Finishing touches to planted gutter
Our Spokane area is rich in natural and man-made resources. ‘Keeping It Real’ is about grounding ourselves – and our gardens – in practices that create lasting health for our lives and for our environment. As a Spokane Landscape Designer in collaboration with the craftsmen at Greenscape Landscaping, Barbara created a sustainable display landscape for the Spokane Home and Yard Show that features re-purposed materials alongside durable, industrial materials.
Our theme:
Creating Sustainable Gardens – illustrates four key principles of sustainability.
One:
Create a place for nature. In our display garden we’ve included water in a beautiful recirculating feature for the benefit of humans and wildlife. We’ve also demonstrated a mixed shrub-tree-perennial planting that provides refuge, food and seasonal beauty. Landscapes that keep lawn to a functional minimum and opt for diversity not only save water, but create habitats for rich communities of life.
Two:
Re-purpose materials available to you. This not only reduces landfill waste, but adds character, warmth and charm to your garden. Our garden shed is made from barn wood, old corrugated metal siding and old gutters. The 6×6 posts are milled from discarded telephone poles.
Three:
Use materials that will last. We’ve chosen concrete architectural slabs for our patio floor – they are durable, versatile and easy to maintain.The raised bed is made from an industrial culvert and fencing from welded wire mesh designed to reinforce concrete.
Four:
Design for beauty and comfort. A well designed garden is one that will be loved and used for the lives of its owners. We used a brick red color to unite the variety of materials – red paint on posts, a bold beautiful red pot and red accessories. We included furnishings that welcome and provide rest and recreation including an antique wicker chair and modern fire pit constructed from a restaurant wok. Handsome light fixtures carry through our rustic urban style and illuminate the landscape.
If you missed the show you have another chance to visit us at the convention center Spokane Home & Garden Show, March 16 – 18. and at the fairgrounds Home Improvement Show, April 13 – 15. We’d love to see you!
