Why We Test Our Garden Art Outside (So You Don’t Have To)

Northern Michigan is not gentle on outdoor décor.

Between intense summer sun, lake-effect weather, wind, snow, and sudden seasonal shifts, garden art here gets tested in ways it might not elsewhere. That’s exactly why we display so much of our garden art outdoors at Bayside Gallery — year-round.

Our garden isn’t just for inspiration. It’s our testing ground.

Real-World Testing, Real-World Advice

If you’ve visited Bayside Gallery, you’ve likely walked past rows of stone owls, wind spinners, solar lights, garden glass, and metal sculpture lining our walkways. These aren’t temporary displays. Many of these pieces stay outside through multiple seasons so we can see, firsthand, how they perform.

We pay attention to things like:

• How finishes hold up in strong sun and heavy rain
• How moving parts behave over time
• What actually helps preserve color and function
• When it makes sense to bring something inside

That hands-on experience allows us to give honest guidance — not just manufacturer instructions.

Caring for Wind Spinners (So They Keep Moving Beautifully)

Because we display spinners outdoors, we’ve learned a few simple steps make a big difference:

• Lubricate spinner bearings once a year using a light machine oil (such as 3-in-1 oil)
• Do not use WD-40 or water-based lubricants
• For segmented poles, use Loctite on the threads during assembly for added stability
• To protect color, apply a clear-coat polyurethane with UV protection, such as SunGuard, once a year

These small habits help spinners move smoothly and keep their finish looking fresh season after season. Download the care card here.

Solar Lights: What We’ve Learned Outdoors

Solar pieces are customer favorites — and they’re surprisingly easy to maintain once you know how they work.

• Turn the switch on and leave it on — the light charges during the day and turns on automatically at dusk
• A sunny location is essential for consistent performance
• If bringing the piece inside for winter storage, turn it off and leave it outdoors for a few sunny days first so the battery is fully charged
• If the light stops working, replace the battery with a solar rechargeable battery
• Still not lighting? Quickly cycle the switch on and off 8–10 times and clean any corrosion from the battery terminals with a pencil eraser

These are the same steps we use ourselves — and they work. Download the care card here.

Stone & Concrete Garden Art: Cold-Weather Wisdom

Our stone owls are a perfect example of why testing matters. They’ve lined our pathways for years, enduring Michigan’s toughest conditions.

To protect cast stone and concrete pieces:

• Do not allow water to freeze in bowls or crevices
• Do not let the piece stand in ice
• During freezing weather, remove standing water and cover with a water-resistant material

This simple care prevents cracking and helps these pieces last for many years. Download the care card here.

Garden Glass: Placement Matters More Than You Think

Garden glass brings color, light, and movement to outdoor spaces, but placement is key to keeping it looking beautiful.

Because we display garden glass outdoors ourselves, we’ve learned that giving it a little breathing room goes a long way. We recommend placing glass pieces away from heavier stone elements or brick walls, so they cannot blow into them during heavy wind. A bit of space allows the glass to move naturally without risk of impact.

For care, garden glass is wonderfully low maintenance. Occasional cleaning with soapy water or standard glass cleaner keeps colors vibrant and surfaces clear. A quick rinse and gentle drying with a soft cloth is usually all it needs.

When placed thoughtfully, garden glass holds up beautifully outdoors and continues to catch the light season after season. Download the care card here.

Tested, Trusted, and Honestly Recommended

When you shop at Bayside Gallery, you’re not just buying something beautiful — you’re buying something we’ve lived with, tested, and learned from.

And if you ever have questions? We’re always happy to share what we’ve learned.