Monday, September 23, 2013

Garden Designers' Roundtable: Enclosure vs. Exposure

Most people crave both public time and private time.  They enjoy being part of a family or a tribe or a community, but they also need time alone to think, refresh, and center themselves. Many landscapes reflect this dual personality as well by featuring areas of exposure and enclosure.

In the urban environment our choices are limited by space, topography, and building codes.  Suburbanites may also have the dreaded HOA restrictions to deal with as well.  Here's a case study (a project that I did NOT design) that shows how small gestures can create the desired atmosphere...

Front yards can be ideal for creating a sense of community, especially when you turn a ho-hum lawn into an intriguing garden. This is especially easy to do when you have a shallow front yard that doesn't lend itself well to extended porches, play areas, or formal courtyards. Passers-by will slow down to investigate and see what's new.  Incorporate a few chairs, and it's easy to strike up a conversation. Embrace the idea of exposure — this is how strong neighborhoods are built.
A comfy chair on the porch and a couple more in the garden are welcoming.
Two chairs are an invitation to stop and visit a while.

In the back yard, privacy can be created softly — no need for massive brick walls or towering evergreens — by layering plant groupings and connecting bits of architecture.  An enclosure that is soft and fluid keeps the spirit of the outdoors alive.  Pop up your umbrella, and the space becomes even more intimate.
Strategically placed plants offer a soft screen

An umbrella or other canopy keeps the space protected and cozy.

A look back towards the street...it's disappeared!

I hope this has given you a few ideas how you can achieve a balance of activity and peacefulness in your landscape.  Join my fellow members of the Garden Designer's Roundtable here for more on enclosure and exposure, or click on the links below.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Happy Autumn!

Here are just a few scenes from my garden today, the first day of fall:
my all-time favorite combo: blue oat grass and Autumn Joy sedum

what bees want: sedum and more sedum

Miscanthus strictus in its prime

despite some recent hail damage, the grapes are ripe and sweet
Here's wishing you a beautiful, bountiful fall!

Monday, September 16, 2013

Expressing Nature's Beauty

It's been a tough week in Colorado, with many people suffering devastating losses of homes, businesses, and loved ones, thanks to unprecedented rains and floods.  

So, today, on a lighter note, I'm pleased to present an artist who specializes in the ethereal beauty of nature, Carol Till.
horsehair hummingbird nest

Carol's artwork, though extremely detail oriented, is still infused with her own unique interpretations and mark-making.
North Platte Migration II

Carol is the featured artist this month in a wonderful program here in Wheat Ridge that pairs local artists and businesses to introduce them to local residents.



This exhibit will provide us an opportunity to re-balance our view of nature's impact; from fear and devastation towards beauty and peace.  I hope to see you there!
All images copyright Carol Till 

Friday, September 06, 2013

Photo Friday 9.06.2013

Dahlia spp. at Denver Botanic Gardens 9.05.2013
This may be my favorite photograph of the entire summer.
Have a great weekend!