Conversely, if you install an expensive  statue or fountain, you might want to take some security measures as well.  It never hurts to have additional lights, cameras and a fenced yard.  They might not stop someone from raiding your landscape but they will help the police recover what you have lost.  If your statue happens to have a serial number, make sure it is recorded and kept in a safe place.  If not, you can engrave your Social Security or license number in an inconspicuous place so that you can prove ownership should the statue be stolen and recovered.

You put a lot of thought into choosing the right statue or fountain for your landscape.  Complete the job by providing for its safety.

While the mostly shaded bed along the back fence is planted with more hostas, monkshood and, to fill in the temporary spaces, annuals such impatiens, the focus is the large statue of St. Francis of Assisi.

“It was a gift from my mother,” Petrina explains. “My father died on St. Francis of Assisi day. My father had the character of St. Francis: he was a gentle caring man.”

Petrina illustrates an appreciation for childhood with other statuary as well: fairies hidden in the middle bed where her newly acquired grandchildren can see them if they are looking. She is also in the process of creating a secret garden for these little ones at the end of a path through the shrubbery. “I think it’s important to create beauty for children, and foster their imagination,” she says, obviously taking as much pleasure in its creation as they in the discovery.  (From Finding new ways to live in her older home by MARG HRYNIUK, for the Leader-Post, August 27, 2009)

This article spoke to my heart because it encompasses so many of the teachings we share here at Outdoor Garden Statues.  It is so important to figure out what you need from your garden space before turning it into your little spot of Heaven on Earth.  Otherwise, you will keep adding stuff trying to achieve a balance but never quite finding it.  My last article called Finding the Key to Your Outdoor Garden spoke to this.  By defining exactly what you want from your garden, you have an achievable  goal to work toward.

Wood Nymph Garden Statue on Tall Octagonal Pedestal

Large statues are by nature, their own focal point and have to be treated that way.  Giving careful consideration to their use and placement maximizes their effectiveness.  Adding them to an area that is too small or crowded with other distractions only dilutes their impact.  That is why you need a garden plan to showcase your centerpiece.

When planning the display area for your new statue, include spot lights.  Even if your statue isn’t on display after dark, well placed lights draw your eye toward it increasing it’s visual impact.  Other well placed garden lights increase safety without being a distraction.

You should also plan adequate seating near the statue.  It’s human nature to want to linger and appreciate a fine work of art.  Adding benches or other types of seating will allow your visitors to pause without obstructing traffic flow.  Benches also give parents room to rest with their children while keeping them away from your statue.  Such thoughtful touches create a welcoming atmosphere that increase returning visits.

Regarding traffic flow, well constructed garden paths do more than look great.  They keep visitors from compacting the ground in the planting area of your garden while directing them to the things you most want them to see.  After all the time, money and effort involved, it is a sad sight to see large garden statues that have been poorly displayed or even worse, forgotten.  Following these few tips will help you enjoy yours for many years to come.

For those of you who want to keep your statue looking new for as long as you can, I would suggest that you go ahead and use a water sealer on it. (You can get a generic concrete sealer at your local hardware store.) Plan on treating your statues every two years so that they don’t get damaged by acid rain, air pollution or stained by clay dirt, etc.

Someone recently asked me about painting a concrete statue. I think he had bought an eagle to paint which sounds like an excellent craft idea to me. I would seal it first. Then I would paint it with either latex or oil paint and finally, use a sealer with a UV inhibitor for a final coat. From that point on, I would seal it every other year unless it looked like it needed it sooner. I’m tempted to try painting one. I bet I could do a better job than some of the statues I’ve seen. Just think, you could blend your colors and define feathers, etc. It sounds like fun.

By the way, we are speaking of statues. If you have a concrete fountain, you should also seal it every year. Be sure to check the information that came with your statue. They may recommend that you use certain products to maintain your warranty. In any case, it’s crucial that you drain the fountain before freezing weather. Anything with a small bowl like a birdbath can be brought inside or turned over so that it doesn’t accumulate water. It would be a shame to lose your beautiful garden statue due to ice.

By the way, if you want to know how I take care of my own fountain, visit Care for Outdoor Garden Statues and Fountains.

Hey, I found a forum where someone has been painting statues with the enamel spray paint you can get at Walmart.  She sprays the paint into the cap, mixes colors and brushes it on.  She included pictures on the forum so if you are interested in painting your statues, we know that works.  Unfortunately, I lost the link so I can’t hook you up with her :0P

Outdoor Statues – Some new statues (especially cast stone) have salts in their materials that will leach out for a while.  It will look like a whitish haze on them (efflorescence) that will disappear over time.  This is usually natural but again, check with your manufacturer.

Even though many statues are permanently installed in the open air, it is best for them to be protected from water and freezing weather.  If possible, a roof can be built over them or if you live in a place with extreme temperature fluctuations, they can be covered with burlap and a tarp until the weather stabilizes.  Like fountains, smaller pieces can be brought inside through the worst of it.  Some cast stone statues do well having a sealant applied on a yearly basis.  Be careful as there are different products and you need one that is compatible with your statue.

If your statue needs cleaning, a nylon brush with some mild detergent should be all you need.  Do not use strongly acidic solutions and watch out in areas where a lot of winter salt is used to clear ice.  Make sure you wash it off your statue so that it doesn’t affect it.

Fountains are easily maintained.

Fountains – I have a fiberglass fountain that I purchased 2 1/2 years ago.  Since I live in Florida, there are only a few nights that I have to worry about freezing weather.  So far, it has held up nicely.  I usually spend about 10 minutes a week caring for it.  First I skim any leaves out and then I use a short piece of hose to siphon any dirt that has settled on the bottom of the bowls.  Finally I make sure the water level is where it should be and then add a little bleach to keep it clear.  When it is running, I check it every 3 or 4 hours to make sure the water is deep enough.  It is better to fill it more frequently than to let it get too empty and risk having your pump burn out.

If you live in a northern climate, a smaller fountain can be emptied and even moved inside until the thaw/frost cycles are over for the year.  If it can’t be moved, drain it and put burlap into the bowl, then cover it with a tarp.   If it is a very large fountain, keep the water circulating during cold weather so that the pump can’t freeze.  You can further protect it by installing a water heater.

Some manufacturers recommend that you take your pump apart about once a month and soak the parts in vinegar to keep them free of mineral deposits.  I confess, I haven’t done that yet but will include it in this year’s winter maintenance plans.  You can find more helpful information on the Garden Statue Shop Information pages.