If you have been shopping for plants to include in your landscaping project, you may have noticed many species are designated as “California native” or “California friendly” plants. You might assume that because you live in California, either type of plant will fit right into your yard. It’s true that you could use either variety, but you might be surprised to learn that California natives often struggle in our yards! Read more
For many gardeners, creating a pleasing landscape is about more than simply increasing curb appeal for their home. Landscaping can be an art form! And just as artists often employ many layers of paint on a canvas, a gardener will often seek to create visual appeal by layering plants. Read more
We spend a lot of time talking about how often and how much we should water our gardens. But another aspect of irrigation is knowing when to reduce your water use! This is particularly important right now, since we’re experiencing such a drought in California. We all want to keep our landscaping healthy, but we also must be mindful of our own water usage. Read more
While it certainly doesn’t seem like the most exciting part of any landscaping project, mulch is extremely important. Correct application of mulch will protect your plants from weeds, retain moisture in the soil, and even provide nutrients as it decomposes. But if you’re overwhelmed by the different types of mulch available at your favorite garden supply store, this quick guide can help you determine some of the differences. Read more
Summer often gets the credit for producing the most beautiful variety in landscaping. But your yard doesn’t have to be blah and boring during the rest of the year! With a bit of consideration and planning, your landscaping will appear equally impressive during the other seasons. Read more
If you planted flowering trees or shrubs in your garden, you probably did so in hopes of enjoying their beautiful blooms. But if you prune flowering plants at the wrong time or in the wrong places, you could negatively impact the amount of blooms you see during that season. Read more
We often think of landscaping as a way to add beauty or monetary value to our homes. But our landscaping should also add enjoyment to our lives. Whether you prefer a game of touch football with your cousins on a vast green lawn, or relaxing on a shady patio is more your style, always remember that your outdoor space is meant to be enjoyed! Read more
Do you picture yourself lounging in a shady area of your yard, your favorite book and a drink in hand? As much as we all love warm weather, too much sunshine can be brutal, and we tend to crave a shady, cool spot to relax outdoors. If you’re considering a new landscaping project, adding shade to your yard or around your porch might be just what you need to get ready for summer. Read more
When you think of the South, you probably picture friendly folks relaxing on their front porches, sipping mint juleps and enjoying small talk with the neighbors. Along with those vast front porches, your mind may conjure up a vision of a certain style of garden. It’s a little bit English, and a little bit rustic all at once. Southern style gardens certainly have a personality of their own. Read more
Shrubs are highly important in the natural environment, because they provide shelter and food to a variety of wildlife. But in landscape design, shrubs serve an entirely different purpose. From a visual perspective, shrubs help to bridge the gap between tall (trees) and short (grasses and small flowers). Shrubs also provide that sense of fullness, which makes your garden look well established. Read more
As a gardener, your work as an artist is never really “done.” Landscapes evolve as our tastes and interest change, and you continue to reap the enjoyment of learning about and nurturing new varieties of plants.
This year we have several new varieties of roses in our nursery that we’re excited to share with you. If you’re hoping to add some excitement to your garden, how about planting a new rose bush? Read more
We tend to choose plants for our gardens based on their visual appeal, hardiness, and water or soil needs. But before you decide upon your landscaping project, don’t forget one more important element. Choose plants that are also pleasing to your nose! Read more
Much as people do, plants like to share their space with other plants that help them thrive. As gardeners, we reap the benefits of companion planting when we choose plants that help to ward off pests, improve the soil, or have other benefits to our overall landscaping. Read more
In many people’s minds, trees are essential to a visually pleasing landscape. But for many gardens, it’s the unusual trees that really make the space seem special. Weeping trees lend a sense of enchantment to your landscaping, but be careful with them. In general it is best to limit yourself to one variety per garden, so that you don’t go overboard. These trees should be used as a centerpiece or focal point, so that they can be appropriately appreciated for their unusual beauty! Read more
Tropical landscaping may make you feel like you’re on a perpetual island vacation, and it certainly adds beauty and value to your home. But if you’re skittish about using plants that are sensitive to frost, there are other ways to lend a tropical feel to your landscaping without the hassle of caring for finicky plants. Or, you may choose to include a small number of potted tropical plants that are easy to move off your patio and inside the house whenever the temperature will dip too low for them. Read more
We often think of our gardens as something to be enjoyed during the day. But moon gardens are growing in popularity, allowing homeowners the opportunity to peacefully enjoy their landscaping by the light of the moon. The trick is to choose the right plants, which will stand out in dim light so that you can enjoy them. Read more
You’ve worked hard to cultivate a beautifully landscaped yard… so you would probably be dismayed to discover mushrooms popping up all over your lawn. Yet, that is exactly what often happens to frustrated homeowners, who don’t particularly care for these unwanted guests.
Does napping in your own backyard hammock sound like heaven to you? Spring is here, and there’s no better time to relax outdoors! Read on for simple instructions to set up your hammock. Read more
Do you wish for a garden full of lush greenery, but don’t have the space? Perhaps you live in an apartment or small home without a yard. Or maybe you have a fully landscaped yard but still want some space to tinker. Whatever your reason, a succulent container garden can be a great substitute for or addition to a more traditional garden.
One of the easiest, and most cost-effective materials for many home improvement projects is concrete. And yet, when you hear the word “concrete,” many people picture a plain gray slab that detracts more from its surroundings than it adds. Did you know there are many different ways of using concrete that can create unique, one-of-a-kind beauty in your home and yard? Read more
There’s no doubt that water features add a feeling of tranquility to your landscaping. Whether you choose a babbling waterfall or a gently trickling fountain, water features help to block unwanted noise. They’re also beautiful, soothing additions to garden spaces! But since there are several different types of water features from which to choose, you should narrow down your options before you plan your landscaping project. Read more
On February 2, our furry groundhog friend said we’re set to endure at least six more weeks of winter. If that news left you feeling deflated, keep in mind that you don’t have to settle for a dull and lifeless garden until April. There are many seasonal flowers and other plants that you can use to brighten up your garden right now! Read more
You probably hate to say goodbye to your beautiful rose blooms over the winter, but allowing your bushes to take a nap is a really important part of the cycle of life. Take care of your rose bushes over the winter, and you can ensure healthy plants and plenty of lovely blooms when warm weather returns in the spring. Read more
If you want to attract birds to your garden, you have to think like a bird! Birds need food, water, and shelter, so they’re attracted to environments that meet their needs.
Your garden should include plant species that local birds already recognize as food and nesting sources. So choose native species of plants for your garden, and think about the needs of birds when you make your selections. Read more
If winter has you dreaming of warmer weather, you may be considering the benefits of a backyard swimming pool. If you want to have your pool installed by summer, the time for planning is now! Before installing a pool, it’s always best to plan ahead for its size, shape, and surrounding landscaping. Read more