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Frequently asked questions

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Use the FAQ section to answer your customers' most frequent questions.

About GARDENALIA

What is GARDENALIA?

GARDENALIA is a sustainable garden lifestyle brand making one-of-a-kind outdoor decor from reclaimed iron. We create birds, hares, frogs, owls, butterflies, lanterns, planters, wall pieces and other garden companions designed to bring character to balconies, patios, gardens and entryways.

What do you mean by “garden companions”?

We call our pieces companions because they are more than simple ornaments. Each bird, hare, frog, owl or butterfly is designed to feel like a small character living in your outdoor space — something that adds personality, not just decoration.

What is reclaimed iron?

Reclaimed iron is iron that has already had a previous use. Many GARDENALIA pieces begin as end-of-life industrial iron such as drums, bins, containers or offcuts from factories and yards in India. The material is then flattened, cut, shaped, welded, painted and finished by hand.

Are your products made from recycled or reclaimed material?

Yes. Our pieces are made from reclaimed or recycled iron. We describe this literally and carefully: the iron has been gathered from material that would otherwise be discarded, then hand-finished into garden decor.

Are all pieces one of a kind?

Yes. Because each piece is handmade from reclaimed iron, small variations in color, posture, texture, paint finish and surface marks are expected. No two companions are exactly alike.

Where are GARDENALIA pieces made?

Our pieces are handcrafted by artisans in India, with many catalogue pieces connected to Rajasthan and the Thar Desert craft tradition of shaping recycled metal into decorative objects.

What kinds of products do you sell?

Our catalogue includes metal figurines, garden animals, bird and rooster figurines, wall-mounted decor, butterfly and insect accents, hanging ornaments, fence toppers, bottle toppers, candle holders, planter decor and seasonal pieces.

Materials & Craft

Can reclaimed-iron garden decor stay outside?

Yes, GARDENALIA pieces are made for outdoor use in gardens, patios, balconies and terraces. Like all outdoor metal decor, they will live with the weather. We recommend placing them thoughtfully and giving them simple seasonal care.

Is GARDENALIA decor weatherproof?

We avoid calling any outdoor iron piece “guaranteed weatherproof.” Our pieces are hand-finished for outdoor use, but rain, sun, frost, salt air and time can gradually affect the finish. That natural weathering is part of the life of the piece.

Will iron garden decor rust?

Iron can rust when exposed to moisture and oxygen, especially if the protective finish is scratched, chipped or worn. For GARDENALIA, a little patina can add character, but we recommend regular checks and simple care to slow unwanted rust.

How do I clean my GARDENALIA piece?

Wipe it with a dry or damp soft cloth. For dirt or garden residue, use mild soapy water, then dry the piece fully. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbers and pressure washing. Outdoor metal decor care guides commonly recommend gentle cleaning and touch-ups when paint finishes wear.

How do I protect my piece in heavy rain, frost orcoastal weather?

In very wet, coastal or freezing conditions, place your piece in a partly sheltered spot when possible. During harsh frost or long wet periods, storing it in a shed, porch or covered area can help extend the finish. Iron and steel items can rust or degrade when left exposed to severe winter weather for long periods.

What should I do if I see a rust spot?

Dry the piece, gently remove loose rust with a soft wire brush or fine sandpaper, then apply a suitable outdoor metal touch up paint or clear protective coating. Always test carefully on a small area first.

Will the color change over time?

It may. Sun, rain, handling and seasonal exposure can soften colors or create patina over time. We see this as part of the charm of second-life iron, but if you prefer a newer look, place the piece in a more sheltered area and refresh the finish when needed.

Can I use GARDENALIA pieces indoors?

Yes. Many pieces can be used indoors on shelves, tabletops, walls, entryways or covered garden rooms. Just check the size, base, fitting and intended placement before buying.

Are the candle holders safe to use outdoors?

Our candle holders are decorative pieces and should always be used with care. Place them on a stable, heat-safe surface, keep flames away from plants, fabric and dry leaves, and never leave a burning candle unattended.

Are GARDENALIA pieces toys?

No. GARDENALIA pieces are decorative objects, not toys. Keep small, pointed, heavy or hanging pieces away from young children and pets.

Choosing the Right Product

How do I choose the right piece for my garden?

Start with your space. For balconies, choose compact wall mounts, hanging ornaments, bottle toppers or small figurines. For patios and entryways, try statement animals, lanterns or planter accents. For lawns and garden beds, larger birds, hares, frogs, roosters or seasonal characters work beautifully.

What is best for a small balcony?

Choose pieces that do not take up floor space: wall-mounted birds, butterflies, owls, hanging fish, mini wall mounts, bottle toppers, fence toppers or small tabletop animals.

What is best for a garden wall or fence?

Wall-mounted butterflies, beetles, owls, birds, cats, roosters, fish, reindeer and lizards are ideal for walls and fences. Fence toppers are best when you want a character perched along a rail, post or boundary.

What is best for gifting?

