Garden Art
bike with flowers

Our neighbors across the street collect and display wonderful little bits of garden art. I love to walk in someone's garden when they have interesting surprises tucked amid the flowers and trees. As you stroll up the walkway, you may find a Japanese lantern, a rusted metal rabbit, a cement rocking horse or a dragonfly in mid flight. As the garden changes and evolves with the change of seasons, each little treasure is seen from a different perspective.

The other day, I ran into my neighbors at a garage sale and they were buying a charming old door that had been painted with a checkerboard border and a rabbit. Their plan was to lean it up against the fence in their backyard or to use it as a starting point for a potting shed.

Garden art can be a fun, creative way to express yourself. Anything goes in this outdoor arena. You can find things in your garage that look old and dusty but suddenly take on a whimsical charm when sitting next to a bounty of white daisies. It can be something serious and beautiful or something that shows your sense of humor. It can be an elegant little sculpture from a gallery or a sculptural piece found at a thrift shop or discount store. There are no rules and anything that gives you that sense of delight is the only thing that counts.

Some things may only last in the elements for a season or two. Think of this purchase as if you bought some annual flowers that will only give you pleasure for this season or year.

What if you don't have a yard? You can still be creative decorating your balcony, porch, or windowsill in the same way. Tuck something fun and interesting that speaks to you among some potted plants or flowers. Maybe a doll, a toy truck or a bowl of glass marbles that catches the light from the window would suit your fancy. Or you might use some different containers for your plants rather than the traditional terra cotta pots. How about a large latte cup or a great antique bowl?

We found an old white bicycle that had two wire baskets that we thought we could use as garden art. Tucked among the flower beds and planted with red, white, and blue (ok, purple) petunias, it looks right at home for the summer. Maybe in the winter, we'll fill the baskets with pinecones and tie a big red bow on the handle bars. Who knows?

Is there something you already have or can find to create your own garden or windowsill art?