The essentials to find the right sculptures for you

If you’re someone who spends a lot of time in the garden, chances are you have some idea of ​​the features that will make your garden work for you. While your checklist could cover many options, such as a pergola or water feature, you know that your garden isn’t complete without at least a few sculptures or ornaments in place. That’s because sculpture in its simplest form is designed to provide pleasing shapes in your garden so that it has a way of marking and emphasizing spaces and contrasts. It also heightens interest by creating focal points and adding an element of surprise.

For many, finding the right type of sculpture to add can be a daunting task. Most people tend to think of sculpture as having traditional appeal, but the truth is that sculptures can be used to add not only interest, but they can do so much more by absorbing some humor and romance in a specific niche. that you want your guests to notice. The fact is that with what is available today, it is easy to make your garden more welcoming and attractive if you can choose the right sculptures to add to the form and function of your garden. The sculpture should reflect your taste considering the style and size of your garden. If you’re not sure which sculptures will work for you, consider the following guidelines to help you choose the right one to suit your garden.

1. Sculptures should add character

While you may have a dream garden in mind containing all the must-have exotic items, you can still make your garden work with a few features in place and one of them includes the use of sculptures. Gone are the days when people used traditional sculptures to add shape. This could include truly large and heavy parts that no longer work in today’s modern environment. What you need are sculptures that fit well into a modern setting and are capable of creating movement and stillness in the garden, adding an element of fun and surprise, or highlighting favorite niches in your garden such as the pool or pond. Let’s say you’ve decided to use a geometric sculpture as a way to direct interest to your planned niche. You can place the sculpture on a plinth which, when set against the ornamental grasses, helps those who pass it by to pause, reflect, and then digest the rest of the landscape. As you reflect on the sculpture, you may find a point to admire that invokes a feeling of appreciation for what follows next.

2. Sculptures must attract attention

It doesn’t matter which sculpture you buy. You can buy a small finial or a large sculpture such as a life-size statue to add to your garden. What counts is the reason for its presence and the impressions it transmits to you and your guests. A sculpture can draw attention to the end of a path or divide your garden features into points that demarcate and protect your private grounds. A sculpture marking the end of a driveway can, for example, divert attention from what’s hiding behind the tall hedges you’ve included to protect your family’s private interactions. Placing a sculpture that sits at the end of a led path takes attention away from tall hedges and instead directs guests to explore what is hidden at the end of the path that may point to an enclosed courtyard or pool.

3. The sculptures must add movement or stillness

The sculptures should be placed to create a visual impact, so that when you look at them, you create an impression with all the other scenic highlights considered. It doesn’t need to stand out so prominently. Sometimes sculptures create the most favorable impressions when they are lucky enough to give you the idea of ​​stillness or movement. This can happen by placing them as part of the vegetation, so that when you come across them by chance, you are surprised to see the sculpture with the face of a girl peeking at you. Such a figurative sculpture may look interesting, but if too many are used, they are likely to lose their individual effect.

4. Sculptures must be safe

One of the most important considerations when purchasing a sculpture is safety. If the sculpture has protruding parts, you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t get in the way of running children. You also don’t want to accidentally tip it over or have it fall on you, especially if you weigh 200 pounds or more. As such, consider placing your sculpture on level ground to protect it from nasty accidents. One of the ways you can make sure it stands on level ground is to place it on a concrete pad for support. You should also consider mounting the sculpture on the ground so that it does not move in strong weather conditions. Once this is done, you can add accents such as rocks or pebbles around the sculpture to enhance its appeal in the larger landscape. You can also nest it in a beautifully designed flora group to make it stand out. If you invest in a bronze sculpture, you can expect it to take on a beautiful patina as the surrounding accents age along with it.

It can be quite an adventure when it comes to adding art to your garden because it really is a way to express yourself. Choosing sculptures can be fun as it provides the backdrop for a well thought out landscape. There are also many types of sculptures that you can choose from on the market with pieces that are made from all kinds of materials such as wood, concrete, marble, steel, and aluminum. However, you should always use sculptures discreetly because if you add too many they may compete with the plants for attention and if they are too large they could add an awkward effect to the rest of the landscape. Just remember that your garden is an extension of your home with its own instinctive demand for space and accents. The way you plan your garden is a reflection of what lives inside and sculptures will certainly add the visual impact you need to your garden.