How to Pick Garden Art

Incorporating garden art into your yard or landscaping is a great way to take your outdoor area from simply an additional space, to an expression of who you are and what you love the most. Art dresses up your garden much like decorative wall hangings add to the interior of your home. Having an idea of the kind of space you want to create before you start buying things is important though, so put some thought into it and begin shopping. Not sure how to get started incorporating art into your garden. Here are a few things to think about.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

How to Pick Garden Art

1. First, think about the space you have. Is your garden area wide open and spacious and need some warming up or is it tree lined and crowded? Look at your space with an idea of how you want to dress it up.

2. 
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   Look at the existing structures in your space. Do you have garden fences that could hold some adornments or hefty trees that need a quirky facial expression? Think about the areas you have to work with and decide if you need 3-D items (like flamingos) or 2-D items(like things to hang on a barn or garage.)

3. Decide what kind of feel you want to give your yard. Are you going shabby chic and want to use antiques in your yard or are you more modern art and want to create a sculpture garden? Are you fanciful and want to make your yard into a fairy-filled fantasy land or more masculine and want to utilize all those rusty tools in the garage. Pick a theme and stick with it.

4. Look through some outdoor gardening catalogs and go to your local nursery and gardening center to see what the offerings are. Of course, you can get more variety online, but instant gratification does have its benefits! Don't expect to fill your garden with art all at once. Make adorning your garden a summer long treasure hunt.

5. Throw yourself a garden dressing party and invite friends to bring theme related items to share in your garden for the summer. This not only helps you get started with your collection, but allows you to think about your friends while pulling weeds!

Tips & Warnings

• Wide open spaces can handle larger garden art including ponds or fountains, a nice bird sanctuary including a feeder, bath and wild flower area, or some larger sculptural pieces.
• Smaller tree-filled spaces should use a three dimensional approach and hang things from the trees, and around the bases. Utilize lots of wind chimes and organic or fanciful items to create a hobbit -like environment.
• Use your existing structures as backdrops. Hang items from that barn or utility shed and create a small area of rest in an otherwise work-related area.
• Don't mix items or your garden will look messy and confusing.