Anything but ordinary

To paraphrase the Bard, “alas, poor garden statue, I knew him well.” Indeed, your customer, circa 2010, seems to have had enough same-old, same-old and is now on the lookout for any combination of different/new/exciting. Thankfully, manufacturers of statuary and fountains have taken note and have begun producing products that are “breaking the mold.” Here are five excellent examples.

What is it? The Pepper Pot from Seibert & Rice. Why should you sell it? With edibles being “all the rage,” here’s a great way for your customers to celebrate their love for vegetables. This oh-so-versatile item can be a fine art sculpture, it can serve as a planted container, or, it can be a handy place to stash garden tools so nobody sees them. Where to find it? www.seibert-rice.com

What is it? The Japanese Maple Fountain Tree from Aqua Bella Designs. Why should you sell it? This unique design marries nature in a variety of sense-pleasing ways. Made of copper, it will develop a beautiful patina over time. Every leaf is cut and attached by hand. It is 36 inches tall with a 36-inch-wide crown. Where to find it? www.aquabelladesigns.com

What is it? The Reef Point Fountain from Campania International. Why should you sell it? The modern, cast-stone Reef Point fountain makes an elegant—and soothing—statement in the garden or landscape. Available in square and oval versions, the Reef Point will give your customers a unique conversation piece/retreat area. Where to find it? www.campaniainternational.com

What are they? Luna Lite solar-powered garden statues from Echo Valley. Why should you sell them? Echo Valley’s Luna Lite fairies and gnomes employ solar panels and patent-pending technology that create statues that are as endearing by night as they are by day. The items light up at dusk and stay bright throughout the evening. Where to find them? www.echovalley.com

What is it? The Flamingo statue from Exhart. Why should you sell it? It’s whimsical. It’s elegant. And when you can pull off that double-whammy, you’ve got something special. This striking, 32-inch sculpted metal flamingo statue is adorned with see-through glass tiles that shine and sparkle when the sun hits them. Where to find it? www.exhart.com