British gardening culture

I thought I'd add a fun object for you all.

These two little objects are often found in British gardens, particularly in the suburbs, and a very representative of British gardening culture. They have become less popular in recent years, because they are widely seen as being in poor taste.

• However, do you think these objects originate in the UK?
• Have you seen them in other countries or heard stories about them?
• Do you think that there might be common stories told about these objects?

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Holymoly/94/86/25

MissAnnie