After a long, dry winter, trapped inside with the windows closed, houseplants are ready for a little pampering so they can look and feel their best in the coming spring. Come to think of it, I could use a spa day myself...

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Recent college graduates, Clayton & Chaz, were tight on money, but large on outdoor space. By using 95% recycled materials and a lot of sweat equity, they were able to transform their backyard from ho-hum, to shabby chic — with a budget of only $210! More

When we start talking about outdoors and all the fun things to make, build or plant, there is always one project that immediately comes to my mind: cinder block planters. They've been on my DIY must do list for years now and maybe this year — this year will really be the year! More

When I visit my mom she puts me to work 'dead-heading' her lavender. As I trim away the dead blossoms the smell of lavender surrounds me and attracts quite a few bees. It reminds me how important scent is in a garden and what an integral experience it is to losing yourself in the outdoors. In a small space like a balcony or small deck, using plants that give off a scent can make the experience that much richer. Here are 5 of my favorite fragrant plants perfect for a small space…
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Tim and D'arcy's backyard makeover is a great example to keep in the back of your mind when buying a house without landscaping. It is a case of turning "nothing into something" illustrating looking beyond what's there and the potential of an outdoor space... More

As a garden designer I frequently see newer gardeners make plant choices that I shake my head at. With experience comes the knowledge that some of the basic choices presented by nurseries and big box stores are not only uninteresting, but often not really the best choice for other reasons, too. Disease resistance, hardiness, or how easy the plants are to grow are often factors that seem to be disregarded in the choices. Many times the reason those plants are there is because they fill our collective memory; we all think we know something about them and have a sentimentality that drives us to buy. More

Much of the country has been (or still is) buried in snow and frozen temperatures for the last several months. But spring is knocking at the door, and you know what that means, right? It's almost time for gardening. Starting seeds indoors can be a great way to get a head start, and it's extra easy with the help of a plastic chicken container.

Although I'd like to tell you that I cook up every chicken from scratch in my kitchen, that just isn't true. The $5 grocery store chicken is a great way to make a quick meal, but those giant plastic packages can surely be reused somehow, right? More

Yesterday I noticed that the rose bush in my backyard has new growth, and I realized how close spring finally is. My mind quickly turned to other plants, and I started looking for clever ways people have potted them. More

It's still cold outside, so bring in some nature with a small indoor garden. Seeing greenery indoors adds cheer and reminds you that spring is just around the corner. Succulents, air plants and herbs are easy to grow, and their compactness makes them perfect for mini gardens. More

I recently introduced you to Madame Ganna Walska and Lotusland, the dream garden she created in California. As I've been thinking about my 2013 garden plans and resolutions, I keep coming back to my virtual visit to Lotusland and how this might be influencing some of my design decisions this year. More