Faces In The Garden

Another collection prized at Faire Garden is the sculptures bearing a likeness of the human face.

Some were made by the gardener herself, like Mrs. Bongo Congo above, crafted from leftover trough cement mix.
As was her spouse, Mr. Bongo Congo himself, made with leftover leaf casting mix. He is supposed to be a fountain, but there is still much work to be done on that.
Some of the faces were purchases, like this guy looking at the squirrel hind quarters entering his stump.
To be left out in the elements, these ornaments need to be made of concrete.
It is always amazing that this head can stay out all year in the birdbath, even when the water freezes without damage.

Some of the faces were gifts, in fact most of the ones under the deck were given by friends and family.
I really like the ‘Green Man’ image and all the lore that surrounds it.
At one time all the faces were outside unprotected.

The elements did damage in different ways. There was fading of color and dissolving into dust. A rustic twig frame was built to hold the smaller ones and mounted under the garage deck for protection.



These two , above and below are from the same artist in Pennsylvania, thanks Lynn.

When you arrive at Faire Garden, this happy fellow greets you at the front door.
The newest addition, mounted on a stake. Under the front porch roof, he is free to be himself without fear from sun, rain, or frost. Thanks, semi.
This chap has a frog in his ear. He was purchased at a grocery in Canada.
A cat gargoyle type character, the first of the collection, was purchased at an art store in Berkeley, CA.
‘Leaf Man’ , ancient symbol of being at one with Nature, Life and the Earth.

May we all be at one with leaf man and his friends.

Frances

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19 Responses to Faces In The Garden

  1. Layanee says:

    Frances: There is something about a face in the garden isn’t there! I have several including face planters and enjoyed seeing yours very much! Thanks!

  2. Frances says:

    layanee…Thanks. It is hard to find good face planters, isn’t it? We would love to see yours.

  3. Lisa at Greenbow says:

    It is nice to have so many personalities in the garden to keep you company.

  4. Frances says:

    lisa…that is a good way to think about it. The face family.

  5. brokenbeat says:

    people, it might seem all well and good to have concrete faces spread throughout the garden, but you have to imagine what these pictures do not disclose. while taking the faire garden tour, unexpectedly at every turn there is some scary, cracking leaf character staring down at me. try as i might to be prepared, they always catch me off gaurd and cripple me for a minute or two. in fact these horrifyingly fabled ‘green men’ haunt me in my dreams. it’s true that i am decidedly weak and frigthen easily but am also confident that others see the same beauty in the faces that frances does. i’m desperately trying to overcome my garden face phobia, frances. please bear with me.

  6. chuck b. says:

    I like that cat gargoyle! The rustic “twig” frame is very impressive too. My favorite human face belongs Mrs. Bongo Congo.

    Mrs!

    So who is Mr. Bongo Congo?

  7. Frances says:

    brokenbeat…It was not known about your face phobia, maybe we should shroud them when you next visit. But you are brave, as proven by Winter IX, posted today.

  8. Frances says:

    chuck b…That cat is a fave here also. Mr Bongo Congo is the next photo down. I will fix his label so all will know him as the spouse of Mrs.

  9. mashley says:

    i love all the faces (and facets) of your garden. I especailly appreciate your garden paths and walkways- one of my favorite garden attributes. maybe you could do a post on the many steps, stones, gravel walk-ways, and hidden paths in your mystical garden?

  10. Frances says:

    mashley…thanks. Look at the post of December 9, 2007. It was a topic for the Garden Bloggers design workshops. There is more to be written about the paths however. Thanks for the input.

  11. Phillip says:

    Neat collection!

  12. Frances says:

    phillip…thanks!

  13. Mr. McGregor's Daughter says:

    What great garden faces. I particularly like the Green Man. I have only 1 face – Medusa, in the fake stone-looking stuff. If you need more garden faces (you probably don’t if you’re scaring visitors with them), you might consider getting some made of that. Is Bong Congo a reference to that 60’s cartoon with Biggie Rat, Itchy Brother & Good King Leonardo?

  14. Frances says:

    MMD…You are the first person who knew what Bongo Congo was, congratulations ! Were we the only two who watched?

  15. semi says:

    Mrs BC is lovely. Each one has it’s own beauty. Love semi

  16. Frances says:

    semi..Mrs. Bongo Congo is winning the popularity contest. Is it because she is a she?

  17. chickenpoet says:

    I think Mrs. BC has facial characteristics that are more appealing to the human eye. love ya much.

  18. Frances says:

    chickenpoet…There needs to be a baby Bongo Congo made this summer, don’t you think? Maybe twins?

  19. Pingback: The Legend Of Leaf Man « Fairegarden

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