On the infrequent dry winter days here on the Wet Coast, I have to go outside to see what's new in the garden. When you're planning your garden makeover, be sure to include winter-interest items.
Mid-Winter Blooms
Re-Designing Your Garden
Apparently I'm not the only blogger starting the year by focussing on design rather than various plants and techniques. These three sources were in my inbox since Jan 1: Challenge Design Your Dream Yard is a 6-day challenge with Garden Tribe and Billy Goodnick to help you identify what you want from your garden, and how to get there.... Continue Reading →
Gabions in the Garden
Gabion wire mesh cages for residential landscaping Gabions are boxes made of wire. They hold all manner of materials, but mostly rock of some description. They usually serve as retaining walls or dividers/fences. And up until recently I found them extremely utilitarian, dull, and pretty ugly. OK for a highway project, but totally unsuitable for... Continue Reading →
Garden Makeover
GARDEN MAKEOVER A timely article from Lee Valley, Garden Makeover 101, was published right when I've decided to write more on design than on individual plants or techniques. So thanks Lee Valley, and author Frank Kershaw! A few days ago I wrote on starting with your viewpoint: where is it, what do you see, what do you want... Continue Reading →
First Steps to Garden Design
Viewpoint from Indoors I can't imagine how many pictures in these pages have come from the vantage point of my front window! That's because I sit there whenever I'm working in the house (unless I'm cooking or drawing). I watch the birds, the water, the leaves and grasses blowin' in the wind, and all... Continue Reading →
Update on Forced Bulbs
Update on forced bulbs: Back on Sept 17, I started my first attempt to force spring bulbs for winter blooms. By late Nov., they'd begun to sprout, and since it was cold enough outside, they came out of the fridge, freeing up food space, and went out on the back porch. I'm pleased to be able... Continue Reading →
Real Life Garden Solutions 