Simple Zen Gardening Ideas for the NW
It’s that time again in the Northwest when we begin to venture outside, assess the weather patterns, and initiate the Spring cleanup. Cleanup is just step no. 1, but the real fun (for some) comes when we dig in, get our hands dirty, and ground ourselves in the earth. Some may see this as a dirty, unrewarding chore, but for a few of us this is a yearly ritual that refreshes our soul, focuses our minds and rewards our senses.
Gardening, or ‘yardening’ as I call it (i.e., revitalizing the yard for exploration, enjoyment and entertainment), is a zen experience for me. Few understand this, and certainly my family struggles with the time I dedicate to it early in the Spring. Nurturing, coaching and growing the NEW excites me – it’s an ever evolving exploration of one’s vision for betterment. Well, at least that’s how I justify gardening…
For those interested, I’m sharing my ‘Top-10’ list of learnings in revitalizing yards in greater Seattle and Portland. Enjoy and inquire if you have questions, thoughts, shares, and/or just need a bit of guidance. I’m no pro, but dabble in the spirit of exploration. Get your hands dirty, you’ll love the outcome…
Top-10 Learnings
1) Plan
Take time to get to know your yard: the hot spots, the mud zones, the high-traffic zones, etc. This will help you plan the foundation for your design. Take photos, ideate, snag images you love from Pinterest, visit your local garden shop and see what they have to offer, but stay away from the Home Depots/Lowe’s. Give your vision time to ruminate before you strap-on the gloves and strike the soil.
2) Experiment + Fail
Don’t be afraid to try, fail and try again. It’s a growing process, so let it happen. I’ve failed 500+ times, yet I keep at it. Best way to not fail outright is to know your yard and bring in the right plants for the job (i.e., if it’s a wet zone bring in appropriate plants such as ferns, mosses, etc.)
3) Embrace the Moss
It’s the NW, it’s wet, and the moss isn’t going anywhere. Moss is as Zen as it gets, so embrace it. Play to its strengths!
4) Avoid the Pond
Trust me on this one. Unless you want to enjoy something for 30 minutes, and then spend the rest of the summer waist deep in waders keeping it clean. They’re simply money and time sucks. While beautiful at times, they’re extremely challenging, especially if you plan to keep koi and protect them from Blue Herons and Raccoons. Battle on and spend on, but I’d avoid it at all costs, as I speak from experience.
5) Discuss with Significants
This is KEY. I get rolling and forget to check in before I invest dollars and time. Bring others in to get them involved in the planning and ultimately the outcome.
Don’t randomly show up at home with a carload of plants. It doesn’t go over well, trust me on that…
6) Build It Together
Invite the family to join in and build the vision together. This always sets the foundation for big wins and long term enjoyment, as everyone feels part of the process and the outcome. Pride in ownership starts with EVERYONE involved.
7) Consider the Use (Dogs x Kids)
Build your plan for the yard with all users in mind. Make it kid and pet friendly with paths and zones for play. With medium to large sized dogs, establishing pathways can be critical to maintaining a good looking yard. The paths will turn into adventure zones for you, the kids and the dog.
8) Mindful Moments
Setup your garden pathways with areas designed for pausing and taking in the scenery. Japanese gardens often use stepping stones or meandering paths to force concentration and awareness of the journey. Consider how you progress through your yard. Do you want to view out into it or enjoy the journey within it?
9) Share
Share your vision and joy for the process. Most importantly, as your plants grow and spread, divide them and share. Gardening is communal, so spread the love.
10) Enjoy
Thoughtful planning and lush landscapes will bring in wildlife, so keep your eyes open. Enjoy the little moments with nature, the smells, the seasonal colors… Be one with your yarden!
Get out and grow your vision…
