Outdoor living has become a top priority for homeowners, with hardscaping playing a major role…
Who doesn’t love a big bowl of homemade guacamole? And it’s even better when it comes from your own yard! If you’re thinking about growing an avocado tree, here’s a brief guide to the basics. Do you need more than one? With some other types of fruit trees, you absolutely need more than one in…
As you might have noticed from weather reports around the country, winter has fully arrived! Of course, for those of us in Southern California, winter just doesn’t mean the same thing as it does elsewhere. So when it comes to winter gardening, you might have a few questions. Can I plant spring bulbs yet? Yes!…
Most of us want to get into better shape and feel healthier, but not everyone considers themselves a “gym person”. That’s okay! You can still get into great shape by working out at home, or even in the great outdoors. In fact, the extra boost of vitamin D will be good for you. It might…
Now that the holidays have come and gone, many of us are feeling the effects of a tad too much indulgence. Between food, drink, and making merry, you probably feel the need for a bit of cleansing in your life. Fortunately, nature provides for that need. Yes, plants can help us detox our bodies in…
Each year, we update you on Pantone’s Color of the Year and offer our tips for incorporating the trendy hue in your home and landscape. For 2022, we’re excited to announce Very Peri, a lovely shade of blue with strong purple influence. As Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute said in a…
Once your patio, porch, or pool deck is complete, now it’s time to add the finishing touches. You’ll enjoy your new outdoor space so much more when you select furnishings that both appeal to your sense of style while providing comfort. Here’s what you need to know about shopping for outdoor furnishings. Consider materials. Fully…
Many of us never experience a sauna unless we visit a spa or a nice hotel. But once there, you find yourself imagining how nice it would be to use a sauna more often. And you can! Backyard saunas are becoming more popular, because you can enjoy the luxurious feeling of a spa without ever…
Renovating your home can be an exciting time. Finally, you’ll be getting that dream kitchen, luxurious bathroom, or backyard oasis… But first, you have to survive the chaos. While you’re busy picking out color schemes and finishing touches, take a moment to prepare yourself for the upheaval. Plan for practical matters. If your kitchen is…
Topiaries. Perhaps due to the extra time we all spent around the house during the pandemic, hobbies such as topiary design have grown in popularity. We’ve also seen a shift toward more organic shapes within topiary enthusiast circles. Water gardens and other water features. What did everyone do while spending more time at home in…
There’s just nothing like a lush carpet of rich green grass. From the curb appeal it provides, to the soft play surface that kids enjoy, Fescue grass fits the bill for many homeowners. But are there other options available to you? And what do they have to provide? St Augustine. As a semi-dwarf grass, St…
Now that fall has arrived, you might have noticed something a bit strange going on. You expect for leaves to change color and drop off of deciduous trees, and for flowers to stop blooming as we head toward the cooler part of the year. And yet, suddenly you’re noticing what looks like a second spring….
You’ve probably heard that your concrete surfaces must be sealed and resealed on a regular basis. But actually, there are quite a few arguments against this procedure, too! What’s the big debate about, and what are the reasons for not sealing concrete? You could seal too soon. This might go against your instincts, but you…
We all learned about the types of trees in fifth grade science class. Evergreen trees, like pine trees, stay green all year long, while deciduous trees change color in the fall before the leaves drop. But most of us didn’t learn why this occurs, or maybe you’ve forgotten and now you feel curious. First, let’s…
If you’ve suffered through a fire, replacing your home is probably top of mind. But your landscape has suffered, too, and will likely need some rejuvenation. Here’s what you need to know about repairing your landscape after a wildfire or house fire. Consider erosion control. If your landscape has been devastated by fire, you might…
Visiting a nearby pumpkin patch has become a fall tradition for many families. But wouldn’t it be fun to grow your own? All you need is a little garden space, and you can grow your own pumpkin patch to enjoy next autumn! Consider varieties carefully. There are over 100 different varieties of pumpkins, and you…