Disney Landscaping Advice - It's The Story

Ever stare at your garden and think - now what am I going to do? Your inspiration may come from the Happiest Place on Earth!

Bet you didn't think of going to Disneyland just for gardening ideas - but when you think about it, Disneyland, Disneyworld, all of the Disney properties are a lesson in landscaping, and botanical gardens in their own right! 

© Disney ( This project was designed while Paul Comstock was with Walt Disney Imagineering. Since then, he has joined ValleyCrest Design Group)

I had the pleasure of talking with a guy who was responsible for bringing that lush look with plantings from all over the world to several Disney parks!

© Disney ( This project was designed while Paul Comstock was with Walt Disney Imagineering. Since then, he has joined ValleyCrest Design Group)

How cool is that? His name is Paul Comstock, and as the Director of Landscape Design for Walt Disney Imagineering for two decades, he created the innovative and exotic landscape designs that welcome us and take us to places far far away! To do this,  he took expeditions to 50 different countries to learn about and bring back the most interesting and unique plants.

We all don't have Disney's budget in our garden, but we can learn from how Paul created these masterpieces. Here's his advice, that is really simple. It comes down to three words - TELL A STORY!

1- In search of a creative burst in your garden, your landscaping, your patio? - Think of it as a story you want your guests to experience when they approach your home. What is it? What is the concept? 

2- Then use plants creatively—The right amount of shade, a view,a focal point, a water feature, special garden, seating area. Treat your plants like they are furniture to create outdoor rooms. Arrange the shrubs and trees you want in your garden as if they are furniture, and  part of a room you'd see inside. The story principle will guide you and the experience you and others will enjoy in your garden.

Bottom line - Paul says that every garden should be a place where you can lose yourself, and also find yourself - while becoming familiar with the needs of your chosen plants!

Enjoy!

Cindy

cindy@cindydole.com