Yes, you could head down to your local garden super store to find garden décor, but why? Why spend lots of money just to decorate your garden with the same pieces that your neighbor used? Why not save some money, have a little fun, and create a beautiful and unique garden with items you can find around the house or at a local thrift store?
"Rules" for Creating Unique Garden Art
• Think outside of the flower box – in other words, think of new and interesting places to put old décor. Just because you find something that is meant to be staked into the ground does not mean that you cannot hang it from a lamppost instead.
• The sky is not the limit – think of your garden as a 3 dimensional space. You can place garden art in the ground, on a wall, hanging from a wire, and above, below, and around a landscape.
• Do not dismiss “crazy” ideas – this is your time to be creative. Why not dig into the closet and find unused wedding presents and long forgotten children toys to use outside? If used correctly, they might be just the perfect pieces of outdoor art! And if you decide you don’t like them, remove them and simply place them in a give-away pile.
• Combine – go ahead and combine things that would not normally belong together (i.e. like a barbell and teacup) to create very unique art.
• Know when to stop – as much fun as you might be having, you need to know when to stop. Too many items can make your yard look very cluttered and very trashy. Be careful. One or two interesting pieces is often all you need. If you have more good ideas, remove the old ones first, and then put in the new ideas.
Examples of Garden Decor Made from "Trash"
• Rust – do not be afraid of rust. The color can actually look very beautiful against greenery and blue skies. Add old and rusted farm implements, train tracks, or even parts of a car to your landscape.
• Mini garden tools – create a fun mini garden tool by simply selecting a fork and spoon from your silverware drawer. Other items from your kitchen can also be used.
• Bathtub – the brilliant white of a claw foot tub can actually look quite elegant against the green background of a yard. Use one as a planter – flowers and plants that cascade and flow over the edges can be especially tantalizing. You could even turn the tub into a pond – keep it above ground, or consider burying it. With the addition of a pump, you can turn the showerhead or faucet into a mini waterfall.
• Costume jewelry – find a few sparkly pieces and hang them from a potted plant.
• Tires – tires actually make fantastic planter boxes.
• Ski chair – hang one from your porch or a strong tree for a fun seating option.
• China – break china, glass, pieces of pottery, mirrors, and tile and use the pieces to create a mosaic table top. You could even adhere the pieces to an otherwise drab shed or garden wall.
These are only a few suggestions. The key is that you be as creative as possible, and do not forget to have fun!
