Whimsy-noun anything odd or fanciful;a product of playful or capricious fancy.
To most, Whimsy would be a foreign concept to incorporate into landscape design. While it probably wouldn't fly in the grander scale landscapes, it can certainly hold its own in small yards & gardens. I believe the element of whimsy falls right into line with the story telling of the garden. It can be anything from a winding stone path, to tucked in artistic elements.
Butterflies have been my 'thing' for as long as I can remember, so they show up in my garden in many forms.
When our grandsons visit, they both like to go out into the backyard and follow the stone pathways, counting the stones or imagining a new adventure around the corner. We play our own version of "where's waldo' with a rock caterpillar named Rocky. He's been known to traverse the gardens. The trick is to find him!
Our garden is small (by choice), and just as each planting is deliberate, so are the elements of whimsy. As far as I am concerned there are no rules to garden whimsy. If a birdhouse, chartreuse watering can, fairy garden, or garden gnome speaks to you, ...go ahead and add it to the landscape. Our gardens should be our outdoor living space reflecting who we are and what is important to us. Don't be afraid to leave your footprint.
Ever since I was a little girl I have felt the magic of a garden. In the growing months, I could always find my mom kneeling over a flower bed beating the soil into a brown sugar texture with a hand trowel. A well tended garden tells a story of unfolding beauty, intrigue, sometimes a dash of mischief, and always delight.
If you were to walk through my garden gate, you would see a story open before you. I used to be a haphazard gardener buying any and everything at the nursery and plunking it down wherever I found empty dirt. Not any more. Through trial and error, and becoming a master gardener in both Idaho & Washington, I have become a very thoughtful gardener. Every plant, bush, and tree tells a story. One of the Master Gardener practices is 'Right Plant Right Place'. What that means to you & me is considering what zone we live in, soil type, sun exposure, function & how much care we are willing to give. Above all, I want my garden to thrive, so I'm going to purposefully plant things that like where I live. The last few years I've become vitally aware of native plants & their significance. Fortunately for me, I live in the PNW where there are so many magnificent native plants to incorporate into the landscape. Okay, lets get back to the garden gate. We are welcomed by a hanging basket of trailing petunias. My mom had a thing for annuals, which I did not understand for many years. I thought they were a waste of money since they only had 1 growing season. I don't feel that way anymore. Annuals contribute long lasting color and texture, and many of them provide seeds to start again next year. As we walk past the hanging basket along the stone pathway, you will see a snow ball bush that reminds me of the long winters I endured in SE Idaho. There are beautiful English Lavender soaking up the afternoon sun and providing a lovely fragrance as we wander by. Lavender brings tranquility into a space, something I always welcome.
Heuchera (coral bells) are dotted throughout the yard. Heuchera are native plants to this area, and now there are many hybrids. When I design a landscape, I always make space for coral bells...it could be said they are my signature plant. In the shady spots, you'll see all types of ferns. My love of ferns spans decades, hence part of my website name. Tassel, ostrich, sword, deer and maiden hair are a few of the species I treasure. I have introduced a few new species to my 3 year old garden. Native mountain hemlocks, vine maples, honeysuckle vines, blueberries and Hummingbird mint to name a few. There are several water features and bird baths
scattered throughout the yard welcoming a plethora of feathered friends and a number of furry visitors.
Of course, hostas and astilbe reside in my lovely shaded areas.
The path will lead us to a covered patio where we might sit & watch the birds enjoy the feeders or indiscreetly bathe before us.
My garden gate will always bid welcome to anyone who wants to step inside and allow the story to unfold before them.
When our grandsons visit, they both like to go out into the backyard and follow the stone pathways, counting the stones or imagining a new adventure around the corner. We play our own version of "where's waldo' with a rock caterpillar named Rocky. He's been known to traverse the gardens. The trick is to find him! 
Our garden is small (by choice), and just as each planting is deliberate, so are the elements of whimsy. As far as I am concerned there are no rules to garden whimsy. If a birdhouse, chartreuse watering can, fairy garden, or garden gnome speaks to you, ...go ahead and add it to the landscape. Our gardens should be our outdoor living space reflecting who we are and what is important to us. Don't be afraid to leave your footprint.
