Friday, December 17, 2010

EnSeven Heaven: My New Garden Takes Shape

It is done. Two weeks, one jeans size, and countless loads of STUFF sent in all directions, and my move from a 3-bedroom house (with several thousand square feet of gardens) to a 2-bedroom apartment (with sixty square foot balcony) is complete. This would not have been possible without the help of my family and friends, to whom I am unbelievably grateful. And I will go on record here and now to say that I will NEVER have that much CRAP again! Dissembling the garage about did me in...

As I wrote before, creating my new balcony garden was high on my list of priorities. It was a huge relief when the Maple and Fatsia pots made it up the stairs (I simply couldn't look) and were settled in their respective corners with no casualties. I ended up using about a dozen good-sized plants and another dozen small ones (succulents mostly) and they have filled the space quite nicely. Their previous home (a north-facing courtyard) got no sun in winter, so their airy new south-facing digs are suiting them VERY well.

I particularly love these beautiful dwarf Nandinas, which along with a foxtail asparagus fern on a stand surround the bubbling water pot. Additional sun has brightened their colors considerably; even on overcast days they glow.

One piece of advice I give to small-space gardeners is to lift things up and make use of their "middle ground." Using taller plants, and raising shorter ones (like this lush Dianella which sits on an up-ended pot) gives you natural nooks in which to tuck smaller plants, as well as more privacy. An old tile-top table built by my father for my grandparents years ago has become my new potting bench/Buddha shelter. The jute carpet remains one of my favorite parts of the garden; absolutely everything here I already had; the old becomes new again.

The decision to use just one seating piece (my old garden loveseat) and to angle it toward the house turned out to be a really good one. I can curl up like a cat in the sun, surrounded by plants, in complete privacy. From my perch it's fun to listen to my neighbor's comments ("Wow, look at that, and she only JUST moved in!")

Fun details like the birdhouse (hanging from a sturdy beam) and a string of lights add warmth and charm. I was delighted to find that the ivy in the Fatsia and Maple pots had grown many streamers, some several feet long, which I've started twining along the top of the railing. It's like they have been preparing all along to be here. It already feels like home.

Thanks for all the good wishes as I've been making this transition; I look forward to sharing my new little space from time to time. Oh, and "EnSeven" comes from my apartment number (N7).

Happy Holidays everyone!

16 comments:

  1. Moving is so exhausting! You make it look so easy. Balcony gardening is so much fun. Looks like you are well established already. Congrats on the new home.

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  2. Thanks, Kristin! Easy it was not, but my 'stuff' travels (and seems to translate) well. Even the cats are settling in (my biggest worry!)

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  3. Congratulation Laura. I can't wait to read the updates as you make your way on your new journey!! Enjoy the holidays!!

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  4. What a beautiful new haven, and WONDERFUL advice! Your choice to place the small table across part of the sliding door was brilliant. So many people think that space must be left completely open, but the fixed part of the door is so often lost space. Wishing you all joy in your new garden!

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  5. Awww, Laura, things look so GOOD! And very homey. I can tell...you are settle, and HOME. So happy for you!

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  6. You're a real plant artist....hmmm just thought of a new word: plartist!

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  7. I'm sorry you are confined to a tiny garden space - but I'm still envious of your ability to make things look fabulous! I admire your positive outlook too!

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  8. Your new balcony looks cozy and comfortable, AND I see your old garden in it still. I'm glad to hear you've gotten settled in, and I hope you'll continue to blog from your abode.

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  9. Wow, your new place looks great! Glad to hear your settling in and happy.

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  10. Nice! Hope you and the new beau have a Very Merry Holiday...

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  11. Nice, Beautiful.

    Just like to share with you a life quote...

    "I love my past. I love my present. I'm not ashamed of what I've had, and I'm not sad because I have it no longer. " -- Colette

    You can get more life quotes at http://quotelandia.com/category/life

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  12. Pretty plants and a balcony make a perfect match. True, taller plants make a small garden space appear bigger. Also, placing some accessories won't hurt. You can try accentuating your balcony garden with embellishments like your cute little bird house.

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  13. Do you still have the same garden theme, Laura? I think it’s nice that you didn’t give up your plants. They will surely help in keeping your apartment’s temperature cooler, and you get to save on bills to be paid, as a result! Anyway, I’m wondering, don’t you feel a bit crowded, especially when grooming the plants?

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  14. Well, even with a small place like this you can still have your dream garden. Look at how beautiful it is! It looks so serene. Everything is balanced and perfect. The mini pots that you used are just so right for the area.

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