Garden Design: Side Yard Ideas - Part 1 of a 3 Part Story

This is a three part design story for a side yard that showcases design considerations, including blending with the surrounding landscape.  This is Post 1/3, all based on a few design roughs to help the clients consider different options.

Here is the background. The client's home is located in a drought area, so water conservation is important, but the client also wants a green lawn for their side yard.  They want a design with minimal plants to help conserve water, especially since the lawn is important to them.  And, with the home near the ocean, they need a lawn and plants that are salt tolerant.  One of the owners, who appreciates Asian design, would like a Pagoda-style gazebo to relax in and enjoy their ocean view. The other is open to different styles and options.

These two quick design roughs for the side yard were created to get the ball rolling on design ideas for the area and outdoor seating.

Side Yard Ideas with a Pagoda Gazebo & Pergola Option

Please visit us again tomorrow for Post 2/3.

Off the Garden Path Post - Happy Birthday to Willie Nelson

While not garden related, it's Willie Nelson's birthday today and a big one.  He's 80. Willie has done so much for farming communities, co-creating Farm Aid (an annual farm festival) that according to CNN raised more than $43 million to help farm families.  He is in the Agricultural Hall of Fame and started another amazing effort, BioWillie, using soy and vegetable oils to make fuel.  He also lives part-time here on Maui and does a great deal for our community.  Let's honor this man who has long helped farming families and communities.  Please tweet birthday wishes to @willienelson

Add A Patio To Create A Diverse Garden Living Space

A patio is a recreation area that adjoins a dwelling, is often paved, and is adapted especially to outdoor dining (per Merriam-Webster's online dictionary). For me, the key word is "recreation."  They can be: a serene place to relax and rejuvenate, a perfect area for barbecuing and dining; an ideal spot to kick-back and read; a fabulous location for parties and entertaining; or simply a space for a great conversation.  Whether a patio is used for some or all of the above, they are treasured additions that improve garden living, as well as the value of a home.

Before & After Shot of a Planned Patio Addition.

Planter Stand and Ideas for Adorning Many Gardens & Landscapes

This affordable planter stand delivers and added bonus with its solar light. The basic scroll styling works with many gardens and areas.  Here are seven planter stand ideas that this stand is perfect for, however, I am sure you will also come up with many of your own.

1. Frame a front entrance or doorway with one on each side. 
2. Create a lit and planted (hanging that is) pathway along a drive or garden path.
3. Decorate the area by your mailbox with one or two of these.
4. Place it in front of big shrubs to accent them with light, dimension, and added color.
5. Place it in the center of a garden planter to light the planter and add height.
6. Place one or two next to a bench, under a tree.
7. Use it in an outdoor corner to brighten an area.

Planter Stand with
Solar Light.

Adorn Your Garden with a Glass Plate Birdbath for Hours of Fun

In my view, a birdbath is a must for every garden.  Who doesn't love watching birds flutter around as they take a bath.  It is mesmerizing and great fun for children and adults.

We carry these and other glass plate birdbath styles because they are such a big hit.  They come in so many gorgeous designs and colors that it is easy to find one that fits with your garden style. Some even include a solar lighting, making the colorful plate shine in the garden at night and contributing to your overall garden lighting. Stands for these come in tall and tabletop for design flexibility and your viewing enjoyment.  They also make great gifts for the garden enthusiasts and bird watchers in your life.

If you don't have a birdbath in your garden, please consider one.  The joy they bring is immeasurable.

Glass birdbaths in Tiffany, Dragonfly, Butterfly & English Garden designs.

Please Follow Us On Twitter @New Garden Living

We just launched a Twitter account and hope you will find and follow us there @New Garden Living as well.  There we will share news shared here, plus referrals and retweets of information we follow such as garden and landscape design, gardening, organic gardening, decorating ideas, green and sustainable living, etc.

