Sideyards
Over the top, yes. But that's the fun thing about designing a side garden. You have the element of surprise in your favor. I doubt that many of us would think of placing two huge pedestal urns along a walkway, and then planting them with tropicals and palms that spill over the rim. The treatment works here, allowing the designer to feature plants that would otherwise obstruct the path if used at ground level. Instead, seasonal begonias and compact ground covers decorate the base of each urn.
Attractive and permeable, this gorgeous walkway is easily wide enough for two to traverse side by side. I like the care with which this path was designed and installed. It feels special, with the cut-stone edging doubling as a way to contain the planting beds on either side. The stone palette complements the brick house and creates an interesting circuit for anyone walking through this garden. Take note of the copper lighting, strategically placed to make this a safe place for anyone walking here after dark.
Less is more in this utilitarian walk along the outside of a home clad in corrugated metal siding. The path is paved in easy-care decomposed granite, making it easy to navigate. The plantings are elevated to eye level, thanks to the low lumber retaining wall. Bamboo is a good choice because its roots are contained. Plus, it's an easy plant to maintain with hedge clippers.
Straight, narrow and wedged between a retaining wall and the home, this side yard could easily feel claustrophobic. Instead, it gives the sensation of walking through a quiet, wooded bosk. When you plant trees in side yards, choose dwarf, columnar or slow-growing varieties that will be happy with the confined growing conditions. In this walkway, a fluffy ground cover knits together the flagstones, and the overall effect suggests a beautifully patterned carpet.
According to the architect, this sun-dappled side garden was created to complement a new master bedroom addition. Yes, it's a side yard, but this space is also a private garden to be viewed from indoors. The leafy tree canopy adds a sense of intimacy. The curved stone path is edged by soft shade plants and annuals — proving that you really need only a few feet of space to make a garden. And the copper birdbath placed at the foot of a mature shade tree is an inspired addition. Even winged creatures will want to visit this side garden.
Masterfully executed by designer Shirley Bovshow, this once-ordinary side yard is now a verdant place where the homeowner can stroll with a morning mug of tea. What makes this space special: The vine-clad arbor creates a welcoming doorway. The stepping stones are nicely spaced, so people can even walk here in bare feet. The Mediterranean plantings have a unified, green palette to soothe the eyes — and there's even fragrant lavender, to release its scent when ankles brush by.
Some people hang tapestries on their hallway walls. And some people line their side garden with a textural privacy screen that resembles a fabric tapestry. This narrow side garden has a lot going for it: 1. the gravel walk is contained with a slender metal edging on either side, 2. the bamboo is densely planted, but maintained like a hedge and 3. uplighting, subtle but effective, adds drama after dark.
Q