Trying to redesign The Ranch Houston is really interesting because I simultaneously want everything and nothing. My assistant and I decided to take a moment of inspiration at the Houston Botanic so that we could figure out what things look like in a large space and how they could possibly look within ours.
One of the things that I recommend whenever you’re going into the design of your space is to go to aspirational places. This is one reason why we actually had amaranth on our property —I had visited a friend’s large sprawling property in the Catskills and fallen in love with the pops of red. That said, the amaranth drew in flea beetles in our climate. This is why I encourage you to go to nearby spaces so you can see what is growing in your climate. Also take notice of HOW they are planting—whether they’re planting in sand or soil, is it in a raised bed? What does irrigation look like? The designers of these spaces have decades of experience within your growing zone to know what will and won’t work. Look to them for inspo and wisdom, and bring as many ideas into your space.
Many gardeners will act like they have copious amounts of knowledge and will gaslight you by calling you a Google Gardener. Guess what, unless they have indigenous knowledge or come from a farming or gardening family, they’re Googling, too, taking numerous classes, or borrowing ideas from farmers or gardeners they love. Not everyone has the funds to take expensive classes and you don’t have to. Find inspo and education where you can and get growing.
What did you spot that you want to grow?
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