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Flowers and plants are rightly the central attraction of your garden ' but they needn't be the only one. Garden 'accessories' can add character and fun to your garden as well as serving various useful purposes. From sculpted row markers and border fences to fully-functional fountains and ponds, here's what some of the best-dressed gardens are wearing this spring and summer.

Borders
One of the easiest ' and most affordable ' ways to define your garden space is with border fencing by the foot or yard. There are many styles of borders available at your local garden and home supply store, from white wire fences to elaborate plastic sculptured moldings designed to be pushed into the ground on garden stakes.

Row Markers and Signs
My first garden ' courtesy of my grandmother ' had row markers that were made by the simple expedient of pushing a popsicle stick into the ground and sliding the seed packet over the top. Not terribly elegant, or for that matter, durable. Garden supply and novelty shops feature a huge variety of row markers and 'Don't Step On The Flowers!' signs in styles that range from whimsical plastic sculptures of vegetables to elegantly hand crafted iron markers.

Garden Gnomes and Lawn Toys
Okay, so maybe they're a little tacky, but they sure are fun! Pink flamingoes, garden gnomes, and grandma fannies are only a few examples of the silly, playful garden accessories that can find a home in your garden. Pinwheels, garden streamers and windsocks all can add color and whimsy to your gardening. Who said gardening had to be so serious?

Birdbaths and Pedestals
Birdbaths are a great way to invite birds into your garden. Whether set into the ground as a small 'pond' or on a pedestal, they can add a touch of old world elegance to a shrubbery or foliage garden that will benefit from the pollination efforts of your feathered friends.

Benches
Why have a garden if not to enjoy it? Plan your garden with benches along the paths or at the center of a clearing. Garden benches are easy to find at home supply stores and department stores and can be had for as little as $29.99. Whether you choose cast iron, resin, wood, or stone, a garden bench is almost a must-have accessory for the well-dressed garden.

Trellises
Decorative trellises and arches do more than serve as supports for climbing plants and vines. They can be a beautiful accent on their own. Whether you choose a simple iron fan trellis in a corner of the garden, or build an elaborate arbor or gazebo to support roses and ivy, they'll add a grace note of natural beauty and add to the enjoyment of your garden.

Fountains and Ponds
The ultimate accessory for any garden to have has got to be its own pond or fountain. Even small spaces can sport running water with a concealed circulating pump and a nearby power source. A trickling waterfall over rocks or a full-sized pond complete with Koi can both bring a measure of satisfaction and serenity to your garden.