by Laurie Keit

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July 1, 2010 — As CoastViews Magazine celebrates its 20th anniversary, my thoughts turn to longevity, and the magnitude of this accomplishment. CoastViews has brought us many things over the years, including tools and resources to increase the quality of our coastal living experience. For this I am grateful, and I’m proud to be associated with this fine publication.

My thoughts then turn to gardens, for they too offer many ways for us to improve our quality of life. The ability of plants and nature to adapt to ever-changing conditions is a powerful metaphor for us. Nature does not resist change, make excuses, or cast blame. It adapts in order to survive, and so must we.

Neighborhoods are changing. Families are relocating in order to survive, and every day it seems another property goes up for sale. Gardening is a positive way to deal with stress and maintain a balanced perspective. A different world exists in the garden, one that is exempt from economic pressures.

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There is a house for sale down the street in my neighborhood. It has been for sale for a while, and from the street, it clearly lacks curb appeal. The realtor has posted a sign that says, “I’m gorgeous inside.” What does that tell you? Potential buyers are driving by, not dropping in. The lack of curb appeal creates the first impression and makes a powerful statement about the way a property has been maintained, both inside and out.

If you are selling your property, take a little time to focus on the curb appeal. Walk around your living space and look out the windows. What do you see? Identify the existing focal point for each particular view. How does what you see make you feel? If it doesn’t make you feel good, replace it — if possible — with something attractive, or find a way to screen it from view.

If nothing else, remove all weeds and debris from the property and invest in some new coordinated plantings, add some color and mulch, mulch, mulch!

If you are looking to increase the value of your property, the Association of Landscape Architects recommends that 10 percent of the property value be invested in the landscaping. Numerous studies over the last 30 years confirm that a well-executed landscape will increase the property values by 10-20 percent or more, depending upon the scope of work.

Photo courtesy of Gwen O'Neill.

The most important and eye-catching garden element is, of course, the plant material. This does not mean whatever is currently growing in the yard plus whatever you pick up on a trip to the local nursery. I am talking about a cohesive palette of plants, chosen with a specific design style or theme — and the plants’ mature sizes — in mind, and planted in the right place.

You must know in advance the space and growing conditions that each plant requires. Many people run out and buy plants on impulse, because the plants are pretty. But for your garden to thrive, the plants must be placed where they can grow to maturity alongside their neighbors without causing future problems. Start with a plan. Plants are one of the last things you buy, not the first, even though they are the most important.

Access through the garden is also of vital importance. You must be able to move freely and safely around the garden. As a homeowner, you are liable for any slip, trip and fall accidents on your property. The primary pathway should be a minimum of 3 feet wide, or 4 feet to accommodate two people walking side by side. Secondary pathways can be 3 feet wide or less. All pathways should be free of cracks, roots and other tripping hazards.

Attractive arches create a sense of mystery and discovery and are No. 3 on the list of desirable features, behind plants and pathways — and followed by outdoor kitchen areas, patios and decks, outdoor fireplaces, barbecue pits and gazebos. While not on the list of top improvements, irrigation and lighting are very much a part of a well-designed landscape.

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Health studies have shown that gardens contribute to well-being in a wide variety of ways. A terrific form of stress relief and exercise, gardening can burn from 300-600 calories an hour, depending upon the type of work being performed. If you have a semi-private space, why not exercise or meditate in the garden?

The act of planting and tending, working the earth, watering, weeding and experiencing the growth of the plant or garden is magical. This can be done in a small pot or in a large yard. Gardening gets you outside of yourself. Nature is life and it is bigger than our problems, no matter how big they seem at the time. Immersing yourself in your garden is a terrific way to regain your perspective and recover from an emotional loss or setback.

Growing some veggies and herbs — using no chemicals, please — will contribute towards healthy eating habits. This is a great way to get kids involved in family projects and introduce them to nature. Growing your own food is a real confidence builder! Homegrown produce not only tastes great, but it is loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants and phytochemicals.

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Delight your senses with fragrant plants, plants with unique textures, or plants with unusual forms or flowers. Pineapple sage leaves smell like pineapple and the blossoms attract hummingbirds. Chocolate cosmos is available now and smells like chocolate. Lamb’s ears and sticky monkey flower are examples of plants that are fun to touch, and curly willow and Harry Lauder’s walking stick are examples of plants with unusual shapes. Choose an attractive color palette for visual appeal, and include a fountain or wind chimes for a pleasant sound element.

In addition to its beauty, a well-designed landscape can lower utility bills, improve air quality around the home, reduce crime and block unpleasant views and noise.

Whatever your motivation, take a little time and get out and garden. You’ll be glad you did!