EMBRACING THE SMALL GARDEN

Each year we highlight topics of growing importance in the gardening realm. For 2018, our trends emphasize the concept of providing pleasure to people in their gardens—whether it’s growing new foods, providing a refuge for wildlife, or creating a relaxing place to share a meal with loved ones. Enjoy!

1. EMBRACING THE SMALL GARDEN

These days, space is at a premium—but, designers are determined to make even the smallest of gardens useful and attractive. While small gardens are by no means new, we've noticed great progress in the way they are designed. In this case, less really can be more.

Here are two popular ways to make the most of a small garden:

Multipurpose Features: “Everything in a small garden needs to have multiple uses,” says Seattle-based designer . “This concrete fire feature is a perfect example: It creates a bold element that runs through the space. It’s also a curb edge for the deck. It’s a planter. It collects water from downspouts on the house. It’s a seat wall. And, of course, at the end of the day it turns into a fire feature.”

This fire feature saves space by serving a variety of purposes. Design by: Scot Eckley. Photo by: Alex Crook.

2. RETHINKING ALFRESCO DINING

For years, outdoor dining spaces have been conveniently located just off the house, near the kitchen. However, we’ve noticed dining spaces being pushed out into the garden. Yes, you’ll have to carry your plate a bit further, but it’s well worth it.

This backyard retreat for outdoor dining draws you out into the garden for a more immersive experience. Design by: Di Zock Design in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by: Bret Gum.

“Many people automatically design outdoor dining spaces right off the back of the house. But making an all-inclusive destination within the landscape immerses people in the ambience. It makes for a more luxurious experience and guests get to see more of your garden,” says Di Zock of Di Zock Design in Los Angeles, CA.

Here are three tips for creating the ultimate outdoor dining destination:

• Surround the dining room with in-ground and container plants for a lush feeling
• Turn your dining area into a sanctuary with special flooring, lighting and furniture
• Include pre- and post-dinner entertainment spaces nearby, such as a fire pit or pool

3. MAKING CRAFTMANSHIP A PRIORITY

With so many mass-produced products around us, we often forget that people still make things by hand. The following examples prove that in the garden handcrafted is always best. We hope they encourage you to seek out an artisan next time you add a structure or other important element to your property.

Photo by: Alison Shaw from Sticks and Stones: The Designs of Lew French, reprinted by permission of Gibbs Smith.

Lew French, based on Martha’s Vineyard, builds pieces that look as if they have stood for eons. His Three Walls project was a collaboration with landscape designer Wes Wirth. French’s original design for the opening over the pool ended with the straight lintel. Unsatisfied with the way it looked, he added the arch of granite wedges.

Design by: Oehme, van Sweden + Associates. Photo by: Roger Foley.

This arbor adds intimacy to the garden and also screens the neighbor’s yard. The vertical oak pieces are 12 inches thick, so it’s sturdy and gives the feeling of permanence. “Being plant fanatics, we often use pergolas and arbors as armatures for vines and climbing plants. They’re a great way to introduce color, fragrance, and texture—or even an edible landscape on a vertical plane,” says Eric Groft, Landscape Architect with Oehme, van Sweden + Associates in Washington, D.C.

Photo by: Rob Cardillo.

“Nestled in the corner of a crescent-shaped border in my garden next to a dogwood tree, this playhouse is a whimsical getaway for my grandchildren,” says Peggy McDonnell-Walsh, a homeowner in Peapack, NJ. The surrounding dogwood blossoms, azaleas, bleeding hearts, and hostas add to the whimsy and make it feel hidden. “Each detail is designed to enchant: reclaimed red barn siding for an antique look, the bell tower my brother acquired in Austria, the shingle roof covered in moss and lichen, the sign on the door that lists the names of my grandchildren, the Dutch door and window, and the antique painted chair on the porch. It’s most charming quality? Adults are not allowed in unless personally invited by one of my grandchildren.”