Garden Decor Trends

Each year fashion trends change and garden fashion trends are no different. This year, besides bold and beautiful is in and garden fountains are at the top of the “hot” list of garden décor. Pink flamingos are gone, replaced by beautiful stone angels and woodland creatures that are well hidden behind ferns and other lush plants. This year fashionable garden décor comes in the form of metal butterflies, insects and multi-colored flags. Use good plants for the framework and punctuate with a simple Arts and Crafts bench beside a garden path, an obelisk or a tasteful water fountain.

Ethnic Objects

Ethnic gardens are in. If you love Buddhas, carved figures from Polynesia, Islamic tiles or tiki poles, this is your year. Ethnic items add a global appeal to your garden, which makes it appealing and welcoming to all who visit. These items hold no particular religious significance and are only aesthetic choice.

Lighting

Solar lighting adds a certain ambience to flowerbeds, paths and water features. These can be lit from within so the light can be seen and the fixture cannot. This brings a sense of magic into your garden.

Another choice available that is new is whimsical wrought iron, animal-shaped lights. Light paths with acorn-shaped squirrel lights or place a lighted koi that spews water from its mouth close to other water features or ponds. If you use whimsical lights, add only one or two to prevent a cluttered look.

Glass Décor

There’s so much character that can be added to a garden by adding glass décor. Telephone pole insulators, swag glass, colored ceramic containers or colored glass beads add color to a garden. When glass pieces get wet, they take on a glowing sheen. A bright collection of glass décor creates what is known as a “jewel box” effect.

Place hand blown glass spheres or gazing balls on a ceramic or pottery pedestal. These reflect the sun and can even create a garden rainbow after a gentle summer rain.

Sound

If you like sound in your garden, plant ornamental grasses to bring a soothing sound into your garden as a breeze sweeps through them. Accessories such as fountains and waterfalls bring life, peace and tranquility to a garden through the trickling sound of water. Many lightweight resin varieties can be found in garden centers and nurseries. These are easy to transport and they last for years.

Architectural Antiques

To add timeless flair to your garden, use decorative cornices and lacework gables or other elements from older buildings and plant ivy, rambling rose, clematis or climbing roses around them. This adds a sense of mystique. Stone statues can stand on their own, but be sure to prepare the ground with stone dust before adding heavy pieces to your garden. This prevents sinking.

Incorporate a wrought iron stair railing into a brick wall to add a classic look. Add ivy, morning glories, and other creeping vines to create a rustic atmosphere.

Placement of architectural antiques is entirely up to the gardener. There is no right or wrong way to incorporate them into your garden.

Angels, Animals and Gnomes

These creatures are still very welcome in the garden, but placement has changed. Instead of using them as focal points, place them amidst flowers, ferns, foliage, under shrubs or within vines. This creates a sense of discovery and surprise when seen by visitors to your garden.

Imagination

Now that you know what’s hot in garden décor this year, browse through your local garden center, nurseries, flea markets and antique stores to find the perfect piece. Incorporate it into your garden using your imagination and create that “perfect” look, which will bring you a summer of enjoyment while in the garden.