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Whimsy in the garden
Has the joy of gardening really returned? Is it possible after such a long drought that homeowners really want to garden just because they enjoy it? Thankfully, all signs point to ‘yes’. I’ve been back and forth across the country over the last two months, speaking at home shows and gardening events. In every city, I am seeing homeowners excited about creating outdoor spaces that make them happy. More than just functional, front and backyards should also be about enjoying the outdoors. We are seeing campaigns to save the bees, the birds and the monarch butterflies that are increasing the focus on flowers. Apparently, with the flowers comes the fun stuff!
Here are some easy ways to add a little joy into your gardens this year.
Add a detail that is purely tongue-in-cheek. I love when creative gardeners plant in unusual containers. Pots are fine, but try something completely outside of the box. At one event, I saw a popcorn cart planted with big hydrangeas. Everyone stopped to stare because it was so completely unexpected. I still think about how unpractical this planter really is, but who cares? If this lasts one or two seasons, it was worth it because this display is memorable!
Add animals that look as if they are hiding. We’ve all seen the little bunny statues or even garden gnomes prominently featured at the edge of the bed. Instead of putting these on display, tuck them under big leaves or in water features. If they are less obvious, they become a surprise, leading to that moment when you see them for the first time and wonder if they are real.
Water features seem to ignite the creative juices. Having water trickle or flow out of something unexpected is fantastic in a space. One of my favourites this year was a waterfall that came out of the keys of a piano. Definitely not designed to last, this fountain was pure joy. The creative designers saved this piano from the landfill and gave it new life. Now they have all of the plumbing in place so when the tinkling of the keys comes to an end (I had to!) the crafty homeowners can try something new
I am not a fan of the word ‘whimsy’, but that is what is reappearing in our gardens next to the flowers. Items that have no other purpose than to just make people smile. We need to find the balance between the functional pieces like patios and marry these with the things that are there to just make us happy. Promise me one thing though—please keep the pink flamingos in the garage!
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