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Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: Secret Garden

| By John Petersik | September 4, 2013 | 68 Comments

Reader Redesign: Secret Garden

Something has us gravitating towards outdoor spaces lately. Maybe it’s being mid-makeover on our freshly lofted sunroom? Maybe it’s wishful thinking that summer isn’t ending? Whatever it is, we loving Stacy’s transformation of her backyard into a quaint and cozy green space. Here’s her letter:

There were several books from my childhood that affected my view on life and how I wanted my home to be when I grew up. One of them was a book titled Mandy, and another was The Secret Garden. I have always wanted a space that was all mine. A space that maybe didn’t function as anything other than a retreat and a place to image and dream. Welcome to my secret garden.

Garden After Thru Doorway

Here is what the area looked like before:

Garden Before

This garden took almost four months to create. Not only do I have four small children, but I was at the mercy of mother nature. Plus, I had to build the fence on two sides. It was harder to get finished that any other “room” I have ever done.

Garden After

Next to the bench I have an outdoor solar powered lamp and in the corner there is a trellis. Next to the trellis is one of my favorite things about the whole garden. My moss art! I LOVE moss so this seemed like the perfect fit for my space.

Garden Table Moss Art

I used an old apple crate for all my gardening supplies (see above). I love that not only is it functional, but super cute! There is also the ladder from my Better Homes and Gardens photoshoot that I turned into a plant stand last year. I don’t think the pictures really capture the effect this mirror has on the space. It wasn’t until I hung the mirror that it felt like a room. I got it for $15.00!

Garden Bench Mirror

Thanks for touring my secret (okay, not so secret anymore) garden! I am so excited to have it done so can start on the next project. -Stacy

Garden After Door

Amidst all of Stacy’s cool projects in this space (which you can find linked to at the end of her blog post about the space) I think I’m charmed most by her casual stone and moss path throughout the space. And Sherry loves those awesome arched doors in that dark chocolate stain. Very secret garden indeed. Thanks for sharing your garden with us, Stacy!

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Comments

  1. Avatar for Stacy RisenmayStacy Risenmay says

    September 4, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    Thank you for the feature you two! It made my day :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 4, 2013 at 3:18 pm

      Of course!

      xo
      s

  2. Avatar for Party Box DesignParty Box Design says

    September 4, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    ooo so neat!!!!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for BeckieBeckie says

    September 4, 2013 at 3:19 pm

    Beautiful spot but I worry about that mirror causing a fire!! Sun can reflect off it onto the plants. Careful!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Stacy RisenmayStacy Risenmay says

      September 4, 2013 at 3:29 pm

      I have had the mirror up year round for over a year now without problems. It is on the north side of my house so I am sure that helps. You do need to be careful in the location and placement for sure :)

  4. Avatar for AndreaAndrea says

    September 4, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    It’s so beautiful <3

    Reply
  5. Avatar for Katrina @ Katrina @ 'Sota is Sexy says

    September 4, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    That moss art is amazing!!! I’m so inspired!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for MelissaMelissa says

    September 4, 2013 at 3:26 pm

    Beautiful!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for Tiffany RoseTiffany Rose says

    September 4, 2013 at 3:32 pm

    Wow I love her secret garden! I always dreamed of a space like this. I could imagine adding string lights and solar powered spot lights throughout the garden. Also cushions on the bench to make it a cozy spot on cool summer nights! <3 Love that path and gate too! DROOL!!! :)

    Reply
  8. Avatar for jennajenna says

    September 4, 2013 at 3:34 pm

    “freshly lofted”? Do you guys have secret updates to the sunroom? Are you holding out on us???

    Love the garden! Thanks for sharing. What I like about it is I think it will be even more charming and welcoming as plants grow and things like the mirror get a little weathered.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 4, 2013 at 3:39 pm

      We shared a little sneak peek here and explained that we just have some electrical work to get taken care of – can’t wait to update you guys when we get that done!

      xo
      s

  9. Avatar for Rachelle SRachelle S says

    September 4, 2013 at 3:37 pm

    AMAZING! It is absolutely beautiful and charming! Thanks for sharing : ) and I hope Stacy enjoys her secret garden.

    Reply
  10. Avatar for Jayme @ Keeping Up With MyselfJayme @ Keeping Up With Myself says

    September 4, 2013 at 3:38 pm

    Mandy is one of my favorite books! I’ve read it so many times, the binding is held together with duct tape because it’s falling apart. I’ve never seen it mentioned or heard anyone talk about it.

    Stacey, your garden is beautiful and inspiring!

