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…
Category Maryland Landscape Design
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…
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…
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 a bowl of rainbow sprinkles. That said, sometimes you want to play with…