Garden Sculptures and Whimsy

One of the things that often sets one homeowner’s garden apart from another is the incorporation of some sculptures and garden whimsy.

NOTE: Click on images to enlarge.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 26mm, efov 69mm, f/5.6, 1/125, ISO-560
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 26mm, efov 69mm, f/5.6, 1/125, ISO-560

Whenever my wife and I go on garden tours of private homes we pay special attention to the various pieces of sculpture and whimsy that are often sprinkled throughout the various flower beds and plantings.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 41mm, efov 109mm, f/5.6, 1/400, ISO-160
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 41mm, efov 109mm, f/5.6, 1/400, ISO-160

The personality of the homeowners can often be found in these items, as well as their sense of fun and creativity.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 84mm, efov 228mm, f/5.6, 1/500, ISO-160
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 84mm, efov 228mm, f/5.6, 1/500, ISO-160

We always appreciate the effort that homeowners went to in order to find, and creativity place, small sculptures and other items.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 17mm, efov 46mm, f/5.6, 1/250, ISO-400
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 17mm, efov 46mm, f/5.6, 1/250, ISO-400

Many pieces are true works of art with corresponding costs.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 216mm, efov 581mm, f/5.6, 1/500, ISO-800
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 216mm, efov 581mm, f/5.6, 1/500, ISO-800

Others may be more modest in terms of investment.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 100mm, efov 270mm, f/5.6, 1/500, ISO-250
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 100mm, efov 270mm, f/5.6, 1/500, ISO-250

I find that my eye is drawn to smooth, fluid lines.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 20mm, efov 54mm, f/5.6, 1/400, ISO-160
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 20mm, efov 54mm, f/5.6, 1/400, ISO-160

As well as the unique and comical.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 26mm, efov 69mm, f/5.6, 1/320, ISO-160
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 26mm, efov 69mm, f/5.6, 1/320, ISO-160

Some folks develop an overall garden theme with their pieces of whimsy.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 20mm, efov 54mm, f/5.6, 1/40, ISO-800
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 20mm, efov 54mm, f/5.6, 1/40, ISO-800

While others have an eye for the eclectic and mix various styles and forms to achieve the character they want in their garden.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 62mm, efov 168mm, f/5.6, 1/500, ISO-160
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 62mm, efov 168mm, f/5.6, 1/500, ISO-160

The thoughtful combination of plants, sculptures and other items can make the difference between a garden that is pleasant, to one that is captivating.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 34mm, efov 90mm, f/5.6, 1/60, ISO-1250
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 34mm, efov 90mm, f/5.6, 1/60, ISO-1250

Finding inspiration in the creativity of others is always a special bonus for my wife and I when touring private gardens.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 14mm, efov 38mm, f/5.6, 1/400, ISO-160
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 14mm, efov 38mm, f/5.6, 1/400, ISO-160

At times some ‘creative borrowing’ or adaptation of an idea finds its way into our garden as well.

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Article and all images are Copyright 2016 Thomas Stirr. All rights reserved. No use, duplication or adaptation of any kind is allowed without written consent. If you see this article reproduced anywhere else it is an unauthorized and illegal use.

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