Garden Sculpture
for Minnesota Landscapes
Garden sculpture in the extremes of a Minnesota landscape design has its challenges. Primarily, I look for durability, impact (the 'wow' factor), and cohesion.
Put your mark on your garden through signature pieces. It can be a rewarding connection to garden visitors and is definitely a conversation starter.
Durability
In Minnesota, everything freezes. How frustrating to eliminate all your garden treasures every fall. It's no wonder we sometimes hate our winter landscapes -- we took the beauty indoors!
Investing in one or two pieces that can withstand the winter landscape is so worth it. Imagine your garden sculpture (or plant container) lit up in the evening light while your guests look on from the dining room.
So, how do you find the best garden sculpture for our Minnesota winters? Look locally. Often our local landscape nurseries and landscape suppliers can advise you on truly tough and beautiful décor.
Impact
Tip
Get out your camera. Well-placed sculpture is simple and beautiful to photograph.
If you take some pictures, does the picture look amazing?
If you're going to invest in garden sculpture, let's make sure it enchants you every day of the year. Creating impact in a garden excites.
It wow's, and it's even more fun when you have guests over. They'll discover your garden all over again.
To create the most impact, you often have to edit. Avoid shopping for many little items as too many 'impact' pieces will have the opposite effect.
Lines in the garden can lead the eye to your art. Behind the art piece, you might consider a hedge, 'quiet' landscaping, or one impactful color. It will let the art be the one amazing item -- instead of filling the area with riots of color which will distract.
A landscape designer can help you to create the best impact for your garden art. Check with a Minnesota landscape designer for tips and ideas.
Unity
Unity or cohesion in your Minnesota garden design creates an overall 'wow'. If you're creating a space for your sculpture, consider whether it fits your garden style.
If it seems drastically out of place, you may consider another piece or make some garden adjustments.
A woodland garden art piece should reflect it's surroundings, so often animals are a theme. A formal garden, cottage garden, or urban garden needs to have art that 'fits'.
This does not mean that your garden will be boring or bland. It means that even though you may have a surprise or two, the garden sculpture still works. It's not such a departure as to be strange.
Front Yard Garden Sculpture
Tip
Find a special garden bench -- and place it near the front door for functional beauty.
If you're placing a piece in the front yard, the rules are the same. Create a space.
Often times the front yard is created with special pieces near the front door. Placing art at the end of a straight path, for example, makes walking that path a joy.
To get the best viewpoint for your front yard sculpture, take a walk. Walk slowly up the drive while looking at the front door area. Is there a place where a sculpture piece would be charming?
Overall, creating a space is just as important as the sculpture itself. Take the time to make it amazing. With durability, impact, and unity, you'll have an amazing space.
The neighbors will be talking. Word will get around -- and everyone will wonder where you got that amazing art piece. I've seen it happen...
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Written by:
Heidi Schreiner / Get Creative, LLC
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