Garden Accessories can be functional; but most often, they are placed in gardens for their charm and whimsy. From cheap mechanical croaking frogs to expensive gazebos, we just can't get enough of them. A garden cart can hold a watering can, hand tools, and gloves. It can be used as a garden end table or just placed there for visual appeal only.

Garden accessories don't have to be functional. Statues give style to a garden, while fountains and waterfalls create mist and water sounds. Garden structures such as arches and gates create entry ways or exits. Windmills and water wheels add movement. Tables, chairs, and umbrellas are inviting and add comfort.

The beauty about garden accessories, is that they don't have to meet the same standards as home decor. What's good about this situation for an artist, is that an artist (or designer) can drop their guard just a bit when stylizing and designing for the garden. If you feel

For my garden, I placed a metal watering can inside an outdoor cart. I painted the watering can with white house paint. Then, I painted a horizontal line with green acrylic paint. I sprayed the can with a clear coat of matte lacquer and threw sand onto the lacquer before it had a chance to dry. Once again, I repeated the process. Finally, I sprayed a final coat of clear matte lacquer for the finishing touch.

Today, the watering can looks pretty close to how I originally treated it―and it's been outside in approximately the same spot for about four years now. This may seem unimportant and insignificant to some, but it is a rewarding experience to the person who took the time to add that special, personal touch to a manufactured garden accent.

Debbie Jensen, Graphic Designer and Photographer http://www.debjensendesigns.com

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