The Romans were the first Europeans to use statuary ornamentally in their homes and gardens, often plundering sacred pieces from Greek temples to create a look that was full of drama and interest to the viewer. With the revival of Classicism in the 18th century, gardens were filled with statuary fraught with metaphor, such as the Temple of the British Worthies, which looks up the hill at Stowe, Gloucestershire, to the "wise forbears" in the Temple of Ancient Virtue.

The 19th century saw a taste for the sentimental (weeping girls and fauns pierced by arrows), while in the 20th century there was a move from the straightforwardly representational or metaphorical to the abstract. Today, garden sculptures range from the Classical and the contemporary to pieces inspired by Eastern culture. Whatever style appeals, to create a successful display, the setting is as important as the sculpture itself.

Choosing your sculpture Good-quality sculpture can cost as little as £175 for a ready-made piece, although commissioned work can run into thousands. In addition to price, when choosing a sculpture consider whether you want natural materials which tend to acquire an attractive patina, or man-made. Then think about whether you want the piece to harmonise with your surroundings or provide contrast, and finally about the plinth.