I had planned to move the popular Outfit of the Day to Tuesday and decided against it. My mind is all over the map these days I have to tell you. Selling two homes within a few weeks of each other and packing up 30 years of stuff and moving into one of our rentals is a challenge in itself. Ever the designer, of course I am trying to spruce up the interior and the exterior in my mind along with packing…yikes! Since I couldn’t sleep my mind was wandering from the garden to the house. The place has potential but it is totally a blank slate and I do mean blank (especially the yard) Today, I am going to share my thoughts on designing a small town garden. I know a lot of you are gardeners so please chime in. I am going to need your help!
I ordered this Small Garden Design book by Paul Begay after reading many good reviews.
DESIGNING A SMALL TOWN GARDEN
What I am reading for inspiration:
Forbes Seven Basics to Designing a French Style Garden
The Spruce Eight Courtyard Flower Garden Ideas
House and Garden UK Small Garden Ideas
The house has a potentially pretty front courtyard garden. If you follow me on Instagram (If you don’t please do here) you saw this picture that I posted. Note the possibilities beautiful bouganvilla (once it is given a haircut) and cute entry. What you don’t see are the weeds and mess.
My plans for this area are a few David Austin roses hedged by clipped boxwood. So I don’t scare you to death, I will post more on that later. The back yard is basically old concrete. We have owned this house for over 30 years (only the 3rd owner ever). Apparently, the owner before us had an RV and parked it back there. Are you getting the picture? Over the years we tried to spruce it up but most renters are not gardeners. That owner had a shop behind the garage which my husband turned into an office over 30 years ago. We built a wall that separated the office from the house so the renters would have privacy. Several years ago, he had to move his warehouse to a new space which had an office. The past couple of years we rented that space out. Serendipitously, they just found a new location, so I will have a real office about the size of the one I have now. Anyhoo, this is kind of what I was imagining, creating more of a vertical garden in the small space, like this garden by Deborah Carl.
or something like what my uber talented friend Kelley from Kelly and Company did here.
So my entire local family (me not so sure) thought the fence should come down to open up the back yard. This is what it looked like.
The garage and little office addition are not very pretty flat roof no interesting details. I caved in. My husband proudly sent me these pictures today,
Needless to say I did not get a lot of sleep last night. I am not even going to show you what the little office addition looks like, it is worse. Can you put lipstick on a pig? He also proudly proclaimed you now have a wall for a fountain (in between the two doors). I don’t think he was taking the style of the doors into consideration…Let’s just say the project just got bigger instead of smaller. I think we are going to need some dummy hinges for those doors, and maybe shutters. Where the concrete is will become gravel. I don’t want to get too carried away (remind me of that please!) because we don’t plan to be here more than two years.
I would like to keep the plantings to a minimum in case we rent when we leave. We can take pots with us. We brought our wonderful table that our friend Jim made from the lake. It is about this size.
This courtyard garden (sans the brick) we will use gravel has a lot of bang for the buck and minimum care.
That’s it from here! You might also enjoy reading Structure in the Garden. Thanks for reading Designing a Small Town garden. I hope you will follow along with me on this journey. It is bound to get interesting.
Cindy, we ALL are going to miss your garden but the plus side is we get see your new garden evolve!
Love rejuvenating the doors! Love the fountain idea and the the landscaping. Not wild about the small pebbles. I went to Round Top in April and made the mistake of wearing sandals! Ugh! I am a brick person. I love chevron patterned brick. You would not think that with my flagstone patios. I can see a the perfect wine tasting ,laid back ,casual , relaxing area. What ever you choose, I know it will be fabulous!
Hi Marcia
We have gravel in our garden now, and we had it at the lake. I actually love it. You do have to get the right size so it doesn’t end up everywhere. It is also a very economical choice which will be good if it remains a rental when we leave!
No doubt what you create will be beautiful. Just remember: KISS- Keep It Simple Sister!
we really need to reconnect, what big changes in your life Cindy, and for only 2 years? I’m full of questions!!
in your hands, what MAGIC, you really do not nee any help, you have “it” in spades. xoxo
Debra
Cindy I love all of these ideas! I am the same … start thinking about decorating and sleep is impossible. But sometimes the best ideas happen then.
I know you will miss your old garden. Just remember there is nothing more liberating than starting from a blank slate.
Happy decorating, gardening and making memories in a new place.
