Animal-themed decor in the garden

Animals in the garden: a decorative tradition that dates back centuries

Animal statuary or sculpture was grand at Versailles and later at Tivoli and in the grand European parks from the 18th century onwards. The botanical gardens and landscaped public parks that emerged in the 19th century across Europe also adorned themselves with aesthetically pleasing animal figures, often life-sized and sometimes even oversized. These magnificent gardens often drew from the aquatic realm, with sculptures prominently featuring tritons and frogs in the grand basins of French gardens from the 17th to the 18th century, but also utilised eagles, big cats, deer, and horses in numerous classical sculptures that highlighted the power of these wild or domesticated beasts.

Gradually, we drew inspiration from this theatrical statuary, but scaled it down for our gardens, adapting it in a much more modest way, particularly in the imagery associated with animals. Thus, much more familiar and relatable creatures have come to create a perfect illusion, often adding a charming touch to private gardens. This little touch of personality enhances our gardens with domesticated animals, such as cats or dogs, and more frequently with birds or insects.

Extra-large animal versions are particularly useful for placing one or two imposing subjects that will animate a large space. They are generally made to life size, providing a stunning effect.

Finally, the materials have also evolved, making this outdoor decoration more accessible while remaining permanent in the garden.

From the fountains of Versailles to the contemporary stylised animals of Park Güell in Barcelona to the giant Kiwi in Yerevan Park, Armenia, the vast range of animals in gardens…

For which garden?

Animals generally lend themselves to large spaces, which can be punctuated with a few figures scattered throughout the stroll.

While it is easy to insert a few small animal subjects that are very easy to find (bird baths and drinking troughs, stakes, silhouettes, and figures on spikes…) into a small garden or a terrace, certain types of gardens are indeed very suitable for the animal theme:

• Gardens with water features

Do you live in Camargue, Brière, Sologne, or Poitou? Marsh animals are obviously very comfortable in your garden, and there is a beautiful range of waders and birds in lovely garden ornaments. Placed directly in the water of a pond or a wetland, they create a sensation while appearing to naturally participate in the decor.

A beautiful trio of egrets in the atmospheric garden of Petit Bordeaux (72) © Gwenaëlle David

• Wild or naturalistic gardens

Large wild gardens or meadows are also very much in line with the animal imagery that can be expressed with dragonflies, various insects, and of course birds and small mammals of all kinds, such as squirrels and hedgehogs. These are often large spaces that can, conversely, accommodate a life-sized animal to magnificently adorn lawns or XXL flower beds.

Sheep silhouette at Château du Lude (72) © Gwenaëlle David. To the right, an imperial eagle in a natural-type garden.

• Japanese or exotic gardens

An exotic garden can incorporate more unusual or even fantastical animals. Stylised or enamelled geckos or lizards can easily blend in. The Japanese garden, on the other hand, loves the simple presence of fish in ponds, such as koi carp.

In this type of garden, it is better to limit the animal presence to two or three key subjects, as the exotic species and flowering plants always maintain a strong visual impact.

Koi carp, Asian frog, atypical turtle for exotic gardens…

• Contemporary gardens

A small exception among large gardens, the contemporary or design garden can certainly accommodate a single large subject that will serve as a focal point, often in bright colours, to create attention, or even surprise! This could be a horse, a cow, or any animal placed in the garden as if in a real situation.

Which animals to choose?

Depending on your type of garden and your tastes, you might lean towards birds, insects, frogs, hedgehogs, small figures, or conversely, larger animals like a deer or a wild boar. It’s worth noting that there are indeed many options available, ranging from beautifully crafted to more affordable choices. Artisan potters or sculptors create particularly beautiful animals, far removed from the mass-produced items found in stores. The current trend is for animal silhouettes cut from steel, which can be easily introduced into the garden.

Tortoise, hedgehog, squirrel, birds or heron… animals steal the show in the garden

It’s up to you to choose a common theme for the entire garden, which offers a beautiful harmony and real elegance, or to select animals from the same family, perhaps in a common material to maintain simplicity.

The garden of Château du Pin in Anjou has embraced the frog, which surprises at every corner and new space. They are all very understated, made of terracotta or stone, gradually weathered by time © Gwenaëlle David

Domesticated animals are often very popular and can be amusingly integrated into a garden, such as cats, ducks, or chickens.

A common theme in the garden, like ducks, provides a guiding thread throughout the space.

The right location

If possible, as we have seen in garden style, it is interesting to link the type of animal to the atmosphere of the garden. The integration will be all the more successful! Seahorse near a water feature, dog sitting by a staircase, snail in the lawn or a flowerbed…

Another aspect to consider is the decorative dimension that these subjects take on during the garden’s quiet periods, starting in autumn and continuing into winter. Placing them near deciduous perennials fills the space and animates it gracefully at this time. One can also mix a rusty colour with tree bark (cinnamon maple for example) for a striking effect.

Finally, this little animal world benefits from blending almost mysteriously into the garden: they then reserve a surprise, emerging around a path or hidden among bushes.

A lovely dragonfly welcomes us in the twilight of the atmospheric garden of the little Bordeaux (© Gwenaëlle David)

Materials and Style

Unless you enjoy a garish and eclectic style, we recommend sticking to a single type of material, or at least maintaining a consistency in colour: a series of small subjects made from clay or glazed terracotta remains charming, while stone and finishes in rusty metal such as Corten steel blend well into a garden, subtly revealing themselves without drawing too much attention. Some sculptures combine raw steel and painted steel, or very openwork wire in creations full of elegance. Generally, these materials, which develop a patina over time, will bring both poetry and a strong personality. Bronze and cast iron are superb materials, best reserved for classic gardens or large spaces, but they tend to be expensive to purchase. In any case, the material must be able to withstand the elements and frost.

Be cautious with coloured resin, which often ages poorly, and with low-quality subjects that may be cheaper but disappointing over time.

Rusty-looking steel is a classic in animal decor (© Gwenaëlle David)

Wood, although less durable over the years, allows for the creation of beautiful animals that you can carve if you are a bit handy and artistic at heart. You can also make your own displays and bring your style and whimsy to the garden!

Let your own creations run wild!

Beware of bad taste

Decoration… it’s truly a matter of taste, and we don’t all have the same perspective in this area! In the garden, perhaps even more so, but we can still assert that the plant should remain the focus of attention. The creatures placed here and there will look much better if they are discovered almost by chance. So avoid installing too many subjects that are too flashy… a kitsch effect is guaranteed.

To maintain the elegance of the animal theme, favour natural colours and raw materials. Therefore, avoid flashy or shiny colours, except in the case of a unique feature as mentioned earlier, in design and contemporary gardens.

Of course, you are free to decorate the garden in an offbeat manner and add a touch of humour. However, animals that are too far removed from the garden universe, like a lion on a terrace alongside pots of annuals, will still seem out of place. Be cautious with certain brightly coloured materials that may age poorly.

Unless you enjoy quirky atmospheres, avoid certain colours and materials