Elements of A Garden
By Susie Coelho
A garden that’s nothing more than a grouping of plants seems dull because it lacks balance—add the soothing sound of trickling water, the warm glow of a well-placed lantern, a cheerful flag waving in the breeze, or a pathway tempting you forward, and you create life by generating an interplay of different elements. When I style the garden, I always try to complement the plants using wood with the other elements of earth, wind, fire and water. Create this elemental balance in your garden and see how every space now not only delights the eye, but also pleases all senses.
The secret to styling successful gardens is to go one step at a time, and the five elements (wood, earth, wind, fire and water) can serve as your guide.
I love creating walkways, pathways, new beds and small patios of gravel. It’s funny how gardens work; your garden can actually look bigger and be more important if you break up your sections! Find ways to create little areas that you can step to with a bench or a chair or stoop. I have created a mushroom table with stools, a whimsical fantasy piece for any garden (www.grandinroad.com).
So get out there and create something whimsy and bring some life to your own garden. It will bring you so much pleasure and joy.
Keep Creating! It’s the Joy of Life.
Susie Coelho
