In addition to planning with a long-term perspective, considering your garden commitment, listening to your site and identifying your inspiration, take time to determine your purpose.

Imagine what your ideal garden will look like from your window. Understand the problems you need to solve and the goals you hope to achieve; be able to articulate your reasons for wanting a garden. Are you seeking privacy from neighboring homes or a more beautiful spot in which to relax or entertain guests? Will this design meet your needs in the future and make the most of your space? Answering questions like these ahead of time will help to determine the best design choices for your unique situation.

Believe it or not, the back yard shown here used to be a barren, flat, highly-visible corner lot. The photo below shows the transformation by Hanselman Landscape into a private family oasis with plenty of room for entertaining and play. (Hey! It even boasts a jumping rock for the kids and their friends!)

Joyfully shared by Betty Hanselman
– Gardener’s (purpose-driven) wife

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

For the beauty of the earth, For the glory of the skies,For the love which from our birthOver and around us lies.Lord of all, to Thee we raiseThis our hymn of grateful praise! ~ Folliet Pierpoint, 1864

PLANNING A GARDEN THAT WILL LAST: Identify your InspirationIn addition to planning with a long-term perspective and considering your garden commitment, identify your inspiration.

A guiding concept helps integrate the plan. Are there experiences and places that have brought rest to your soul and joy to your heart? If so, can you describe or show photos of your inspirations? Is there a message you’d like to communicate? A professional designer will listen to what inspires you and work with you to crystallize your garden dreams, incorporating them into a workable plan.

The photo below shows a swim-in waterfall inspired by a waterfall the clients visited on a family trip to Central America!

Gladly shared by Betty HanselmanGardener’s wife

” . . . we plant a plum in the garden to revel in the beauty inherent in the brevity of life, or we set a rock there to give ourselves a glimmer of hope that there may be in this transient world things that are eternal.”~ Marc Peter Keane, in The Art of Setting StonesHere the temporal loveliness of Azalea blossoms is juxtaposed against the enduring nature of stone wall and boulder.

Thoughtfully shared by Betty HanselmanGardener’s wife

A successful garden relates well to the unique characteristics of its setting. Climate, water, wind, weather, shade and sun, slopes, soils, nutrients, suitable plant types and surrounding structures are all crucial elements to address in a solid garden plan.

During the planning phase, an experienced garden designer will anticipate future garden environments and will take into account the modifications necessary for long-term garden success. For example, a knowledgeable garden planner accounts for future changes such as soil qualities (pH, texture, and moisture) and the effects of sun, shade, and wind as plants grow.

Please visit next week as I share another helpful insight as you consider an enduring garden in your own space!

Contributed by Betty HanselmanWife of Gardener/Site Listener

Just over a week ago, Sean Kramer, Hanselman Landscape’s lawn care manager, visited long-term clients to treat their lawn. The couple is delighted with their lawn (shown on the left in the photo below). They can’t help but be a bit smug when comparing their lawn with that of their neighbor’s (on the right). According to Sean, the husband and wife each took time to come outside and crow a bit. And no wonder–even in early spring, their lawn is radiant!

According to the wife, “Our lawn has been under the care of Hanselman Landscape for a couple of years now and as you can see, we have every reason to be proud of it. Hanselman Landscape treats our lawn throughout the year, following a plan drawn up before the start of the season. They take care of everything from scouting for diseases and pests to fertilization and aeration. We could not be happier with the results.” Then, with a smile, she added, “Our entire backyard is a Hanselman Landscape creation. It was established in 2007 and and has become our number one sanctuary. Thank you, Hanselman Landscape, for making our life more beautiful!”

Gladly shared by Betty HanselmanGardener’s wife (& emerald green lawn enthusiast)