Our connectedness to the outside world oftentimes comes to us in the form of a garden. Among all of our interactions, the garden and the space it becomes, provides an opportunity for us to interact with those we love. Recall your own childhood; planting your first crop of sunflowers with a parent or grandparent. The fond memories you created as you worked side by side and encountered the joy sharing the fragrance of a lilac in bloom. The miracle of this simple act is transferred with such reverence that the moment is held steadfast forever.

The most precious gardens are those that connect the inside with the outside, the heart with the site. We work on our site (our piece of land) to take our inner self and combine it with our outer world to become our natural reflective voice. For without gardeners there is no garden, and the most unique treasure we bring to our gardens is not the plants but rather ourselves.

Take comfort in knowing that there can be no mistake other than not to start on the creation of this sacred space, this personal oasis. While the science of the garden is more exacting the essence of the garden is entirely yours, and that is what makes for the beauty and art of the space.

Throughout the past 20 years of working with clients and their garden spaces the gardens and the gardeners that withstand the time and toil of nature are not driven by what one has, rather what they long for the site to become. Fletcher Steele reflects upon his work as a landscape professional with the following quote: "the sensitive landscape professional refuses to be turned out in the front yard like a dog while his client holds him on a leash demanding 'What would you do here? Make me a pool under that tree.' Instead he wanders into the house to see what kind of books she reads, what kind of furniture and bric-a-brac she gathers about her. He gets her talking about her travels and the places she likes the best and ones she does not like. He probes to discover, not what she has, but what she dreams of having; not what she does but what she would like to do." Mr. Steele hits upon many of the experiences of life that we should all draw upon to create an overall design that reflects not the whims and limitations of the designer, but rather the depth and experience of the owner. Gardens can draw upon all of the finer experiences we collectively encounter. By incorporating music and drama, architecture and literature, art and history the dream broadens to create a sanctuary of meaning that is reflective of you and your family.

Gather images that express a setting or a place that you see yourself in.

Explore the various landscapes that you have lived in or encountered throughout your life. For example my wife grew up in Minnesota, while I grew up in western Nebraska. She mentioned to me one time how shocking my boyhood landscape was to her. The vastness of it all versus the woods and forest of Minnesota that she fondly remembers. Such distinct impressions are important in how the space comes together. Our personal challenge will be how to integrate the woods with the prairie and successfully transition those ecosystems within our urban setting so they are believable.

Make a short list of your favorite outdoor places. What do you like about them? Observe them more closely and visit them in different seasons, in the morning at sunrise, in the evening when the moonlight is delicately cast. Journal this information so you can refer back to it and share it as you create your garden.

Visit local landscapes to discover the plant monuments and ecosystems within your own region. The best way to find out what will grow and be successful is to encounter how some of the established plant communities are doing right in your own parks, cemeteries, wilderness areas and arboretums. It is possible for your garden to become a snapshot (and an ornamental and sustainable one at that) reinforcing the beauty of the natural landscape you inhabit.

Temper the notion that gardens are no maintenance. The reality of it all is that there will be some care, some nurturing and observation required. Certainly part of the process is not to create unnecessary upkeep but none is unrealistic. In addition creation and cultivation of gardens does not happen in a single growing season. It simply doesn't take place like one cleans out an attic or basement. To develop the plan, prepare the soil, to select the plants, to incorporate the details, to make the adjustments all happen over time. Gardens are ever changing, living metaphors of our own life.

We encourage patience with both. In the book Sanctuary by Lauri Brunton, and Erin Fournier they eloquently express what it is our heart tells us with the following quote: "You'll see reflected in the garden, with its daily small miracles and multitude of interdependent lives, its unfolding growth and its inevitable tragedies, the patterns of your own existence." That is what makes each and every garden so unique and special. For after all is agreed upon, and installed the end product needs to reflect you. The style, the structure, plants and pleasures are to be your natural reflective voice, a pattern of your own existence.