December 21, 2005

When my husband and I moved into our new home, I was excited about planting a beautiful flower garden in the back yard. Before long, I was rewarded with a flowerbed that was bursting with blossoms. And yet, it still lacked something.

That something was personality. After shopping at garden centers and rummaging through garage sales, I was soon able to find some charming accent pieces to inject the kind of life into my garden I’d been looking for. Here are just a few ideas about different items you too can use to enhance your garden décor.

Decorative containers
Even if you’ve planted your flowers in the ground, adding a grouping of pretty container plants can add visual interest to your garden space. From an elegant urn to an old boot, just about anything can be turned into a plant container. Just use your creativity. For those who are particularly crafty, try painting some terra cotta pots in a variety of bright colors. This is a fun way to provide even more color to your flowerbed.

Birdbaths
Birds are a welcome addition to any garden. Not only are they fun to watch they also eat many of the insects that can damage plants. To attract more birds to your yard, try investing in a bird bath. This gives the birds not only a place to cool themselves from the hot summer sun, but also provides them with a much needed drink. Regardless of which style you choose, just remember two things. First, don’t put too much water in the basin (only about an inch or so) as birds can actually drown. Second, make sure that you clean your birdbath every couple of weeks. Use a solution of bleach and water and scrub the basin with a stiff brush to remove any dirt and debris. Make sure to rinse the bath thoroughly before refilling with fresh water.

Fountains
There are few things as conducive to peaceful serenity than the sound of moving water. A garden fountain allows for a treat not only for the ears but for the eyes as well. Most fountains do require an electrical source to operate its pump. But if you’d like a rustic “low tech” look, try this easy project. Take a large metal bucket and hammer 5 or 6 holes in the bottom using a small nail. Suspend the bucket form a plant hanger or other suspension mechanism (i.e. hook, rope, etc.), in your desired location. Directly below the bucket, arrange a grouping of attractive rocks. Then just fill the bucket with water and watch as it trickles out hitting the rocks below. This is a great look for a country garden.

Stepping-stones
Stepping stones can be simple and rustic, or more intricate and elaborate in design. They can be used scattered throughout the garden like little hidden treasures or used close together to provide an enchanting garden path.

Statues
Big or small, statuary can add a sense of elegance and whimsy to your garden design. There are so many types to choose from; just select a statue that makes you smile. Then give it a place of honor in its new garden home.

Just like decorating your home, decorating your garden is a way of expressing your own personal taste and style. Whether your preference is for a fun and whimsical look or a more refined and elegant design, adding different accents can help you achieve the garden you’ve always wanted.