Garden Tip 145:

We are all familiar with the idiom “the devil is in the details.” One of the definitions of this phrase, given by the Writing Tips Institute is “the importance of paying attention to the smallest aspects of a task, project or plan.” This is of particular importance when working with garden features, those prominent or conspicuous elements that we add to the landscape to lend interest, dimension or surprise.

Birdbaths for example, can have a function and be a feature at the same time. A crooked birdbath makes no difference to the bathing robin, but it does loose its effectiveness as a garden feature by not standing upright. The same goes for potted planters that we place in the landscape.

We might spend hours choosing the right plants, colors or combinations to create the perfect planter, but much can be lost in effectiveness if the planter is set akimbo in the garden.  When setting out patio sets. this is important as well, especially those on natural stone patios. We don’t want to be wobbling in our seats or sloshing our Chardonnay as we sit to take in the garden.

Working alongside Mother Nature is a pretty important job so we want to be sure to get it straight!