RATHER THAN TRY TO GILD THE LILY, why don’t I just leave Andre Jordan’s doodle to speak for itself? To my mind the shed might still be too small and the house too big…but I will shut up now and leave mad enough alone.
I WATCHED A ZOOM lecture the other day that really put into words a lot of the ways my own deepening understanding of ecology is shaking up the way I practice horticulture—from spring cleanup, right on to the last chore of the active year. The lecturer was Rebecca McMackin, director of horticulture for Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City, where she leads the team that manages 85 acres of diverse parkland with a central focus on habitat creation of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows to build soils and support birds, butterflies, and other organisms.
We talked about the dynamic tactics they use and when and why–a whole different approach to spring cleanup, where the life cycles of animals (from insects on up) dictate what happens when, garden maintenance-wise. Like why some things don’t get cut back, and others that are still seed-laden when they do have their seeds collected and set aside, then returned to the spot after whatever cleanup is needed there.
(Stream it below, read the illustrated transcript or subscribe free.)
Perfection
looks like my house…
First things first, I always say!
I am worried the garden shed might be too small.
What’s with all the grass? Just a canvas to plant in?
Yes…what about that grass? Is the man putting a John Deere mower in that shed instead of GARDENING tools? Hmmm…..my husband would! :-)
Cameron
Who would have time to mow with a wonderfully large shed like that to escape to… um, putter around in? I’d just include stepping stones to mark the way through the “meadow.”
Eric: that is a brilliant idea.
Ah…a meadow! In that case, it’s planted with wildflowers, right? You’ll need the sound of a water feature if you’re going to spend some time hanging out in the shed.
Espaliered plants on the exterior walls?
Cameron
More house. More shed. And some garden beds. Less grass. Grass is overrated.
I love Andre.
hey! This looks just like my yard. Tiny house. Big garden shed. Lots of grass. All that’s missing is me, the determined gardener, digging out all the dang grass every weekend! Love it.
Andre and Margaret ~ This is a wonderful illustration. You are officially welcome to join my club of “Shedistas”! Seriously, you need to see my new book called STYLISH SHEDS AND ELEGANT HIDEAWAYS, because there really are people whose garden sheds are (nearly) as large as their homes. We’ve photographed and written their stories. And even if some of these sweet retreats are modest in size, they are designed with a big vision for enjoying the garden year ’round. Email me off-line and I’ll arrange to have review copies sent to you. Debra
I have always wanted a giant garden shed – a place to paint and doodle in.
As someone new to the US I have thus far found a haven on the porch (something we don’t have in England). I could sit for hours on my ‘golden armchair’ doodling.
where’s the veggie garden?
I’m thinking Andre will need to re-tool on this one: We need a meadow, a vegetable garden, paving stones for a path, a bigger house AND a bigger shed, beds for other plantings…
Way to go Andre, a blank canvas, that’s the way my hubby would want it. He grows a giant veggie garden every year and he does not want someone else’s design. IT HAS TO BE HIS WAY!
Of course I think you are spot on!!!!!!!
Andre, you must have visited Stuart’s house to get your inspiration!! Keep up the the great work.
Welcome, Uncle Brendan. (I hope it’s OK that I call you “uncle,” since by now I have met the entire family thanks to Andre becoming a columnist here, and feel almost related). It’s so nice of you to join in the well-wishes, thank you.
Looks like my backyard… but instead of grass … think groundcover that needs no mowing…. keep it green…. then plant and piddle to your heart’s content! Wish all of my designs were this simple….