All the best,
Amanda
Hi Amanda
Thank you so much. I know the day we pull out of this driveway it will be like leaving a child but I am also so glad we did not wait too long. I think that can be worse.
I thought selling one house was a lot – but two?? WOWZA! I can’t wait to see you whip up your magic and add beauty to that space! Have a wonderful week, dear Cindy!!
Hi Katie
We need to chat sometime. Did you guys downsize? I am assuming you did. You must be either in your new home or soon?
Hi Sure if you spend lots on a makeover it will look great…but what about on a budget?Two doors from HD stain them to match entry , add black hardware. A black iron rounded trellis between doors for anything..then a 1/2 round space for a HG water fountain (no h20 line or elec..just press button..on timer too. Four chairs with fire pit and round table with umbrella for meals. No pots..add moss rock to make borders and iris, day lily low and honeysuckle and butterfly bushes for hight and within a week you will have time to enjoy your temp.space?
Hi Eileen
Great suggesions! We will not need to buy new doors they will just need to be painted, and I do plan to add black hardware as you suggest. We don’t need to buy furniture other than new dining chairs as we brought our table and coffee table from the lake. We have some large standard olive trees in pots that we will bring from our current home. I am not sure butterfly bushes will grow there. The soil is much more fertile than here at my home. I love your idea about a fire pit! Keep those ideas coming!!
Oh, this is so exciting to see you start from scratch and visually see the possibilities. I learned that I need a picture in front of me to picture what might be possible. Then I’m off and running! I have complete confidence in you. EAT YOUR WHEATIES!! ♥️
Hi Susan
Ha!! I am rarely tired but can get a little kooky (ask my blogging pals) if I don’t get enough sleep. This little project will keep our minds off leaving our gorgeous place! Time for change!
I understand completely. I recently moved to Paso Robles from the Central Valley after my husband of 47 years passed away. I had to downsize considerably but I am very happy to now be neighbors with my daughter and granddaughter. I actually love it here but hated to give up my home of 20 years. It’s hard work getting rid of things you’ve hung on to for all that time but actually feels good too. I look forward to seeing your progress as I have followed you for years. Take it slow and enjoy every minute!
Hi Gail
We hope to end up in Paso, we just haven’t found anything yet. I feel like it is my second home. Do you live downtown? I am so sorry about your husband. That is always in the back of my mind what if something happens to one of us? Would we want to be in a big home? I don’t think so. Appreciate your sharing. We will have to meet one day for lunch or a glass of wine, should we end up there!!
I thought I posted yesterday. Must have had a brain freeze or something! Man you don’t do things in halves, do you? Gotta love guys with time on their hands and things to demo. Love the idea of the moveable garden. Smart! Instead of boxwood, you might consider germander. It can be trimmed into a hedge and is mediterranean (low water). I had mine for over a decade until we had a few years of cold, cold and wet winters. Cheaper and easier to maintain than boxwood for when the renters don’t garden!!! Sorry to hear about the hot flashes…still! It must mean you are still in that postmenopausal”zest” where you can personally provide energy for a small village!!!
Hi Patricia
I have teucrium all over my front yard and it is the best plant. I wonder if it will grow in Salinas. It is strange but they are 20 minutes away but the climate and soil are much different. Their soil is very dark and fertile, ours is alkaline. If it would work I would much prefer it to box. Great suggestion! What I love about it, is in my yard I only trim it once a year and I don’t think I have lost a plant in 30 years. Oddly enough I started menopause very late in life. I think that is why I still get the occasional pimple still. I think you and I have discussed that lovely issue! Thanks for the tips as always!!
Well, you really did it! Moving is so odd because it’s freeing but also feels scary. The good part is you have more free time (I think) to putter and not feel like this is your forever home. One thought came to mind with all of the concrete: build some decking with less expensive doug fir. It could go right over the top of the concrete on sleepers. It would add some softness and color. I really love inexpensive wine barrel planters too which you could move around. Whatever you do it will be beautiful and add to the value of the house down the road. Can’t wait to see what you do! I don’t envy you with all of the packing and unpacking. UGGGG. Thank you for the mention of our front courtyard area BTW. It’s really small but everything is in containers. Super easy to maintain too!!! xxoo. kelley.
