Our recent survey, elicited fascinating answers! I’ll share a few of the hundreds I received. Frankly, I’d like to give everyone who answered a big hug. :))
This is amazing information you shared and will shape my programs for years to come!
1. If you could have any improvement on your property, what are you dreaming about?
Paver patio, curb appeal, a new deck, upkeep, outdoor bar and living area, install a pool, tear out grass and put in raised flower beds in front yard, stamped cobblestones to the drive, backyard oasis, screened patio, walk path, more screening from road, self-maintaining plants, total redo of my yard, new fence, transform backyard into outdoor room, terraces in backyard, bridge over creek…there are so many dreams here that I will make some videos for you on the specific topics in the coming months.
2. What do you call your home environment when you talk to friends?
Comfortable, relaxing, porches, my garden oasis, bird haven, my garden, restful, just right, inspired, in need of tweaking, a work in progress, a collectors garden, casual, the money pit, my home, warm, serene, sanctuary, resort within a city, soothing, perfect for me, big, pretty but a lot of work, my dream garden, woodlands, fabulous, green growing vistas that are wild and wooly, woodcutters cottage…and I thought you would say : a garden, a home environment, a property, you know, generic stuff!
3. Would you like to learn ways to make your property eco-friendly? What topics:
wildlife, more plantings, water harvesting, outdoor kitchen, outdoor bar, solar energy in the garden, floral and vegetable plants for my garden, pretty perennial sweep, calm peaceful environments in an urban area, perennials for shade, bird friendly, soil amending, composting, water conserving water in TX landscape, edible landscape, love more butterflies…this topic got the most answers and I am still absorbing it!
4. How would you describe the size of your property?
.9% balcony, 3.6% courtyard, 22.5% small garden area, 37.8% large family residence, .9% estate, other 34.2% included long narrow backyard, a large country setting, ½ ac city garden, farm-ish, a whole block in New Orleans, 5 acres, xeric+vegetables, balcony in Singapore…we are a diverse group!
5. What is your place in the 3 stages of life?
2.7 % young professional, 30.9% family in residence, 33.6% elder
, 32.7% BOOMER ( other).
Well, I really put my foot into this one. I promise I will say Boomers from now on…ouch! Here goes: I am 59 and certainly do not consider myself an ELDER (I am the same age, and agree, ouch again!), “Man, does after 55 make me an elder?, haha! I’d pick elder then!”, edging toward elderly, but not there yet!, older but thinking younger, a happy empty nester!!!, transitioning…you get the picture!
6. What is your biggest question about creating your outdoor space?
I like to hear from other professionals –synergy is a wonderful thing, design, how can I keep up with maintenance, how can we get more bang for our buck, money and time, how to make it flow better, trying to do it economically, expense, keep woodland area neat without maintenance, how to create a pleasing design, making most of little room, how to make it manageable for a novice like me, using correct materials and great looking combinations… I am digesting this list which is sooo diverse, I hope to make a set of 3 training videos for you. Stay tuned!