Small Spaces with a lot to Offer

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to help some friends update the landscaping next to their patio. It was the perfect-sized project for someone like me, who often works solo!

What was once an area used only for storage, I now see much differently: a space that will one day have some privacy screening and softened edges as the shady plant palette fills in. The utility aspect still exists. There is an AC unit and some existing rock mulch. I feel like everyone needs a corner, or 'junk drawer', if you will to store stuff!

I love the combination of mixed textures: accent boulders, stepping stones, mulch and a variety of foliage colors and shapes.

We talked about the possibility of adding a pergola, over the patio, someday. This would filter the sunlight and frame a sense of space, overhead.

Another phase is some new, brick edging? This could wrap around the patio and connect up to the landscaping by the front entry. Lots of future possibilities!

Remember that it takes time to get to know an outdoor space. Plants grow and take shape, changing through the seasons. An ecosystem will form, with insects, frogs and birds visiting. My philosophy is to welcome as much as of that as possible, so long as they don't invade into your indoor spaces.

Thank you, Michael & Inga, for letting me work in your yard :) Enjoy the beginning of your garden!

Cheers,

LP :)

*Below are the 'Before' pictures, along with some work done, in the front*

In the front, some old cinder blocks needed to come out, along with the grade brought up a bit. Also did some pruning of the exisiting Spirea shrubs. Its amazing what a trim will do for overgrown plants: like a new haircut!

It was handy to use some of the dirt and rock mulch, from below, to fill in and grade away from the house.

One Forsythia shrub was added, by the front steps. Memories of Grandma's house and vibrant yellow blooms was the inspiration for this request. I envision more perennials along the border, someday, with the rocks peeled back and bark mulch to cover--similar to the patio area.