Gardens need a little whimsy from time to time. Of course, they need plants, and maybe a few rocks, and probably a bench or two as well. But little statues, figurines, and decorations can take a garden vignette from bland to charming and can bring smiles to those who come across the statues. This article specifically looks at Garden Turtle Statues, and considers 10 of the best turtle statues that could grace your garden! Some have lighting built in, others are very stylized turtles, and in all, there are several different directions one could go.
Please take a look at the turtle lawn ornament product reviews below to figure out which turtle statue for your garden is the right one for your needs!
Garden Turtle Statues Reviewed
Design Toscano Gilbert the Box Turtle Statue, Multicolored
The Design Toscano Gilbert the Box Turtle Statue is a quintessential turtle, with lovely representative design, beautiful hand-painted coloring, and great attention to detail. People strolling in the garden will almost certainly confuse this statue for a real turtle moving verrry slooowly!
Key Features
- 7″ wide x 9″ deep x 3″ high
- 1 lb weight
- Made of resin plastic
- Hollow interior
- Hand-painted
The Details
Gilbert is a very lifelike turtle statue when viewed, though when picked up, it’s quite clear he’s not real! The statue is made of resin plastic with stone added, but beware it is fragile. Kids may want to play with the statue, but resin is easily broken (even during shipping) so try to keep the statue out of the hands of children.
Many people place these statues into terrariums, and they will do fine there. In an aquarium, over time the paint may come off of the turtle, so beware.
The interior of the statue is hollow, so it could be drilled into and used as a cap for a well or another yard area you don’t wish to view.
The Bottom Line
The Gilbert Statue by Design Toscano is a great choice for those looking for a realistic turtle. The resin construction is fine, but buyers should be cautious not to break the turtle, as it is fragile (think of it as pottery). As an added bonus, if you are looking for two turtles, this is available as a set with a slight discount.
- Hand-cast using real crushed stone bonded with high quality designer resin.
- Each piece is individually hand-painted by our artisans.
- Exclusive to the Design Toscano brand and perfect for your home or garden.
- Cast in quality designer resin
- Hand painted
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Design Toscano Aesop’s Turtle Cast Iron Statue
Design Toscano made another excellent turtle statue with its Aesop’s Turtle cast iron statue. This statue is much beefier than Gilbert above, with a 7-pound weight, and a solid frame that is extremely strong.
Key Features
- 10″ long x 6″ wide x 4.5″ high
- 7 lbs
- Made of Cast Iron
- Solid inside
- Hand Painted
The Details
The Aesop’s Turtle statue is quite lifelike, though it has less color variation than the Gilbert turtle above. The primary differentiation is the material: cast iron is much heavier and sturdier, and will likely last much longer than resin. However, cast iron can rust, so you may want to take your turtle in when the weather gets nasty.
That said, some actually like the look of wear and age on these turtles, so if you forget to bring it in and it gets buried in snow for the winter, perhaps all that is needed is a change of perspective. It will still look great, just different.
The Bottom Line
These Aesop’s Turtles are very popular, with good reason: they’re solid, heavy, and lifelike garden ornaments, decorations that should last for years, especially if taken inside for the winter. They are a great choice for virtually all looking for classic turtle statues for the garden. Be sure to check the size, as shown above. Some anticipate the statue being a little bigger than it actually is.
- AESOP'S TURTLE is a great reminder to take life at a slower pace! On an...
- EXOTIC ASIAN SYMBOL OF LONGEVITY, STABILITY AND PATIENCE, our laid-back...
- CAST IN LONG-LASTING, HEAVYWEIGHT IRON to capture detail from tough shell...
- DESIGN TOSCANO EXCLUSIVE, like its namesake, will remind you to endure the...
- Our turtle statues measure 10"Wx6"Dx4.5"H and weigh 7 lbs.
