While the beauty of your garden most likely can be found in the flowers, plants and trees you have chosen, most outdoor spaces can be enlivened by the addition of modern design elements such as statuary, iron work and other decorative items. Spheres and orbs have long been a popular shape for garden art and are available in many different sizes and materials.
Add a bit of whimsy to the garden
A gazing ball placed anywhere in your outdoor living area adds interest and sparkle. While the story behind these mirrored balls is rooted in history (they date back to the 13th century) they work just as well in a contemporary garden as they do in a Victorian space. A true gazing ball is most commonly placed on top of a metal or concrete stand, but for real interest or a modern take on design, consider stacking different sizes on top of one another or grouping them together in a large bowl. The reflection cast by these glass balls will brighten any dark space so tuck one under a bush or place several among the limbs of a tree for a real party atmosphere.
No garden? No problem!
If you live in a high rise apartment building or have a suburban home where land is precious you probably do not have much of a garden area. However, it is still possible to add interest and color to a patio, deck or small yard. Group several sizes of mercury glass orbs in a corner to create a sparkling contemporary arrangement. If grass is non-existent in your yard, adding garden art to the area will enhance whatever ground cover you are using i.e. gravel, artificial turf, pavers etc. Placing rustic metal spheres around a water feature can provide a feeling of nature even in a small space. Large concrete balls add a very simple and modern artistic touch to any outdoor area
Circle of life
Circles, spheres, orbs….this shape is not new. It has been around since man first began recording messages and most likely represented the sun. It is a friendly, pleasing to the eye shape that can represent the passage of time (clocks), eternal love (wedding rings), even happiness (the iconic smiley face). If you are designing an outdoor space, consider using circles in your fencing and railing designs, tile work and furniture. This shape can then be repeated in your lawn art by floating glass spheres in the pool or fountain, placing a round sculpture in a courtyard or adding shaped and trimmed topiaries to your entry way.
The use of modern lawn art will add personality and interest to any outdoor space from a small and intimate high rise balcony to a large and sprawling back yard.
