Out in the Yard: Creating an Art-Inspired Garden

Add Interest and Character to Your Landscape With an Unexpected Eye-Catcher

Erin Lang Norris June 29, 2011

Houzz Contributor. My husband and I live in a 1950 ranch-style home a few miles west of Madison, Wisconsin. When I'm not working, I like to do projects around my house, get out in my solo canoe or go camping, read design and psychology blogs and work on mixed media art.

Houzz Contributor. My husband and I live in a 1950 ranch-style home a few miles west... More

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As I weave my way throughout our garden-clad neighborhood, there is one thing in particular that stands out time and time again. While it's true that the latest flower in bloom is a definite showstopper, it's not the only thing that I find myself drawn to these days. It's something that's even more uniquely personal to each yard, and that is the use of art in the landscape.

While we are quick to add artwork to our blank walls and accessories to our empty shelves, it seems that garden art is still a concept that is catching on. Adding visual interest to the landscape through the use of sculpture, fountains or ceramics is a great way to add a creative feel to your yard. Below are 12 different ideas that to do just that.

CSDesign llc

Unique benches. An interesting bench like this one is sure to catch some enthusiastic comments, along with a few lounge-worthy friends. The giant green leaves fit in perfectly with the lush surrounding foliage. I think I know what's next on my garden wish list. Oh — and that water-spitting frog is charming, too.

JSL Landscape Design Build

Gazing balls. Also known as "yard globes," these mirrored spheres may seem somewhat strange to some. During the Victorian era, servants used the mirrored ball as a clever way to check on guests throughout their meals. Ever since I learned this, I've found them to be uniquely interesting.

Lisa Borgnes Giramonti

Mirrors. These light-reflecting beauties introduce a new level of whimsy to any outdoor living space. This one is casually slung low to the ground, giving the area a laid back, easygoing vibe. Increase the attraction of your favorite container garden by placing one directly behind it..

Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture

Stones. This spiral of stones is quick to draw the eye. A similar pattern would look great beneath a large birdbath or gazing ball and can easily be obtained on a much smaller scale as well.

Paul Moon Design

Birdbaths. Multi-tiered baths are the most visually appealing, thanks to their added height. Draw attention to a gorgeous birdbath by centering it within repeated circles of varying plants and rocks.

Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture

Urns. Generally made of glazed ceramic, large urns are an excellent way to add color and sheen to your landscape. Although they don't typically offer much in the terms of functionality, they do a nice job of adding a punch of color to an otherwise dull corner.

Erin Lang Norris

Birdhouses. These small backyard abodes are usually constructed of wood, making them good candidates for quick and easy paint jobs. I paint mine with acrylic paint and although there are longer-lasting paints, I don't pay much attention to how much sunlight the acrylic will endure. Chances are likely I'll tire of the color before it fades anyway.

AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc.

Fountains. These moving water beauties offer simultaneous harmony for both the eyes and the ears. A couple hundred stones plus a pot and a water pump and you've got yourself a fountain. See a helpful DIY tutorial here.

Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International

Raked Patterns. Zen gardens are a soothing way to add variety and relaxation to a plant-heavy landscape, and are reasonably simple to create. The textures created by rakes are most admirable in the morning and evening hours, as the shadows are the deepest during this time.

Barbara Cannizzaro

Salvaged Items. I can almost guarantee that this industrial sized fan is the only one on the block, and quite possibly the only one in the entire town, if not county. Salvaged items are a fun way to add charisma to any landscape, and searching for the perfect piece is half the fun.

Garden Rant

Bricks. Salvaged bricks seem to be more and more difficult to come by with each passing day, and they are worth picking up whenever they become available. Even the smallest collection of bricks will yield some interesting patterns in the garden. If you're worried about weeds, use mortar between them.

CSDesign llc

Sculptures. Metal work in the garden is always a welcome sight and it's a good way to enhance the natural feel that a garden already has. This heron fits in perfectly with its surroundings, although there are many other options when introducing metal art. GI Designs has many offerings in the way of garden sculptures.

More: Browse outdoor sculptures and more in the Products section