Summer is the time when we usually get the most enjoyment out of our gardens. The bright mornings, the balmy evenings and the relaxed weekends spent with friends and family. It is also the time when our gardens are most in bloom with flowers, fruits and fragrances. And, what better way to compliment the surroundings than with a few pieces of garden art.

Garden art is a great way to add focal points and personalisation to your garden or patio space. Even in the colder months, when the colours start to fade, ceramics and sculptures continue to keep your garden full of life and beauty.

What garden art should I choose?

To put it simply, there is no such thing as choosing the right or wrong sculpture for your garden. Essentially, it all comes down to personal taste and preference.

Your garden will naturally be a place of self-expression. Showcasing the colours, shapes and textures that you love. Over time, you will have subconsciously created a space that you find relaxing, calming and inspiring. Therefore, any ceramics and sculptures that you choose should be a continuation of that inspiration.

If you have a large, baroque style garden, then a series of classic marble statues could be cleverly positioned in symmetry at various points to add intrigue. However, if your space is smaller and modern, then an abstract sculpture in glass, granite or ceramic might be much more fitting.

If your garden is earthy and traditional, then you could choose weathered sculptures, ceramics or wooden artefacts that blend in with their natural surroundings.

What are the best places to place garden art?

A well-placed piece of garden art can highlight certain areas of your garden as well as breaking up planted areas or adding charm to seating or lounging areas.

When considering where best to place a sculpture, you might want to consider the view from the house or entrance to your garden. Do you want to be able to see the artwork from out of your kitchen window to get the most enjoyment out of it? Do you want it to be a focal point for visitors when they first enter your garden? Or, perhaps you want it to be more discreet and hidden for a secret discovery?

Again, this all comes down to personal preference and the type of garden design you already have. Use your natural surroundings for inspiration and be creative with your placements.

How do I add artwork to a small courtyard or patio space?

If you live in a townhouse with a small courtyard or patio space, then there are still plenty of ways to add sculpture and ceramics to enhance the area. You could consider hanging sculptures, which could be attached from walls to utilise the height of your space.

You could also use beautiful stone planters to house plants and succulents. These could be arranged in various size combinations and placed at various levels in the space including on tables, doorsteps or ledges. Small ceramic objects and sculptures will also work in courtyard spaces – whether you choose animals, birds or more abstract designs – you can create small areas with oodles of interest and charisma.

If you are thinking of incorporating some artwork into your garden, then pop in to visit us at Watermark Gallery in Harrogate and we would love to ponder some ideas together with you.