Yes, inspiration comes less frequently in my middle to late age. However, after reading 'Planting a New Perspective" by Noel Kingsbury and Piet Outdolf , I've been "blown up" with inspiration. The information in this book is very informative for those who have wanted more conceptual information on the "New Perennial Movement". I'm interested to see how all this pans out. I'm sure most of you have read reviews about this book as well as seen many Oudolfs/Kingsbury designed gardens so I won't bore you with more details.
This inspiration has powered me enough to design the unfinished west side hell strip which currently is mostly a Fescue lawn area, a few perennials and last but not least a large Silver Maple (which the wood borers are devouring and will be removed). I got the old canary tracing paper out (yellow dog) and began to sketch over the CAD created base plan. So much fun, it brought back old memories from college and my early professional career, installations during the day and designs at night.
This inspiration has powered me enough to design the unfinished west side hell strip which currently is mostly a Fescue lawn area, a few perennials and last but not least a large Silver Maple (which the wood borers are devouring and will be removed). I got the old canary tracing paper out (yellow dog) and began to sketch over the CAD created base plan. So much fun, it brought back old memories from college and my early professional career, installations during the day and designs at night.
View looking West
View looking East, below.
As you can see soil preparation has began with gravely soil, compost and native fill soil added from all my unfinished garden projects. Yes, I will admit my propensity to start many projects at once, it's just that when you start one project details arise which create new projects. Evidently my perfectionism and artistic mind leads me to many different avenues (rabbit holes).
These are photos of my sketches of the planting plan: first one is the planting plan
Second one is a rendering of flower and foliage color:
So now the next step is to scour the internet for plants and transplant many from existing inventory on hand. Looks like a busy time ahead, hope to have it completed by my 60th birthday this August. Shalom.
Planning gardens is quite fun! Looks good. Seems inspiration can come out of the blue and then you can't stop!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, even during a frosty and cold winter.
DeleteIt's projects like these rolling around in my head that get me through the winter months. I'm excited to see yours become reality.
ReplyDeleteI've been so inspired by their series of books...and the last one, in particular. I actually tried to devise something similar in my own hells trip...but unfortunately, it's hard to make things look scattered and random in a space only 3' wide...haha!
ReplyDeleteTrue. Maybe you could find some miniature plants. Haha!
DeleteLooks like a good plan.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda.
DeleteI'm looking forward to seeing your hellstrip blossom in a new way, especially given who you are drawing inspiration from.
ReplyDeleteBig shoes to follow. Didn't you see Mr. Kingsbury speak recently?
ReplyDeleteWow, that's a nice WIDE hellstrip! I landscaped mine this year, but it's only about 4 feet wide and I needed everything to be short, so I had a very specific list of plants to use. But I am very pleased with how it turned out and am really looking forward to its second year of growth. Fun stuff!!
ReplyDeleteYes, especially when it's completed.
DeleteI will look into that book. I could use some inspiration these days. Looks like you have a good plan. I can't wait to see it planted.
ReplyDeleteI could use some help Michael.
DeleteAWESOME! I love that you drew this out. I have no drawing skills at all and even less depth perception so my drawings are often mostly unhelpful. I have to 'see' it in my head and then go from there. I am really looking forward to the results. I also love starting projects all at once, too. I love how grand it is. :o)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to take on a second job to afford it. Ha.
DeleteWow! You have a nice large area there and it is going to look gorgeous all planted. It was a good move to plan it all out on paper first and now the fun begins. Can't wait to see the finished product!
ReplyDeleteAnd of course you would know how important a plan is. And of course you know how plans can change too!
DeleteSounds like a great way to celebrate a special birthday. Your plans are impressive! We don't have a hellstrip or sidewalks on my street, but it kind of makes me feel like I'm missing out! Can't wait to see all your new plants in place!
ReplyDeleteWell, I am looking forward to seeing the transformation of this hellstrip, 60! huh! whipper-snapper.
ReplyDeleteGood layout / plan graphic. Can't wait to see this mature!
ReplyDeleteYou have a nice wide hell strip which lends itself to a choice of many more plants. You are quite the designer. Look forward to seeing the new garden when planted.
ReplyDeleteYour lawn has potential for landscaping, Greg. It’s such a shame that it was left bared and brown. So, how did your plan for it go? I think it would turn out great for sure, had you followed your sketches accordingly. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGwendolyn Reyes @ Tapestry Landscape Architecture