The Abundant Garden: Prioritizing Plants Over Patios

Since mid-century, outdoor living space has trumped planting in garden trends—especially in small gardens. But for plant lovers, the gardens primary purpose is growing as many plants as possible, creating a green sanctua

Soak It Up: Natural Stormwater Infiltration for Your Landscape

Spring snowmelt and rains bring recurring runoff problems. Homeowners can help by infiltrating water on-site instead of sending it to storm drains. Infiltration—natures slow cleanse, store, and release—is the single best

Gabion Walls: From Utilitarian to Garden Art

At Seattles Northwest Flower & Garden Show, gabions emerged as a standout trend—evolving from purely functional retaining walls to creative garden features: benches with colored glass, walls mixing rock, moss, and twinkl

15 Enchanting Garden Path Ideas to Transform Your Landscape

Paths invite exploration—turning a yard crossing into a mindful journey. From woodland stepping stones to grand tree-lined lanes, here are 15 path designs to inspire your garden. 1. Rock-Wall-Lined Gravel Path Low sta

4 Ways Green Roofs Transform Stormwater Management

Green roofs deliver multiple environmental benefits: improved air quality, energy conservation, reduced urban heat island effect, and—critically—stormwater management. Any size green roof integrates into home landscapes

Modern Wisconsin Garden: Soft Geometry Meets Midcentury Architecture

Milwaukee homeowners Bob Gruendyke and Chrissy Kruger-Gruendyke refused to let Wisconsin winters deter their Southern California modernist garden vision. They envisioned summer nights by the fire pit in a clean-lined, lo

Stormwater Planters: Compact Runoff Solutions for Small Gardens

No room for swales or rain gardens? Stormwater planters manage roof runoff in containers, functioning like miniature rain gardens. Ideal for small spaces—they sit close to buildings in any configuration, handle significa

Designing with Natural Light: 6 Landscape Features That Play with Sun & Shadow

Photography teaches that light is everything—and its equally crucial in landscape design. Dont relegate light to an afterthought; make it a centerpiece. Here are six elements that harness natural light beautifully. 1.

Sustainable Stormwater Management: Read Your Site First

The foundation of resilient stormwater management is understanding your site. Observe water behavior, identify issues and opportunities, and respond appropriately for your climate. 1. See the Big Picture Watch your ya

Dry-Stacked Stone Walls: Timeless Beauty, Modern Function

Dry-stack construction has endured for centuries—Incan walls at Machu Picchu (15th century) survive earthquakes, weather, and time. Beyond durability, these mortarless walls offer remarkable versatility for todays landsc

Revive Your Lawn: Soil Science, Grass Types & Sustainable Care

Droughts make lawns hard to justify in arid states, but in wetter regions theyre often expected—sometimes mandated by HOAs. The secret to a thriving lawn isnt the grass blades; its the soil beneath. Getting soil balance

Decode Your Garden's Microclimates for a Resilient Landscape

Sustainable gardening begins with understanding microclimates—pockets where temperature and climate differ from your neighborhoods general conditions. Your yard likely hosts several: a windy, dry exposed area; a shady, m

10 Creative Ways to Use Garden Containers Beyond the Patio

Containers at the front door welcome guests; pots on the patio add color. But planters can energize your entire landscape in unexpected ways. Here are 10 strategies to take containers beyond the obvious. 1. Single Ves

Designing for Dry, Sunny Gardens: Plants & Strategies That Thrive

Dry, sunny, wind-swept garden areas challenge many homeowners. Extra watering wastes resources—instead, embrace drought-tolerant plants and smart design that leverages full sun. Analyze Your Site Conditions Identify w

Design a Lush Shade Garden: Plants, Color & Tranquil Spaces

Shade gardens offer luxurious solitude and privacy—cool sanctuaries in the landscape. Maximize your shaded spot with strategic planting and design. What Thrives in Shade? Look to natural shady plant communities for in

Concrete Garden Walls: Durable, Versatile Design Solutions

Durable, versatile, and clean—concrete garden walls suit nearly any landscape style, from contemporary to classic. This guide focuses on poured-in-place walls, though precast and block options exist. Poured walls serve a

Tour a Peaceful Puget Sound Backyard: Modern Design Meets Zen Tranquility

Seattle designer Scot Eckley transformed a blank backyard canvas into a magical, low-maintenance retreat for a frequent traveler near Puget Sound. The 450-square-foot space prioritizes year-round beauty, easy entertainin

Designer Crafts Modern Garden Gate Using PVC Pipe Mold Technique

Seattle landscape designer Scot Eckley transformed a backyard near Puget Sound into a Zen-like retreat with permeable gravel, black beach glass stepping circles, and a stunning custom aluminum ring gate separating the ya

10 Garden Designs That Channel Theatrical Drama

Theater and garden design share a rich history. Italian Renaissance gardens hosted outdoor stages for operas and plays. The English later transformed entire landscapes into stages at Stowe and Rousham, where visitors bec

Create a Mediterranean Edible Garden: Plants, Hardscape & Style

Mediterranean culture seamlessly blends culinary tradition with garden design—fresh backyard harvests enjoyed outdoors where plate flavors mingle with garden aromas. You can recreate this beautiful, productive aesthetic