New Garden Living on Twitter

Make Your Garden Pop with Colorful Pots

Colorful and decorative pots are a fantastic way to make your garden pop. The pots do not have to be planted or made into a fountain to impress.  They can add flair all by themselves and can instantly elevate your garden from a planted space to a designed space.  Select pots in shapes, heights, colors and designs that accentuate existing plants and have fun!

P.S.  When placing pots, please also think about how the area will be maintained and ensure they are appropriately protected.

Colorful pots transform this tropical garden.

Computer Aided Garden Design Helps You Visualize The End Result

For many of us, we have ideas for our garden or landscape design, but have trouble visualizing the end result.  Or, maybe we want to play with different ideas before actually going out and purchasing all of the plants. Hiring a landscape designer is a tremendous help, particularly one who uses computer aided design.  They can take a picture of your garden area, as seen in the example below, and help you explore the right plants, colors, heights, placement. watering needs, etc. to help you achieve your garden goals. With a mouse click here and there, the design is quickly updated to provide you with different views.  Computer aided design greatly enhances the design process, do not under estimate the landscape designer.  Their expertise invaluable and helps save time and money in the end.  

Today, with the use of the Internet and computer aided design, landscape designers like Brian Kashima of Island Landscape in Maui, Hawaii, work with clients from across the globe on their garden or landscape design.

Image showing a design idea for the back of a monument sign for a
Homeowners' Association. The image is courtesy of Island Landscape.

Top 10 Reasons to Include A Koi Pond In Your Garden

I love koi and have a koi pond at home. They are so much fun to watch, do not take much work, and are excited to see me when I come to feed them. There are many other benefits too, including these:

Top 10 Reasons to Include A Koi Pond In Your Garden

1. Adds beauty and serenity to your life
2. Koi make terrific pets
3. More and more doctors are reporting health benefits from koi ponds
4. Watching koi is relaxing
5. The sound of gently moving water is soothing
6. Tending a koi pond makes a great hobbie
7. A koi pond is an attractive and popular feature for your garden
8. It gives your garden or landscape a natural feel
9. Saves on watering as koi ponds take less water than grass or other plants that would otherwise occupy the same space
10. Increases your home’s value 

Koi Pond in Tropical/Asian Influenced Landscape in Maui, Hawaii

Choose An Outdoor Fountain That Is Right For Your Garden

When looking for an outdoor fountain, choose one that compliments the area, overall garden, and best represents your design style.  The picture below features the same landscape, with three different and inexpensive fountains (all under $250) that can be used to change the garden's look.  The first is a more traditional, mosaic fountain; the second, an Asian solar fountain (where the box can more hidden); and the third, an abstract fountain.  Together, you can see how each can work, but it is a matter of preference.

One landscape, three fountains; which would you choose?

Top 13 Garden Accents / Décor for Instant Upgrades

A little shopping for the garden goes a long way and adds a great deal of enjoyment.  Chose from one of these thirteen ideas for a quick and cost-effective garden pick-me-up.

1.       Fountain

2.       Statue(s)

3.       Bench

4.       Trellis

5.       Eye-catching Pot(s)/Planter(s)

6.       Solar Lights

7.       Gazing Ball

8.       Bird Bath

9.       Bird Feeder

10.   Decorative Stake(s)

11.   Garden Flag

12.   Stepping Stone(s)

13.   Wind chime 

Garden View at the Hyatt Regency Maui

Resorts have spectacular landscapes and gardens and are great places for gathering new ideas.  This is an ocean view at sunset from the Japanese garden at the Hyatt Regency Maui.

Japanese Garden at the Hyatt Regency Maui

Fun Garden Flamingos

Ain't nothing like the real. While that is true, these pink garden flamingos come close and without all of the work! Create a bright spot in your yard with these fun birds.

Right: Resort Flamingo; Left: Perfect Home Flamingos

Garden Angels Add Light and Reflect Grace

Garden Angels are great for lifting spirits and reflecting grace.  This adorable and sweet Angel garden statue features bright colors and flowers to bring the blessing of added joy to your garden.

Garden Angel Statue.

