Ideas for Lawn Art Landscaping

Chainsaw Carvings

• Turn that eyesore of a tree stump into a work of art, whether the roots are still in the ground or not. If you are comfortable with a chainsaw, you can do it yourself. Make sure the stump is not rotted. Draw an outline of an animal, totem pole, flower or abstract design on the face of the stump using chalk. Make sure the design incorporates as much of the wood as possible, so the finished sculpture is sturdy. With a chain saw, remove bigger pieces of wood outside the outline first. Make smaller cuts with the saw or specialized wood carving tools. Once finished carving, remove all splinters and rough edges with sandpaper. Apply a coat of varnish or sealant. If you prefer, find out if there is a local wood carver or artist that can complete your desired design for you.

Mowing Designs

• Contrary to what some people think, those intricate patterns seen on baseball diamonds and specialized lawns are not done with paint. You can create stripes, curves, circles or images using your lawn mower and a lawn roller. Blades Lawn Care says that you can rent or purchase a lawn roller from most home and garden centers. The roller should be the same width as your mower's blade, and should attach to the back of your mower's handlebars. When the roller presses down on the lawn, it makes the blades of grass look like a different shade of green. Start off with simple straight line patterns. As you mow, keep your eyes fixed on a landmark on the other side of the lawn so you are moving in a straight direction. To turn the mower around, if possible, do it on a driveway or gravel path off the lawn. Once you are used to the stripe technique, you can work up to more complex designs.

From Trash to Treasure

• Clear out your attic and shed, visit the flea market and yard sales, and turn trash into lawn art accessories. Make a wind chime out of a metal watering can and pipe or old utensils. Use worn-out rubber boots, dishpans, toilet bowls, watering cans and wheel barrels as planters and pots. Rusted garden tools do not have to be thrown out; insert them in the soil to use as decorations in the garden. Line garden beds with used bricks, rocks around the yard or decorative shells. Easy Outdoor Decor recommends using an old picture frame in your backyard. Remove the glass, paint and lacquer the frame and hang it with fishing line from a tree branch or beam. Make sure to hang it so that when the observer looks through, he sees a beautiful rose bush, bird bath or another appealing view. Easy Outdoor Decor also points out that you can spray paint designs on retired bowling balls and place them around the garden and lawn.