Bocce Ball court with Edison lights

Having your own backyard bocce ball court can provide a lot of fun, but to keep it looking its best, there is some upkeep needed, especially if it is being regularly used for (fun!) game play. So that you don’t feel overwhelmed by figuring out what to do and when, we’ve put together this quick guide….

Outdoor Fire pit with string lights

Fire pits have exploded in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Not only do they provide heat and lighting for nighttime gatherings; fire pits encourage us to slow down and enjoy the simpler things in life. They appeal to kids and adults alike and can be enjoyed year round. So, it’s understandable that…

Black grapes in a ceramic plate on an old board in the garden.

Lately, we’ve witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of people interested in food-bearing plants. Specifically, you might be wondering if you should utilize permaculture in your yard, adding plants that produce food within a sustainable system. That decision, of course, is ultimately up to you. But some basic information might help you decide how…

Seattle garden Redwood trees and Hydrangea

Get the Look, Part One: Pacific Northwest This month, we’ll be focusing on different landscaping styles each week, via our “Get the Look” blog series. First up is the Pacific Northwest style; how can you bring these elements into your landscaping, and what will work in our climate? Use native northwest plants. If you’ve visited…

Summer is almost here, and soon the kids will be out of school. Or, if you have grandchildren, maybe they’ll be coming for a visit soon. Like most parents or grandparents, you probably want to encourage them to put down the video games and play outside more. Installing a swing set in your backyard can…

If you would enjoy a garden full of flamboyant blooms with a tropical look, canna lilies might be an excellent choice for you. These perennial flowers are available in a variety of different colors, and they sport large paddle-shaped leaves. The plant itself is lovely, and would make a terrific addition to your landscaping even…

Do you how plants imbue a room with the feeling of life, and yet you don’t consider yourself the greatest gardener? For those of you who want to cultivate a few indoor plants, but have neither the time nor know-how to keep them healthy, an air plant garden might be the perfect solution. An air…

For gardeners who enjoy a touch of whimsical nostalgia, a fairy garden is the ideal project. If you have kids, they might also get in on the fun. You might even find yourselves watching the garden on balmy summer nights, hoping to get a glimpse of a magical little visitor. It’s all make-believe, of course,…

One of the greatest things about living in Southern California is the amount of time we get to spend outdoors! With mild seasons and a sunny climate, most of us could be spending some time outside almost every day. We know, of course, it’s even more fun when you can bring a few comforts of…

The holidays are approaching, and with them come decorations galore! You’ve probably been seeing holiday décor in stores for weeks now, and poinsettia plants are on sale everywhere. Poinsettias are popular at this time of year, because their brightly colored red (or sometimes white) leaves provide a splash of festive color during the winter. The…

Everyone loves a garden full of vibrant, beautiful blooms. But, of course, gardening can require quite a bit of know-how – not to mention hard work! If you’re wondering whether you should choose annuals or perennials for your garden, keep reading for a breakdown of their basic characteristics. Then you can choose the varieties of…

Your neighbors are terrific people, but sometimes they can be a bit loud. Or perhaps you just don’t want to see Mr. Jones sunbathing in his Speedo! Whatever the reason, it’s understandable to want privacy in your own backyard. We have several ways to help you accomplish that, and you can add an attractive landscaping…

Designing the right landscape isn’t always easy. There are a lot of physical and environmental factors to consider. Equally as important is the family involved and how you intend to use the space. Check out this video to ensure the yard you build is based on a design that will work for you and your…

Attracting butterflies to your garden can be a great way to engage with nature. Sometimes they happen by for a visit, but providing them with food, water, or a place to rest can mean that they will stay longer. Check out this video to learn a bit more about how to create a butterfly garden…

Rabbits, Squirrels, Gophers, oh my! There are few things more frustrating than planting a beautiful landscape or edible garden and having it munched on (or eaten to the ground) by animals. This video provides helpful information on what to plant and how to plant it when animals are an issue at your home or business.

Yay! After a long, hard winter, spring has finally arrived! Okay, so our winters aren’t all that difficult here in Southern California. But still, we all welcome the arrival of spring. Spring symbolizes new beginnings, a time for growth and abundance, and a feeling of endless possibility. So why not celebrate the new season with…

One of the greatest drivers of resale value on a home is a fabulous outdoor dining space. Creating an outdoor kitchen requires lots of advanced thought, good design, and expert execution. This video is a good primer class. Check it out!

Growing your own food can be a great way to reduce your grocery bills, while supplying your family with fresh, locally-grown produce. But if you don’t store your food properly, you might not reap as many benefits from all of that effort. Check out our quick guide to proper food storage, and make the most…

Garlic is definitely one of those “love it or hate it” foods. Occasionally you will meet someone who claims to hate garlic. They’re either very paranoid about their breath, or secretly a vampire (just kidding!) As for the rest of us, we know that garlic is delicious, and an absolute essential in a well-stocked kitchen….

Roses have always held a special place in the garden; however, you aren’t born knowing the best places and spaces to plant Roses. Are you interested in learning how to incorporate roses in your landscape? If so, check out this video for some helpful how to’s!

We have faced an intense drought over the past year, and officials continue to urge us to save water. If you have already installed a water-saving irrigation system, you’re ahead of the game. You’re helping the environment while also saving money on water bills. Of course, as with any home improvement, you should regularly monitor…

Poinsettias are most commonly associated with Christmas, but most will thrive long after the holidays are over. That leaves you with a dilemma: Should you throw out a perfectly healthy, attractive plant, or keep it around to enjoy again next year?

Most parents want to provide a safe, fun outdoor space for their children to play. We’re all aware of the benefits of fresh air, sunshine, and exercise! And yet, growing interest in design and aesthetics makes many of us feel wary about installing the typical trampoline set-up. Luckily, a growing trend allows parents to install…

We often choose plants for our gardens based on their visual appeal. Maybe you’re seeking a particular color of bloom, or you want something that blooms at a particular time of year. Visual aesthetics are certainly one of the most important aspects in planning landscaping projects, but they aren’t the only consideration! If you also…

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,…

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