If you're an art lover, it's likely that you have a few paintings, prints, furniture art, and miniature sculptures gracing your home. But have you ever thought about extending your art collection to the great outdoors? Experts say that incorporating art into your garden allows you to add visual interest to your space. Kevin Caron, a professional sculpture based in Phoenix, Arizona, says that everyone should view their yard as a potential space to be curated. “You can add color and unexpected angles and movement among the green of a garden, or enjoy the piece on its own,” he explains.

An imposing piece of art not only adds a touch of drama to your exteriors, but it also makes your outdoor space feel more personal and engaging. To bring creativity into your life, here are some garden art ideas to enhance your outdoor space.

Incorporate Outdoor Sculptures into Your Garden

Ever wish that you could have your very own mini Brookgreen Gardens or Vigeland Sculpture Park at home? If you like the idea of having contemporary sculptures in your outdoor space, think about commissioning a local artist to create a few pieces made from stone, bronze, copper, stainless steel, or aluminum since these materials hold up well outside. You can also make a few pieces by carving images in metal plates to create wall-mounted artworks, or make an art installation using recycled materials.

Placement is key to create the desired visual effect in your outdoor space. For instance, if you want your sculpture to frame a view, place it near a few trees, or make sure that it's visible from your deck or kitchen window. If you want to create a focal point, place the sculpture near a water fountain or make it the centerpiece of your yard. You can also nestle a group of stone sculptures within some plants, and surround a metal sculpture with rocks or small stones. When choosing ready-made sculptures, be mindful of the scale and choose appropriately-sized works for your garden. “It should be the right scale and in proportion with the yard,” says garden designer Richard Miers. “Too small it will get lost, and too large it will dominate.”

Consider Living Art Installations

Remember how Edward Scissorhands turned hedges into living green sculptures? Take a cue from the film and seek out a topiary artist or a specialized landscape designer to trim your hedges into giant cats, elephants, unicorns, or any shape that you desire. For a contemporary garden, think about trimming hedges into geometric shapes like cubes or spheres.

Not quite sure if a dinosaur-shaped hedge is right for your yard? As an alternative, consider transforming a wall into a vertical garden, and use succulents or similar plants to create a carpet-like pattern on the wall. Create sitting areas near living art installations, and surround them with perennial ground cover plants like Creeping Phlox, Lampranthus, or blue star creeper to add color and lushness to your space.

Add Functional Art Pieces

Upgrade your garden with beautiful pieces that serve a purpose. Add some oversized stone planters and stone or concrete benches to turn your garden into an open air gallery, then install a firepit for warmth and a touch of luxury. You can also add water fountains to enhance the beauty of your garden and fill the air with the soothing sound of flowing water. If you have a Zen-style garden, think about installing an oversized sphere fountain or a Buddha head fountain in your outdoor space. For modern gardens, consider a wall fountain with built-in LED lights or a freestanding contemporary fountain.

Extend your art collection into your outdoor space and transform your exteriors into an alfresco gallery. Consider these ideas to turn your garden into an art paradise, and enjoy having a relaxing space that celebrates nature, beauty, and art.