03 Apr Unique Metal & Glass Snail Sculptures for Your Garden
Meet the Snail Squad: Handmade Metal and Glass Snails to Bring Character to Your Garden
Straight from the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, these handmade metal and glass snails are here to add charm, personality and a little bit of cheekiness to your outdoor space. Each one is unique with its own distinct character – some are bold, some are laid-back and some are just happy to take in the view.
These snails may not be the fastest creatures around but they sure know how to make a statement. Whether nestled among flowers, perched on a garden path or peeking out from behind a pot, they bring a spark of life (without munching on your plants).
Let’s meet the crew:
Jasper
The Quirky Snail
Jasper is a quirky dude with wild hair and a friendly face. He may seem a little shy at first, but put a bass guitar in his hands or get him hanging off a boulder at a rock climbing center, and he truly comes to life! Jasper will be rocking the main stage this year, though he absolutely hates it when I say, “Slap that bass!” (sorry, Jasper). Made from 100% reclaimed steel and finished beautifully with a piece of green handmade slumped glass by the Glass Guru, Jasper’s one-of-a-kind style makes him a standout in any garden.
Fraser
The Bearded Banshee Snail from Scotland
This Bearded Banshee Snail is known for his loud, joyful shrieks as he feasts on the local flora – specially begonias, his newfound favorite. With a beard that doubles as a snack stash, Fraser is always ready for his next meal.
Speedy
The Snail Who’s Too Fast for Her Own Good
Don’t let her size fool you—Speedy lives up to her name! A little too quick for her own good, she’s been banned from the Begonia Festival after one too many mishaps. But she’s not giving up! With a clever disguise and daily slow-slinking practice, she’s determined to sneak back in. Made from 100% reclaimed steel and finished with a vibrant green hand-made slumped glass shell
Florence
The Graceful Garden Queen
A true Ballarat Botanical Gardens resident, Florence has munched so many flowers she’s practically part bloom herself! Her infamous appetite once wiped out the entire Mother’s Day chrysanthemum collection, prompting the gardeners to install the world’s tiniest electric fence.
Diego the Spaniard
The Garden Conquistador
A snail with a sense of history, Diego the Spaniard still carries the spirit of the old conquistadors. Though the grand conquests are long past, he takes pride in his heritage, donning his finest warrior gear once a year for the Ballarat Begonia Festival. A bold and charming addition to any garden, Diego is always ready for an adventure!
Jamar the Rustifarian
The Laid-Back Legend
Jamar, the laid-back Rustifarian, left Jamaica’s reggae scene for a slower life in Ballarat. Now a local legend, he spins reggae at Volta and will be jamming with Jasper at the Begonia Festival. Made from 100% reclaimed steel and topped with a vibrant green slumped glass shell, he’s the ultimate chilled-out garden companion.
Josephine Bath
A Snail with a Bold History
Don’t let Josephine’s innocent look fool you—those big batty eyelashes and fancy attire hide a wild past. She’s a descendant of Thomas Bath, the tough-as-nails barman who opened the first pub in Ballarat back in 1853 during the gold rush. In those days, it was a rough scene with regular bar brawls, but Thomas was no stranger to standing his ground. Josephine may look sweet, but her roots are deep in the fiery spirit of Ballarat’s gold rush era.
Slick
The Stylish Snail
Slick likes to think of himself as a “silver fox,” but we all know snails and foxes don’t mix! Once his silver locks grew long enough, he started collecting snail slime to slick it back—turns out snail slime has quite the similar hold to L’Oréal Professional Max Hold Gel! A true fashion-forward snail, Slick is made from 100% reclaimed steel and finished with a stunning piece of handmade green slumped glass by the Glass Guru.
Da Boss
The Snail in Charge
Meet Da Boss Snail—he’s “Da Boss”… at least, that’s what he thinks! As the self-appointed site safety officer, he walks around feeling important, telling everyone what to do and keeping things “safe.” Safety is key, so be sure to listen to Da Boss and stay safe!