Sweet Box (Sarcococca)
Right plant, right place. I know I harp on that a lot. Sorry about that. The fact of the matter is that a lot of people have these teeny-tiny little areas for which nursery-fresh plants in 3 gallon pots look…
How Much Does a Retaining Wall Cost in Northern Virginia?
I recently spoke with someone who was looking for a retaining wall, four feet tall and ninety feet long. Before moving forward with a consultation he wanted a sense of what such a wall would cost. He was surprised, to…
Don’t Fear Your Irrigation System – Basic System Layout Explained
I’ve had homeowners paralyzed with fear, unwilling to make changes to their landscape because of the terror that lurks below the surface. No, not Tremors (though that may be some of Kevin Bacon’s finest work) – their irrigation system. Once…
Deer-Resistant Shade Perennials for Northern Virginia
When I design a landscape for a brand new home in a subdivision that was until recently a hay field, I rarely get to use shade plants. Then there are loads of established landscapes all over northern Virginia, with towering…
What is a Concrete Turndown Edge on a Patio, Anyhow?
Sounds so fancypants, doesn’t it? I have a few projects underway that need one, and it’s a simple concept that sounds more involved than it is. When installing a patio, you want it to have a slight pitch so water…
When Do I Call a Landscape Designer?
I get asked this question (or a variant thereof) a lot. After all, when contemplating a major remodel or new home, I’m needed to put the icing on the cake. Here’s where I fit in. Remodel/ Renovation If your remodel…