Liz is trying to figure out where to start in the process of recreating, reinventing and reviving her My Ugly Garden.
What to do with My Ugly Garden?
May 21, 2009
Yourhome.ca
Now that I have embarked on the adventure (sorry, roller coaster ride) of recreating, reinventing and reviving My Ugly Garden, I need to figure out where to start.
In its current state, my yard is a semi-blank canvas. There is a lot of nothing in the yard, but there is also a lot of stuff in the yard. My postage stamp includes flagstone, patio stone, wood mulch, garden furniture, a barbecue and what could only be deemed plant-life due to the growing-from-the-ground-factor.
What the yard truly lacks is a purpose, a multi-purpose, and something other than receptacle for my dog Wendel, though he does need to be taken into consideration.
Even though the space is small (I am being generous), I want there to be defined spaces within the yard: a sitting area, also known as "The Lounge"; a place for Wendel to be able to strut his stuff, also known as "Do His Business"; and, the setting that will engulf the first two, "The Garden."
This, of course, is easily enough said. Previously, I would have gone to Home Depot and purchased random plants, throwing them a sideways glance before putting them on my trolley. A bag of mulch here, a small boxwood evergreen there, and done!
But this time around, I have to be, no, I need to be discerning. I need to understand my space and its limitations. Too little information, and I am doomed to continue making gardening mistakes, and therefore never truly wanting to spend any time in land I have paid for — yes, paid for. With Toronto house prices, who doesn't want to use all the land they own?
My own research has provided a good base to start. And, thanks to the wonder of email, I have feedback from readers, experts and novices alike, with their own thoughts on the potential of My Ugly Garden. I need to look into those suggestions more thoroughly so I can make sure that what worked for them might actually work for me.
Wish M.U.G. and me luck — we are going to need it.
Liz McDonnell is an editorial assistant and a freelance researcher. She can be reached at liz.mcd1974@gmail.com.
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