It’s officially 2011.  And, if you’ve returned to work, you’re well aware that the holidays are over.  The everyday stresses of gift-buying, family visiting, and home decorating are behind us.  But, I’m still finding some Christmas tunes in my head.

While, I’m not sure if the show tune “Favorite Things” from the Sound of Music is considered a Christmas song, they certainly play it a lot this time of year.  It makes sense, after all, some of her favorite things are warm woolen mittens, sleigh bells, brown paper packages tied up with strings, and snow flakes that stay on noses and eyelashes.    These are all things that are fairly prevalent during the holiday season. Paired with other favorite things that span seasons, like whiskers on kittens, crisp apple strudels, and wild geese, I found myself particularly struck by the simplicity of all of her favorite things.

The modern equivalent of brown paper packages, our heaps of expensive wrapping paper with bright colored ribbon, have all been thrown out with the leftover green bean casserole that no one was going to reheat.  So today, especially, this tune struck me for its simplicity of enjoyment.  Is it possible for working, parenting, frantic adults to truly appreciate warm woolen mittens? Does snow smudging your mascara make you smile? Will the cheerful sound of sleigh bells ever catch your attention as quickly as the ringing tone your smart phone makes when you get an email? Perhaps this is a good time for us all to be grateful for simpler things.

Cultures across the globe celebrate a mid winter holiday.  It’s a chance to gather together and know that we’ve made it halfway through the dark winter.  So, after the Winter Solstice, I can never stop thinking about the coming spring. I spend my days dreaming of the end of the dark and frigid weather necessitating those warm woolen mittens.

So, here’s to silver white winters that melt into springs.  Here are a few of my favorite things:

Walking on nature paths with quaint garden bridges

Casual meals enjoyed outside on picnic tables with friends and families

Sharing naps and stories with a loved one in the informal comfort of a hammock

Family get-togethers in gazebos and backyards

What are some of your favorite things that you’re looking forward to this year?

Have Fun!

Hazel

Garden bridges used to be reserved for those lucky enough to have koi ponds, water gardens, and other aquatic features.  But, the rise in outdoor living and those investing in their own backyard-vacation spots has created opportunities for garden bridges to make appearances across the nation.

For those looking for low maintenance beauty in their landscape, gravel ponds can be created from tiny pea gravel.  You can go with a subdued grey or reddish tone, or mix hued stones for a colorful area.  Using a wide toothed rake, pull water-inspired curves and flowing patterns through the stones.  Not only will this give your entire outdoor living area a uniquely far eastern feeling, it will also provide a beautiful focal point that requires little to no maintenance whatsoever!

Garden of Immortals at the Sanji Chionji Temple in Kyoto, Japan

Garden bridges can also turn a low or unsightly section of your lawn into a beautiful spot. If there is a section of your landscape that dips and collects water, garden bridges can provide a place to cross unscathed.  This also goes for ditches and muddy spots.  While these soft spots of ground used to render entire sections of yards useless, a garden bridge will allow you to walk through it to reach other parts of your landscape.  You can make lemonade out of lemons by creating an ethereal focal point over a previous eyesore.

Use a garden bridge that appeals to your maintenance, aesthetic, and budget concerns. Bridges without rails, often called plank bridges, give an un-fussy low-profile place to cross.  While picket and spindle bridges and high arch bridges are more dramatic.  Pine bridges are lower cost, while cedar garden bridges elevate the luxury of any landscape.

Whatever you do, many sure you properly measure the section to get the right size.  Plus, invest in stainless steel hardware as it is guaranteed not to rust or corrode when exposed to moisture. Most importantly—have fun, be creative, and create something beautiful to revitalize your backyard!

Hazel

Any garden or landscape will benefit from a garden bridge.  Pond, water feature, or none at all, a backyard bridge will give your garden a lift in style.  Plus, autumn is a fantastic time to install a garden bridge as it will allow you to plant and train your flowers and plants around the bridge come spring.