Water Globes for Potted Plants

Check out this new twist on water globes - bird globes.  Too cute!  I must say that I am a huge fan of water globes. They save me from running around watering all of the potted plants every day and ensure my plants live longer.  And, these blue birds are adorable; the perfect addition for every potted plant.

Bird water globes save you time!

Receive Many Benefits From A Garden Wall Fountain

Wall fountains are a dynamic piece of art that can be used outdoors or indoors and add beauty and life to an area.  Water is also calming and the sound of gentle running water soothes the soul and helps people relax, particularly after a long day.  In addition, they add a bit of humidity to the air, which helps to improve health on a number of levels.  Further, one can always find space somewhere for a wall fountain; they don’t take up much room.  For these reasons, they also make excellent gifts, not just for garden lovers, but for everyone.  With so many styles to choose from, you are sure to find something for each person on your gift list.

Pineapple design wall fountain welcomes you.

Use Art To Create A Mood In Your Garden

Whatever your style, from European statues to contemporary art, adding a piece of art to your garden adds interest, meaning, and sets the mood.   It completely changes the atmosphere.  It may invoke contemplation, reflection, a smile, and more. Embellish your garden with art that inspires you.

Contemporary art as focal point of entry planter.

Create A Spectacular Circular Entryway

Construct a stunning circular entry way by using the plant layering technique mentioned in our earlier post.  First, determine the size of the circle for your planter to help determine the size of the plants and focal point to be used.  Then decide what you will use as the focal point (tallest element) in the center.  Will it be a tree, statue, large boulder, water feature, etc.?  Next, determine complimentary plants and colors for the plant rings around it.  These should accent the focal point, be of different heights (from tallest to lowest), and blend well with your overall landscape.  Bricks, edging, pavers, etc. can also be incorporated as a layer.  Then plant it up, following plant spacing instructions and leaving room for plants to fill in, and enjoy.

Tropical circular entry planter.

Garden Design: Water Features Add Life To A Garden

In life, all things need water and we instinctively connect with water.  That is why a water feature is a great addition for any landscape or garden and really should be an essential element of every design.  Whether you incorporate a large, customed water feature (like a pond, waterfall or fountain) or a small table top fountain, it will be a positive addition that makes an immeasurable difference.

Custom water feature designed by Island Landscape.

Garden Lighting: Decorative Solar Lights Conserve Resources

Solar lights are a great way to light your garden, accentuate your plants and landscape design, and conserve resources.  More and more designs can be found that provide a dramatic effect, as well as instant lighting (if the sun is out, that is).  The picture below reflects an affordable solar light that is cute and serves a purpose.

Asian solar light.

Garden Design: Use Different Plant Heights

Use plants of various heights to create vertical layers and visual interest.  Start with your tallest plants to create a background layer, such as trees and/or tall shrubs.  This layer can also be used to make a wonderful screen.  Next add your mid-height plants, which are usually several feet tall.  Spread them across the planted area to connect the taller layer with lower layers.  Fill across the space to add spatial definition and color and/or texture to the planter.  Depending on how many layers you plan to have, this layer might be a little taller with four layers or a little shorter with three.  If four layers are desired, add a layer of foreground plants that are between 6 inches and 2 feet in height, followed by your front ground level layer of turf or ground covers.  If three layers are desired you might use a slightly taller foreground plant or a shorter mid-height plant if your last layer will be turf or ground cover.  The main thing is to have fun with it.  

Recently planted tropical planter. Picture courtesy of Island Landscape.

Garden Design Idea: Conserve Resources with Xeriscaping

Xeriscapes incorporate low-maintenance, drought-tolerant and native plants, along with natural and man-made materials, to provide attractive landscapes that conserve water and energy and require less maintenance.

While the word xeriscape used to bring to mind the image of an Arizona, dessert-type landscape, that incorrect perception is changing.  Pictures abound of Japanese rock or sand gardens, container gardens, Mediterranean and Tuscan gardens, Hawaiian and tropical gardens, and more that incorporate xeriscaping principles.

