The garden that will be
Are you a gardener who remembers what was, and takes pleasure in all you’ve accomplished since then? I wish I could be like that. Instead I tend to look at what is, and think about all the things I must do to make the garden the way I want it to be.
Take the above scene, for instance. Since I began this garden, a year ago next month, I’ve expanded and replanted existing beds, created a circle garden viewable from the elevated deck, and added a stock-tank pond. But when I look, I see the grass paths that I still need to convert to flagstone or gravel; the arches that aren’t yet purchased or constructed for the paths entering the circle garden; and the paving that hasn’t been done around the pond.
This view used to drive me insane, and I’ve tried hard to keep the backdrop of this aging fence and boring box around the pool pump from showing in my images.
You’d think all would be well now that the new fence has gone up. Alas, no.
Now I’m visualizing something much cooler than a plain, boxy replacement fence around the pool pump. I stopped work on this section so that I could think it through. Something that masquerades as a garden pavilion, maybe, with an open, arbor-style roof. Hmm. More thought is required.
On to the side yard. As I did last winter with the fence on the other side of our house, I had the side-yard fence pulled forward, toward the front of the house, in order to gain more gardening space in the back, as well as more privacy. Above is the “before” shot.
And “after.” I’m always pleased by the paradox that enclosing a space actually makes it feel larger, and this long, narrow strip is no exception. It feels twice as wide with the fence behind it. But now I see a to-do list stretching in front of me: dig out the grass, bring in good soil, edge the new beds, build a descending path into the back yard, adjust the sprinkler heads as necessary.
Of course, the payoff will be new planting beds to fill and new views from inside the house to create. The fun part! I’ve already purchased a few little things during recent visits to my favorite nurseries, like butterfly vine (Mascagnia macroptera) and Mexican feathergrass (Nassella tenuissima).
It’s the Mouseketeers. I’m going to line part of the hot, sunny wall of my house with these Indian figs (Opuntia ficus-indica), which have an orange flower.
I can just picture how these new sections of my garden will look. But it does take some stamina to get there. What keeps you going through the to-do lists and wish lists to reach your “garden that will be?”
All material © 2006-2009 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
To-do lists can follow you around and haunt you. I know, as you do. I try to enjoy the garden as it is– not easy. But I try. And I make fewer to-do lists. I have the to-dos in my head and it’s a little less pressure when I don’t have them on paper.
I am a list-on-paper kind of gal, I’m afraid. Lists help me remember my ideas and organize my thoughts, and I sure do enjoy crossing things off when they get done. But I do try hard to enjoy the garden for the moment and not always think ahead to the next project. Not that I succeed at that very often. —Pam
You have come a long way in such a short time Pam. You should be proud. The way I keep myself motivated is to make lists. Lists haunt me so I keep at it. The garden is never done. I think well, that might be it. Then something dies, something grows, I see a picture of something interesting then the list is made and off I go again.
I am a list-maker too, Lisa, and I constantly revise them as I come up with new ideas and priorities. As budget and time allow, I get a great deal of pleasure in completing a project and crossing it off my list. —Pam
I can see now why you moved from your other garden. You just needed a bigger to do list! I’m with you in always thinking of the next thing to improve. I am horribly critical myself and often just see the bits I don’t like. Then sometimes I see it in the perfect light. Your fence is very nice. I once had this same fence in St Louis. The neighbors were horrified when it went up as they thought all the gardens should meld one into another but being English I thought otherwise and besides we had a pool. I didn’t realize your garden had such a slope until you mentioned it recently. Now I see it. I bet you are thinking, more terracing. The photograph of the tank gives a totally different perspective on location. I thought it was in the middle of the garden. Give yourself a pat on the back for all that you have achieved in such a short time.
The slope is made more evident by the stepped-down fence, isn’t it? It’s quite steep in parts. You need to come see for yourself sometime, Jenny. I’ll pick your brain on terracing and paving options. —Pam
I’m someone that also sees the lists in front of me, so I take photos to keep a record of just how much things have changed over the past year or so… With each job I complete the attention is then turned to something else… Only my main problem is that I get side-tracked so jobs often take much longer than they need!
