Professional garden designers deserve to have a nice yard of their own but usually don’t get around to treating themselves to their own design work~
I waited 13 years to create a dream yard for my family. The only time I had to invest in my backyard was on weekends.
My yard took 4 years to complete with this work schedule.
I had a typical suburban tract backyard, a rectangular yard with a weed infested lawn and a boring concrete patio that offered no shade!
I longed for a “destination backyard” that reminded me of my honeymoon in Italy. I wanted a dynamic multi-level yard with entertaining areas, outdoor kitchen, fragrant gardens..yada, yada.
Take a look at the results of my garden makeover on my photo album, “Shirley’s Garden Before and After.”>
This is what my yard used to look like.
Garden writer, Susan Harris of the Sustainable Gardening Blog shot this video of my yard last week when she came to visit. We enjoyed an inspiring day together. Thanks Susan!
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"Eden Maker," Shirley Bovshow
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Pondless Waterfall and Woodland Garden"
We have a garden the size of a football pitch, which has been badly neglected for years, we live in the countryside and it would be so nice to see some wildlife in the garden. This garden would be your biggest challenge!!!
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Hi Anna,
Thanks for your kind words. I have a feeling you will visit me one day!
Shirley
That is one amazing garden. Gorgeous seating areas, so inviting. I just love it.
Thanks Yvonne. We are enjoying it every night after sundown since it’s too hot for day time use these days. 100 plus degree temperatures~ Hope you are cooler.
Shirely
Wow, Shirley! You’ve been busy. I love all the stone and the levels. The mirror reflecting the garden is a brilliant idea. Does it cause any problem with glare or reflected heat? Probably not. You’re too clever for that.
It turned out gorgeous. May you have many years of enjoyment.
Thank you to Susan, who seems to be everywhere these days, for giving us the tour.
Thanks Marie- Let me know when you come to L.A. for a private tour and lunch on me!
Shirley
I already knew your gardens were spectacular from the little snippets you’ve shown us. But the video makes it more real. I also viewed your album and got a better look. I would have come and commented sooner but it’s been my anniversary, my son’s b-day, and we’ve had several 4th of July celebrations to attend.
I like the outdoor fire pit which made me immediately realize you could hear the water, feel the warmth of the fire, and feel the California breezes. Perfect combo!
And you have a nice hammock tucked away for some sleepy afternoons. That golden glow all over would sure relax me for certain.
The levels add a lot of interest and make the space seem larger. It’s pretty unbelievable that you accomplished that between jobs over a 4yr span. Lots of heavy lifting and plenty of planning ahead.
I really enjoyed the tour and hope to see it in person one day. Thanks for letting us take a looksie and thanks to Susan for sharing.
Shirley –
I have TURF!!!! Go look. It’s been 105F+ for a couple of weeks, I’m cutting back on the water gradually, and it’s thriving.
When you get to that point, it’s also easier to mow than bermuda. It’s fluffier with finer texture, so it mats less in the mower bag, and composts nicely without as much risk of turning into a stinking mass of green slime.
I enjoyed seeing the transformation.
Good design is timeless.
You’ve created a timeless sanctuary.
congrats.
Thanks so much Michelle. I value your opinion because you are a great design talent and nice person!
The shoemaker’s children go barefoot, the landscaper’s yard stays a weedpatch.
It looks great, and not high maintenance.
Hi Lazy Gardens= Thanks. You are right, the garden is extremely low maintenance. All the plants are low water and get by with minimal watering. I let them grow natural so that is a labor saver as well. How is your UC Verde lawn these days?
So glad I got to see that – the video really helped me understand how it all comes together so well! Thanks – that was fun!
Thanks Laurel Street. Yes, the video kind of ties all the photos together and gives you orientation. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Absolutely beautiful. What a wonderful, relaxing destination you created. LOVE IT. Well done!
Hi Theresa,
Thanks. The yard is very relaxing to be in. I enjoy watching the hummingbirds and wildlife come out and enjoy the yard as well.
Fantastic job Shirley…I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. gail
Hi Gail, thanks for visiting and your compliments!