Sculpture for the Home Garden

In the same way a beautifully-crafted piece of sculpture can complement the natural setting of a Sculpture Park, a carefully-selected piece of 3-dimensional art can add personality and style to your home garden.  Today, I’d like to share some examples of small-scale sculpture that can be displayed in the typical home flower garden or yard.
The below carving of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology, is a great example of adding personality.  I spotted this charming fellow on a home garden tour in Atlanta, Georgia.

Selecting outdoor art is surprisingly similar to selecting art for a home’s interior.  All the elements of design, including color, pattern, texture, form, space, line and light, come into play.  It’s helpful to start by considering the desired role of the artwork.  Will it be the “star of the show” or will it play a supporting role?  Displayed prominently, this rock spiral sculpture would be an amazing focal point.  It was featured at the Chelsea Flower Show in London, England some years ago.  I believe it is by the artist Tom Stogdon.

Another option is to place the sculpture at a distance and let it draw the visitor in for a closer look.  The pleasing form and calming nature of this Japanese stone lantern beckons visitors into the Japanese garden at the Birmingham Botanical Garden in Birmingham, Alabama.

Alternatively, garden sculpture can be hidden from view to surprise and delight the visitor.  The below heron, made of metal and stone, is partially hidden amongst the tall ornamental grasses in this private garden.

Even a simple, stone sphere can make an impact with careful placement.  The garden owner calls attention to this pretty detail by positioning it in front of an expanse of green foliage.

Outdoor artwork is available in a surprising variety of subjects and styles.  It can even be light-hearted and humorous.  This rustic, folk art angel adds a touch of whimsy to a shady area in the homeowner’s garden.

Walter Palmer’s sculpture of a bird reading on a bench is sure to bring a smile.  The sculpture, titled Tales of Hilton Head, was spotted amongst the live oaks at the Coastal Discovery Museum in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

This simply charming terracotta rabbit sits beside a doorway at the Hills and Dales Estate in LaGrange, Georgia.

Garden art can also add punch and color.   These spectacular stained glass panels were spotted at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Movement is an aspect of garden art that is easy to overlook.  This lovely kinetic sculpture adds energy and life to the homeowner’s garden.  It was spotted during a home garden tour in Madison, Georgia.

At the risk of stating the obvious, durability is probably the biggest difference between indoor and outdoor art.  Outdoor art must withstand the natural elements including water, wind, snow, heat and cold.  It may also need to tolerate wildlife including birds, insects and animals.  As a result, garden art is typically made of long-lasting, sturdy materials such as stone, metal, concrete and ceramics.
This carved stone owl, spotted at Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground, Georgia, is a great example of durable outdoor art.

This salvaged metal sculpture should also be able to withstand the elements.  It is made by Doug Barker and displayed at Butterflies and Blooms in the Briar Patch in Eatonton, Georgia.  Notice the butterfly wings appear to be made from horseshoes!

I hope you enjoyed these examples of small-scale, 3-dimensional art suitable for a home garden or yard.  In my next post, I’d like to share some ideas for incorporating art into a garden’s functions and features.

More Info

The post, Sculpture Parks: Crafted Art + Crafted Nature, is packed with photos of outstanding sculptures from a few of the sculpture parks and gardens I’ve had a chance to visit.
More information about the public gardens and garden shows mentioned in this post can be found at these linked websites:
. The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) Chelsea Flower Show in London, England
. Birmingham Botanical Garden in Birmingham, Alabama, USA
. Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA
. Hills & Dales Estate in LaGrange, Georgia, USA
. Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground, Georgia, USA
. Butterflies and Blooms in the Briar Patch in Eatonton, Georgia, USA

Today’s Takeaways

1. Consider displaying a small-scale, standalone piece of sculpture in your garden or yard.
2. Selecting outdoor art is surprisingly similar to selecting art for a home’s interior.
3. Position garden sculpture to reinforce the role it will play.