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 those I design. However, when meeting with new clients, I’m always amazed at how often I hear something along the lines of ‘I really like grasses, but I’m not sure how to use […]
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 […]
The surest way to create a wow-factor moment in your garden is to add height with flowering, towering plants. Not just a little height either – I’m talking about a lot of height! When I wander through a nursery or read a garden magazine, the words ‘oversized variety’ is my kryptonite. I just can’t resist […]
Having designed gardens throughout California for decades, I want to share with you my top 30 native plants for the garden. These are native plants to both California and other regions of the US and are those that thrive in a garden setting (not all do!) What makes these plants a favorite? Most importantly, they […]
I had both the world’s worst and the world’s best manicure yesterday. For my birthday, my husband gave me an indulgent day at the spa gift certificate, complete with a facial, massage, lunch, and a mani-pedi. I didn’t really want the manicure because, let’s face it, for us gardeners, a manicure lasts about as long as a daylily’s bloom. […]
It’s almost spring and there’s lots happening in the garden right now, but I have to say the flowering quince and pipevine swallowtails are stealing the show! There’s nothing subtle about these flowers, ushering in spring loud and clear, shouting to the world that spring is here! Bright orangey-red blooms cover the bare, gray tangle […]
