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Face Down in the Fish Pond: Dry Garden Design Basics

© Barbara M. Martin

Last heard from, we were muddling along approximately face down (in full view of the neighbors) in the back yard gold fish pond en route to the service area out back. Why? Because someone ignored that dull and dry boring design basic: "circulation."

Circulation is not supposed to include blood (or mud) when used in a gardening context, let alone unexpected baths, bruised shins, scraped paint and other unnecessary calamities!

So plan ahead. And try to keep this concept in mind: A garden is a three-dimensional space. The space surrounds us as we pass through it. This is why a flat two-dimensional "map" can be so deceptive.

Now: here is some radical advice. Get up from your desk and go outside and walk around. Keep your eyes open and watch your step!

Take notes. Measure things. Take notes. Make a rough sketch -- no artistic ability here, this is recording facts, plain and simple. Write it down. Measure things. Take notes.

Improvise mock-ups of your ideas. Use spray paint or hose or orange extension cords to mark out spaces. Use chairs and tables to approximate proposed trees or shrubs, blankets for solid fences and cinder blocks to represent gate posts. Use your imagination!

Now be critical: test to see if the mechanics work the way they should. Does your garden cart fit through that "gate"? Or would another six inches make it a lot easier to maneuver? Run some kids (children, not goats!) through your lay-out. If it works intuitively for them, it's probably a good one!

Next, simulate the activities you expect to do in various areas. Will your proposed deck square footage hold the table, umpteen chairs, you, your family, your friends, your friends' kids, the grill, the buffet table, the t.v. and the family dog simultaneously and comfortably? Or will you be toppling over the edge or down the steps?

Are there enough electrical outlets for the coffee maker and CD player? Okay, so far so good but where is the electrical outlet for the laptop? How about lighting? Do you need Christmas lights, too?

Here's the real sleeper/kicker. Can you get to the kitchen easily? (Circulation!)

Will the sunset be lovely to watch or blind you as you try to eat those burgers? How's the view? How about the neighbors' view of you?

Remember what I said about people becoming expansive when they are outside? You need to allow for that here, too.