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.

As a young girl in upstate New York, we had our share of gloomy winter days. When nothing much was growing outside, my grandmother’s porch was usually glowing with color. She collected glass bottles, jars and statues on her windowsill. When there was any light outside, they glowed and when the sun would shine, rainbows broke out. In my little eyes, it was wonderful .

As an adult, I know they were dust catchers and probably a pain to keep clean. but, there’s still a corner of my heart that revels in the sensation of light bursting through glass. Now, with Bottle Trees, I’ve found something even better. With their colorful trees, you can have the effect without the dust! Whether you choose a low one that holds the glass like big blossoms above a bed of greenery or a tall one that stands as a tree in its own right, they are guaranteed to become a conversation piece that brightens up a dull corner.

I haven’t seen these in stores. They are made in a family owned welding shop in a small-town right here in the U.S called Sunflower, MS. It’s in the heart of the South, the Mississippi Delta. As you know, when you buy something that’s made in the U.S.A. it’s good for the American economy. Also, because they aren’t a big operation, you can have something that is truly unique bringing attention to your favorite spot.
Why not visit the Bottle Tree site and then let me know what you think?

• Location, Location, Location – Where are you planning to place your garden statue? Does your garden have a theme? Is it formal or informal? You might want to consider who is going to see the statue. Is it intended for children, adults or both? Are you creating a play yard, a tea garden or a place for lovers to meet? All of these will influence your choice.
• Size – Do you need a large statue or can a smaller one be placed on a pedestal and still give you the impact you need? If you intend to make it a focal point, it might need to be bigger than one that will sit in a side garden.
• Material – There are many materials available on the market today. Resin statues are basically a type of plastic that is painted to resemble other materials. It is much lighter so if you want something that you can move to different areas over time, this could be a good choice. Fiberglass is similar but usually shinier than basic resin. There is also something called Fiberstone that is a mixture of limestone and fiberglass. It gives the look and feel of stone but is lighter and actually more durable. Cement statues are heavy and meant to remain in place. They generally don’t have the fine detail of other materials. Stone materials may be sculpted rather than molded unless they are crushed or ground with a binder and then formed. Finally there are metals like bronze to consider. They produce a very fine detail but generally cost more as well.
• Design – This is the fun part. What is your subject? There are animal statues, angels and cherubs or other religious statues, children, gnomes and fairies, men and women or even geometric or free form art designs available. If you predetermine your subject, it will save you a lot of time once you actually pick out your statue.
• Price – I’ve left this category until last because it depends on your previous choices. Cost is a determining factor but it shouldn’t dictate your outdoor garden statue choice. If after careful consideration, the statue you want is outside your current budget, you might delay your purchase until you can afford it. Conversely, there could be a similar statue in a more affordable material that you don’t have to wait for.

Working your way through this list will help you know what to ask when you are shopping for your statue. They will give you the confidence to choose an outdoor garden statue that will be satisfying for years to come.