There is no doubt that the majesty of beautiful plants can be awe-inspiring. But sometimes we can get lost in the size of a garden or it might seem lacking in personality, which is just the time to take a closer look at outdoor garden statues. Garden statuary has been used for nearly as long as gardens have been in existence. Historians believe that statues of animals strategically stood guard to ward off unwanted visitors to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Sculpted marble statues honored gods in elaborate Greek gardens. Italian monasteries produced such amazing works of art that it is widely believed that they helped launch the Renaissance period.

In my garden, depictions of the Four Seasons are part of the crowd when I have an outdoor party. Their scale helps the first guests feel welcome, as if they are not the only ones present. They also serve as an unspoken boundary. I find it is amazing how everyone remains in that garden room, not venturing out into the adjacent formal lawn.
Garden statues not only bring a sense of boundary and scale, they also help define the personality of a garden. Whatever feeling you would like your garden to communicate, achieve it through the strategic use of garden statuary. A statue of Apollo can bring in a sense of masculinity, or a statue of St. Francis of Assisi can provide a playful reverence.
My advice to anyone looking to add character to their garden: Browse local antiques stores and garden centers for the statue that will suit your personality and garden aesthetic perfectly.
See More Garden Statues in the Slideshow:
By Troy Rhone