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How does your garden glow? Art such
as birdbaths, globes and sculptures can add color all year
long
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Journal
Staff
Barbara Sanderson
used blown glass and copper tubing for this arbor at
Bassetti's Crooked Arbor Gardens in
Woodinville.
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By
Carole Beers
Journal
Reporter
Flowers add
exclamation points to a garden certain times of the
year.
Varied shapes, textures and plantings give interest in
other seasons.
But for lasting effects, for season-spanning
drama that attracts attention without needing any, you can't beat
garden art.
It can be as plain — and plainly beautiful
— as a mosaic birdbath, or as fancy as a metal arbor studded
with colorful, blown-glass flowers.
"Sculpture makes a nice
addition to gardens because it's not only a conversation piece for
people walking through gardens, but is also an object to view with
pleasure anytime," said Leanetta Bassetti, owner of Bassetti's
Crooked Arbor Gardens, a 3-acre wonderland in
Woodinville.
"Artworks are like jewels in the garden. Their
shapes and colors complement the plants, and they add to the whole
view."
Bassetti's — which has many sculptures outside on its
garden acreage, but also many in its indoor gallery — is one
of King County's top promoters of garden art, most of it by
locals.
Bassetti herself likes shapely wood and stone, but
also is keen on rusted metal sculptures and artifacts in a leafy
garden.
"The eye accepts it as a wonderful combination," she
said. "Rusty art makes a garden look established."
Artist
Darcy Thompson, who makes mosaic birdbaths, tables and other goodies
for her firm Artcycled, has a different view.
"Made out of
unusual materials or assembled in unusual ways, (garden art) makes
me smile and see the lighter side of life," said Thompson, who has
items at Bassetti's.
Artist Barbara Sanderson, whose metal
arbor with blue glass flowers stands in front of blooming roses at
Bassetti's, has yet another view.
"Exceptional outdoor living
spaces are created using a combination of glass, water, lights and
plants," said Sanderson, noting that she produces all the above.
"Whether you have a large or small garden, (art) can provide focal
points or accents throughout your garden."
But how do you
know what to collect? Will you make expensive
mistakes?
Bassetti thinks not.
"I do feel most
gardeners, whether they know it or not, are artists themselves," she
said. "They usually put plants and other things in their garden that
please them. It's the same with art."
TIPS FOR
CHOOSING GARDEN ART
Act locally. Look for works by local artists. They know what
works in our area, in terms of shapes, materials and colors.
Dig the design. Consider the overall design of the garden, or
theme, and select art accordingly. For example, in a Japanese garden
you want earth tones and materials such as stone or wood. In a
modern urban garden, some strong metal sculpture.
Complement it. Look for art to play up your garden's shapes,
textures, colors, heights and widths. A tall sculpture would look
good against or within a low-growing bed or border. And in a group
of tall perennials, a column or vertical sculpture takes on a
certain plant life, itself.
Accentuate it. When placing a large stone, animal or human
sculpture or art fountains, consider where you need accents and
focal points. For example, such art looks great in the center of a
pond or round garden, or at the end of a narrow vista.
Light it. Try to place garden art where it can be appreciated
from inside the house, or coming up the walk. Then spotlight it for
after-dark viewing.
"12th Annual Garden Art
Show & Plant Sale"
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Admission is free
Artists and artworks on site, Sunday hat parade (bring a
decorated garden hat), gardens open for touring, live music, catered
lunch by Bon Aromi, other refreshments available
18512 N.E. 165th St., Woodinville
Information: 425-788-6767, or go to http://www.bassettisgardens.com/
Where
to find more garden art:
A Garden of Distinction, 5819 Sixth Ave. S., Seattle
(206-763-0517). Garden art and furnishings,
Bellevue Botanical Garden, Trillium Gift Shop, 11200 Main St.,
Bellevue (425-688-8551). Garden tools and art objects.
Molbak's Greenhouse and Nursery, 13625 N.E. 175th St.,
Woodinville (425-483-5000). Tools and garden art and
accessories.
Ravenna Gardens, 325 Parkplace Center, Kirkland (425-827-5501).
Tools, outdoor art and garden accessories.
Squak Mountain Greenhouses and Nursery, Garden Shed Gift Shop,
7600 Renton-Issaquah Rd., Issaquah (425-392-1025). Tools and
accessories.
Windmilll Gardens, Gift Shop, 5823 160th Ave. E., Sumner
(253-865-5843). Art and tools.
Last modified: June 22. 2006
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