For many people, the garden is an extension of the home; a living area to be beautified just as they would want to decorate the interior of their house. The real beauty of the garden emanates from the well-designed layout, the greenery and the flowers, the trees, the lawn, and the terrace or patio. Such beauty can be brought to life by the birds and butterflies that visit the garden. It can also be further enhanced by the choice and use of garden d'cor.

There are all sorts of garden d'cor to utilize when you want to improve or redesign your garden. The use of the word 'decor' is traditionally used for the decoration of a house interior, which includes the furniture, accessories, and even the wall treatments, I don't see why a garden cannot be treated in much the same way. In this article, we shall use the terms ?garden d'cor? to signify the decorations that are included or added to the garden, both for functional and aesthetic purposes.

Statues ? Statues go way, way back to ancient times as one of the most popular decorative elements for any area. There are classical statues that are created for adorning stately homes, mansions, public sites, memorials, etc. But they have found their own niche as garden decor in the modern and smaller garden. These come in varied styles, such as cherubs and angels. Other popular subjects include animals, such as domestic cats and dogs, and wild animals such as lions and frogs.

Waterfalls and Fountains ? The use of water in a garden with no natural water feature can greatly enhance it. People just like and appreciate the look and sound of flowing water, and it is definitely an aid to relaxation. In fact, I know I am not the only person in the world who finds it relaxing sitting or strolling by water. You can add some artificial waterfalls and fountains to your garden to improve its overall look and feel. These are well worth considering to help turn your garden into a complete outdoor haven.

Planters ? The containers or planters used for some of your plants can be important decorative pieces in any garden, especially those with patios, terraces or little visible soil. Some people even consider planter gardening as a specific type of gardening in itself. There are many helpful books on the subject if you want to know what types of plants are best grown in planters. They come in a wide variety of designs and materials. You will easily find planters made out of concrete, terra cotta, fiberstone, fiberglass, or plastic.

Other Items ? Don't let yourself be limited to what I have mentioned here. The possibilities and options for decorating your garden are endless. For particular holidays, such as Christmas and Valentine's Day, you may find ornaments and decorations to hang outside or stick in the ground. Then there are other types of decor that may be multi-purpose, with a functional or decorative use, like garden lighting or bird houses.

Allow your creativity and imagination to run free while decorating your garden, and observe from visiting public gardens, read magazines, and browse the Internet. Chances are, you can come up with a unique mixture of garden d'cor that will be the envy of your friends and neighbors.