Short Term Groundcovers for Hot, Dry, Deer-Prone Areas

Deer-Resistant Garden Design

Generally I'm not a huge fan of groundcovers. While they do suppress weeds they also prevent me adding soil amendments such as compost and in some case they are downright thugs, covering every spare inch of ground and smothering everything in sight! Some of those thugs are also very difficult to remove as they grow…

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Golden Moments from Chanticleer

Leave it to Chanticleer Garden to always surprise, to always leave you wondering "Can I do that?" No matter how often I visit I'm left in awe and utterly enchanted. Last month I had the opportunity (aka excuse) to visit once again, this time with my husband Andy. I was scheduled to speak locally so…

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From Hellstrip to Heavenly

We all have challenging areas in our landscapes, but perhaps one of the toughest is the proverbial "hellstrip", that narrow planting bed sandwiched between the road and the sidewalk. To passers-by and visitors alike this appears to be part of YOUR landscape simply by virtue of its proximity. It has to tolerate foot-traffic, swinging car…

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Snapshots from England: cows, carrots, and castles

I have just returned home after a short trip to visit my friend Jill in the Yorkshire Dales, England so thought I share a few highlights with you. It's a beautiful part of the country, rich in history, gardens, quaint pubs, and breathtaking scenery. Ripley Show Set in the grounds of Ripley Castle, the Ripley…

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