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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. Thats 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”

When it comes to transforming your outdoor space, the terms “hardscaping” and “softscaping” are often used interchangeably. However, these two elements play distinct roles in creating a harmonious outdoor environment. Hardscaping Hardscaping refers to the non-living, structural elements of an outdoor space. This includes features such as patios, walkways, retaining walls, decks, and any other …Read more About “The Advantages of Designing Hardscaping and Softscaping Together”

This past September, I attended The Garden Bloggers Fling in Philadelphia. Philadelphia was an amazing choice for the 2023 Fling. Featuring 38 public gardens over 30 square miles, Philadelphia is truly a gardener’s dream destination. The first stop on our 2023 Fling in Philadelphia was Longwood Gardens. A public garden started in the 1800s by …Read more About “Behind the Scenes at Longwood Gardens”

Boxwoods are popular evergreen landscape staples. If you don’t have boxwoods in your yard, I am sure your neighbours do. A few of my clients have reached out regarding their concerns about the sudden decline of their boxwoods, including my dad. There are a few issues that boxwoods are susceptible to. I thought I would …Read more About “What’s Wrong With Your Boxwood?”

Not sure what to buy the gardener on your Christmas list? To help with gift-giving this year — or to add some things to your list — I’ve made a list of a few of my favourite items. I think plants make a wonderful gift, but I list some other excellent options, too. Memberships or …Read more About “Holiday Gift Ideas for Gardeners”