six ways great gardens can facilitate neighborly relationships

November 2024. By Isara Ongwiseth: “They” say good fences make good neighbors. Yet, it is our local, real-world connections that amplify health and determine our resilience in times of crisis.

We believe a great front landscape helps its people strike a balance between boundaries and connection. How? That can vary – what feels right to me may not feel right to you or any other! While no set formula works for everyone, here are some ways we find the balance point where the garden facilitates just enough of both.

Soften Lines

Swapping turf for meadow grass simultaneously evokes relaxation while defining a boundary. How? A meadow softens the lines around a home, creating a more inviting aesthetic. At the same time, while people can easily cut through turf grass, it’s less appealing and practical to stride through the waves of an IdealMow meadow.

Raise the Beauty

Beauty can be traffic-stopping. Neighbors slow their roll down the sidewalk to enjoy the shade and drink in the ever-evolving blooms and fragrance. When the homeowners cut flowers for indoor vases or cull a few lemons to garnish lunch, there are opportunities to engage. At the same time, the height of the foliage completely eclipses a delightful front patio from public view.

Create Convenience

In some cases, giving a little just makes sense. In this school proximate, sidewalk-free neighborhood, curb-side foliage could not hold the boundary. This gravel edge recognizes the need for a safe space for parents and kids to exit vehicles. The small concession creates an abundance of gratitude and grace.

Invite Them In

Particularly for homes with deep set-backs, space itself is likely to be perceived as a boundary. If you’d like to inspire more neighborly interactions, meandering front garden walks through vibrant foliage create the opportunity to invite neighbors to enjoy the beauty with you.

Feed Connection

Front yard edible gardens support your opportunities to feed connection. The Matloff family enjoys offering their harvest to neighbors who stop to enjoy the fragrant foliage that separates their raised garden beds and the sidewalk. It’s a great way to make fast friends!

Reach Out

Over and over, we see one or two people harness a landscape to move an entire community toward greater connection and resilience. Check out the insights of FormLA heroes Suzanne Haller, Roger Klemm, Bob Spears, and Hilda Weiss. Each brought community together to transform unused, un-loved spaces into vital and vibrant gathering spaces.

We hope these strategies illustrate ways you can bring about your ideal world – or at least some space with your preferred balance between boundaries and connection.