This is a question I get quite a lot. In an ideal world, this is the order of operations: All planting areas are prepped Trees and …
Landscape Design
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 …
Dry Streambeds for Drainage in the Landscape
Often when I'm meeting with a landscape design client in the DC metro area, drainage comes up as a concern. Sometimes the client knows he or …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Basic Color Theory for Landscape Design
I'm a firm believer that Nature is awesome and flowers don't clash. Ever. The view from a hot air balloon of my ideal garden would look like …
Design Considerations For Outdoor Kitchens
I have a photo of an outdoor kitchen I designed that's in my presentation portfolio. Outdoor kitchens are funny. They appear to be one of …