Sculpture Gardens: Use landscaping sculptures as the centerpieces for the gardens or parts of the garden. These elements draw viewers into the landscape and can hold them there in awe or contemplation.

Sculpture gardens are not just for museums or public landscapes. They can also provide unexcelled interest in a private garden. The more importance and relevance the sculptures have for the client, the better that garden will be appreciated. As with all artistic introductions to a garden, insure that proper scale and aesthetic or design compatibility is used with all landscaping sculptures in the immediate connecting areas. Design intuition should guide the landscape design professional in most cases, but there may also be a requirement to research proper garden settings that are ideal for specific sculpture. If the sculpture is of an animal, the setting should suit that animals preferred environment or atmosphere. For an example a mountain lion would look great on boulders, in a grassy veldt, coming out of leafy shrubs, crouching by a pond etc. It would not look as good in a grouping of palm trees in a Hawaiian garden style as that is not its recognized venue. A Greek statue looks best in a formalized setting and a properly scaled representation of Buddha is best in a contemplative setting. A landscaping sculpture of one the Chinese terra cotta generals found in Xian look excellent within a simple bamboo garden or when situated in a formal Chinese courtyard garden. Essentially, to summarize the rule, if the sculpture represents a specific cultural identification, geographical origin, horticultural roots, religious connotation or implies some other meaning or association, follow through on that connection and avoid radical departures. Unless the sculpture is intended as an important focal piece or are numerous and intended for display in a formal and dedicated area, it is often more effective to use them as garden discoveries or surprises. Paths and walkways can lead an observer through the landscape, around a bend and offer the unexpected pleasure of discovering a wonderful sculpture. If well accomplished, the enjoyment does not end with the first discovery, but virtually every time you come upon these objects of art. If the sculpture or grouping of them is especially fine, unique or complex, insure that comfortable benches are provided. Piped music can be another aesthetic element that might be enjoyed by everyone.

Photo Palette Offering

(Obviously, only a small sampling of related garden elements can reasonably be displayed, but the viewer should be able to use these as a springboard to develop their own design palette.)

Sculpture Garden Scenes

Individual Sculptures