Choose a bridge that matches your backyard style.  A casual, country garden would benefit from a trail bridge.  While a more formal garden might be complemented by an arched step bridge or even a bridge with a full canopy.  A canopy bridge also allows you to practice vertical gardening and create an ethereal effect around your garden bridge.

After you determine the size and width of your garden bridge by measuring the area in which you plan to install it, you can think about materials.  Western red cedar bridges use the rich and luminous wood that is naturally resistant to insect damage and decay.  While pine bridges can be painted and provide a more economical choice.

Plank bridges without a rail will give landscapes a scaled-down no frills look that is preferable to the casual gardening.  While, a single rail bridge or double rail bridge is a bit more eye-catching and dramatic.  Of course, a picket and spindle bridge will add classic hints of country nostalgia as well.

It’s important to think about how your bridge will be used.  Is it for decoration only or do you expect heavy foot traffic?  If meant to be an asset to your garden, what kinds of plants are you planning to use around the bridge? Will it be used as transition between garden spaces or a destination to view the scenery? Knowing, exactly, what you hope to get out of your garden bridge will aid in the selection process.

A garden bridge is an important and fantastic addition to any garden or outdoor space.  Considering materials, styles, uses, and placement will ensure that you get the most out of it!

Have Fun!

Hazel

We’re quickly approaching the darkest time of the season.  After all, the Winter Solstice, or the darkest day of the year, is only two months away. Coming home to a dark landscape or waking up to a gloomy porch can be disheartening.  But, adding outdoor lamps can brighten up the area outside your home.

The options for outdoor lighting don’t need to be concentrated in fancy outdoor chandeliers and porch lamps.  Using post cap lights and other landscape lighting will laminate walkways, as well as your senses.  Outdoor lighting can be inserted into the ground along a walk way, installed along a garden bridge, or along the railings of your porch, gazebo, or pergola.  Outdoor lighting that attaches to the side of the house is also available. Not requiring posts or walkways, it allows anyone to illuminate the outside of their home.

A lot of outdoor lighting is also solar-powered.  Doing your part for the environment and your wallet, you can add cheerful lighting without using any electricity.  Many of these options also turn on automatically once it gets dark, so you won’t need to worry about setting it.

Not only does outdoor lighting make your mornings and evenings a little less dreary, it also adds valuable curb appeal.  Especially if you’re planning to open your front door to trick or treaters, having outdoor lighting to help guide them will keep little ones safer and the whole evening more fun!

Autumn is the perfect time to consider outdoor lighting for your home.  Whether it is for your own views, the joys of passersby, or the ghosts and goblins trotting up your walkway, outdoor lighting is an affordable way to add cheerful curb appeal to your home and garden.

Have Fun!

Hazel

If you have been thinking of adding a backyard structure to your landscape, but are not sure what direction to take, allow me to suggest the emulation of a Japanese Tea House. Called a Chashitsu in Japanese, these small buildings were designed to hold traditional tea ceremonies.  While a beautiful and ancient tradition, you don’t necessarily need to commit your backyard tea house to Japanese tea ceremonies.  Instead, you can use it to embrace the Far Eastern ideals of meditation, contemplation, and unity with nature.

Use a Simple Wood Structure: Tea houses were traditionally created from wood.  Using a backyard cabana designed with large screened windows and a double roof to emulate pagoda roofs will serve you well.  Of course, an open gazebo will also work, but I suggest adding screens to still create a place of tranquility.  You want your space to be connected with nature, but still separated enough for inward concentration.  Western Red Cedar is the most likely to blend in seamlessly with your surroundings.

Place it in the Garden: This style is perfect for those who have already pursued gardens.  The Japanese often see gardening as a symbol of uniting and learning the sacred ways of the natural world, and tea houses most traditionally situate themselves within these gardens.  Try to situate your tea house within a grouping of trees, instead of doing major landscaping to remove them.  Allow your garden to sit close to the structure so you can view it from the windows.

