Ceramic Garden Stool

So you've completed most of the landscaping of your home garden, and are looking for that perfect accessory to really set it off right? Then consider that most lovely accessory for your garden: A ceramic garden stool.

When many people think of ceramics, they naturally think of China. In fact, many ceramic garden stools today are still being manufactured in China - made by hand with loving care by artisans with a lifetime of experience. Ceramic garden stools make a wonderful decorative - and functional addition to any garden.

Ceramic Garden Stools: Not Just For Sitting

One of the most wonderful things about a ceramic garden stool is that it is so versatile. Sure, it can be used as something to sit on, but a ceramic garden stool can also be used as a small table -- perhaps to hold potted plants, small trees and vines -- or perhaps as an end table, to keep drinks, food, books or other personal items on.

Ceramic Garden Stools And The History of Ceramics

It is only appropriate that many ceramic garden stools continue to be made in China, for much of the history of ceramics is bound up with the history of that nation. The Chinese have been making ceramic objects for many centuries, and in the pre-modern era many people believe that Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) produced some of the most valuable pieces. Even after the entrance of China into the modern era (1949), ceramics were valued in china both for it's practical/economic benefits, as well as an art form. For many, many centuries ceramic garden stools have been a tradition in Chinese gardens -- indeed, throughout the Asian world.

Garden Landscaping Considerations

When you are considering purchase of a ceramic garden stool, you must take care to incorporate a color and design that will work with your overall garden design. If you have established, for example, a Zen garden motif, then you should not select a ceramic garden stool that looks like it came out of an English Victorian-era garden. When making your choice, consider the type of soil you have, the plants and bushes you have already planted, or plan to put in the ground. As well, make sure your ceramic garden stool matches well with any other types of garden furniture and accessories. Do not 'mix' design motifs - as they are not usually interchangeable.

Don't Get Too Crowded

The mistake that most average garden owners make when they set up their gardens is to crowd their garden with way too many objects. Doing this, even if you have purchased a stunning ceramic garden stool, will cause your garden to look 'cluttered.' Remember the rule: KEEP IT SIMPLE.

Keeping your garden design simple does not mean that you garden does not need to look like a deserted wasteland. And if you decide later on, after you have placed one or more ceramic garden stools, that you need more objects in your garden, you can always purchase more.

Ceramic Garden Stools - My Preferences

Here are my recommendations when buying a ceramic garden stool: Buy smaller stools, they are easier to move around. The smaller ceramic garden stools can also be quickly pushed under larger tables, or off to one side, in order to get them out of the way. If you will be using your ceramic garden stool primarily for sitting, make sure it is large enough, and sturdy enough, for a person's . . .well, you know. Some ceramic garden stools are very delicate, and may not stand up to a grown adult's weight. If you can afford it, then buy the real thing, imported directly from China. If money is tight, you can buy something that is manufactured domestically. If you have kids, you may want to refrain from buying the expensive, delicate item - no sense in having an expensive ceramic garden stool broken, when a cheaper item would have worked just as well.