I finally wore Mindy down this fall and we adopted a dog. This is my sweetheart Bonnie, a German Shorthair Pointer (GSP) mix who came to us via the Mid-Atlantic GSP Rescue. Say hi, … [Read more...]
8 Simple Tricks to Get More From Your Landscape in 2021
It seems odd to write something about outdoor enjoyment on a day when temps have been in the single digits, but let's go with it! Obviously there's no end to the major changes that … [Read more...]
Why Landscape Design for Plant Collectors is So Haaaaaaaaard (and How to Make a Cohesive Collection)
One can break landscape design clients into general categories. There are the "I don't care whatever you want" types; the ones who are excited about the project and invested in the … [Read more...]
Who cares for your landscape? That’s the last step in the design!
If I had a penny for every client who included "I want a low/no maintenance design" as part of their wish list, well... 170 pennies are in a pound, so I'd have a stack that weighs … [Read more...]
What Concrete Paver Goes with My Brick House?
I get asked that question a lot, as you can imagine. After all, Virginians love their brick homes, so I design a lot of patios for brick homes. I always look at two things: color … [Read more...]
Does great landscape design make us happier?
Ever since starting my landscape design firm I've had an opportunity to meet with a lot of people, look at a lot of yards, and have a lot of conversations about how they want to … [Read more...]
Three Tips to Being a Plant Collector and Still Having Great Design
The longer you work with people the more you see that there are different "types" of people, and landscape design clients are no exception. There are two types of clients when it … [Read more...]
Should I Build a Fire Pit or a Fireplace?
I meet with a fair number of homeowners who say "I either want a firepit or a fireplace." This uncertainty is actually a great place to start discussing how they're going to use … [Read more...]
Travertine Paver Patio Installers in Virginia – What to Know
When I was designing landscapes in Arizona, one option we had available to us was travertine marble tile. These were actual tiles - typically 12"x12" and less than a half inch … [Read more...]
Understanding Flagstone: Sawcut, Thermaled, and Chiseled Edges
You've decided to use flagstone in the landscape. Good call! You may not be done making decisions, however. If the stone will be used in an application where you see the edge of … [Read more...]