How I Design My Gardens

August 22, 2020

How I Design My Gardens

As I mentioned here, I absolutely love gardening. It's therapy for my soul and there is nothing like working the soil and creating a garden from a blank canvas and in time seeing color, beauty and purpose unfold.

THE TABLE

A table is brought over to the blank area - set anywhere - sometimes the middle - sometimes toward the outer edge. In the cool of the morning, with coffee, I'll just sit at the table and observe. I like to see the wind patterns, watch the birds, and just listen. I think garden design is very much a thing of the soul. It's something that should be pondered and not rushed. For me, garden design unfolds - it evolves and always involves beauty, color, purpose, pathways, and a table.

MY MAPPING TOOL

After spending time in the observation mode, I'll use a small hoe with a three-foot handle and begin to map out possible beds and pathways. The majority of our gardens are raised beds and generally, when we use soaker hoses versus poly pipe with drip, I'll take advantage of the overflow and add flower seeds to the outside of the bed.

gardening in flip flops = dirty feet = don't care.

 

ALWAYS COLOR - POPS OF BLUE

Part of my design philosophy is to add layers, texture, purpose, and color. My garden themes will overflow with blue tones. Blue is a cooling color, it catches the eye and creates movement and a sense of calm.

LAYERS

My gardens are designed with highs and lows. I work in variegated colors of green - for example - Tarragon - is a deeper green herb and Zinnias are lighter in color. I do like rows, but I also enjoy a sense of whimsy in the garden. I'll mix herbs, with Swiss Chard and then Salvia - creating my texture, layers, color and purpose. 

ASK AWAY IF YOU HAVE ANY GARDEN QUESTIONS