Peace and Inspriation

As some of you know, my holiday season was a frenzy

with activity as I moved my family to a new home;

assisted my father-in-law as he permanently joined our household;

changed my childrens schools mid year;

AND enjoyed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years

while working full time. 

I'm able to come up for a short breath of air before being engulfed

by childrens birthdays at the end of this month. 

It's been crazy! 

But I've found peace in the garden, per usual,

as I work to clear the previously neglected yard

we now have charge over. There's a lot of work to be done

as it's a bit overgrown and is full of non-native invasives

that need to be extracted.

This photo is only a sampling of the brambles

and invasives that pollute the property. 

There are MANY brazilian peppers (pictured) 
that need to be extracted as well as numerous

earleaf acacia that have taken over.

As we clear the terrain, my mind spins with ideas

of how to personalize our landscape. 

I'm constantly on the lookout,

gathering interesting ideas and seeking inspiration. 

I recently found inspiration in a nearby neighborhood

while on an afternoon walk.

I love everything about this bromelaid garden. 

There are so many varieties, colors and textures

to grasp the interest of passersby. 

I also like the multiple levels of the garden space...

the curvature of the ground as it gently rises from the edges

toward the center providing high and low points,

and the use of the beautiful tree as a planting medium

drawing the eye upward as well. 

I appreciate the use of perenials to soften the sharp edges

of the bromelaid foliage and the backdrop of the tree canopy

to sooth the overall view. 

Finally, the brick pavers provide a clean, neat border. 

What a beautiful entryway to this yard and home!!

This bromelaid garden is a little different...not as soft but still lovely. 

It faces the harsh, hot afternoon sun so

tender perenials would not suit this space well.  

The large sun loving palms are the foundation,

providing cover for the varieties that prefer protection

 from the relentless heat of the afternoon. 

The hardier bromelaids and succulents 

border the front of the garden,

able to withstand and actually enjoy the heat of the day.  

Large chunks of landscape rock provide this space

with further interest and definition.

I can only imagine

my front entry looking like either of these!! 

Maybe one day. 

Until then, I will continue to clear and gather inspiration!