In late April and early May, my mind is abuzz with gardening and landscaping plans. I research plants, dream up color schemes, make lists, haunt garden centers, and chart the hours of sunlight for my new garden—yep, I’m hardcore. In years past when I had a large suburban lot, my focus was on what to do with all that space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that I live in the city and have a very small yard (intentionally), I focus on defensive landscaping—how to create something attractive to camouflage undesirable views, including those of my much closer neighbors’ yards.

1. Create an inspiring view for my office window.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Cover up my neighbor’s deteriorating garage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Add native grasses to screen the view of the alley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In April everything seems possible. By August, it’s all over. But if this year’s plan doesn’t turn out as great I’m picturing, there’s always next year!