Thoughtful Hand-Crafted Gifts

It's that time of year again when the post-Turkey coma gives way to a shopping and wrapping frenzy. Let me make life a little easier. Put the kettle on, enjoy a cup of tea and use these ideas to get you started on finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list. All these items…

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Evolution, Renovation and Rejuvenation – Revisited

I originally published this post in November 2011 on my old blog and continue to see the images re-pinned on Pinterest as well as receiving emails about the custom trellis design. Since it clearly struck a chord with so many I decided to re-post it here, with larger photographs, some new images and minor text…

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Those Darned DEER!

It's enough to deal with rabbits and voles. And vegetarian barn cats. But deer? They are my nemesis. For the most part I have managed to design a deer resistant garden without resorting to fences, dangling tablets of Ivory soap in old nylons or constantly spraying. Spring has it challenging moments as the new growth…

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Designing with Fall Foliage

As the PNW braced for the predicted hurricane force winds, most homeowners dashed to the store for candles, groceries and chocolate. Essentials. What did I do? Grabbed my coat, wellies and camera then ran outside between rain squalls to take photos of the garden while there were still some leaves on the trees! I can't…

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Design Inspiration from Chihuly in Atlanta

I had the opportunity to visit the Atlanta Botanical Gardens last month while speaking at a symposium for the Garden Writer's Association and was thrilled to discover that my visit coincided with an exhibit of Chihuly's work. While  enthralled by the sheer scale and extravagance of his masterpieces I was also intrigued to seek out…

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