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.