All too often, we focus so steadily on filling our homes with interesting art, and decorative pieces, but our gardens are left empty of these wonderful things. I notice this when visiting the outdoor space of friends and family frequently. Because I saw this in my own parent’s garden, I have consistently made an effort to do the opposite.

In fact, I have come up with what I believe to be the best of ideas when it comes to collecting artwork for a garden. I purchase things while on holiday, and trips. We are all familiar with finding regional items for sale that we love when visiting a place. However, more often than not once we get those keepsakes home we acknowledge that they clearly will not work in any room of our home.

Therefore, when travelling, I consciously buy souvenirs that are weather proof, weather resistant, or that I expect to weather well. Everyone that has been to my dwelling knows this about me, and more than a few have taken this idea on as their own.

To say it works out perfectly would be a bit misleading, for on occasion I have run into some difficulty with transporting a few of these objects via airplane. Still, I learned rather quickly to be more judicious with my selections. Now, I either limit myself to smallish metal works, wooden crafts or glass designs that I know can be brought on flights. Or, I ship them, and get the excitement of their arrival via courier once I have returned home.