I know how that is, Liz. I often get side-tracked into a new project that I didn’t anticipate when working on another one. —Pam
Gardeners are notorious for saying – you should have been here last week when the … Sometimes you need a visitor’s eyes to show you the good and the great. And the lists, but that is the fun bit of a garden – always something to do, to tweak, to change!
You’re right, EE, that it’s fun to shake things up, to tweak and change things in the garden. There’s always a new plant to try and a new design idea to try out. —Pam
Oh, I gave up on reaching a finished garden (or home interior) ages ago. Since we had the habit of moving every 3 or 4 years, I had to learn to just be satisfied with the process. To tell you the truth, whenever I’d get close to completing something, I’d start getting antsy, and hoping for a transfer. In fact, I kind of figured that was why you moved to this house – you’d run out of ideas and projects at the old one!
Maybe subconsciously, Becky. But our stated reason for moving was to have more room for growing kids, not plants, plus a back yard with a pool to help us stay active in the summer. Of course, a new yard to turn into a garden was a definite plus. —Pam
Hi Pam,
I think it looks very nice, all that you have done until now. I know the feelings, that you’ll always look forward and don’t stop for a minute and enjoy the things that you have done. But maybe that’s the reason we have different garden than others ;7
Ken
Gardening ambition can certainly be a good thing, Ken, as you point out. The great gardens of the world weren’t created by sitting around and admiring what had already been accomplished. On a smaller scale, if we enjoy the process, why question the continual drive to strive for more, eh? —Pam
Pam, the beauty of being a landscape designer is that you are never done. There is always another project, another area to finish up. Back when I had this profession my own home came last. I give you kudos for continuing to work your home and the great job you’re doing.
Scott
My business is part-time, Scott, which gives me plenty of time to work in my own garden. That’s good, otherwise I’d have to be out there at midnight. 🙂 —Pam
Believe me, you’re better off seeing what is & thinking about what you want it to be; it makes you a better designer. Too often I look & see how much I’ve accomplished, which does nothing toward improving the garden. Your garden is coming along nicely. It’s a good idea to turn an eyesore into an attractive feature, and I’m sure you’ll come up with something great for the pump equipment. Will it incorporate circles in the design to echo the stock tank?
I’ve gotten good at seeing things through my gardener’s glasses, which has helped me ignore problem areas for too long, but no longer. The influx of potted material looking for a home has spurred on a new garden bed installation and the expansion of the driveway beds. So I’d have to say the thought of frost and freezes is what’s keeping me going these days.
You and I are both being spurred on by fall weather, MMD. You’re driven by the knowledge that your gardening season is rapidly coming to an end, while I am excited that our best gardening season has just started. I look forward to seeing your new beds soon, and their blossoming next spring. —Pam
Hi Pam, it is looking great, what astounding improvements you have made in just less than a year. Of course list making is high on my to do list! Ever onward. There is always something to be done that would make it better, new plants, moving plants, more of the same plant. I was thinking maybe a little shed looking thing for the pool pump, but MMD’s circle idea is better. 🙂
Frances
Yes, ever onward, Frances. I hope to have that pool pump camouflage figured out soon. An idea is percolating. —Pam
It’s looking great Pam. It sure doesn’t seem like it’s been almost a yr. I love that fence. Privacy is what I like. But not where I live.
Walls/fencing are so important in making a garden, I believe. I’m sorry that you aren’t able to implement any where you live, Lola. —Pam
I am such the “see what needs to be done” person. Part of what keeps me going is that I can see what it will look like, but others can’t. I’ve got to get there so they can too. And the shopping, as long as the projects continue then you need to buy new plants!
I found a picture the other day that was taken a few months after we moved in to our house. Coincidentally I had just taken one the day before from almost the same angle. I couldn’t believe it, it felt really good to see the difference! Having been a part of it all I didn’t remember the changes until the evidence was right there in front of me. I think I am going to put together a series of “then and now” posts for fun. And you should be so proud of what you have accomplished in such a short time, seriously! It is amazing!
