If April showers are keeping you in your arm-
chair, let your fingers do the keyboard tap-dance
through the web of garden ideas. PlantMaster.com,
Pinterest.com and especially Houzz.com, are fantas-
tic sources of plant knowledge and garden design
inspiration. Start making yourself a “Great Ideas”
folder for your special garden project.
Garden Ingredients
Even the smallest of spaces would be lovely with
the inclusion of this checklist of garden elements to
add to your “Great Ideas” folder:
• At least two trees. . . an Evergreen and a
Deciduous species
• Shrubs & Perennials for both garden structure
and seasonal color
• Fountain or Birdbath
• Fire Pit or Fireplace
• Pottery & Sculpture
• Stone Patio or Reclaimed Wood Deck
• Furniture for Dining and Lounging
• Sculpture or Painted Mural
• Garden enclosure with walls or fences
• Shade Cover of Wood, Metal, or Canvas
• Water Conserving Drip Irrigation, Healthy Soil
& Good Drainage
• Raised Planting Beds - seat height to make
gardening easier
• Mood Lighting & Hanging Lanterns
Garden Composition
In considering form versus function, the shapes you plan
for your design should make the skeleton of your garden
function well for you. Plants are a major backbone, as
are the choice of materials for paving and fencing, the
style of garden structures, and your selection of furni-
ture. All these elements should play in harmony with
each other, proportionally suited to your space. It is the
theme and styling of that design that makes the garden
fi t its location, as well as your personality.
Give thought to the changing colors and textures that
the plants will bring you, trying to plan for a plant’s
bloom or leaf color to look forward to each season. A
Japanese Maple or Redbud ‘Forest Pansy’ may be the
most perfect tree for your small garden; with their lovely
size, shape, and leaf form and colors.
A ‘Best Laid Plan’
The time spent waving a shovel around goes a hundred
times faster with a bit of forethought. The smaller the
area, the more your space needs a well considered layout
in order to maximize your garden’s potential.
Put your brainpower and your excitement for your
new garden to work with paper and pencil. A thoughtful
plan will bring your garden dreams to life. Once seen on
paper, your garden is sure to create enthusiasm and sup-
port from your family and friends, enlisting their muscle
power to move you quickly toward your goal.
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
SPRING 2020
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