'A garden should be experienced not just observed'  

- this has been my design mantra from the very beginning. I want clients to be drawn outside into their gardens and to have all their senses fully engaged once they do so.

For the past few weeks I have been working on a project transforming a sterile lawn bordered by a few struggling shrubs into a living, breathing, moving, tapestry of lush foliage and fragrant flowers. With three sitting areas, each serving a unique function and offering a different perspective of the garden together with a meandering trail the homeowners are already describing this as 'magical' - and we haven't even finished yet!

One of the elements that it is important to include is that of sound. Here are some ways you can do that.

Grasses

Don't want to put grasses in your garden? Grow them in a pot!

Many grasses rustle in the breeze. The movement alone is enchanting but that ethereal sound is a garden lullaby. No room in your garden to add grasses? Use them in a pot.

Water

There are many different  fountain styles Photo credit; Craftsy

A simple fountain adds so much to a garden. In my recent project the homeowners worked with AW Pottery to design a unique self-contained fountain that combined the sound of water splashing onto pebbles with the deeper notes of a shallow cistern. The results are a soothing melody that can be heard throughout the garden yet does not overwhelm.

Wind chimes

Whether you prefer metal, bamboo, glass or a combination of materials you are sure to find wind chimes that suit your garden style and budget. Hang them from the eaves of your porch or  a tree with a conveniently placed branch. What about placing a special one at child height to encourage interaction?

Birds

As the first of three tall trees were being placed in the garden last week a chickadee came and claimed his new perch at the top of one of them and proceeded to sing. What better compliment could there be?

Look for more about this garden transformation together with before/after photos in a future blog post.

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Molbak's Garden & Home Woodinville, WA

Saturday May 2nd (12.00-1.00pm)

Containers Pretty Enough To Eat-Whether you are planting edibles or ornamentals, I will show you how your containers can be beautiful and delicious! 

PowerPoint/demonstration/book signing 

Valley Chicks Spring Market, Duvall Visitor's Center, Main Street, Duvall, WA 

Saturday May 9th (10am-4pm)

Meet & Greet

Bring your gardening questions, find out about my classes and workshops and enter to win a planted container! The Spring Market will feature lots of talented artists and craftsman from the Duvall area and is held in conjunction with the popular Plant Sale right next door 

Life Care Center, Kirkland, WA 

Wednesday May 12th (10-11am)

Succulent Chic - creative ideas for landscapes and containers

PowerPoint/book signing

Duvall WA

Saturday May 16th (9.30-noon)

Raised Bed Workshop

Learn how to design and build a traditional raised bed, install a drip irrigation system  and get lots of tips on adapting your bed for different crops and seasons. Details and registration 

Swanson's Nursery, Seattle WA

Sunday May 17th (11am-noon)

Foliage First; Learn 3 easy steps to transform your containers and gardens from frumpy to fabulous! 

PowerPoint and book signing

Duvall, WA

Saturday May 23rd, Wednesday 27th and Saturday 30th (9.30-noon)

Spring Container Workshops

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www.fine-foliage.com

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