Whimsy in the Garden

This fella had a name….”Randolph”. Don’t know why, but it really fit him. I swear that this frog changed expression depending on the weather and what was planted in his body, as he was really a planter. Unfortunately we had a record snow storm a couple of years ago and he broke from ice expanding in his belly. I miss him……..tough way to go.

Lighting can add a whimsical touch. This fella has a sweet expression and one would be sure to smile as he greeted visitors.

Repurposing garden equipment and tools adds up to some lovely vignettes. Here a light hanging from a tree limb adds even more to the setting.

Here the bike was completely painted in a single color, much less time consuming and resulting in a really nice effect. One spray can of paint, maybe two, and there you have it. source

This leaves one to wonder who was behind the farm implement at one time, and who pushed open the old garden gate?                source

Old shoes and boots make adorable planting containers. Good planting idea to do with children. Non-breakable and colorful. source

Old chairs with flowers…..how can you go wrong. I adore the shape and lack of color on this chair, which allows the flowers to take center stage. source

I bet kids today wouldn’t even know what a washboard is, but here old implements are a perfect touch in a whimsical country garden.            source

I have several of these old galvanized watering cans and lined up on a stair look very sweet. Notice all these cans are a bit different as well.    source

Old garden tools plus succulents hung on a bright white background……with an old show and antique toy truck add up to country garden art!

We can also add whimsy to the garden by using color. Here painting many pots a vibrant purple hue, and planting with the same color range of plants makes for a pop of color that would make anyone notice and enjoy.

Here color is used on a fence for not only a pop of color, but to effectively help keep puppy out of the flower beds. Very effective.  source

If you live by the lake or any body of water, how cute are these fish chairs. Subtle, but a good example of using a theme for whimsical effect. These almost look like they could straighten up and dance! Notice the fish tail shape for the leg rest……            source

Now this is a new definition of flower bed!!!! I could one not laugh coming around a corner and seeing this? My mattress should be so fluffy looking and my bed so well made!    source

Here a screened door was reused to mark the entrance to a garden. The whimsy is not just in it’s purpose, but in the response one feels upon entering, with the door slamming shut behind you. Wonderful childhood memories of the porch door slamming all summer long, with a parade of people coming and going                 source

Garden Houses allow a gardener a place to showcase design choices that might otherwise not be possible in the main house. This one is tea party ready.

Topiaries can add a fun component to a garden whether large or small. Let your inner artist play Edward Scissorhand!   source

A dog house can be a creative way to add fun and color. This one had its own flower garden!

Now this person is not afraid of color or fun choices in the structure as well. You just have to laugh. Don’t know if I could go this far, but you have to admit it is whimsical.

Here color is used on an asymmetrical garden path. How can one not be happy walking here?              source

Here bright color is used to compliment the bright blue of Hydrangea for a fun place to sit.  source

Old pieces of ceramic are used in a creative and fun way to add dimension to flower beds.   source

Here teacups and teapots are used to make a bird feeder.   source

This guy appeals to my sense of humor. I would have him at eye level as I rounded a corner to a garden space and I know I would laugh out loud every time.    source

This was made by the Master Gardeners of Green County ,MO. What a delightful and original piece of garden art.

What fun for children or adults……………..source

Major whimsy!       source

The photo is a bit blurry, but for some reason I was really drawn to this art installation. It is whimsical, but more than that, for me it tugged at my heart strings…….                      source

Now this is the kind of whimsy that kids love!!!! I can just here them as they catch sight of Mr. Garden man emerging from his home below the earth.    source

And I love this as much as any kid would………so very creative.

This would definitely appeal to kids, although not sure I would want it in my garden! From the upper left photo you can see how large it really is. At night it could be a bit scary………but still falls within the definition of whimsy! The bottom one is kinda cool.

Kinda Alice in Wonderland, but what kid wouldn’t love arriving home to this. I allow however, that these homeowners just might have had a tipsy gardener trimming their shrubs.

And how about romantic whimsy?             source