Personal History

Your own history

This may be a less obvious source for inspiration, but it is one that has the most potential to truly customize your outdoor space. You may have memories of certain plants you had in a yard growing up, or perhaps you have fond memories of a garden while on a special vacation. Plants, their fragrances, and even the memories associated with the time of year in which they flourish can help us feel in touch with important moments of our past.

Spiritual, religious, and philosophical sources

Gardens and plants have played an integral role in major religious works and feature prominently in many philosophical traditions. For example, the Buddha obtained enlightenment beneath the bodhi tree, which was a pipal tree or sacred banyan fig (ficus religiosa). Both the Old and New Testaments contain many references to plants as well.

These are just some of the sources from which you may draw inspiration for your new outdoor space.