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Less is More
Now this may seem a simple task--toss a bauble here or there--but to me, the art of adding stories, artistic structures and/or hardscaping to the garden is a fine one indeed. Too much of anything can be just...too much, and I can certainly point to things which really work and things I'm needing to re-work in our own garden--even after nearly 25 years--so I feel this challenge must just be a constant part of the gardening hobby, and I've learned to simply enjoy the journey.
No Pink Flamingos in Nebraska
I remember a past coworker of mine--who knew I was into gardening--saying something about imagining pink flamingos all over the place. I laughed and thought "that would not be my taste at all--what about me says 'pink flamingo'?"
Okay, there is that one thing...but this comment had been made to me several years before I played FiFi Flamingo in an Acappella Omaha show...hmmm...maybe it's the actual reason I picked a flamingo out of all the options we were given in the exZOOberance script (I can't back that up--it really just occurred to me as I was writing this--but maybe that flamingo was buried in my psyche and stepped out for an appearance)!
If you're a fan of the pink plastic flamingo, I get the goofy humor (especially in Nebraska, where there are no pink flamingos actually living here) and I appreciate the history, but a gardener has to make choices in lawn decor--as in any decor--and, especially at that time, I was very anti-colorful-characters-for-the-garden. I wanted all the color to be coming from the flowers. That said, I've since found plenty of whimsy to sprinkle throughout our pathways, but my eye is usually drawn more to unique artistic works over kitschy characters or junk sculptures...but I'm not gonna lie--we do have a few fairies in a moss green patina and a couple gnomes/cottage fronts in a rustic brown patina. Somehow the muted tones make these characters less...loud! The fun part about these tiny sculptures is they help set the scenes where stories of the garden's playful inhabitants can be imagined by passersby (insert pixie dust here).
No Pink Flamingos in Nebraska
I remember a past coworker of mine--who knew I was into gardening--saying something about imagining pink flamingos all over the place. I laughed and thought "that would not be my taste at all--what about me says 'pink flamingo'?"
Okay, there is that one thing...but this comment had been made to me several years before I played FiFi Flamingo in an Acappella Omaha show...hmmm...maybe it's the actual reason I picked a flamingo out of all the options we were given in the exZOOberance script (I can't back that up--it really just occurred to me as I was writing this--but maybe that flamingo was buried in my psyche and stepped out for an appearance)!
If you're a fan of the pink plastic flamingo, I get the goofy humor (especially in Nebraska, where there are no pink flamingos actually living here) and I appreciate the history, but a gardener has to make choices in lawn decor--as in any decor--and, especially at that time, I was very anti-colorful-characters-for-the-garden. I wanted all the color to be coming from the flowers. That said, I've since found plenty of whimsy to sprinkle throughout our pathways, but my eye is usually drawn more to unique artistic works over kitschy characters or junk sculptures...but I'm not gonna lie--we do have a few fairies in a moss green patina and a couple gnomes/cottage fronts in a rustic brown patina. Somehow the muted tones make these characters less...loud! The fun part about these tiny sculptures is they help set the scenes where stories of the garden's playful inhabitants can be imagined by passersby (insert pixie dust here).
A Passing Whim
When plants are young or just leafing out in the spring, it's easy to overdo the whimsy. My recommendation is not to put everything out at once. As plants mature, there are more opportunities to have a fanciful fairy peeking out from under some perennial or--like we just did--back a gnome and his home into a bush and act like he's the caretaker of the northeast garden, where his cottage can be found--this year. That's the other thing about whimsy or any type of moveable garden decor. It can be used as a filler for areas which didn't bounce back as fast as others from our cold Nebraska winters, so these little characters might move around from year to year...maybe even from spring to fall.
Many times, I'll also use potted annuals to brighten up places which look dead, need height variety or are not coming back as fast as other surrounding plants. I've had some years where I've put out almost every container I could get my hands on, and others where several planters don't even get used for one reason or another.
Many times, I'll also use potted annuals to brighten up places which look dead, need height variety or are not coming back as fast as other surrounding plants. I've had some years where I've put out almost every container I could get my hands on, and others where several planters don't even get used for one reason or another.
Know When to Fold 'Em
While we gardeners often get attached to certain pieces, it's always good to remember less is more. A person doesn't need to put out--or even keep--everything they've ever gotten for their yard.
While we gardeners often get attached to certain pieces, it's always good to remember less is more. A person doesn't need to put out--or even keep--everything they've ever gotten for their yard.
Occasionally, my husband Bret and I will go through our storage shed and donate several things we haven't been using, so others might have a chance to enjoy them. This is another way to avoid having too much stuff in the garden.
When you really need it, however, it's great to have a healthy selection of possible decor solutions, so donating old pieces is also a chance to pick out something new to refresh a floral walkway.
What Will Your Stories Be?
I've added an example here to help spark ideas, but it really boils down to personal choices anyway, so as you're looking through garden stores, art fairs or garage sales this summer, think of what eye-pleasing or storytelling vignette you might be able to create with some treasure(s) you've found. Imagine how it might delight a friend or family member who stumbles upon it as they're walking down your garden path, and please feel free to share your pictures of such below. After all, gardening is the most fun when it brings joy to others as well as the gardener!
Today's Quote:
(excerpt from God's Garden)
"The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth--
One is nearer God's heart in a garden
than anywhere else on earth."
-- Dorothy Frances Gurney
*Beginning gardeners often plant one of everything or have a circus of different varieties (cultivars) of a particular species--like five different sizes/types of coral bells, daylilies, hosta or fill-in-the-blank which don't particularly complement each other. My recommendation is to plant no less than three identical perennials in a drift and--depending on how big they get--five, seven or nine would probably be better. Once things start growing and flourishing in their new environment, it's truly worth the initial investment.
*Beginning gardeners often plant one of everything or have a circus of different varieties (cultivars) of a particular species--like five different sizes/types of coral bells, daylilies, hosta or fill-in-the-blank which don't particularly complement each other. My recommendation is to plant no less than three identical perennials in a drift and--depending on how big they get--five, seven or nine would probably be better. Once things start growing and flourishing in their new environment, it's truly worth the initial investment.