Thanks, Loree. Hey, I look forward to seeing your then and now post. I have that in mind for my one-year anniversary in this garden too—next month. —Pam
The transformation so far is already quite dramatic. You’ve done a lot of work. Is there room enough to build some type of gazebo around the pool pump?
Yes, I have something like that in mind, Philip: an enclosure that masquerades as a summer house or garden shed. —Pam
Pam, I wish I had your visual skills…You ‘see’ what you want and create it; and you’ve done a wonderful job. I’ve tried many plants and plans in the garden, but finally concluded that I need a professional to help me take my ideas to a practical place. Right now I am working on simplifying. I am not a list maker~~The only things that go on my to do lists are errands my husband has asked me to run and reminders of appointments. gail
Using a professional is not an admission of defeat, as you wisely concluded, Gail. It’s a way to get a fresh perspective and call on the experience of someone who’s had a lot of practice with design. Your recent changes have been wonderful. No need to make lists when you do so well without them! —Pam
I’m in an awkward spot where I’m holding off on new gardening projects *twitch, twitch* until our extension is built. It will ‘address the garden’, as architects say, and I have a rough idea of what I’d like to do but no way to start for at least a year! Most of my thoughts are questions. Should I move the vegetable garden to that spot with less westerly sun? If I do that, what will I put into the current vegetable space? Where should my clothes-hoist go? The old copper, which I plan to turn into a feature raised bed? And then there are the plants I wish to acquire: the Tahitian lime, the blood-orange, the waratah (my third try; they’re fussy!), the Acacia pycnantha, kangaroo paws and so on. And (ssshhh!) the plan for a cubby house for the boys. And I’d like to grow a pot of Sturt’s Desert Peas for my MIL, who loves them but isn’t a gardener (these aren’t just fussy, they’re insanely fussy as they’re a desert plant, and Sydney is humid!)…
You sound like me, Chookie—a big list that stretches your gardening plans out into the future. It’s so hard to wait, don’t you think? —Pam
It’s a lot of fun watching you in action through your blog, Pam. I so admire your ability to plan and envision how you want the whole garden to look so soon after you moved in, but that vision must also make the process seem even pokier than it is! The new fence is just beautiful.
I can’t imagine what it’s like to have a large-scale plan and stride toward implementing it. We’ve never been in the position to make such major changes in either of our Austin houses. Most of our attempts at garden design have been closer to your search for a “fix” on disguising pump equipment – concealing and dealing with non-changeable realities of utilities, closely-built houses, HOA regulations and old trees. Good luck with the pipes – in a funkier garden you could paint them to look like a tarantula!
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
You hit the nail on the head, Annie—having an idea of the overall plan does make the process of getting there seem very poky. But moving slowly has many advantages, not least is the prevention (one hopes) of a poorly thought out design idea.
I’m a little horrified at the thought of a large, decorative tarantula in my garden, Annie. Perhaps you don’t know of my mild spider phobia? 🙂 —Pam
I admire gardeners with a plan 🙂 I’m not quite there yet. This is the first year I’ve really started with outdoor decorative plants (previously I grew houseplants and a vegetable garden). At the moment I’m learning about how outdoor florals, shrubs and trees work, and then I’ll organize my approach later. Great post & photos – you have a beautiful garden!
Thanks for your kind words, Nancy. Isn’t it fun to learn about ornamental gardening? I’ve been doing this a while, but I’m still learning new things all the time, especially by reading other gardener’s blogs. Have fun digging! —Pam
HA! I love the “Mouseketeers!”
