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Celebrating the feminine spirit thru gardens
Spirit of the Garden
Gardens are living and ever evolving - a living system that is complex. They show us the circle of life; birth and regeneration thru death and recycling of nutrients. Being present with nature helps us connect with mother nature and the feminine spirit.
There are many things to consider in creating a garden design and having a professional help you gives you a beautiful, easy to maintain garden. Incorporating principles of 'sustainable landscaping' and 'permaculture' are more encompassing than 'xeroscaping' which primarily focuses on water conservation. A sustainable garden is a thoughtfully planned outdoor space that gives human enjoyment as well as being good for the environment. The concepts of sustainable landscape design include the following:
- addresses water drainage issues to direct water to usable areas and protect structures
- shapes the land to prevent erosion and to reduce water pollution from run off
- using locally sourced materials, reused stones, broken concrete from old drive ways can decrease the impacts on the environment
- reduce the use of short life materials like wood and consider plants for hedges instead of fences if possible
- giving old fence posts a new life in a coyote fence and creating sculptures out of old metal repurposes the waste stream materials
- conserves water by using native and other lower water-use plants suited to the location and climate
- selecting native plants that thrive in the location and spacing them to allow for mature growth decreases pruning
- placing plants in the correct light and water conditions helps them thrive and reduces the need for spraying pesticides and applying fertilizers
- correctly placed trees can give shade to the home and living areas in the summer and increase winter sun to decrease your home energy costs
- the plants and maintenance practices create food, shelter and nesting areas for pollinators and wildlife
- edible garden plants and trees create a food forest in your garden.
- wood chip mulches are used to enhance soil fertility through earthworm activity and moisture retention
- uses all these concepts to create outdoor living, work and play spaces that improve our lives
We offer a 90 minute initial consultation in your garden for $180 and additional design services for $60/hour. See details below in the services section.
Connecting the Indoors to the Garden
Indoor plants connect the inside living areas to the outdoor spaces. Feel the calming effects when gazing into the garden and basking in the bright warming light.
Conversation Rooms
Find the favorite corner of the garden to be in for that moment and season. Feel the privacy created by the plants, fences and walls. Enjoy the special views framed by the thoughtfully placed plants.
Life in a Garden
Smell the fragrance of the chocolate flowers in the morning while watching the bees collect the pollen and butterflies light on the centers. Watch the yellow finches collect the dried flower seeds and hear the buzz of hummingbirds pausing at the red yucca blossoms. Notice a lizard scurry over the rocks. Feel the softness of the mulch under your feet. Identify the bird calls and look for their nests. Sit for a while on the bench and just be present for small gifts - the roadrunner passing by, the gentle song of the wind chimes, and changing colors in the sky.
Life Giving Water
All living things need water. Water in the garden can be as simple as a birth bath or basin of water. Watch the bees, birds, pets and other wildlife come to the water. Notice the reflections on the surface.
Cool Shade of Trees
Feel the coolness and gentle breeze under the protection of shade trees even on the hottest days. They provide hours of entertainment watching the visitors that come to trees and the sound of the air moving the leaves.
Walking through the Garden
Experience the garden as you enter your home and move around the garden. This can take many forms from formal walkways to more natural paths. Walking through the plants feels different than just walking past a flowerbed! Enjoy exploring the garden and find the secret surprises.
Grazing in the Garden
Imagine strolling through the garden and snacking on strawberries, blackberries and other fruits in season. Taste a fresh tomato. Smell the fragrance of fresh garlic stems. Watch with anticipation as the food matures. Hear the chickens cackling and bees buzzing. Share with the next generation the joys of growing some of your food and how good it tastes.
Healthy Soil
Soil that is living has a whole host of bacteria, fungus, worms and bugs that break down plant materials into usable nutrients. Mulch, leaves and plant trimmings provide food for these organisms. Nothing smells as good as fresh tilled soil or the fragrance after a warm summer rain.
Art in the Garden
Along the paths of the garden, pause to appreciate the different art forms. These can include sculptures, wall decorations, fountains, bird feeders, birth baths, stones, and wind chimes. These are the elements that reflect the personality of the owner.
Garden Resources
Landscape Design Principles
Garden photos
Sustainable Landscape Design Principles
Permaculture Design Principles
Xeriscape Landscape Design Principles
ABQ Backyard Refuge Program
All the information you need to certify your space as an ABQ BACKYARD REFUGE to show that you are contributing to a mosaic of wildlife habitat across Albuquerque.
Trees Rebates
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