When the Garden Becomes Artsy!

By Julie Boudreau

Adding a touch of whimsy to your garden is easy with ornaments or artwork. Whether it’s a beautiful, distinctive decorative container, an abstract sculpture, or an old-fashioned wagon wheel, decorative objects always find a place in the garden — and for good reason! What better way to complement a landscape design that is a work of art in itself?

By manipulating plants and arranging them in a certain way, the gardener creates a garden according to their preferences. They give their garden a style that represents their own personal expression. It’s the same with decorative objects: a well-chosen piece that resonates with the gardener can only enhance the garden’s appearance while revealing a little more of the creator’s tastes. Many humble gardens are transformed by the addition of a statue.

Make the Right Choice

The size and character of the garden should serve as guidelines when choosing an ornament. But above all, the object must please its owner. The choice of material is also worth considering: will the object be made of stone, wood, metal, or glass? Once again, everything depends on the garden, its style, and the existing materials.

For classic, French Renaissance–inspired flowerbeds, full or empty vases and busts on columns complement the sense of formality beautifully. However, many other objects can integrate wonderfully, as long as they convey a sense of perfection or beauty.

In gardens where the approach is more natural, statues of nymphs pouring water or fairies in flowing dresses fit harmoniously with their surroundings, as do birdbaths or animal sculptures. In these richly decorated spaces—much like my own cluttered garden—small, playful objects all have their place and create delightful surprises when placed here and there.

Eccentric sculptures with a futuristic look or made from recycled materials should be reserved for bold gardens. It’s worth noting that large works of art should be enhanced by vegetation. Needless to say, if the piece—no matter its size—is completely hidden by plants, what’s the point? Also, if you place a bold plant next to a striking work of art, a small rivalry is created that diminishes the effect of both.

It’s better, then, to use humble, discreet plants and work in masses to truly highlight a sculpture with complex shapes. The opposite is also true: if the piece is simple and sober, surround it with varied vegetation. Basically, it’s the same principle as the dress-and-necklace arrangement: an eccentric necklace with a simple dress, and a simple necklace with an eccentric dress (but don’t rely too much on my fashion sense—plants are really my specialty!).

Obviously, Asian-inspired gardens invite stone lanterns on tripods and shishi odoshis. Finally, even kitschy sculptures—like those installed in rings of flowers inside an old tractor tire—can find their place in gardens with a charmingly rococo feel.

Is It Absolutely Necessary to Get Out the Big Bills?

Not at all! While it’s possible to commission a piece directly from a renowned artist, acquire it at a high price, then hire a formwork crew to pour a concrete base and a crane team for installation (my dream!), you can also be very creative in finding bargains. Or better yet (or worse, in my case), you can unleash your own creativity and build your own work of art.

The possibilities for finding the perfect item are endless. You can attend auctions or browse antique shops. You might unearth little gems at student art exhibitions or even make great finds at your local garden center.

The most curious—and the least hurried—seek out that perfect $10 treasure at flea markets, rummage through secondhand shops, or get up early to tour the city’s wealthier neighbourhoods on garbage collection day. You never know what you might find!

Everything in Its Place and a Place for Everything

Choosing the location—often for life—of a garden ornament is an art in itself and requires some thought, especially when the object is heavy or bulky. A decorative object, in a sense, plays the same role as a plant: it has a geometric shape and occupies a certain volume. Its color and texture can either harmonize with or contrast against its surroundings. When positioned well, a decorative object instantly gives the impression that without it, something essential would be missing.

An artwork can serve as a focal point around which the rest of the garden gravitates. It can direct the eye toward an enchanting view or landscape, or be half-hidden in lush vegetation to create an element of surprise. Certain objects can mark transitions—separating, for example, the terrace from the flowerbed. You can even use a decorative piece strategically to divert attention from a less appealing view.

When we talk about decorative objects, we also include practical ones, such as benches, outdoor furniture, or even a pizza oven given an artistic touch.

From playful miniature trinkets to sublime works of art, ornamental objects should charm, surprise, move, and even shock. The very essence of their purpose is to stir emotion—whatever it may be. They are beautiful added values, and sometimes, when something seems to be missing for the garden to feel complete, the answer lies in the addition of a decorative work of art.