Mosaic Magic New Zealand Style

Just when you think you've seen it all….you discover the magical  Giant's House, perched high on a hill in Akaroa, so-named by a small child who declared that the imposing home must belong to a giant since it was so big. Yet the size of the home is modest compared to the imagination of its…

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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…

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Seeking 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…

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Designing Fall Vignettes

Heart-shaped, golden leaves of a katsura tree in fall

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…

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