Employ a Bridge: A bridged entryway to your tea house is beneficial for two reasons.  First, adding water or, at least, the illusion of water to your tea house will truly emulate the Japanese landscape.  Plus, water is calming and encourages natural reflection.  Further, you can recall Japanese tradition with specialized bridges.  Far Easterners often use bridges to give the feeling of transition.  Using a garden bridge to cross over into the peaceful sanctuary of your tea house will give you that same feeling.  Many of their bridges were designed to zig zag, as it was thought that evil spirits did not have the ability to move in anything but straight lines.  But, when you open your mind and move out of the straight lines, you can avoid evil.

Provide Simple Furnishings: Traditionally, a tea house would contain no furniture.  Instead, the host and guests would use mats and sit on the floor.  But, unless you are looking to completely recreate a Japanese Tea House, you may want to consider just transitioning to simple outdoor furniture, instead.  Using cedar patio groupings or even more American-style rustic outdoor dining sets will help characterize it as uniquely your own, without taking away from the original intent. If creating a seating room instead of a dining area, don’t be afraid to use low-to-the-ground outdoor coffee tables to reflect traditional chabudai. Don’t hesitate to throw some outdoor furniture cushions around the table for an afternoon tea, as well.

Decorate Naturally: There’s no need to go out and get exciting and rare décor, stick to simplicity.  Potted flowers, a vase full of bamboo sticks, or even a strip of mutely patterned fabric hung from the wall will all invite tranquility.  You may want to go as far as purchasing a bonsai tree to set in the tea house to truly bring the entire theme together. If you do decide to use outdoor furniture cushions, try to steer clear of patterns or jarring colors.  Remember, just keep thinking, “tranquility.”

A Japanese Tea House is a wonderful endeavor if you’re looking to create an outdoor space that acts as a secluded oasis of relaxation.  And even if you’re not interested in such a large backyard project, using some of these simple techniques will help to bring Far Eastern harmony to your outdoor living area.

It’s about that time again.  The beauty of the sunset has passed you by, the natural lighting is nearly behind the horizon, and you and your guests are not ready to stop the party.  And (alas!) your township does not permit bonfires in your neighborhood.  So, how will you keep the fun going after the sun goes down?

If you think I’m about to suggest you call one of those expensive landscape lighting companies to empty your bank account… you’re on the wrong track!  As outdoor rooms become, at once, the most sought after vacation spots and poured over designer spaces… outdoor lighting has become more fashionable and more affordable than ever.

But you’re no lighting expert.  With so many options available, how do you pick which kinds of outdoor lighting options are best for you?  We’re always here to help!

Walkway Lights: Walk way lights are downward pointing lights that attach to the walls surrounding a walkway.  This will make sure that everyone is safe on stairs, garden bridges, or uneven paths.  Many walkway lighting designs come with color options; not only for the decorative encasing of the bulb, but walkway lights can shine a slightly blue or pink hue.  Imagine coordinating the color schemes of your outdoor rooms, patio umbrellas, and outdoor furniture cushions to the color of your lighting!  If you want to use your outdoor lighting to keep your porch, gazebo, or outdoor living space lit up at night… walkway lights will probably not be enough.  While they provide an important safety measure and can add some brilliant colors, you’ll want to consider adding other kinds of outdoor lighting as well.

Post Cap Lighting: Decorative post caps are a fantastic way to add lighting and style to your outdoor room.   They are designed to attach to the railings on steps or fences, posts of a porch or garden bridge, or any other outdoor structure with posts.  One great part of post cap lighting is that it adds wonderful accents to our outdoor living space during the day, while lighting up the area at night.  Most post caps are either low-voltage electrically powered or solar powered.  Electrical lights will likely be more dependable and may provide more light, but they do require a skilled electrician to install the wiring and ensure safety.  Solar powered lights use a completely renewable resource to “power-up” during the day, and then shine bright all night!  Certainly the green and sustainable option, they also boast the easiest set up.  Just attach and you’re done!  Though, some might find them less dependable.  It all just depends on your preference! A long line of post cap lights across an entire porch or backyard structure will likely provide enough light for a party or get together.  Though, if you wanted to use lighting to highlight a certain spot, like the outdoor dining set, you’ll want to augment this lighting option with accent or hanging outdoor lights.

