Put whimsy in your garden and have some fun
Does your garden make you smile?
With an average of only 117 frost free days in Calgary, less in some areas, you should make your garden a place to enjoy, not just work in. Once you have your basic landscape in place, along with some colourful containers and flower beds, you can turn to adding some whimsy to the yard.
Now, one gardener’s delight in garden gnomes may be another one’s horror, but there are no rules here. Choose what makes you happy.
This is an opportunity to use recycled items like broken pots for plant markers, an old headboard as a support for climbing vines or past their prime garden tools as ornaments. A distressed vintage dresser or sideboard can make a great looking potting bench, either freshly painted or left as is. An old wheelbarrow looks great planted up with colourful annuals.
Garden centres are great sources for bird baths, statues, benches and other smaller items. But don’t stop there, look for unique items at specialty shops as well.
Do consider the style of garden you want, though, and stay with a theme. Like having too many mixed up Christmas decorations in one yard, you can wind up looking like you’re holding a yard sale if you aren’t thoughtful.
Siting garden ornaments can be tricky. More interest can be gained from incorporating items into the landscape where they draw the eye than by placing them front and centre. It’s nice for visitors to find little surprises while admiring your garden. Using a little restraint is also wise. A few well thought out items will have more impact than a lot of clutter. Of course, if you have a spot for a stand out item, go for it.
It’s most important to create a look that makes spending time in the garden a pleasure. If you love fairy gardens, place a few in your garden beds. Over my years with the Calgary Horticultural Society, I’ve seen everything from a Zen garden with raked sand and gorgeous bonsai plants to a Gothic themed one filled with gargoyles.
Have some fun. Enjoy our short gardening season. Put some whimsy in your garden and a smile on your face.
A great website for ideas is DIY for Life (diyforlife.com).