New Year, New Yard

Lisa's Landscape & Design ♦ 01/09/2024 ♦ 2 Comments

Anacacho Orchid Tree

What a long, strange trip these past many years have been. So many changes in so little time and seemingly fewer places of solace. The time is long past due to create peace for ourselves, in our homes, in our lives, and in our landscapes. In this new year, we have an opportunity for a new yard that expresses who we are and where we want to be. 

Clear The Clutter

Clearing the clutter leaves room for what’s truly valued. When we simplify our lives and our spaces, we allow ourselves the space to heal, to rest, to grow and regenerate. Much like a garden, life must be tended to by protecting our energy supply and our mental health. If we no longer use it, or it no longer serves us, get rid of it. 

The landscape responds to our energies. Weeds can be a sign of neglect and lost opportunities. Much like the negative emotions that fill space in our heads, weeds take up valuable energies and resources from the soil and the process of clearing our spaces of clutter and weeds is a process of clarity and intention.

Xeriscape isn’t “Xeroscape”

Xeriscape gardens can be as luxurious as this,

Or clean and simple like this,

Which ever your preference, green is in fashion. Intimate spaces for relaxation and recreation are essential, and the exercise, mental and physical therapy the landscape provides is worth the time and effort it takes to create a space of tranquillity. 

From deep shade to full sun, there is a low water, low maintenance landscape design that will suit your needs and aspirations. The use of native and low water adapted plants and trees are a quick path to success.

Keep It Simple

It’s ok to start with a patio or small section of your yard. Begin in a place close to the house where you’ll be inclined to visit. Create a space for meditation or contemplation. This can be a spiritual space or simply a bench under an existing tree or a patio with flowers or greenery.

Beginning with the entry way of your home or an intimate garden just off the back door can be a very motivating place to start. When you walk past this space you’ll be inspired to stop for a moment and reflect on your good work which allows you to catch any pest, watering or disease issues as well. The earlier you catch a problem, the sooner and more simply you can resolve it, and that’s true in life as well. 

Statuary is a great landscape filler and it can be a symbolic reminder of a loved one, a favorite place or time. Be careful not to over do it however, a yard full of gnomes takes on a cluttered look as opposed to a thoughtful one. Yard art, religious symbols or statuary of any kind should be kept to a minimum to be meaningful and tasteful.

The Xeriscape garden below is a great example of how you can do a “lawnless” space with color, greenery and a place to regroup. It’s also low maintenance and low water when native and highly adapted plants are used and properly placed. Also be sure to choose fragrant plants and colors you love for a more personal touch.

Add Water

Water is an element of tranquility, a sound buffer and a stumble of life, purification and hope. By adding even a small disappearing fountain or plug in version from a local store can make a huge impact on a small space . 

Disappearing Water Feature with man made reservoir

Adding flowers and greenery to a pond or water feature is just a bonus. 

If you have water features or bird baths, keep it moving, or add mosquito dunks.

Now to mention the occasional lovely and welcome visitor. 

Practice Patience

Patience is a virtue for a reason. All good things take time. Make a plan, or hire a designer or consultant (like me) to help set you in the right direction. 

Once you have a working plan, start a budget and take on pieces of the project as you can afford both financially and mentally. Know that a full landscape can take several seasons to complete, so take your time if money or labor is an issue. 

A design can be as detailed as this one…

Or as simple as this…

Rather you begin with a simple concept or a full landscape design, start with a plan or Landscape Consultation. Take on the project in bite sized pieces and buy the right plants for your hardiness zone, soil, sunlight conditions and size of the space. 

Enhance The View

Ultimately, the goal is to enjoy the process and enjoy the final product. Choose a space you know you’ll enjoy spending time in. An existing patio, a shady tree, a view you enjoy, or don’t enjoy can be a great place to start. The size of the space doesn’t matter, the peace it can give you does. 

Now go get your garden on,

Lisa LaPaso

Lisa’s Landscape & Design

”Saving the Planet One Yard at a Time”