Anatomy of a beautiful garden

There are few things we love more than a beautiful garden and there must be a whole lot of green thumbs in West Michigan, because we've seen some incredibly beautiful gardens here in Grand Rapids. Here are a few things we've noticed in our favorite backyard green spaces.

Curvy paths
Whether made of stone, mulch, grass or other ground cover, the most whimsical paths are curious and curvy. 

Flowers and foliage of varying height
Greens and florals arranged at varying heights and depths create interest.

Inviting Seating, a place to relax
The size and amount of privacy provided in an outdoor seating area signals how a space will ultimately be used. For social affairs, you'll want to go large and open. If a secluded retreat is more your style, keep it small and intimate. Boundaries are what establish this framework for your seating area- so things like where the garage is located, trees, fences or screens- even a strategically placed umbrella or pergola. 

A bit of shade
Sun is great, we love sun, but when it comes to relaxation, a little shade is the way to go.

Fountains or bird baths
Bring in a watery element, and BOOM insta zen.

This list is only a short jumping off point to creating your beautiful backyard oasis, AND bonus: if you're looking to sell your home in the near future, a well-curated green space full of lush plants and flowers is a definite plus in the eyes of buyers.