By Tony Hill

When it comes to ornamental yard décor, choices can be overwhelming.

First, determine which styles you like to help narrow the selection. From whimsical gnomes and fairies to classical columns and angels, think of items that reflect a hobby or pastime, such as fishing, motorcycles or birdwatching.

Many purely decorative choices are available. One of the most popular is gazing globes. The round, bright colored balls in the yard or garden are an easy way to add a colorful focal point within your landscape. Glass globes are most common. Steel globes are also available and more durable.  Many different stand choices are available, in heights to suit any setting.

Movement also draws the eye as well as color. To add both, consider spinners — a popular lawn art feature item available in muted metal tones or bright colors. Also, garden flags add color and movement and come in a variety of sizes and ways to display them. Add one to your walkway to greet guests. Change it out with each passing season.

There are ways to utilize lawn art functionally if you shop right. Consider birding products and rain gauges. With so many decorative birdfeeders and birdhouses on the market today, it’s easy to decorate and care for wild birds at the same time. Add a bird bath to complete your birding haven.  There are several styles, colors and materials in feeders, baths and houses. Rain gauges can be an excellent way to track the rainfall and compare meteorologists report. These come in several designs. Make sure to place it in an open area, free from foliar coverage so rain can easily enter the gauge.

Whatever brings you joy when you look out your windows or while you are outside on a splendid summer day, that’s what you want in your yard and garden.

 

Tony Hill is the retail manager at Hill’s Gardens, 2512 W. Main St., Albert Lea.