Little changes, big differences

Ever notice how changing a chair or adding a new light source can breathe new life into a room? Sometimes just rearranging the furniture or airing out the slipcovers brings a pleasing freshness. Clothes, too. A new scarf, new shoes. A little something, a pop of color or newness changes everything.

At McKinnon Associates, we know that the garden is no exception to this add-just-a-little, change-a-lot rule. While grand gestures such as major renovation are oftentimes necessary, when the bones of a garden are strong, little tweaks can offer a big payoff. And best of all, modest improvements often prove to be very affordable.

Many times, we find that catching up on deferred maintenance makes a difference. Organic soil conditioning, soil analysis, pruning, grooming, editing, reconditioning – just a few examples of garden chores that, when attended to, can result in big results over time.

Many gardens suffer from growing pains. Plants grow and thrive, often over-extending themselves in ways not expected or appreciated. That’s where we come in. I can be ruthless at editing, deleting, streamlining. Aggressive editing, with an eye to the big picture, can bring back a garden to its youth.

However, I don’t recommend just grabbing the clippers and starting to hack away. There are many things to consider. As trees grow, they change the dynamic of sunlight – is it wiser to trim back the tree or rethink the plants under its canopy? Are the mature plants spent or do they just need some TLC? Would introducing new plant materials refocus and complement the existing landscape? With my direction, the staff is trained to know where and when. Crews work quickly and can accomplish big changes in not much time, often just a day is all that’s needed.

As families change, adding new members or even new pets, the purpose of a garden changes. Do you need a fence to contain that frisky dog yet give it room to play? What about a children’s garden? Or play equipment?

The garden’s serenity can be disturbed quickly, too, with not only what happens inside your yard, but also what lies beyond. The children next door have a new trampoline? New townhouses suddenly looming just beyond your fence? Let’s talk about screening: a new arbor, screen or trellis. Tall new trees. Together, we can find a workable solution.

I find that pots are an excellent way to change a tone. At an entrance, in the patio or in the garden itself. There are so many beautiful choices for pots. And plants, too. The featured editorial in recent issue of Garden Design was all about ‘Gorgeous Grasses in Hot New Pots.’ A pot that’s the right scale with a stunning plant is an ideal way to add a fresh spark. And, don’t worry about care. Many big pots can be tied into a sprinkling system – our irrigation crews are masters at this.

Right now, while the idea of change is fresh on your mind, plan a time when you can go out in your garden and just think. Plus, take a look at some before—and-after photos. Then call. Let’s set a time to have a little talk about making a big difference in your garden.

See you in the garden,
Mark McKinnon