Outdoor Ceiling Fan Lights: If you thought the post caps were the ultimate fusion of fashion and function, you haven’t even begun to be amazed!  If you haven’t jumped on the outdoor ceiling fan trend yet, do yourself a favor and take the leap!  Outdoor ceiling fans will allow you to enjoy your porch or outdoor living space when the heat is high.  Especially on those humid, still days, your outdoor ceiling fan can provide cooling breezes to keep you comfortable.  Plus, a ceiling fan creating air flow will be the most natural deterrent to flies and mosquitoes!  Flying insects prefer still air that allows them to lazily buzz and land on innocent food and people.  But, a cooling breeze to us can be a wind that makes their tiny wings tire quickly.  You can simply wave goodbye as they fly to easier areas! Plus (of course), a lot of modern outdoor ceiling fans now feature light options as well.  Perfect over your picnic table, you can simply flip on the light to illuminate your evening meal or midnight snack!

Hanging Outdoor Lights: A hanging light will truly up the style of your outdoor room.  While many choose to string lines of hanging lights, like Japanese paper lanterns, you can also choose to make a dramatic lighting statement by creating focused pools of light over your favorite spots.  Whether you do this with an outdoor pendant light or even an outdoor chandelier, it will give your outdoor space a bit of height both spaciously and fashionably.  The closest to indoor lighting, you can create truly luxurious outdoor spaces that create both comfort and class with hanging lights.

Outdoor Table and Floor Lamps: For those who favor ambient lighting instead of overhead lighting, but still want the comfortable appeal of indoor-style lighting, outdoor table lamps paired with outdoor floor lamps might be your best bet!  Available in nearly as many styles as indoor lighting, you can certainly stick with your design scheme while creating your lighting scheme! A lot of lines contain short table lamps and tall floor lamps that match each other, which will give you a more holistic pattern.  While, mixing and matching styles can certainly create interest.  Plus, outdoor lamps can be moved to wherever you need more lighting.  If you split your outdoor table and floor lamps between your outdoor seating area and alfresco dining room, you can move all of the lighting toward the outdoor dining set when the family is gathered there for an intense game of Scrabble.  After all, you’ll want to make sure nobody is substituting a “Q” with an “O” because the low lighting lets them get away with it!

So, while the sun is a plenty beautiful and certainly functional lighting element during the day, you definitely have your options cut out for you when it comes to keeping the party lit after the sun has gone to sleep.  I suggest mixing and matching, keeping your options open, and always making sure you can see the faces of the family and friends creating those wonderful summer memories!

Studies show that Americans have less free time than ever before in history.  Our jam-packed schedules of constantly conflicting engagements put our minds in a terrible race.  In fact, the absence of leisure time is shooting stress-related illnesses through the roof and plummeting the percentage of people who describe their life as “happy and comfortable.”

So, how do you avoid this plight?  Experts have shown that meditation can aid in the recovery and prevention of both mental and physical ailments.  Deep breathing, relaxation, and reflection time are all critical to our overall health.  Perhaps this spring is the season you turn it all around by creating an outdoor meditation area to keep your spirits bright all year ‘round!

