Garden Decorations-Any ideas?

Question from Olivia:
My client just asked me for some garden decorations ideas. Frogs and St Francis d’Assisi were my choice (would Quan Yin also work of the garden?) What would you recommend for garden decorations?

Answer from Pat:
Feng shui is very useful in the garden when choosing and placing statues and objects. There are many experts on this. It is best not to use oriental statuary, however, unless creating an oriental garden or one inspired by the orient. Most experts say do not plant a tree directly in front of a front door. There are books on Feng shui in the garden that can be helpful and explain many ways to arrange things in a harmonious way. It seems to be some kind of science of arrangement and not pure superstition. Avoid books based on superstitious ideas and stick with those that offer positive and helpful ideas.

Many experts have said that wind chimes can go on the left of a door or window if one’s back is against the house wall or to the right of a door or window if one is facing the house. These are reputed to bring blessings and helpful people to the house. The tones should be pleasing, and never grating. Some people need to muffle wind chimes at night. The best kinds sound like temple bells and are arranged to give out special tones, like music.

Frogs are especially good next to water or near the front door and denote “Divine Supply” especially if they are a gift. St. Frances or St. Fiacre are perfect in gardens and add an air of peace and harmony of spirit, but take care to get truly artistic and pleasing examples. Statues make excellent focal points and places to which a path can lead.

Birdbaths and fountains are also excellent additions to gardens. I think every garden should include water in some form other than the garden hose. Water adds greatly to the atmosphere of a garden and brings birds. When water moves, it is important to arrange the fountain so that the water falls in the direction of the house and not away from it. Water flowing towards the house brings money and supply. Water flowing away to the house is said to make supply flow away. But if the water flows in all directions, just make sure a goodly amount flows towards the house.

An old birdbath can also be used for planting succulents as a focal point for a garden bed, such as under the shade of a tree where perhaps invasive roots make many plants hesitant to grow.