Focal Point for the Garden

Back in the early spring, when I posted about renovating my perennial bed by the back patio, several people suggested via comments that I should add a focal point at the corner of the patio.

I'd like you all to know I listened and after looking around, I think I've found just the right focal point sitting in my own garage.

Without further ado... ta da! Here it is

Yes, that's a snowman! I originally bought it for display on the front porch in the winter time, but I really like it and thought having it on display all summer would make it seem cooler outside.

Plus it is a bit of the "unexpected", and doesn't one of the hosts on one of those decorating shows on H*TV always preach to have the unexpected in your design, whether inside or out?

This is one of the side views.
And here's another side view. See in the background my newly planted miniature Iris 'Smart'?

Kindly ignore that empty pot on the right, I'm not done planting!

I know it is hard to tell what this snowman is really going to look like because the plants aren't mature yet. You will just have to use your imagination.

Oh, and one more thing about the snowman...

I'm kidding, pulling your leg, making up a story. That is not going to be the focal point. I put it there to see if it was about the size that I am looking for, when I do get something to put there.

I think it is on the small side.

In the meantime, I put the original temporary focal point back in place and I promise the snowman is back in the garage, patiently waiting for December.

I think this is closer to the size I am looking for, at least it will be the right size once those plants mature.

What do others think?

I did briefly consider keeping this in place for the summer and growing some vines on it. But this perennial bed is only for well-behaved plants, and I've yet to meet a vine that could behave itself, except for maybe a clematis. But I don't want to put a clematis there if I am going to find some other focal point, and then have to move the clematis.

And that concludes my gardening activities for the day... weeding, transplanting, potting up containers, mowing the lawn and trying out a new sculpture. I can tell you it was hot mowing the grass and that snowman didn't cool me off a bit!