Name: KD
Location: San Francisco, California
Size: 235 square feet
Your Favorite Thing About Your Outdoor Space: I feel so lucky to have any outdoor space in the city, so even though it's tiny, I try to make the most of it (which I also do with my front porch, but that's another garden and another story). I know that some would consider it cluttered and claustrophobic, but I love sitting out there lazing in the (two hours of) sun with my cats, a bellini and a stack of books and magazines.
Biggest Design Challenge With This Space: My house is between two taller buildings, so my garden only gets a few hours of sunlight a day (if the sun even deigns to come out - this has been a particularly gloomy summer in SF). Although I guess there is sufficient exposure from the back and front of the house so that it gets enough "bright shade" that the cactus and succulents I love still thrive. And if they don't, they're OUT, which is the beauty of gardening in pots; it makes replacing poor performers easy. That tallest cactus bloomed again this year, despite the weather. Only one blossom, but almost as big as a dinner plate!
Tips for Creating a Great Small Outdoor Space: Accessorize with things you love. I have been collecting those California flowerpots for years, and they add color and cheer even when nothing's in bloom. Also, consider how your garden looks from different angles (through the kitchen window, looking down from a second story) since that way you can enjoy it even when you're not in it. My sitting room/library looks out onto the deck's main railing, so I combine specific colors of pots and plants to enhance this view.
Thanks, KD, and good luck!
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Aw, meow! (Sorry, just had to say that). Personally I don't like any clutter, so I'd get rid of many of the plants. But I'm voting thumbs up because it's beautiful and has a nice vibe to it. Nice work!
Yeah I definitely get the vibe and I like it but I wouldn't like the clutter if it were my place either. It looks cozy though!
love the colors & the kitties! can't wait to enter this next year.
I'm not a fan of clutter inside the house, but outside the house when the clutter is plants, I'm all for it. I love this and I'm not even a huge fan of cactus or succulents.
You truly have a way with plants! I love the space. Each of your plants looks so happy, and each is unique, so I don't know how you would ever be able to "edit" any out... Really quite wonderful!
I've never seen a happier set of succulents! That doesn't look like clutter to me, it looks like jungle magic! Beautiful.
It's like being surrounded by a million green smiles. Well done...beautiful space!
A little too reminiscent of that show "Hoarders". If I came to pick up someone for a date and their patio looked like this, I'd be concerned. OCD? I'd be watching how much they drank, how often they washed their hands, ask if they considered themselves a "collector", see if I could time how long they spent in the shower, how many times they unlocked the latch before finally opening the front door. I'd be waiting for the other shoe to drop... Ha!
I am in love! I can't believe so many people don't love it! I just clicked over from Ohdeedoh. You get my vote, and I'm pinning this for inspiration for next year.
C'mon people, this is not clutter or hoarding. This is a lush garden! It's not like those are stacks of magazines or knick-knacks. Those plants are thoughtfully placed and maintained, and I think they are beautiful.
love it!
Now THIS is a garden! LOVE it. Plants are not "clutter."
Beautiful plants but personally feel that it is way too cluttered...I feel anxious already, it's okay for one person but doesn't seem that you could entertain there.
I love that you gave thought to the view from the inside out to the garden, so it can be enjoyed even when the weather doesn't allow you to be outside. It's a beautiful and unique space, and so enjoyable to see the imprint of the gardener (as opposed to many generic spaces that could be anywhere). This is what a garden should be!
what a great garden! im unable to vote for some reason though, all i see are bar graphs,,,,
it is the 26th today,,,
I love it. All that foliage counteracting the bad city air...excellent!!