I’ve changed my garden many times in the past 40 years and I’m still not entirely happy with it. As the saying goes : A work of art is never finished, its just abandoned. I do bring potential clients to see my garden and they love it.

Although its a small urban space we have enough room for dining and relaxing and live outdoors most every day that the weather allows. We have a goldfish pond with a fountain that helps drown out the city noises and a rainchain next to our dining spot that is a delight to both ear and eye.

I believe in practicing what I preach but have fellow designing friends that wouldn’t dare bring clients into their own outdoor space. Its chocked full of shrubs, trees and flowers of every kind but with no specific scheme in mind . Either they don’t have the time or inclination to create the garden of their dreams.

I love the idea of throwing that design problem out to readers to see what they say. Even if you don’t use most of the ideas, it gets your creative juices flowing and makes you want to start work on your own space for a change.

You’re not late to the party at all! What a great idea for true virtual collaboration…we need a garden designer’s throwdown!

Michelle D.

Interesting perspective and idea. Rules, guidelines and even an established ‘philosophy’ can so inform design work that they become crutches or cages to be thrown away or broken out of. I like your idea that rules can stifle innovation. –S

I know how it feels not to have a “completed yard” and invest all my energy to create beautiful landscapes for others.

I didn’t design my “dream yard” at home until 4 years ago. I lived in this home for 14 years before I touched the backyard.

I was at a “garden dedication” dinner at one of my clients house enjoying the gorgeous outdoor landscape I created for them. It suddenly occurred to me,
Shirley, why don’t you create something special for your family?”

The next day, the bobcat was in my backyard and my crew started clearing out the old. (mostly lawn and junipers). It took me 4 years to complete as we worked on it mostly on the weekend.

The irony is that at the time, I was taping the “Garden Police” show for Discovery. On the show, my partner, landscape designer, Michael Glassman and I would “bust people” for having ugly yards! My yard was like a scene from a battlefield and I lived with the fear that my producers and viewers would find out what my yard looked like!

Here’s a link to my own yard, Before and After:

http://photobucket.com/ShirleyBovshow

Shirley Bovshow

Thank you Tarek. We all need to spend more time outside. You are lucky to live in a climate that is warm year round. Here it can be extremely cold in January and February so it’s even more important.

I have come to appreciate my clients’ varied garden styles because I, like you, Susan M, love change. I really think I could be frustrated if I had a big garden of my own to tend. Good outdoor living space rocks, however!

Deep meaning comes through the effort to help people connect — I love hearing other designers’ views on this! And the designs you’ve used to illustrate are inspiring. Thanks to all three of you, and to APLD!

Glad you liked it! I think it’s really interesting to hear what guides others’ designs. Rules are made to be broken after all!

You get right to part of the problem…after spending all day every day in others gardens, working in mine isn’t always appealing. I’d usually rather do something else in my down time.

I’m like you, Laura. When the mood strikes, so do I. The problem is that adds to the hodgepodge!