Should I re-design my garden?

15 years ago

I started gardening about six years ago in my small yard, and although I tried to keep design in mind, I learned as I went along. I didn't know what sort of gardener I was at first. I went from being a native plant enthusiast to a butterfly and bird gardener to an antique rose gardener, and now I'm doing edibles, both veggies and fruit trees.

There are remnants of each stage I've been through all over the garden, and though I was careful to give each plant the space it needs in theory, the garden is overall a bit chaotic. I like to think of the garden as lush, but sometimes it feels overgrown and clausterphobic.

I sometimes think, "If I were to do it all over again . . . " The thought passes, but it comes back again and again. I think (but I'm not sure) the garden would look better if I came up with a good clean design, appropriate to the space, and re-did it. This would mean making some sacrifices, getting rid of some plants that I still like in some ways.

Another part of me says that no design is perfect, that I should tweak the garden here and there rather than starting over. There's still a part of me that likes the native thicket I planted along the fence even though I wish I could use the space for an espalier and veggies. And although the garden is mixed up, the mix does reflect my tastes and development as a gardener, and this is not always a bad thing.

I realize that this is a personal decision, a question of taste, but if anyone can offer advice, or ways of dealing with this sort problem, I'd appreciate it.

I'm also interested in books, magazines, websites, blogs, etc. with photos of orderly and even formal designs for small gardens, especially those that focus on edibles.

Thanks,

Bill

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Comments (3)

prairiegirlz5
15 years ago
To answer the last question first, I have found BHG's garden plans an invaluable inspirational tool. And of course, online forums like this one. There is no better teacher than experience, and here you can benefit from actual gardener's experiences, for free! :)

I did exactly what you are proposing to do this year, and while it's still a work in progress (what garden isn't?), the majority of the layout is nearly complete. I still have a couple of beds to carve out, but I'm running out of steam.
So I've committed to tweaking the ones I have. I still need to compost and mulch in a couple of places where I skimped, re-lay the rocks around the berm, stencil the fence, things like that. I didn't count, but I dug up and moved almost every single plant on this property, with help, at least dozens of them! I threw out one sorry one, the guilt only lasted one night, it was actually a relief after that; gave away a dozen more to friends. The upshot is, I only have plants I truly love. And some new ones that are getting a trial this year. But if they're not up to par in a couple of years, so long! I love the focus having an actual concept in mind gives me, and the freedom of really believing in the fact that it's MY garden, so I can do whatever I want.
karinl
15 years ago
Another fellow traveller here!

I am strictly an ornamental gardener, but am in the process of converting myself from an insatiable plant collector to a ruthless editor of plants in pursuit of a landscape that is calmer and has some open space.

The landscape design process was the key for me. The plants used to control me, limiting what I could do in the yard because "this plant needs to be there." But as we ran out of room to do anything in the yard besides tend plants, it became too much and we had to sit back and say "just what DO we want this yard to be? Let's build it." We did it one section at a time; didn't do an overall plan beyond general ideas.

In the process, plants became something we use to achieve our ends, rather than ends in themselves.

We didn't change everything, but what we did was give ourselves permission to even consider moving/removing each of them. The question "what would I do here if I hadn't done anything yet?" is fabulously liberating. It's actually surprised me what I've ended up moving and what I've left in place. For example, I am really disappointed in Heptacodium, a shrub or small tree that has some features. I wanted to remove it years ago but have not touched it yet because it has just achieved a size that offers significant shade, and I can appreciate its leaf drape even if I find its flowers overrated. But I don't feel frustrated by the tree anymore because I've chosen to keep it.

It costs nothing to let yourself think about alternatives. You needn't redo the whole property, maybe just a section or two. Just give yourself permission to consider what YOU want to do now.

KarinL
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sergeantcuff
15 years ago
I found your post very interesting and have been thinking about it this week. I do not have any answers myself. Gardening is so personal. I go back and forth from thinking that I need a more refined landscape to indulging in current passions. It is hard to decide if you even have a problem or not - to you personally. Would you enjoy starting over? Do you like to start new projects?

I redesigned my main car-to- house area (which is actually in my backyard) this year so it would have more definition and winter interest.

But then I just ordered 10 some more antique, once-blooming roses that I know I will just plop down in good sunny areas without thought to design. I think of myself as a gardener, not a designer, but every once in a while I will try to restore some order so it doesn't get out of hand.

Just yesterday my son wanted a tiny start of a prickly pear from the farmer's market. Something else that will be stuffed in somewhere too.

Should I re-design my garden?

Comments (3)

prairiegirlz5

karinl

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