The best garden ornaments are an inexpensive and easy way to change your garden décor. In every town, there is a particular garden that's festooned with whirligigs, toadstools and fairy folk. This might be magic to some. While others may prefer a carefully placed pair of stone horseheads on their pergola. Channel coastal vibes with driftwood, sea glass and storm lanterns, or go kitsch with an exotic ornamental flamingo on your lawn. A garden ornament adds that finishing touch that puts your stamp of personality on your plot.
Nothing livens up the front garden more than a few cheeky gnomes. But equally, a garden ornament can add drama, particularly when it's dramatically lit. Alternatively, an angelic garden statue could be a memorial to a loved one, that's been chosen with sentiment. Placement and position are crucial to achieving the intention you want from your garden ornament. For example, a decorative fire pit needs to be front and centre of a seating area. In contrast, an ornamental copper lamp acts as a background prop to create the mise en scène of your garden. Garden ornaments fall into this latter category; they set the mood without overpowering, working with foliage and flowers to tell the story of your garden.
The best garden ornaments at a glance:
• Best unusual garden ornament: T-Rex Dinosaur Ornament - View offer on Dunelm
• Best light-up garden ornament: garden mile Solar Powered Light Up Flamingo - View offer on Amazon UK
• Best Zen garden ornament: Asian Elephant Garden Ornament - View offer on Homebase
• Best stone garden ornament: Stone Garden Moon Gazing Hare Ornament - View offer on Etsy
A general rule is that accessories should make up 10 per cent of the total assets in your garden. That Buddha statue is the proverbial cherry on top of your zen garden. Whatever style you go for, do pay attention to what material the garden ornament is made of. Garden ornaments are generally stone, resin, metal or ceramic. Naturally, stone and metal are going to weather over time - which may be perfect for a traditional cottagecore garden. However, if moss is anathema to your bust of Athena, we recommend opting for accessories that are made of resin.
Finally, size is important. Photographed from a low angle, that gnome looked ginormous, but angles are deceptive. Do take note of the dimensions and measure the area where you're thinking of putting your whatnot. Now, have fun - get creative and coordinate your plants and the textures of the stones around your garden ornament. For example, imagine a soothing African-themed garden. A corner of the decking is framed by a frond screen and stoneware planters, with gold leopard pot hangers dangling from the planters. Planted with ornamental grasses makes for a peaceful sound in a light breeze. This blissed-out border is an insta-worthy retreat in the smallest of gardens.
Best garden ornaments
Best unusual garden ornament
www.dunelm.com
Say tyrannosaurus-yes to this quirky garden ornament. Bound to delight children of all ages, this T-Rex Dinosaur Ornament will add a bit of drama to the dahlias and provide a mini jump-scare or two. Inspired by the dinosaur exhibit at the Natural History Museum, this detailed poly resin statuette is a great learning tool to develop youngsters' imaginations and let them run wild.
Customer review: "This ornament was far better than I thought it was going to be, only saw it on line before purchasing. Bigger than I anticipated also. Very pleased with it , and my son, who it was purchased for loved it."
Pros
- A bit different
- Delight children
Cons
- Take note of the dimensions to avoid disappointment - it's not a tall ornament
Best light-up garden ornament
A perennial favourite… the flamingo garden ornament. We didn't get enough of them last summer, because they're back and more kitsch than ever. We love this garden mile Solar Powered Light Up Flamingo with it's pink, pearly sheen, that transforms in the dark to cast a patterned light, thanks to its LED lights. Because it's solar powered there are no running costs. If flamingos aren't your cup of tea, there are lots of light-up creature garden ornaments to choose from.
Customer review: "Looks lovely in my small garden beautiful when lit up at night."
Pros
- Lots of creature in the range if flamingos aren't your thing
- Lights up
Cons
- Don't expect it to cast a strong light
Best Zen garden ornament
www.homebase.co.uk
For your Zen sanctuary, this Asian Elephant Garden Ornament is a stoic statue that's peaceful. In Buddhism, the elephant is a symbol of mental strength and this ornament is a wonderful reminder to have fortitude. As spending time outdoors is linked to wellbeing, this Asian elephant will enhance the tranquillity of any calming corner. Also, the painted finish gives it a tactile appeal, which is so good for sensory satisfaction.
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Calming
Cons
- No customer reviews available
Best stone garden ornament
www.etsy.com
Sturdy enough to withstand the elements, but light enough to move around, this Stone Garden Moon Gazing Hare Ornament is made of reconstituted stone that's been handcrafted by the seller. The stone has an aged appearance, but it's tough enough to withstand frost. This harmonious hare is a popular pick on Etsy, so don't miss out.
Customer review: "I love this hare so much that I bought one for my sisters too. A good price, well packaged in shredded cardboard which has gone in my compost bin and bubble wrap which is now in my potting shed, and the box is now in the recycling bin."
Pros
- Handcrafted
- Long-lasting stone
Cons
- None
Best owl garden ornament
www.wayfair.co.uk
Add miniatures to your menagerie with this quirky upgrade on the traditional owl garden statue. The Resin Owl Garden Ornament is a fun and contemporary take on the wise old owl - more Furby than Archimedes. Partially blending in with a lawn, this little resin ornament will provide a hoot at your next garden party. Because it has flocking on its body, we'd recommend storing this inside when the weather's bad, to preserve the pretty little thing for next summer.