Well the concrete is gone! Steve’s guys had it out in two days. Fortunately one of their jobs is delayed so they have some time to do some things there. I think I will put a lot in containers as well, so we can take it when we move it. You should be an expert at moving. I don’t know how you can sell everything fully furnished each time. You are my role model! What you did with that house and garden is magical. We probably won’t get that carried away on this one because we don’t plan to stay. Do you have all your containers on drip? I am sure you do. I will be studying your space!!
Wow! You have such a great space to put your mark on. Such exciting times ahead! I too, adore Paul Bangay Gardens. He is a Victorian and you can visit his own at certain times of the year. I must look into it this Spring! I’m so looking forward to seeing what you do..
Hi Sarah
We have not lived in town since we moved to California over 40 years ago. It will be different!
Cindy – this is so exciting! You will make this fabulous. I like Lauren’s idea of leaving the cement – you could stain/add patina and still use gravel. So glad you’ll incorporate the roses (yours are so special!) My head is spinning (no wonder you didn’t sleep). Can’t wait so follow your journey!
Hi Barb
Lauren’s idea was a great one, the concrete however came out in small deep chunks so it was not salvageable. It was old old! I will have a few roses in the front. I need to get those ordered ASAP!!
Cindy,
As a garden designer, I see a ton of potential. And from what I’ve seen of your newly sold family home, I believe you have great instincts. About 4 years ago we sold our family home of 35 years. We have moved each of the large concrete containers and that’s a great way to go with smaller spaces. Good luck with your new adventure. I have had fun decorating our rental. It’s a new canvas.
Thank you for sharing.
xo,
Karen
Hi Karen
You are my inspiration! I can do it right? How big is your rental? Did you put a lot in storage, or get ride of a lot? Love to hear your thoughts!
Hi. First wishing you an easy move (s). We’ve moved four times in three years and it’s very exciting and stressful. I live in Gig Harbor WA but am from Arroyo Grande CA so I’m familiar with your climate. My favorite low maintenance plants are: Iceberg Roses, lavender, rosemary and scented geraniums. My most loved are peppermint and chocolate mint. Large, velvety leaves and very easy to propagate. Renee’s Gardens had my favorite seeds…Moonlight Nasturtiam….it’s a climber with pale yellow flowers and Cerinthe. Both can be started in the ground. For a wonderful, flowy pop of color I love wave petunias.
Looking forward to seeing how your garden grows.
I lice the photos. Nice! Lol lol
I lice the photo ideas. Actually it already looks charming minus the concrete. I can’t wait to see more!!!!!
You amaze me! Although I have good eye for interiors, garden design seems to allude me and I just end up with a backyard. I think it has to do with the realization that whatever I plant takes upkeep and (horrors) watering! Also California gardens have longer seasonal payoffs than Ohio. I do love the spring/summer but also love the snow.
Can’t wait to see what you do with your new spaces. Will live vicariously through you.
Hi Carolyn
I love Ohio. You know I am from Indiana originally. We used to antique in Ohio with our good friends whenever we could. Another thing we don’t have like you are nearly the weeds so I understand. Hope I don’t disappoint.
We moved three years ago, I’m still recuperating!
We are in the process of landscaping our new property. I went with a looser California garden.
“Little Ollie instead of boxwood. Citrus, Iceburg roses, Oakleaf hydrangeas, Lomondra grass, gravel and had a simple wire trellis built about a foot from house wall with Star Jasmine so it looks like a hedge without the depth. I was going for less maintenance but green, lush and water wise. Sally Holmes roses would work also, they are more vertical and can be trained to be closer to the walls.
I do not doubt that once your pallet is cleared you will paint a lovely picture.
Congratulations on your new adventure.
Katie your garden sounds right up my alley and right out of Scott Shrader’s book. You may already have it if you don’t you will love it. Your plan is my future plan where I land permanently. Simple, waterwise, beautiful and sensible. I have said this before in this post but I am so thankful for this community that we have created. I learn from you all everyday.
If it was my project I would leave the concrete….you are only going to be there 2 years tops and removing concrete costs $$$. Your next Renter will not look after gravel and then you have another cost to fix that. You can container garden over the concrete and make it look gorgeous. You may not like the wall that was there but I would have some kind of wall for privacy (and pet and child control). There is a woman near me who moved her flower business from her country property to a downtown city type location. Beside her new local was an alley that was a mess. Have a look at cambridgeschoolofflowers.com to see what she did with a concrete city alley
This is in Canada in a small city….we have an entirely different climate and therefore style to gardening but I think you will like Elaine’s French feel to her alley
Hi Lauren
The only wall removed was that that separated the garage/office from the house. Although it was a shock, I think Steve was right. His guys are waiting on another job so the concrete woosh is gone. I am going to check out cambridges school flowers. Thanks for the tip! As always…you guys are the best!!
