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Once fairly conservative structures where plants were interred in groups and rows of straight lines and square corners, gardeners have set their own artistic talents free to create contoured beds and specialized groupings. Many gardeners are now creating several different environments in one overall space, according to the balance of light and shade, often dictated by one's chosen lifestyle. From the previous approach of stilted beauty quietly admired from a safe distance, gardens can now be integrated and interactive spaces, with different areas allowing for everything from quiet contemplation to boisterous gatherings. Enhancing this change has been the emergence of what are often called "garden features," such as ponds and fountains, rock structures, decks and gazebos. Completing the transition is garden art. "Which came first, the garden or the sculpture?" many gardeners are asked. Here on the North Shore, at least, the answer seems to be - both. The other question, of course, is: "What garden sculpture?" The only true answer "Anything you want." Garden sculpture can range from the ubiquitous mirror balls on wrought metal stands, to the unique stone creations of internationally acclaimed North Vancouver sculptor Michael Binkley, and everything in between. From bird baths and Jacqui Bergland's whimsical ceramic birdhouses to cherubs, garden spirits, welded metal birds and animals, Greek and Roman wall sconces to Stewart MacNutt's welded metal dragons and dragonflies, all can be found in July | August North Shore gardens. They often set the tone for a garden just as much as the plants do, drawing the eye to a special place, or delighting a child who finds them hidden in the foliage. "People these days do tend to want different accents for their flowers and plants," says North Van clay artist Louisa Leibman. "People are spending more time in their gardens, and they need intimate spaces. That's where such things as tiles, unique pots and a lot of garden art comes in." In addition to her huge pots, fountains and dazzling sconces, Leibman also creates small garden sculptures including tree turtles, garden angels and frogs on a stick, as well as large, flat bowls for water that can be used as birdbaths or other features. As to which comes first, Leibman finds that most gardeners don't order pieces custom made for their garden spaces. They see something that strikes their fancy and buy it, then either find or create a space in the garden that highlights the piece. Others look at an object at an art sale or studio and know instinctively where it will work in their garden. Still others, myself included, see a piece of artwork and just have to have it, knowing it is a beautiful piece but never really knowing if it will fit in the garden. More than 20 years ago my wife Cathie and I saw a beautiful stone birdbath, carved out of a flat rock, in a roadside gallery in Oregon. It had a small gecko carved in one corner, and we have been packing the thing around ever since. It never found a suitable home until we moved to North Van and I created a seating area