    Reply
    • Avatar for KatrinaKatrina says

      September 5, 2013 at 9:02 am

      I’m another huge Mandy fan! (But I agree, don’t know many other people who have ever read it.)

    • Avatar for JessicaJessica says

      September 5, 2013 at 11:01 am

      It’s one of my favorites too!

    • Avatar for LindseyLindsey says

      September 5, 2013 at 2:41 pm

      It’s my favorite too! I’ve probably read it 15 times. I just found my copy and am starting it again! Love the garden!

    • Avatar for leilaleila says

      September 5, 2013 at 8:42 pm

      I adore Mandy, read it many times as a kid and I always wanted my own cottage… and wanted the book made into a movie! You’ve made a beautiful secret space!

      Put Mandy on Clara’s 10-year old reading list now! :)

    • Avatar for CaitlynCaitlyn says

      September 9, 2013 at 5:12 pm

      Also read it and loved it (and my first thought was, surely she doesn’t mean THAT book – no one else read that! but I guess it was more popular than I realized).

  11. Avatar for DianeDiane says

    September 4, 2013 at 3:40 pm

    Charming!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for GauriGauri says

    September 4, 2013 at 3:50 pm

    I loved Mandy and The Secret Garden! What a fun idea to transform a space based on your favorite books. I’m an avid reader and would love to take this idea into my future home!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for LauraLaura says

    September 4, 2013 at 3:50 pm

    Mandy is STILL one of my favorite books! It is written by Julie Andrews, yes *the* Julie Andrews. This redesign brought a smile to my face thinking about the book. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Avatar for JenBJenB says

      September 4, 2013 at 6:10 pm

      Oooh. How I LOVED Mandy. Love, love, love. Sherry, that’s one you need to read to Clara in a few years.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 4, 2013 at 6:14 pm

      I can’t wait!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for ChristineChristine says

      September 4, 2013 at 9:43 pm

      Mandy and The Secret Garden are still favorites of mine. I gave Mandy to my niece, and loves it too!

  14. Avatar for KerryKerry says

    September 4, 2013 at 3:53 pm

    I love the key best!

    “The Secret Garden” was such a wonderful escapey, magical world for me, too.

    Reply
  15. Avatar for rachel swartleyrachel swartley says

    September 4, 2013 at 3:56 pm

    Stacy, I’m impressed that you got all of that done in four months! I’m afraid it would have taken me much longer to pull together all the details…

    Reply
  16. Avatar for ArianaAriana says

    September 4, 2013 at 4:02 pm

    MANDY! Stil one of my all time favorites. I WILL HAVE A SHELL ROOM!

    Reply
    • Avatar for LeahLeah says

      September 4, 2013 at 5:22 pm

      I love Mandy too! I was so excited that book was mentioned!

    • Avatar for allisonallison says

      September 5, 2013 at 11:34 am

      I love Mandy! I totally geeked out when I saw it mentioned. It was one of my favorites growing up. I’ll have to reread it now :)

  17. Avatar for VictoriaVictoria says

    September 4, 2013 at 4:07 pm

    I love this! I recently visited a walled garden and have my heart set on one now.

    Reply
  18. Avatar for LaurieLaurie says

    September 4, 2013 at 4:11 pm

    Oooo! Now I want a secret garden! Just a small patch to garden since the rest of my yard gets taken over by the dogs.

    Also, did you notice the handles on the gate doors? This is my kind of zen garden.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 4, 2013 at 4:29 pm

      Aren’t they gorgeous!? I was grunting at them through all the drool.

      xo
      s

  19. Avatar for Shannon [Our Home Notebook]Shannon [Our Home Notebook] says

    September 4, 2013 at 4:12 pm

    Such a beautiful outdoor space.

    Reply
  20. Avatar for Jessica D.Jessica D. says

    September 4, 2013 at 4:21 pm

    Beautiful and inspiring! Goes to show you don’t need a lot of space to make a big impact!

    Reply
  21. Avatar for SuesanSuesan says

    September 4, 2013 at 4:30 pm

    Stacy is amazing and I love her garden. I’m itching to try my hand at my own moss art.

    Reply
  22. Avatar for ShayShay says

    September 4, 2013 at 4:49 pm

    Absolutely love this sweet little garden space. I -love- the idea of a mirror in an outside space; anyone have thoughts on how one would hold up long term through the weather changes?

