As savory as its name

Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) is not as well known as its Mediterranean cousins, sage and thyme, but once you taste it with fresh green beans, youll wonder how you ever did without it.The aromatic leaves of thi

Early-blooming cymbidium

Most cymbidiums wait for winter to bloom. But the one pictured here, Autumn Green Geyserland, flowers during the warm days of late summer and early fall. Its more compact than standard cymbidiums, reaching about 2 1

The right bulbs

Of all the flowers in my garden, a few are like old friends who go away for winter, then return all refreshed and exuberant when temperatures warm in late spring. Theyre the easygoing summer bulbs ― callas, dahlias,

Plantain (Plantago species)

Perennial weeds found in lawns and gardens throughout the United States, especially in damp, heavy soil, plantains form rosettes of dark green leaves marked from end to end with distinctive parallel veining. Leaves

Best blue yet

Geranium Johnsons Blue was the first violet-blue true geranium to win our hearts. Then a second hybrid, G. Brookside, a little more generous with its blooms, came along and stole its place. Now a third blue geranium

Designing Your Garden – Focusing On Focal Points

Gardening time is here again! You have grandiose visions of a lush green paradise, picturesque flower beds and picture perfect tomatoes and other vegetables. You see yourself lazing in a hammock with a good book, and

Cottage Garden Plants for American Gardens

American cottage gardens can be just as wonderful as English cottage gardens with the same sense of informal wonder, curving borders filled with flowers and relaxed atmosphere filled with materials from nature such as

How to Give Your Desert Backyard Southwestern Flair

Let’s face it, the Southwestern Backyard is not the same as any other backyard. Try to plant a nice lawn, and you cultivate an expanse of brown crusty dead stuff. Or you will run up a water bill worthy of an Olympic s

Solar Lights – Transform Your Outdoor Spaces

Let’s assume you’ve just completed an extensive landscaping project. You spent a lot of time planning and now its finished and you want to just sit back and enjoy. But, as the daylight fades, you start to lose sight o

DIY Project: How to Stain a Concrete Patio

One of the most boring parts of our garden design is also one of our most necessary- walkways, patios and driveways. Most of us have simple poured concrete, and while it definitely does the job, it is, in a word, bori

Got Ugly Metal Fence Posts? DIY Garden Project Cure!

Many areas of the country use metal fence posts in building back yard fences to provide a strong, long lasting barrier that stands up to wind and sun rot. The only problem with that solution is that they are just, pla

3 Easy DIY Projects: Garden Games For Kids!

I love the idea of teaching your kids to love the garden. There isn't a more natural place for them to play and learn. Here are three great DIY garden projects to help you make the garden a fun and active place

DIY Project: How to Build a Back Yard Fire Pit (It's Easy!)

I love what a fire pit does for any yard or garden. It brings family and friends together and makes any garden into a warm, welcoming place to let go of the stress of the day. Plus, let's be honest, it feels lik

QUIZ: What Is Your Garden Style?

Quiz: What Is Your Garden Style? Want to know just what kind of garden style is right for you? Learn what style you really want, and tips on how to make it happen in your garden! Q. You have just won your choice of fa

Palm Springs: Lessons in Texture, Beauty and Form

A few weeks ago my technical director (Steve, for those of you who haven't caught that yet) and I took a quick trip down to lovely Palm Springs to check out…well, Palm Springs! But while we were there, we

5 Great Outdoor Mason Jar Lighting Projects

Everyone loves the mason jar… it holds a sense of nostalgia and is a versatile decorating element in any style garden! Here are five great ways to turn the inexpensive and easy to find mason jar into great outdo

DIY Garden Hanging Beds

I love the idea of a hanging bed within the garden! I can’t think of another DIY project that would be more appreciated or well used! Especially as the long days of summer come upon us, laying out on a comfie “bed” wh

Easy DIY Garden Furniture

Garden furniture can be one of the most expensive (and boring) parts of a backyard design. It's not an easy task to find interesting garden pieces that fit into your budget. It is easy however, to build these gr

Beautiful Backyards: Inspiration for Garden Lovers!

We all would love to have a magazine worthy beautiful backyard! It’s possible for a DIY'er, if you tackle it one project at a time. Use these photos to inspire you to find the garden style and projects that are

How to Build a Simple Garden Arbor

This is a great time of year to tackle some of those bigger garden projects that have been on our “want” list. A bigger project doesn't mean that it has to be complicated, however. Arbors can be used in the gard