Zen Rock Garden

As the name suggests, a Zen rock garden features stone prominently. However, unlike a xeriscaping rock garden, a Zen rock garden typically features no plants. Instead, a few small boulders are strategically spaced to evoke a certain mindset in the viewer. The gravel can be arranged around these rocks with a wooden rake in a meditative practice. These swirling patterns in the gravel represent waves and ripples lapping around the rocks.

Yin Yang Platform

This Yin Yang platform features red brick pavers and wood plank halves separated by a tiny curving stream. The bamboo fountain head at the top and spout at the bottom bring the flow of water to this ancient symbol of harmony and balance. The tiny bonsai tree forms the “eye” of the yin – a nice touch to represent the dark, downward seeking feminine side that is rooted in mystery.

Koi Pond

The curving, boisterously swimming bodies of Koi fish are another traditional representation of the yin/yang symbol. Tracy and Wendy went all out here with an 8,000 gallon pond in the shape of a moat around a central island with a bench where one might perch in pursuit of enlightenment. The unusual touch here is the bridge. Instead of going with a steeply arched Eastern design, they chose a flat slab of rock that is more in keeping with the natural surroundings in the rest of the yard.

Landscapes are usually most stunning during those times of the year when you can actually see the ground. But there is an eerie beauty to a yard covered in freshly fallen snow as well. Hardscape structures, trees, and weather hardy décor are the keys to creating a magical snow globe world in your yard. Here are some YardShare members who have managed to pull this off.

High Noon in Alaska

This homeowner has actually framed a picture of their backyard picnic table under a blanket of snow. You might think this photo was snapped at sunrise. But this is actually as far up as the sun gets in the middle of December at that latitude. The sturdy teak Adirondack chairs have no doubt withstood many an arctic winter and are a great choice for outdoor living spaces in harsh climates. This nostalgia inducing sight serves as a reminder of slightly warmer summer months when lounging out on the tundra was the order of the day.

The Lights of Home

Don’t discount the impact lighting can have in brightening up a blustery landscape. This island set in the curve of a circular driveway looks almost cozy with its cluster of little hanging lanterns. The wooly evergreen shrubs in the background provide a windbreak and some much needed color in the heart of winter.

Winter Wonderland

We’ve featured Lark’s fantastical yard art before – but it has a whole new look with white frosting. At the same time winsome and austere, these wrought iron pieces punctuate the landscape with dark traceries as intricate as snowflakes. She has decked the boughs with hanging decorations that deliver a burst of brilliant blue cheer without screaming “Christmas” as red or green ornaments might. Good taste is always in season!

YardShare member Masman35 in Sioux City is looking for some ideas to boost the appeal of a very plain yard. This homeowner doesn’t like the rocks or the existing bushes. There’s a basketball hoop near the driveway; so the landscaping has to hold up to some personal fouls. Here’s the front of the house:

With such symmetrical house architecture, there are two ways to go. One is to create a very formal landscape design using lines, squares, and rectangles. With an imposing two story home, that can look pretty spiffy. But with a house this size it tends to look kind of unimaginative. A better option might be a fluid, asymmetrical flower bed area accented by a landscaping island out further in the yard.

The gravel by the house can be replaced with brightly colored mulch. The two evergreen shrubs can be removed and replaced with several azaleas or other fast growing shrubs. These will bounce back from any number of encounters with a stray basketball. Decorative grasses would be a good choice as well. Since this part of the yard gets full sun, there are a wide range of perennial and annual flowers that can be used to add color and texture.

This is an ideal place to add some yard art such as a fountain, wind chimes, statuary, etc. Sometimes, it’s fun to find an art piece you really love and structure your entire landscape around it. That’s a possibility with this yard since it’s still a blank canvas.

The side yard is looking pretty neglected. The rock surface material needs to be removed and the soil amended to support plants that tolerate partial shade. Or, it can be filled with potted plants for an instant makeover. Low maintenance herbs like rosemary and peppermint might be nice for this area. For an eye catching border that’s a real change from stone, Masman35 might consider something like this (courtesy of Lettuce Share):

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR…

This exciting new CMT series will highlight fantastic, fun, creative lawns and yards around America. It will be a nice nod to fun-lovin’, hard workin’, diy landscapers. A nod from our lazy boy chair that is, as most of us don’t have the gumption to git up & git ‘er done but sure as heck love watchin’ it!

CMT is seeking fabulous lawns, yards and even fields or lots that show off the owner’s personality. Not simply well manicured lawns but yards that are alive with personality.

Yards should be full of life, full of whimsy, full of artistic self expression…. Or just plain out fun!

- Bushes trimmed into the shape of the owner’s favorite hobby or interest (i.e. elvis, their favorite football team logo, etc.)!

- Etches in the lawn carved into shapes, symbols, words.

- 3D creations made from recycled items

- Statues, fountains, elaborate gardens, etc.

- Creative patios, outdoor kitchens, and party areas.

And bonus points for including yourself in one of the pictures. The yard owners need to be as big & brash as their yard!

HOW THE CONTEST WORKS…

Go to CMT’s Lawn Wars Reality TV Contest in the Yard Contest section and click Enter This Contest.

Each entry consists of a title, description, and two pictures…so be creative! You may make changes to your entry as often as you like throughout the contest. If you delete your entry, you will lose all votes accumulated (so you probably shouldn’t do that).

To vote for an entry, you must first register on YardShare. One vote per person per entry. You may vote for as many entries as you like.

At the end of the voting period on August 3rd, the Top 20 entries with the most votes will be evaluated by the producers and casting directors of Lawn Wars. They will then choose one entry in the Top 20 to appear on the pilot episode of Lawn Wars. The winner will be announced August 6th.

Encourage your friends and family to vote for your entry so that you make the Top 20 and have a chance at being a Reality TV Star!  Good Luck!