Garden Decor Ideas

Bug Themed Garden Art

• You can turn old bowling balls into yard art; just paint faces and spots or stripes on each one. The bowling balls will need to be sanded down and primed with an exterior latex primer. Paint with acrylic or latex paint, and then seal them off with an epoxy resin, laquer or shellac. You can lay these giant bugs anywhere on the lawn; place them under a bush, just peeking out, use them to define the edge of a patch of wildflowers or to decorate the vegetable garden.

Rustic Yard Art

• An old ladder can be leaned against a wall, to prop up a climbing vine. An old pair of workboots can be a planter for pansies, alyssum or a ground cover vine. A rusted watering can, wheelbarrow or even a bicycle can be used as rustic yard decor. In the winter it might look like junk, but artfully placed, the worn-out surfaces can accentuate the plants growing in your yard.

Sculptures in the Garden

• Large-scale sculptures are becoming more popular in suburban gardens. Birdbaths, sundials and wishing wells are being replaced by large, molded copper sculptures, abstract human forms, and even sturdy rock-wall sculptures that combine recreation with beauty. Garden gnomes, having seen a resurgence in the mid 1990s, are as popular as ever and now being marketed for specialty customers, like sports-team fans. There's even a breast cancer awareness gnome.

Outdoor Living Room

• Turning your back porch or patio into an outdoor living retreat is also popular. Canvas awnings, formerly marketed as car covers, are available now in sizes that correspond with the finest sets of patio furniture. These awnings have an amazing amount of configurations, like built-in planters, electrical hookups for lighting, ceiling fans, insect screens and seating benches. Shielded from the elements, these awnings can be great for the staycationer. Imagine lounging around in a tropical retreat without ever leaving your backyard.