EVERGREEN
LET LOVE GROW Buying a first home is a huge milestone, but creating a garden together is the gift that keeps on giving.
A Emily Hastie, Landscape Architect, Kamo Marsh Landscape Architects kamomarsh.co.nz
s we approach spring and the start of gardeners must work in harmony with one another growing season, we consider another, using the right tools, gardening yet again the benefits of working in wisdom, and a willing spirit. The gardening your garden for well-being, and the same is process teaches us vital – and sometimes true for the health of our relationships. As a painful – lessons about life. The struggle is couple, sharing the planning and creation of worth it: both good marriages and healthy a garden is a fulfilling and productive way to gardens can enrich and delight us. But neither spend well-earned time together. happens by chance. Let’s break ground!” In their book The Marriage Garden, authors Working together to plan your garden H. Wallace Goddard and James S Marshall requires you to share ideas, discuss budgets, put it like this, “Cultivating a good marriage compromise, and come to an agreement, is like two people growing a healthy garden. helping to put in place the building blocks for To achieve a full and satisfying harvest, the a successful future.
Image: Lightforge
First home Whether starting afresh with a clean slate or rejuvenating an existing garden, a new home represents an opportunity to create something that is truly yours. Be sure to take the time and prepare a plan, follow it and, if necessary, stage the work to make your vision achievable. In the planning stages, think about what you want to use the garden for and how much time you will be spending out there.
Planting memories Your garden can become central to your family’s story by marking significant milestones with plantings or using your garden as the venue for special events. You should factor this into your plans. You may want to add a favourite, significant tree to your wedding register or hold a symbolic planting to celebrate your marriage or the birth of a child. This way your garden will grow alongside your family.
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Time to nurture Set aside time for both developing your garden and relaxing to enjoy the fruits of your labour. Working together on a project is a great way to strengthen your bond and allow you to enjoy your space. As well as adding value to your property, hard work and a sense of shared achievement will fortify your relationship and give you a beautiful space to hang out and enjoy together.
