As I toured my home garden on New Years Day 2012, I realized just how much I cherish this garden I have experimented and played in for 9 full years now. The area devoted to food production grew from a tiny 25 sq. ft. spot in the border to over 400 sq. ft. of vegetable gardens, a greenhouse, fruit trees, rain barrels, compost piles and free range chickens. There are also flowering trees, perrenials and shrubs which offer seasonal interest and help to attract bees, butterflies and birds.
There are however, some areas of my outdoor space that I admit are terribly neglected and underused. For example, I have one area where all the black plastic pots accumulate throughout the year waiting for me to pile them in my truck and take them to a nursery that will recycle or reuse them. I have another area in my garden that houses the brush pile which I am always meaning to slowly have disappear via my green waste bin. My procrastination is aided however, in that one of my chickens has created a perfect next box within the bowels of this unsightly mass.
Then there is the fencing which may seem hodgepodge and shabby to some, but it keeps my dogs and chickens contained so it suits my needs just fine. A few poorly sited trees that I placed without considering how tall they would one day become are another reminder to that one must always return to the number one rule "right plant, right place". I work around these misplaced trees for now knowing at some point they may have to be removed for the sake of the vegetable garden.
The wonderful thing about my garden though is that there is always something happening out there to connect me to nature and to make me feel unbounding joy. The chickens busy in their search for a tasty worm or larvae. The Junco's delight me by flitting about the barren trees in search of seeds. Brussel sprouts waiting patiently to be harvested and enjoyed. Buds slowly or the Service Berry and Cornelian Cherry swell in preparation for spring.
Just today I noticed the exploding yellow flowers of the Witch Hazel as I searched through the brush pile for the seasons first fresh eggs. 2012 is starting off with a bang and plop in my garden. How about yours?
As I talk about my garden I wonder, what is the most important thing to consider when planning a garden? How would experts answer this question? Is it the soil, sun exposure, or perhaps where to put a focal point? For me there is no consideration greater than that the garden you create be one that represents you and your family. If you don't enjoy working in a garden and your budget does not allow for hiring a professional to help you with a high maintenance garden, then that should be of greatest consideration in a design or renovation.
There is much to consider when planning a new garden or in renovating an old one. I find it surprising how many people neglect the outdoor space around their homes. As I drive around neighborhoods in the Seattle region I note that 90% of gardens detract from the curb appeal of the home. How I would love to help a few more of these homeowners come up with a plan that will create a landscape that would fit their needs, their budget, their lifestyle and likely benefit the community as well.
My life revolves around gardening so I consider myself fortunate because I have been able to work in a wide array of gardens throughout my 15 years of working as a professional gardener. I also recieved outstanding, well-rounded horticultural training through Edmonds Community College Horticulture Department. For the most part I have spent my time improving private gardens, but I also spent one year working in the Soest Perennial Garden at the Center for Urban Horticulture and a year on the Grounds Crew at the University of Washington. By working in many different settings I gained valuable hands on knowledge about how to best care for trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and bulbs. I also learned which trees to never plant near patio or lawn, and which perennials perform the best. Gardening I have learned is best learned not from books but by working in the garden, observing and noting failures as well as successes.
If 2012 is the year you decide to give yourself the gift of a garden that you love then please follow my blog or contact me for a garden consultation.
For more information you can contact me at gabbysgardening@gmail.com
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