Posts Tagged ‘shrubs’
Before & After: front garden makeover
There comes a point when you just need to start again – and that was essentially the verdict after visiting this Seattle garden. A combination of overgrown shrubs, inadequate pathways, and piecemeal 'fixes' just weren't cutting it anymore. The homeowner loves the outdoors and wanted the garden to be naturalistic in design, featuring layers of…
Read MoreHow to prune repeat blooming hydrangea
I have received a lot of questions this month about how and when to prune bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), especially the newer 'repeat blooming' varieties. What are repeat blooming hydrangea? These are the varieties which bloom both on the growth they put on last year (called old wood) as well as the growth that occurs…
Read MoreThe Layered Garden: Lessons from England
English gardens are known for their unapologetic "abundant" look, where flowers, vegetables and/or shrubs mingle easily like the very best of friends. This is achieved by "layering" a range of plants with different heights together and is a technique that can be applied from the tiniest garden to the largest estate regardless of aesthetic or…
Read MoreInspiration from RHS Wisley
Earlier this year I had the opportunity to visit the historic home of the Royal Horticultural Society: RHS Garden Wisley. Like its northern counterpart RHS Harlow Carr which I have visited several times, it is jam-packed with inspiration for home gardeners and designers alike. Since I was visiting in May, that helped me narrow my…
Read MoreBefore & After: Evolution Of A Transformation
Do you enjoy those instant makeover TV shows where a crew shows up and magically transforms an uninspiring garden into a magazine -worthy showcase in seven days? Well guess what – that is NOT the reality for most homeowners, and neither is it always the best solution. Not every garden renovation is quick but allowing…
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