This year I really got into containers. Sourcing unique containers is a blast and when I couldn't find the perfect color... well, spray …
Horticulture
Plant Tip: Dwarf Doesn’t Always Mean Tiny
The age-old mantra of the landscape designer: right plant, right place. If you carefully select for mature size that suits the space, you'll …
Protecting Trees from Deer
Deer. At times, they can be really cute. They don't do cute things to plants, though. Deer are a persistent problem in the landscapes …
3 Great Plants for Winter Color in the Virginia Landscape
Winter and I have a challenging relationship. I don't love the way business slows down for a few months, I'm not a fan of the fact that it …
Transparency in the Landscape
As modern humans, we spend our days surrounded by solid, imposing "stuff". We live in big brick and wood houses, drive two-ton steel …
Winterberry Holly | Ilex verticillata
With fall comes an initial blaze of color as the trees turn, followed by a whole lot of brown and gray. Luckily we have a gorgeous plant for …
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 …
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 …
Landscape Design Lessons from a Newport Mansion
Several weeks ago MJ and I made the drive to Rhode Island for my niece's high school graduation. We stayed an extra day so we could …