Who says a garden can’t wear accessories?
Want your outdoor space to have some personality? Think beyond lush perennial blooms, crawling vines, and ornamental grass. Enter: the garden accent. You can accessorize your garden the same way you pick out a pair of shoes.
Lawn and garden accents are surprisingly polarizing. Some people love to load their lawns with ceramic garden gnomes and plastic pink flamingos. Others reject the kitsch and swear off anything that isn’t a cherubic garden statue or classic birdbath. Whatever your style, you’ll know when you strike the right balance.
Need inspiration? These ideas for lawn and garden accents can get you on your way to sprucing up your landscape.
Statues are surprisingly versatile garden accessories—whether you choose a sculpture that looks like it was plucked from a Renaissance painting or a whimsical woodland critter. This statue that gardener Tina Gill inherited from the previous owner of her home is a great middle ground. It pulls double duty as a birth bath and gives her clematis a surface where it can vine.
Mirrors aren’t just eye-catching accents for the interior of your home. When used as wall decor, outdoor mirrors can create the fairytale feeling of a secret garden—like this design by home gardener Lynn Saunders. “My yard is a little bit of a pink sanctuary for me,” she said.
To create a similar look, try mixing secondhand finds with flowering vines, potted plants, and French-inspired outdoor furniture.
Birdhouses and feeders never go out of style, even if your garden is so last season. When your perennials become dormant in the winter, a bright birdhouse will stand out in the snow. It’s a great option for birdwatchers and gardeners alike. Needlework artist Tarra Ferrone took this colonial-style birdhouse one step further by using her craft skills to deck its tiny halls for the holidays.
Gazing globe, lawn ball, or mirror ball—this lawn ornament by any other name is just as sweet. Gazing globes have a rich history, hailing all the way from 13th-century Venice. Today, they’re so ubiquitous that they’re easily recognized by city dwellers who rarely step foot in a garden. Try a brightly colored version (like this globe photographed by Burton Holmes) to add a pop of color that lasts all year long.
Lanterns are one of the best multi-purpose types of garden decor. They add interest during the day and create an ambiance at night (plus, there’s the added safety of no longer tripping in the dark). To get a look like the one created by home gardener Ryn Anderson, reach for an outdoor solar light with cutouts. If you’ve got a large yard, a local outdoor lighting company can help you work lanterns into your outdoor decor.
A little metal goes a long way. Some gardeners like to hide rust iron garden flowers among their living plants. Others prefer abstract brass sculptures. Either way, metal accessories offer a unique contrast because they highlight an industrial element in a traditionally organic space. For a subtle option, hang a brass sun beneath vines on your garden fence like gardener Heather Blackmore.
Water features can feel both luxe and relaxing—so why not make your own? This solar-powered DIY water feature from Our Little Cream Home takes less than 30 minutes to make. All you need is a planter, some stones, a couple gazing balls, and a water pump. If you’re not the DIY type, hire a local landscape designer to create a custom backyard water feature for your space.
Pink flamingos are among the most beloved and most hated garden decor—but you can’t deny their staying power. The iconic lawn ornament, first created in Massachusetts in 1957, has become synonymous with mid-century modern kitsch. If you’re looking for an idea for a small patio (like this container garden from Instagram user @littlehomeonthehill), try placing a pink flamingo in a large planter.
There are few things more nostalgic and relaxing than the sound of wind chimes on a warm, sunny day. This type of garden decor is for the eyes and the ears. They’re also popular items in Feng Shui homes (since they’re a simple way to add the metal element). Choose a sleek look with long chimes or go for a bold option with decorative pendants.
A backyard pond can be a huge undertaking, but there are ways to keep it simple. Every backyard pond has three elements: a submersible pond pump to keep water moving, PVC liner to prevent leaks, and concrete pavers to hold the liner place. Though it does require regular cleaning and maintenance, you can always hire a local pond cleaning company.
