Eight of the best unusual garden ornaments in 2023

An unusual garden ornament can be this extra something that sets your outdoor space apart from the rest. To help you choose the perfect garden ornament for your space, we’ve curated a mix of eight different designs to help inspire your decision.

We've featured everything from functional weathervanes to whimsical sculptures, and from sundials to wind spinners, so take a look and see what catches your eye. For more garden decor, read our guides to the best solar lights, best garden mirrors and best solar water features.

The best unusual garden ornaments UK in 2023

Browse our selection of garden sculptures, sundials and keepsakes below:

Wooden Mushroom Set

This charming mushroom is carved from a single piece of wood and would add a touch of magic to your lawn. These mushrooms can also double as seats and would make brilliant kids’ garden furniture in particular. Each one can also be personalised with an engraving if you’re looking to buy this as a gift and there’s a choice of three sizes or you can go for the full trio.

Price: £82.50

Buy Wooden Mushroom Seat at Not on the High Street

Willow Tortoise Sustainable Garden Sculpture Art

These hand made tortoises are constructed individually from sustainable willow so each one is unique. Ideal for grass, patios and decking, there’s also a choice of two sizes so you can select the one which works best for your space. This design is made by an independent seller on Etsy.

Price: £120

Buy Willow Tortoise Art at Etsy

Rusty Metal Ring Sculpture

For a more contemporary unusual garden ornament, this dual ring design could be an ideal choice. The two rings aren’t connected, meaning you can arrange them in whatever position you decide. There are detachable stakes included, so the sculptures can be secured easily in the ground. Made by a husband and wife team in the UK from rusted steel, the shade of the exterior should age over time and needs no maintenance.

Price: £135

Buy Rusty Metal Ring Sculpture at Etsy

Outdoor Distressed Compass

This eight-point compass rose is a stylish garden sculpture from Cox and Cox. Designed to be suspended against a wall, the striking garden ornament should add a vintage touch to any outdoor space. Made from metal, the surface has been given an oxidised effect to create an authentic, vintage look.

Price: £65

Buy Outdoor Distressed Compass at Cox and Cox

Ascalon Sunflower and Bird Cast Iron Sundial

A unique take on the classic sundial, this quirky garden ornament is styled as a sunflower with a bird resting on top to indicate the time. Made from cast iron, this sculpture should be long lasting and sturdy. It’s worth noting that this model will need assembling, but full instructions are included.

Price: £23.99

Buy Ascalon Sunflower and Bird Cast Iron Sundial

Sculptural Sphere Brass

This unique sphere sculpture comes in two sizes, small and large, which can be bought separately or you could purchase both to great a stylish arrangement. Made from sheet metal, the sculptures are powder coated with a sleek, matt brass finish. The spheres can also be closed and opened out into shape which means they can be easily folded away for more compact storage, if needed.

Price: from £39.99

Buy Sculptural Sphere Brass at Waitrose Garden

Rusty Ammonite Fossil Garden Ornament

This rustic sculpture is a charming, one-of-a-kind addition to any garden, providing a real centrepiece. As it rusts over time, it will look better the longer you have it.

Price: £84.99

Buy the Rusty Garden Ammonite from Not On The High Street

Zephyr wind spinner

The Zephyr solar wind spinner is a great addition to your garden, especially during the winter season when beds and borders are a little bare. With antique-style bronze flower petals that spin around a solar crackle-ball at the centre, it creates an impressive multi-colour light display in your garden.

Price: £49.99

Buy the Zephyr Solar Wind Spinner from Waitrose Garden

How to clean stone garden ornaments

If you’ve got a stone ornament in the garden then cleaning it regularly is important to maintain its beauty and longevity. There are three main steps to take if you want to clean your stone ornament properly:

1. Preparation

Before you begin cleaning your ornament, make sure you have the right tools and materials available to do the job. For most stone ornaments you'll need a bucket of warm water, a soft-bristle brush (like a toothbrush or a paintbrush), mild detergent or stone cleaner, and a hose with a gentle spray attachment. It's also a good idea to wear gloves to protect your hands.

2. Cleaning

Once you’ve got the right equipment ready start by brushing off any loose dirt or debris with a dry brush. Once the surface is clear, dip your soft-bristle brush into the soapy water mixture (using a mild detergent or stone cleaner diluted according to the product's instructions).

Gently scrub the ornament in a circular motion, paying extra attention to any stained or dirty areas. Avoid using abrasive brushes or harsh chemicals as they can damage the surface.

3. Rinsing and drying

After cleaning, rinse the ornament with water using a hose or a bucket. Make sure to remove all soap residue. Allow the stone ornament to dry off completely, then if desired apply a stone sealant to protect the ornament from future staining and weathering.

This Product Guide was last updated in October 2023. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.