I have been out walking even more of late than usual. Besides exercising, I have been checking out other homeowners' plant choices and landscaping. I look for what I call “pocket gardens”. For me, that means a small portion of someone's yard that seems to have received a little more TLC. There might be “specimen” plants surrounding a water feature. Or a little nook with colorful flowers around a small table and chair, where I can imagine myself sitting reading. All that's missing is a glass of ice tea. Maybe a tiny cottage garden with whimsical figurines. One that I pass regularly has a collection of large volcanic rocks and desert plantings. Our former home had a tiny open-air atrium, with an even tinier tear-shaped, brick patio, a large wisteria that helped shade the patio and small shade-loving plants around the bricked area. I put an ice cream table set out there and enjoyed the space most of the year. What I have noticed lately is that people are now actually living in these outdoor spaces. The areas may have been fixed up before, but I don't remember seeing anyone enjoying them as I do now. Perhaps it's the time of day that I walk (early). Possibly families were just too busy to enjoy their gardens. When you are out catching a little fresh air and exercise, take a look around and discover some little gems yourself.
