The Gardener was busy busy this past summer with three large back to back projects - each vastly different from the other, but what bound them all together was one thing - the clients.  I met some wonderful people through these projects, as well as the new maintenance jobs I picked up.  And some new four-legged friends too!  I look forward to working further with each.  Cheers to you!

The biggest project we've done to date was started and finished within weeks in September.  We went LAWN-LESS!   (Gasp!)  It was a great moment for me to be able to persuade the clients to do so - going lawnless is a huge step.  Once they realized they'd no longer have to mow, edge, feed, rake, thatch, and water the lawn year round, they were convinced. 

Losing your lawn and replacing it with easy care materials and plants is a no brain-er for many people.  The time and money saved on lawn care is a huge incentive.  Zero chemical use is also a bonus.  So why is it hard for us to give up our lawn? Most of us grew up with big lawns, some people feel they MUST have lawn because it's "normal".  Some people NEED to see green space, others have children or pets that require it.  But don't be fooled... while your back garden can still have lawn for these purposes, the front is a perfect place to ditch your thirsty turf.

What do you replace your lawn with?  Tough question for some.  For our project, we used 3/8" composted mulch which has a nice shredded look to it (not like bark nuggets).  We also included a new flagstone seating area, a basalt water feature, a dry creekbed, and designated planting areas to break up the expanse.  Depending on the size of your area and what you require out of it - anything is possible - mulch, decorative gravel, pavers, no-mow grass (ornamental grasses) or just large garden beds broken up by pathways and visuals.  We filled in the designated beds with the clients own grasses (he's a plant lover!) and waterwise perennials.  It was a proud moment when that design was completed!

But that's not to say we don't love lawns!  We excavated one back yard and restored the lawn and flower beds to its former glory, creating a long and curvy view for those clients from their back deck.  And we took out an old, old, double wide unused driveway and replaced it with new beds and lawn, creating a long and lean cottage garden look with a beautiful path meandering through it, for another client. 

I'm proud of the work we accomplished this summer, and I'm looking forward to a great Autumn season in all of my clients gardens!