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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

*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…

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…

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…