I have a weakness for formal gardens. I realize they aren’t for everyone, but to me they are classic and I love the orderly appearance they provide.
Some of you may remember the formal garden I installed in our house of 35 years and while I don’t miss our old house (fond memories keep me happy), I do miss my formal garden.
When someone has a space that could use some structure and they don’t care to add hardscape to their yard, I recommend Japanese Boxwood buxus microphylla or Boxleaf Euonymus eunoymus japonicus ‘microphyllus’. So pretty!
Then there’s the beauty of an English garden where plants are allowed to fill in garden space and ramble a bit. My California clients don’t often have room for this look. We’re notorious for our postage sized lots, still there’s room in most yards for a little ramble, non-structured area of the garden. The garden below is the yard of on of my favorite blog sites, Trouvais. Trish may have retired her blog, but it’s still active. If you’re interested in seeing some beautiful gardens, take a look.
I’m sure you’ve heard of Velvet & Linen. This is a kitchen garden they had in a house they owned when I first started reading their posts. Now they live on beautiful grounds in Ojai. You will want to visit their site and be amazed at the beauty of the home and grounds. Inspiration is everywhere, including the charming farm animals they have.
I love a rustic look and this outdoor dining space makes me smile. I think the right vine can add to and patio cover, creates an inviting dining space.
Maybe I should dress the part of garden designer…garden design for homes or hats! 🙂
via S G GENEVA – my good friend Debra of 5th and State
Do you enjoy gardening?
xo
Garden, Home & Party 
debra @ 5th and state said:
oh darling friend, that IS ME……in my mind!
Adore your talents displayed in your formal garden, you will be a massive success!
xo
debra
goosechase8544918 said:
l love these pictures. The raised vegetable beds on gravel seem so practical and pretty at the same time. Xo Carol
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Carol. Do you miss your garden? The ocean has it’s own style…seascape rather than landscape.
xo
Karen B. said:
So far so good, but you and I know this business has cycles. Still, I’m having such a good time and my clients are great, which makes it pure bliss.
I can’t tell you how much it meant to me that you took time to lend your ideas to my endeavor in the planning stages, you’re such a dear!
xo
Vicki said:
Are either of those boxwoods a dwarf variety? I have one I’d like to replace because even with regular pruning, it tends to get enormous quickly. (Speaking of postage sized lots…)
Love your ideas. And yes, you need a hat like that. A hat designer would be kind of a ideal job for you, too!
Karen B. said:
Vicki,
The Japanese boxwood I’ve experienced usually don’t get taller than 10″ with pruning only 2-3 times a year.
xo
Ann said:
I have a California “garden” and have always enjoyed your posts. Thanks!
Karen B. said:
Ann,
Thank you for checking in. California gardens can be almost anything, can’t they? I sometimes forget we have plenty of desert and mountains as well as our coastal regions, all different climates for plants.
Karen
Marilee Friedrich said:
Karen!! This is so fabulous! I’ve missed your blog! You are so creatively talented, it’s exciting to see your passion and your work combined. Lots of love to you
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Karen B. said:
Marilee,
I hope you realize that those images weren’t my work. Strictly inspiration photos. My current jobs aren’t ready for their big reveal yet. Soon. 🙂
Gretchen said:
Karen, you have a gift for selecting inspiring photos! Like you, I love a structured garden. It appeals to my need for organization and neatness, I think. I’m looking forward to future posts 🌸🌺🌻
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Gretchen. We share this need to have organization and neatness in our gardens! 🙂
xo
Linda Coble said:
Karen,
What wonderful gardens. I’ve certainly become a big fan of boxwood and euonymous over the years. I still have a long way to go towards getting my yard to look neat! Thanks for the inspiration.
Karen B. said:
Hi Linda,
You know I’ve always loved your garden. I’m sure with a few more tweaks, your yard will be lovely and ready for summer.
xo