The Inward-Looking Garden

Depending on the location of your home, you have two options regarding the perspective for your landscape design: the outward-looking and the inward-looking garden. Essentially, the two different perspectives are just as they sound. The outward-looking garden is one with an outward looking view, while the inward-looking garden is inward focused. The key for the outward looking design is to draw your eye past the property boundary line out to a specific view like a lake, a meadow, a mountain or a landscape that extends for miles. 

The image below is a design done by Ground Studio Landscape Architecture which beautifully illustrates the outward-looking garden.

However the inward-looking-garden is radically different because it’s much smaller in nature, and typically is a garden that is found in an urban or town setting. But here’s the thing, just because you have a courtyard size garden doesn’t mean you need to settle for a pressure treated fence with a basic patio and a dusting of random plants. 

No, quite the opposite is true!

No matter the square footage of your backyard, your landscape needs to be a beautiful space that slows everything down for you. At Unitas Project we would say that your landscape design must be a catalyst to help you thrive in harmony with your environment. 

This means your urban garden needs a focal point–something that draws your eye and your attention to its presence. This focal point acts like the lake or extended landscape view in an outward looking garden, but, in this case, the view stays within your property boundaries. This focal point could be anything from a sculpture, to a water feature, to an ornamental tree or the layout of your patio furniture on your evening terrace. 

Besides being thoughtfully designed, another key feature for your inward-looking urban garden is craftsmanship. It needs to be designed and built with great attention to detail. In a nutshell, your backyard landscape should delight your senses with its beauty, simplicity, and feel. 

This is essential. 

Everything from the dining and evening terrace to the choice of plants and patio furniture must be thoughtfully considered. 

Below is a courtyard garden I designed for a professional couple in their thirties who were looking for a contemporary outdoor garden that would naturally extend from the living space of their house. 

Therefore in the end, whether spending time alone or hanging out with a good friend, your inward-looking garden can be a beautiful space that delights your senses, enables you to slow down in a chaotic world, and rejuvenates your body and mind. 

Until next time

Thrive in harmony