Separate the area from your home and yard: To achieve true relaxation, you have to remove yourself from your daily stressors.  Seeing a kitchen sink full of dishes will not help put your mind at ease.  There are several ways to do this; you could start simply by placing privacy screens around a sectioned off area.  Using a pergola or an open-air gazebo are other options for completely outdoor spaces.  But, if you live in a cooler climate and want to use this space in the winter months, using a pool house or a cabana may suit your needs better.  The most important thing is to create an area where cares and worries are “not allowed.”  Another way to do this is to install some kind of garden bridge; this way you can decide that when you cross over the bridge you are crossing over into a peaceful place.  Ancient Japanese and Chinese gardens used zig-zag garden bridges to cross into their gardens, because folk lore suggested that evil spirits could only travel in straight lines and, therefore, would not be able to cross into the space if the garden bridge was constructed in a zig-zag pattern.  However you choose to separate your meditation area from the rest of your home, it is most important that you can feel some kind of physical transition from daily stressors to daily calming.

Keep connection with nature: Though you want to create an area separated from the rest of your home, you don’t want to lose your connection with nature.  If using privacy screens, a pergola, or gazebo, simply make sure that trees, flowers, or foliage still surround your area.  If using an enclosed garden structure, like a cabana, pool house,  or even a gazebo with walls, be sure to install lots of large windows (preferably ones with screens that can be opened).  Many backyard structures support sky lights to let the sun shine into your meditation space as well.  If you garden, you know that nature is calming.  And, if you don’t garden, many expert studies have confirmed that a connection with nature nurtures peaceful thoughts and calm minds.  You can also bring the outdoors inside, by placing bonsai trees, green potted plants, and flowers on accent tables around your garden structure to achieve that connection.

Use a water feature for soothing sounds: You may not realize it, but the sounds we hear contribute greatly to our stress levels.  Imagine your commute to work without any car horns, sirens, or construction sounds.  Picture a trip to the grocery store without people yelling into their cell phones about what kind of milk to get, the constant beeping of the check out lines, and children screaming for ice cream.  Sounds a lot better, right? Create the right kinds of sounds in your meditation area by installing a small water feature.  If you live seaside, certainly try to situate your peaceful place near the water.  But, if you’re not so lucky, you can get an inexpensive small water fall that plugs right into the wall or operates by battery.  Or, you can go a little deeper by creating a koi pond or small dew pond.  Of course, if you must, you can always get a small noise machine that many people use in their bedrooms for sleeping that has ocean wave or running stream sound settings.  This way, your eyes will be away from the sink of dirty dishes and your ears will be hidden from the sounds of rush hour or telephones ringing. When your eyes close, you can always just imagine you’re withdrawing to your beach retreat!

Use minimal decorations and simple furniture: The last thing you need to do when creating this space is stress out!  Don’t fret about the décor, because the simpler, the better.  Use small side tables or outdoor accent tables for flowers, candles, or your water feature.  You can create a bit of interest by using outdoor tables of different heights and sizes to allow your eyes to gently survey all parts of your meditation area.  But, this is not the place for your expansive outdoor dining set or deep seating collection.  Allow yourself a space to focus inward, instead of on the perfection of your décor (save that for your porch or patio!)

Allow a place for true, escaped repose: Though purists would only allow a yoga mat in the center of the room for true, concentrated meditation… I think it’s important to make your peaceful area work for you.  Doing yoga poses and various stretching is an excellent way to re-center yourself—no question!  But, sometimes, you just need a place to rest undisturbed.  Try installing a hammock, porch swing, or just a simple and comfy chaise lounge or rocking chair in your new space.  There is true value in curling up with a novel, simply staring into space and thinking about nothing for an hour or so, and (of course) guiltlessly drifting off into an afternoon nap.

Sometimes, our American media tries to make you feel guilty for taking time for yourself.  But, you’ll run yourself into the ground if you don’t take some time out to relax.  Creating a space away from your daily stressors that is solely for the purpose of inward reflection will have a positive effect on all the different parts of your life.  And, remember, it doesn’t just have to be for you!  A son or daughter after a long and stressful day at school would absolutely benefit from an hour or so of “quiet time” away from the computer, their toys, and loud siblings.  In fact, this meditation area could improve the entire family!

