Landscaping a Small Yard: A Plunge into Tranquility

A few weeks ago, my friend John decided to transform his concrete backyard into an ‘oasis of tranquility’. With a glass of wine in hand, he spent an entire afternoon sitting in the yard, envisioning how exactly he wanted to design this 40 sq. ft. space, and the kind of aura that he wanted to attract.

The first task, he determined, would be to remove the concrete that had been laid on this historic property in 1928 when it was originally built. This, he realized, would be a huge undertaking that would produce a lot of sweat but also some sinewy muscles. This work would take about 3 days with a jackhammer and many hands.

The property consists of a main house and two small rental cottages in the rear. He wanted 2 paths leading to the cottages for the benefit of the guests. One path would lead from the driveway to the cottages, and this one, he decided, would be lined with some nice foxtail palms. The other path would lead from the back of the main house to the cottages. He decided to maintain a small square of concrete with dimension about 10″ by 10″ for a gazebo. The gazebo would serve as a through-way to the cottages. In the remaining space he would lay sod.

After the second glass of wine, John’s creative juices began to kick in and he began to have more wild expectations. He envisioned a koi and goldfish pond with a natural stone waterfall in the northeast corner of the yard beneath the window of one of the cottages. What a great sound for his guests to wake up hearing as they relax in bed while on their Florida retreat! The pond would be created with rocks so the sound of the water would have a faded, hollow tone. On the southeast corner of the yard, he decided to place a hammock. What is Florida without a hammock and a good book!

Since I refused to lift a finger, my intellectual powers would have to suffice. I suggested that he place a bench near the pond to avoid guests sitting on the carefully created pond.

Having recently left his job to pursue a new career, he wanted to be frugal, so he budgeted $7,000.00 for this project. He enlisted his entire family to work with him so each person leave a bit of their touch on his property.

I visited that property before the transformation and I saw it after the work was completed. It is peaceful, full of good energy, and gives the great opportunity for one to simply plunge into tranquility!