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Esschert Design Cast Iron Decorative Turtle, Large
The Esschert Design Cast Iron Decorative Turtle is definitely a step toward abstraction compared to the Design Toscano turtles discussed above. The Esschert Design turtle is beautiful, in almost an Aztek sort of way, with strongly interpreted hexagonal decorations on the turtle shell, and a stylized neck and head that is quite striking.
Key Features
- 7.5″ long x 5.9″ wide x 2.8″ high
- 1.76 lbs
- Made of cast iron
- Hollow interior
The Details
No one will mistake this garden turtle statue for a real turtle, but that’s not a bad thing! These are really beautiful in their own right. We quite like the step in the representative direction, compared to the Design Toscano items on our list, and this one is a bit less kitschy than a lot of the non-realistic designs available.
The Esschert Design turtle is cast iron, so it may rust over time. You may want to take this little one inside when the weather gets nasty. Also, it is a little one, so be sure to check the dimensions to get a sense for the size of this turtle.
The Bottom Line
The Esschert Design turtle is a great choice for many gardeners looking for an interesting object, but something more representative rather than realistic.
As an added bonus, a matching smaller turtle is available as a companion for the turtle shown here.
- Perfect For Placement In The Garden, In The Yard Or On The Patio
- Lawn Ornament 7.527 Inch 5.928 Inch 2.184In
- Antique Brown Cast Iron Turtle
- No Assembly Required
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Turtle with Solar Light/Lantern, Solar Turtle Statue/Figurine
This turtle statue is a bit of a hobo turtle, with a hat on, an LED solar lantern on a stick, and a human-like stance on two legs. It is surprisingly large, and heavy, for a resin statue.
Key Features
- 17.25″ high x 8″long x 12″ w
- 6.8lbs
- Solar Light Included
- Made of Resin Plastic
- Hand Painted Finish
The Details
Like all resin statues, the concern here is with breakage. This turtle is pretty sizable, and will certainly draw attention to itself in the garden. Be prepared for kids to be curious about the turtle, and potentially want to pick it up and potentially damage it. Think of resin as pottery, and treat it that way.
Note, some have complained that the statue was broken during shipping and delivery. If your statue is broken when you receive it, be sure to contact Amazon immediately.
The hand-painted finish on these turtles is really high quality. No one will mistake this large, anthropomorphic turtle as human, but as a garden decoration in its own right, these are great.
The Bottom Line
Large, whimsical, sturdy, and includes a solar light. What more could you ask for? These hobo turtle statues are great fun and will complement any garden or patio space they are placed in.
- Made of polyresin. Good for indoor/outdoor
- Light will light up automatically at dark/night
- APPROXIMATE SIZE : 9"W X 8"D X 17"H and 6 lbs
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Large Resin Garden Turtle Figurine
The Large Resin Garden Turtle Figurine shown here goes back to the realistic turtle designs found at the top of our list. This one is beautiful, like the others we discussed. With resin construction and hand painted as well. Some have commented that the choice of paint color varies from the picture, and is less realistic than what is shown here, so be prepared for some differences in color tone. But that is what is cool about hand-painted designs!
Key Features
- 12″ long x 7″ wide x 4″ high
- Weighs 1.9 lbs
- Resin Construction
- Hollow Inside
- Paint color may vary from what is shown
The Details
This turtle is surprisingly large, one of the largest on our list, and it looks great. The resin is very light and is easily broken (including during shipping) so be wary to keep it out of the hands of those who aren’t careful.
The resin is hollow, and some have even reported that this turtle floats, though we wouldn’t bank on it. It may float for a while, but we would assume water will slowly get in and eventually sink the turtle.
The main issue here is with the color. The paint varies from turtle to turtle, and if you order one, you may not receive a turtle that looks like what is pictured. Of course, you may! But you’ll have to take the risk that the color tone you get isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, and if you don’t like it, you could return for another one, but that’s quite a hassle.
