One of the best ways to add your own personal signature to your garden is to infuse a little humor. Here are some helpful tips for creating a fun backyard that lightens your spirit and makes you chuckle.

Choose Comical Garden Art

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Look around and you will find all kinds pieces sure to give you a laugh. 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 concrete ruby red sparkly “Wizard of Oz’ Dorothy shoes that would look cute peeking out of some greenery.

One of the funniest pieces I’ve ever seen was “Smoking Joe" – a custom chainsaw carved face of a rough, cigar smoking homeowner, made from a tree stump.

Include Whimsical Garden Ornaments That Bring Back Memories

These can be memories of a special time in your life, a special person or pet. One amusing backyard I visited was themed after the homeowner’s 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, a landscaper incorporated a very original backyard design idea. Guests got a giggle out of a miniature toy train that carried drinks from the bar area, through the garden to poolside lounges.

Add Color

A small burst of color in any part of your yard sends a lighthearted message. Imagine an electric blue mosaic birdbath in a formal yellow rose garden, or bright red Adirondack chairs in a rustic all brown yard. Group two or three items of the same color together for an even more lively punch of fun.

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Place Everyday Objects in the Garden

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Let your imagination run wild! Take serious edge out of backyard by including unusual 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!

Showcase a Collection

Displaying your favorite things is another way to add some playfulness to your yard. Unusual antique garden tools hung on a wooden fence gives guests something fun to look at and talk about. A collection of unique lanterns arranged on a patio table, or grouping of wire insects arranged in a flowerbed are sure to put a smile on your face.

Finally, if your sense of humor runs on the wild side, why not express that in your backyard with an old favorite- a Pink Flamingo or even a whole gaggle of them!

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 Backyard Pleasures: 7 Simple Steps to Transform Your Ho-Hum Backyard into a Breathtaking Oasis. Sign up for her FREE e-course 7 Secrets to Creating Gorgeous Garden Rooms at www.backyardpleasures.com & or visit her blog at www.backyardpleasuresblog.com