Do you have windows that face outward toward a view that you would rather not see? Perhaps it is the view of the house next door. Or you have a bare wall. Maybe you need some protection from the sun. To solve these problems, have you ever considered using plants in place of curtains? Green Window […]
Design Notes from the Field – Landscape Insights I’m back with design notes from the field, where I share observations and recommendations from my work as a landscape consultant. This edition features a new build, metal art, weeds, and shade. I hope that you can pick out helpful tips that you can use in your […]
Creative Adventures Beyond the Garden: Painting Trees and Roadrunners I must admit that I don’t spend much time outside in my garden in August. Very quickly I become a sweaty mess and the heat sucks out all my energy. So, I turn to other pursuits to occupy my time. This month I’ve painted trees, had […]
Transforming Side Yards into Side Gardens Sometimes, one area that many homeowners struggle with is what to plant in their side yards. It can be an awkward place with little sun and not much room for plants to grow. Most of these narrow spaces along the side of our home are little more than “yards,” […]
Repurposing Masonry Blocks for an Eco-Friendly Garden Wall I am always on the lookout for new and different garden design discoveries. Using interesting materials can make a huge difference. Recently, I was teaching a class at the Desert Botanical Garden. As I headed toward the classroom, I admired the modern design of the building. It […]
Our desert tortoise, Aesop, has been a fun addition to our life ever since we adopted him three years ago. He typically becomes quite active beginning in June, after a very long winter’s nap. As a result, his curious nature has him coming out to see us when we venture out into the garden. The kids […]
*This blog post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thanks for your support in this way.* Do you have cats in your garden? I do. In fact, I have a few cats who love to spend time in the […]
Embracing Weeds in Your Lawn: Surprising Results Do you have a patch of lawn in your garden? It can be a cumbersome task to keep a grassy area green and healthy, not to mention weed-free. To keep it this way often means applications of “weed and feed” fertilizers. They feed the grass while killing the […]
Growing Octopus Agave: A Testament to the Cycle of Life My favorite type of succulent are agave. While there are many different species, I’ll never forget the first one I ever grew. It was an octopus agave (Agave vilmoriniana) that planted years ago while in college studying for my horticulture degree. It has an unusual […]
A boot planter adds a touch of whimsy to a patio table. Exploring Southwest Garden Style Inspiration I am always on the lookout for new ideas to use in outdoor spaces and on a recent trip to Austin, Texas, I toured 17 different gardens and came away filled with garden inspiration Southwest garden style. Southwest […]
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