As a garden matures over many years, it also transforms from barely being there when first planted to the full glory of the garden three to ten or twelve years later, and on to the unraveling of the design as trees and shrubs grow large, ground covers thin as the light available to them diminishes, and fast-growing, short-lived plants decline, obscuring the original landscape composition. With passing time, the needs of the garden change, as do the needs of the people sharing the garden. The space taken by the swings and monkey bars may be recycled as a skateboard ramp or a dog run.

Many factors can spur a garden renovation. Remodeling a home may radically change the amount and purpose of adjacent spaces. Nature can play a role when hailstorms denude and pulverize plants too mature to recover effectively. Property changes hands, and new owners may have different lifestyles or attitudes toward the outdoors. Recent water restrictions have prodded gardeners toward more conservative options. And finally having the time and resources to invest in change can be the reward for scaling down a demanding career.

Regardless of the impetus, answering the following questions might help spark a midlife makeover that raises your garden to the next level.

 

 

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