent installation.
• Don't put water in a cement birdbath in winter if you live in a cold climate. The water will freeze, expand and crack your birdbath.

When adding ornamentation to your garden, the best way to start is with just a few items. Experiment with them and see how they work in different spots. If you still want more, then you can add items gradually.