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To re-establish true harmony
with the earth, a sanctuary
garden should also be a
welcoming place for wildlife.
Sometimes this calls for a bit
of compromise, but the trade-
offs are worth it. By not using
any herbicides or pesticides,
you agree to accept a few
munched leaves in exchange for
butterflies and other beneficial
insects.
When you choose native
plants over alien species, you
agree to surround yourself with
a different, although equally
beautiful, palette of texture and
color in exchange for birds which
eat the seeds and berries. The
true beauty of working with
nature, instead of trying to
control it, is that there are no
losers.
There can be no specific
directions on how to build a
sanctuary garden, because the
design, and even the process of
creation, will be different for
every gardener, as well as for
every site.
Thus, every sanctuary garden
is unique, although it will
generally incorporate certain
basic elements. It will naturally
be suited to the space available,
but it should also be very
personal, reflecting individual
preferences and needs.
Creating Your Sanctuary
Deciding where to locate your
sanctuary is the first step in
creating your garden.
It need not be large, but the
area should lend itself to being
somewhat confined, whether
visually or physically.
Sometimes a narrow side yard
can be developed into a retreat.
Some people choose to build
walls or fences within a larger
area, and these can both create
privacy and provide support to
taller plants or climbing vines. If
structures are made of
materials like stone or wood,
they will fit the natural feel of
the garden.
Other gardeners prefer to use
plants, such as hedgerows or
evergreens, to create the
borders of their sanctuary and
form a backdrop to shorter
elements. Whatever you choose,
the result should give you a
feeling of safety and separation
from outside pressures.
You might also be creating
this garden with other
inspirations in mind. If you need
more lightness and humor in
your life, add touches of whimsy
