What exactly is a garden totem, anyway?
Garden totems can be made of glass, of ceramic or pottery, of mosaic or wood, DIY or store-bought. But what exactly is a garden totem? We’ve all heard of totem poles – sculptures carved from large trees and depicting native legend and lore. And most of us have even heard of totem animals – the ‘spirit animal’ that we are said to possess. But garden totems?
To be perfectly honest, we think some DIY guru started throwing glass pieces together and came up with the name. But it’s a great idea, and they’re clearly a thing now, quite the gardening trend. You can even buy off-the-rack garden totems online at places like Plow & Hearth. Either way, it’s a great garden accent – DIY or retail. For DIY, keep your eyes open at thrift shops, yard sales, even under your own sink. There’s finally a place to use those florists’ vases you’ve been hoarding. Create your own garden totem.
Glass Garden Totem Ideas
Use different shapes, sizes and colors for your garden totems. It gives them texture and interest. Source
Pre-built garden totem designs are available at Plow & Hearth. Source
Aren’t these tall garden totem design ideas interesting? And note the upside down compote glass on the left totem. Think like that when you DIY – upside down, right side up, sideways. Source
Add a solar light on top of your garden totem for a night time twist.
This charming garden totem has a wine glass crown and hanging beads. Get creative with your garden totems. It’s not expensive to collect old pieces of mismatched glasses, vases, plates and pieces. Source
Glass is such a natural garden accent – and glass DIY garden totems can be intriguing if you use unusual pieces. Source
These metallic glass ball garden totems are available to purchase if you don’t want to make your own DIY totems. Source
Glasses inside glasses, upside down plates – get creative with your garden totems. Source
Use teacup toppers and plates for bases. Source
Mosaic Garden Totem Designs
Mosaic designs take more of a measured approach. Source
This mosaic garden totem almost looks like Millefiori glass.
Glass on PVC pipe – a great stained glass look for your entryway.
This patio garden totem has a lighthouse look to it.
A more intricate garden totem combining mosaics and mirror work, assorted shapes, colors and textures. Source
Ceramic & Sculptural Garden Totems
These ceramic garden totems are works of art. We love th soft (and glossy) look. Source
Whimsical garden totems make great conversation pieces. All depends on your garden (or patio) style. Source
Ceramic faces create a more contemplative garden totem – almost spooky. Source
Isn’t this a cute idea? A vintage teapot stack makes a great garden totem. Maybe you have a teapot that was your mother’s or your grandmother’s? What a great way to remember times gone by. And check out the parakeets on the top. Source
These pieces feature charming animals, from birds to dogs and cats to fish. Source
If you happen to be a potter yourself – these ceramic garden totems should be a natural for you.
This is one of the more interesting and eclectic sculptural collections. Source
Wooden Garden Totem Designs
These brightly colored wooden garden totems bring a splash of color to the garden. Source
Your poles can be painted – or intricately carved. Source
Painted wooden garden totems can be personalized. Source
Peace poles are a garden trend that can be found around the world. Source
Carved Peace Poles are anotherway to advocate peace through your garden. Source
The Peace Pole Project is where it all began. Source
