Category Archives: The Spring Garden

Siting a Garden Shed on Your Property

Siting a garden shed, or even a gazebo, garden pavilion or pergola on your property instantaneously will give you a focal point to look at. If sited right, it will add tons of visual value to your property. If done … Continue reading

Posted in Garden Design Principles, The Autumn(Fall) Garden, The Spring Garden, The Summer Garden | 3 Comments

Turn your Deck Planter into a Drink Station for your next Outdoor Event

When it comes to somethings I’m all for repurposing, especially if I need to use somethings on rare occasion. In this case I’m repurposing a plastic deck planter and plant stand, turning them into an outdoor party drink station.

Posted in The Spring Garden, The Summer Garden | Leave a comment

Al Fresco (Outdoor) Dining…Two cafe/bistro-patio tables equal one picnic table

Last year I found a 30×30 inch square cafe/bistro-patio table at a mid Summer sale at Lowe’s, so I bought it. At the end of the season, they were getting rid of leftover Summer lawn furniture at rock-bottom/drastically reduced prices; … Continue reading

Posted in The Spring Garden, The Summer Garden | 1 Comment

Plant some Castor Bean Plants, add a Tropical Vibe to your Garden

One of my favorite annuals that I grow from seed each year, for its large showy 2 to 3 foot greenish-red leaves is the Castor Bean Plant. The castor bean, along with the Elephant Ear and Canna adds a tropical … Continue reading

Posted in Roses, Peonies, Tulips, etc, The Autumn(Fall) Garden, The Spring Garden, The Summer Garden | 6 Comments

Distance Foundation Plants from your House when Planting

Planting bushes along the front, sides and even back of your house helps to visually tie the house to the land that surrounds it. The foundation plantings, have a way of softening the transition from the rolling lawn, to the … Continue reading

Posted in Bushes, Shrubs, Trees, Garden Design Principles, The Autumn(Fall) Garden, The Spring Garden | 5 Comments

Some ideas about Planting Trees by your House for Curb Appeal

When getting ready to purchase a tree(s) to plant on your front lawn, or other parts of your property, the tree’s height, when mature should be taken into consideration. The right sized tree can set off your house and landscape, … Continue reading

Posted in Bushes, Shrubs, Trees, Garden Design Principles, San Francisco Chronicle / eHow references or resources, The Autumn(Fall) Garden, The Spring Garden | 7 Comments

Container planted or in the ground, Elephant Ear Plants are a Focal Point

If you are looking to add a plant with a tropical vibe to your northern garden, the Elephant Ear Mammoth is the one for you. It loves the sun, and once emerged from the ground is a relatively fast growing … Continue reading

Posted in Roses, Peonies, Tulips, etc, The Autumn(Fall) Garden, The Spring Garden, The Summer Garden | 27 Comments

Plant (Start) a Flower Garden for Sun or Shade…Celebrate Spring

Starting a flower garden, especially your first one can be a wonderful experience. There is something rewarding about being outside, working the soil, picking out plants, and seeing your labor of love turn into something quite beautiful. This post is … Continue reading

Posted in planting a SHADE GARDEN, Roses, Peonies, Tulips, etc, The Spring Garden | 4 Comments

Fertilizing Tulips / Fertilizing Daffodils

It’s that time of year again, when people are thinking about / are really interested in Tulips and Daffodils, and their planting, fertilization and maintenance. To read two of my past articles on the subject 

Posted in The Autumn(Fall) Garden, The Spring Garden | Leave a comment

It’s Easy to Grow PUSSYWILLOWS

Over the years both my parents and I have had pussywillow trees at our houses. Our pussywillows came to us, via my Mother’s sister Mary’s garden. Aunt Mary, garden maven that she was, most likely started her own tree from … Continue reading

Posted in Bushes, Shrubs, Trees, The Spring Garden, The Winter Garden | 18 Comments