The buzzing of bees, the delicate flutter of butterflies and the shimmering flight of dragonflies are all unmistakable signs that summer has arrived in the garden. Whether you have a sprawling country plot, a compact courtyard or a small urban balcony, wildlife brings movement, colour and life to outdoor spaces, helping to create a garden that feels vibrant and connected to nature.
It’s no surprise that these much-loved garden visitors have also inspired a wide range of decorative accessories. From charming ornaments and planters to lanterns, sculptures and practical pieces with a wildlife twist, bee, butterfly and dragonfly motifs can add personality and seasonal charm to any outdoor setting.
We’ve picked some of our favourite bee, dragonfly and butterfly-themed garden accessories to help your outdoor space go with a…buzz.
1. Glass bee jug, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Crafted by La Rochere, this jug features a bee motif. With a generous 1L capacity, it’s perfect for serving water, juice, or even a refreshing homemade lemonade at your next gathering. The thick glass makes it a durable option for regular use as well as less fragile for outdoor dining. £29, available from Royal Botanic Gardens Kew.
2. Handmade butterfly plant stake, The British Craft House
This eye-catching, bright glass butterfly plant stake can be used inside or out. Each butterfly is cut from 13 individual pieces of glass, and each uses seven different types and shades of glass for a textured look. With five colours to choose from, you can create your own colourful flock to brighten dull days. £20, available from The British Craft House.
3. Personalised butterfly bird feeder, Dibor
This brass coloured hanging bird dish is the perfect accessory for your garden if you love to bird watch. Made from recycled iron with a vine theme, the frame features decorative butterflies, flowers and leaves. Fill it with nuts, seeds or water for wildlife to enjoy. It can be personalised with a birch tag, and also comes in a heart shaped frame option. £26, available from Dibor.
4. Outdoor rug with bee design, Homescapes
Handwoven from recycled polypropylene, this bumble bee rug is reversible. Measuring a generous 182 x 122cm, it can hosed down or spot cleaned with a damp cloth as needed. Designed to be used outdoors, this practical rug will be resistant to British weather, and look good in the garden or on the patio. £35.95, available from Homescapes.
5. Ferns and butterfly cushion, Perkins & Morley
This pretty cushion takes its inspiration from the Victorian walled garden where a sense of overgrown order prevails. Butterflies flit happily through flora and ferns whilst limes green, greys, aqua blues, sage green and purple combine for a soothing effect. Perfect for relaxing in the garden – just remember to take it in if it rains! Prices start at £33.99, available from Perkins & Morley.
6. Set of two Melinda stoneware planters, The Wisteria Tree
This set of two beige stoneware planters from the Melinda range features delicate butterflies and plants against a warm, beige background. Best taken inside during the winter, as stoneware can be susceptible to frosts. £35, available from The Wisteria Tree.
7. Dragonfly dance cushion, House of Turnowsky
This gorgeous cushion will brighten a cloudy day. Made in the UK, the cover is washable so useful for outside use – although it’s not weather resistant so needs to be stored inside. Adding a splash of colour to any furniture, prices start at £28.99 from welovecushions.
8. Dragonflies bone china mug, Bean & Bemble
How perfect is this pretty mug for an alfresco, early morning cuppa? Featuring a hand-illustrated dragonfly design among lush green tropical plants, it’s designed and printed in the UK and is dishwasher safe. £15, available from Bean & Bemble.
9. Belle jardiniere seat pad, Dibor
Add a touch of classic French country style to your space with this vintage-style seat pad. Perfect for a relaxed look, it does have a water repellent coating but would be happier stored inside. Machine washable at 30 degrees. £17, available from Dibor.
10. Reusable bee bowl cover, Helen Round
Idea for keeping insects out of the salad when you’re eating outside, this large, elasticated linen bowl cover fits a multitude of different containers. It will keep food covered while out on the table, in the garden for a barbeque, in the fridge or while transporting and costs £18.50 from Helen Round (other sizes and designs available).
(First published August 2016; last updated June 2026)
