CustoM Cabinets

Franklin to mean in essence

“In the arena of art you’re the boss”. This shows up in a walk through neighborhoods, where gardens of wildly divergent tastes can be seen.

Garden styles like art and clothing are subject to fads and trends. Juniper used to be the plant of choice for landscapes in our area and though excellent for a drought tolerant garden the use of Juniper has fallen out of favor, being replaced by plants of Australian origin.

As in fashion, there are “classic” or “timeless” garden designs and plant choices that never go out of style. Then there are interpretations that are more modern or trendy that can give a garden “Pizzazz” or the “Wow Factor” that real estate agents talk about.

It all comes down to what “vibe” you are trying to create. In a garden, just like any work of art, it is the intention of the creator that one is experiencing when one goes into the space. So the question comes back to what do you plan on doing in your little Shangri-La?

“In his garden every man may be his own artist without apology or explanation. Each within his green enclosure is a creator, and no two shall reach the same conclusion… Ever a season ahead of us floats the vision of perfection and herein lies its perennial charm.”

~Louise Beebe Wilder~

Whether your garden is a small patio or vast acreage, start by asking yourself “How will I be using this space?”

If you do a lot of entertaining, you may need a larger patio or an outdoor fireplace or kitchen. Perhaps instead your needs lean toward sanctuary, which calls for meandering garden paths and secret garden spaces, for meditation, contemplation, sunbathing or even napping.

If you have children (or are a playful adult) you may want to include a soccer field, a bocce ball court or a spot for playing croquet. How about destinations that provide areas for hide and seek and opportunity for childhood fantasy?

Some may want an “urban farm” complete with vegetable gardens, chickens, beehives and the like; here we need raised beds, a chicken coop, herb gardens and orchards.

I recall a customer who wanted to attract a particular species of bird to his property. After a bit of research we found the exact right combination of plants and terrain that this bird preferred. Once the habitat was created, our feathered friends arrived and both birds and bird-lover were in heaven.

As you can see, the possibilities are limited only by one’s imagination.

“In garden arrangement, as in all other kinds of decorative work, one has not only to acquire a knowledge of what to do, but also to gain some wisdom in perceiving what it is well to let alone”.

Gertrude Jekyll

Sometimes all a garden needs is a bit of expert “editing”. There is a tendency in all of us to keep adding things and never removing. When I walk through a garden I can see remnants of the original design and observe where it went off the rails. Possibly the person maintaining the garden didn’t quite understand the original intention and so couldn’t maintain that vision. Or maybe the “bones” of the garden are wonderful and it’s just gotten out of control. In either of these cases “garden editing” is the answer.

Once you have worked out what your needs are it’s a matter of deciding on the approach. You may have lots of ideas but no idea of how to get it done or where to start. Perhaps you know what you want but don’t know how to put it all together. This is where a professional can be of service. Most companies offer a free consultation, which gives you a chance to choose the person who best fits your needs.

No matter how you approach your landscaping, whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, the most important ingredient in the garden is you. You are the one who makes the garden shine by your admiration of it, participation in it and your intention that plants grow.

I read recently that all it takes to have a Green Thumb is to have a DESIRE TO MAKE PLANTS GROW. This same author noted that plants require a lot of enthusiasm; they almost need a cheering section. Let’s be that cheering section.

Lisa Cullen, landscape designer and organic gardener owns Montecito Landscape with her husband, Chris. She can be reached at 805.969.3984 or www.montecitolandscape. com. Follow her blog at www.gardengossipsb. blogspot.com and listen to Garden Gossip radio show on AM1290, Fridays at 11am and 9pm and Saturdays at 11am.