What did you get up to this week? Since resolving to write this post on a weekly basis (just last week), I have managed to slow time. That wasn’t the goal, but is certainly a welcome side effect.  Paying more attention, looking forward to creating this list, and then actually taking the time to write it, is making my brain work more methodically and purposefully in a way that I have been desperately craving. This is what stopped time for me this week – at least for a little bit . The differences between American and British children’s stories – and how much our landscapes play a part. Sa ..read more

There are things that I want to share – but that seem to have no place to gather.  I used to send them out in email – but I lose them in my inbox and I am sure you do as well.  So I am going to gather them here, hopefully weekly.  That way I can keep the number of tabs open on my computer to a minimum. They are bits of inspiration, timely ideas worth sharing, and stuff that I just found interesting. Three trees with superpowers. (fascinating) An instagram for anyone needing inspiration for outdoor lighting Why I can’t remember things. Time is a mess. I’m going to need to re-rea ..read more

It isn’t that I have a hard rule against it, but I don’t tend to buy tomatoes out of season. We were having burgers for dinner last night, though, and I just wanted a tomato on top. The last time I broke my rule, I tossed the whole thing out before I even served it. You can absolutely tell, when you cut into a tomato, if it is going to taste like crap. There is no need to torture your mouth – color and texture are a dead giveaway.  Thankfully, last night’s tomato was passable (especially with the addition of a hearty blob of siracha mayo). I have a similar policy on strawberries and maybe ..read more

Have you thought about using mirrors in your garden?  This unexpected piece of home décor lends itself so well to an outdoor environment. In the home we use them functionally (like for checking your hair on the way out the door). But also to enliven our spaces by reflecting light or to creatively modify the feel of a space.  Outdoors we can do the same thing but there are some special considerations that allow you to get even more creative. Widow shaped mirrors in a garden is a beautiful focal point and created an outdoor mirror wall.How to fix size, light and balance problems in you ..read more

I first met Kenton Seth when he and I worked together on a story for the print edition of PITH + VIGOR. At the time, matrix gardening and matrix planting were very new terms and I had no idea what the fuss was all about (and tbh, as you will read below, Kenton was just figuring it all out as well). Its been many years since, but on the eve of Kenton’s first book (The Crevice Garden) being published this summer (with Filbert Press and my own lovely book agent Anna Mumford) – I thought I’d dig out this story and re-share it. It reminds me how much we are all always growing and learning. Even the ..read more

Transitioning a front yard from the standard American flat patch of obsessively produced green into something more waterwise (and less fertilizer intensive) is a trend among many suburban homeowners. (And I couldn’t be happier to support a lawn free front yard meadow!). Drought, oil costs, and climate change are fueling the desire for change but many homeowners struggle to imagine something new and different. This suburban front yard meadow is full of ideas, plants and design advice from landscape professionals who created a beautiful but alternative front garden. With a directive make the fro ..read more

For many states, Arbor day is the last Friday of April. But due to climate differences, many places host the annual tree planting day is at other times of the year. (Southern States, California, and New Mexico). So in preparation for National Plant a Tree Day (where ever and when ever), here are some considerations for planting the perfect tree in the perfect spot. Tree planting is kind of a big deal. Think about it, you are making an indelible mark on the world. The tree you plant might be one of the only truly enduring things you do your life. It is very likely to be where you put it for ge ..read more

Let’s get something straight. I’m never going to tell you that you have too many plants. If, at the height of the growing season, you can see mulch, I’d say you can probably fit more. And if my blessing isn’t enough to justify running off to the nursery to buy a few more things, consider this: Gardens are about plants. Not mulch. (duh) Plants are beautiful. Mulch isn’t. (Obviously, but I know some of you will argue this) The more plants you have – the greater the odds you are contributing to a healthy level of biodiversity where you live. Whereas mulch is just mulch. Biodiversity is a very ..read more

Making a garden should never be less than deeply fulfilling experience. There is no need to feel overwhelmed by landscaping plans and plant choices. The task can be approached in much the same way you might a kitchen update.   As a garden design teacher, my goal is to share with you ways to create outdoor areas that, like our interior rooms, charm our design sensibilities. The garden needs to be comfortable, appealing to our personal taste, and reflective of our individuality.  I hope to fill you with endless inspiration. I want to give you an understanding of plants, what makes them ..read more

Making a garden should never be less than deeply fulfilling experience. There is no need to feel overwhelmed by landscaping plans and plant choices. The task can be approached in much the same way you might a kitchen update.   As a garden design teacher, my goal is to share with you ways to create outdoor areas that, like our interior rooms, charm our design sensibilities. The garden needs to be comfortable, appealing to our personal taste, and reflective of our individuality.  I hope to fill you with endless inspiration. I want to give you an understanding of plants, what makes them ..read more