In the throes of packing up 2 homes and moving, give yourself a break from thinking about garden planning or decorating until you move, unpack, and settle in your rental. When we’re physically and emotionally exhausted, our minds are over-whelmed. You’ll see the possibilities more clearly after this big transition! You will experience the sun’s movement over the garden area and noise or privacy concerns when you can sit out there in a renewed state of mind. Breathe and get some sleep…
Nan you are the best. I feel like you are my sister from another mother so to speak. Everything you said makes sense. Hey we need to meet up in Paso after the move or here!!
The least I can do from across the country is give a bit of support to my “sister”!
Yes!!! Ha!
You will make this space look incredible! You have such a great design eye. Using lots of container planting will help you achieve the layered look you like so much and you can take them with you if and when you move. I think they help soften edges and you can move them around depending on the season. Can’t wait to watch the transformation!!
Hi Mary Ann words of wisdom from you another talented designer..far more talented than I!!
Your choice of book by Paul Bangay thrilled me. He lives about 3 hours from where I live in Victoria, Australia. I have visited his gardens and they are truly inspirational as was his previous garden. He has an open garden generally every year where the gardens are open to the public. He has a terrific instagram account which I am sure you would enjoy.
Good luck with your new garden challenge.
I love them all. Good luck. Where is this? San Francisco or down near you?
Cindy. This could not be more cool. From my view it looks like this house has great bones. I love the stucco, the arches and the gates and low wall. All these pictures are beautiful and I can see how they would be easily translated into your yard. I actually think you’re going to have a blast. Knowing this isn’t your forever home gives you permission to have more fun with it and do things on a shoestring which can be even more creative. I think this is going to be wonderful for you and for us all to get inspiration from. I also love that you will have your own office space! I hear you with the move and transition after 30 years at the other home. It won’t be easy, but maybe you can instead not making things perfect, but rather cute and chic which you are so good at! xo
Get out that lipstick, girl! How fun!
We’ve lived here for almost 30 years and I envy anyone who has a blank slate. Not that I don’t love my gardens (no grass on over an acre, only gardens…) but the fun of starting fresh is very appealing…
Wishing you the very best… And thanks for your wonderful blog.
Very timely post, thank you ……… Whilst we inherited an acre of established tree and shrub planting, I was determined to put in a “pretties” garden around the house. After six years of increasingly drier New Zealand summers (we’re on rainwater tank only) and an aging body, it’s time for a lower maintenance approach. I see your plans travelling well between low maintenance for your future tenants and our advancing years requirements.
Please keep the wall for privacy and safety in these crazy times. Future tenants will want the wall if they have children or pets. I’m a former Realtor of 40+ years.
I understand the loss of sleep, etc., but this is going to be fun for a creative like you. Admittedly a smaller canvas, but the possibilities are really exciting.
I have faith in your abilities. Gravel over concrete and gussy up those doors. ( Paint them an interesting color?) Like the idea of shutters and faux hinges. Park bougainvillea between them or start green vines.. Use large potted plants until they take hold. Love the idea of bold pieces of pottery. You can take them when you move if you want.
So excited to see how this project will evolve. Would be interesting if you could salvage some of the cement pieces and use them as stepping stones. Would give you something stable to step on and the irregular pieces would add asymmetry and visual interest.
I’m envious of your adventure here! It’s kinda fun to start from scratch and then see your vision come to life. Whatever you decide, the finished garden will be gorgeous. I’m excited to follow you on your journey!
I have a small courtyard garden that Annie uses as a racetrack and no matter what I do to it, she and the local raccoons destroy it. Now the worst freeze in a 100 years has destroyed the rest! Seriously! I’m feeling defeated. You have great vision for your garden/courtyard area and will make it shine. Question: Do you plan to get rid of the concrete or put gravel on top of it? xoxox, Brenda
Your side yard is a blank slate. I know you’ll make it beautiful. I’m loving your front entrance with the curved portico and wonderful front door. It looks like a little trimming might get that in shape.
