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When does a Yard become a Garden?
We may have never answered this question, let alone been asked it, but if the truth be told we already have an opinion on the matter. The definition may not be readily on our lips but we all have some bias towards what is a 'garden' and what is just a 'yard'.
Is it the amount of plants that a garden must hold? Or perhaps, for the landscaping lovers, maybe it's when the yard shows signs of forethought and architectural design? It's quite an ambiguous question to begin to unravel and one that ultimately isn't that important - but humour me!
Many of the homes in our area contain the postage stamp lawn and if they're lucky might house a border of perennial shrubs to hide their fences. Their backyards aren't much more exciting with the only difference being the larger expanse of lawn. For me, this is just a yard. It has a functional purpose and looks neat but apart from the standard array of big-box plants it offers very little.
Not that there is anything wrong with that. Each to their own I guess. But for me, a yard becomes a garden when a gardener enters it. While the humble yard is overtly different to a glorious garden the key variable is acutely - the gardener.
Why? Because gardeners can't live with yards.
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Comments
Very well put, Stuart !
Posted by: carolyngail | July 12, 2008 9:11 PM
I agree with Gail. You have stated the difference very well.
Posted by: Jan | July 13, 2008 12:27 AM
You're just biased, you gardenerist!
What happens when a landscaper enters the yard? lol
Posted by: Steve | July 14, 2008 1:13 AM
carolyngail and Jan - cheers.
Steve - What happens when a landscaper enters the yard? The bank balance empties and the yard looks like a war-zone for the next few months...lol :-)
Posted by: Stuart | July 14, 2008 7:17 AM
OMG, Stuart - you knew!!
LOL, I tell clients it is 80% preparation - read mess - and then 20% wrap up. "Expect Beirut."
Posted by: Steve | July 14, 2008 8:22 AM
But how would you describe people who spend hours of their spare time happily working on the borders round their postage-stamp lawns?
Lucy
Posted by: Lucy Corrander | July 15, 2008 2:53 AM
Lucy - good question. I guess they're still gardeners - albeit limited ones.
Posted by: Stuart | July 16, 2008 3:27 PM