Garden Talk
Observation: A Powerful Tool for Successful Landscapes By Liz Braithwaite, Responsive Gardens One of the most powerful tools that you can use to create successful landscapes and gardens is
You might notice places where
observation. Each yard is a bit
people frequently walk, which
different, and observation helps
could use a path. You could also
you to notice those differences and
notice places you are drawn to like
respond accordingly. Spend some
a shady corner with good views, or
time noticing things at different
a hide-a-way the children like to
times of day and across the season.
play in.
There are three main categories to
pay attention to: people, microclimates, and vegetation. 1) People
2) Microclimates The general climate includes things like rainfall and temperature and doesn’t change across the
Observe the people that go through
landscape. But there are pockets in
and next to your yard. This
the landscape where unique
includes things like the paths you
conditions occur called
walk, the places children play, and
microclimates.
anytime neighbors, friends, or others interact with your landscape.
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The children frequently used this area of the yard. They loved interacting with the hill and tree. We added a slide, sandbox, and access for tree climbing. Because the sandbox was in a sunny location, a trellis provides shade as well as a fun enclosed location.