Calhoun County, AL – Since 1989, one dedicated garden art enthusiast has been curating unique pieces from estate sales and antique malls, with a focus on materials built to last. While plastic art is often avoided—except for the newer, sturdier resin—metal and concrete works remain the most sought-after investments.
Concrete garden art, in particular, stands out as a favorite. Its durability allows for pieces such as benches, tables, water pedestals, and bowls to withstand the elements. To keep these items fresh year after year, the collector follows a careful seasonal routine: after the last frost of spring, each piece is washed with soapy water, rinsed, and left to dry in full sun for 24 hours. The following day, a coat of acrylic spray paint seals and protects the art for another year.
When refreshing colors, a high-pressure nozzle is used to strip away chipped paint, followed by a full day of drying before applying a new coat. This year, a bold transition was made—replacing an orange tone with Brick Satin red to create a stronger hue in a shade garden.
Metal art can either be painted or preserved naturally with clear acrylic spray to reduce rust, while resin pots are easy to refresh with paint. Still, concrete art remains the most colorfast over time.
Whether experimenting with new shades or preserving natural finishes, garden art collectors know that care and creativity ensure each piece remains a vibrant highlight of the landscape.
Betty Clark is a contributing writer. She has been an organic gardener since 1998. The signature flower she grows is Dahlias. She has a straw bale garden, a raised bed garden, and an in-ground garden. Both her surnames are from agricultural farming families (8 generations). Her hobbies include ancestry research, antiques, continued education classes, and workshops. She also has a background in marketing & promotions, including expos. To contact Betty Clark with gardening questions: bettyclark2151959@gmail.com