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Brittney EverettBrittney Everett says

    September 4, 2013 at 5:16 pm

    I LOVE it! I have always had a love for the Secret Garden! My wedding was Secret Garden Themed, I wore a key around my neck for 11 year that was symbolic of the key to my heart –

    “Within my heart a garden grows,
    wild with violets and fragrant rose.
    bright daffodils line the narrow path,
    my footsteps silent as I pass.
    sweet tulips nod their heads in rest;
    I kneel in prayer to seek Gods best.
    for round my garden a fence stands firm
    to guard my heart so I can learn
    who should enter, and who should wait
    on the other side of my locked gate.
    I clasp the key around my neck
    and wonder if the time is yet.
    If I unlocked the gate today,
    would you come in? or run away?” – Robin Jones Gunn

    Reply
    • Avatar for DianaDiana says

      September 4, 2013 at 9:02 pm

      Another RJG reader on YHL?? Love it!

  24. Avatar for MelMel says

    September 4, 2013 at 5:20 pm

    Allow me to geek out for a second. I LOVE the Secret Garden book! In the book, there is a big old antique key that the little girl has to find before she can unlock the door to the secret garden. Such a whimsical touch to put a big old antique key next to the gate!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for LucyLucy says

    September 4, 2013 at 5:29 pm

    I’ve always wanted a secret garden in my backyard,too! Love those arched doors. They are amazing! Love that she added a mirror.

    Reply
  26. Avatar for JakeJake's a Girl says

    September 4, 2013 at 5:30 pm

    Absolutely lovely! Love it.

    Reply
  27. Avatar for Wendy @ New Moms TalkWendy @ New Moms Talk says

    September 4, 2013 at 5:49 pm

    Stacy,

    Wow! Way to go!

    J & S,

    Thank you for the timing of this! We just found a house we’re on which we’re seriously considering putting in an offer. The owners used to run a gardening business, so there are three green houses on the lot which have my mind a flutter with ideas of play spaces, an outdoor library, and more!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for KateKate says

    September 4, 2013 at 5:56 pm

    Love it!
    The moss art totally rocks my socks and I’m diggin’ the solar lamp. =)

    Reply
  29. Avatar for Sharon SpragueSharon Sprague says

    September 4, 2013 at 6:08 pm

    Very nice. I love moss, too and she just did a great job here. It’s so welcoming and friendly. Wish I were there now!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for Mary | Lemon Grove BlogMary | Lemon Grove Blog says

    September 4, 2013 at 6:09 pm

    Loving the jet black gate! It’s a beautiful retreat for sure! :)

    Reply
  31. Avatar for Michelle @ A Healthy MrsMichelle @ A Healthy Mrs says

    September 4, 2013 at 6:26 pm

    Such a lovely space — I especially love the gate doors & knobs!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for Diana BuchananDiana Buchanan says

    September 4, 2013 at 6:55 pm

    I loved The Secret Garden, too. How awesome is that moss art?! I can’t wait to see the garden after it fills in, hopefully she will send you guys a follow up!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for KimKim says

    September 4, 2013 at 7:00 pm

    I love how she got her inspiration from literature! Now that is super creative!

    Reply
  34. Avatar for JulianneJulianne says

    September 4, 2013 at 7:19 pm

    Very creative! Surely has a green thumb to go along with that creativity…need to have Stacy drop on by my place! ;0)

    Reply
  35. Avatar for tesstess says

    September 4, 2013 at 7:20 pm

    beautiful! I be the flowers just glow at night

    The Secret Garden is one of my favorite books. Have you seen the Agnieszka Holland movie? It’s wonderful. Will have to check out Mandy for myself and my daughter.

    Reply
  36. Avatar for emilyemily says

    September 4, 2013 at 8:54 pm

    really love all the white flowers…keeps this secret garden really beautiful and simple. and i really love those doors…such a gorgeous entry into this beautiful space.

    Reply
  37. Avatar for DianaDiana says

    September 4, 2013 at 9:03 pm

    Beautiful! Think she wants to come plan my landscaping now??

    Reply
  38. Avatar for Megan @ The Brick BungalowMegan @ The Brick Bungalow says

    September 4, 2013 at 9:51 pm

    I love her garden! I found it a few months ago and just adored everything in it, especially the bench, moss art and the mirror. Who knew that a mirror would make a garden feel so special!? I’ve been working on my side garden for 4 YEARS now and she’s definitely one to look up to for inspiration. Thanks for featuring her!

    Reply
  39. Avatar for TrelaTrela says

    September 4, 2013 at 10:44 pm

    Amused that the comments on Stacy’s blog are as much about “Mandy” and “The Secret Garden” as they are for the garden she created! Seconding so many others, Sherry, it’s a MUST for elementary aged Clara’s shelves! (But hold out for the hard cover with the pretty illustrations!) I mean how can you say no to Julie Andrews??? (You can’t. I promise.)

