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The lion cannot roar. The little girl cannot turn the page in her book. The dog can't wag his tail. The cat can't lick its paws.

These are all pieces of garden art literally carved in stone. And, more and more, they can be found in garden settings throughout the country.

Think garden colors; think flowers. But wait! There may be more to it than meets the eye. Lush and lavish gardens will always be the mainstay of landscape design and development, but experts see a growing excitement for garden art options.

It may be an expensive piece of sculpture reminiscent of an ornate Italian garden, or it may be as simple as a beautiful pot with classic, elegant lines. Water features have become very popular for gardens of all sizes.

A small pond or a large waterfall instantly adds depth and dimension to any garden setting.

The use of architectural pottery, statuary, tables and benches, lighting options, ponds, patio stone, and even a bridge can be charming complements to any setting.

Roger Klocke, owner of Garden Elegance in Fargo, N.D., integrates garden art with traditional landscaping whenever he can.

“A piece of art in the garden and the yard adds a personal touch that makes a garden unique to that home,” he says. “A fountain or a bench or a beautiful statue or container adds a warm welcome to the front of a home. There isn't anything very wecoming about a garage door.”

Klocke says creating an attractive focal point can detract the eye from the ordinary, turning it into an extraordinary image. “People are using garden art now to reflect their lives and interests.”

It might be a life-like sculpture of a favorite dog breed. It might be a statue of a small girl curled up reading a book near a colorful bed of flowers. Animal pieces are always popular and command a dominant pose along garden paths.

Water features can add color and the dimension of sound to spots throughout a yard and garden area. From a pool with exotic fish to a single pot with a small fountain, water brings peace and tranquility to a setting. Some homeowners are also adding large waterfalls and cascades.

Landscape designers at Mulhall's in Omaha point out that a pond-less waterfall is a great way for enthusiasts who want a waterfall or stream but do not want a pond or fish. It is also a great option for vacation homes because of the ease of maintenance.

Waterfalls and streams can be customized to fit any setting. They can be loud enough to buffer noise pollution or soothing enough to enhance the relaxing ambiance of a garden or cozy corner of a yard.

Sean Mulhall, an owner of the Omaha landscape design facility, says today's market offers clients many significant options to add color and texture to a garden and a home.

“Of course, flowers and plants will always be a major source of color, but there are also many containers to work with and wonderful pieces of garden art available that can impact and enhance a landscape,” he says.

Pottery and containers can play off a dominant color in the garden or on the home exterior. A large concrete pot, for instance, could be located at the entrance of a house using colors that complement its setting.

Natural concrete, Mulhall says, is “classic and timeless.” He adds, “There is no better way to add color to a home setting. You can find anything from soft earth tones to bold primary colors, depending on the design of the house.”

Whether plants are used with the pot or not, the versatility of pottery is endless. Mulhall says, “You don't have to replace the pots. They will last a lifetime and can be used outside in all four seasons.” They can also be easily adapted with plants and flowers to fit any season.

Mulhall suggests using something like a brightly colored umbrella or a piece of garden furniture to add depth and interest to a passive garden space. It doesn't have to be a major project, he says.

The world market provides a dazzling selection of garden art objects from relatively inexpensive items to the more extravagant pieces.

Landscape experts recommend exploring options to add dramatic changes to the landscape surrounding a home or a business.

Art may be in the eye of the beholder, but today's outdoor canvas has a lot more to offer than might be seen in a casual glance. Add a real-life little girl reading a favorite book in the shade of a garden tree. Let out a wagging-tail dog or put a real tabby cleaning its paws near a large pot of flowers. It's all a matter of art. Maybe the lion should be left in a zoo or the wilderness.

Think gardens. Think color options.