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When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing better than a garden full of winter-blooming plants. Although hellebores may be the first perennial that comes to mind, surprisingly many annuals, other perennials, and shrubs thrive in the colder months, adding colour and charm when your garden needs it most. Flowers like snowdrops even peek through the snow! …Read more About “6 Flowers That Thrive in Cold Weather”

This month, I’m showcasing the types of landscape design and installation projects I’m often hired to create. In this second in a series of front lawn makeovers, I demonstrate how we made the most out of a small space, increasing both functionality and curb appeal. Here are the challenges we addressed: Before My clients were …Read more About “Before & After: A Front Porch and Garden Transformation”

Although spring planting is still months away, it’s never too early to start planning your 2025 garden. Whether you’re looking for something peaceful, vibrant, or bursting with life, Monrovia’s 2025 Garden Design Trends offers suggestions on how to make your dream garden a reality. Drawing from an extensive analysis of consumer preferences and lifestyle connections, …Read more About “Monrovia’s Top 3 Garden Design Trends for 2025”

This front landscape design and installation showcases the type of projects I’m often hired to create. It’s an update on an older home that enhances curb appeal while addressing and repairing problem areas. The ultimate goal is to create a beautiful space that functions well for the homeowners with every design element performing as intended. …Read more About “Before & After: Updating for Function and Accessibility”

Here is a lovely garden before and after that shows low maintenance is really about the right plants in the right spot and the importance of creating a larger garden to accommodate the growth of the plants. That’s right! Making the garden larger is lower maintenance. The plants fill in appropriately and you are not …Read more About “Before & After: A Larger Garden for Lower Maintenance”

When it comes to landscaping, the choices for steps are as varied as the gardens they lead to. From the rustic charm of natural stone steps to the modern allure of concrete, each option offers its own unique blend of functionality and style. Whether you’re looking for a seamless transition from your porch to your …Read more About “Ask a Designer: Step Options in Landscaping”

If you’re a subscriber to my monthly newsletter, you have undoubtedly read my yearly pleas to stay off your lawns and out of your gardens at this time of year. I know the warmer weather has some people itching to start raking lawns and cleaning out gardens, but I urge you to refrain from doing …Read more About “Give Your Garden Time to Wake Before Tidying Up”

As we enter the final few weeks of winter, with longer days and warmer temperatures just around the corner, your thoughts may have begun turning to the garden. Since March is generally still cold, there are a few activities we can do inside to get a jump on the warmer days to come. Whether you’re …Read more About “Spring Garden Prep: Tips for Starting Seeds Indoors”

Retaining walls can be used as a design feature in landscaping but often, they are included out of necessity. Most, not necessarily all, landscapes come with grade changes. So, depending on how you want to use the space, you may need to install a retaining wall. There are a few options for retaining walls, each …Read more About “Ask a Designer: Retaining Wall Options”

As we trudge through the seemingly endless shortest month of the year, the promise of spring looms for gardeners itching to get outside and back to work. Although this month has been warmer than many of the Februarys past, resist the urge to get out into our yard and gardens. The soft, wet soil is …Read more About “A Few Suggestions to Get a Gardener Through February”