The Bottom Line
For those willing to ignore the potential color issues, this is a great garden turtle statue. It is very lifelike, and will certainly bring some charm to your garden or deck. Be gentle with the resin statue, and treat it carefully.
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Turtle Hear See Speak No Evil Collectible Garden Decoration Figurine
The George H Chen Imports Shear See Speak No Evil Turtle Statue is cute and whimsical, with three turtles stacked upon one another. The child is see no evil; the mother is hear no evil; and the father is speak no evil.
They all are hand-painted and are quite charming.
Key Features
- 3.5″ W x 3.5″ L x 7.5″ H
- Weight: 14.4 oz
- Made from Resin Construction
- Color may vary from image shown
The Details
Like many of the resin turtles on this list, the See/Hear/Speak No Evil turtle you receive may not be in the same color palette as the one shown here. Some have said that the garden turtle statues they received are not as vibrant and colorful as shown in the image, so beware: you may find some color issues.
Additionally, they are fairly small, given the price being asked, so be prepared for a smaller statue than you might envision. The total height of the statue is only 7″, and that is the longest dimension.
The Bottom Line
If you love the see/hear/speak no evil message, then this is a great choice for you. It is small and made of resin so it’s breakable, and there may be color issues. But the look of the three-turtle statue and the design of the message is quite charming.
George S Chen Imports has a large number of statues in its collection, including some other turtles, so if you like this one, we encourage you to check out others in the set!
- Perfect gift for those that love reptile & amphibian
- Great design and craftsmanship
- Measurement: H: 7.5
- Material: polyresin
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Moonrays 91515 Solar-Powered Outdoor LED Light Garden Décor, Turtles on a Log
The Moonrays 91515 Solar Powered LED three-turtle set is a lovely garden ornament, and one of the more highly sought after products on our list. It is small, but it is quite charming, and hits a great price point, especially given that these feature three LED lights, one in each turtle shell!
Key Features
- 11″ W x 5″ H
- Each Turtle is about 3″ long
- 1.6lbs
- 3 Amber LEDs included one in each shell
- AA Battery included
- Made of polyresin
The Details
The size of this three-turtle-and-log-set is small, but the scene is lovely, and beautifully painted. By day it looks like a cute garden statue, and by night the lights glow gently in an amber hue, bringing character and warmth to the garden. The solar panel is located in the middle of the log, and the rechargeable battery is included. The light goes on automatically when the sun goes down, though be sure you turn on the switch on the bottom of the statue to make sure it engages the panel.
The amount of light these garden turtle statues cast is negligible, it is purely ambient light. But it is charming and will be a focal point wherever it is put. The shells are not made of stained glass, but rather a clear glass that has a coat of paint on it. Over time, the paint may chip or fade, especially if left in the elements, and you can repaint if necessary.
If the light is not turning on, you may have a plastic cover over the solar panel. Be sure to remove the cover to expose the solar panel, and it will charge in the sun.
The Bottom Line
The Moonrays three turtle sculpture is one of our favorites on this list, given the price point it hits, the charm of the design, and the addition of the three LEDs. Additionally, it is even covered under a 1-year warranty, so you can be confident Moonrays stands behind their turtles!
- ADD A WELCOMING TOUCH to your garden with these 3 turtles resting on a log
- SOLAR POWERED: These turtles make the perfect garden decor during the day...
- BEAUTIFULLY CONSTRUCTED from durable, intricately painted polyresin
- 1 AA RECHARGEABLE BATTERY INCLUDED: Be sure to place in direct sunlight so...
- 1 Year Limited Warranty
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Deco 79 98281 Polystone Decorative Turtle Statue, 15 by 6-Inch
The Deco Polystone Decorative Turtle Shell is yet another life-like turtle representation, this one a large turtle in a sitting position. It is the largest turtle statue on our list and is made of resin.
