For some of us, the backyard is a place to showcase our skills honed over many years of gardening. For others, it’s a place of recreation and relaxation. We say: Why not both? For those who recall the magic and wonder of their childhoods, we know that a backyard can provide hours of enjoyment and…
Each year, we bring you an exciting update on the “colors of the year,” usually chosen by Pantone along with paint companies like Behr and Sherwin Williams. While we normally think of color trends as they apply to fashion and home decor, there are plenty of unique and innovative ways to work them into your…
When visiting Disney theme parks, many of us tend to focus on rides, food, and shows. But the atmosphere of Disney parks is always present in the background, and is what makes any Disney experience truly magical. As you walk through different areas of each park, you will notice that designers dedicated themselves to creating…
For a fun springtime family outing, and to gather a little inspiration for your own landscape design, head over to Balboa Park in San Diego. The park features numerous gardens, some designed decades ago by the original founders. Just to give you an idea of the park’s diversity, here is a list of their gardens…
At this time of year, as we celebrate Valentine’s Day, many of us focus on ways to bring a bit more romance into our lives. Maybe you’re planning a special date, or just wish you had a private space in which to relax on a regular basis. A soothing backyard retreat would even make a…
You might already be familiar with the concept of focal points in visual arts, like painting, or as they are used in interior design. But you can (and should) also create focal points in your landscape design as well. Why focal points? A focal point serves two main purposes: First, to draw the eye toward…
Last week, we began this two-part blog series to discuss outdoor design trends for 2019. If you’re renovating your backyard space between now and spring, read on to continue learning about this year’s hottest ideas and looks. Modular sofas. In the past, selecting outdoor furniture always seemed to present one particular challenge: What type of…
Yes, the new year has just begun, but barbecues and backyard hangouts with friends are just around the corner. Now is the time to renovate your outdoor space and get it ready for spring and summer. So, in this two-part blog series, let’s review some of the hottest trends that we’re expecting to see in…
Travel is fun and rewarding, but it’s also expensive, time-consuming, and stressful. Sometimes we just don’t have the energy, time off of work, or budget to accommodate a trip to a far-flung location. But as the rising popularity of taking a “staycation” has taught us, taking a time-out at home can be quite restful and…
For outdoor gardeners, December can be a bit of a slow time. But that also means you get a chance to plan next year’s garden more thoroughly. If you’re the type of person who likes to keep up with trends, you might be interested to know the 2019 color forecast. You will be seeing these…
We’re all surrounded by mass-produced products, to the extent that we often forget that people still make things by hand! But we believe that in gardening, handcrafted is often the best choice, for the following reasons: Handcrafted items are unique. You want your garden to stand out, add curb appeal to your home, and gradually…
Each year, The Pantone Color Institute chooses a “color of the year”, a reflection of current trends in the design world and pop culture at large. For 2018, Pantone has chosen Ultra Violet, a vivid purple hue, as their color of the year. Execute Director Leatrice Eiseman explains the choice: “We are living in a…
You’ve created a lovely landscape in your yard, and you look forward to years of enjoyment. And of course, you will be spending some time outdoors maintaining that landscape as well. If your lawn includes any slopes or hills, you might find yourself wearing a path up and down that area, as you lug equipment…
Does the country life appeal to you? Perhaps you enjoy nostalgic memories of visiting your grandparents’ farm, or you dream of a peaceful, rural lifestyle. Whether you’re actually living in the country, or just want to imbue that type of ambiance in your own yard, a farmhouse landscape might be the right design theme for…
Your backyard can serve a variety of purposes, from hosting play dates for children to entertaining your friends with cocktails and barbecue. However, many of us need outdoor time that is soothing and peaceful. You can accomplish more than one goal in your backyard, of course, but setting aside a “sacred space” is ideal for…
Last week, we blogged about the lush, overflowing abundance of Victorian landscapes. If that style seems too ornate or just somehow “too much” for you, perhaps a modern landscape is more your style. Contrary to what you might think, a modern landscape is not necessarily all about straight lines or minimalism. It doesn’t mean you…
Does a classic English garden, mixed with ornate embellishments and a few touches of whimsy, sound appealing to you? If so, a Victorian style garden might be a good fit for your aesthetic tastes. Contrary to common belief, Victorians weren’t completely stuffy and old-fashioned. Their landscapes were a wonderful blend of refined English sensibility, exotic…
We always say that putting together a detailed plan is the first step to a successful landscaping project, but those plans don’t come out of thin air, do they? First you need inspiration. You need to know exactly what you want to accomplish, before you can measure, draw up a plan, consult with experts, or…
Forgetting to plan a pathway is one of the most common, and surprisingly obvious, landscaping mistakes that we see. It’s typical for property owners to focus on various features in their yards, whether swimming pools, patios, gazebos, or garden spaces, and completely forget to connect them in some way. Sure, you could just walk across…
Whether you’re planning your yard or revamping an existing one, it’s a good idea to drive around and see which types of landscape designs appeal to you. You want an outdoor space that suits your needs, whether you plan to use the yard for recreation, relaxation, socializing, or even growing an edible garden. But beyond…
Maybe you intentionally purchased a home with a small yard, because you didn’t want to deal with a lot of upkeep. Or, perhaps you’re just trying to make the most of what you’ve got. Whatever the reason, you might find yourself trying to make the most of a small area. If so, you’ve come to…
Last week, we gave our readers some advice on setting up safe play spaces in the backyard, but some of you are reaching the other end of the swing set days. Your kids have outgrown the equipment, and the swing set is just sitting there collecting dust and pollen. Now that it’s time to remove…
What good is a beautiful, fragrant garden, if you don’t spent time outdoors enjoying it? That’s why we often blog about more than just flowers, trees, and other plants. Creating a space to relax and enjoy your hard work is important, too! So, picture this: It’s a warm, summer day, and a gentle breeze is…
Most of us think of gardens as something beautiful to look at. However, a sensory garden can be designed to appeal to all five of your senses, so that spending time in your backyard can become a relaxing, immersive experience. Since research has shown that spending time outdoors can lower blood pressure and reduce stress,…
If you’re building a new home, or just purchased a fixer-upper, you might be facing some big decisions about your yard. It can be tempting to go the “simple” route, put down a carpet of grass, add a few of your favorite shrubs, and be done with the whole thing. But you won’t achieve a…