    Reply
  40. Avatar for CraigCraig says

    September 5, 2013 at 6:32 am

    Just a wonderful space. Having a green spot to relax in without the world intruding is wonderful to relax in after work. Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply
  41. Avatar for SwarfelSwarfel says

    September 5, 2013 at 6:41 am

    This is very random, but you have 1.1 million followers on Pinterest, not to mention all the love you get here and probably on instagram, heck you got an award for it; please tell me, tell us, be real girl- how do you keep the realness in check, you seem so chill? And how can a fellow novice blogger get that kinda love!? ::))
    BTdubs, your style, your home, the videos of your kid and puppy, the book- it’s all off the hook!

    Xoxo, swarfel

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 5, 2013 at 9:13 am

      Thanks Swarfel! The truth is that it would be intensely intimidating for us to think about how many people read our blog/IG/Pinterest/etc but since we started out just talking to no one (literally, there are tons of posts in our archives with 0 comments) it’s very easy for us to pretend we’re still talking to about 10 people, so that’s how we blog. Whenever we think about the actual number of hits/readers it makes us all clammy and nervous – so my secret is to blog like you always blogged in the beginning – for yourself and for fun and for the love of it. Going into it aiming for money or world domination just feels like it wouldn’t have the same outcome. Oh and here’s a page full of links about how our blog grew for ya!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for SwarfelSwarfel says

      September 5, 2013 at 9:48 am

      Thanks for the reply! I’ll certainly look into those links! Happy blogging my friend!

    • Avatar for hjchjc says

      September 5, 2013 at 10:13 am

      World domination through blogging! I was going to say “Ha!” but…? :-)

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 5, 2013 at 10:50 am

      John and I just joke about that because people sometimes ask us “why did you start blogging?” and we can’t even think of any answer other than “we just thought it would be fun! It was a total hobby!” so as a joke John and I come up with alternate answers that crack us up… like “we just do it to bring shame upon our families” or “what we’re really after is world domination.”

      xo
      s

  42. Avatar for Gwen, The MakeristaGwen, The Makerista says

    September 5, 2013 at 8:54 am

    Wow! Quite the transformation! Love the moss art!

    Reply
  43. Avatar for sophiesophie says

    September 5, 2013 at 9:17 am

    The Secret Garden was and remains one of my all time favourite books. I read and reread it often as a child and I have read it again as an adult. I watched the film that came out about 10 years ago and loved it once more. REally magical. Really wonderful. And how lovely to have a space that brings all of that to life!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for KarenKaren says

    September 5, 2013 at 9:41 am

    Ohhh, I so could see myself curling up with a good book, pillows and a blankie on that bench on a cool Autumn morning! And again, the unicorns grazing on the grass whild we all wait for this dream to come true… :-)

    Reply
  45. Avatar for GreenInOCGreenInOC says

    September 5, 2013 at 10:04 am

    That moss art – I can’t even express how jealous I am!!

    Reply
  46. Avatar for Allie @ 6000 Miles to HomeAllie @ 6000 Miles to Home says

    September 5, 2013 at 12:26 pm

    I love the apple crate on the wall – I’ll definitely steal that idea!! Plus, calling anything a “secret garden” makes it infinitely better – I definitely see a secret garden in my future…

    Reply
  47. Avatar for BaileyBailey says

    September 5, 2013 at 3:49 pm

    Absolutely lovely! I love that there is a lamp and mirror in there – really makes it feel like a “room”!

    xox
    Bailey
    http://akabailey.blogspot.com

    Reply
  48. Avatar for Amy DAmy D says

    September 6, 2013 at 12:45 am

    Oh man, I love this space! It has given me inspiration to one day do something similar in my backyard. I love the doors and the path. Fun fact – Mandy (it was also one of my favorite books as a child) was written by Julie Andrews (but under the pen name Julie Edwards) of SOund of Music, Mary Poppins, and My Fair Lady fame. As a life-long theatre geek, her being the author was one of the main reasons I read it! :)

    Reply
  49. Avatar for sarah @makingitmyhome.blogspot.comsarah @makingitmyhome.blogspot.com says

    September 8, 2013 at 12:53 pm

    I LOOOOOVED the book Mandy while I was growing up-I just got super geeked out excited when I saw that you wrote about it. I wanted a secret garden space just like hers as well.

    Reply

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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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