The Subtle Art of Garden Focal Points
The Beauty of Winter Gardening As the colder months roll in, many gardeners turn their backs on their outdoor oases, eagerly awaiting the return of spring. But I’ve come to realize that there’s a special kind of beauty to be found in the winter garden – one that goes beyond the lush, colorful displays of […]
Lovely, Low-Maintenance Plants for Busy Gardeners
As a self-proclaimed garden enthusiast, I’ve always found joy in the art of cultivating my own little slice of natural paradise. However, as life’s demands have a tendency to pile up, I’ve come to realize that not all of us have the luxury of endless hours to dedicate to meticulously manicuring our green spaces. Enter […]
Gardening for Butterflies and Bees
Creating a Pollinator’s Paradise I’ll never forget the day I discovered my true calling. It wasn’t in the classroom surrounded by eager young minds – no, it was right here in my own backyard, amidst the buzzing and fluttering of nature’s most vital pollinators. You see, I used to be a kindergarten teacher, but now […]
Drought Tolerant Doesnt Mean Boring
Embracing the Vibrant Side of Water-Wise Gardening As someone who has lived in drought-prone California for years, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with water restrictions and the challenges of maintaining a lush, green landscape. But you know what they say – when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or in this case, when […]
Repurposing Materials for Sustainable Garden Features
Sustainable Gardening: Repurposing for a Greener Tomorrow As a passionate gardener, I’ve always believed that our green spaces should not only be beautiful, but also environmentally responsible. That’s why I’m thrilled to share my insights on repurposing materials for sustainable garden features – a topic that’s close to my heart. Growing up, I watched my […]
Think Spring! Plan Now for a Beautiful Garden
Blooms That Bring Joy As I gaze out the window, the dreary winter landscape outside seems to stretch on endlessly. But I know that change is just around the corner. Because when it comes to gardening, spring is the season of promise and possibility. And the key to unlocking that potential lies in the unassuming […]
The Art of Garden Path Design
Trysts and Trysting Places I invariably ask guests at dinner parties around dessert time – to tell me about the “trysting places” of their lives. Some are confused – what is a “trysting place”? Once I define my terms, however, everyone has something to say. The word “tryst” – derived from the Scandinavian for “watch […]
Blooming Scented Shrubs for the Garden
The Queen of Fragrant Flowering Shrubs I for one don’t think you can ever have too many fragrant plants in the garden. There’s just something about breathing in that flower-scented air that never fails to thrill me. I still have such powerful memories of the lilies of the valley in my grandmother’s backyard when I […]
Cherishing Natures Bounty With Edible Landscaping
Discovering the Delights of Edible Gardening As I step onto the winding dirt path leading to Carlos Montoya’s 13-acre homestead on Martha’s Vineyard, I can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and anticipation. This is no ordinary garden – it’s a living, breathing tapestry of native plants, each one a testament to the beauty […]
Climbing Vines for Fences and Arbors
A Vertical Garden Paradise You know, when I first moved into my new home, the backyard was a bit of a snooze-fest. Just a plain old fence and a sad-looking arbor – hardly the captivating garden oasis I had envisioned. That is, until I discovered the magic of climbing vines. Let me tell you, those […]