Stone Structures in the Garden

Bird Bath

• Add a bird bath to your garden to give the many birds a place to stop, rest and get a drink. Sometimes other animals will visit the bird bath for a deep drink as well, such as squirrels and interesting insects, such as butterflies. Stone bird baths come in all shapes and sizes. It is important to choose a type of stone that will not get too hot as it sits in the sun if you want to encourage the animals to come to your garden. If the stone does get too hot, the animals will find someplace else to drink.

Pedestals

• Choose a stone pedestal in any size you want, from a 1-foot-tall platform all the way to a 6-foot-tall pillar. Use these pedestals for different ideas in your garden. They can hold potted plants that you want up off the ground. Trailing plants work well for this because the vines naturally drape down the pedestal. You can also use the taller pillars as decorations. Use one or two to create an entryway to another portion of your garden. Plant some vining plants at the base of the pillars and train them to climb up the pillars.

Statues

• If you want to add art to your garden, consider stone statues. Stone statues come in all shapes and sizes. You can buy small statues of children playing or tall statues of Greek women. Choose from a smaller bust or a full-size adult. Some statues hold pots, baskets or buckets that you can put plants in.

Walls

• Install a stone wall if you want to block off your garden from another part of your yard or your neighbor's yard. A stone wall is practical and attractive. Plant vines along the base of the stone wall and eventually they will grow up the wall and cover it completely. Use stones from your own property if you have them or hire a professional to build the stone wall in your garden.

Furniture

• Stone furniture is an ideal addition to any garden. It gives visitors a place to sit and enjoy the peace and serenity in the garden. Because the furniture pieces are stone, you can leave them outside year-round. Purchase a variety of furniture---plain benches, benches with backs and single seats.