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By Barbara Glass
Some individuals find joy in nature as children, while others discover it as adults. Even those who claim to dislike the outdoors can appreciate beautiful surroundings.
What could be more delightful than experiencing a stunning place? Whether it’s sunny or shady, day or night, mountainous or flat, breezy or calm, by the sea or inland, and surrounded by palm trees or cacti—everyone has their unique vision of a beautiful environment. One person may feel content in a wild English Garden while another thrives in the minimalist beauty of the Arizona desert or relishes a rainy day in the mountains. No matter what that place may be, it offers a respite from everyday life and nurtures the senses and soul. It’s where you feel at home.
Consultation with Lauri Braschler
Engaging in a discussion with Lauri Braschler, the owner of Lulu’s Blooms, is an exploration of landscape creativity. She transforms dull yards into cohesive and inviting spaces that reflect the homeowners’ personalities and lifestyles. “The yard is an extension of the house itself. I enter the front door, observe the light and view from every window as I navigate through the house to the backyard.” The initial walkthrough helps her grasp the overall design. Next, Lauri asks each client to fill out a questionnaire: Is your family active? Do you enjoy cooking? Are you fond of gardening? Do you travel, and if so, where do you love to go? How much yard work are you willing to undertake? Are there issues of security, noise, or privacy? For how long do you plan to reside in this house? What is your timeline and budget?
After reviewing the questionnaire, Lauri inspects the yard for sunlight, soil, drainage, irrigation, slope, existing trees, and other vegetation. From there, she formulates design recommendations and implementation plans.
Key Landscaping Suggestions from Lauri
• The exterior decor, colors, and design should harmonize with and enhance the home’s interior. The view from the windows should seamlessly integrate with the home.
• Landscaping should flow effortlessly around the residence. For optimal curb appeal, keep the front yard simple and tidy while reserving intricate designs for the backyard. The sides of the house serve as a connection between these two areas both spatially and visually.
• Homeowners can implement landscape changes gradually over several years. Begin with a cohesive design and then slowly add the finer details.
• For upkeep: aerate the soil and roots around plants and lawns annually, and apply fertilizer as necessary in late winter. Given Texas’s soil and weather conditions, these steps will dramatically improve garden health.
For Active Families:
• Create an outdoor porch complete with a grill, mosquito misters (or a surrounding screen), a sound system, a television, a ceiling fan, and comfortable furniture. Extend the stone flooring outward and incorporate a fire pit.
• Consider adding a swimming pool with easy access to the porch area.
• Leave space for a grassy area suitable for croquet or tossing a Frisbee.
• Dog owners? Ensure there’s room for the dog to run freely between shrubs and the fence line.
For Townhome Residents:
• Transform a small yard into a lush retreat by utilizing large pots. Group urns in sets of three or five with plants of various heights.
• Create a water feature with one of the pots.
• Grow fresh herbs in a raised garden bed to enhance your cooking.
For New Homeowners:
• Develop a comprehensive design for the entire yard and implement it in stages, beginning with the front yard. Make the landscape warm and inviting, and ensure it conveys a “Welcome Home” message every time you return.
For a Quick Yard Makeover:
• When staging a home for sale, don’t overlook the yard. Simplify and declutter the flower beds, especially in the front. Trim bushes and generously apply mulch to garden areas. A few annual plants will add vibrancy and interest.
• Replace any old shrubs as needed. Many varieties can add height and texture, enhancing curb appeal at a minimal cost.
• For spring staging, consider using bulbs to create an accent along garden edges.
For That Extra Touch of Magic:
• Enhance your space with lighting—on the house, among the trees, from the ground, and around the pool area.
• Introduce a water feature. The soothing sound of flowing water is quite calming. There are numerous attractive options suitable for any space, from urns to waterfalls at the end of a swimming pool.
• Incorporate stonework and rocks. These not only look great but also help with spatial and drainage challenges.
• Design a pathway throughout the yard and possibly add a bench for visual appeal.
• Plant a small butterfly garden. These colorful spaces will attract fascinating visitors.
There are countless ways to cultivate an outdoor area that merges beauty with easy maintenance, adding comfort and individuality to your home. With a bit of creativity (and perhaps the assistance of a skilled landscape designer), you can bring your yard to life.
Editor’s Note: For more information or to schedule a free consultation, email Lauri Braschler at lulu@lulusblooms.com or visit her website, www.lulusblooms.com.
