The Whimsy Garden

Whimsy Garden Scape

Walking out on a cool autumn morning with a latte or herbal tea while enjoying the landscape of my garden is one of my favorite things. It took about 10 years to get to the point where I can truly enjoy seeing all the small details, the plants, decorations, lights, stylized areas, and animals enjoying the lush bounty of herbs and vegetables. Many of them are still ripening on the vine.

This year, I was able to add some really exotic and unique plants to my garden. I have worked for years to create the right setting and decor for this amazing space.

Two years ago, I traveled to Portugal and was inspired by the small but cozy yards that had so much character despite having very little space. I also traveled to New York on several occasions. I noticed how many of the yards and porches were super small, yet decorated down to the tiniest detail. Somehow, they created such an intentional and whimsical feeling.

I had more space than many of the yards I enjoyed during my travels, so I decided to create my own little whimsical escape.

I started with an outline of my garden. I watched videos on YouTube about boho garden ideas and began putting together a vision for the space. I found a landscaping company to deliver moon rock, which is a lighter, almost sand colored landscaping rock. I used my reward points to get little whimsical decorations that I could place throughout my yard. I loved creating those little surprises you notice when you look in random places and suddenly see the tiniest, cutest wind chime or a little water catcher.

My yard became my palette, like a painting.

I found most of my furniture from neighbors who were throwing things away. I repurposed, recycled, and reused about 80 percent of my entire space. It felt good to reuse things that others saw as trash. I found so many things to decorate my garden space, and family members gave me several items they were no longer using.

It was all such a blessing. It was almost like things were falling from heaven.

Yesterday, I was inspired to write this blog by a hummingbird that flew into the yard to enjoy the nectar from my sweet flowers.

If you build it, they will come.

The ladybugs, unique butterflies, beetles, finches, and yes, hummingbirds.

My season for growing is almost at an end. I plan to replace some of the summer plants with colorful fall plants, specifically flowers that have survived the harsh summer drought but are ready for some cool nights and mild days.

I want this fall season to be my best.

Some plants did not make it, while others absolutely thrived. I marvel at how some years I can get an amazing harvest of tomatoes, gourds, cucumbers, and peppers, while other years it is the green leafy vegetables that win.

And honestly, I love that about gardening.

There is always a little bit of mystery. You can plan, plant, decorate, nurture, and hope, but the garden always has a mind of its own.

For sure that is part of the whimsy.