I like to decorate my yard with flowers, shrubs, trees, birdbaths, and a few well-appointed statues. The placement of non-vegetative items adds interest and whimsy.

Through the years, I have become intrigued with the symbolism that statues and sculptures bring to my garden. A bluebird means happiness, a dog suggests loyalty, a lion on the step says courage, a dove speaks of peace, a rabbit represents resourcefulness, a fish stands for good luck, a lamb connotes innocence, and a turtle symbolizes endurance. In our neighborhood, the bulldog, of course, is synonymous with Butler University.

Statues of garden saints are also meaningful focal points in the garden. For centuries the faithful have enlisted statues of St. Francis, patron saint of gardens and small animals, and St. Fiacre, patron saint of herb and vegetable gardens, to look after gardens. Other favorites include St. Bernardo, patron saint of beekeepers; St. Cortea, patron of fruit and nut growers; St. Adelard, patron of gardeners; St. Elizabeth, patron of rose growers; St. Patrick, patron of organic gardens; St. Phocus, patron of ornamental gardening; St. Theresa of Little Flower, patron of flower growers; St. Valentine, patron of lovers and small intimate gardens; and St. Werenfrid, patron of vegetable gardens.

The birdbath is another very important part of my backyard landscape because water is one of birds' four basics for life. This water source is especially helpful to birds that aren't near White River, Northdale, or Dawson Lake. Interestingly, water can attract birds more to a yard than bird food because lots of birds eat only insects, fruit, and nectar.

As this summer unfolds, I hope you, too, will enjoy the pleasure of decorating garden landscapes.