Landscape Design From Within

Landscaping From Within

 The usual method of designing and looking at your garden is from the outside. “Curb appeal” is a common phrase used to communicate how the house looks from the street.  One also hears about a “view lot” but what about the view from the inside of the house? With the recent rains, we spend more time inside looking out into the garden. So why not do some landscaping from within?

Teak Tea house in garden is the perfect place to relax and take it all in

 Landscaping from within means designing the garden around your house from the inside, looking out the doors and windows. By practicing this method any lot can be a “view lot” or at least the view can be improved. All the views from the inside of your house should be pleasing if not awesome. I rented an apartment once that advertised an “ocean view” but in order to see it you had to stand on the commode in the bathroom and peak out above the curtain! I think there is a better way to have a view.  So, what are some of the ways that you can use to accomplish this?

 The Distant View 

If you were to gaze out your windows and doors and look as far as you can, most likely you will find a distant view that can be exploited. A mountain peak, a magnificent Oak, treetops, a lone Pine or Palm, the distant ocean or even a piece of sky through the trees, in Montecito there are bountiful distant views to be taken advantage of. That is the first step, go out and look, find something in the distance that is beautiful.

This distant view of a neighboring property appears to be part of this beautiful garden

 Now, that you have found your distant view, figure out how to take advantage of it. Recently, we were visiting a property where an expansive ocean view could not been seen from the dining room because the plants at the parameter of the property had grown too tall and obscured it. That is certainly something that can happen, you might miss out on wonderful views because your garden has become overgrown.

 Perhaps you will need to thin out a tree or lower a hedge. In this process you may find you have a view of something that is undesirable, such as a telephone pole or wires. These can obscure or interfere with an otherwise aesthetic view. So these items need to be taken into account when assessing the distant view.

This courtyard is a magnificent view from the living and dining room at this Hope Ranch home

 The Borrowed View

 I love a borrowed view and encourage you to take advantage of your neighbor’s garden. I recall one project where the neighbor had a wonderful meadow that we allowed to show through the otherwise screened side of the yard thus creating an illusion of space and no one needed to know that space was not part of our client’s property. The borrowed view may be a Bougainvillea-covered wall or an attractive rooftop, etc. etc. you get the idea. Take this into account when you look out your windows and doors and don’t discount the neighbor’s house or garden in your assessment of what to obscure or include.

This borrowed view was hidden behind an overgrown hedge adding to the enjoyment of this garden

 The Immediate View

Now we come closer to home, what is right outside your windows? Where do you spend most of your time? Do you have a breakfast table or nook where you have your morning breakfast or coffee? How about creating a beautiful garden right outside that window? I like the idea of a garden that includes a birdbath or small water feature outside the breakfast or dining area. If you had a patio where you spend much of your time, the surrounding garden should be designed from the inside out so that when you are outside, the views from your patio create the “vibe” that will aid the digestion and the soul. One of the most important views is from the kitchen sink. I insist on a lovely view while doing dishes and cooking. This of course would be applicable to all the rooms of your house.  The process of looking out your windows can also reveal undesirable views of garbage cans, garden tools, dog runs or some other unappealing area. Screen these areas with plants or pots if you can’t  build a container for your tools or garbage cans.

This gorgeous view from the kitchen sink might make you want to linger over the dishes

 Outdoor “Rooms”

There is something else that you can do to create “destinations” in your garden and that is to create “outdoor “rooms”.  Imagine you are walking down a garden path and come upon a grouping of plants which when you approach you see an opening. Then you turn a corner and there is a sitting area, a Tea House, a hammock, a table and chairs, a small water feature or maybe just some large stones that invite you to sit and read or offer refuge from the stresses of life.  In this scenario you can create a “secret garden” that isn’t seen until you enter it. From the outside it may look like a hedge or a group of plants.

Add your own unique touch to your garden like this secret garden yoga workout area

 It is your garden after all

I’m a firm believer in “doing your own thing”. One way to enhance outdoor rooms and views is to enhance the area with sculptures, furniture. If you like garden gnomes, go for it! One of my favorite garden was a claw foot tub hidden in my garden where I could star gaze while taking a bubble bath.

Hopefully, I have inspired you to look out your windows and create some beautiful views.

Until next time, fill your garden with joy! xo Lisa