A 173 Short
173's Grotesque (Gargoyle)
Some garden ornaments are simply decorations. Others become part of the story of a home.
The Early Days at 173
The yards here at 173 have a lot going on, lots of bushes, trees, flowers and planters all over the place. But it wasn't always that way. Back in '97 the yards were pretty empty. I think we had three yews in the front yard, one of which was pretty well spent and dying. In the backyard there was a rose bush or two, and a couple peonies. But (obviously) things didn't stay that way! No, this post isn't really about the yards, it's a simple, quick look at 173's gargoyle through the years.
Why We Chose a Gargoyle
So when we really first started looking at doing something with the yards, we thought about gargoyles. I know what you're thinking - you're thinking why? Well, probably because we weren't too many years removed from living in Europe, walking among the many, many, many stunning old churches and buildings, many of which had fascinating gargoyles. Oh - and even though 173 has a grotesque, I'm going to call Cyd a gargoyle for the rest of this post.
The difference between a gargoyle and a grotesque is easy to remember. A gargoyle is a decorated waterspout that projects from a roof and carries rainwater away from the walls of a building, protecting it from damage, whilst a grotesque is a decorative carving that has no functional architectural purpose. - Gloucestershire Archives
The arrow in the picture below is pointing to Cyd fresh from the concrete yard statue store, and placed in the newly formed shade garden on the north side of 173. Cyd stayed in this location for a couple years.
Why We Chose a Gargoyle
You may have noticed me calling the gargoyle "Cyd", and you may be wondering why. It has nothing to do with the likes of Sid Vicious or Sid Bream that great Dodgers and Pirates first baseman from the '80s, or that TV icon Sid Caesar. No, Cyd is simply named after the great movie star Cyd Charisse, star of one of my favorite old movies - Brigadoon.
Moving On
Here's a closeup of Cyd in the early years. Still clean and white, and the move to the South side of 173 had already been made, and the following shots were taken during and right after the shingling of the lower half of the back porch back in 2011:
Cyd as viewed from the sidewalk passing by the side of 173:
Tucked up next to the Weigela which will lead to some pretty cool pictures.
And looking a little closer, you may notice that Cyd is starting to show just a little age:
And Time Goes On
So time marches on and, much like the denizens of 173, Cyd continues to age and to show the signs of aging.
And alongside Cyd, if you look closely you'll see Linus...a wonderfully odd pooch since day one!
As decorations in churches and cathedrals, [gargoyles] were said to ward off evil spirits. According to French legend, Saint Romanus saved his country from a dragon named La Gargouille. After defeating the creature, Saint Romanus burned its body; however, since the dragon had possessed the ability to breath fire, its head and neck could not be burned. Therefore, they mounted La Gargouille’s head on the wall of a church and used it to scare off harmful spirits. - Jim Reed, Ravenwoodcastle.com
And this is how Cyd looks on a dry day in 2023. Clearly aging but we think gracefully here at 173!
And after a good storm, when Cyd is well soaked, you get the real sense of 20-some years standing guard at 173 in all kinds of weather!
Funny how something as simple as a concrete garden statue can become part of the identity of a place. Visitors expect to see Cyd now, just as much as they expect to see the porch, the gardens, or the old trees. Over the years he's quietly become one of those landmarks that tells you you've arrived at House 173. He doesn't say much, but he's been standing watch through every season, every project, and every chapter we've written here.
On constant vigil in its natural habitat among the beauty of the back yard!
Thanks for stopping by and see you next time!
One thing I've learned over the years is that good gardens aren't built all at once—they grow into themselves. This post captures that beautifully. Looking at the early photographs, it's almost hard to imagine how open the yard once was. Then, picture by picture, you can watch the shrubs fill in, the shade deepen, and Cyd gradually become less of a decoration and more of a natural part of the landscape.What stayed with me most was seeing Cyd after the rain. Weather has a way of revealing the age and texture of stone and concrete, and those final photographs felt almost peaceful. Gardens change every season, but certain things remain constant. It's nice to know that through all the planting, pruning, and years passing by, Cyd has simply kept standing watch. - The Nature Lover
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a gargoyle and a grotesque?
Although many people use the words interchangeably, they're technically different. A gargoyle serves a practical purpose by acting as a waterspout that directs rainwater away from a building's walls. A grotesque is purely decorative and has no drainage function. Since Cyd doesn't carry rainwater, she's technically a grotesque, but like many people, we simply call her a gargoyle.
Why were gargoyles placed on churches and castles?
Medieval builders created gargoyles primarily to move rainwater away from stone walls, helping prevent erosion and structural damage. Over time they also became symbols of protection. Legends suggested their fearsome appearance frightened away evil spirits, making them both practical and symbolic features of Gothic architecture.
Why do people use gargoyles in gardens?
Garden gargoyles bring a sense of history, mystery, and personality to a landscape. Whether inspired by medieval architecture or simply appreciated for their character, they often become focal points among flowers and shrubs. As gardens mature, the statues seem to become part of the landscape itself.
What are concrete garden gargoyles made from?
Most modern garden gargoyles are cast from concrete or cast stone. These materials are durable enough to withstand decades of exposure to rain, snow, sunlight, and changing temperatures. Rather than deteriorating quickly, they often develop a weathered patina that many gardeners find even more attractive than the original finish.
Should concrete garden statues be cleaned?
That's largely a matter of personal preference. Some gardeners enjoy periodically cleaning concrete statues to preserve their original appearance, while others prefer allowing moss, lichen, and weathering to develop naturally. The gradual aging often gives garden ornaments a timeless quality that helps them blend into established landscapes.
How can a garden statue become part of a landscape?
Time does much of the work. As shrubs grow, flowers spread, and trees mature, a well-placed statue gradually becomes integrated into the garden. What once looked like a newly purchased ornament eventually feels like it has always belonged there, quietly becoming one of the garden's landmarks.
Why name a garden statue?
Giving a statue a name transforms it from decoration into a familiar presence. Over the years it becomes associated with family memories, changing seasons, beloved pets, and countless hours spent outdoors. At House 173, Cyd has watched the property evolve for nearly three decades, making her feel less like an ornament and more like one of the home's longtime residents.
Do garden ornaments improve with age?
Many do. Unlike brightly painted decorations that may look worn as they weather, concrete statues often gain character over time. Subtle staining, softened edges, and the occasional patch of moss can give them a sense of permanence that newly installed ornaments simply don't possess.
Why are recurring features important in a garden?
Permanent features such as benches, birdhouses, large stones, and statues provide continuity as plants change from season to season. They become visual anchors within the landscape and help tell the ongoing story of a garden as it matures over many years.
Why does Cyd fit House 173 so well?
Because House 173 has always been about preserving character rather than chasing perfection. Cyd has quietly stood through garden renovations, changing seasons, three generations of beagles, and nearly thirty years of life at the house. In many ways, she's become as much a part of House 173 as the flowers, trees, and old brick walls themselves.
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