Pros
- Contemporary fun
- Made from durable resin
Cons
- Small - note the dimensions to avoid disappointment
Best garden gnomes
A gnome by any other name is a gonk, and we're just obsessed with these Gus and Gilbert Gonks. The super cute pint-size patio pedestrians bring peace and love - who could say no? Made from resin, these adorable dwarf gnomes have a wood-painted effect that makes them look hand-crafted. But, this perfect pair are durable enough to withstand most weather conditions. There are other gonk pairs to collect too - go on, give them a gnome sweet gnome.
Customer review: "Very pleased with this item. They are small, but have character and are well made. They have survived well in the garden, with all the rain, this year."
Pros
- Super cute
- Collectable range
Cons
- Some reviews comment that the ornaments are broken upon delivery
Best fairy garden ornament
Promoting serenity Pelle and Sol Fairy Garden Ornaments are a reminder of companionship and a memorial to loved ones who we want by our side in our garden sanctuary. These detailed little angels bring joy to any small outdoor space. Also, they make a special gift for a loved one who's in tune with their spirituality. They're made of resin, so they'll withstand the elements but do position them in a sheltered spot when it's windy.
Customer review: "I am so glad that I bought these. I bought them for a gift and love them. They look fabulous. Much prettier than the photos and even better colouring. So happy with them."
Pros
- Thoughtful ornaments
- Durable
- Value for money
Cons
- Delicate
Best pot hanger
www.dunelm.com
This little kitty is hanging on by its claws. The Cat Pot Hanger is a delightful gift of any cat lover, adding an eye-catching detail to a planter. Looking before he leaps, this danger cat is a mischievous garden charm and a mini ornament that provides small-scale decoration at a great price.
Customer review: "A lovely pot hanger. It would make a lovely small gift for cat lovers."
Pros
- Perfect for cat lovers
- Ideal for a small outdoor space or window sill
Cons
- None
Best dog garden ornament
The Cockapoo Dog Stone Statue is a must for lovers of this playful breed. Made of stone, this will be a long-lasting addition to the garden and may be a fitting tribute to a pet that's passed. The detail on the fur is superb and you can expect this statue to age over time. We love its paw-some features.
Customer review: "Arrived very well packaged and undamaged. Lovely little statue."
Pros
- Weatherproof
- Lovely details
Cons
- None
10.
Degraw Peacock
Best garden ornament for wow-factor
www.wayfair.co.uk
Shake your tail feather with this magnificent Degraw Peacock by World Menagerie. Available in two poses, we love the whimsy and sleekness of this forward-facing garden ornament. Hewn from metal pieces that have been painted in vibrant peacock colours, with the right placement this will catch the sun and look utterly stunning.
Customer review: "Better than expected and looks good in the garden. Quality product and good vibrant colours."
Pros
- Spectacular
- Freestanding
- Lightweight
Cons
- Take note of the dimensions - as the tail makes this a larger ornament
FAQs
What should I consider when buying a garden ornament?
Introducing an ornament or two is a low-maintenance way to add beauty to your outdoor space. Just be mindful of your garden's overall aesthetic so that you maintain a coherent look and feel. And take care not to add too many elements as your space will look cluttered.
Size and scale: Make sure it's proportional to the overall space and complements existing elements.
Material: Garden ornaments are available in various durable materials, including stone, resin, metal and ceramic. Weight, weather-resistance and aesthetic appeal vary so think about how you want your garden ornament to look after it's been outside for a year.
Style: Traditional, contemporary, minimalist or novelty - there's an ornament to suit all tastes.
Lighting: Mood lighting has a big impact on the theatricality of a garden ornament. A little illumination can totally change its look and feel. Bear this in mind when you position your ornament and choose to use mains power, solar or candlelight to light it.
How can I give my garden a quick makeover?
As well as buying the best accessories to bring some fun and colour to your garden, there are some other things you can do to help refresh any tired items you already own and make them look good as new.
A lick of paint can make all the difference. If you've got some old terracotta plant pots, you can paint them with bright colours, repaint your existing furniture to make it feel brand new. Or give your fences a lick of dark varnish to give the tired wood a new lease of life.
Upcycle some old pieces into something new. We love these rustic rope shelves that you can make from an old pallet, or try making your own garden wall bar using old wood from past DIY projects.
Get to work on your garden borders or patio, removing any weeds or unwanted moss. If you have a pressure washer too, a blitz of this will be so rewarding.
If you want to invite wildlife into your garden and hear those bird songs loud and clear, we'd recommend getting a bird feeder to feel that bit closer to nature.
Got a full house and plenty of kids' toys lying around in the garden to prove it? You can easily make your garden more appealing to lounge in by simply buying or building a storage unit to store it neatly away. If it's built sturdy enough, you could even paint it and put some cushion on top to make for a cute garden ottoman and extra seating.
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Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in garden trends. When she's not flexing her mow-how, Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.