Turn a dull spot into a special place with ornaments, good lighting and the right furniture.

As land becomes more expensive and the garden around the home gets smaller, it may be necessary to create a focal point to add interest and draw attention into the garden.

Objects such as lattice or ornamental statues and fountains are effective at creating a focal point or a pleasant alcove.

Natural, stained or painted trellis available in many sizes and styles and can be made to measure or bought in various sizes. It will last longer if it is framed or capped to protect the ends of the timber from the weather.

When it comes to the front garden, a picket fence painted in colours to coordinate with your house is ornamental and increases security. Other decorative fences include tea-tree brush and traditional cast-iron or wrought-iron or their modern aluminium replicas which are light, easy to handle and rust free.

Garden edges, while practical, can also be ornamental. For economy and simplicity use rocks. There is also the more expensive terracotta edging avalable from large nurseries and hardwares.

A comfortable garden seat is a must, and there are many ornamental ones, including a range of cheap through to expensive teak garden seats - which also weather very well. Original and reproduction cast-iron seats, chairs and tables are an asset in courtyard gardens and patios.

Garden lights are often necessary for illuminating the path to the front door or floodlighting the property. Elegant castiron standard gas or electric lights (originals or replicas) will beautify the garden and glow-worm lights strung through branches on a tree will create a delicate fairyland effect. Spotlights can illuminate a particular tree or clump of palms to create dramatic effects of light and shadow.

A wide selection of conventional garden ornaments such as statues, fountains and pools are available form most large garden centres, nurseries and hardwares, along with terracotts urns, tubs and torughs, which with the addition of suitable plants, add a personal touch.

In a tiny garden, settle for small touches such as a bronze bird as a tap head; a wall fountain such as the head of a cherub or dolphin that spouts or drips water, or even an ornamental holder for the hose.

Whether your taste runs to the classic fountains, Greek gods, cherubs or concrete gnomes, it is important to keep them in proportion to the size of your garden. The ornament is meant to complement the garden and create a focal point for the plants and flowers and not dominate the scene. Remember to resist the temptation to keep adding more, one statue may look elegant but half-a-dozen will look like a garage sale!