Garden sculpture in your own backyard creates a place where others can share in your personal history. Statuary and other outdoor art reinforces the intention of your backyard paradise, whether it's used as a subtle accent or as an obvious focal point. A manmade element is something you place there to consciously reinforce the qualities you seek in your sanctuary.
Before buying a piece of garden sculpture, think carefully about what your own intention is and choose the appropriate piece. One woman chose a fertility statue because she and her husband intended to start their family and wanted to welcome a baby.
Although you may have chosen and planted every branch and leaf out there, when you add sculpture you impart a deliberate intention into the whole scheme, because it is something you've chosen to speak for you. Your garden sculpture may be anything from an obelisk to train vines, a fountain to add the soothing sight and sound of water, or a whimsical animal statue to make visitors smile. Remember the energy you wish to attract as we look at some available choices.
Classical sculpture like the small reproduction of Rodin's "The Thinker" encourages cerebral inspiration and lends a formal flair. If you're looking to invite garden fairies, place cherubs around your garden to create a carefree innocence and sense of magic. Find these joyful figures at www.yardiac.com along with stately lions to guard your garden. You can also invoke the benefits of bird medicine with their whimsical pair of metal cranes. Yardiac also carries some of the finest sand-cast pieces in the form of garden ornaments handmade by Virginia metal crafters. Add the serenity of water with a fountain from www.garden-fountains.com. Their Corner Fountain has a classic design that suits traditional and contemporary gardens alike.
Landscape lighting is also an integral part of creating your outdoor sanctuary with garden sculpture.
Here are a few basics to consider:
- VARIED HEIGHTS AND PRESENTATIONS: For instance, the staked lights are simple and they add gentle illumination to a path, while hanging lamps place the glow at higher levels, casting a bit of light on the faces of those who walk through the garden, adding a sense of nostalgia and drama.
- MATERIALS AND FINISHES: Shiny metals are great in a contemporary setting such as a Japanese garden. The metallic gleam emits considerable energy and gives a feeling of protective guardian angels watching over you. A cottage-style garden can be brought to life at night by something timeless like an antique copper finish.
- LIGHTING STRENGTH: Bright light is bold and defined, and it says that you control your space, while more subtle throws of light offer the gentle relaxation of intimate conversations. Look for ample illumination for safety, and yet that which also matches your emotions. If you choose to have your landscape lighting hard-wired, Ace Hardware offers many beautiful choices.
- The La Belle Glass Tulip Post Light provides gentle guidance along the garden path through its delicate, flower-shaped bulbs, infusing the night with femininity and playful whimsy.
- The Stanford Clear Glass Globe Light in antique copper stands slightly taller to boldly define your garden's borders. Its uncomplicated shape and sophisticated finish compliment a more formal garden with a sense of regal propriety.
- The Malibu Pewter Walklight has a lovely, frosted globe that affords a diffused glow gentle enough to encourage meditation and deep thought.
Choose your garden sculpture and lighting with great care so that your garden becomes a place of magic and great joy for all who share its space.
