This is a photo I took of a garden in Verona, Italy. It reminds me that sometimes the simplest things are the best. This garden was almost completely green, with colorful accents only in the urns that were scattered sparingly throughout the site. There was mostly grass, boxwood hedges and cypress trees. Statuary provided the focal points. This garden had the most calming and tranquil atmosphere. It was a place to breathe deeply and slowly, and as I stepped further and further into it, I could feel myself relax. My steps became slower and slower, and I took the time to examine both the little details, and the overall beautiful picture that this site made. The entire garden was created on a sloped site. At either end of the site, you could view the entire garden. Benches provided a place to contemplate the peaceful view. There was a maze that also encouraged slow movement and contemplation. Everyone I saw enjoying this garden was doing the same thing as me; walking slowly, talking in a hushed tone and taking the time to enjoy the timeless beauty of a garden that had not changed much in over 250 years. We can create that feeling in our landscape designs and our landscape installations as well. It is important to remember that while your wish list of things might be long and complex, sometimes we just need our own personal space to relax in and breathe. Sometimes we don’t need continuous flower bloom throughout the three seasons, sometimes we don’t need the pool, the hot tub, the firepit, the outdoor kitchen, the pizza oven, the screened in outdoor terrace. Sometimes we don’t need a space for each specific activity, but an overall place for all activity. Sometimes we just need a place to rest and recharge. Sometimes the simplest places are the best. Sometimes, green is enough…
Go Green…
