As soon as the ground thawed this spring, I excitedly ran outside and set three metal chickens within a flower bed. After taking great care with the placement and the spacing, I took a few steps back and smiled. These three chickens, set in front of an old chicken house, bring me a tremendous amount of joy.
When we think of our gardens we most likely think of flowers, shrubs and trees. There are many elements to our garden though that are non-living. Garden decor items can be important features of our landscaping. These items of interest, when used appropriately, form an integral part of our outdoor world. They may serve very practical purposes or, like my chickens, may add a bit of whimsy. No matter the reason, these non-plant items are a significant part of most residential landscapes.
Just as furniture and dishes move with us from home to home, outdoor elements, move with us as well. They may take the form of a child’s handprint in concrete, a planter that has sentimental value or a garden plaque that honors a loved one. These keepsake items offer us the opportunity to take comfort in our memories.
Peonies, delphiniums, and other heaving blooming plants benefit from assistance through U supports or cages. Traditional trellises, arbors or the more unique obelisks can offer the support that clematis, wisteria and other climbing plants rely upon. Shephard’s hooks add height to our garden beds by offering a way to display beautiful hanging baskets.
Wildlife, such as birds, benefit from the supplemental food, water and shelter that homeowners provide. Bird feeders, birdhouses and bird baths all offer what nature sometimes fails to provide. Almost as important, these elements have the potential to offer us hours of joy through bird watching.
Incorporating a water feature into a garden adds the important elements of movement and sound. Water features are available in a multitude of sizes and types. From table top water bowls to free standing multi-tier fountains to in ground ponds, the choices are varied but the results similar. They help to create a calming atmosphere leading to stress reduction. The sounds of flowing water can also boost focus and concentration. The maintenance of a water feature is always a consideration as they can become unsightly and a haven for mosquitos if not maintained properly.
Much like adding a water element can have health benefits, a well-chosen and well placed windchime may also lead to improved well-being. Wooden wind chimes are thought to enhance growth and promote a healthier energy. Ceramic wind chimes promote creativity. Aluminum and brass windchimes promote a positive energy. When choosing and placing a windchime, please be conscious of any neighbors and do not create what they might consider noise pollution.
Hardscaping elements such as flat rocks, called outcropping, introduce strong horizontal lines and visual interest within planting beds. Well positioned larger granite boulders may also help to improve the character of a garden. These elements are generally used for aesthetic purposes but may also provide some slope stabilization or erosion control. Other types of rocks frequently found in gardens are stones that have been gathered during vacations. These are visual reminders of time spend with family and friends.
Garden decor items such as small statues, garden stakes, and metal sculptures add color and interest. They also offer the homeowner a chance to show a bit of their personality. These whimsical elements offer a bit of levity. A bit of frivolity can help to lift our spirits as well as the spirits of those that visit our gardens.
Planters when filled with colorful flowers and set within planting beds have the ability to both attract and distract. Planters can be used to guide the attention of a passerby to an area, such as a planting bed, and away from the homeowners who might be sitting on the patio. Planting containers are available in a variety of colors, styles and sizes.
As the saying goes, sometimes less is more. Will my flock of three chickens grow? Probably not. Well placed, appropriate spaced, high quality and unique garden décor items add interest, beauty and joy to our outdoor living spaces.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc.,a landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
