HERB PRINT

Making all that pesto inspired me to pull all my recent herb illustrations into one print. You can find out more about this print in my Etsy Shop.  I also have a digital version available here.

DESIGN WITH ME - PICK A THEME

Over the next few weeks we'll be designing a theme garden together by following my five magical steps:

1. Pick a theme (we'll discuss this below!)
2. Brainstorm
3. Research
4. Translate ideas to physical form
5. Create the plan

PICK A THEME
What is a theme?  It's the idea that pulls all the elements of a garden together.

Before designing a garden I always encourage the selection of a theme.  Why?

• To focus your design
• To help in the selection of materials (plants, hardscapes, furniture, etc.)
• To tell a story

Designing a garden is similar to writing a paper. Before you write it's important to choose a topic, then have the content support it. You can write about thousands of things, but the topic helps you focus. This is the same in garden design. There are thousands of ways to design your garden, but by narrowing in on a topic or theme, choices become a lot easier. Honestly, it's a lot more fun too and your creativity just spills over.

First let's look at some traditional themes:


Traditional themes are great, but I'd like to show you how to develop a garden around any theme. Our garden will focus on something nontraditional and out-of-the-ordinary. To help us get started I asked for your help on facebook, twitter, this blog and my newsletter to pick a theme. Wow, did I get some great ideas!

Here are some of them: shoes, fashion, heavy metal, pez, photographs, ceramics, music, video games, murder mystery books, jeans, wellies, Christian Louboutan red sole shoes, punk, jazz, Great Gatsby, Italy and quilts. Below are garden themes that can be created from some of these ideas.

The most fascinating themes have no relationship to gardening. When you combine gardening with an unrelated topic the design gets very interesting (I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it!).

Now to pick a theme (drum roll please...). I'd like to choose something that seems far, far away from gardening (to show that this can indeed be accomplished), be a topic I'd like to learn more about, and finally something that will challenge me outside my illustrative comfort zone (opposite of cute and whimsical). The only logical choice is HEAVY METAL! I'm a little frightened, but excited to get started!

My eleven-year-old daughter would say to me at this point...mom, how are you going to create a heavy metal garden?  My reply..."not sure, I plan to follow the process to find out."  I typically don't have preconceived ideas, I just let the process inspire me.

Please stick with me! I'll need your help with the next three steps. It's time to BRAINSTORM now. What comes to mind when you think of heavy metal? Let me know in the comments below, on facebook or twitter.

For those saddened that I didn't pick your topic, no worries. I plan to design more gardens with you in the future and tap into a couple more of your fabulous ideas.

Basil

Rosemary

Marjoram

Marjoram is often used in herb combinations such as Herbes de Provence. Perfect for grilled foods and stews.

It's also a word that I remember seeing on my mom's herb jars and always wondering what it was (I don't thing my mom ever used it though).

Thyme

Another perfect plant for a flower pot on your deck or window sill. A great plant to also place between stepping stones. Why not?

Bay

This is another beautiful herb. I just love the simple leaves. Perfect for cooking and crafts.

Chervil

Here is an herb I haven't heard about much.

Has anyone used this delicate little thing?

Parsley

Okay, this is probably the second herb I learned as a kid.

How many times did I ask my mom if we could eat that pretty green leaf on my plate when sitting at a restaurant?

Chives

A beautiful plant with a striking taste.

Basil

A beautiful way to grow an herb garden is simply in containers right on your deck.

There is something so magical about pretty flowerpots filled with beautiful green leaves.

Lavender

Whenever lavender is mixed into a recipe I feel like I'm eating something really special.

Does anyone have a tasty dish that includes this beautiful herb?

Rosemary

Yes, I've been AWOL. I was enjoying a conference in Arizona, then just needed a break....but I did draw several more herbs to share with you over the next few days.

Today is another favorite of mine - Rosemary. Not only can you cook with this tasty herb, but it also makes a cute, little topiary.

Sage

This is one of my favorite herbs...purely because it's fun to draw. I just love those simple leaves.

How do you use sage?