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Small Garden Solution: Go Geometric

090208_sunset4.jpgSeptember's issue of Sunset magazine had some great examples of how using geometry can open up a small garden. We saw it in action in the neighbor's front yard, jump below for some more examples:

 
 

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Using square pavers and rectangular garden paths is one part of creating space. The other? Texture. When you use small texture (like little pebbles in a path or underneath the table and small leafed plants with variegated leaves) it tricks the eye into making it seem further away. Creating different heights in a small space helps too. So planting a vine up a wall or a raised planting bed keeps the eye moving around and you feel immersed in a space rather than just looking at it.

these images are from Sunset Magazine. See more picture of small garden solutions here, here and here.

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gardening, sunset magazine, small garden, texture

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Comments (7)

In the last photo (the one shot from above that includes the picnic table) does anyone know what that pebble-like ground surface material is called and how I can find a contractor/landscape architect to help me put something almost exactly like it at my house in malibu?

posted by riozilla on September 2nd 2008 at 4:40pm
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Those are small?

posted by theseboots on September 2nd 2008 at 4:53pm
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it's a pool side surface. have seen it done in basements and garages too. some subs that might do it in your area are concrete subs, driveway subs, and those companies that paint garage floors.

posted by chaletprincess on September 2nd 2008 at 7:13pm
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Creating different levels like in that second picture adds so much visual interest. Great design!

posted by RandyModern on September 2nd 2008 at 7:58pm
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Riozilla, it looks like Sierra stone
http://sierrastone.ca/

posted by LaurieLu on September 3rd 2008 at 2:48am
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Could look at this all day long, love it!

posted by plastolux on September 3rd 2008 at 6:39am
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I believe the beige stones are "pea gravel", I know that they're sold by the bag at Home Depot/Lowes. I've also seen paver stones in that material at specialty garden shops.

They're great for walkways - since the stones are so smooth and small, they don't hurt your feet if you walk on them barefoot.

posted by tauremini on September 3rd 2008 at 8:41am
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