Decorative accents add character to garden spaces
Q. I was recently at a good friend’s home for dining al fresco. His garden is a tiny, perfect oasis of odd plants and herbs he has salvaged from neglected gardens or that were donated by folks who understand his talent for resurrecting all growing things. He has a wicked sense of humor and steered me to Funny Plants and Gardens on Facebook. I thought you’d find some decorating tips that will make you smile.
A. I have noticed that people who have a quirky interior decorating style will also infuse their outdoor spaces with touches of surprise and humor.
On the site you suggested, I did see an upended umbrella full of flowering plants, a bird bath that is actually a miniature bathtub attached to a backsplash, and a big old purse planted with succulents hanging from a tree branch. I like the attitude of “what’s good for this could also be good for that.”
Rather than planning on creating something humorous, it is often the case that imagination leads us in an offbeat direction while we are thinking straight ahead.
For those who are searching for a little garden surprise, I found a collection of animated frog statuettes at www.frontgate.
com. I wish I could strike a yoga pose as gracefully as these froggies. They are 13 inches and 16 inches high, crafted from powder-coated aluminum for all-weather protection with a hand-painted verdigris finish. They also show frogs in a spring dance, and a balancing frog table with a lily pad for the tray. That’s a side table or plant stand that will make you smile.
Q. We are thinking of building a Zen garden in our backyard. Our children want to help. Have you any tips? Is a Zen garden difficult to keep up?
A. This is a very doable family project.
The philosophy behind the garden is to create a dry garden arranged with specific elements in such a way as to still the mind. It is a pensive place that can be created and re-created by each family member in a way that speaks to them.
Zen gardens can be any size, from small desktop models to expansive outdoor plots. For your backyard, choose a size that is manageable, and build a mold or frame using two-by-fours, barnwood or railway ties. Lay down a plastic weed barrier inside the frame to stop weeds from growing. Fill with sand or gravel that you can find at landscapers, or ask at your garden center.
The elements that are placed in the garden are meant to symbolize nature and peace of mind. Moss, mossy twigs, pebbles and rocks, pruned miniature trees and bushes tell a story. A small water feature and animal statuettes are common.
Make an arrangement, but keep it simple; overcrowding defeats the purpose of a Zen garden. Rake the garden using curving lines that swirl like moving water. The lines should move smoothly around your elements.
Maintenance is important for any garden. Zen gardens must be clean and cleared of falling leaves and garden debris. The act of preparing and maintaining such a garden teaches restraint and promotes quiet thoughtfulness. Your children are fortunate to have this opportunity.
Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. Follow Debbie on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ debbie_travis, or visit her website, www. debbietravis.com.
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