Hope to see you (at a distance) in your Meditation Area,

Hazel

We’ve traveled to Tuscany and Japan, but if you still haven’t found the perfect setting for your outdoor room, we have plenty of frequent flyer miles! Today, we’re designing a Parisian outdoor room inspired by the quaint and stylish bistros lining the streets of Paris’s chicest districts.

Define your space with Wrought Iron: Everyone knows that the most famous structure of Paris is the Eiffel Tower.  Using wrought iron garden structures to outline your living room will pay tribute to the overlooking structure while helping to both define your garden as Parisian and separate your seating area from the rest of the lawn.  Luckily, there are a lot of different ways to do this.  Whether you choose a wrought iron gazebo to create open-air walls around your seating area, an arbor or garden arch to make a Parisian entrance, or even a simple wrought iron garden tranquility screen to create separation from the rest of the garden… Parisian elegance will simply pour from the classic lines.

Use Small, Round Seating Areas: While we encouraged long expansive picnic tables to emphasize the big Italian families of Tuscany, French bistros are all about private and intimate conversations over wine or coffee.  Use small outdoor bistro and bar sets, or even just round patio dining sets, to create a warm and personal feel.  Again, wrought iron is the most traditional materials, but pairing wrought iron outdoor bistro sets with a wrought iron gazebo may be a little overwhelming.  If you worry about too much wrought iron, try softening your garden structures by using wicker outdoor furniture. If you would use a sitting room more than a dining space, wicker rocking chairs, patio chairs, and even chaise lounges pulled around a coffee table will create soft closeness.  While, high bar stools and bistro sets provide elegant dining spaces for cheese tasting and wine sipping!  If you plan to entertain often, an outdoor beverage cart with places to hold wine or even a bar will add function and sophistication.

Color with Black and White; Accent with Teals and Yellows: To unite the wrought iron structures with your outdoor furniture, use black or white wicker.  There is no more French color combination than black and white; and bold solid colors make it pop even more.  Try teal or yellow outdoor cushions on your furniture, a yellow vase with flowers on your patio table, or a teal accent bowl or dish set.  Another fantastic idea is to get a few treated pine accent tables and paint them in your chosen accent colors.  Adding those to the side of patio chairs will make the whole seating area burst with stylish personality as bold accents will draw the eye around your entire outdoor room.

Plant Manicured Shrubs and Colorful Flowers: The gardens of Versailles are famous for their carefully manicured shrubs and bushes.  A line of green shrubs against the house or along your fence line will recall that same elegance (as long as you keep them maintained!).  Other gardening additions could include roses.  Rose gardens represent grace and beauty, and will compliment your outdoor room wonderfully.  If you’ve chosen a wrought iron garden structure that will support vining plants, plant climbing roses to completely surround your living area with color, splendor, and sweet smells.  Lastly, large gardening urns and planters filled with French marigolds, tarragon, daylillies, and hydrangea will allow you to add natural color and elegance to your outdoor room.

Decorate with Garden Statues and Fountains: French gardens are known for their dramatic fountains and décor.  Using antique-looking stone garden statues, or even post caps, will recall the old-world French elegance in your outdoor seating area.  And, while the fountains at Versailles would be nearly impossible to recreate in your back yard, a water feature or fountain will add depth and interest.  And, If your water feature is large enough, adding a small garden bridge will allow a place for your guests to explore while waiting for the wine to chill!

Traveling abroad is a fantastic experience.  But, investing in your outdoor spaces will provide years and years of endless vacations for your family and friends, while helping to increase your property values.  Travel to France all summer long in your chic Parisian outdoor room!

It’s no secret that a gorgeous garden bridge will give any landscape a lovely lift.  And, by now, I’m sure that everyone is aware that garden bridges come in a wide range of sizes, and a great variety of styles, including plank, double rail, single rail, spindle rail, and picket rail.  So, when it comes to adding that magical touch to their gardens and yards, most people are familiar with all of the choices that are out there.

