Several years ago, our house was on a garden tour sponsored by a local nursery. We were very flattered to be a part of this tour. The organizer of the garden tour and owner of the nursery wrote a description of each garden, including a title and a blurb summarizing the garden and the experience. He called our yard a “Lifestyle Garden”.
I had never heard this term before nor have I seen it since. Initially I was puzzled by the term and thought it was almost an insult or relating to us having an “alternative” lifestyle or something.
However, the more I thought about it, I thought this title was really fitting and since then it has really stuck with me. I was proud of this title, and it seemed like a really unique label for our garden and what we were trying to accomplish. I liked it. I also thought this title must in some way be a reflection of how unique my wife and I are.
But we are not unique, nor anymore unique than anyone else. However, we have done what few others do, that is really personalize our garden by trying something different and something that reflects our interests, beliefs, and yes, our lifestyle.
After some more thinking, I thought that every garden is a "lifestyle garden". But is it? Since that time, I have come to realize that is exactly what is wrong with many gardens and why people want to change them- they didn’t reflect the lifestyles of their owners.
Too often, gardens are a reflection of something or someone else, and some other person’s lifestyle, or an interpretation of what someone’s garden should look like. That is one of the reasons many gardens look the same despite climate differences, regional differences, and certainly the differences in the owners.
Before my wife and I first meet any of our garden coaching clients, we ask them to fill out a survey to help them articulate what their goals are and what they want to do in their garden. Through this process we can begin to understand the clients’, as we say, “wants and needs”, and ultimately help them to create a garden that suits them. In essence, what we try to do is make everyone’s garden their lifestyle garden. I think the best gardens capture someone’s personality and by creating a garden that is a reflection of you and your lifestyle and you will enjoy it, use it more, and feel at home.
I think the recent proliferation of decorating shows and media try to push the idea the garden is an extension of the house, and you should decorate your garden accordingly. Usually this is done in the guise of selling the latest/seasonal look for patio furniture, grill station, tchotchkes, or other junk. The idea of an "outdoor room" is a great concept, you've done a tremendous job of providing distinct areas in your garden that have a sense of space, flow, and a great feel (near as I can tell through the pictures) to them. But many outdoor rooms are created with the idea that this is just another space to decorate with cheaply made imported stuff from WalMart.
ReplyDeleteGood points, and unfortunately I think you are right that creating comfortable spaces= buying stuff. Thanks for your comments, as always!
DeleteWow. What an interesting post.
ReplyDeleteI, too, like that term. Lifestyle Garden. And I think you nailed it on the head. Everyone should be growing their lifestyle garden, but many aren't. Hmmmm....what a shame and I wonder why. I think El Gaucho above may be on to something as to the why part.
Now I'm going to be pondering my garden and what it is saying about me. What title it would be called. Interesting....
Thanks for your comments!
DeleteI do think it is a shame that people don't garden for their lifestyle- I think if more people did, they would enjoy their gardens more, and i bet there would be a lot less lawn!
That was indeed a lovely garden. I love that you put some sitting area for you to meditate and look at the improvements of your garden. Nice page indeed!
ReplyDeleteWell said David. It is an interesting term, not one I've heard before. But you certainly fit the bill. What a great lifestyle!
ReplyDeleteThank you Heather!
DeleteI like the term lifestyle gardening. There is such a difference between living in your outdoors and landscaping. Lifestyle is what you do for you - landscaping is what you do for your neighbors.
ReplyDeleteVery well said- I really like that analogy. Thanks for commenting, Karyl!
Delete"Lifestyle is what you do for you - landscaping is what you do for your neighbors."
Delete-My how I adore that turn of phrase!!! So succinct and perfect.
I plan on using that. A lot!
DeleteYour garden looks really lovely! I love the flowers around the greenhouse as well as the green plants surrounding the trellis and the vegetables you're growing in boxes. I agree that a garden should reflect a person, a couple, or a family's personality so that they would appreciate how it suits their home and lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteKaty Eagles