Decorating the Garden

Ok while the weather hasn't been quite warm enough yet to spend any quality time in my new garden, I've been thinking about other ways to decorate besides planting.

Has anyone tried the stone paving moulds that are used with a concrete mix? It would be nice to create a path in the grass to the location of my (future) bistro table set.

I've been looking at buying a fountain and find many that are a resin material instead of stone and also many that are solar operated. Any advice?

Parasols......do people worry about matching their parasol colour to their flower beds?

Last but not least, when I'm at a garden shop walking past all the garden ornaments and willow animals, I want to buy them all. How do I control myself?? Do I really need that set of willow pigs? Help!

 

Can't fault your enthusiasm @Sandra-Tingle

Haven't tried the stone paving moulds, so can't comment on those.

I bought a solar fountain for the pond I had in my previous home. My honest opinion? Waste of money (and I didn't buy the budget range one either). If I were going to do it again, I would go the traditionally powered route. Others may have a more positive experience.

Parasols: in a word, no! I bought one that was a lovely dark green colour, but, the reason for buying it wasn't the colour but the size and price Others may have a more "co-ordinated" approach.

Garden ornaments: The willow pigs sound wonderful! But, I've had willow obelisks and they were not as robust as I thought they would be once the elements had had their wicked way with them. Couple of years, maybe three at best? Not sure the same would be true of the pigs, but only you have seen how well constructed they are.

How do you control yourself? Well, it may be helpful to have an over all theme in mind for your garden and let that direct you towards ornamentation? With a focus, it will help you resist (possibly ).
I have a concrete cast lady in my garden which I have had for many, many years. I saw her in a market and dropped some very heavy hints that I liked her ... I was delighted to get her for a birthday gift and she has moved house with me time after time. She really has given back far more than she cost (which I think was a tenner at the time?). I went for something I loved and something which I hoped would last - she has
Ornaments are such a personal thing: the what, the how many, the cost, the 'value' in terms of return for money ... very, very personal. But, ultimately, go with what you love!

 

Thought you might enjoy seeing "ornaments" some of our GC members have had in their gardens.
Sadly, these three members are not posting any longer but were very inspirational (in my opinion).

Firstly @Folly Mon and his "Folly" which he built from bits and bobs he collected along the way; amazing structure and in an ordinary semi

Next, in a narrow, long, garden @Freddy had his own farm animal and it fitted right in and didn't look out of place.

Then @al-n decided his tropical themed garden could benefit from a rather more "exotic" looking animal and because of the clever planting scheme, did not look out of place in his semi-detached garden.

So, that goes back to my thoughts: once you have a theme/style that you want for your garden, you can pretty much get away with anything in the ornament range when it blends in

 

You could try a scarecrow, or a mannequin. I hang up old cd's as I quite like the light reflecting and moving. Also they keep the birds and cats moving through. Warning may disturb the neighbours so place carefully.

 

Where is Freddy @"M" ?

 

I haven't got him!