I’m always obsessed with conifers (see link at bottom page for recent post on conifers) so today, I want to share with you more info about them -but not really -them – instead, conifer like plants!Now I know what you’re thinking… What’s this about?! But in your garden, the textural element of chosen plants (by way of foliage) can create a wonderful effect and these foliage effects can in turn create drama, tranquility, and an artistry left only to your creative imagination!
Garden Safe! Best Repellents For Those Disease Carrying Mosquitoes
Are you going to take a wait and see approach – let the mosquitoes have their way and just accept some bites??
No way! Not me! This year (new for me) I’m coming up with a proactive approach to dealing with mosquitoes, I have to, I’m a mosquito magnet. I used to be pretty casual about mosquitoes…
This Two Plant Combo Creates a Memorable Vignette!
For me, this small front garden using just two plants has me thinking about a scene in nature. Here in California it could be a grassy meadow with an oak tree (see the photo below.) So when I saw this, my associative mind was excited by the representation. But I was also excited by the 2-plant choices.
Front Setback: So Small there’s No Space for Curb Appeal?
If the front of your house or building melds into the sidewalk without any sort of setback, what can you possibly do to green your place up?
Is it possible to include a tiny little garden?
If not, are there other ideas to warm up, spruce up the front of your house?
Yes, and especially if you have some front setback. Take a look at a few different situations to get your creative juices flowing.
Q: Do I Need a Drainage Hole in my New Metal Planter?
A: You do if you’re planning on putting both plant and potting soil directly into the pot for the plant to grow. You don’t, if you just want to use the planter as an attractive catch pot used to display floral arrangements and plants.
When that Plant Makes Your House Shine!
I wanted to show you a few photos taken within the past year that are good examples of how combining plants with home architecture can reap lovely rewards.
Sometimes, and in a small front garden, the dominant focal point may be simply a flowering tree as you’ll see below. I think that seasonality plays a huge role here, especially if you are looking for that flowering magnolia or flowering cherry.
San Francisco: One “City by the Bay Solution” to Greening, Drought and Runoff
There’s no doubt about it! California’s recent four year drought has shifted our thinking when it comes to gardening, and landscaping in general. A good example, take a look at San Francisco’s landscape sidewalk program.
7 Tips For Growing Container Succulent Plantings
Q: What do you do when you don’t have “in-the-ground” garden space but want to include large scale tree succulents or large scale succulents? A: Containers! A large, suitably sized container won’t offend a large succulent, even if it does constrict its root growth a bit; it’s not a problem.
Series: On Gardening, Always Zen, Never a Chore!
I realized recently that many people (even those that like to garden) view gardening as a chore at times and not something wonderful. Though it can be very physical work (a bonus for getting in amazing shape), it can also be very zen, no matter what part of it you are doing. First, here’s the chore thing, and what not to do: Don’t look at gardening as a to do list item…
Ugly Dry Front Lawn? Here’s What Could Be!
There are way too many front lawns in arid climates! A recent road trip to Los Angeles and surrounding areas (quintessential arid); and, an earlier spring trip to San Diego really brought that point home to me.