One of the more perplexing problems with hardscape is that often we cannot control what Mother Nature decides to do. Even with the best planning, sometimes water does not drain the way we hope it will. In those cases we often must implement a solution to deal with unwanted water runoff, which can cause erosion…
If you’re interested in unique houseplants as living decor for your walls, a staghorn fern might be just what you’re looking for. These epiphytic plants originally came from Australia, but are quickly becoming a hot trend here in the US. First, to grasp the potential uses of staghorn ferns, you should understand what “epiphytic” means….
For the wine connoisseur, nothing beats the perfect bottle of vino… Except, perhaps, the satisfaction of creating it yourself! Homemade wine is making a comeback, and it’s easier than you think. While you might want to pick up a book or two on the subject in order to reach an expert level, we can get…
If you recall the Hundred Acre Wood, from the nostalgic Winnie the Pooh series of books and movies, you might remember fantasizing that such a place could exist in the world. As it turns out, the fictional Hundred Acre Wood was inspired by a real place! Even better, you can actually make a pilgrimage to…
If you need to build a wall or other concrete structure on your property (like the wall of a BBQ or a firepit, for example), one of the first decisions you will make involves poured walls versus block. There are definitely reasons to support either choice, but let’s examine why poured concrete often has an…
Whether you attend the games in person or watch from the comfort of your living room, you might have noticed something about Dodger Stadium and other Major League Baseball fields: They’re really lush and green. Okay, so maybe that’s not your first thought when enjoying America’s favorite pastime. But you can’t deny it; you’ve wondered…
No matter our age or ability level, outdoor time is good for us. Our bodies generate vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure, and natural light helps to regulate our sleeping patterns. And of course, if you’re outdoors you’re more likely to be active. We all know exercise is important for both physical and mental…
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,…