Practice what you preach?
December 4, 2009
The world of Garden design is chock full of talented people from all walks of life, and from all corners of the globe. And depending upon one’s perspective, the approach to designing a garden might follow a certain criteria to success. But does this mean that there are hard and fast rules? And (for the purposes of this post), do artistic denizens of Garden Design practice what they preach on their own Gardens? Well the answer to each of these questions is a definitive Yes…. and No. You see, just like the “Pirates Code” in the Pirates of the Caribbean, these rules ” is more what you’d call “guidelines” than actual rules”.
Here are a few of the rules… er guidelines that I follow when designing a Garden:
The Garden must match the surroundings. A garden or landscape should appear to fit comfortably into its space, and should complement the architecture of the home. The transition of that, which is designed, be it house or garden, should appear seamless, to that which is nature.
The design should address realistic expectations of the client’s interaction with the garden. For the client with a green thumb (or even a want of a green thumb) bold swaths of perennials can be combined with shrubs and even vegetables. For those with little time or desire to work in the garden, lovely conifers, shrubs and a smattering of perennials will require little maintenance. For the entertainers, a patio garden and lawn space will provide ample room to play.
It should embody Genius Loci. Genius Loci, or sense of place, ties the garden to the heritage of its site. Alluding to the past can be a powerful design element when creating a garden. Experiencing the history of the site connects us to the life force of garden.

