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…

Read More

Front Garden Re-Imagined

How do you know when it's time to re-think the front garden? Certainly overgrown trees  and a fractured driveway are clues but spray painting the lawn green last summer was the final 'Aha!' moment for my Greater Seattle area clients. Yet funnily enough when I initially suggested a complete renovation they innocently asked "Which tree…

Read More

The Path Less Traveled

Have you been into your garden recently? Not to weed the borders or cut the grass – just to see what is happening? Set the alarm clock a little earlier tomorrow, grab your camera and go on a mini garden safari. I must admit I wasn't sure there was anything really worth photographing. I hadn't…

Read More

The Smile Factor

Whether you consider your personal garden style to be elegant, romantic, contemporary or traditional there is always room for a little whimsy – a special garden moment to make you smile. It doesn't have to be large or extravagant and in fact some of the best are those that are discovered while strolling through the…

Read More

The Rougher Side of Beautiful

Good landscape design isn't just about the pretty stuff. As you browse Pinterest boards, Houzz ideabooks, garden design books, websites and magazines I'm  sure you are drawn to the dreamy images of a rambling rose adorning a weathered arbor, the quaint sitting nook, complete with vintage tea table set for two,  or the perfectly proportioned…

Read More