Chasing Timeless Landscape Design
Time is like a forest brook. Sometimes it collects in a pool and swirls slowly, almost standing still. Other times it rushes by, past boulders and ledges, and gone before you realize it.
Nature is timeless. It is always evolving, changing, and growing. At any specific moment in nature, life is beginning and life is coming to an end. It is not possible to experience nature and measure time simultaneously. A garden on the other hand is an exact measure of time. Every item is placed with a reason, at a specific time, and a measure of years gone by.
So is it even possible to create a timeless landscape design? What we do know is that true nature can not be duplicated. This is why our slogan is "Inspired by Nature". We understand that nature is to be respected and can never be outdone. This was heavily considered when developing the Nara System. A system developed to address the common problems and concerns in landscape design and creation while respecting the environment at the same time.
The word Garden originally referred to the enclosure of space separate from the wild. The Germanic word Gardaz was meant to describe the enclosing wall and not the space within. Today, the word gardening refers to the act of creating the space, a place to feel safe inside of. The elements which are placed within this space become a measure of time because we placed them there.
The garden in a way is a stepping stone. A way to connect with nature, the wild, yet in a controlled environment. The secret in the success of a well planned garden is understanding the feeling it leaves with the user. The feeling should be seamless. One where the user experiences safety and comfort in their created space, yet still feels in tune and connected with nature all the same. This often is accomplished in the transition space.
The garden itself is often comprised of individual elements each intended to invoke a different feeling or emotion. Different textures, colors, sounds, and smells all intended to cater to the different feelings we have each day through the seasons. The transition zone is often where this intentional creation space ends and the less contrived, more naturally balanced creation space exists. This does not mean without intention. This is actually the hardest space to incorporate into a property. It often requires a thorough understanding of the surrounding wild, the availability of transition space available, and the understanding of how different elements interact with nature over time.
It is in this transition zone that the potential for timelessness exists. In some cases the transition zone might be small. The creation of an intentional space along the outskirts of a backyard where a new pool is being installed which creates a softer feeling and one which makes the property seem larger. In other cases the transition zone might be quite extensive. A large area which blends into all or most of the landscape. Nature at your finger tips right from the moment you walk out the back door. It is here where magical feelings happen.
Nature is proven to have positive impacts on physical and mental health. The desire to be close to nature varies by user. Our goal is to use our experience to help others gain more appreciation and get a little bit closer to nature. We bring nature to you. Through the creation of well planned environments that are deeply inspired by nature we have helped many people increase the quality of their lives.
The feeling of time is not realized through the process of change. The feeling of time is most accurately felt through the recognition of change. It is in this place where time is most clear. Flowers vanish in the blink of an eye, stones remain unchanged more a lifetime. We enjoy these elements in our gardens because in a way they remind us of our own lives. A garden can be simple or a garden can be complex, both are amazing. The feeling each leaves with the user is where the value is. Being able to realize that value and share it with others is the magic of gardening.