Think about garden and patio decorations just as you would if you were designing a room in your home. We always hear of interior decorating, so now think about exterior decorating! A well-decorated patio can have sitting areas, dining areas, and center pieces. Because you're outdoors, garden and patio decorations let you become creative in really fun ways.

The garden decor you select will give your outdoor "rooms" style and character... so go with what appeals to you. Are you formal and elegant, or informal and casual? Whatever approach you take, keep in mind that too many garden and patio decorations will give you a crowded look. Plants and flowers should play just as big a role in your decor as structures and furnishings... let them compliment each other.

Visualize Key Furnishings

First, envision your patio, deck or garden area. Plan out a few different layouts for the main, larger decor items that will need to fit within your space. These would be chairs, benches, tables, and grilling or cooking stations. If you work at home, you can even design an outdoor "work station" for your laptop and office work.

Weather-proofed wicker, wrought iron, cedar, or teak garden furniture are excellent choices for patio and garden furnishings. Functionality is important, but go for comfort and style, too!

There are some great designs in outdoor patio furniture, guaranteed to fit your personal style. Make sure what you buy is very durable and weatherproof, since your furniture will be exposed to sun, wind and rain. Be patient and shop for the most attractive furniture that meets these standards and you'll save money in the end.

Outdoor Lighting Sets the Mood

Once you identify your main furniture pieces, add even more atmosphere to your garden and patio with outdoor lighting. Lighting arrangements can change the entire feel of your outdoor area. You can go for festive, subdued, ornamental, warm, or bright!

Outdoor patio lights are made to endure all the elements, and feature insulated and weather-resistant components. There are quite a few styles you can choose from. The possibilities include freestanding lamps, table lamps, shaded and globe lamps, lanterns, umbrella lights, BBQ lights, string lights, and ground lights. Shop around for what appeals to you, as well as what's practical for your purpose.

Choose Your Accents

There are no rules to garden and patio decorations... and lots of choices! Here are some great accents that will add life and charm to any yard:

Garden Benches: Have you ever noticed a rustic bench placed "just right" in a garden? It's a very inviting sight. It doesn't need to be fancy... just a spot to sit down and relax.

Decorative Planters: To create a pleasing focal point, set out a few planters filled with beautiful flowers in different areas of your garden. You can move them around, and replant them with different flowers as the season goes by. These are perfect for the patio, too.

Don't forget, an old container you have lying around can easily be tuned into a planter - perhaps an old watering can or a pickle barrel. All they need is some form of drainage. Try one or two planters and see the difference they make!

Garden Fountains: Fountains add a great deal of atmosphere to any garden setting. The varieties range from grand fountains made of stone or bronze, to modest and charming garden fountain kits. Garden fountains have such a pleasant, tranquil sound that their beautiful effect is immediate and captivating.

Garden Sculptures: Garden statuary is usually made of bronze, marble, stone, wood, or resin. Choose themes from cherubs and saints to deer, rabbits and frogs. Garden sculptures can really develop your garden theme, and are great fun to design with! Tuck them into a corner, or display them openly as a main focal point.

Sundials: This ancient device has brought beauty and charm to thousands of gardens. Sundials are terrific accent pieces and come in different designs, such as tabletop and pedestal. Some sundials double as birdbaths!

Garden and patio decorations can be as elaborate or quaint as you wish. Simply keep in mind it's just like fixing up a room in your home - when you like what you see, you've added your own personal signature to your outdoor living place!

Copyright 2006 Robert Mosse