Xeriscapes are creative landscapes that can be based in any landscape style.  They look beautiful, conserve resources and give you the added pleasure of knowing you are helping the planet.

Pictures from various homes in Maui and Lanai featuring xeriscaping.

To contact a landscape expert in Hawaii, visit www.IslandLandscapeHawaii.com.

Maui Garden Logo Wear Supports Botanical Garden Creation

The Aloha Garden of Maui just launched a logo wear store to help support the development and growth of the botanical garden. From t-shirts to polo shirts, hats, totes, children's wear and more, the site has something for everyone interested in helping the garden grow. Feel fantastic in comfortable outdoor wear, knowing you helped create a beautiful garden oasis in Maui, Hawaii for residents and visitors to enjoy and find great gifts for Mom, garden lovers, family and friends.

Bright, Colorful & Fun Clothing for Kids

To check out the store, visit http://alohagarden.qbstores.com

Garden Ideas: Decorative Stepping Stones Bring a Garden to Life

They are a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to accent your yard and have many uses.  Placed by a doorway or opening, they offer a message to those who enter.   Stepping stones can lead the way to a secret, tranquil spot; draw attention to a focal point or special element (like a bench, pond, waterfall, statue, etc.); or highlight the place of a memorial.  They are also an ideal way to contribute to an overall garden theme and can be placed prominently on the ground or on a garden easel for greater visual impact.

There are also very practical uses for stepping stones.  They help keep your feet clean and protect your shoes while walking through the garden, which in turn helps to keep your home and carpet cleaner as you bring in less dirt.  They are also ideal for high traffic yard areas because they are more visually appealing than a worn trail across the grass and can take bare or dirt areas from drab to fabulous.

Different designs add beauty, charm, and inspiration and give a bit of insight about the owner, offering a reflection of the owner’s style, values, interests, or hobbies.

A variety of stepping stone types are available, from natural materials to custom made motifs, to enhance the design, contribute to the natural beauty of, or express your personality in your garden or landscape.

Great Garden Ideas for Side Yards

Turn plain side yards into treasured gardens.  Incorporate landscaping to take them from old to new; to improve the look so you don't feel blue.  But, wait, there's more, we have a bonus for you.  Improvements such as these increase your home value too!

Here are two examples to illustrate this point from an inspired Japanese garden landscape in Maui, Hawaii, courtesy of Island Landscape who created these beautiful spaces to meet the owners' living and design style.

Garden Design: Color and Creativity Catch One's Eye

A table here, a chair there, a cute planter and small decorative element and Voila!, you have a simple, but attractive garden vignette in a just a few feet of space.  Are you thinking what I am thinking, wondering what is sitting in the garage that can be re-purposed for the garden?  It gets my mind going.

A Tough of Color Makes A World of Difference

Garden Decor Can Be Fun With A Touch of Whimsy!

A touch of whimsy goes a long way to brighten your day. For a quick pick-me-up, add a garden accent that makes you smile or gives you a little chuckle every time you see it.  I love walking out to the car each morning and seeing something that makes me laugh.  It is a great way to start the day.

Please email us at TheAlohaGarden@gmail.com to be added to Garden Living eNews list for gardening tips, decor and information.  Or, to learn about the botanical garden and ag tourism business we are creating in Kula, Maui, Hawaii, please visit www.TheAlohaGarden.com.

Garden Benefits: Relax Outdoors

Need a place to get-a-way and relax.  A garden corner or space between two trees will do.  Just add a hammock and relax away.  It is an inexpensive escape that will increase your enjoyment of the garden.  You can add style and decorate it with a colorful pillow or throw.  Then, add a side table for refreshments and you are good to go.

Garden Design: Decorating A Garden Can Be As Easy As One Piece

Adding one accent to a garden can make a world of difference.  In the picture below, without the statue, one would see rocks and greenery.  It could be a garden almost anywhere and there is no distinctive style.  With the statue, you add an Asian flair.  This simple, elegant element adds character and says Japanese garden.

Japanese Garden in Iao Valley, Maui, Hawaii