The sounds of summer can be quite noisy -- the whirring of lawn mowers and weed trimmers, nearby road repairs, or all of the hammering and drilling that accompanies neighbourhood or our own backyard projects.
The sounds we seek out, though, include birdsong, a soft breeze rustling through leaves, water rippling in a pond, the chatter of friends and family -- all sounds that enhance our enjoyment of our own private outdoor green space, inviting us to put up our feet and enjoy the view.
What are some of the basic essentials for turning your patch of space, however big or small, into a private retreat?
Dawn Swirsky has designed landscapes for her parents' garden centre, The Shops of St. Andrews, and operates her own business, Grass Knot Design. Swirsky emphasizes accessibility as a key factor when considering the location of an outdoor oasis. Functionality is equally important. "Think about what you will use your space for. Will it be for morning coffee, facing the rising sun? Or perhaps for sunset cocktails on a west-facing deck or al fresco dining with friends and family? With your usage in mind, the bones of your space can develop. A trellis, pergola or hard-topped gazebo helps to create the illusion of a private room without walls."
Planning for future use of your space is worth keeping in mind. "Think ahead," adds Swirsky, "and have a professional install access to electrical power."
"Cords running across pathways can be unsightly. Installing outdoor plugs near your seasonal room allows for the future addition of music, lighting, water fountains -- even fridges or gas fireplaces."
Charlotte Tataryn, owner of Charlotte's Place, is a landscape designer and teacher whose garden philosophy is that you don't need a big space in order to create a private, peaceful refuge where nature is the central focus. "A garden room is not unlike any other -- it should have a ceiling, at least one wall or privacy screen, and an entrance.
The ceiling may be the sky and a green canopy should provide a little shade. The walls may be natural or otherwise, but it must afford you some separation whether it is a few shrubs, a lattice entwined with lush vines or a corner alongside the house. Think of colour, sounds and scents. Utilize plantings that call to mind the calming resonance of grasses swaying in the wind. Scented foliage, be it sweet, savoury or pungent, when brushed against, can soothe the remnants of a hectic day."
The lack of pathways, overhead trees, or a swath of luxuriant green grass need not restrict you from creating a garden room of your own if your outdoor living space consists of the narrow confines of an apartment or condominium balcony. Sharlene Nielsen, owner of Front Door Stories, recommends starting with a good quality outdoor rug. "Build around it by adding the elements of comfort and seating. Don't forget lighting. Two of my favorites are twinkle lights hung above like a canopy or use battery operated candles."
A container designer, Nielsen suggests that instant privacy can be created just by the placement of a sturdy oversized container planted with tall, foliage plants. Patio trees are very popular now -- determine the exposure of your outdoor room and choose from assorted plants such as palms, gardenia or hibiscus for an exotic theme. They can always be brought indoors once cooler temperatures arrive for year-round enjoyment.
Bringing the indoors outdoors includes the addition of unique accessories. A recent visit to Jane Kesselman's River Heights garden has inspired me to consider adding a moss-covered pictureless frame to suspend from the ceiling of my own front porch.
Kesselman made the great find a couple of years ago when she stopped into Sunshine Nursery & Greenhouse in Steinbach. Chicken wire is used as a mesh and cut to size for a welded frame, about one metre by 76 centimetres. Heavy duty wire secures a dense, soft covering of living moss for a long-lasting finished product. Some are designed to hold a 25-centimetre basket that can be planted with flowers. A vegetative spray such as Moss Green keeps it fresh and green. Kesselman sprays her frame periodically with the garden hose to prevent it from drying out. The frame is stored in a cool, dry place over winter and then in spring, a soaking in water brings it back to life.
I asked Julie Garcia, owner of The Garden Room on Academy Road, if there's anything new in outdoor fabrics. "I really love the new Textilene line. They've created a fabric that is ideal for the outdoors. No need to go running when it starts to rain. The fabric is made of a fast-drying vinyl-coated polyester with a UV inhibitor so it won't fade. It feels like a tight mesh and is mildew and stain resistant." Once summer is over, cushions should be stored for the winter in a dry environment. Garcia also recommends outdoor rugs. "Look for ones that are made from recycled, woven plastic and no backing so they don't rot your deck".
Water features are always a favourite focal point. Expensive? Not necessarily -- affordable, portable water features for the deck or porch are readily available. How about a pondless waterfall? Jake Penner, J & D Penner, considers water gardening to be one of his favorite hobbies and has enjoyed it for more than 15 years. "To hear the water, to see it, feel it -- people get such a charge out of it." Penner is excited about the new pondless-waterfall kits that are now available for homeowners who want the concept of a pond but with just a waterfall. "It's a simple do-it-yourself kit that recirculates water from a filled reservoir for a cascading waterfall -- all you need is a power source." Penner adds, "It's a perfect alternative for a front yard pond -- when there are concerns about child or pet safety -- that gives you the sound of water."
The outdoor garden room, of course, becomes the perfect spot for entertaining friends and family. Ruth Adelman, owner of Lifestyles of the Ruth and Famous, specializes in teaching others how to create spectacular, effortless dishes for home or for entertaining. When planning a garden party, Adelman recommends the use of fresh herbs. "When grown in your own garden, their fresh flavour is second to none. Dill is great for potatoes and pickerel. Add thyme to salads and dressings. Tarragon goes with fish and salads and is really tasty with avocado. Try growing English Munstead lavender -- delicious on fish when added to dried herbs such as Herbs de Provence. Mint is excellent for any Greek or Indian dishes. Use as a garnish on whipped cream. Sprinkle chives on salmon or add to a peppercorn sauce or sprinkle over potatoes. I also like to grow a basil and rosemary plant on my windowsill."
A consummate entertainer, Adelman sets a stunning table. "When decorating your table, try using pots of Spanish lavender, African violets, hardy roses or any garden flowers. Add one or two of any of the following to pitchers of ice water: fresh mint, lemons, limes, or mini-pansies in any combination. Fold your napkins in the shape of a flower or just use the colour green to support your nature theme."
One of Adelman's favourite recipes is an elegant and easy dessert that is always a big hit. "Serve bowls of fresh seasonal berries with whipped cream made with a touch of icing sugar and vanilla extract. Top with a ready-made Crème Anglaise."
Colleen Zacharias is a master gardener and certified prairie horticulturalist.
Colleen.Zacharias@gardensmanitoba.com
