Posts by Karen Chapman
Unexpected Inspiration from 7000 miles away
What design ideas can I possibly glean for soggy Seattle from a garden in the driest and coldest part of New Zealand? It turns out, many. Not only that but my visit to Jo Wakelin's garden at the foot of the Mt. Pisa range in Central Otago is one that has stayed with me, almost…
Read MoreHappy Holidays
Until Next Year!
Read MoreSeeking Stillness
In a fast paced world we quickly lose sight of the restorative quality of stillness. We are so busy working, shopping, entertaining, and caring for others that it's easy to feel guilty to allow ourselves to be still for a moment, to be silent, to "be". One of the most profound and moving experiences during…
Read MoreDesigning Fall Vignettes
Is the fall interest in your garden limited to the decaying foliage of summer perennials? That can often be the case without some advance planning. Here are a few ideas to help you create vignettes that truly celebrate the season rather than apologize for their demise. Temper The Fire The temptation is to focus on…
Read MoreEasy Fall Containers
With my new garden still being firmly in the 'planning and dreaming' stage I decided to plant up a couple of containers to feed my creative spirit and bring some much needed color into the space. Seattle winters are so grey and I knew that would be compounded by the expansive concrete patio, weathered cedar…
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