See 6 Stunning Patio Transformations

A patio can be more than a concrete slab, as these six transformations show. From a geometric brick paving pattern that alludes to a homeowner’s vision for a labyrinth, to bluestone pavers intermixed with gravel

While It’s Still Hot Outside, Design a Landscape for Cooling

The dog days of summer are upon us. With intense sunlight streaming over our gardens, we’re reminded of just how brutal August can be in the heat. The tricky part is that spots in the garden that are hot now may

12 Tricks to Make the Most of Your Yard

If your outdoor area is on the small side, use that as an asset to create an inviting outdoor retreat. With a few strategic choices to expand views, hide storage and maximize vertical surfaces, you’ll get the mo

What a Landscape Architect Wants You to Know About What They Do

Landscape architects do many things. We design parks, plazas, green roofs, gardens, public art, fountains … and the list goes on. It is a broad and flexible field with professionals working across many sectors.

Bonsai Basics: Information On Bonsai Pruning Methods

Although it can be done (by experts), it is more difficult to cultivate bonsai trees indoors. Bonsai can be accomplished by growing seeds, cuttings or young trees. Bons

What To Do With Your First Bonsai

It is not uncommon for one's first steps in bonsai to meet with less than ideal results. The usual scenario is as follows: You receive a bonsai as a gift for Christmas

Creating A Cascade Bonsai – Shaping and Style

The ancient practice of bonsai lifts pruning to an art form level. The pruning techniques for bonsai not only reduce the size of the plant but strive to mimic the natural for

Growing Fruit Trees As Bonsai: Learn About Bonsai Fruit Tree Care

A bonsai tree isn’t a genetic dwarf tree. It’s a full-size tree that is maintained in miniature by pruning. The idea behind this ancient art is to keep the trees very small b

Bonsai Trees: Information On Bonsai

Traditional bonsai are outdoor plants from certain climatic zones trained to be indoors. These are woody plants from the Mediterranean region, the subtropics and also the tro

9 Budget-Friendly Backyard Ideas

1. Build Your Own Fire Pit Get a free plan to build this project yourself. 2. Transform Cast-Off Vintage Furniture Hearken back to the days of sitting on your grandparents porch by thrifting old metal cha

Putting Your Landscape Plans into Action

Set a Budget If youd like to spread thecost of your landscaping overseveral years, it makes senseto plant trees first becausethey take the longest to mature. The pleasure of landscape planning is all about dream

Site Analysis: Plants and Structures

Use the checklists below to evaluate the structures, trees, and shrubs that will influence your landscape plan. Although you may want to make changes to these features at some point, you should think through any

Measure Your Existing Site

To pinpoint a tree, measure a right triangle, beginning at the corner of a nearby structure and positioning the tree at the apex. Make the angle square, with a carpenters square and heavy string. Transforming a

How to Add a Deck Planter

You can build a deck aroundexisting trees and shrubs, oryou can add a planter to yourdeck that simulates the sameeffect -- for smaller plants,of course. If the deck is no more than 2 to 3 feet off the ground, yo

Landscape the Typical Lot

Before Landscaping problems for typical lots include lack of privacy from the sides and rear, narrow side yards where space is difficult to use, and lack of access from front yard to backyard. Also, such lots of

Garden Pool

Make sure your garden pondis at least 2 to 3 feet deep. For an appealing home for goldfish and aquatic plants, and an attractive feature of your yard, nothing beats a garden pond. It can be surprisingly easy to

Site Analysis: Climate and Terrain

Many factors influence how you should plan your home landscape. Some of the most important are ones you have very little control over. Use the checklists below to evaluate your yards climate conditions and general terr

How to Keep Your Landscape Costs Low

Begin with a Landscape Plan A common mistake many gardeners make is to dive into landscaping without having a plan -- which leads to plants that may not be a good fit for a particular site or landscaping feature

Deck Planters with Trellis

What You Need: Wooden tub planters with bamboo climbers. Two shades of yellow latex paint16-ounce plastic measuring cupTwo plastic mixing bucketsTwo wooden tub plantersDisposable paintbrushesPotting soilSix 6-fo

Boost Curb Appeal with an Entryway Garden

Entry gardens fill many roles in the landscape. On a busy street, a well-executed fence garden or bermed planting bed can muffle traffic noise and foster a sense of privacy. Tall ornamental grasses, statuesque