New Beginnings

Creating a Garden that Attracts Wildlife

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I can’t think of a better time to design and dream about transforming an outdoor space. I am excited to be a student in my own e-course; Teaching in the Dirt: Designing Outdoor Classroom and thrilled to have a platform for sharing my own garden transformation story with you.

In Module One: Getting Started, we are asked to walk around our outdoor space and choose a space in which we plan to transform. I have chosen a site in the corner of my backyard. This space is a bit of an eyesore. It was a “dump” for leaves and weeds and became a haphazard enormous compost pile. My  “Before Video” exercise, taught me to zero in on one garden area and view this space as an outdoor room. Once I did this, I recognized features I could work with. The surrounding fence, rock wall with a nice opening, and a few trees all became possibilities. Take a peek:

January 1, 2015 Before video of my Outdoor Classroom

As we move through Module One: Getting Started we learn about 4 Types of Gardens. At this point we are invited to choose a type of garden. This exercise is to help us narrow down our focus, direction and energy. These gardens are:

• Gardens that Feed
• Gardens Rooted in Curriculum
• Gardens that Honor Intergenerational Connections
• Gardens that Attract Wildlife

I found this process to be incredibly helpful as it very quickly narrowed down my focus. The Take Action Now worksheets provided the guided questions I needed and led me to begin with designing a garden that attracts wildlife. With this main ingredient, I envision mixing and matching additional outdoor design elements.

In Module Two: Design Options, we explore many additional possibilities to add to our outdoor space. I am planning on certifying this garden and understand to do this I need specific features. This knowledge impacts my design choices. Gardens that Attract Wildlife require 5 key elements:

• Shelter
• Water
• Places to Raise Young
• Food
• Habitats

These required elements, alongwith, the guided questions has give me clarity in my own outdoor classroom design. As I revisited the e-course videos, I found myself drawing and doodling ideas as I watched and listened. Before I knew it, I had a beginning sketch.

I look forward to hearing your garden transformation story. Make a before video, take a picture of yourbeginningdrawing and share. Let’s celebrate these new beginnings in our virtual classroom. If you would like feedback, ideas, and comments on your chosen space…..jump in and send along what you have. I would be happy to work more closely with you.