People ask me all the time what to do with their garden. I can immediately sense their frustration and disappointment. They feel intimidated and disconnected from their landscape. After studying garden magazines and design plans, they still don't know where to begin. I often hear, "I thought it would be more fun." I agree. Gardening should be more fun. It should also be more natural. So how do we create these rich, inviting spaces that are both beautiful and personal? Perhaps it's as simple as putting the gardener back into the garden, the inner gardener who speaks to us through the senses.
What is your preferred sense to enjoy the garden? Close your eyes and think about the word “garden.” What memories, sounds, tastes, scents or images come to mind? Are you inundated with visuals or do you immediately imagine yourself biting into a ripe, red tomato? Maybe you see yourself sipping iced tea in the shade, or smelling roses. Take note of the impressions you receive and compile a list. It’s natural to give your dominant sense first priority. Just remember to include secondary elements to incorporate all of the senses.
Although the visual garden is the most obvious, it doesn’t have to be ordinary. Are you drawn to flowers with bright bold colors or tranquil landscapes with deep shade and minimalism?
prefer the intricacy and precision of an English formal garden. Sign up for your local garden tour and gather ideas from established gardens. Don’t forget solar lighting, candles and citronella torches to extend your enjoyment. Gardens can be magical at night!
