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I’ve never wanted to go overboard with any one item in the yard. I like collections but my yard is small and I didn’t want it to become cluttered with garden art. Then, the other day while strolling through the yard I noticed I have more than a couple of angels and a few birds in the garden art department.
Hopefully, they aren’t too blatantly obvious but more a natural accent and fairly subtle.
So how did this happen, you’re asking? It started innocently enough with this plaque given to me by my friend Carla in honor of my grandmother’s passing. I’ve always liked it and it’s gotten nice and mossy on the wall in the back yard, surrounded by ivy.
Next angel to move in was this fountain, which is no longer a fountain but a planter. A friend of mine owned a great little shop on Balboa Island and she gave me this fountain for a “friendly” price. The sound of the fountain forced me to plant it instead of keeping it as a fountain. The sound of the steady stream of water wasn’t the soothing trickle I’d hoped for…more like a little boy peeing.
The fountain/planter is now planted with white impatiens and sweet potato vine, I’m thinking I need to go back to pink impatiens and fern.
This little angel caught my eye because I could see her sitting on my garden bench. My gardener broke her neck by accident one time, but we were able to give her epoxy surgery and repair her.
Above is her newest home in the formal garden, below is where she used to sit in the side yard.
This next angel is something I picked up in Rosarito Beach, Mexico…what was I thinking?…I’m really getting carried away with angels but these were all bought over a period of 25 years.
This door knocker was a gift, I’ve hung it on the patio post and looking at this photograph it’s kind of creepy looking. She looks mad and her eyes definitely frighten me.
I’m going to show you some birds next week…bet you can’t wait!
P.S. I also know that a dear friend (who shall not be named) hates angel statues. Fortunately she is still my friend.
I’m visiting Fishtail Cottage Garden Party, stop by for some great garden inspiration.
Garden, Home & Party 
Kifus said:
I’m not particularly keen on angels, they make me a bit sad, but I love the one sitting on your bench. And I also love the basket with flowers there, a beautiful vignette with the sign and number.
Have a lovely day, Karen!
Victoria Elizabeth Barnes said:
I think it’s fine to go overboard. I personally live there in perpetuity…
Your roses are so beautiful. Is that a photo from spring? Or an indication that in CA your roses stay beautiful year-round and don’t make you crazy with blackspot?
I used to have a rose garden. But it was such a love-hate relationship, that when we moved I vowed to never get involved in anything so dysfunctional again.
Karen B. said:
Victoria,
I’d love to lie and say, “why yes, my roses look this good year round, don’t yours?” (said with a prissy voice). Truth is, at the end of last summer I was ready to yank all of them out due to a blasted, elusive insect called “sawfly”. The leaves of each rose bush were riddled with pin-sized holes, and being the control freak I can be, I had lost the battle with them. Fortunately this summer, for whatever reason, they insects were absent except for a few leaves. Phew, that was a long answer for a simple question, no the rose photos were taken in the spring.
Karen
Carla said:
It is hard not to be enthusiastic about garden art when viewing your beautiful garden. I love bits and bobs of architectural pieces peeking through plants and everyone needs garden angels for sweetness and serenity. Yours are placed in such a way they are a delight to the eye and have such family history . Collecting is wonderful! CARLA
Karen B. said:
Carla,
Merci! As you must know, you provide me with inspiration for my garden all the time, except maybe now that the heat and humidity has taken its toll on each plant in gardens all over Southern California! Fall is on the way to rescue us.
Karen
Marlene said:
I absolutely love your beautiful boxwood gardens. You have a bit of heaven right in your back yard… I think you have done an amazing job the way you planned the use of your space. I lived in Williamsburg several years ago and find it is Charleston and Williamsburg gardens combined. Lovely!
Karen B. said:
Mariene,
What a nice compliment. Thank you so much. One of my dear friends has told me for years that I would love Charleston, especially during the spring. I must put that one the list of places to see.
So nice to meet you and I appreciate your kind comment.
Karen
Linda Coble said:
Karen,
I love your angels – even the “angry” one! My own garden is a menagerie of animals – rabbits, chickens, cats and ducks. I love them all and, fortunately, hubby is very understanding.
Your boxwood garden constantly amazes me!
Linda
Karen B. said:
Linda, Thanks so much. I still have the rabbit we both purchased that first trip to Carmel. I know you do too, he’s a fixture in the spring. xo, Karen
Gretchen said:
Karen, your tasteful use of garden art has always been an inspiration to me. I hadn’t realized that you had so many angels – a tribute to your skill at incorporating art into your landscape. Your pictures show me that you are still the queen of vignettes both inside and out!
Karen B. said:
Gretchen,
Thank you so much. I don’t think I realized how many angels I had collected over the years until just recently. I guess they will have to take care of my garden for me…the insects have been better behaved this summer.
Karen
Loi Thai said:
Hi Karen – I do not think your collection of angels is too much. They are not so big….pretty discreet. And I think they look wonderful in your beautiful garden. I love knowing the history behind some of them. Also, your sundial is fabulous 🙂
Cheers,
Loi
Karen B. said:
Loi,
Thank you. The sundial was from a store called Smith & Hawken. I was very sad when that store closed its doors.
designchic said:
What beautiful angels and love your garden!!
Karen B. said:
Thanks so much!
xo,
Karen
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