Animal magnetism: How to use sculpture to create a garden focal point

Peter Dowdall highlights the importance of creating a focal point in the garden

Lots at Victor Mee's summer garden sale.

When we think about creating beautiful outdoor spaces, our minds often jump to colour schemes, planting plans, or hard landscaping. But one of the most powerful tools in a garden designer’s toolbox is something quite simple: the focal point.

A garden, like a good painting, benefits enormously from a strong composition. And every good composition needs something to draw the eye, a centrepiece that invites you in and gives meaning to the space around it. It could be a tree, a water feature, or a well-placed bench. But increasingly, I’m drawn to the character and charm of sculpture, especially when it speaks to our landscape, our heritage, and our imagination.