Well, make that most of the choices.  Actually, there are still many who don’t realize that, right in their very own backyards, they can have one of the most enchanting structures ever to adorn the countryside – a covered bridge.

Of course, it’s easy to understand why covered bridges don’t leap immediately to mind as options for home landscaping.  Although they were, for many years, common throughout the United States, they have been disappearing at an alarming rate for most of our lifetimes; and even in their heyday, they were rarely found on private property.

Now associated with bygone days, there are relatively few of them left, scattered across the nation.  Nevertheless, the ones that do remain are highly cherished, as, every year, millions of people drive hundreds, and even thousands, of miles just to see them.  Truly, covered bridges are still among the most beloved structures that have ever existed; and they continue to hold the same magnetic allure that they have had since the first one opened for travel on January 1, 1805.

Well, you’ll be pleased to know that the era of covered bridges is not over, after all.  In fact, there’s a whole new generation of them made for residential use; and they’re available in many sizes, with options that include lattice, heavy-duty flooring, custom paint colors, and several types and colors of roofing.

Now you won’t have to make a pilgrimage to find a covered bridge.  No-o!  To the contrary, you can actually own one of these charming pieces of Americana, and enjoy its breath-taking beauty every day.  Furthermore, it won’t just be for decoration; it will be fully functional, and designed to last for decades.  So you will be able to cross that bridge when you come to it!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

If you’re captivated by the thought of starting a Japanese garden, but can’t imagine tearing out your existing landscaping, don’t worry.  One of its many fascinating characteristics is that a Japanese garden is not an all-or-nothing proposition.  It is just as adaptable to different-sized spaces as it is to various styles.  In fact, some of the most enchanting of these gardens exist in confined areas.  So, if you want to start one, you can actually experiment with, say, a little viewing garden.

A Japanese garden, properly designed, makes the most of a small plot of land, by creating the illusion of space and distance.  It also requires less maintenance than a regular garden, and doesn’t need nearly as much sun.  Therefore, if you have a troublesome, out-of-the-way spot where you have difficulty getting things to grow, it could be an ideal place for your Japanese garden.  Moreover, it will provide the privacy that is so essential to its authenticity.

Even if you don’t have a place that’s already hidden, you can use trellises, arbors, and/or pergolas to separate and define your existing outdoor living area, as well as the one you’re trying to establish.  After all, Japanese gardens aren’t exactly famous for featuring grills, patio chairs, porch swings, lounge chairs, picnic tables, and lawn games.

To start your garden, you need only three, fundamental elements.  One is stone, which can be in the forms of rocks, pebbles, cobblestones, or assorted types of gravel and sand.  Another is water, which can be real, or merely suggested, through the clever layout of sand, gravel, and, perhaps, a garden bridge.  The last, naturally, is vegetation, which can include low, slow-growing evergreens, as well as lighter-colored trees, such as Japanese maples, larger plants with vibrant colors and bold leaves, and smaller plants with foliage of a finer texture.

To conjure the perception of space, larger rocks may be set in the foreground, with others, of descending sizes, placed ever-nearer the background.   The same principle is applied to the plants, with the bigger, brightly-colored ones standing front-and-center, and the smaller, more delicate ones behind them, seeming to fade into the distance.

These are just a few of the principles used in designing a Japanese garden.  Of course, there are so many other facets that it’s impossible to cover them all in just a couple of blogs; but I will elaborate further in the near future.  In the meantime, if you’re so inclined, it really is a good idea to try one on a smaller scale before uprooting any landscaping.

Actually, it may be ideal, having a Japanese garden near the space where you have all of your outdoor parties.  That way, you can preserve your wild, Western ways, then go East for some quiet meditation when things get too rowdy.  Now that’s what I call having the best of both worlds!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy