Landscaping is a labour of love, and in our yard, it’s also a bit of a dance with nature. When your property puts out as much as ours does, the only way to keep up is to work with it—not against it. This approach isn’t just economical; it’s practical. And when paired with a little creativity, it’s downright magical.
My vision for our yard is one of whimsy and enchantment. I want every turn to feel like stepping into a storybook. That vision starts with embracing what’s already here, from overgrown wild roses to natural pathways, and weaving it all into a design that feels intentional yet organic.
The Wild Roses: Beauty and Battle
Wild roses are as persistent as they are beautiful. In Nova Scotia, they thrive in our climate, often spreading with abandon. Their delicate white blooms and intoxicating scent make them undeniably charming, but left unchecked, they can take over an entire yard. These roses are tough—they’ll grow wherever they please, weaving themselves into fences, trees, and anything else in their path.
While I love their beauty, I don’t want my entire yard consumed by them. So, I’ve taken on the task of cutting them back, shaping their growth into something that works for my design rather than fighting a losing battle to eradicate them. I’m finding balance—keeping enough to enjoy their charm while preventing them from dominating everything.
Pathways and Moon Gates
The first part of my enchanted design is shaping pathways that guide you through the yard, leading to little pockets of magic. I’ve marked these out and have started to frame them with rocks, logs, and some nature art (what do you call art made from growing things??).
Roses naturall form curved shapes, so the easiest way to start was with circles. I’ve got a few of them going right now and my first intention was to use them as part of an agility course for the dogs. But, little humans will love them as well and I’m not going to lie, I too like to duck through these little magical portals. I’ve started creating moon gates—low and high circular shapes woven from the very roses I’ve been cutting back.
These moon gates are my favorite addition so far. By bending the rose canes into circles and arches, I’m not just managing the roses—I’m turning them into art. Each gate feels like an invitation to step into another part of the yard, a little portal to something unexpected.
Transforming the Chain-Link Fence
Ah, the chain-link fence—the least enchanting feature of the yard. But I see it as an opportunity, not an eyesore. My plan is to transform it into a living canvas, weaving climbing plants and other elements into a design that blends into the whimsy of the yard. I want it to feel like part of the landscape, not just a boundary.
I’ve already started dreaming up designs that use vines, flowers, and maybe even a few crafted elements to soften and disguise the fence. It’s another way of working with what’s already here, turning something functional into something beautiful. There is about 30′ of straight fence in the back behind the barn that I think will be a perfect canvas come spring. Stay tuned for a whole series on how that project develops (and grows!)
The Joy of Working With Nature
Landscaping this way—by partnering with the land rather than forcing my will upon it—is deeply satisfying. It’s about seeing potential where others might see problems and finding creative ways to bring beauty out of chaos.
The wild roses, the chain-link fence, the overgrown corners of the yard—they’re all pieces of the story I’m writing here. By working with them, I’m not just creating a garden; I’m creating a space that feels alive, full of wonder and possibility.
Progress over Perfection
Nature has a way of reminding us to let go of perfection and embrace what is. With a little creativity and patience, even the most unruly elements can become something magical. Our yard isn’t just a project; it’s a partnership. And as it evolves, it’s becoming a reflection of that harmony—whimsical, enchanting, and uniquely ours.
Now & When 
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