Key Features
- 15″ x 15″ x 6″
- 4.2 lbs
- Made of resin
The Details
The Deco turtle is made of a poly-resin material, and like all poly-resin products, can be easily broken, including during shipping. Beware when you move it, or when children or pets are near the statue, as it can break!
Some have found that the paint peels or fades over time, so be prepared to re-paint this statue if it’s left outside in the elements for long periods of time. The lines are etched into the turtle’s shell, so you should be able to re-create the design if the paint fades significantly and you need to repaint.
Alternately, you could spray the turtle with a clear coat of gloss protestant to help seal the design.
The Bottom Line
This turtle garden statue is one of our favorites and really looks great. It is large, lifelike, and thoughtfully made. The biggest downside is the paint fading and chipping, so either plan on coating it with a clear protectant spray, or take it inside when the weather gets troublesome!
- Color: brown
- Finish: distressed
- Theme: Globe Trotter
- Material: polystone
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Portly Turtle Statue
The Portly Turtle Statue is cute and clever. It’s an exaggerated version of a traditional turtle, one that looks sensible enough that people might confuse it for a real turtle, but after doing a double take, will see that it’s obviously a statue.
Key Features
- 6.25″ H x 7″ W x 9.25″ L
- Weights 1.38lbs
- Made of resin plastic
- Hand Painted Finish
- Weather Resistant
The Details
The Portly Turtle is a very popular garden turtle statue, and one of a set of several portly animal statues available as a series. It is hand painted, and finished in a realistic way, except for the supersized rotundness! The eyes on this statue look a little glassy, but the whole effect is charming.
The statue is made of resin plastic, and like all resin statuettes on our list, it is prone to breakage, so be careful with it! Keep it away from children and pets.
The Bottom Line
The Portly Turtle is an amusing, whimsical addition to any garden or patio space, and will surely be a conversation piece! The resin turtles are larger than many expect (see the dimensions) and have a great presence. Definitely recommended if you like the style.
- Ornament.
- Made of high quality resin.
- Exclusive design.
- Hand Painted Resin.
- Made with a mixture of poly resin composite.
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Turtle Solar Garden Light
The Turtle Solar Garden Light is a cute turtle statue with a shell carved with holes. Inside the shell is a solar light that glows through the holes at night, casting interesting light patterns on the surrounding area.
Key Features
- 9″ x 7″
- Weighs 12oz
- Solar Light with Rechargeable Battery Included
- Made of Resin Plastic
- Night-sensing technology automatically engages the light at night
The Details
Be sure to check the dimensions, because this turtle is not as large as you may expect, and is smaller than several of the other turtles on the list. The solar light is a great feature, but the use of holes in the resin shell, rather than a lens that amplifies the light results in a glow that is not very impressive, and certainly is not as interesting as the Moonrays Three Turtle sculpture mentioned above. The illumination is pretty mild on this solar light.
Some users also reported having issues with the switch, the solar panel, or the battery, and the light stopped working after a short while. Be sure you remove any covers or plastic film on the solar panel.
The Turtle Solar Garden Light is made of the usual resin material and is prone to cracks and damage like all resin sculptures are. Be careful with it!
The Bottom Line
This garden turtle statue is fairly well reviewed on Amazon, and it is fairly inexpensive for a statue with a solar light in it. However, we feel that the quality just isn’t there, and the turtle is not sizable enough to be really a great addition to a garden or patio space.
If you absolutely must have more turtle sculptures, then go for it. If you’re only really looking for one, then we encourage you to look elsewhere on the list.
- Ideal for any location receiving ample sunlight including outdoor patios,...
- When fully charged, it will illuminate your space for extended hours,...
- Powered by a solar panel, the solar garden light absorb energy in the...
- This fabulous solar-powered LED garden light, sized 9"W x 7"H, makes an...
- Crafted from durable material, this LED Turtle Solar Garden Light is...
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion: Turtle Garden Decor
We hope you’ve found a whole lot of amphibian inspiration on this page, and the perfect turtle for your garden space!
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