APPLYING MARIE KONDO’S
MAGIC TO YOUR GARDEN
Marie Kondo has taken the world Marie Kondo is a cultural phenomenon battle is already won. If your garden is
by storm. From best-selling book - her work has helped people across a field of mess, your commitment will
to Netflix Queen of Clean, the the globe transform their homes. This help you to stop wasting unnecessary
tidying expert’s unique method to blog offers Housing Units’ take on products as well as save time by
decluttering has transformed people’s how to use her life-changing magic in reducing the risk of being constantly
living spaces from a messy place your garden, with five simple steps. distracted.
that doesn’t “spark joy” into areas of No matter how big or small, Kondo’s serenity and calmness. approach is simple and effective. First,
As summer creeps up and BBQs and
let’s understand her method:
Get the Idea First
Take a moment to imagine the life
KonMari that you want to lead, and how you
KonMari, a play on her name, is house. Be as specific as possible. Once
Kondo’s unique method which you envisage it, you will have a much
includes gathering together all of your clearer image in your head which will
to shine. belongings, one category at a time, and help you to stay motivated and acquire
only keeping the things that ‘spark your dream garden. Does the garden
Yet we have all been there in May: joy’ to your life which suit any of your in your head include a BBQ and table
a sudden heat wave, but a garden needs. The first point of action is... and chairs, but you don’t feel like you
garden parties are impending, we
want our outdoor areas to be a true
extension of our homes and our family
life, to truly make the most of the
weather the next time the sun decides
that has been disregarded for a few
months. Our shed crammed with all
sorts of items and last years inflatable
paddling pool hiding behind the
outhouse - sound familiar?
62
Landscape & Urban Design Issue 37 2019
Make the Commitment
Once you are committed and have
dedicated yourself to decluttering and
organising your garden, half of the
visualise this in your garden and
have the space? No problem. Once you
have decluttered, you will be surprised
by how much space you can create and
utilise, while still allowing the area to
look clean and organised.