This Brownstone slab was found three feet below ground, when digging the corner pier for this porch. It now stands as a welcome reminder of what lay beneath this garden.
Finally, to paraphrase Captain Barbossa, there really are no rules, so have fun, and create something you will connect with and enjoy!
For myself, I do follow these guidelines at home, but it seems the one I am most successful with is Genius Loci, as evidenced by the wagon wheel in the picture below. It came with the house, and was soon placed against this sugar maple. That was over ten years ago now, and every time I pass by I am reminded of those that brought it here, and I hope they are happy with my efforts.
This post was inspired by friend and fellow Garden Designer Susan L. Morrison of Creative Exteriors Landscape Design in the San Francisco area. She recently proposed a question to me and two other of our colleagues, Susan Cohan of Susan Cohan Gardens in New Jersey, and Rebecca Sweet of Harmony in the Garden, also in the San Francisco area. The question: Do designers practice what they preach? She then suggested we all post our responses on our blogs at the same time. It’s a great idea Susan thanks, it’s an honor to be included with three very talented designers
You can read each of their responses here:
Susan L. Morrison Blue Planet Garden Blog
Susan Cohan Miss Rumphius’ Rules
Rebecca Sweet Gossip in the Garden
Thank you, dear reader, for sharing this time with us, and I sincerely hope that you are happy with the garden you’ve created. Please leave a comment below and let us know.
Regards,
Scott Hokunson
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Fall Images from a Cornfield
December 1, 2009
On a recent walk through a nearby cornfield, I came across these irrigation reels. I really love the size and scale of this setting. It had me thinking of all that had come to pass in that field over the course of the year, and that in a few short months, how different and hopeful this scene would become. No matter the size of the garden, there is always inspiration to be found. Enjoy!
Here’s hoping you get your garden tucked in before the freeze,
Scott
www.blueheronlandscapes.com
A Thankful Garden!
November 24, 2009
All the world’s a garden, and all the men and women merely gardeners. With apologies to the Bard of Avon, that is how I prefer to think of the existence we have carved out here on this planet. As I was on my way to Costco this morning, it struck me, that although my little portion of the garden had suffered quite a few setbacks of late I had much to be thankful for. So in the spirit of Thanksgiving, a holiday that increasingly and annoyingly, has become simply a preamble to Christmas, I would like to share with you, some of what I am thankful for this year.
I am continuously thankful for all that nature has to offer. I am always amazed at the wonder to be found both far and near to home. Thank you Mother Nature.
I am thankful that my business has survived this economy. Reading daily of the many businesses that close, reminds me that I am lucky to have the customers I do, and that they are a patient and appreciative. Thank you, dear clients.
I am thankful for the many new contacts and friends I have made this year through social media. Upon sticking my toe into the social media pool last year, I thought it much too cold to enjoy, but I was wrong. I have interacted and met with many new interesting, warm and funny people from all corners of the earth, and from many different professions. Thank you Twitter and Facebook friends.
Mostly, as you might have guessed, I am thankful for my family. I am blessed with a successful and compassionate wife, two healthy children, and very supportive parents. I would not be the person I am today, without the influence of each member of my family. Thank you family members, you are my strength.
So in spite of the doom and gloom spread across the airways these days, I will be thankful for what I have, a Garden that produces in any soil, no matter how much rain it receives, and no matter how infrequently it is tended.
I am also thankful that you dear reader have found your way to this post. Please consider leaving a comment before you go, and share with us that which you are thankful for.
May your garden always florish!
Scott
Garden Blogger’s Bloom Day For November
November 15, 2009
The common name Fleabane, does not do the lovely flowers of Erigeron justice. Here still putting on a display mid-November.
We have been using several different Coral Bells (Heuchera) in containers the last few years, and one of our favorites is ‘Caramel’. It’s foliage is a wonderful contrast to the annuals and Hostas it’s been pared with. This container, on its last legs of the season, is still looking vibrant thanks to the many wonderful shades of color provided by ‘Caramel’
Not to be outlasted, our Scabiosa ochroleuca, will just not turn in for the season!
Looking weary and a bit haggard, but still festive, Swamp Sunflower is holding on, adding color to the ever increasingly dull hues of late fall.
Not all plants shun fall and winter, the Common Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana) does not bloom until this time of year. Its crinkly spider like blooms here are glistenig from last night’s rain.
A star of late Autumn, Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata) explodes this time of year. Found on the edge of wet meadows and woodlands, the bright red berries will continue to draw our attention until every last one is gobbled up by our avian friends.
On the edge of our meadow, I found the following plant. I’m not quite sure what it is, but am completely mesmerized by the whispy structure and the wonderful tan and brown hues of the foliage. What a wonderfully welcome volunteer to have made its home here.
So there you have it, the last of the 2009 blooms from our garden. I hope you have enjoyed these posts as much as I have enjoyed sharing them with you. If you have, then fear not, for there will all sorts of frozen wonders to explore as we venture out into the winter garden, stay tuned.
See you in the Garden,
Scott
Invasive Fall Color
October 26, 2009
Early spring is the time to get a glimpse of Barberries invasiveness, but now, in Autumn, is the time for Burning Bush. Sold for years as for it’s red foliage in the fall, Burning Bush (Euonymous alatus compactus) is used everywhere. It is planted next to bridges on the highway, used a a splash of color in the mixed border, and ironically widely used as a staple of the woodland garden because of its shade tolerance.
Ironic, because it is here in the woodland, that Burning Bush poses the biggest problem. Thriving wthout the threat of major disease or pests, Burning Bush spreads fast and covers the forest floor, shading out the meager streams of light so needed by the native vegetation. It so thoroughly infests, that it effectively limits the diversity of flora, and in turn the fauna that make a healthy ecosystem.
Next time you think you need a plant with great red fall color, I hope you will turn your back on the Burning Bush for something equally as impressive, but not aggressive. Consider the elegant Enkianthus, or one of my personal favorites, and a great native, High Bush Blueberry. Ooh I can almost taste the blueberry cobler now……
Enjoy the Autumn color!
Scott
Garden Bloggers Bloom Day for October
October 15, 2009
Bloom Day for September
September 17, 2009
September 15th was Garden Blogger’s Bloomday, a day I spent dealing with with truck problems which prevented me from posting in time. Now, it’s a couple of days late, but what the heck, I went to all this trouble so you might as well enjoy the show. Some of the pictures below are from our yard, some are from the meadow we are coaxing along, and some are from our nursery area, but regardless, whether they’re ours, mother nature’s, or are waiting for someone else’s yard to call home, they still brighten my day. I hope they brighten yours also!
Sedum cauticola has performed well for us on our deck in this old cedar planter.
Bloom Day for August!
August 15, 2009

Buddleia 'Black Knight'

- Hemerocallis ‘Chicago Apache’

- Lobelia cardinalis

- Echinacea – assorted

- Hydrangea ‘Endless Summer’

- Liatris ‘Floristan White’
More RAIN!
July 22, 2009
Another day of rain yesterday, and honestly, I am struggling to find the silver lining. Here are a few positives; the reservoirs are full, lawns are staying green and the irrigation systems are not being used as much (Yeah!), most of the wet weather has been spaced out enough to limit basement water (Double Yeah!). What I am most excited about though is the crop of mushrooms that have appeared in our yard. Have a look!





It’s Hard to outdo Mother Nature, when it comes to simple beauty, and I look forward to moments like these. Truly, it’s the little things that make life enjoyable.
See you in the mushroom garden,
Scott









































