tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post1423341296183457533..comments2024-03-24T12:55:07.300-04:00Comments on grounded design by Thomas Rainer: Spring Fever: The Latter PhaseAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13805682623764800983noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-76525314993834937862012-04-20T10:40:43.141-04:002012-04-20T10:40:43.141-04:00Thomas, I'm a bit late catching up with this; ...Thomas, I'm a bit late catching up with this; but you can count me among the amateur garden designers who found it reassuring that professionals also have these doubts. Interestingly, though, I usually wait until year 2 or 3 to start moving things around; I assume that any new garden is going to have an awkward adolescent look in the first year. It's probably easier for me to wait through the gawky, adolescent stage, though, both because my professional self-esteem isn't on the line and because I often benefit from amateur's serendipity -- combinations I didn't see in my mind's eye that actually look much better than I imagined. Good luck with your garden. -JeanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-26206616399958556352012-04-10T11:38:56.923-04:002012-04-10T11:38:56.923-04:00Oh, I completely hear what you're saying. So o...Oh, I completely hear what you're saying. So often I visualize the perfect color combination, and then the plants have the nerve to bloom at different times - maybe just a little off. But it's all part of the fun!Town Mousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09777461911856383480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-11591630876346777122012-04-07T13:56:39.308-04:002012-04-07T13:56:39.308-04:00There is little more I appreciate than a person...There is little more I appreciate than a person's hardcore enthusiasm about any subject.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-8064436427208242212012-04-07T13:21:48.699-04:002012-04-07T13:21:48.699-04:00That is normal, for anyone who cares! Maybe step b...That is normal, for anyone who cares! Maybe step back away from it, and look at some gardens you really like, then return with a fresh mind. (at least it sounds good...maybe I need to pull some weeds, too)<br /><br />"It's all wrong"...ha ha!Desert Dwellerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00952727692048782529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-14046871778824473902012-04-06T14:46:16.441-04:002012-04-06T14:46:16.441-04:00Complacency breeds mediocrity! Keep on designing, ...Complacency breeds mediocrity! Keep on designing, rearranging, and editing until your heart's content. Rock on dude.Mariohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09627180003113584271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-87363801480321359912012-04-06T12:07:25.561-04:002012-04-06T12:07:25.561-04:00Your post reminds me of a photography class I'...Your post reminds me of a photography class I'm taking. The teacher -- a world-class pro -- constantly tries things and changes his mind about details, during shooting and editing every picture. Why? Each shot is new; it hasn't been done before. There's no roadmap, no way to know answers ahead of time. So, back to gardening: your "editing" makes total sense to me, with your being a designer. I'll bet your garden will be GREAT!Emmonhttp://www.questionandplanter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-57992660801641377802012-04-06T11:28:11.946-04:002012-04-06T11:28:11.946-04:00What a delightful and funny "Spring Fever&quo...What a delightful and funny "Spring Fever" series. Thank you! The end of this latest post resonates with me in this Easter season...especially with the open-ended nature of Mark's version of the story. Disappointment, alarm, dissatistaction, fear, silence propelling us into a future that is sure to be surprising and beautiful! The "serendipity" (grace?) of the proudest moments of creation have always been the most humbling and powerful in my experience. <br /><br />And, I totally agree with Cyndi K.--really funny--I like the idea of "a gardener's sit-com episode." hee hee...ginger+https://www.blogger.com/profile/09698348247242750740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-38300857855050281772012-04-06T10:16:05.689-04:002012-04-06T10:16:05.689-04:00Firstly, just a really funny post; a gardener’s s...Firstly, just a really funny post; a gardener’s sit-com episode played out in my head. <br />I agree with Mary Gray, it's reassuring to read that your process is sometimes manic and all-consuming. I get the same way with most of my creative projects; so many possibilities to wrestle through to get it “right”- a vision in my head that continually changes seeking drama and balance. these periods are invigorating (manic)…and inherently creates seclusion.Cyndi K.