Has your garden become a little too serious? Is it prim, proper and oh so perfect that it feels stiff and cold. If you want to transform an uptight backyard into a relaxing oasis, then all you have to do is to add a touch of garden humor. How?



Incorporate Garden Art that makes you smile

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It could be as simple as a silly bronze frog sun tanning on a lily pad to put by your pond, or as wild as pair of cute concrete ruby red sparkly “Wizard of Oz’ Dorothy shoes peeking out of some greenery. Anything that makes you stop and chuckle will help.

Create a Memory Garden

Use keepsakes and whimsical pieces of art to decorate your garden and tell a fun story. One of the most fun backyard designs that I’ve seen incorporated childhood memories of growing up in England. It had fairies of every type peeking out from behind the greenery. There was a spot to play hopscotch and marbles, and the owner had built a gigantic size chess set made of patio tones and two foot high wood carved chess pieces!

In another yard, guests got a giggle out of a garden art train. It was a miniature toy train that carried drinks from the bar area, through the garden to poolside lounges.

Throw in a Burst of Color

Imagine green, green plants, then a splash or red, purple or blue garden art. Group items of like color together to break things up and send a fun and energizing message. Once I was in a very sleek, contemporary, all gray backyard and turned around to notice a bright red Adirondack chair painted with a big yellow flower. It stood out like the beautiful piece of art and sent a fun message in a very serious yard.

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Transform Everyday Objects into Fun Pieces of Garden Art

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Another way to create fun backyard designs is to include unusual household objects that make you look twice. I’ve seen all kinds of crazy things used as garden décor like: Old rubber boots planted with flowers, a Victorian wire headboard, a dressmaker’s dummy, dishes and teapots, and even an antique bathtub! The wilder, the better.

Showcase a Special Collection

Displaying your favorite things is great way to add some garden humor. A collection of sunhats hung on a wooden fence gives guests something fun to look and talk about. An arrangement of unique lanterns, or grouping of metal lawn ornaments arranged in a special spot will perk things up and put a smile on your face.

Finally, if your garden humor runs on the wild side, why not express that in your backyard with an old favorite- a Pink Flamingo or even a lawn gnome.

Sure they’re campy and tacky, but that’s the whole point. They’re the ultimate way of showing that your backyard is the place to have fun and you’re somebody who knows there’s no point in taking life too seriously!

Deborah Boland © 2006 All Rights Reserved

Deborah Boland is the host of the popular HGTV Canada TV series, Backyard Pleasures, and author of the eBook: 7 Easy Steps to Transform Your Ho-Hum Backyard into a Breathtaking Oasis. Sign up for Deborah’s FREE special report: TOP 3 Backyard Design Mistakes and How You Can Avoid Them! For more info on fun backyard designs and creating the backyard of your dreams, Visit www.backyardpleasures.com or read her blog at www.backyardpleasuresblog.com