Garden
02.14.06
Miraculously I came across two gardening options today. First, a plot in my parents’ back yard, ideal for flowers and edibles. Second, an abandoned rock garden on the property of close family friends. I’m leaning toward the rock garden option—as I’d like to design and create with rocks and also learn about species that grow well in rocky terrain. I could accent rock designs with appropriate plants. I'm aesthetically drawn to this type of garden. This could potentially serve as a very meditative practice. (Photos to come ASAP; site visit planned for February 16)
Garden Site:
I.This property is owned by close family friends, who are also my past landlords. I used to rent a cabin on this property. It is located off of Cooper Point Road, facing west toward Eld inlet.
II. Description of Area:
The area is a garden bed neighboring the circle driveway of the property. It is covered with fallen cedar branches and debris; the past year’s rock patterns have been trampled by pets and animals. It appears disordered. Large trees tower over the bed, though I believe it will receive western sun.
III. Garden Site:
Size: approx. 15’x7’
Shape: narrow rectangular
Topography: relatively flat
Orientation: 7’ side facing East/West, 15’ side facing North/South.
Soil:
Plant species present: small weeds coming through pebbles (unsure of species), moss on rocks, sword ferns surrounding bed.
Story of site: This site has served as a decorative rock garden. For the last 2 summers (and possibly more) it has been revised into different patterns. I have chosen this site because it offers me an opportunity to reconnect with the owners of the property and because I’m fascinated by stone and patterns. Don, one of the owners of the property, has worked extensively with rock and stone sculpture in his yard. I also chose this site because it isn’t plant intensive; my goal is to plant one or two rocky-soil plants to accent the rock pattern I will create.
Facing West: 
Facing East: 
Facing South:
I have been browsing rock art books and anthologies for pattern inspiration. I haven't yet researched rock-loving plant species.
Vision: a visual respite. Meditative pattern to invite introspection.
one spiral plan (above)
TO DO:
-Straighten stone lining
-Rake debris
-Level if needed
-Remove large rocks
-Play with light and dark river rocks in spirals and overlapping spirals
-Decide where to place large rock formations
-Decide on plant species
