We talk about landscape design as
being both "Art" and "Science". Well, the art element can be
expanded naturally to include pieces of statuary to the
designer's content.
As with all elements of hardscape,
the statuary should generally complement the overall design
intent of your landscape. That is, usually place formal pieces
in formal gardens and informal ones in that type of landscape.
However, as with anything in art, breaking the rules once in a
while will add a little spice to most gardens.
Broadly speaking, garden statuary
can be divided into several categories:
-
Abstract - These are pieces
where it takes some interpretation on the part of the viewer
to determine just what it means or represents.
-
Animals - Pigs, ducks,
rabbits and every type of animal life can be depicted in
statuary and used in the garden.
-
Architectural - These pieces
are used primarily for their form and/or texture rather than
their role as directly representational.
-
Globe - Balls and globes of
all type have traditionally been used in landscape gardens.
-
Human - Full length figures
to busts, the human form in a variety of representations can
make a big impact in the garden.
-
Japanese - Pagodas and other
Asian type statuary can be of use in a garden even if it is
not totally of that design.
-
Urns - Large, open pots of
all types (without plants) can add interest to a garden
spot.
