Garden Statues

Most people consider the garden as their home’s extension. A soothing place to relax and idle away the hours, the garden is often festooned and spiced up with various accents and ornaments to create a wonderful setting. The true beauty of gardens emanates from well-designed layouts, flowers and greenery, trees and lawn, patio or terrace, and garden décors that complement the natural atmosphere.

There are countless varieties of garden décor that can be used in redesigning or improving the garden. From accessories and embellishments, to water features and lighting, garden décor can be anything that’s aesthetic and functional for the setting. Among the many décors that bring life to any garden, are the garden statues.

Garden statues in its broadest sense, is any type of man-made element that provides an enhanced “look” to the garden, including birdhouses and bird feeders. On the other hand, garden statues are also “figural constructs” that are used to decorate the garden.

Whichever definition one chooses, it is important to keep in mind these three factors when selecting the garden statue: garden statues are intended to draw attention, so its placement is significant; do not use too many garden statues, as it may create a sense of clutter rather than beauty; and only use a garden statue that you actually like. Garden statues can be used in enhancing the garden’s mood. From classical to whimsical to Zen tranquility, they must always reflect one’s personal taste.

Garden Statues History

Used for thousands of years, garden statuary was evident in many temple gardens and temples of Ancient Egypt in the form of various god statues. In Greece, sacred groves were the house of these statues. Romans copied many of the statues and used them as their garden ornaments. For instance, the “Venus de’ Medici” is believed to come from a 1st century BC marble replica of 4th century BC bronze. The approach dominated most of the western gardens through renaissance period and into 20th century. The abstract art was also used in gardens, such as Henry Moore’s “Perry Green” sculptures.

Materials Used For Garden Statues

There’s an extensive assortment of materials available these days for use in gardens, from conventional stones and metals, to polymers. The choice of garden statue material will depend partly on its intended use, partly on its cost, and partly on the ambiance one wishes to create.

Stone

The most customary material used for garden statutes, stone garden statues are very enduring and maintains its detail well. Carving of stone is a real artwork, and its prices are likewise high.

The sandstone material is constructed of sand fragments mixed with clay or silt, and takes on the elements’ colors. It’s easily worked, but details erode quicker compared to stone. York Stone are beautiful and ages into dark honey color, and are popular as paving stones. Granite is a very hard stone that has crystalline texture, and is found in an extensive range of colors. It may be finished with glass-like, smooth surface or rough texture.

Cast Stone

It’s rather difficult to see the difference between real stone and cast stone at first glance. Cast stones are built by grinding and crushing natural stone, and then it’s re-bonded. It’s molded through the use of either resin binder or cement mortar. The garden statue will appear like carve granite, marble, limestone, or sandstone. Like real stones, cast stones will develop patina in due time.

Concrete

A popular material used for garden statues, cast concrete is not as hardwearing as cast stone or stone, and it doesn’t show details well. However, it is much more inexpensive, and can be dyed to copy various types of stones.

There are lots of other materials used for garden statues including copper, terracotta, bronze, lead, glass, ceramic, iron, and steel. Garden statues are extremely versatile and can provide the same beauty indoors as they do to the outdoors. Adding a garden statue to the yard will definitely revitalize the outdoor setting.