Hello there,
I have a big backyard and it is my personal oasis. I spend a lot of time sitting out there, wandering around, and enjoying it.
I also have a lot of lawn decorations and I have learned by trial and error what works for me when buying and placing them. First off most of the time I place a border around my lawn art. I use a variety of plastic borders then I place plastic down inside to keep out weeds and grass. Then I place the statue (or whatever) inside it. I fill in the area inside with rocks, sand, gravel, or wood chips. I have even used marbles and seashells. For practicality this makes trimming much easier and I don't inadvertently damage my decorations. But I also enjoy the eye appeal the borders give me.
We also have a gazebo that we sit at so some of my artwork is placed with that in mind. I would recommend that if you have more than one place you enjoy your yard from that you place your decorations accordingly.
Keep in mind the changing seasons as well. In the winter I enjoy my yard from an upstairs picture window so some of my stuff is placed for that vantage point. I like to also place some things partially hidden (not showcased). I love it when someone discovers something new and walks over to investigate.
I think the reason I get so many compliments on my backyard is not only because of its size, but because of the variety of decorations and their uniqueness. I prefer not to shop locally because the variety is not as good and I want to buy things different from what my neighbors already have or have seen in the stores. I like to be the one to discover something unique.
We also enjoy watching the birds in our yard and we have a variety of feeders and houses. I prefer feeders and birdhouses that are attractive as well as durable. That way they enhance my yard plus attract the birds. I have learned, though, to place my art at least 10 feet away from the feeders. That way it saves on clean up, if you know what I mean!!
My best advice is if you see something you like get it. Then take it outside and see where it looks best. When you think you know where you want it leave it there for a few days to make sure it looks "just right". After you are sure put your border around it if you want to.
Some pieces you know exactly where you want them when you buy them so that doesn't apply, but for the rest a few days of observation can save you some labor later.
Most of all buy stuff you will enjoy. Don't worry about what the neighbors think, you are the one you are trying to please. Plus when you get something put it out right away. I have one neighbor that was struggling to get his lawn to look just right. He was waiting until then to put out his art. I told them to put them out anyway. After he did he said he enjoyed working on his lawn more and it showed!!
Well that is all for now. Enjoy your backyards!!!
Pat