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-52488032697056821112012-04-06T09:47:52.599-04:002012-04-06T09:47:52.599-04:00Thomas, I always enjoy your posts, I am a huge fan...Thomas, I always enjoy your posts, I am a huge fan, and I believe in your abialities supremely; you can design your home garden!! But I had to LOL! when I read this,I can sooo relate! As an Architectural Color Specialist, you'd think I could choose paint color for my 850 s/f bungalow, wouldn't ya? WEll, it's been months of pondering now, color swatches galore!<br /><br />Sharing this dilemma with a client recently in a sort of "I know what you're feeling" kind'a way, she responded thusly: <br />"That is why lumberjacks don't sleep in th woods."<br />Which has now been added into my list of 'Suitable Sayings in a Pinch'<br />So, dear man, I KNOW what you're feelin'! ;)ArtZenFlowers Color and Designhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08334171389389257463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-76863272830354980672012-04-06T08:38:32.404-04:002012-04-06T08:38:32.404-04:00I read somewhere that the most significant parts o...I read somewhere that the most significant parts of Mozart's music are the silences. Perhaps an exaggeration but important nonetheless. I think we all suffer spring crazies!James Goldenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17910895503263927177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-11850668429265249482012-04-06T08:33:18.506-04:002012-04-06T08:33:18.506-04:00This hit home so well that I had a really good lau...This hit home so well that I had a really good laugh. Why is it that we can design for others, but when it comes to our own we go all insecure? Or as you say, opt for constant change and questioning as to whether something could be better.<br /><br />When designing an area of my own backyard recently, I must have re-designed it many times...and even with that, I find myself adding things. <br /><br />Maybe it is because we are constantly looking at it, examining with a designer's eye and so on?<br /><br />I also agree with the difficulty of designs actually becoming the visions. That is why it is so important to be there, to tweak, to adjust and also, as you insightfully mentioned, having a little serendipity!Susan Schlengerhttp://www.landscape-design-advice.com/front-yard-landscaping-ideas.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-14905130890009663862012-04-06T08:19:24.069-04:002012-04-06T08:19:24.069-04:00I second Anonymous's suggestion: Try to enjoy ...I second Anonymous's suggestion: Try to enjoy the process! I can think of far worse obsessions. Even if wives, husbands and partners don't understand, there are plenty of us out here who do. And be glad you've still got holes left to fill. I've run out of room and have started eyeing the neighbor's neglected garden.Ed Colahannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-57090212826317418432012-04-05T21:50:10.454-04:002012-04-05T21:50:10.454-04:00I am heartened to see that even great planting des...I am heartened to see that even great planting designers like you have disappointments and moments of self-doubt. This makes me feel less stupid for trying to plant a Piet Oudolf style meadow in a smallish, part-shade bed a few years ago. It was the first time I'd sketched out a planting plan and actually planted it. I put all this thought and planning into it and it totally bombed, mostly because I'd not paid enough attention to the site. Duh! Of course, Oudolf himself could probably have pulled it off, damn him.<br /><br />Anyway, don't cut off your ear or anything. Your loyal followers need you to maintain your sanity!Mary Grayhttp://www.blackwalnutdispatch.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-89618302873782223152012-04-05T20:48:01.372-04:002012-04-05T20:48:01.372-04:00Let’s get ready for spring, guys! I bet many garde...Let’s get ready for spring, guys! I bet many gardeners out there are looking forward to seeing lovely blooms… I sure am because the theme I thought up for my upcoming birthday is a garden party. Good thing I was born in spring. Thanks for these pro ideas, Thomas. These can add up to my plan as well. ;)Jamie Keiferhttp://bloomiq.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-34982314022418224562012-04-05T19:15:02.368-04:002012-04-05T19:15:02.368-04:00Thomas, the reality is that you are an artist! You...Thomas, the reality is that you are an artist! Your preoccupation with design is your heart trying to compose that "perfect" painting. Of course, in your case, the artwork is a living canvas that changes daily. Like all great artists there is a lot of angst going on inside you. Try to enjoy the process, the little triumphs, the occasional wrong choice of materials or color. It's all a part of that composition. And I know it will be beautiful.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com