We could all use more peace in our lives, and a beautifully designed garden, however simple, can provide a calm space for rest and meditation. The sound of rustling leaves, the scent of blooming flowers, and the gentle trickle of water can quiet the mind and soothe the soul. Whether you have a sprawling backyard …
Landscaping
Blue shade perennials are a great choice for gardeners who want to add some cool, calming colors to their gardens. If you’re wondering what blue flowering plants grow best in full shade, the list below has some that will make a great addition to your sunless spots. Few blue plants grow in full shade, but …
Lavender plants suffer from very few pests and even fewer diseases. In fact, as an aromatic herb, lavender may even help protect other plants from pests by repelling harmful insects or disguising target plants with its strong fragrance. But all of this brings little comfort and no help when lavender plants do show signs of …
A lifelong dream of having a large landscaped garden was short-lived when I had to abandon my large garden and move into an apartment that had room for only a minimalistic garden. I had to make the best of a bad situation. Determined to find out how to make a small garden look bigger, I …
Shade feels like a problem when you’re surrounded by sun tags reading “full sun” at the nursery. Everything seems built for bright spaces. Nevertheless, not every yard gets full sun, and not every plant wants it. Some grow better with less heat, less glare, and fewer hours of direct exposure. Shady gardens don’t need to …
In January 2025, the Eaton Fire ripped through Altadena, burning over 14,000 acres and destroying over 9,400 structures. News Outlets like The Dirt later confirmed that a smart “landscape approach”—careful planning of vegetation buffers and home hardening—can significantly slow wildfire spread and protect neighborhoods. Wildfires are well, wild. If a flame catches the edge of your …
What comes to mind when you hear the word “sanctuary?” I’m pretty sure it’s not space for hanging laundry or storing broken bicycles and toys with one googly eye. You probably thought of a corner of calm, a small, lived-in spot that invites you to rest and transports you to the closest you’ll ever be …
If you like a tidy, green lawn, have grazing animals, or are tired of digging weeds out of your flower beds, buttercups might not be your friends. These sunny yellow flowers can bring a smile to a child’s face (“Do you like butter?”), but they can quickly become a nuisance to gardeners. Before we dive …
Americans have a bit of a love affair with their lawns. Lawns cover 40 million acres of land in the US. Those lush, manicured expanses of grass are rooted in European aristocratic traditions, where they symbolized wealth and control over nature. And who doesn’t want to appear at least a little aristocratic? Yet, there’s another …
What do you need to make your home look like it belongs in a glossy real estate listing? Marble fountains? A hedge maze? Often, a few wise landscaping choices, some structural, some simple, can completely change how your house is perceived from the curb. Landscaping can make your place feel intentional, polished, and pulled together …