Small figurines, birds, owls, bunnies, bottle toppers, candle holders and seasonal characters make strong gifts because they are easy to place and feel personal. For gardeners, plant lovers and people with balconies, choose by character rather than by “decor style.”

How do I know the size of a piece?

Each product page should list dimensions in length × width × height, along with weight where available. We recommend checking the size before ordering, especially for wall-mounted pieces, larger animals, planters and fence toppers.

Why do some products have similar names?

Some characters appear in multiple sizes, finishes or formats. For example, we may have a standing bunny, bunny with carrot, rabbit with flower, rabbit fence topper and rabbit planter accent. The product title, size and product type help you choose the right version.

What is a bottle topper?

A bottle topper is a decorative iron character designed to sit on top of a bottle or vase. It can be used for table styling, gifting, outdoor dining, bar carts, shelves or festive decor.

What is a fence topper?

A fence topper is a decorative piece designed to perch on a fence, rail, post or garden boundary. It adds height, character and a little theatre to an otherwise plain edge.

What is a wall mount?

A wall mount is a flat or semi-flat decorative piece designed to be fixed to a wall, fence, gate, shed, balcony wall or indoor surface. Always use suitable fixings for your surface type.

Do you sell sets?

Yes, selected pieces can be grouped into sets by character, space, season or purpose. Sets are useful when you want a coordinated balcony, patio corner, garden bed or gift bundle.

Product Variation & Availability

Will my piece look exactly like the photo?

Not exactly. Product photos show the design, size and general finish, but handmade reclaimed-iron pieces naturally vary. Your piece may have slight differences in color, expression, texture, paint marks or patina.

Why is there only limited stock?

Many pieces are made in small batches and some are one of a kind. When a specific character or finish sells out, the next batch may look slightly different.

What happens if a product is sold out?

You can join the waitlist where available, choose a similar character, or sign up for new Menagerie drops. Because pieces are handmade, restocks may not be identical to earlier batches.

Can I request a specific colour or finish?

Custom options depend on the product and production schedule. If customization is available, it will be shown on the product page or handled through customer care.

Orders, Shipping & Delivery

Where do you ship?

GARDENALIA is planned as a global D2C brand. The checkout should show available shipping countries, delivery options, currency and estimated delivery timelines based on your location.

How long will my order take to arrive?

Delivery timing depends on your country, shipping method and product availability.

Will I receive tracking?

Yes. Once your order ships, you should receive tracking details by email or SMS, depending on the checkout information provided.

Are duties and taxes included?

This depends on the destination country and Shopify Markets setup. The safest customer-facing answer is: “Duties, taxes and import charges will be shown at checkout where available. If not collected at checkout, your local customs authority may charge them on delivery.”s.

How are products packed?

Each piece should be packed securely to reduce movement in transit, ideally using right-sized packaging and protective cushioning. Secure, right-sized packaging is a standard ecommerce best practice because it reduces jostling and lowers the risk of transit damage.

Is your packaging recyclable?

GARDENALIA should use recyclable kraft packaging where possible, plus a printed character card and care note. Avoid claiming “fully compostable,” “zero waste” or “plastic-free” unless every component is verified.

Can I send an order as a gift?

Yes. Gift note and gift packaging options should be available where operationally supported. Suggested answer: “You can add a gift note at checkout. Prices are not included in the gift note.”

Returns, Exchanges & Damages

What is your return policy?

Use this with your final policy values: “We accept returns within [X days] of delivery for eligible unused items in original condition and packaging. Final sale, customized or damaged-after-use items may not be eligible.”

Can I exchange a piece?

Exchanges depend on availability. Because many pieces are handmade in small batches, an exact replacement may not always be possible. If the original piece is unavailable, we can help you choose a similar companion.

What if my order arrives damaged?

Contact customer care within [X days] of delivery with your order number, photos of the packaging, and photos of the damaged item. We will review the issue and arrange the appropriate replacement, repair, refund or store credit according to policy.

Can I cancel or change my order?

Orders can usually be changed or cancelled before they are packed or dispatched. Once an order has shipped, it will need to follow the normal return process.

Who pays for return shipping?

This depends on the reason for return and final policy. Recommended answer: “If the item arrived damaged or incorrect, we will help resolve it. For preference-based returns, return shipping may be the customer’s responsibility.”

 Payments & Customer Support

Is checkout secure?

Yes. GARDENALIA checkout should use secure payment processing through trusted payment providers. Customers should see available payment methods at checkout.

Which payment methods do you accept?

List the final payment methods once configured: credit/debit cards, PayPal, Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna/Afterpay if used, and local payment methods by market.

How do I contact customer care?

Email us at info@gardenalia.shop NOTERA or use the contact form. Please include your order number if your question is about an existing order.”

Do you offer wholesale or trade orders?

Yes, if you plan to support trade. For garden stores, concept shops, stylists, hotels, cafes or landscape designers, please contact us at info@gardenalia.shop with your business details.”

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