As climate concerns and water conservation remain a priority, homeowners are increasingly turning to drought-tolerant…
Imagine relaxing on your porch or patio, admiring the beautiful blooms and sensuous scents of your garden… at night! Yes, there are plenty of flowers that bloom only at night, offering you the chance to create a unique landscape that even night owls will enjoy. Typically, we think of flowers blooming during the day, but…
Now that your grapes and berries are ripe and ready to pick, what can you do with them? Sure, a handful of sweet, juicy berries makes a great summer treat, but it can get old after a while. Try these ideas to include your homegrown crops into meals, snacks, and drinks. Infuse your water. We…
You might be wondering what an article on bees is doing on a landscaping blog. The reason is simple: Bees are a key part of our ecosystem, and are critical to the health and beauty of both flower and vegetable gardens. When you first think of bees, you might be picturing a flying, stinging insect…
How is your summer going? If you’re like a lot of people lately, you might be frustrated by high water bills, tired of watering your lawn, and maybe a bit sick of mowing it, too. What if we told you that you could address all of those problems with one simple step, by replacing your…
Like any parent, you want to give your child the best. With doctors and child development experts sounding the alarm on kids getting too much screen time, along with too little exercise, building an outdoor play space could be the perfect solution. The right play structure should provide exercise and an outlet for sensory experiences,…
Splash pads are the latest, greatest thing for young children at resorts and parks. So it might surprise you to learn that homeowners have picked up on the trend, and are now installing backyard splash pads for their youngsters to enjoy. But it makes sense, because splash pads provide endless water entertainment without the dangers…
Plants bring life and beauty into your home, but you don’t have to stick to the typical pots and vases. Those who are looking for something a bit more unique and fun might be intrigued by the idea of Kokedama, or Japanese moss ball planters. This art form makes an interesting gift, or a lovely…
Succulent gardens are a hot trend right now, and for good reason. They’re low-maintenance, low water, and super attractive and exotic-looking! Once you start succulent gardening, you might find that the hobby becomes a bit addictive, and that means expensive. To save yourself the trouble of continually purchasing more and more succulents for your projects,…
Summer has arrived, and marks a favorite time of year for many. If you’re looking forward to fresh local vegetables and mornings spent peacefully browsing your local farmer’s market, you probably self-identify as a summer lover! But what if you could extend that feeling throughout the year? Or, what if those of you lacking garden…
Growing up, many of us can remember visiting our grandparents’ farm, fishing in a nearby pond, and spending hours playing in the woods behind our houses. Somehow, the magic of our childhood seems lost today, as we rush about on our daily commutes from townhomes to bustling office buildings. Even our food seems decidedly un-magical,…
Here in Southern California, we don’t often see as much rainfall as the rest of the country. But when it does rain, we have to deal with runoff like everyone else. In fact, water runoff can be harder to accommodate when conditions are normally dry, because it doesn’t soak into the ground as quickly. A…
Why did you originally start gardening? For many of us, the desire to increase the curb appeal of our homes is a matter of personal pride (and even a financial investment). For others, the appeal of homegrown foods and herbs is a major motivation. And of course, we all simply enjoy being surrounded by a…
Sometimes the best way to gather inspiration for your own gardening projects is to see and experience what others have managed to accomplish. Plus, visiting area gardens can become a fun family outing, a creative date idea, or just a way for you to spend quiet time alone in nature. With that said, this week…
Are you thinking about adding a swimming pool to your yard? Or perhaps you already enjoy your backyard pool, but you’d like to enhance it with some convenient or attractive new features? The following trends in swimming pool additions might be just what you’re looking for. Beach entry: This feature is exactly what it sounds…
Growing your own vegetables will give you access to fresh, affordable produce (and organic if you prefer). Vegetable gardens also serve as terrific educational tools for children and can save you money at the grocery store. But first, you need to establish a spot for your vegetable garden. Raised beds offer the convenience of simply…