Garden Inspiration

Photo: BHG.com

I’m always on the lookout for ideas to change the way I view and appreciate at my garden. I look for inspiration as I walk Barney, my adorable golden retriever, through the neighborhood, in magazines and books, seminars, online and at gardening shows. I’m interested in the possibilities, many times to the detriment of actually getting anything done!

In addition to the overall feel of the gardening show gardens and the opportunity to talk to skilled designers and contractors, it’s the nuggets of inspiration that really interest me. What problems does the garden solve? What emotions does the garden evoke? What elements can I use to create a different sense of space or way to interact with my garden?

Seven Showcase Gardens and the Urban Edible Garden will be created for you at this year’s Yard, Garden & Patio Show, presented by Dennis’ 7 Dees Landscaping and Garden Centers.

You can count on Dennis’ 7 Dees to create a magnificent landscape. They often are awarded prizes for their designs (they took Best of Show last year for their Chinese garden and were runner up for the People’s Choice award). This year, they are going to take us on a “Sentimental Journey” by creating a romantic-style garden with its slightly overgrown nature (sounds like my garden!) and surprises around every corner.

This style was popular in the late 18th through mid-19th century when gardens became less formal and were characterized by curving paths and dense planting and were inspired by nature. Look for a naturalistic reflective pond, a woodland path that gently curves through a grove of birch trees with canopies of lit lanterns, and a weeping stone grotto for rejuvenation. There’s even a 'secret garden' where children can climb into a cozy playhouse overlooking the pond.

P. Annie Kirk, Red Bird Restorative Gardens, and Living Color Landscape will be creating an oasis called “Thrive Outside.” Although this is the first time she has created a Showcase Garden at YGP, Annie is known for therapeutic garden designs that connect people to the benefits of gardens and nature. Inspiration will be in the form of wishing trees, ribbons of water, playful areas for the kids and the kid in all of us, active and reflective spots, and plants with healing attributes. She intends this garden to offer a prescription of wellbeing for all of us.

 

 

Aspen Creek Landscaping, Inc. will provide “A Glimpse Back to the Fifties,” a far cry from the award-winning formal English garden setting they created at last year’s show. A gathering terrace for family and friends and courtyard will be central to the design. Plants will be prominent as will elevated planting beds. Metal gates, pergola and trellises will replicate the retro look of the 50s.

In February’s Random Acts of Gardening, I’ll be sharing the ideas that resonated with me. I’d love to hear what captured your attention.