As you contemplate being in your garden, you no doubt imagine sharing it with people you are fond of.
People may think of the garden as a place of respite, a solitary time spent grounding ourselves from the demands of life. But more often than not, we imagine perhaps, spending time cooking on the bbq and the cries of, "Oh, that smells awesome! Is it nearly ready? Can I help with anything?"
Life indeed is best spent in the company of others and when we do, there is an instinct that drives us to ensure that those around us have a pleasant time, hopefully a memorable one.
It's this drive that needs articulation in the design phase of your garden. How will this drive manifest in terms of the physical elements you include? How will it dictate decisions on what to include and how it should look?
Do not lessen or underestimate the influence you have upon the wellbeing of others.
You hold the power to create a garden that offers others not only a respite from the demands of life, but the opportunity to feel connection, to feel spiritually elevated. The gift of creating fond memories that can be reflected upon and used to re-energise life in the future. This is indeed a worthy endeavour.
Let's take a look at 'how' this could be brought about...
What do your friends & family like/need
The before and after photos of this garden in McCrae
What makes a space inviting?
Ignoring for now the pool in the second image, both spaces are sufficient to sit, there is ample room. It is rather obvious that in the second image, the space is fresh, aesthetically appealing, offers some shading, feels softer underfoot and more. This space was created after questions were asked and the answers were interpreted by the designer into what was to be included.
"How would your friends and family like to spend time in your garden?" - this question leads to what was created. Part of this is you knowing your friends and their tastes. If you were a young couple then perhaps asking for gardens full of roses may not be as appealing since roses tend to be a mature person's desire. No, young people might want outdoor speakers and someplace to connect to Spotify!
Likewise, you may socialise with other families and so the garden you imagine, is one where adults can gather and freely catch up, while the kids have their own space to play. This may lead to adding a basketball court or a grass area for ball playing.
Appreciation for aesthetic styling
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" - As we tend to gravitate toward people with similar values and interests, your garden will most likely be enjoyed by others, if you just consider what you like and then create it. However, considering what your friends do appreciate does come across to them. We all like to feel considered of value.
Part of the joy of creating a garden is having it be an authentic reflection of you.
There is immense satisfaction in creating something others enjoy. Creating a garden that others walk into and say, "Wow, your garden is just beautiful. I mean seriously, it's elegant and I love how you have...." - creating beauty elevates everyone! You included.
There are perhaps no greater moments in your life, than when you have gifted something to another and seen the sheer joy you have brought them. Giving is far more rewarding than receiving it would seem.
Flowers are given to elevate the mood of others. A garden is even more impactful and can cause rise to a feeling of serenity. The bliss that comes from being surrounded by beautiful things is a gift from Mother Nature, freely available, and awaiting but your gaze.
When you consider what kind of garden you would like, consider the aesthetic quality that would elicit a feeling of joy in others.
practical consideration for others
How the space will function for others is a question worth time pondering upon.
For example, you may have friends that are in their late 50's or early 60's and you want to create a firepit area where you can all sit at night with your favourite glass and have a good chat. It may be wise to include a backrest to the bench seat circling the firepit. This will extend the time spent there and allow comfort to be maintained.
Okay, it's Melbourne and the weather can turn, so thoughts go to rainproofing your gatherings. Is it important for your guests to be outside and undercover so time spent goes uninterrupted?
This Hawthorn project allowed the outdoor kitchen and meals time to be uninterrupted, regardless of weather conditions.
The louvre roof allows ventilation or protection as needed.
The outdoor kitchen holds all things necessary in the cupboards.
How do your guests like to mingle?
In this Malvern project guests could mingle inside, up to the pool area or spa, or perhaps hang around the sizzling aroma of cooking on the bbq, while others sat on the sofa outside watching the cricket on the TV over the fireplace.
Thoughtfully considered, this home has it all and is sure to be a place no one is rejecting an invitation to.
Do you share aspects of your garden with others on a more intimate basis?
This barrel sauna was installed at a project in Mt Eliza. Residing within a large pool zone, it allowed time for people to travel from the pool to sauna and back as they liked.
Adding the sauna allowed for guests to not only catch up but enjoy an activity they may not do often.
This extension pool zone has a hot tub also, allowing guests to have full use of whatever activity suits them most.
Societal contribution
A front garden could be viewed as a community contribution. We have all driven down streets that are messy and drab and present a tone for that area. Likewise, we have all driven down streets where people have pride in their gardens and you may wish to walk rather than drive so you can view the splendour.
Your contribution has an effect.
When you consider the street appeal of your home, the garden can say much. It is a statement about the occupier of the home and if they care or not, are creative or boring, or any other thought you can imagine.
We tend to be affected by the general tone around us and if that is true, then what tone are you helping to create when you have a garden that emanates beauty?
A garden in front of your home is best shared. Allow others to be elevated as they pass by and smile at what you have offered. There is a phrase, 'pay it forward' that applies here. When you elevate the spirits of another, they tend to elevate others in return. Make no mistake, your garden could affect the mood of hundreds of people and this leads to our next point...
the power of emulating others
Emulating is defined as, "match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation."
When your efforts go into creating a garden to be admired, you incite in others a desire to emulate.
What a gift!
Creating a garden you love is a noble act, not merely a nice thing to do for yourself. Your garden holds power and if that power is that it inspires others to emulate your efforts, then imagine now how far-reaching your influence can become!
Imagine 5 years from now, going to several of your friends' homes and hearing things like, "See this, I have always loved your seated area of your garden and so I have..." - and you see their version of what you created. How gratifying would it be to have friends and family inspired by your efforts that they felt motivated to create their own expression of creativity that in turn is admired by others.
This is indeed a worthy cause. Not to burden you with too much but, imagine if Melbourne was known as the Garden State simply because it has the most magnificent gardens and everyone prides themselves in contributing a garden of beauty. Would that be too lofty a dream, is it possible, is it worth it?
Any contribution you can make to adding beauty to this world is worthy.
Empowering yourself
If knowledge is power and as mentioned, power can inspire, please avail yourself of the following articles and I hope you feel inspired to be creative!
Putting garden back in Garden State
How having the right garden can change your whole life
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