Choosing the right plants for your firewise landscape goes a long way to increase fire resiliency when combined with the guidelines I’ve detailed in the last 3 articles regarding defensible zones 1, 2, and 3. Firewise means fire resistant, or less flammable. Although some plants...
There are so many opportunities in each of the 3 firewise defensible zones. As I’ve detailed in the previous months’ articles for zone 1 and zone 2, zone 3 has it’s own guidelines that will help you have a beautiful, graceful, and firewise landscape. It’s...
If you haven’t already noticed after reading our last firewise article, my intention is to fill you with hope and inspiration regarding your firewise landscape. I know it is easy to have a rather dour demeanor in regards to the matter, and no wonder, with...
More than Pretty Creatures Pollinators go through many stages of life and need habitat that supports them throughout the year. It’s easy to get focused on the loveliness of a butterfly alighting on a butterfly bush blossom or sipping nectar from a butterfly weed flower, but...
Less is more. Many standard practices we have learned to do, with the belief that they make us good gardeners, end up backfiring, work against nature, and create extra unnecessary work for us. Instead, here are some tips on how to maintain your landscape in harmony...
What is living mulch? you might ask. Let’s first address what mulch is. In the ornamental horticulture world, mulch is something that covers the ground and: Visually anchors the landscape to the site Shades and insulates the soil from temperature extremes and fluctuations Prevents competition from weeds Helps seal...
Design is an important part of the process for creating a sustainable landscape. It invites deep thought, reflection, and planning to make sure we’re creating a landscape that checks all the boxes. Sustainable landscape design strives to create landscapes that Pay rent year round, as my friend...
Water is life, as they say. It is a precious resource, and as some point out, it should be more accurately referred to as source, the source of all life. When we look at it through this lens and pay attention to how we can...
In the realm of gardening and landscaping, the principles of permaculture have been gaining significant traction. Permaculture, derived from "permanent agriculture" or "permanent culture," emphasizes working in harmony with nature to create sustainable and resilient systems. As we approach the spring season, there's no better...
In today's world, where environmental concerns are paramount, there is a growing awareness of the adverse impacts of herbicides and pesticides on ecosystems. However, maintaining a beautiful and healthy landscape doesn't have to rely on chemical interventions. By creating habitat in your home landscape, you...
What is a sustainable landscape? It seems the word sustainable has been watered down, overused and mis-used over the years, so what does it really mean? In terms of a landscape, picture vibrant nature, in harmony, where chemicals aren’t needed because the ecosystem is in...
Creating habitat for pollinators is a wonderful way to support the local ecosystem while simultaneously enhancing your landscape for your own enjoyment. Here are some steps you can take: Plant Native Wildflowers: Choose a diversity of native wildflowers that bloom at different times throughout the year...
MYTH #1 DRY STREAMBEDS BELONG IN A WATERWISE LANDSCAPE FACT: DRY STREAMBEDS ARE NOT WATERWISE Dry streambeds are not considered waterwise because they do not actively conserve or utilize water resources. A dry stream bed typically lacks vegetation or water-holding features, which means it does not efficiently...
Infinity gardens embrace the natural landscapes and vast vistas to create visually stunning and expansive garden designs. These gardens aim to capture the essence of Colorado's boundless beauty and evoke a sense of infinite space. The concept is achieved through careful selection of plants, strategic...
I know it can be a challenge to figure out exactly what to cover the ground with. The adage tossed around the ecological and horticultural realms that “nature abhors a vacuum” refers to the fact that weeds will fill a void. We don’t want to...
May is the peak of plant supply at our local nurseries and it's so easy to fall in love with endless cute and handsome plants of all sizes, but before you bring them home there are several steps I recommend you take to set you...
Are you thinking about hiring a Landscape Designer but feeling timid because they might ask questions like “What Landscape Theme would you like?” when you haven’t a clue how to answer? It can be intimidating, no doubt. We’re here to equip you with what you...
Have you wondered about the benefits of getting a professional landscape design before making major changes in your landscape? Well, let me ask you some questions. Have you ever driven across the country without a map? If so, how many times did you have to...