I’m like you–I always see what could be, should be… always improvement to be had. I think that’s why, artistically speaking, I’m a better gardener than painter, btw. I never know when to stop, which is bad with a painting but fine in the garden. 🙂
That’s an interesting contrast between two different forms of art, Kim. Thanks goodness it’s OK not to stop in the garden, right? We can’t always start a new “canvas” of a new garden like we can with a new painting. —Pam
Pam, I know a lot of my discontent with my struggling garden right now is all the projects that aren’t completed to how I want them to be; like you, I tend to futurepace my thoughts and feel compelled to move toward them. Thinking about your pool pumps – could you construct a new “Green Hall” shed around it, making it larger than the pump area so that you would have some shed room?
Hi, Robin. I toyed with the idea of a new Green Hall, but I decided a new garden called for a new idea. I have something different in mind and now need to figure out how to turn it into reality. —Pam
I like your beautiful new fence, Pam.
Thanks, MNGarden. I’m happy with it too. —Pam
As with most experiences in life it is, for me, the journey and not the destination. When I get tired, bogged down with other projects or just need a break, I stop and look at the changes and the pictures do help tell the tale. All I can say about your accomplishments in this garden is ‘Wow’. This past year was spent with less time in the garden and I need to make some changes so that will not be the case next year. There is always next season for the gardener and, for you in Texas, there is always something to do. Here in New England we get a break whether we want it or not and Mother Nature is showing us a bit of fall these days.
I would love to see Mother Nature’s fall show in your neck of the woods, Layanee. And as excited as I am about fall gardening activities here in Austin, I can see where an enforced winter break could be welcome. —Pam
I have a sign in my kitchen “A Garden Is Never Finished”. How true. Right now, I’m planning fall planting and in my mind’s eye, the clever combinations of color and texture will look great. Delightful. Impressive. Then I remind myself the reality is never quite as impressive…
That may be true, but it’s what keeps us going, don’t you think? And frequently an unplanned combination will knock my socks off! —Pam
Ugh, I do the same thing as you. But surely when you look at your before and after shots you see how much you’ve accomplished and how much better it looks?? (Maybe I should try that at least!) I liked Town Mouse’s comment – I’m doing the same thing and I just know it won’t turn out the way I envision. That’s life in the garden I guess! Oh, almost forgot – your fence looks great!
Thanks, Jean. And I agree: before-and-after comparisons are wonderful for reminding one how far the garden has come along. That’s another thing garden blogs are useful for. —Pam
Pam, you know we all have those lists and that critical tendency. I think before and after pix are the best way to combat it. Cause you can see the degree of change and remember how many separate steps and decisions each project actually takes. As for the new pump house: How about another section of fence fronting the pump so the equipment is hidden but the “wall” matches the fence behind. Then you could espalier something on it or just make it a backdrop for sculpture etc. Maybe have shorter wings going off of it that could hide other tools you use all the time like coiled up hoses etc. (There is nothing as wonderful as a new fence one can actually enjoy looking at, is there?!)
That solution is a good one, Linda, except that there are some nasty pool chemicals stored in that area, and we want to be able to keep small children out of them with a latching gate. It is fun to ponder different “looks” for that space, and I think I’ve hit upon what I want to do. Now I just need to figure out how to afford it or learn how to do it myself. —Pam
My garden to-do lists just get longer and longer. But it’s what keeps me progressing. There are days where I feel overwhelmed, because there really is a LOT to do, but when I look at how far I’ve come, I smile. I’m coming up on one year of gardening, and I plan to do a reflections post soon. But the gist of it is this — last summer we hated being in our yard, and this year we love being in it. We have spent more time in our yard in one year than in the previous 13 years we lived here. And we look forward to all the changes this next year will bring. 🙂
I need serious help hiding my air conditioning unit — it needs shade and circulation and access but it’s such an eyesore at the moment!
The A/C needs to be screened in my garden too. Meredith. Yet another project on the to-do list! —Pam
There are days when I just want to rip out the whole thing and start over from scratch. Then I think I’d have to, you know, start over, from scratch, and it doesn’t sound like fun anymore.
I’ve felt overwhelmed at times having to start over from scratch with my new garden; there are so many things I want/need to do. On the other hand, making a new garden satisfies the creative drive and is a lot of fun most of the time. —Pam