Inviting Wildlife Into Your Outdoor Space
Creating a Nature-Friendly Sanctuary As I step outside, the warm breeze caresses my face, and the vibrant colors of the blooming flowers catch my eye. But there’s something missing – the lively chatter of birds, the scurrying of small creatures, and the buzz of pollinating insects. That’s when I realize, my once-barren outdoor space is […]
Transforming Your Backyard On A Budget
Turning Dirt Into Delight: A Budget-Friendly Backyard Makeover Picture this: You’re sipping your morning coffee, gazing out at a dreary, neglected backyard. Weeds creep up the sides, the lawn is more patches than grass, and that sad little flower bed looks like it’s about to wave the white flag. Sound familiar? Well, my friend, get […]
Childrens Garden Design: Cultivating A Love of Nature
The Garden Awakening During my first year of Play Garden classes, a visitor asked if my garden had been inspired by the book The Garden Awakening by Mary Reynolds. I immediately ordered it and read it cover-to-cover. In her book, Reynolds writes about “re-wilding” our garden spaces, letting them be a bit less tame, less […]
Zen Gardens: Creating Peaceful Paradise with Minimal Design
Discovering the Allure of Zen Gardens As I step into my own backyard oasis, I can’t help but feel a sense of tranquility wash over me. The lush greenery, the soothing sounds of the water feature, and the carefully curated arrangement of rocks and plants create a harmonious atmosphere that instantly soothes my mind and […]
Microgreens, Sprouts and Shoots: Little Greens with Big Nutrition
Catching Plants at the Outset of Life You know, when I first started gardening, I didn’t have a clue about microgreens. All I knew was that I wanted to dive in headfirst and plant a big, sprawling garden – the kind you see in farmhouse magazines, with neat rows of towering tomatoes and bushy herbs. […]
Timeless Design: Classic Elements for the Stylish Garden
Embracing the Essence of Timeless Style As I set out to craft this article, I can’t help but recall a recent visit to the West Coast – a journey that inspired me to delve deeper into the roots of timeless garden design. You see, I’ve long been fascinated by the distinct architectural styles that grace […]
Gorgeous Grasses: The Simple Beauty of Ornamental Grasses
Finding My Grass Groove I’ve been gardening on my own for about twelve years now, and it took me about half of those years to catch the grass bug. As the owner of a greenhouse, I saw the increasing demand for grasses, and breeders were continually coming out with new cultivars or even discovering new […]
Wabi Sabi: Finding Beauty in Imperfection with Natural Style
Wabi Sabi: Finding Beauty in Imperfection with Natural Style In a world that often values perfection, order, and permanence, the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi offers a refreshingly different perspective. This ancient aesthetic celebrates the beauty of imperfection, transience, and the natural world – a notion that has long captivated my own fascination. Recently, I came […]
Berry Delicious: Growing Berry Bushes at Home
Diving into the World of Berry Bliss Ah, the humble berry bush – a true testament to the wonders of nature. As I step out into my backyard, the sweet, tantalizing scent of ripe berries wafts through the air, beckoning me to come closer. It’s a scene that never fails to bring a smile to […]
Healthy Soil, Healthy Plants: Improving Your Gardens Dirt
The Dirt on Dirt As a lifelong gardener and host of the Emmy award-winning TV series “Growing a Greener World,” I’ve learned a thing or two about the secret to cultivating thriving plants – and it all starts with the soil. You see, the health of your garden isn’t just about what’s happening above the […]