Garden Inspiration

We have hit the triple digits early this year in Santa Clarita, so our time out in the yard should be limited to mornings and evening. Taking care of yourself is part of what a real garden teaches you; so take this lesson to heart.
These next few hot months are the perfect time for you to decide what changes you want to make in your garden and here are some fun ways to do that.
• If you went on vacations this summer, draw inspiration from the beautiful places you visited. Review the beautiful photos you took and remember how you felt when you were there. Trips of all sizes can give you inspiration! A getaway weekend in Big Bear or Big Sur can bring you as much inspiration as visiting the pyramids if you just open your eyes and your heart.
• Cruise the Internet for inspiration, Houzz.com and Pinterest are wonderful sites that can help you find what you are looking for, and will easily allow you to share with those you select to help you with your project.
• Pick up some great Garden Books – there are a lot of amazing books to choose from once you go beyond the Western Garden Book. Look for titles that speak to you, browse the bookstore, the library and don’t forget Amazon. I also have a lot of Landscaping friends on Facebook, any time they talk about a new book (or write one) I go online to see if it is something that I should add to my library.
Once you have your inspiration, you have to put it in perspective, sort through all your ideas, speak with those around you that will be enjoying the space, and maybe enlist the help of a professional to help you find out what you really can do. Always remember if it is yours, it can be your sanctuary.
Let me help you create the garden paradise of your dreams, large or small, edible and ornamental – if you can dream it, we can create it. I love collaborating with my clients and I’d love to collaborate with you.
Julie Molinare is a certified landscape designer living in the Santa Clarita for over 15 years. Julie taught the Introduction to Landscape Design Class at CSUN Tseng College of Extended Learning and is owner/designer of The Grass is Always Greener Designs. You can reach her at 661-917-3521 and learn more at www.thegrassisalwaysgreener.net. Make sure to visit the blog page to sign up for information and garden reminders.