Some call it junk others call it art

When you decorate your yard it, you basically use what you feel is fitting to your own likes and desires. Some people want to add that little extra touch to their gardens such as a bird bath or some little cute statues. My yard on the other hand is a combination of history, art, cute and unusual. The first thing you see when you pull into my yard is my legs which is a statement of its own. I have had people drive by, stop and back up just to see what they though they were. Katie Kinne's in EHow.com she states "If you love retro, you have to own it, be it, and be willing to defend it if necessary. So get up the guts to display what most people will find to be incredibly tackyrticle." I agree with her views, if it gets peoples attention, gives them a giggle or repulses them-it is something they will talk about again and again.

You see the fire hydrant, a real one from the city of Sanford. It is about 75 years old. I had a friend in the scrapping business give it to me. The down fall was it came with the original pipe that cam out of the ground. It took everything I had to unload it from my truck and drop it in a four foot hole. Though it was worth the potential of a hernia. Though, this will go with the house if I ever sell. In the same bed, I have a couple cute little rabbits which came from Aunt Gwen's. I also have a couple of other little cutsie statues that came from her yard which normally I would not have in my yard but they have significant sentimental value.

Most of the beds are surrounded by large stones. The stones have a history of their own. In the late 1800s, there was a small town on 301 in Hernando county Just north of 50. The town was called Rydall, where it had a turpentine plant, a brick factory, some homes and a hotel for when the train went through. Over the years, the companies closed down and the hotel became, well basically a whorehouse. Eventually hwy 301 was moved a little more west and the hotel started falling apart. So the owner gave me permission to help my self. So I can honestly say my yard carries the spirits of the old town and a whore house.

The brick I made my sidewalk with is from the old train depot in Webster and the left overs became the start of my brick collection to build a fountain. Eventually, I will have a fountain, similar to one you may see in Savannah or in older cities. Over the past couple of years I have collected bricks from anywhere i could get them and now have enough to build a 10' by 7' by 2 1/2' fountain (bricklayer needed, with experience with concrete can pay with good home cooked meal.) I have friends who have little ponds with fish but me, I have always had a thing for fountains. While living in Indianapolis, it is safe to say I have swam in all but one of the city's fountains. Many times, the nice policeman would simply tell us to get out and threaten us with public intoxication and a few other charges but this never stopped us. With my fountain, I will not only have the fountain I want, but if I get hot I can simply walk out side and sit my happy ass in my fountain without threat of getting arrested.

As you continue the tour, you will see several original sculptures and then some statuary that I have bought. The one with the legs in a dancing position is called "Dancing Sanctuary," an original piece by an artist named John Deverter. In my orchid area, I have another original that I bought at a thrift store. I also have sever birdbaths, one a cherub and then some regular bird bird baths. One with a very large piece of amber crystal in the center which radiates as the sun shines down on it. Then the same be I have the grill to an old tractor. This may sound odd but it really adds a great effect with the flowers growing around it.

When you place yard art in your gardens sometimes it is a reflection of you. In my garden, I have a wide array of things spread out which each bed speaking for itself. My newest addition is a statue of David, yes everyone should own an anatomically correct statue of David for you yard just to keep the neighbors talking and wonder. Here in my area they don't wonder but just enjoy the scenery. One more thing, did I mention I still hate the people who shared their germs with me. I hope not many people get what ever they gave me.