The view of the garden from Elizabeth Lawrence's desk
Tap, tap, tap, ahhhhh… Imagine if this was your view as you tapped away on your typewriter from your home office; it would be difficult not to stop and admire the view. This slice of Miss. Lawrence’s urban garden in Charlotte, NC, represents a part of her view from her home office.
Miss. Lawrence’s garden was designed with plants to flower or provide interest year ‘round. Designed with cutting edge plants (at the time!), a reflecting pond, paths, and a cinder block wall, Miss. Lawrence corralled all her garden loves and interest with a view so she never missed a moment as she went about her daily writings.
When planning your garden, consider the view from the inside. The view out the windows in areas you spend the most time are prime opportunities to add garden interest.
Helen Yoest is a garden writer and coach through her business Gardening with Confidence™
Follow Helen on Twitter @HelenYoest and her facebook friend’s page, Helen Yoest or Gardening With Confidence™ Face Book Fan Page.
Helen also serves on the board of advisors for the JC Raulston Arboretum
Having been there, I immediately knew when I saw the photo. Yes, she had a great view. I need to think more about that too.~~Dee
The view from various places in the house has been a topic around here. I hope the result will be a lean to shed on the back of the tractor shed, so that my morning view will be of fields, and not forgotten odds and ends from the fall, reminding me that we didn’t do everything we should have when we should have – partly because we didn’t have a place for everything.
Dee, I know I don’t have to ask, but did you feel her presence in the room? I did. Even though only part of her belongings are still in the room, I could feel what it must have been like to write from her desk with the view of little bulbs blooming in the spring, yellow daylilies blooming in the summer, the rose ‘Lida” putting a bud in the fall and the wildlife finding cover in her bamboo in the winter. It is such a treat to visit this garden. I hope to do so many more times in my future. H.
Commonweeder, yep things have a way of piling up. This is only made worse by getting use to seeing it and our minds eye begins to block it out. I hope you get you lean-to soon! H.
helen, There are so many good reasons to visit EL’s part of the gardening world~Her garden being the best. I loved what you said to Dee and have often wondered what it would have been like to know her~
I so have to move my computer desk….I wonder if I would accomplish anything! My back is to the patio doors~and now that the garden is awake it would be a good view. gail
Gail, I have to admit too, it would be hard to work and have a beautiful view. But think of all that EL accomplished…maybe we should move our desks today!
I love having a view of the pond so I can watch wildlife from inside without disturbing them. Now if I could just get the neighbors to put in front gardens…
MMD, viewing the wildlife you pond brings sound lovely! I wish I had a pond. H.
I long to go visit Elizabeth Lawrence’s garden! And yes, my garden designer came inside and looked out the windows so she could imagine what I might see in the gardening, looking out.
I know you do Carol. Are you sure you don’t want to drive to Buffalo via North Carolina? Can’t wait to here what your designer presents. Very exciting!