Art in your Garden

	Art in your Garden By Will Funk
	Sure it's the flowers that draw us into the garden. It is hard to resist the cascading beauty of a Brilliant Pink Iceberg rose tree or the whirling clusters of color on Topsy Turvy. However, a few well placed pieces of garden art will not only enhance the overall look of the landscape, it can also bring your personality into your garden. There is more to garden art than placing a few gazing balls around the yard. Endless possibilities allow gardeners to fill in empty areas, conceal unsightly features or let their personality spill outside of the house. Garden art spans from abstract to whimsical. You can make a formal statement or decorate with country charm. Whatever your taste, you can find a treasures that will fit your style.
		There is no need to fill your garden with art right from the beginning. Installations can be added over time. Pieces can also be moved around (size permitting), changing the look of the landscape from year to year or even for each season. A fun quest can be searching for garden art pieces as your travel. You can even plan a day trip with the purpose of seeking that perfect sculpture, bird house or ceramic piece for your backyard retreat. When considering items for your garden, look for appropriate sized items that will complement the landscaping. A cluster of small ceramic pieces can look great tucked among miniature roses along a front border but would be lost around larger bushes along the back of the garden. Likewise you don't want to overpower the scenery with a large placement near the front which blocks the view of your fabulous floribundas. Consider factors such as climate, wind and sun exposure when selecting items for your garden. If your area is exposed to high winds consider how objects will fare. Wall hangings should also be securely fastened to avoid damage or chattering against the structure during storms.














	The sky is the limit when selecting garden art. You can decorate using a specific theme or color combination. Repeating patterns is another option. For example, a simple gazing ball can be place to compliment circular elements in a trellis, spherical topiary, curving borders and other round features. Other shapes such as triangles (with pyramids), rectangles (with cubes) and other repeating profiles can be used as well.
		Installations can be full of color or more subtle tones such as weathered metal or wood. Be sure to make sure the object you select is intended to withstand the daily punishment of being exposed to the elements. Many items are designed to change with age, especially metalwork. Another option is to decorate your garden for special occasions with items not normally associated with the outdoors. Temporarily hanging a framed stained glass piece or even items from the kitchen can create a unique look. After entertaining items can be returned to safety, waiting for the next opportunity to put on a show Unless you are placing large, hard to move items remember you can rearrange pieces around as both your garden and tastes change. Although your roses can be transplanted it may be easier to shuffle a few articles of art to create that fresh look you are seeking for the new season.








	Next time you visit a craft faire, nursery or specialty garden shop take a look beyond the garden gnomes and see if there might be something that catches your eye and matches your personality. Your hybrid teas will appreciate the company over the winter.
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