Summer thoughts and garden plans

It seems like a winter ritual for me to think about gardens. I love to garden, but I wouldn't say that I am a Master Gardener. Simply that I enjoy helping things grow.

This winter ritual is even better this year because I have a new yard to design. I would say that my yard is fairly typical; nearly all grass, small flower garden up against the front of the house and a small veggie garden in the back. For me, I want a space that calls out to me and seduces to me enjoy it. So the planning as begun.

With the help of Eduardo, I set out to measure my entire 1/3 acre and its current contents. Then with graph paper in hand, I let my imagination go. Here are some things that I have collected that have given me inspiration. When I find something that I like, I rip it out and put it into my Garden Idea Binder.

I love the idea of Espalier gardens. This one is using Ivy and the photo below is using fruit trees.

An espalier fruit tree. I plan on doing these all along the sides of my fences. I figure I can plant 13 to 15 fruit trees. True, I won't get as much fruit if I planted it traditionally, but according to what I have read it will produce larger fruit.

How about a knot garden? I love formal gardens!

Wouldn't that be so enjoyable on a summer evening?

How about a hidden nook to have breakfast in?

I currently have a LARGE patio area that I plan on surrounding with trees, bushes and perennials. On Saturday, as Eduardo cleaned out the garage, I sat in an old rocker chair in the driveway soaking up the sun. (Little did I know that I would get a sunburn, in February, from that pleasure.) I thought it would be nice to have an area down from the patio where I can watch Livy play and soak up the sun, with a large umbrella of course.

I thought this was neat. Look at the patio floor. It may look like stone but really it is painted concrete. This would be a tedious task on my extensive concrete patio, but the results are fantastic!

I like this idea too. I would love to put a pergola over my patio. A little extra shade and also a nice place to hang the hammock or have dinner.

A few other things in my garden plan include a greenhouse, compost tumbler, a large play area for Livy (currently there is a sand box and playhouse), extend the veggie garden and have a fire pit.

Naturally my over-the-top-plan won't be happening this summer. The first step is to plant trees in the back and take a few garden design class at a local garden. If there is anyone in the area that would like to join me, please let me know.