I put cobblestones in my backyard and love that it feels like an old establishment garden. Pea gravel has that beautiful French feel to it but it is not comfortable to walk on. I’m a barefoot kinds gal.
Now, I have lots of reading to do through your links.
I’m excited for you and excited to see how you apply the lipstick. I see you already have gates that are the same or similar color to what you have at your big house so you already have one thing that must feel right. I like Contessa’s ideas for iron glass doors for your new studio.
I need to hire you after your garden make-over to come help with my courtyard!
Cindy, I love your thought process. The challenge is containing your enthusiasm if you are only going to be there two years and want to keep your costs to a minimum. I love the idea of taking plants with you. But how exciting to be starting with a blank canvas and creating an oasis of your own. You will do a great job as your talents are obvious.
Hi Mary
We have a hard time doing things half way, a terrible fault. Your words are wise and I am taking them to heart.
Wow..a lot of change and opportunities.! I can definitely relate to your sleeping problems..is overwhelmed a good description 😩. Loved the idea pics and your thoughts on what is in the future for your “new” home. Keep your musings and photos coming..your followers will be excited to see the progress😍
Linda
Hi Linda
Thanks so much I so appreciate it. I still have hot flashes and that is what wakes me up. I thought in my 30’s I would get rid of pimples that continues to be an issue, so I am assuming I will be plagued with hot flashes until I am ancient as well. It could be worse. FYI I don’t have them during the day at all.
Love hearing your thought process pre-design and look forward to see how it evolves! Love your style and thanks for the book recommendations.
Hi Colleen
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment
I have a friend that uses the expression, making a silk purse from a sows ear, it always makes me smile. A lot like the lipstick on a pig! Well this property is far from a sows ear but it will be super fun watching you do what you enjoy and succeed at, making spaces lovely! The front entry is tres charming! That door, Beautiful!!
Enjoy your Day!
Hi Janelle
Thank you so much for the encouragement. We have a hard time doing things half way. We need a project to keep us busy since we will be leaving “the love of our life” so to speak. We don’t have to, we just know it is time to move on. I hope we don’t disappoint!!
So much potential and as talented as you are you’ll have it looking like a million bucks in no time. It will be exciting to see it take shape. I get that renter aren’t gardners, but don’t let that deter you in making it a cozy and comfortable space for yourselves. It’ll make the time go faster until your next adventure if you love the space you’re currently in.
Hi Deb
I am going to send you a personal note via email. You truly made my day. Your words are those of our son and daughter in law. Do it like you are staying, if the market is still crazy sell. We are used to living in Paradise but know it is time to simplify. Thank you so much for your encouragement. It means so much!
you can truly put lipstick on a pig! this little courtyard has so much potential for whatever you want to make it into!!!!
We turned a 1952 meter motel into a Provencal boutique hotel… YOU, a talented and fabulous designer, will make this space of yours gorgeous!!!! Put on the lipstick!!!!
Hi Dianne
I sure hope you are right!! The little house has potential. Oh my I would love to see pics of your provencal hotel. That sounds so amazing! Honestly I am in awe of my readers. You guys are all so talented!!
OH DEAR!Don’t like hearing you are having sleepless nights!
It will be fine……..MY GUESS is it will be sooner than two years unless you decide to build!
That PAUL B guy is AUSTRALIAN right?I follow him on Instagram and have seen one of his gardens in AUSTRALIA!He is a class ACT.
ALL your ideas seem doable!
I see iron glass doors on the “OFFICE!”
Hi Eliz
You know it is nothing new for me. Luckily I don’t need a lot of sleep. Yes he is Australian and it sounds like I better follow him on Instagram! Probably no iron glass doors on the office although it would be grand. We are not planning to land there permanently!!
I’m really looking forward to following along! We have a small courtyard area that has never felt right to me, and I’ve been considering replacing the grassy area with gravel. I love your style so I know this transformation will be amazing!
Hi Michelle
I hope I don’t disappoint you ladies. Don’t hesitate on the gravel. I am a big fan. We have it here and we had it in our lower courtyard at the lake as well.
Love this!!! Your plan feels like Provence.
Yes just like my garden here. I love the french style garden and think it works so well in California.
Can’t wait to see what you do to this space.. Hope you have as much fun designing it as we’ll have seeing it complete.
Hi Barb
Thank you so much for your support. I so appreciate it.
Stunning landscaping
Thank you Rachelle.