MAKING IT HER VERY OWN

 
Of all the comments she's heard about her backyard masterpiece, two words stand out in Langen's mind: romantic and sensual. It's an aura that comes to life as evening falls, when lights start to glow from hidden recesses in cedar posts, and a myriad of candles, oil lamps and torches begin their shadowy flickering.

Sound is another factor intrinsic to Langen's dream yard. The pea gravel side path makes a unique crunching sound when you walk (even if it is a challenge to shovel in winter). Two fountains, one in front, one in back, send forth the soothing sound of running water. The contrast between footsteps on brick, wood, pea gravel, and wood chips create a complete auditory landscape, accented by the birds and insects visiting flowers, feeders and birdhouses. It's a total sensory experience.

As Jeff Hughes, a prominent Los Angeles landscape designer says, 'Proper landscape design doesn't overwhelm the living area, it complements the residence."

In Langen's case, it not only complements the residence, but also the resident.

For more ideas: If your gardening instinct doesn't assert itself right away, check out books, videos, garden shows, and other people's gardens. Or check out one of the Wolseley Garden Club's weekly meetings.

Tom Schmidt is a Winnipeg poet, short story writer and teacher: His poetry book, The Best Lack All, was published in 1996.