archiveSeptember 2021

Wheelchair Smooth This patio, clearly designed to be viewed from above is an exceptional example of modern subliminal design through the use of paving stone. The uniformity of manufactured precast pavers provides a very solid surface for the wheelchair bound resident because there are no mortar joints that can make...

Large, flat stones are used as small bridges (MMGI / MARIANNE MAJERUS) These other gardens being admired are not Zen gardens but possibly dry landscape gardens or courtyard gardens designed to give a relaxing, calm and comforting feel to the often tiny but intricate spaces around the ryokan. They have...

Velvet Cloak Smoke Tree (Cotinus coggygria 'Velvet Cloak') The velvet cloak smoke tree has beautiful, deep purple leaves. Large deciduous shrub or small tree with deep purple leaves and "puffs" of pink flowers in early summer. Plant in average garden soil that is rich in organic matter and well-drained; tolerates...

Many homes have fireplaces or propane stoves inside, but there’s nothing quite like enjoying a fire pit under the stars in your own backyard. On a cool night in the summer, you can cook up a feast of hot dogs in your fire pit, while in the chillier months, nothing...

How do you create a yard that's light years ahead of others? One way is to make the space usable at night. Since many people work or play till long after the sun goes down, they often don't have time to enjoy their backyard until the evening hours. Add outdoor...

IMAGINE if your pots and planters always looked fabulous. "Wow!" your friends would say to one another, "How does she do it?" Gone are the days when you could feel good about just picking up a couple red geraniums and some pink wax begonias. The pressure is on. Your pots...

Place big-money plants where they'll be most often seen. Rasmussen always uses large plants and striking plant combinations to mark a home's entryway. Whenever possible, he incorporates plants that offer multiseason interest, like the patch of prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) that flowers with yellow blooms through spring; the flowers give...

So you are looking forward to designing your own landscape? Exciting, isn't it? But maybe you are stumped over this question: Is there a rule of thumb for grouping plants together in your landscaping? That is, when you design your own landscape, how do you know which types of flowers...

Pea Gravel Pea gravel–a small, fluid stone found near bodies of water–has an appealingly smooth texture, the result of natural weathering. Pea gravel comes in sizes from 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch, about the size of a pea, and in a range of natural colors like buff, rust brown, shades...

For Your Front Porch And Yard Mary and I have collected 10 easy landscaping ideas from our travels photographing front porches across the U.S. to share with you. Most importantly, they are fun to do and will help you create lots of curb appeal for your front porch and home....