Ideas for Lawn Ornaments
Examples of Popular Lawn Ornaments, Garden Accents
Everybody's tastes are different, but here's my personal advice on lawn ornaments: do not go crazy with them! No number of accents will make up for poor plant selection and/or design, decrepit hardscape features, etc. So focus on the rest of your landscaping first; then, as a final touch, add a carefully-chosen accent here or there.
Inflatable Christmas Decorations
I remember a TV ad from my childhood whose catch-phrase was, "Trix are for kids." Many adults feel the same way about the inflatable lawn ornaments that have become so popular. Kids swoon over them, though, and you have to grant them this much: they've progressed in rather remarkable ways (some are animated!).
Outdoor Thanksgiving Decorations
Thanksgiving is simultaneously the easiest and toughest holiday to decorate for out of the big 3 in the U.S.: Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's the easiest because there are some holdover themes from Halloween you can exploit (i.e., the harvest), but the toughest because commercialism hasn't caught up with it to the degree it has with...
Wooden Structures for Lawns and Gardens
These structures often serve a practical purpose, but they can be decorative, too. For example, some pergolas are eye-catching, and their ornamental value may exceed their value as shady retreats. Even storage sheds need not be hum-drum: some are ornate enough to remind me of doll houses!
Containers: Lawn Ornaments, Memorial Day
Sometimes, we get hung up on labels. Take the so-called "cemetery logs" associated with Memorial Day (U.S.). The name kind of restricts their usage, right? But start thinking outside the box, and these can really be "container gardens." Of course, you're not limited to planting them with the traditional geraniums, etc. either.
Outdoor Banners
Want to express yourself in the yard without breaking open your piggy bank? You can find a flag for the summer yard that's not too expensive (of course, there are exceptions). Some people will pay extra to "go custom" and have a personalized design.
The Missing Garden Gnome
"Some folks were instantly suspicious when fliers began popping up around New York City just before Christmas seeking information on the whereabouts of a stolen garden gnome, "writes David Emery, About's Guide to Urban Legends. Let David tell you the story behind the supposed "missing gnome" that has become famous.
Christianne Planters and Statuary
I guess I have a traditionalist streak in me, because I adore tasteful statues as a choice for lawn ornaments and garden accents. This site offers classic hand-cast fiberglass planters, urns, statuary, pedestals and columns for interior and exterior design.
IC Lights LLC: Outdoor Lighting for the Hardscape
IC Lights LLC "designs and manufactures low voltage light fixtures for use in retaining walls, pillars, courtyard walls, outdoor kitchens and many other landscape block or natural stone applications" (e.g., Allan Block wall systems). Check out their Products page to see how you can enhance your hardscape with outdoor lighting.