Geraniums and pelargoniums may look fragile and delicate, but they’re actually some of the hardest working plants in my garden. Why? They’re ignored by browsing deer, they take our never-ending drought with a grain of salt, and I even have a some in our zone 6 Lake Tahoe garden that don’t mind being buried under […]
It’s been no easy feat designing a barren berm and transforming it into a pollinator paradise. But, five years later I’m happy to say it’s been a huge success. Believe it or not, the depressing photo (left) is now one of my favorite areas of the garden (below.) When designing gardens for others, I always […]
Over the years, I’ve noticed many gardeners are a little unsure of how to use white in the garden. Often overlooked, the color white frequently takes a back seat to all the showier colors out there, which is such a shame! Though people may think of white as subdued, colorless, or ordinary – it’s actually […]
Have any of you heard of the Little Island garden before? Well, I sure hadn’t, so imagine my surprise when I quite literally stumbled upon this breathtaking fall garden that appeared to float in the Hudson River! A few weeks ago, my daughter, Emily, and I took a quick trip to New York City. It’s […]
Growing tulips in warm climates can certainly be done; it just takes a little extra work in the form of pre-chilling the bulbs (but boy, is it worth it!) Fall seems to be the time of year new clients tell me they want loads of tulips planted in their new garden beds to enjoy for […]
I originally wrote this post about transforming a side yard eight years ago. However, I’m re-writing this in honor of my friend who created this magical side yard, and who recently unexpectedly passed away. I often highlight this garden in various presentations, and it’s always a HUGE hit with the audience. In fact, this garden […]
I’ve been designing with ornamental grasses for decades and consider them an indispensable staple not only in my own garden, but in the gardens I design for clients. From softening hard edges to adding movement, texture, and year-round interest, ornamental grasses play a vital role in thoughtful garden design. And yet, when meeting with new […]
Here it is – the ultimate guide to creating a lawn-free garden! Over the past several years, I’ve written a lot about creating a lawn-free garden. I’ve talked about everything from the nitty -gritty details of removing a lawn, to loads of before-and-after lawn-free transformations, to must-have books and resources that will guide you through […]
Every few years, when the conditions are just right, this meadow is filled with thousands and thousands of lupines. I just so happened to be visiting Lake Tahoe during this magical time and wanted to share these photos with you. This naturally occurring meadow is located just a few miles from Tahoe City, and […]
My friend, Baylor Chapman, is one of those people who have chlorophyll running through their veins. She’s not only the founder of Lila B. Design, a San Francisco flower design studio, but one of my favorite authors ever (if you haven’t read Decorating with Plants, you’re missing out!) I was absolutely smitten with her (now […]
When talking with a new client, landscaping for privacy is at the top of most people’s wish list. Whether the need is to screen neighbors who are a tad too close, obscure an offending garden eyesore or create a secluded courtyard in the front garden, like in the photo (left.) When it comes to gardens, […]
The concept of ‘proportion and scale’ in the garden can be tricky to get right, but when you do, you just know it. Well, that WASN’T the case when I moved into my new home a few years ago. In fact, it was quite the opposite. But as I’ve lived with the space, I’ve realized that […]
